bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capillary electrophoresis on‐line hyphenated with mass spectrometry for analysis of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in pharmaceutical preparations
Authors: Tomašovský Radovan , Opetová Martina , Havlikova Jana , Mikuš Peter , Maráková Katarína
Published: July 2023

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) is a 70‐amino acid single‐chain polypeptide, which has found application in diagnostics as a biomarker of growth hormone disorders and as a therapy for growth failure in children and adolescents. Due to its strong anabolic effects, it is often abused by athletes for doping purposes. Here, we developed an on‐line hyphenated method based on capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS) detection with electrospray ionization (CZE–electrospray ionization source–MS [CZE–ESI–MS]) for the determination of IGF‐1 in pharmaceutical matrices. We achieved a highly efficient, accurate, repeatable, sensitive, and selective analysis of IGF‐1 with favorable migration times (<15 min). Optimized and validated CZE–ESI–MS method was successfully applied for the determination of IGF‐1 in injectable solutions (Increlex®), and its presence was also confirmed in nutritional preparations (tablets and liquid colostrum). This is the first validated CZE–ESI–MS method for the determination of IGF‐1 in pharmaceutical matrices revealing the potential of capillary electrophoresis for its use in drug quality control laboratories with benefits, such as high separation efficiency, high‐speed analysis, low sample consumption, as well as environmental and cost aspects.
One‐step supramolecular pre‐organizational synthesis of copper‐doped porous carbon nitride for high photocatalytic nitrogen fixation
Authors: Gao Ping , Rong Xinshan , Zhang Shixian , Sun Ting , Liu Jun , Qiu Xuchun , Zhou Xiangtong , Wu Zhiren , Wei Jing
Published: July 2023

Solar‐driven reduction of nitrogen to ammonia is a promising green approach and is considered as a sustainable alternative to the Haber–Bosch process. Carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) is an ideal non‐metallic semiconductor photocatalyst for photocatalytic N2 reduction reaction (p‐NRR). In this work, we designed a simple supramolecular self‐assembly method to prepare copper‐doped porous graphitic nitride (Cu@pg‐C3N4) photocatalysts. The synergistic semiconductor and metal interactions enabled the obtained Cu@pg‐C3N4 to achieve larger specific surface area, more efficient photogenerated carrier separation, and stronger photoreduction ability. The specific surface area of Cu@pg‐C3N4 increased from 5.69 to 75.76 μmol/L, exposing more active sites compared to bulk g‐C3N4. The NH4+ production rate of the obtained Cu@pg‐C3N4 was 150.47 μmol/L, which is 20 times higher than that of the bulk carbon nitride, exhibiting excellent N2 photofixation ability. These findings highlight the significant progress that can be achieved by metal supramolecular network modification strategies in harnessing the potential of carbon nitride for photocatalytic reduction applications.
Cloud‐Enabled Handheld NIR Spectroscopy: A Transformative Approach for Real‐Time Forensic Analysis of Cannabis Specimens
Authors: Coppey Florentin , Schelling Cédric , Veuthey Jean‐Luc , Esseiva Pierre
Published: July 2023

In the past few years, there has been significant interest within the forensic community regarding the deployment of portable solutions that provide real‐time results. This article introduces an innovative technology or technology architecture that enables the integration of a handheld device, specifically, Viavi MicroNIR, with a cloud‐based system. This cloud system encompasses a server responsible for data processing and a mobile application acting as a user interface.

To demonstrate the transformative impact of this technology on field operators, the analysis of cannabis specimens has been utilized. System's capacity to distinguish between CBD‐type and THC‐type cannabis has been particularly highlighted, along with the remarkable congruence observed between the near‐infrared (NIR) spectra and the reference analytical method involving ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)

The article will present the advantages of this application primarily focusing on its potential to alleviate the burden on laboratories by expediting routine illicit drug analysis. Viavi MicroNIR technology provides laboratory personnel with additional time to handle more complex cases, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.
Mechanism of immune escape mediated by receptor tyrosine kinase KIT in thyroid cancer
Authors: Luo Zhen , Xu Jin , Xu Dayong , Xu Jiaojiao , Zhou Rongjun , Deng Keping , Chen Zheng , Zou Fang , Yao Libo , Hu Yuqin
Published: July 2023

Objective

Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the fastest‐growing malignant tumors. This study sought to explore the mechanism of immune escape mediated by receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) in TC.

Methods

The expression microarray of TC was acquired through the GEO database, and the difference analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis were carried out. KIT levels in TC cell lines (K1/SW579/BCPAP) and human normal thyroid cells were detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. TC cells were transfected with overexpressed (oe)‐KIT and CD8+ T cells were cocultured with SW579 cells. Subsequently, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, CD8+ T cell proliferation, cytokine levels (interferon‐γ [IFN‐γ]/tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α]) were determined using colony formation assay, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The phosphorylation of MAPK pathway‐related protein (ERK) was measured by western blot analysis. After transfection with oe‐KIT, cells were treated with anisomycin (an activator of the MAPK pathway), and the protein levels of p‐ERK/ERK and programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) were detected.

