bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extreme drought disrupts plant phenology: Insights from 35 years of cloud forest data in Venezuela
Authors: Flores Saúl , Forister Matthew L. , Sulbaran Hendrik , Díaz Rodrigo , Dyer Lee A.
Published: March 2023

The potential effects of climate change on plant reproductive phenology include asynchronies with pollinators and reductions in plant fitness, leading to extinction and loss of ecosystem function. In particular, plant phenology is sensitive to extreme weather events, which are occurring with increasing severity and frequency in recent decades and are linked to anthropogenic climate change and shifts in atmospheric circulation. For 15 plant species in a Venezuelan cloud forest, we documented dramatic changes in monthly flower and fruit community composition over a 35‐year time series, from 1983 to 2017, and these changes were linked directly to higher temperatures, lower precipitation, and decreased soil water availability. The patterns documented here do not mirror trends in temperate zones but corroborate results from the Asian tropics. More intense droughts are predicted to occur in the region, which will cause dramatic changes in flower and fruit availability.
Inferring functional diversity from environmental DNA metabarcoding
Authors: Condachou Céline , Milhau Tristan , Murienne Jérôme , Brosse Sébastien , Villéger Sébastien , Valentini Alice , Dejean Tony , Mouillot David
Published: March 2023

Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a reliable method to assess taxonomic diversity, but the incompleteness of genetic reference databases prevents the assignation of many sequences to a given species. Functional diversity (FD) is a key biodiversity facet to monitor, but it requires the identification of all species within communities to account for their trait values. So, the ability of eDNA‐based inventories to estimate the “true” level of FD is unknown. Here, using fish surveys in two representative temperate and tropical rivers, with a quasi‐exhaustive genetic and trait database, we measured the bias and variability of different FD indices when calculated with uncertainty in taxonomic assignment at the genus and family level. Our results show that when measuring FD indices with species randomly chosen within genera and families, the bias cannot exceed 30% from real observed FD values. The variability is higher for species‐poorer communities and when those communities are composed of genera and families with high functional heterogeneity. Despite taxonomic uncertainty, our results demonstrate the potential of eDNA surveys to estimate reliable FD values.
High Colloidal Stable Carbon Dots Armored Liquid Metal Nano‐Droplets for Versatile 3D/4D Printing Through Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Authors: Wang Linan , Zhang Junle , Zhang Xi , Shi Ge , He Yanjie , Cui Zhe , Zhang Xiaomeng , Fu Peng , Liu Minying , Qiao Xiaoguang , Pang Xinchang
Published: March 2023

Liquid metal (LM) and liquid metal alloys (LMs) possess unique physicochemical features, which have become emerging and functionalized materials that are attractive applicants in various fields. Herein, uniform LM nanodroplets armored by carbon dots (LMD@CDs) were prepared and exhibited high colloidal stability in various solvents, as well as water. After optimization, LMD@CDs can be applied as functional additives for the 3D/4D printing of hydrogel and cross‐linked resin through digital light processing (DLP). The light absorption of LMD@CDs not only improved the printing accuracy, but also led to the cross‐linking density differential during the post‐curing process. Base on the cross‐linking density differential of soft hydrogel and photothermal performance of the LM, the 3D printed objects can exhibit stimulus responses to both water and laser irradiation. Additionally, the CDs shell and LM core of LMD@CDs provide the printed objects interesting photoluminescence and electric conductivity capabilities, respectively. We deduce this versatile 3D/4D printing system would provide a new platform for the preparation of multi‐functional and stimuli‐responsive advance materials.
Impact of the Cu Current Collector Grade and Ink Solid Fraction on the Electrochemical Performance of Silicon‐Based Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huet Lucas , Houisse Hippolyte , Herkendaal Natalie , Devic Thomas , Roué Lionel , Lestriez Bernard
Published: March 2023

The influence of the Cu current collector grade (cold‐rolled, annealed, or textured) and the ink solid fraction (SF) on the performance of Si‐based electrodes for Li‐ion batteries is investigated. Two binders are considered for this study: one of carboxymethyl cellulose and citric acid and the other which consists of the same organic components with added Zn(II) cations. These ones cross‐link the carboxylate moieties through coordination bonds. The fracture behavior and cyclability of the Zn‐free electrodes show a strong dependence on the Cu current collector grade. For this formulation, which has lower cohesion, the increase in electrode adhesion from the roughening of the surface of the current collector and/or the decrease of the current collector yield strength contribute to mitigate the electrode mechanical damage, therefore improving its cyclability. Such a dependence is not observed for the Zn cross‐linked electrodes which have a higher cohesion. Regarding the impact of the ink solid fraction, when a higher SF is used, the capacity retention and coulombic efficiency are enhanced for both formulations, though much more significantly for the Zn‐free formulation. The underlying mechanism causing this improvement may be partially related to the enhanced adsorption of binder on silicon particles with increasing SF.
Prediction on onset conditions of alpha, beta, and gamma type free piston Stirling generators
Authors: Chi Chunyun , Mou Jian , Lin Mingqiang , Li Ruijie , Jiao Kexin , Hong Guotong
Published: March 2023

