bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth performance and feed utilisation of Australian hybrid abalone (Haliotis rubra × Haliotis laevigata) fed increasing dietary protein levels at three water temperatures
Authors: Hassan Abdul Lathiff Inamul , Mock Thomas S. , Searle Kieren , Rocker Melissa M. , Turchini Giovanni M. , Francis David S.
Published: November 2023

Determining the macronutrient requirements for commercially valuable aquaculture species remains crucial for maximising production efficiency. Yet, such information is lacking for Australian hybrid abalone (Haliotis rubra × Haliotis laevigata), particularly with respect to life stage and water temperatures. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary protein inclusion level on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation and nutritional quality of juvenile (3·3 g) Australian hybrid abalone reared at three different temperatures representative of winter (12°C), average annual (17°C) and summer (22°C) grow-out periods and fed five diets containing graded dietary protein levels of 35, 38, 41, 44 and 47 %. Abalone growth increased with increasing water temperature with weight gains of approximately 100, 280 and 380 % of their initial weight at 12, 17 and 22°C, respectively. Furthermore, the present study clearly demonstrated that higher dietary protein inclusion levels (41 %) than those currently used commercially (35 %) would significantly improve the growth performance when water temperatures are ≥17°C without any adverse impacts on nutrient utilisation, nutrient deposition or nutritional quality of the abalone soft tissue. For example, at 22°C abalone fed a diet containing 41 % protein obtained a significantly higher weight gain percentage (421 %) compared with those fed a diet containing 35 % protein (356 %). Lastly, it is suggested that maintaining a dietary protein inclusion level of 35 % or implementing a ‘least cost’ feeding approach during cooler seasons, or where water temperatures are ∼12°C, may be beneficial, considering only marginal growth improvements were observed during these periods of slow growth.
Cohomology of a real toric variety and shellability of posets arising from a graph
Authors: Park Boram , Park Seonjeong
Published: November 2023

Given a graph G without loops, the pseudograph associahedron PG is a smooth polytope, so there is a projective smooth toric variety XG corresponding to PG. Taking the real locus of XG, we have the projective smooth real toric variety $X^{\mathbb{R}}_G$. The integral cohomology groups of $X^{\mathbb{R}}_G$ can be computed by studying the topology of certain posets of even subgraphs of G; such a poset is neither pure nor shellable in general. We completely characterize the graphs whose posets of even subgraphs are always shellable. It follows that we get a family of projective smooth real toric varieties whose integral cohomology groups are torsion-free or have only 2-torsion.
Bilateral Warthin's tumour of the parotid gland: a 16-year retrospective analysis and systematic review
Authors: Siddiqui Zohaib , Gupta Ahaan , Nam Ronald H K , Huynh Richard C T , Jan Mikaeel , Dusu Keli , Dhar Vikram
Published: November 2023

Objective

Warthin's tumours are the second most common benign parotid tumours in the UK. The World Health Organization states that 5–14 per cent of patients have bilateral Warthin's tumours. This study aimed to: assess the presence of contralateral Warthin's tumours in patients who underwent surgery over the past 16 years at a head and neck unit in England, and perform the first systematic literature review on bilateral Warthin's tumours.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with Warthin's tumour based on histology between 2005 and 2020. Additionally, a systematic review (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (‘PROSPERO’) registration number: CRD42022326846) was performed using PubMed and the Cochrane Library.

Results

Among 290 patients diagnosed with Warthin's tumours based on histology following surgery, 24.5 per cent had bilateral Warthin's tumours. The systematic review identified 157 papers, with 14 meeting the inclusion criteria.