Results

Differentially expressed genes (N = 2472) were obtained from the GEO database. KIT was reduced in TC samples and lower in tumor cells than those in normal cells. Overexpression of KIT inhibited immune escape of TC cells. Specifically, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of TC cells were lowered, the proliferation level of CD8+ T cells was elevated, and IFN‐γ and TNF‐α levels were increased. KIT inhibited the activation of the MAPK pathway in TC cells and downregulated PD‐L1.

Conclusion

KIT suppressed immune escape of TC by blocking the activation of the MAPK pathway and downregulating PD‐L1.
Belly dancer's dyskinesia during pregnancy: A rare case from South Korea
Authors: Jeong Yeonseong , Kim Min‐A
Published: July 2023

SYNOPSIS

This report details a rare case of belly dancer's dyskinesia (an abdominal wall movement disorder) that occurred during pregnancy.
Mental health and sleep quality of low‐income mothers of one‐year‐olds during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Premo Elizabeth M. , Magnuson Katherine A. , Lorenzo Nicole E. , Fox Nathan A. , Noble Kimberly G.
Published: July 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic and subsequent social restrictions created an unprecedented context for families raising young children. Although studies have documented detrimental effects of the pandemic on maternal well‐being, less is known about how the pandemic specifically impacted low‐income mothers. We examined depression, anxiety, and sleep quality among low‐income mothers of one‐year‐olds during the early months of the pandemic using data from the Baby's First Years study. Focusing on the control group (n = 547), we compared mothers interviewed before March 14th, 2020 (n = 342) to mothers interviewed between March 14th and June 30th, 2020 (n = 205) to determine whether the pandemic was associated with differences in mental health and sleep quality. Mothers were recruited from four cities in the United States, and most of the sample identified as Hispanic (42.2%) or Black, non‐Hispanic (38.6%). We found that mothers interviewed during the pandemic reported better mental health and sleep quality. While we cannot speak to longer‐term impacts of the pandemic, it is possible low‐income mothers experienced relief from daily stressors during the initial shelter‐in‐place orders, which may have led to improvements in well‐being. These results have implications for understanding how complex life stressors influence mental health and sleep quality among low‐income mothers raising young children.
Maximizing network efficiency by optimizing channel allocation in wireless body area networks using machine learning techniques
Authors: Rao V. Chandra Shekhar , Shanmathi M. , Rajkumar M. , Haleem S.L.A. , Amirthalingam V. , Vanathi A.
Published: July 2023

Machine learning (ML) based optimization algorithms have been applied in Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) for IoT health care to improve network performance. These algorithms can be used for various purposes, such as Channel allocation, Quality of service, Energy optimization, and Fault tolerance. Using a Q‐learning algorithm in WBANs can help improve the accuracy and efficiency of IoT healthcare systems, leading to better patient outcomes. The learning rate of the Q‐learning is enhanced by utilizing the Adagrad ALR optimizer. Q‐learning with Adagrad ALR optimizer‐based channel allocation can be used to optimize channel allocation by considering factors such as network congestion, link quality, and node power constraints by optimizing channel allocation. It will improve the performance of WBANs, leading to faster and more reliable medical data transmission. The proposed Q‐learning with Adagrad ALR optimizer algorithm dynamically adjusts channel allocation in real‐time based on changing network conditions, leading to more efficient use of available channels. In addition to improving network performance, ALR‐based channel allocation can help extend battery life and reduce energy consumption in WBANs. By optimizing the use of available channels dynamically, ALR algorithms can help reduce the amount of energy consumed by the network, leading to longer battery life and reduced costs associated with IoT healthcare systems. To validate the performance of the proposed Q‐learning with the Adagrad ALR optimizer method, the simulation results were compared with the three existing channel allocation mechanisms such as the Q‐learning method, PEH quality of service, and the Clustering algorithm in terms of throughput, delay, and energy efficiency. The energy efficiency of the proposed algorithm gets enhanced by 17% when compared with the other three algorithms.
Biomechanical Impact of Phosphate Wasting on Articular Cartilage Using the Murine Hyp Model of X‐linked hypophosphatemia
Authors: Macica Carolyn M , Tommasini Steven M
Published: July 2023