The study of the onset characteristics of the free piston Stirling generator (FPSG) is essential for its development. In this study, the onset characteristics of the FPSG were discussed based on a thermodynamic model using the Routh stability criterion. First, the onset conditions of three types of FPSG, alpha, beta, and gamma, were analyzed. Then an experimental and numerical study of a 100 W beta‐type FPSG prototype was conducted. The impacts on the onset temperatures of spring stiffness, charging pressure, and external load were further explored. The results demonstrate that no matter how the parameters are altered, alpha‐type FPSG cannot start up. Whether beta and gamma type FPSG can start up depends on the design and operating parameters. For the prototype, as the displacer spring stiffness increases, the onset temperature rises first and then drops. When the displacer spring stiffness is 19.2 N/mm, the corresponding onset temperature is the lowest of 489 K. The FPSG is easier to start up at a higher external load and higher charging pressure. The experimental results of the impacts of the spring stiffness, charging pressure, and external load on the onset temperature agree well with the calculated results, with errors ranging from 1.7% to 9.12%. The proposed approach can play a guiding significance in studying FPSG onset conditions.
Optimization of battery energy storage system size and power allocation strategy for fuel cell ship
Authors: Cao Wei , Geng Pan , Xu Xiaoyan
Published: March 2023

The fuel cell system (FCS) is commonly combined with an energy storage system (ESS) for enhancing the performance of the ship. Consequently, the battery ESS size and power allocation strategy are critical for the hybrid energy system. This paper focuses on designing a method to solve these two problems. First, a battery degradation model is employed to assess the ESS lifetime. Subsequently, the sizing problem and the optimal power allocation are integrated into a cost‐minimization problem, which is solved by a double‐loop optimization approach. The inside loop utilizes the battery degradation model to calculate ESS lifetime. In the outside loop, a power allocation strategy based on the hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm and Gray Wolf Optimization algorithm is presented. Finally, the power allocation strategy is extended to real‐time implementation by the equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) and an improved ECMS is proposed to make the FCS operates near the maximal efficiency point. Compared with ECMS, the operating cost reduces by 0.26%. The result indicates that the proposed method can optimize the ESS size efficiently, and the power allocation strategy can assure the stable operation of the fuel cell ship.
Bone tissue engineering for treating osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Bian Yixin , Hu Tingting , Lv Zehui , Xu Yiming , Wang Yingjie , Wang Han , Zhu Wei , Feng Bin , Liang Ruizheng , Tan Chaoliang , Weng Xisheng
Published: March 2023

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a devastating and complicated disease with an unclear etiology. Femoral head‐preserving surgeries have been devoted to delaying and hindering the collapse of the femoral head since their introduction in the last century. However, the isolated femoral head‐preserving surgeries cannot prevent the natural progression of ONFH, and the combination of autogenous or allogeneic bone grafting often leads to many undesired complications. To tackle this dilemma, bone tissue engineering has been widely developed to compensate for the deficiencies of these surgeries. During the last decades, great progress has been made in ingenious bone tissue engineering for ONFH treatment. Herein, we comprehensively summarize the state‐of‐the‐art progress made in bone tissue engineering for ONFH treatment. The definition, classification, etiology, diagnosis, and current treatments of ONFH are first described. Then, the recent progress in the development of various bone‐repairing biomaterials, including bioceramics, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and metals, for treating ONFH is presented. Thereafter, regenerative therapies for ONFH treatment are also discussed. Finally, we give some personal insights on the current challenges of these therapeutic strategies in the clinic and the future development of bone tissue engineering for ONFH treatment.
An integrated pasture biomass and beef cattle liveweight predictive model under weather forecast uncertainty: An application to Northern Australia
Authors: Masoud Mahmoud , Hsieh Jeff , Helmstedt Kate , McGree James , Corry Paul
Published: March 2023

Beef production drives a significant proportion of Australia's agricultural economy, representing AUD11 billion in agricultural production value annually. The profitability of cattle farms across seasons varies greatly and is particularly influenced by weather and associated uncertainty through pasture growth. Furthermore, producers must be careful in managing stocking rates to avoid overgrazing which has a significant environmental and economic impact. Predictive modelling of pasture and cattle liveweight can help producers to better manage this difficult balancing act. In this paper, we integrate a model for pasture growth and cattle weight gain to formulate predictions of liveweight production volume and pasture biomass. Monte‐Carlo simulation was used to understand the impact of uncertainty in model inputs relating to weather. Through such an approach, a distribution of possible pasture outcomes and beef production is formed which can be inspected to determine, for example expected production volume and risk of overgrazing. The methodology is demonstrated and validated through application to case study data sourced from Australian beef producers. Results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain reasonable predictions of liveweight gain and highlight the importance of considering the associated uncertainty. The accuracy of the proposed models has been examined by calculating statistical parameters MSE, MAE and R2. This approach can provide insight into the distribution of possible production outcomes given the long‐term rainfall outlook. The use of such predictive models and simulations by producers will lead to better‐informed planning of stocking rates, with benefits to productivity and sustainable utilisation of pasture.
The volatile flavor and the antioxidant properties of a novel chrysanthemum rice wine during natural aging
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yin Huai‐Ning , Zhao Ting , Zhan Cheng , Wang Ai‐Yuan , Xu Yang‐Hui , Chen Mao‐Bin
Published: March 2023

Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Fubaiju, a traditional tea in southern China with high nutritional and health functions was used in this study. Optimized production conditions of a novel chrysanthemum rice wine (FRW) were obtained by the Box–Behnken design response surface experiment. FRW with best sensory quality was developed with 0.68% chrysanthemum, 0.79% Jiuqu and 0.81:1 liquid‐to‐solid ratio. Compared with rice wine (RW) control, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as antioxidant activity of the FRW increased significantly. GC–MS analysis showed that more flavor compounds including alcohols, aldehydes, acids, and esters were detected in FRW. During the aging process, it was found that the antioxidant substances, the antioxidant activity and the flavor substances decreased, with the wine body tending to be homogenized. After 6 months of storage, overall sensory quality of FRW was more harmonious, with special nectar taste, which dramatically improved the flavor characteristics and functionality compared with traditional RW.
Preparation, characterization, identification, and antioxidant properties of fermented acaí (Euterpe oleracea)
Authors: Liu Wen‐Ying , Wang Xue , Ren Jie , Zheng Cheng‐Dong , Wu Han‐Shuo , Meng Fan‐Tong , Ling Kong , Qi Xiu‐Yu , Zhou Ming , Wang Yue , Gu Rui‐Zeng , Han Lu‐Jia , Zhang Yong‐Jiu
Published: March 2023

Fermentation technology was used to prepare the acaí (Euterpe oleracea) fermentation liquid. The optimal fermentation parameters included a strain ratio of Lactobacillus paracasei: Leuconostoc mesenteroides: Lactobacillus plantarum = 0.5:1:1.5, a fermentation time of 6 days, and a nitrogen source supplemental level of 2.5%. In optimal conditions, the ORAC value of the fermentation liquid reached the highest value of 273.28 ± 6.55 μmol/L Trolox, which was 55.85% higher than the raw liquid. In addition, the FRAP value of the acaí, as well as its scavenging ability of DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS free radicals, increased after fermentation. Furthermore, after fermentation treatment, the microstructure, basic physicochemical composition, amino acid composition, γ‐aminobutyric acid, a variety of volatile components, and so on have changed. Therefore, fermentation treatment can significantly improve the nutritional value and flavor of the acaí. This provides a theoretical basis for the comprehensive utilization of acaí.
Neuroprotective effect of quercetin and Zingiber officinale on sodium arsenate‐induced neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Yousuf Rasia , Verma Pawan Kumar , Sharma Priyanka , Sood Shilpa , Bhatti Muhammad A. , Bhat Zuhaib F.
Published: March 2023

The study was aimed at determining the ameliorative potential of quercetin and Zingiber officinale (ZO) against sodium arsenate‐induced neurotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty adult animals were randomly allocated to five groups (n = 6). Group I served as control, groups II and IV were treated with ZO [300 mg/kg, PO (per os)/day], and group V animals were administered quercetin (50 mg/kg, PO/day) for 18 days. Groups III, IV, and V were injected with sodium arsenate (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally/day) for 4 days starting from day 15. The administration of sodium arsenate resulted in a significant decrease in total antioxidant status, total thiols, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and aryl esterase in brain tissue of the animals compared with the control group. In addition, a significant increase was observed in malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein product and plasma nitric oxide levels, indicating oxidative stress‐mediated neuronal damage. However, these arsenic‐induced alterations were significantly reversed by quercetin or ZO in the treatment groups, indicating their ameliorative potential. These positive effects were further confirmed by histopathological examination of brain tissue revealing the suppression of severe neuronal injury, spongiosis and gliosis in the samples pretreated with quercetin and ZO. Our results suggest that inclusion of ZO and quercetin‐rich foods in the diet can help in preventing the neurotoxic effects in areas with elevated levels of arsenic in food chain and ground water.
Development of lentil peptides with potent antioxidant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities along with umami taste
Authors: Rezvankhah Amir , Yarmand Mohammad Saeid , Ghanbarzadeh Babak , Mirzaee Homaira
Published: March 2023