Conclusion

This study revealed that 24.5 per cent of patients had bilateral Warthin's tumours, deviating from the suggested range. These findings are of interest to surgeons discussing the disease with patients.
Species identification and genetic relationships in the squid family Gonatidae (Teuthida, Cephalopoda) based on partial sequencing of mitochondrial and nuclear genes
Authors: Katugin Oleg N. , Zolotova Anna O.
Published: November 2023

Squids of the family Gonatidae are key components in oceanic communities. However, issues related to correct species identification, number of species, and their genetic relatedness remain. To address these issues, sequences from three mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I [CO1], 16S rRNA, and 12S rRNA) and two nuclear (18S and 28S) genes were analysed in the Gonatidae. Four of the five sequences (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, 28S, and CO1) yielded rather similar patterns of genetic relationships among the species. Molecular evidence suggested intra-familial subdivision into two major groups of species having either five or seven longitudinal rows of teeth in the radula. The former group included all species of the genus Gonatus and two sister-species of Gonatopsis s. str. suggesting that all gonatid species with five rows of radular teeth represent a single taxonomic unit of a genus or subfamily level. Species with seven rows of radular teeth formed several ‘species’ clusters. Sequence analysis also addressed species identification issues in the Gonatidae. Two genetically divergent groups were found among squid which conformed to the description of Gonatus berryi. Molecular evidence suggested sister-species relationships between ‘large’ and ‘small’ forms of Boreoteuthis borealis with size-at-maturity as the only reported difference between these two cohorts. Sequence variation was observed within Gonatus pyros. Inclusion of gonatid sequences from the GenBank into the analysis suggested probable species misidentification in several cases. Combined use of several mitochondrial and nuclear sequences served as a valuable tool for species identification and provided a solid background for unravelling molecular genetic and taxonomic relationships in the Gonatidae.
Emotions, International Relations, and the everyday: Individuals’ emotional attachments to international organisations
Authors: Houde Anne-Marie
Published: November 2023

In recent years, various crises such as the financial crisis, Brexit, and the Covid-19 pandemic have shed light on citizens’ (dis)satisfaction with international organisations (IOs). Yet, despite their crucial importance for the support of IOs, individual citizens’ connection to these organisations remains understudied. This article contributes to the literature on emotion research in International Relations (IR) by exploring the everyday emotions of ordinary individuals about IOs and their repercussions on world politics, moving beyond the state or community level to examine how citizens actually experience international politics. It does so by (i) theorising individuals’ emotional attachments to IOs and demonstrating how they shape perceptions and preferences that impact the future of organisations, and (ii) advocating for the use of focus groups as a research method to study emotions in IR. Contributing to the ‘everyday turn’ in emotion research in IR, it uses the European Union as a case study and analyses 21 focus groups with individuals from four different countries (Belgium, France, Italy, and Portugal). The article’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the micro-political foundation that enables and legitimises government action, and against whose background international relations are conducted.
Comprehension and processing of the universal quantifier in children, adolescents and adults
Authors: MINAI Utako , ITO Kiwako , ROYER Adam
Published: November 2023

Quantifier spreading (Q-spreading), children’s incorrect falsification of a universally-quantified sentence based on an ‘extra-object’ picture, may persist beyond childhood, and children adhere to Q-spreading without changing responses throughout testing. We examined the error patterns across wider age groups (aged 4-79) with a picture-sentence verification eye-tracking task. We also examined whether prosodic emphasis affects their comprehension and processing of universally-quantified sentences. Whereas adults’ comprehension was ceiling, children/adolescents (aged 4-17) showed various comprehension patterns, splitting into: ‘Adult-like responders’ (consistently adult-like), ‘Q-spreaders’ (consistently showing Q-spreading), and ‘Switchers’ (shifted from Q-spreading to adult-like). While adults rarely looked at the extra-object, ‘Q-spreaders’ showed frequent looks throughout testing, and both ‘Switchers’ and ‘Adult-like responders’ exhibited reduced looks to the extra-object, suggesting that avoidance and correction of Q-spreading requires inhibition of the visual attention to the extra-object. The effect of prosodic emphasis on eye movement emerged later for children/adolescents than adults.
On the choosability of -minor-free graphs
Authors: Fischer Olivier , Steiner Raphael
Published: November 2023