Degenerative osteoarthritis (OA) is recognized as an early‐onset comorbidity of X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), contributing to pain and stiffness and limiting range of motion and activities of daily living. Here, we extend prior findings describing biochemical and cellular changes of articular cartilage (AC) in the phosphate‐wasting environment of XLH to determine the impact of these changes on the biomechanical properties of AC in compression and potential role in the etiology of OA. We hypothesize that despite increased proteoglycan biosynthesis, disruption of the mineralized zone of AC impacts the mechanical properties of cartilage that function to accommodate loads and that therapeutic restoration of this zone will improve the mechanical properties of AC. Data were compared between three groups: wild type (WT), Hyp, and Hyp mice treated with calcitriol and oral phosphate. EPIC microCT confirmed AC mineral deficits and responsiveness to therapy. MicroCT of the Hyp subchondral bone plate revealed that treatment improved trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) but remained significantly lower than WT mice in other trabecular microstructures (p < 0.05). Microindentation AC studies revealed that, compared with WT mice, the mean stiffness of tibial AC was significantly lower in untreated Hyp mice (2.65 ± 0.95 versus 0.87 ± 0.33 N/mm, p < 0.001) and improved with therapy (2.15 + 0.38 N/mm) to within WT values. Stress relaxation of AC under compressive loading displayed similar biphasic relaxation time constants (Taufast and Tauslow) between controls and Hyp mice, although Tauslow trended toward slowed relaxation times. In addition, Taufast and Tauslow times correlated with peak load in WT mice (r = 0.80; r = 0.78, respectively), whereas correlation coefficient values for Hyp mice (r = 0.46; r = 0.21) improved with treatment (r = 0.71; r = 0.56). These data provide rationale for therapies that both preserve AC stiffness and recovery from compression. The Hyp mouse also provides unique insight into determinants of structural stiffness and the viscoelastic properties of AC in the progression of OA. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Pacenta polypeptide injection alleviates the fibrosis and inflammation in cigarette smoke extracts‐induced BEAS‐2B cells by modulating MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 signaling
Authors: Xu Wei , Li Fuqiang , Zhu Lihong , Cheng Mingliang , Cheng Yiju
Published: July 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has high morbidity and mortality. Here, we aimed to explore the roles and potential correlation of placenta polypeptide injection (PPI) and MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 signaling pathway in COPD. BEAS‐2B cells were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to establish a COPD cell model in vitro. The cell survival and cytotoxic effect were measured by CCK‐8, LDH release and flow cytometry assays. The inflammatory responses were determined by western blot and ELISA assay. Cell fibrosis was assessed by immunofluorescence and western blot assays. PPI treatment had no cytotoxic effect on BEAS‐2B cells until the final concentration reached to 10%. In the range of 0%–8% final concentration, PPI treatment weakened CSE‐induced the decrease of cell viability and the increase of LDH level in a concentration‐dependent manner. Four percent PPI treatment enhanced cell viability and decreased cell apoptosis of CSE‐treated cells in a time‐dependent manner. Moreover, 4% PPI treatment significantly decreased inflammatory responses and fibrosis induced by CSE, while AMPA (MMPs agonist) had opposite effects. Notably, AMPA reversed the protective roles of PPI on CSE‐induced inflammation and fibrosis. Mechanistically, 4% PPI treatment significantly suppressed MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, MMP‐13, and MMP‐19 levels, but enhanced TIMP‐1, TIMP‐2, TIMP‐3, and TIMP‐4 levels. Among them, MMP‐9 and TIMP‐1 might be the main target of PPI. PPI effectively attenuated CSE‐induced inflammation and fibrosis in vitro by regulating MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 signaling pathway.
From reactive species to disease development: Effect of oxidants and antioxidants on the cellular biomarkers
Authors: Curieses Andrés Celia María , Pérez de la Lastra José Manuel , Andrés Juan Celia , Plou Francisco J. , Pérez‐Lebeña Eduardo
Published: July 2023

The influence of modern lifestyle, diet, exposure to chemicals such as phytosanitary substances, together with sedentary lifestyles and lack of exercise play an important role in inducing reactive stress (RS) and disease. The imbalance in the production and scavenging of free radicals and the induction of RS (oxidative, nitrosative, and halogenative) plays an essential role in the etiology of various chronic pathologies, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. The implication of free radicals and reactive species injury in metabolic disturbances and the onset of many diseases have been accumulating for several decades, and are now accepted as a major cause of many chronic diseases. Exposure to elevated levels of free radicals can cause molecular structural impact on proteins, lipids, and DNA, as well as functional alteration of enzyme homeostasis, leading to aberrations in gene expression. Endogenous depletion of antioxidant enzymes can be mitigated using exogenous antioxidants. The current interest in the use of exogenous antioxidants as adjunctive agents for the treatment of human diseases allows a better understanding of these diseases, facilitating the development of new therapeutic agents with antioxidant activity to improve the treatment of various diseases. Here we examine the role that RS play in the initiation of disease and in the reactivity of free radicals and RS in organic and inorganic cellular components.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis on the serological, immunological, and cardiac parameters of the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS‐C) associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Ghazizadeh Esslami Golnaz , Mamishi Setareh , Pourakbari Babak , Mahmoudi Shima
Published: July 2023