Lentil peptides have shown promising bioactive properties regarding the antioxidant activity and also inhibitory activity of angiotensin‐I‐converting enzyme (ACE). Sequential hydrolysis of proteins has shown a higher degree of hydrolysis with enhanced antioxidant and ACE‐inhibitory activities. The lentil protein concentrate (LPC) was sequentially hydrolyzed using Alcalase and Flavourzyme at 2% w/w. The hydrolysate (LPH) was cross‐linked (LPHC) or sonicated (LPHUS) and sequentially cross‐linked (LPHUSC). Amino acid profile, molecular weight (MW) distribution, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities (RSA; 7 mg/mL), ACE (0.1–2 mg/mL), α‐glucosidase, and α‐amylase inhibitory activities (10–500 μg/mL), and umami taste were determined. The highest DPPH RSA was obtained for LPH (68.75%), followed by LPHUSC (67.60%), and LPHUS (67.49%) while the highest ABTS RSA values were obtained for LPHC (97.28%) and LPHUSC (97.20%). Cross‐linking and sonication led to the improvement of the ACE‐inhibitory activity so that LPHUSC and LPHC had IC50 values of 0.23 and 0.27 mg/mL, respectively. LPHC and LPHUSC also indicated higher α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 of 1.2 and 1.23 mg/mL) compared to LPH (IC50 of 1.74 mg/mL) and LPHUS (IC50 of 1.75 mg/mL) while the IC50 value of acarbose indicated 0.51 mg/mL. Moreover, LPHC and LPHUSC exhibited higher α‐amylase inhibitory activities (IC50 of 1.35 and 1.16 mg/mL) than LPHUS (IC50 of 1.95 mg/mL), and LPH (IC50 of 2.51 mg/mL) while acarbose had an IC50 value of 0.43 mg/mL. Umami taste analysis revealed that LPH and LPHC due to MW of 1.7 and 2.3 kDa and also high umami amino acids could be well considered as representative of meaty and umami analog flavors while indicating stronger antioxidant, antihypertension, and antidiabetic attributes.
Real‐world data for precision cancer medicine—A European perspective
Authors: Christopoulos Petros , Schlenk Richard , Kazdal Daniel , Blasi Miriam , Lennerz Jochen , Shah Rajiv , Budczies Jan , Malek Nisar , Fröhling Stefan , Rosenquist Richard , Schirmacher Peter , Bozorgmehr Farastuk , Kuon Jonas , Reck Martin , Thomas Michael , Stenzinger Albrecht
Published: March 2023

Leveraging real‐world data (RWD) for drug access is necessary to overcome a key challenge of modern precision oncology: tackling numerous low‐prevalence oncogenic mutations across cancers. Withholding a potentially active medication in patients with rare mutations for the sake of control chemotherapy or “best” supportive care is neither practicable nor ethically justifiable anymore, particularly as RWD could meanwhile be used instead, according to scientific principles outlined by the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency and other stakeholders. However, practical implementation varies, with occasionally opposite recommendations based on the same evidence in different countries. In the face of growing need for precision drugs, more transparency of evaluation, a priori availability of guidance for the academia and industry, as well as a harmonized framework for health technology assessment across the European Union (EU) are imperative. These could in turn trigger infrastructural changes in national and pan‐European registries, cancer management guidelines (e.g., frequency of routine radiologic restaging, inclusion of patient‐reported outcomes), and the health data space, to ensure conformity with declared standards and facilitate extraction of RWD sets (including patient‐level data) suitable for approval and pricing with minimal effort. For an EU‐wide unification of precision cancer medicine, collective negotiation of drug supply contracts and funding solidarity would additionally be required to handle the financial burden. According to experience from pivotal European programs, off‐label use could potentially also be harmonized across EU‐states to accelerate availability of novel drugs, streamline collection of valuable RWD, and mitigate related costs through wider partnerships with pharmaceutical companies.
The petrogenesis and mineralization of Zhaojinggou Nb–Ta deposit, Inner Mongolia: Evidence from geochronology, rock, and mineral geochemistry
Authors: Li Xue , Wang Keyong , Sun Guosheng , Zhang Jitian , Liu Genyi , Ma Dong , Sun Jiuda , He Xin , Wang Guangwei
Published: March 2023

The Zhaojinggou Nb–Ta deposit is one of large rare metal deposits newly discovered in the northern margin of the North China Craton in recent years. This paper reports petrography, petrochemistry, columbite‐group minerals U–Pb chronology study of the amazonite granitic pegmatite (AGP) exposed in this deposit, and composition of columbite‐group minerals and biotite are obtained by electron probe microanalyzer and LA‐ICP‐MS. Eighteen analyses of columbite‐group minerals yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 116.9 ± 1.4 Ma. The crystallization temperature of biotite is 630–650°C, and the oxygen fugacity is 10−17–10−18 bars. The biotite has low MgO contents and high Rb, Rb/Sr, and FeOT/(FeOT + MgO) ratios. The AGP has extremely low MgO, Cr, Co and Ni contents, with Nb/Ta ratios range from 1.63 to 9.05 and Rb/Sr ratios range from 303.30 to 648.90, and obvious ‘M’ type tetrad effect of rare earth element indicating that the formation of the AGP is related to crust‐derived magma. The contents of Nb2O5 and FeO decrease, while the Ta2O5 and WO3 contents, Mn# and Ta# values increase gradually from the core to the rim of columbite‐group minerals. Some columbite‐group minerals have unobvious oscillatory zoning, and some have a clear bright zoing with high Ta contents on the rim, indicating that the genesis of Zhaojinggou Nb–Ta deposit is mainly magmatic crystallization differentiation, accompanied by hydrothermal autometasomatism in the late stage.
Characterization of fractures in low‐permeability thin tight sandstones: A case study of Chang 6 Member, Yanchang Formation, western Ordos Basin
Authors: Ni Qi , Zhou Wen , Ni Gensheng , Li Tao , Wu Wen , Wang Minwei
Published: March 2023