Given a graph
$H$
, let us denote by
$f_\chi (H)$
and
$f_\ell (H)$
, respectively, the maximum chromatic number and the maximum list chromatic number of
$H$
-minor-free graphs. Hadwiger’s famous colouring conjecture from 1943 states that
$f_\chi (K_t)=t-1$
for every
$t \ge 2$
. A closely related problem that has received significant attention in the past concerns
$f_\ell (K_t)$
, for which it is known that
$2t-o(t) \le f_\ell (K_t) \le O(t (\!\log \log t)^6)$
. Thus,
$f_\ell (K_t)$
is bounded away from the conjectured value
$t-1$
for
$f_\chi (K_t)$
by at least a constant factor. The so-called
$H$
-Hadwiger’s conjecture, proposed by Seymour, asks to prove that
$f_\chi (H)={\textrm{v}}(H)-1$
for a given graph
$H$
(which would be implied by Hadwiger’s conjecture).

In this paper, we prove several new lower bounds on
$f_\ell (H)$
, thus exploring the limits of a list colouring extension of
$H$
-Hadwiger’s conjecture. Our main results are:

For every
$\varepsilon \gt 0$
and all sufficiently large graphs
$H$
we have
$f_\ell (H)\ge (1-\varepsilon )({\textrm{v}}(H)+\kappa (H))$
, where
$\kappa (H)$
denotes the vertex-connectivity of
$H$
.

For every
$\varepsilon \gt 0$
there exists
$C=C(\varepsilon )\gt 0$
such that asymptotically almost every
$n$
-vertex graph
$H$
with
$\left \lceil C n\log n\right \rceil$
edges satisfies
$f_\ell (H)\ge (2-\varepsilon )n$
.

The first result generalizes recent results on complete and complete bipartite graphs and shows that the list chromatic number of
$H$
-minor-free graphs is separated from the desired value of
$({\textrm{v}}(H)-1)$
by a constant factor for all large graphs
$H$
of linear connectivity. The second result tells us that for almost all graphs
$H$
with superlogarithmic average degree
$f_\ell (H)$
is separated from
$({\textrm{v}}(H)-1)$
by a constant factor arbitrarily close to
$2$
. Conceptually these results indicate that the graphs
$H$
for which
$f_\ell (H)$
is close to the conjectured value
$({\textrm{v}}(H)-1)$
for
$f_\chi (H)$
are typically rather sparse.
A comparison of total cost estimates between exclusive breast-feeding and breast milk substitute usage in humanitarian contexts
Authors: Mowl Zoe Katherine , LeFevre Amnesty , Ververs Mija
Published: November 2023

Objective:

Using a model-based analysis, we calculated the total costs associated with the exclusive breast-feeding (EBF) and breast milk substitute (BMS) usage for one infant for six months within select humanitarian contexts to (a) determine if there is a notable difference in costs and (b) use these results to inform future creation of data-informed humanitarian response standard operating procedures.

Design:

The inputs and costing data were drawn from a mixture of local e-commerce vendors, peer-reviewed literature and personal communications with field-based humanitarian responders. To account for cost fluctuations, each input’s costs along with low and high parameters are presented. All costs are presented in 2021 United States Dollars.

Setting:

Humanitarian responses within Indonesia and Jordan.

Participants:

Not applicable.

Results:

There was a notable difference in the total cost of care in both selected locations across the study arms (Indonesia: $542; Jordan: $892).