Diverse clinical and laboratory features of multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS‐C) have been reported in the literature. Despite the worldwide distribution, systemic studies regarding the laboratory results do not exist. Therefore, we aimed to perform this systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the serological, immunological, and cardiac parameters of the MIS‐C associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using specific keywords for any papers published in English since the disease onset and the first report until July 19, 2020. The inclusion criteria were children <21 years diagnosed with MIS‐C without any limitation on defining criteria. Forty‐eight studies were included in the final analysis, with a total population size of 3543 children with MIS‐C. The median age of the included patients was 8.3 (6.7–9) years. The pooled prevalence of male patients was 59% (95% CI: 56%–61%) and 62% (95% CI: 55%–69%) were admitted in ICU. The pooled prevalence of positive SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR, SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM, and SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG antibody tests was 33% (95% CI: 27%–40%), 39% (95% CI: 22%–58%) and 81% (95% CI: 76%–86%), respectively. The positivity rate of the inflammatory markers was as follows: CRP (96%, 95% CI: 90%–100%), d‐dimer (87%, 95% CI: 81%–93%), ESR (81%, 95% CI: 74%–87%), procalcitonin (88%, 95% CI: 76%–97%), ferritin (79%, 95% CI: 69%–87%), and fibrinogen (77%, 95% CI: 70%–84%). The pooled prevalence of elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level, pro‐BNP, and troponin were found in 60% (95% CI: 44%–75%), 87% (95% CI: 75%–96%), and 55% (95% CI: 45%–64%), respectively. The majority of patients had positive SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG test. Nearly one‐third of the cases showed negative RT‐PCR results. Cardiac and inflammatory markers were elevated in the majority of cases. These findings suggest that hyperinflammation and cardiac dysfunction are common complications of MIS‐C.
Development a novel nomogram model for predicting significant hepatic histological changes in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers
Authors: Kang Na‐Ling , Gao Ya‐Hong , Lin Meng‐Xin , Wu Lu‐Ying , Ye Xiang‐Yang , Lin Hui‐Ming , Ruan Qing‐Fa , Lin Shuo , Liu Hao‐Hang , Huang Ling‐Ling , Jiang Jia‐Ji , Liu Yu‐Rui , Zheng Qi , Mao Ri‐Cheng , Zeng Da‐Wu
Published: July 2023

A proportion of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with normal alanine transaminase (ALT) present with significant liver histological changes (SLHC). To construct a noninvasive nomogram model to identify SLHC in chronic HBV carriers with different upper limits of normal (ULNs) for ALT. The training cohort consisted of 732 chronic HBV carriers who were stratified into four sets according to different ULNs for ALT: chronic HBV carriers I, II, III, and IV. The external validation cohort comprised 277 chronic HBV carriers. Logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analyses were applied to develop a nomogram model to predict SLHC. A nomogram model‐HBGP (based on hepatitis B surface antigen, gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase, and platelet count) demonstrated good performance in diagnosing SLHC with area under the curve (AUCs) of 0.866 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.839−0.892) and 0.885 (95% CI: 0.845−0.925) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Furthermore, HBGP displayed high diagnostic values for SLHC with AUCs of 0.866 (95% CI: 0.839−0.892), 0.868 (95% CI: 0.838−0.898), 0.865 (95% CI: 0.828−0.901), and 0.853 (95% CI: 0.798−0.908) in chronic HBV carriers I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Additionally, HBGP showed greater ability in predicting SLHC compared with the existing predictors. HBGP has shown high predictive performance for SLHC, and thus may lead to an informed decision on the initiation of antiviral treatment.
Microbial‐driven carbon fixation in natural wetland
Authors: Li Yanmei , Xiong Lingling , Zeng Kun , Wei Yunlin , Li Haiyan , Ji Xiuling
Published: July 2023

With the development of global industrialization, carbon neutrality has become an issue that we must be paid attention to. Microorganisms not only have an important impact on the carbon chemical cycle between the Earth's biosphere and biogeography but also play a key role in maintaining the global organic carbon balance. Wetlands are the main reservoir of organic carbon in the mainland of China, and wetland carbon sinks are indispensable for China to achieve the goal of “dual carbon,” and China has taken the consolidation and improvement of wetland carbon sink capacity as an important part of the carbon peaking action plan. As a unique low‐latitude, high‐altitude seasonal plateau wetland in China, Napahai shows high research value. However, the role of microbes in maintaining dissolved organic carbon balance in this area has not been reported. In the study, six carbon fixation genes, accA, aclB, acsA, acsB, cbbL, and rbcL, were analyzed based on metagenomics to elucidate the rich genetic diversity, uniqueness and differences in the Napahai plateau wetland. It was found that the microbial diversity in the Napahai plateau wetland was different from other habitats. In addition, the aclB gene, a rare taxon with high genetic diversity and rich species in the Napahai plateau wetland, played a key role in the microbial metabolic pathway. Finally, the construction of a metabolic pathway through the Kyoto encyclopedia for genes and genomes revealed the contribution of microbes to carbon fixation and the role of microbes in maintaining the organic carbon balance of the Napahai plateau wetland.
Multimodality imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Shahbazian Haneyeh , Mirza‐Aghazadeh‐Attari Mohammad , Borhani Ali , Mohseni Alireza , Madani Seyedeh Panid , Ansari Golnoosh , Pawlik Timothy M. , Kamel Ihab R.
Published: July 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma are the two most common primary malignant tumors of the liver. The similarities and variations in imaging characteristics that may aid in distinguishing between these two primary tumors will be discussed and outlined in this review. Knowledge of imaging techniques that are currently available would assist in the differentiation between these primary malignancies.
A Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Analysis of Reimbursement Trends in Laryngology from 2000 to 2021
Authors: Xu James R. , Lorenz Robert R. , Mulligan Kathleen M. , Otteson Todd D. , Maronian Nicole C. , Manes R. Peter , Lerner Michael Z. , Bryson Paul C.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study is to characterize Medicare reimbursement trends for laryngology procedures over the last two decades.