Structural fractures are formed when the underground rock mass deforms and exceeds its own strength limit, so they represent the complex geomechanical properties of rock. Small or core‐scale fractures usually extend less than 10 m in length, which affects the productivity of tight sandstone. Therefore, core‐scale fracture is the core factor for the prediction of reservoir sweet spots. In this paper, the research on the evolution and prediction of natural fractures in tight sandstone is investigated using the core, thin section, logging materials and numerical simulation methods. The results show that a large number of vertical and horizontal sliding fractures with shearing properties are developed in the tight sandstones of the Yanchang Formation. The particle size affects the compactible space inside the reservoir, which then affects the fracture development degree. Since the superimposed thin sand bodies are formed by the frequent lateral migration of the underwater distributary channels in the study area, therefore, the natural fractures in the thin sand bodies at the edge of river channels are relatively developed. According to statistics, the vertical extension distance of fractures is usually less than 2 m. Meanwhile, the fractured zones are mainly located in the cumulative sand body thickness range of 3 ~ 10 m. Moreover, the fractured zones are generally located in the high part of the structure and its wings. Regional structure and thin sand body distribution jointly affect the evolution of fractures in tight sandstones. Through this study, we found that fractures are more developed in thin sand bodies, and the controlling factors include lithology, sedimentary microfacies, sand thickness and local structure. The comprehensive evaluation of fractures in tight sandstones with high accuracy from 1D to 3D was achieved using core observation, logging interpretation, and three‐dimensional (3D) fracture modelling.
Characteristics and mechanisms of human‐induced earthquakes in China from the QuakeQuake database
Authors: Chen Ruixue , Zhu Junjiang , Li Sanzhong , Zhang Shaoyu , Chen Xingquan , Li Qianqian , Wang Pengcheng , Zhang Jianli , Dai Liming , Jia Yonggang
Published: March 2023

Based on the collation and collection of a large number of data, we construct an induced earthquake database, QuakeQuake, and report a total of 193 human‐induced earthquake cases in China. 155 human‐induced earthquakes in China recorded in the global‐induced earthquake database (HiQuake) are revisited and re‐arranged by compiling the Chinese literature. The human‐induced earthquakes in QuakeQuake database are classified into three levels of reliability, strong, moderate and weak levels, based on both human‐induced processes and seismic activity. Three main categories including reservoir‐induced earthquakes, mine‐induced earthquakes and other induced earthquakes in China are sorted based on data recording and types of the induced earthquakes. Most of the induced earthquakes with strong level in QuakeQuake database are mainly minor earthquakes (3 ≤ M < 4.5). The focal depth of reservoir‐induced and mining‐induced earthquakes is within 30 and 8 km deep, respectively. The active type of source faults of the large induced earthquakes is mainly thrust type with the highest proportion. The largest observed magnitude of the induced earthquakes (MMAX) correlates positively with the injection/extraction volume, reservoir dam heights, reservoir capacity and lithology of the reservoir area. Nine volume intervals corresponding to each induced earthquake type are figured out. Based on the analysis of the mechanisms of human‐induced earthquakes in China, the main mechanisms of surface mass loading are karst collapse or gas explosion, pore water pressure effect and gravity energy release. Underground material extraction is mainly induced by the compaction of different reservoirs. Two injection types of underground material are gas injection and water injection. Gas injection is related to continuous stress loading and unloading. Two induction mechanisms of water injection are the increase of fault pore pressure and the change of fault load condition.
Visual impairment and retinal and brain neurodegeneration: A population‐based study
Authors: Garzone Davide , Finger Robert P. , Mauschitz Matthias M. , Koch Alexandra , Reuter Martin , Breteler Monique M. B. , Aziz N. Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Visual impairment and retinal neurodegeneration are intrinsically connected and both have been associated with cognitive impairment and brain atrophy, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate whether transneuronal degeneration is implicated, we systematically assessed the relation between visual function and retinal, visual pathway, hippocampal and brain degeneration. We analyzed baseline data from 3316 eligible Rhineland Study participants with visual acuity (VA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data available. Regional volumes, cortical volume, and fractional anisotropy (FA) were derived from T1‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted 3 T MRI scans. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable linear regression and structural equation modeling. VA and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thinning were both associated with global brain atrophy (SD effect size [95% CI] −0.090 [−0.118 to −0.062] and 0.066 [0.053–0.080], respectively), and hippocampal atrophy (−0.029 [−0.055 to −0.003] and 0.114 [0.087–0.141], respectively). The effect of VA on whole brain and hippocampal volume was partly mediated by retinal neurodegeneration. Similarly, the effect of retinal neurodegeneration on brain and hippocampal atrophy was mediated through intermediate visual tracts, accounting for 5.2%–23.9% of the effect. Visual impairment and retinal neurodegeneration were robustly associated with worse brain atrophy, FA, and hippocampal atrophy, partly mediated through disintegration of intermediate visual tracts. Our findings support the use of OCT‐derived retinal measures as markers of neurodegeneration, and indicate that both general and transneuronal neurodegeneration along the visual pathway, partly reflecting visual impairment, account for the association between retinal neurodegeneration and brain atrophy.
Prediction of suicidality in bipolar disorder using variability of intrinsic brain activity and machine learning
Authors: Tian Shui , Zhu Rongxin , Chen Zhilu , Wang Huan , Chattun Mohammad Ridwan , Zhang Siqi , Shao Junneng , Wang Xinyi , Yao Zhijian , Lu Qing
Published: March 2023