Conclusions:

Given the reality of limited funding for comprehensive humanitarian response around the world and the necessity of prioritising certain interventions, humanitarian response organisations should consider the notable cost difference between EBF and BMS usage (along with the proven health benefits of EBF). This difference should play a role in informing the future creation of standard operating procedures while also ensuring that all infants within a humanitarian crisis receive appropriate feeding.
Citizenship Deprivation in the Courts: Unveiling States’ Constitutional Structures
Authors: Pougnet Rachel
Published: November 2023

Citizenship deprivation on security grounds – Difference in state practices – Underlying citizenship regimes and states’ constitutional structures – Constitutional roles attributed to the citizen – Judicial decisions on citizenship deprivation – Comparison with a focus on France and the United Kingdom
Control from the core? The impact of cabinet committees on ministers’ legislative activity
Authors: Nielsen Peter Heyn
Published: November 2023

Ministers may be powerful policy initiators, but they are not equally powerful. Cabinet control mechanisms have become a crucial part of cabinet governance, which can serve to contain agency loss and consequently constrain ministers in the policymaking process. However, empirical studies have not focused on the impact of such control mechanisms on individual ministers’ political outcomes. I turn attention to certain cabinet committees as intra-cabinet control mechanisms and argue that members of these enjoy a policymaking advantage compared to nonmembers. Analyzing ministers’ number of laws proposed to parliament in Denmark from 1975 to 2022, I look beyond parties as unitary actors and provide evidence for this causal relationship. Membership of the Economic Committee increases ministers’ legislative activity. Thus, even within parties in cabinet, ministers have unequal possibilities to act as policy-seeking. These findings offer new insights into political parties in governments, cabinet governance, policymaking, and legislative processes.
A tunable balanced phase shifter with wide operating bandwidth
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wang Binghe , Wang Bin , Shi Jin , Xu Kai
Published: November 2023

A wideband tunable balanced phase shifter is achieved by utilizing varactor-loaded coupled lines (VLCLs)-embedded multistage branch-line structure. The tunable phase shift with low in-band phase deviation is attributed to the regulation in phase shift of the VLCLs and the horizontal microstrip lines in series. The wideband differential-mode (DM) impedance matching and common-mode (CM) suppression are due to multiple DM transmission poles and CM transmission zeros, which are brought about by the cascade of VLCLs and a microstrip line with short-circuited stubs in the DM-equivalent circuit and open-circuited stubs in the CM-equivalent circuit, respectively. Compared with the state-of-the-art tunable balanced phase shifters, the proposed design not only has the advantages of wide operating bandwidth (BW) with low in-band phase deviation but also has low insertion loss and easily fabricated structure. Theoretical analysis and design procedure were conducted, resulting in a prototype covering the frequency of 1.8 GHz. This prototype offers a tunable phase shift capability ranging from 0° to 90°. The prototype exhibits an operating BW of 45%, with a maximum phase deviation of ±6°. It also achieves a 10 dB DM return loss and CM suppression, while maintaining a maximum insertion loss of 2.5 dB.
Tracking Eruption Column Thermal Evolution and Source Unsteadiness in Ground‐Based Thermal Imagery Using Spectral‐Clustering
Authors: Rowell C. R. , Jellinek A. M. , Gilchrist J. T.
Published: November 2023

Volcanic eruption columns typically have unsteady source conditions, where mass and heat fluxes from the vent evolve or fluctuate on time scales from seconds to hours. However, integral plume models routinely assume source conditions that are statistically stationary, and the degree to which source unsteadiness influences the mechanics of column rise and air entrainment has not been established with quantitative predictions. We address this knowledge gap by examining eruptions with varying unsteady character at Sabancaya Volcano, Peru. Using a novel tracking algorithm based on spectral clustering, we track the spatiotemporal evolution of coherent turbulent structures in columns using ground‐based, thermal infrared imagery. For turbulent structures tracked in time and space, we calculate the power law decay exponent of excess temperature with height. In general, the starting pulses of transient events are characterized by power law exponents matching theoretical predictions for an instantaneous point release of buoyancy (i.e., a thermal), which evolve with sustained emissions to values consistent with steady plumes. Our results support previous findings from field evidence and laboratory experiments that entrainment and gravitational stability in unsteady volcanic columns are inadequately captured by time‐averaging or constant entrainment coefficients. We propose a quantitative definition for column source unsteadiness which captures the timing and magnitude of source fluctuations on time scales that influence entrainment mechanics, and which provisionally predicts our observed differences in power law behavior. We argue for systematic experimental and numerical studies of the relationship between source unsteadiness and entrainment to implement unsteady entrainment parameterizations for integral plume models.
On the Role of Mild Substorms and Enhanced Hall Conductivity in the Plasma Irregularities Onset and Zonal Drift Reversals: Experimental Evidence at Distinct Longitudes Over South America
Authors: Sousasantos J. , Rodrigues F. S. , Fejer B. G. , Abdu M. A. , Massoud A. A. , Valladares C. E.
Published: November 2023