Methods

This analysis used CMS' Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Look‐Up Tool to determine the reimbursement rate of 48 common laryngology procedures, which were divided into four groups based on their practice setting and clinical use: office‐based, airway, voice disorders, and dysphagia. The PFS reports the physician service reimbursement for “facilities” and global reimbursement for “non‐facilities”. The annual reimbursement rate for each procedure was averaged across all localities and adjusted for inflation. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of each procedure's reimbursement was determined, and a weighted average of the CAGR for each group of procedures was calculated using each procedure's 2020 Medicare Part B utilization.

Results

Reimbursement for laryngology procedure (CPT) codes has declined over the last two decades. In facilities, the weighted average CAGR for office‐based procedures was −2.0%, for airway procedures was −2.2%, for voice disorders procedures was −1.4%, and for dysphagia procedures was −1.7%. In non‐facilities, the weighted average CAGR for office‐based procedures was −0.9%. The procedures in the other procedure groups did not have a corresponding non‐facility reimbursement rate.

Conclusion

Like other otolaryngology subspecialties, inflation‐adjusted reimbursements for common laryngology procedures have decreased substantially over the past two decades. Because of the large number of physician participants and patient enrollees in the Medicare programs, increased awareness and further research into the implications of these trends on patient care is necessary to ensure quality in the delivery of laryngology care.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:247–256, 2024
The structural characteristics and driving mechanism of collaborative innovation network for saline–alkali land development in China
Authors: Yanmei Wang , Yusheng Chen , Zhaofa Sun , Wenjie Sun
Published: July 2023

It is challenging for a single development subject to complete complex scientific research tasks due to the peculiarities of saline–alkali land. Collaborative innovation and cooperation can help break through the common critical technology R&D problems in the development process by sharing information, technology, knowledge, and resources. However, the process of saline–alkali land development in China is slow and the transformation rate of research results is low. Few articles analyze the current situation and driving mechanism of the collaborative innovation network for saline–alkali land development from the perspective of the innovation chain. This paper first constructs an undirected weighted collaborative innovation network from the upstream, midstream, and downstream levels of technological innovation for saline–alkali land development, analyzing the network's structural characteristics and spatial distribution features. Then uses ERGM to explore the internal and external driving mechanism for network formation from network self‐organization, subject characteristics, and exogenous environmental factors. The results demonstrate that the distribution of the collaborative innovation network is relatively uniform. However, there are also clusters, and the clusters are mostly centered on universities and scientific research institutions. Both the development subjects and clusters present regional features. Centrality and transitivity are crucial to the internal driving mechanism. In the external driving mechanism, the Matthew effect is modest, and the homogeneity effect is considerable; Organizational and technical proximity play a positive role; Geographical and institutional proximity play a blocking role. This study also provides practical enlightenment for encouraging horizontal and vertical collaborative innovation of sustainable development of saline–alkali land.
Efficacy evaluation of newly isolated zinc solubilizing bacteria for their potential effect on maize (Zea mays L.) under zinc deficient soil conditions
Authors: Sukhwal Aradhana , Jain Devendra , Sharma Vimal , Ojha S. N. , Jat Gajanand , K. Upadhyay Sudhir , Singh Abhijeet , Mohanty Santosh Ranjan
Published: July 2023

Zinc solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) induces the conversion of fixed and unavailable soil zinc to readily available zinc contributes plant zinc nutrition and fortification. The present research intended to determine the screening of plant growth‐promoting (PGP) traits of potent ZSB, biochemical and molecular characterization of ZSB, and assessment of potent ZSB for crop yield at the field level. Therefore, in the present study, molecular and functional characterization of native ZSB isolates was done to examine their response to plant growth performance and yield, mobilization of zinc, and acquisition by maize plants. Zinc solubilizing bacterial isolates namely, ZSB1, and ZSB 17 were solubilized insoluble zinc namely, ZnCO3, ZnO, Zn3(PO4)2 and significantly induced growth performance of maize crop at field conditions. A biochemical study revealed that both ZSB isolates were positive for catalase and urease production. Isolates ZSB1 & ZSB17 showed different PGP attributes like production of Indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), siderophore, NH3, and HCN. Both isolates were solubilized phosphate, potassium, and silica and showed 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC)‐deaminase activity. 16S rRNA amplification and sequence study of ZSB1 and ZSB17 revealed that both the isolates were Cupriavidus sp. and Pantoea agglomerans, respectively, and novel. The results elucidated from pot studies demonstrated that both ZSB1 & ZSB17 were the more suitable isolates than other ZSB isolates, and these isolates were further tested for field studies. Cupriavidus sp. and Pantoea agglomerans strains increased Zn‐translocation toward grains and yield of Maize (cv: P3441) by 19.01% and 17.64%, respectively. We conclude that the novel indigenous ZSB strains substantially heightened zinc mobilization, the yield of maize crop, restore soil health, and can be suitable for biofortification and biofertilizers technology.
Depth profiles of Jerlov water types
Authors: Williamson Craig A. , Hollins Richard C.
Published: July 2023