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with marked suicidal susceptibility, particularly during a major depressive episode. However, the evaluation of suicidal risk remains challenging since it relies mainly on self‐reported information from patients. Hence, it is necessary to complement neuroimaging features with advanced machine learning techniques in order to predict suicidal behavior in BD patients. In this study, a total of 288 participants, including 75 BD suicide attempters, 101 BD nonattempters and 112 healthy controls, underwent a resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI). Intrinsic brain activity was measured by amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuation (ALFF). We trained and tested a two‐level k‐nearest neighbors (k‐NN) model based on resting‐state variability of ALFF with fivefold cross‐validation. BD suicide attempters had increased dynamic ALFF values in the right anterior cingulate cortex, left thalamus and right precuneus. Compared to other machine learning methods, our proposed framework had a promising performance with 83.52% accuracy, 78.75% sensitivity and 87.50% specificity. The trained models could also replicate and validate the results in an independent cohort with 72.72% accuracy. These findings based on a relatively large data set, provide a promising way of combining fMRI data with machine learning technique to reliably predict suicide attempt at an individual level in bipolar depression. Overall, this work might enhance our understanding of the neurobiology of suicidal behavior by detecting clinically defined disruptions in the dynamics of instinct brain activity.
Explainable fMRI‐based brain decoding via spatial temporal‐pyramid graph convolutional network
Authors: Ye Ziyuan , Qu Youzhi , Liang Zhichao , Wang Mo , Liu Quanying
Published: March 2023

Brain decoding, aiming to identify the brain states using neural activity, is important for cognitive neuroscience and neural engineering. However, existing machine learning methods for fMRI‐based brain decoding either suffer from low classification performance or poor explainability. Here, we address this issue by proposing a biologically inspired architecture, Spatial Temporal‐pyramid Graph Convolutional Network (STpGCN), to capture the spatial–temporal graph representation of functional brain activities. By designing multi‐scale spatial–temporal pathways and bottom‐up pathways that mimic the information process and temporal integration in the brain, STpGCN is capable of explicitly utilizing the multi‐scale temporal dependency of brain activities via graph, thereby achieving high brain decoding performance. Additionally, we propose a sensitivity analysis method called BrainNetX to better explain the decoding results by automatically annotating task‐related brain regions from the brain‐network standpoint. We conduct extensive experiments on fMRI data under 23 cognitive tasks from Human Connectome Project (HCP) S1200. The results show that STpGCN significantly improves brain‐decoding performance compared to competing baseline models; BrainNetX successfully annotates task‐relevant brain regions. Post hoc analysis based on these regions further validates that the hierarchical structure in STpGCN significantly contributes to the explainability, robustness and generalization of the model. Our methods not only provide insights into information representation in the brain under multiple cognitive tasks but also indicate a bright future for fMRI‐based brain decoding.
Physical activity and sedentary behaviour among south Asian immigrants in Australia
Authors: Nisar Mehwish , Kolbe‐Alexander Tracy L. , Khan Asaduzzaman
Published: March 2023

Issue Addressed

South Asians make up the second‐largest group of immigrants in Australia and experience a higher burden of chronic diseases compared with non‐immigrants. Most chronic diseases are associated with insufficient physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB); however, studies involving PA and SB in immigrants are limited. This study aimed to explore PA and SB and associated factors among South Asian immigrants in Australia.

Methods

South Asian adult immigrants in Australia were surveyed online (from November 2020 to March 2021) about PA, SB, knowledge and barriers to PA. Logistic regressions were used to examine factors associated with insufficient PA (<150 minutes/week) and a high sitting time (>8 hours/day).

Results

A total of 321 participants provided complete data. Approximately 76% of participants reported insufficient PA and 27% reported high sitting time. Only 6% of participants walked or bicycled. The main reported barriers to PA were lack of time, costs, transport facilities, skills, and culturally appropriate resources. Around 52% of participants were not aware of the importance of PA. Participants with self‐reported poor health and who used motorized travel were more likely to have inadequate PA. High sitting time was more common among middle‐aged, overweight/obese, and middle‐income participants.

Conclusions

Most South Asian immigrants are insufficiently active with a lack of socio‐economically appropriate PA facilities identified as a major challenge. A stronger collaboration between policymakers and community is required for sustainable solutions.

So What?

Affordable and appropriate PA facilities in neighbourhoods could overcome major barriers. Also, information about PA should incorporate cultural expectations in the general recommendations to encourage participation.
Transvaginal ultrasound parameters to evaluate cervical favorability and predict the outcome of induction of labor
Authors: Liu Qian‐Qi , Chen Shi , Liu Ming‐Hui , Sun Yu , Chen Jun‐Ya
Published: March 2023

Objective

To compare the values of transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) and Bishop score (BS) for predicting outcomes of induction of labor (IOL).