The 14‐panel Advanced Modular Incoherent Scatter Radar (AMISR‐14) system deployed at Jicamarca observed equatorial spread F plumes on two consecutive nights under unfavorable seasonal and solar flux conditions during a period that can be categorized as geomagnetically quiet. The AMISR‐14 capability of observing in multiple pointing directions allowed the characterization of the irregularity zonal drifts revealing that, in addition to their atypical occurrence, the zonal drifts of these plumes/irregularities also presented distinct patterns from one night to another, reversing from east to west on the second night. This work addresses two main subjects: (a) the mechanisms that may have led to the generation of these irregularities, despite the unfavorable conditions, and (b) the mechanisms that possibly led to the reversal (east‐to‐west) in the zonal plasma drift on the second night. To do so a multi‐instrumented and multi‐location investigation was performed. The results indicate the occurrence of simultaneous spread‐F events over the Peruvian and the Brazilian regions, evidencing a non‐local process favoring the development of the irregularities. The results also suggest that, even under very mild geomagnetic perturbation conditions, the recurring penetration of electric fields in the equatorial ionosphere can occur promptly, modifying the equatorial electrodynamics and providing favorable conditions for the plume development. Moreover, the results confirm that the eastward penetration electric fields, combined with the upsurge of Hall conductivity in the nighttime typically associated with the presence of sporadic‐E layers, are likely to be the mechanism leading to the reversal in the irregularity zonal drifts over these regions.
Volcanic Diffuse Volatile Emissions Tracked by Plant Responses Detectable From Space
Authors: Bogue Robert R. , Douglas Peter M. J. , Fisher Joshua B. , Stix John
Published: November 2023

Volcanic volatile emissions provide information about volcanic unrest but are difficult to detect with satellites. Volcanic degassing affects plants by elevating local CO2 and H2O concentrations, which may increase photosynthesis. Satellites can detect plant health, or a reaction to photosynthesis, through a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). This can act as a potential proxy for detecting changes in volcanic volatile emissions from space. We tested this method by analyzing 185 Landsat 5 and 8 images of the Tern Lake thermal area (TLTA) in northeast Yellowstone caldera from 1984 to 2022. We compared the NDVI values of the thermal area with those of similar nearby forests that were unaffected by hydrothermal activity to determine how hydrothermal activity impacted the vegetation. From 1984 to 2000, plant health in the TLTA steadily increased relative to the background forests, suggesting that vegetation in the TLTA was fertilized by volcanic CO2 and/or magmatic water. Hydrothermal activity began to stress plants in 2002, and by 2006, large swathes of trees were dying in the hydrothermal area. Throughout most of the 1990s, the least healthy plants were located in the area which became the epicenter of hydrothermal activity in 2000. These findings suggest that plant‐focused measurements are sensitive to minor levels of volcanic unrest which may not be detected by other remote sensing methods, such as infrared temperature measurements. This method could be a safe and effective new tool for detecting changes in volatile emissions in volcanic environments which are dangerous or difficult to access.
Age and Geochemistry of High Arctic Large Igneous Province Tholeiitic Magmatism in NW Axel Heiberg Island, Canada
Authors: Deegan F. M. , Pease V. , Nobre Silva I. G. , Bédard J. H. , Morris G.
Published: November 2023