Typical depth profiles of Jerlov water types have been derived to characterize the clarity of the world's oceans. Measured values of the downwelling diffuse attenuation coefficient, taken from a world‐wide database, were quantitatively analyzed. Depth profiles were extracted from more than 2500 data collection campaigns, consisting of the closest‐matching Jerlov water types at the uppermost layer (0–10 m) and the corresponding Jerlov water types at deeper depth layers down to 200 m. A table of “typical” depth profiles for the 10 Jerlov water types was generated based on the maximum campaign count at each depth layer. This new ocean classification will find use in applications where modeling of typical ocean waters requires the depth‐dependence of clarity to be accounted for.
Microwave Plasmonic Exceptional Points for Enhanced Sensing
Authors: Liao Zhen , Peng Xing , Liu, Leilei , Xu Yihao , Xu Kai‐Da , Pan Baicao , Luo, Guo Qing , Liu Yongmin
Published: July 2023

The emergence of exceptional points in a non‐Hermitian system has provided intriguing possibilities to enhance the sensitivity of a sensor, while it is yet a considerable challenge to implement subwavelength non‐Hermitian systems. One possible solution to tackle this challenge is to take advantage of localized surface plasmon resonances, which enable large electromagnetic enhancement at the subwavelength scale. In this work, a novel sensing scheme based on the exceptional points in a spoof plasmonic structure working at microwave frequencies is proposed. It is shown that near‐field plasmonic vortices can be efficiently generated at the exceptional points, resulting in the enhanced sensitivity when detecting a single particle or fluid analytes. Single particle detection with the particle size as small as 1/100 of the operating wavelength is reported. For liquid analysis in the microfluidic system, the sample consumption is down to 0.72 μL. This work demonstrates the ultrahigh sensitivity of exceptional‐point‐based plasmonic sensing and opens up new possibilities for subwavelength and compact sensors operating in the microwave, terahertz, and even far‐infrared regions.
Van der Waals Integrated LiNbO3/WS2 for High‐Performance UV–Vis–NIR Photodetection
Authors: Liang Xijie , Guan Heyuan , Luo Kaiwen , He Zhigang , Liang Aijie , Zhang Weina , Lin Qijing , Yang Zuoxin , Zhang Haoran , Xu Cheng , Xie Hanrong , Liu Fengli , Ma Fengkai , Yang Tiefeng , Lu Huihui
Published: July 2023

Lithium niobate (LN) is widely used in various optoelectronic systems due to its structural anisotropy and ferroelectric feature, which is one of the most essential platforms for next‐generation integrated optoelectronics. However, the insulating and optically transparent characteristics of LN have greatly limited the application in photodetection. Here, a high‐performance LN/WS2 based photodetector is achieved through a van der Waals integration strategy in which the pyroelectric property of LN and the moderate bandgap of WS2 are well combined. Upon light illumination, the light induced carriers in WS2 would increase and the pyroelectric charges of LN will cross the interfacial gap and asymmetrically inject into the WS2, creating an n−/n+ homojunction, thus improving the on‐state current. Under dark conditions, the sudden removal of the laser would introduce an instantaneous enhancement of polarization in the LN lattice, leading to an improved confinement on the remaining carriers in WS2, achieving a lower dark current. In this regard, the configurated device acquires a high on/off ratio more than 104 under zero bias, which represents the best among all the reported LN‐based photodetectors. This work realizes the complementary integration of 2D materials and ferroelectric LN and provides a feasible way for high‐performance photodetectors based on the LN platform.
Measurements on macrocells made of segmented reinforcement in concrete showing environmental impacts on corrosion of steel in concrete
Authors: Pruckner Franz
Published: July 2023

Corrosion of steel in concrete can be characterized by measuring the galvanic current density when a macrocell is established. On nonpolarized steel, however, other electrochemical techniques like linear polarization resistance measurements may be used to characterize the electrochemical state of steel in concrete. On existing structures with their large dimensions and local differences in exposure conditions, local differences in the electrochemical state of the embedded reinforcement are established, leading to potential differences along the reinforcement and galvanic currents flowing. When it is possible to isolate anodic areas from the rest of the reinforcement, both galvanic current measurements, determination of polarization resistance on the separated anodic areas and the driving force between the anodic segments and the reinforcement are possible to obtain. In this work, this procedure is discussed and verified on a field structure on anodic areas caused by cracks in the concrete overlay and the results thereof are presented.
Hierarchically Porous SIFSIX‐3‐Ni/PAN Composite Beads for Carbon Dioxide Adsorption
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Zhang Qi , Zhu He , Zhu Shiping
Published: July 2023

The increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has led to global warming, which draws great attention all over the world. Adsorption is considered as an effective method for CO2 capture and stabilizing the increasing CO2 concentration. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for carbon capture. However, the direct use of MOF powders may lead to issues such as high pressure drop, pipe clogging, and handling difficulties in applications. Herein, a phase inversion strategy is reported to prepare SIFSIX‐3‐Ni@PAN composite beads. The prepared composites exhibit hierarchically porous structure with uniform MOF distribution inside the materials and good mechanical stability. The MOF content can be well controlled and composites with up to 70% loading are prepared. Finally, the obtained materials possess high CO2 capture capacity, even at low CO2 concentrations (1.19 mmol g−1 at 0.01 bar and 298 K).
Interior continuity, continuity up to the boundary, and Harnack's inequality for double‐phase elliptic equations with nonlogarithmic conditions
Authors: Hadzhy Oleksandr V. , Skrypnik Igor I. , Voitovych Mykhailo V.
Published: July 2023