Methods

The BS and TVU were assessed before IOL. TVU parameters included cervical length (CL) and E‐Cervix comprising the cervical hard ratio (HR) and the mean strain level of internal os (IOS). Study end‐points included the duration of the latent phase within 15 or 18 h and delivery within 24 h.

Results

In multivariable logistic regression models, at the first two end‐points, the areas under the curve (AUCs) for CL with HR were 0.733 and 0.777, and the AUCs for CL with IOS were 0.754 and 0.787, respectively, The AUC for HR was 0.750 at the third end‐point. With receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the best cut‐off value for CL was ≤1.38 cm and that for IOS was ≥0.35. The AUCs of the TVU scoring system by the cut‐off values for CL and IOS for the three end‐points were 0.784, 0.833, and 0.855, respectively. The predicting values of both methods were better than those of the BS (AUC = 0.672, 0.694, and 0.687, respectively).

Conclusion

Cervical length along with E‐Cervix showed better predictive values for successful induction compared with the BS.
Decision support systems in irrigation management: Irrigation Facilities Spatial Information System
Authors: Şeren Ahmet
Published: March 2023

Agricultural production and food are strategically important for nutrition, which is the basic requirement of living. Adequate supply of food depends on the sustainability of agricultural activities. Despite the proportional increase in other sectors in water use on a global scale, agriculture is still the largest user. Since Türkiye is located in a semi‐arid climate region, most of the year is dry. Apart from the rainy period, there is not enough water in our streams, especially in periods when irrigation water is needed. For this reason, the water stored in the months when there is a lot of precipitation is used in the months when it is needed for irrigation. The main purpose of irrigation management is to ensure that irrigation water demands within the irrigated area are shared fairly from the spring to the downstream areas in the desired time and amount, in accordance with the current water potential, the capacity of the irrigation system and the actual needs. Although the initial establishment and facility costs of automation and related decision support systems are high, the benefits and added value provided in the medium‐ and long‐term result in the irrigation facilities being preferred more during the operation and maintenance process. Automation applications, especially in closed irrigation systems, can prevent external intervention and water can be supplied to the network according to the real needs. The web‐based application, the Irrigation Facilities Spatial Information System (SUTEM), is designed to monitor, evaluate and report on the operation, maintenance and management activities of the facilities operated by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works or whose operation, maintenance and management responsibilities are transferred. The requirements are met through a single application that saves time and labour, facilitates control and supervision, standardizes reports and enables transition to a centralized data security structure.
Seasonal water sources at irrigated urban vegetable production sites in Ghana
Authors: Tuffour Michael , Sedegah Daniella D. , Asiama Rexford K.
Published: March 2023

Studies on water use in urban agriculture in developing countries have largely focused on wastewater reuse and its associated health concerns. However, there is some heterogeneity in the choice of water sources of urban farmers in a developing country such as Ghana, where agricultural infrastructure is not fully developed. Therefore, this study explores the choice of water sources during the rainy and dry seasons by urban farmers since it has implications for food security in urban areas and beyond. Using chi‐square and multinomial logit regression, this paper assesses urban farmers’ choices for different water sources in Ghana during the rainy and dry seasons and examines the associated factors driving these choices. The results show that most urban farmers use rainwater and wastewater during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively, but small lakes/rivers are the least used during both seasons. Also, the choice of water sources at different locations is influenced by farm and non‐farm characteristics. The paper concludes that there is heterogeneity in the choice of water sources among urban farmers at different locations during different seasons. We recommend that stakeholders involved in promoting and sustaining urban agriculture must help in building a solid infrastructure for sustainable irrigation.
Rewards, recognition, and advancement for clinical pharmacists
Authors: Bondi Deborah S. , Acquisto Nicole M. , Buckley Mitchell S. , Erdman Grace , Kerns Stefanie T. , Nwaesei Angela Shogbon , Szymanski Thomas W. , Walkerly Autumn , Yau Adena S. , Martello Jay L.
Published: March 2023

Clinical pharmacy has continually evolved, with significant expansion in clinical pharmacists' qualifications and roles. However, this growth has not necessarily correlated with improved job satisfaction among clinical pharmacists. A survey of practicing clinical pharmacists performed by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Clinical Practice Affairs Committee A identified low satisfaction with the time allocated for clinical activities, quality improvement, research and scholarship, and teaching and mentorship. There was also low satisfaction with the recognition provided, despite a high desire for recognition and strong agreement that recognition affects job satisfaction. Rewards for workplace successes and advancement pathways are also not commonly provided. This white paper provides an update to the previous ACCP publications from 1995 and 2010 on the current state of rewards, recognition, and advancement for clinical pharmacists. Suggestions for the pharmacy profession and administrators on how to improve job satisfaction and retention and reduce burnout were developed by the committee and are provided as best practice recommendations.
Spectroscopic biofeedback on cutaneous carotenoids: A powerful tool for primary prevention in advanced age
Authors: Gehlich Kerstin H. , Koch Georges , Köcher Wolfgang , Meinke Martina C. , Lange‐Asschenfeldt Bernhard , Lademann Jürgen
Published: March 2023