We prove continuity and Harnack's inequality for bounded solutions to elliptic equations of the type
under the precise choice of μ.
Parallel Codazzi tensors with submanifold applications
Authors: Gruber Anthony
Published: July 2023

A decomposition theorem is established for a class of closed Riemannian submanifolds immersed in a space form of the constant sectional curvature. In particular, it is shown that if M has nonnegative sectional curvature and admits a Codazzi tensor with “parallel mean curvature”, then M is locally isometric to a direct product of irreducible factors determined by the spectrum of that tensor. This decomposition is global when M is simply connected, and generalizes what is known for immersed submanifolds with parallel mean curvature vector.
Is brand reputation a banner for social marketing? A social enterprise product consumption perspective
Authors: Tsai Juin‐Ming , Lu Tzu‐En
Published: July 2023

Social enterprises (SEs) use various business models to pursue a balance between commercial profit and their social mission. This study uses quantitative and qualitative research methods to assess consumer purchasing decisions related to SEs and the impact of brand reputation on these decisions. Study 1 uses quantitative data to perform a multilevel analysis of consumer and corporate perspectives to examine the hypothesized relationships. We conduct study 2 to enable the robust generalization and further explanation of study 1's results by employing qualitative research. The results indicate that perceived contribution positively affects perceived behavioral control, while ethical self‐identity and product knowledge positively affect consumer attitudes. At the group level, brand reputation weakens the relationship between perceived contribution and perceived behavioral control; however, it strengthens the relationship between perceived risk and perceived behavioral control. These findings demonstrate that brand reputation is an important signal regarding SE products or services consumption and has significant implications for social marketing and brand strategy.
Fatigue performance of the aluminium‐magnesium/magnesium aluminate in‐situ composites synthesized through manganese dioxide and copper oxide reinforcement
Authors: Palanisamy C. , Raman R. , Olubambi P. A.
Published: July 2023

Aluminium‐2magnesium alloy castings find its application in engineering sectors where fatigue property is a key requirement. Few researches have been carried out in the past to improve its fatigue property by micro, nano reinforcements. However, the requirement of intended application has not yet attained and hence this current research study has been taken up to provide a solution. This research work focuses through a novel approach for synthesizing in‐situ magnesium aluminate particles in aluminium‐2magnesium alloy by the addition of manganese dioxide and copper oxide precursor addition (1 wt.%, 1.5 wt.% and 2 wt.%) during the casting process. Microstructure of fabricated composites were examined through field emission scanning electron microscopy to characterize the morphology and distribution of magnesium aluminate particles. The fabricated aluminium‐2magnesium/magnesium aluminate in‐situ composite specimens were subjected to low cycle fatigue testing at two different strain amplitudes of 0.3 % and 0.4 % and a frequency of 0.3 Hz. Among all composite specimens, specimens reinforced with 2 wt.% manganese dioxide and 2 wt.% copper oxide outperformed when tested in strain amplitudes of 0.3 % and 0.4 % respectively. Fractography studies were performed on failed composite specimens to study the modes of failure that resulted after fatigue testing.
Resistance spot weldability of Fe‐15.4Mn‐2.1Al‐1.2C twinning induced plasticity steel
Authors: Özen F. , Onar V. , Bulca M. , Aslanlar S.
Published: July 2023

Welding of twinning induced plasticity steels contains problems due to high manganese constituent. Low manganese and high carbon included twinning induced plasticity steels have not studied throughly in the literature. In this study, resistance spot weldability of Fe‐15.4Mn‐2.1Al‐1.2C twinning induced plasticity steel was investigated. According to the results, interfacial, partial interfacial and pull‐out type failure modes were obtained in tensile‐shear tests. The maximum tensile‐shear load was measured as 17.7 kN with 125 J ⋅ Ω−1 heat input rate separated with pull‐out failure. Although the heat affected zone was narrow, it formed the weakest region of the joint. Cleavage facets which is a sign of brittle fracture were detected on the fracture surface that formed in heat affected zone. A sudden increase in hardness supports the brittleness of the heat affected zone. Also, grain coarsening reduced strength of the heat affected zone. A narrow partially melted zone was identified between heat affected zone and weld nugget. According to electron back scatter diffraction phase distribution analysis, formation of manganese carbides was detected in the heat affected zone.
Evolution behavior of δ phase in Cu12Sn2Ni alloy and the corresponding effects on alloy property
Authors: Jia Z. , Li C. , Zhang Z. , Xiao J. , Lu Y. , Ji J. , Zhao Y. T.
Published: July 2023