Antioxidants exhibit a powerful defense mechanism against aging and chronic disease. The human skin reflects the overall antioxidant status of the body. The cutaneous carotenoid concentration is a biomarker for individual nutritional intake of antioxidants, as it correlates with the overall antioxidant status. The cutaneous carotenoid concentrations of 44 adults were measured using a multiple spatially resolved reflection spectroscopy. During the first phase of the study, measurements of carotenoid concentrations were performed without revealing the antioxidant status, followed by an intervention phase during which the volunteers were informed about their individual values by biofeedback. During the third phase, biofeedback was combined with an additional intake of fruit juices. Across time points, participants showed increasing levels of carotenoid status. Thus, biofeedback leads to an improvement of the carotenoid value of the skin. Providing a biofeedback measurement to monitor the individual antioxidative status may be an easy and cost‐effective way of primary prevention.
In situ synchrotron PXRD investigation of fresh and aged Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. (horsetail grass)
Authors: Chang Po‐Ya , Chang Chung‐Kai , Chuang Yu‐Chun , Chen Bo‐Hao , Lai Yen‐Chung , Sheu Hwo‐Shuenn
Published: March 2023

As one of the oldest species, horsetail grass (Equisetum ramosissimum Desf.) is known as a living fossil plant, dating back to the Mesozoic era. Horsetail grass is also considered one of the most important sources of bio‐silica due to its ability to accumulate high amounts of silica in all parts of the plant; various minerals can also be isolated by heat treatment. Fresh and aged horsetail grass stored for 2 years under ambient conditions was investigated by synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). Clear crystallites were not observed in a fresh sample stored at room temperature; surprisingly, high amounts of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and syngenite (K2Ca[SO4]2·H2O) were observed in the 2‐day dried and 2‐year aged samples, respectively. However, crystalline silica materials were not observed. In addition, in situ thermal treatment of up to 700°C was applied to investigate the crystals and phase transitions by focusing the X‐ray beam onto a single stem. In situ synchrotron PXRD revealed that dehydration occurred in gypsum in the 2‐day dried sample with an increase in temperature to hemihydrate (CaSO4·xH2O, 0.5 ≤ x ≤ 0.8) and anhydrite (CaSO4). On the other hand, syngenite was transformed to calciolangbeinite (K2Ca2[SO4]3) at high temperatures in 2‐year aged horsetail grass.
Pyroptosis in platelets: Thrombocytopenia and inflammation
Authors: Su Yang , Zhang Tiannan , Qiao Rui
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this manuscript was to conclude the role of platelets in immune inflammation and discuss the complex mechanisms of pyroptosis in platelets as well as their related diseases.

Methods

This article reviewed the existing literature to see the development of pyroptosis in platelets.

Results

Platelets have been shown to be capable of activating inflammasomes assembled from NOD‐like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC) and caspase‐1. Recently, they were also implicated in pyroptosis. Cleaved by caspase‐1, N‐terminal gasdermin D (N‐GSDMD) could form pores in the cell membrane, inducing nonselective intracellular substance release. This programmed cell death induced thrombocytopenia and inflammatory cytokine release such as IL‐1β and IL‐18, promoting platelet aggregation, vaso‐occlusion, endothelial permeability and cascaded inflammatory response.

Conclusion

Pyroptosis in platelets contributes to thrombocytopenia and inflammation.
RABL4/IFT27 in a nucleotide‐independent manner promotes phospholipase D ciliary retrieval via facilitating BBSome reassembly at the ciliary tip
Authors: Liu Yan‐Xia , Zhang Rui‐Kai , Fan Zhen‐Chuan
Published: March 2023

Certain ciliary transmembrane and membrane‐associated signaling proteins export from cilia as intraflagellar transport (IFT) cargoes in a BBSome‐dependent manner. Upon reaching the ciliary tip via anterograde IFT, the BBSome disassembles before being reassembled to form an intact entity for cargo phospholipase D (PLD) coupling. During this BBSome remodeling process, Chlamydomonas Rab‐like 4 GTPase IFT27, by binding its partner IFT25 to form the heterodimeric IFT25/27, is indispensable for BBSome reassembly. Here, we show that IFT27 binds IFT25 in an IFT27 nucleotide‐independent manner. IFT25/27 and the IFT subcomplexes IFT‐A and ‐B are irrelevant for maintaining the stability of one another. GTP‐loading onto IFT27 enhances the IFT25/27 affinity for binding to the IFT‐B subcomplex core IFT‐B1 entity in cytoplasm, while GDP‐bound IFT27 does not prevent IFT25/27 from entering and cycling through cilia by integrating into IFT‐B1. Upon at the ciliary tip, IFT25/27 cycles on and off IFT‐B1 and this process is irrelevant with the nucleotide state of IFT27. During BBSome remodeling at the ciliary tip, IFT25/27 promotes BBSome reassembly independent of IFT27 nucleotide state, making postremodeled BBSomes available for PLD to interact with. Thus, IFT25/27 facilitates BBSome‐dependent PLD export from cilia via controlling availability of intact BBSomes at the ciliary tip, while IFT27 nucleotide state does not participate in this regulatory event.