With the increase of tin content in tin bronze, the rise of δ phase made the strength, hardness of tin bronze increase and the ductility decrease sharply, that difficult to process. In this paper, the Cu12Sn2Ni alloy was prepared by centrifugal casting, the microstructure and phase formation before and after heat treatment were observed by x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The results showed that the as‐cast sample microstructure was composed of equiaxed grains rather than coarse dendrites. centrifugal casting inhibits tin diffusion to form metastable phase β′‐Cu13.7Sn. The as‐cast sample had good deformability and its tensile strength and elongation were 381.9 MPa and 12.4 %, respectively, which are higher than the mechanical properties of gravity casting. The tensile strength and elongation of the sample after furnace cooling at 620 °C/8 min are 439.5 MPa and 24.4 %, respectively, the increase was 16.6 % and 85.07 %, compared with the as‐cast samples, due to the solid solution strengthening, the second phase strengthening and the homogenization of the microstructure.
Wear‐resistant/antifouling integrated coating protection technology of polyethylene cable
Authors: Wang Q. , Zeng J. , Shao K. , Li X.
Published: July 2023

Polymer cables are being applied increasingly in fields such as deep‐sea mooring and cage culture. How to improve their wear resistance and prevent microbial adhesion is an urgent problem to be solved. In this work, the surface of the cable was treated by the polyvinylpyrrolidone cross‐linking method and the anchoring effect of one‐dimensional linear nanomaterials, which improved the adhesion of the water‐based coating. Meanwhile, the protective effect of the coating was improved through the addition of antifouling agents and wear‐resistant agents. The microstructure and intermolecular forces of the coating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The net hanging test results show that the surface‐treated cable exhibits better abrasion resistance and antifouling effects, and the shedding phenomenon is significantly improved.
Erosion wear response of ramie‐epoxy composites using artificial neural network integrated with Taguchi technique
Authors: Mahapatra S. K. , Satapathy A.
Published: July 2023

This paper aims on evaluating the erosion wear behavior of epoxy composites reinforced with ramie fibers. The possibility of reinforcing ramie fiber to improvise the wear resistance of epoxy is investigated in this study. Composites are fabricated by reinforcing multiple layers of woven ramie fiber mats into epoxy resin using conventional wet lay‐up technique and erosion wear trials are conducted using solid particle erosion test setup. Taguchi analysis is done to assess the relative significance of each of the factors influencing the erosion rate using L16 orthogonal array. The analysis reveals that the impact velocity followed by impingement angle are the most significant control factors affecting the erosion wear rate of ramie‐epoxy composites. Steady state erosion analysis is done to ascertain the effect of each of the significant factors while keeping other factors fixed. Further, an analytical and predictive model based on the principle of neural computation is used to predict the rate of erosion wear of the composites and the obtained results are compared with the experimental outcomes. The worn morphologies of the eroded surfaces of the composites are studied and analyzed to identify possible mechanisms causing wear.
Role of processing temperature on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of fine grained AZ31 magnesium alloy produced by groove pressing
Authors: Kumar E. Manoj , Reddy V. Mahidhar , Kumar K. Praveen , Reddy M. Srinivas , Ratna Sunil B.
Published: July 2023

AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets were processed at 250 °C and 300 °C by groove pressing, a severe plastic deformation technique to achieve grain refinement. The influence of processing temperature on the evolution of microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion behavior was studied. Groove pressing significantly reduced the grain size of the alloy from 46 μm to 6.5 μm at 250 °C processing temperature. With the higher processing temperature (300 °C), grain growth (11.4 μm) was observed for the alloy. Number of twins appeared in the groove pressed samples. Higher hardness and tensile strength were measured for the groove pressed samples processed at 250 °C without significant loss in the ductility as reflected from the % of elongation due to the grain refinement. Corrosion performance of the samples assessed by potentiodynamic polarization studies indicated increased corrosion resistance for both of the grove pressed samples. However, sample at 300 °C exhibited better corrosion resistance compared with the sample processed at 250 °C. This can be understood by considering the effect of higher processing temperature on reducing the crystal imperfections which alters the corrosion behavior.
Application of rice husk ash in brick aggregate concrete to improve the permeability and resistance against acid and sulfate attack
Authors: Bhowmik R. N. , Pal J.
Published: July 2023

Brick‐aggregate‐concrete with a greater permeability is susceptible to decay at a faster rate under the action of acid and sulfate. This study tries to improve the durability of brick aggregate concrete by the addition of rice husk ash, which has been termed brick‐ash concrete in this paper. The permeability and sorptivity of stone‐aggregate‐concrete, brick‐aggregate concrete, and brick‐ash concrete samples with different percentages of rice husk ash and different water‐to‐binder ratios were investigated. The concrete samples were also exposed to 1.5 % hydrochloric acid and 5 % sodium sulfate along with periodic drying and wetting cycle and periodic observations in terms of compressive strength, weight loss, and ultrasonic pulse velocity test for 360 days. 5 % to 10 % rice husk ash can significantly improve the permeability and resistance to the harsh environment of brick aggregate concrete. Additionally, this study also presents the equations to predict the actual strength from ultrasonic pulse velocity values for the brick ash concrete specimen exposed to acid and sulfate environments.