The Cretaceous High Arctic Large Igneous Province (HALIP) in Canada involved extrusion of continental flood basalts (CFBs) at 130–120 Ma and 100‐95 Ma and emplacement of an extensive sill and dike network that intersected the Carboniferous to Paleogene Sverdrup Basin. In this paper, we present new 40Ar/39Ar ages, major and trace elements, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope ratios for HALIP lava, dikes, and sills from Bukken Fiord, NW Axel Heiberg Island, Canadian Arctic Islands. Our best constrained 40Ar/39Ar ages yield a weighted average of 124.1 ± 1 (2σ) Ma, coincident with the first pulse of tholeiitic CFB magmatism in the Arctic‐wide HALIP as exemplified by Isachsen Formation flood basalts on Axel Heiberg Island. The Bukken Fiord samples are plagioclase and clinopyroxene‐phyric tholeiitic basalts, are relatively evolved (3.2–6.5 wt% MgO), and share similar major and trace element compositions to typical HALIP tholeiites. Initial 143Nd/144Nd ranges from 0.51260 to 0.51291 and initial 87Sr/86Sr ranges from 0.70362 to 0.70776, while measured 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb range from 18.614 to 19.199, 15.534 to 15.630, and 38.404 to 39.054, respectively. The most primitive sample in this study has Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope signatures that suggest an enriched plume‐derived mantle source for HALIP tholeiites. Most samples, however, possess relatively radiogenic isotope signatures that can be explained by moderate degrees of assimilation of Sverdrup Basin sedimentary rocks. Magma‐crust interaction in the HALIP plumbing system was likely widespread and may have increased the environmental impact of the HALIP, particularly if crustal carbon was volatilized.
A Pan‐Arctic Algorithm to Estimate Dissolved Organic Carbon Concentrations From Colored Dissolved Organic Matter Spectral Absorption
Authors: Gonçalves‐Araujo Rafael , Granskog Mats A. , Osburn Christopher L. , Kowalczuk Piotr , Stedmon Colin A.
Published: November 2023

Sampling for dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the Arctic is challenging given the limited access and because it is not yet possible to measure with instruments deployed in situ. Compared to DOC, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption spectroscopy is an easy‐to‐measure, relatively quick and cost‐effective approach which is often closely related to DOC concentrations in water samples. Here we present an algorithm based on quantitative and qualitative metrics of CDOM to provide DOC estimates derived from a Pan‐Arctic data set (n = 3,302) spanning rivers to deep ocean, with DOC ranging between 31 and 1,958 μM. The algorithm provided robust DOC estimates (r2 = 0.94; p < 0.0001) and could reproduce DOC profiles and mixing plots across different locations in the Arctic Ocean. Besides its simplicity, this method is capable of capturing the extremely broad range of DOC within the strong gradients observed between Arctic riverine and marine systems.
Alpine Ductile Deformation of the Upper Iberian Collided Margin (Eaux‐Chaudes Massif, West‐Central Pyrenean Hinterland, France)
Authors: Caldera Norbert , Teixell Antonio , Griera Albert , Labaume Pierre , Guardia Marc
Published: November 2023

The Eaux‐Chaudes massif provides keys to unravel the deep‐seated deformation of the Iberian rifted margin during the Alpine orogeny in the Pyrenees. The massif conforms to an inlier of upper Cretaceous carbonate rocks within the Paleozoic basement of the western Axial Zone, originally deposited in the upper margin shelf before the Cenozoic collision. New geological mapping and cross‐section construction lead to the description of the lateral structural variation from a km‐scale fold nappe in the west to a ductile, imbricate fold‐thrust fan in the east. The transition from a Variscan pluton to Devonian metasediments underlying the autochthonous Cretaceous induced this structural change. Recumbent folding, which involved upper Paleozoic rocks, was facilitated by a lower detachment in Silurian slates and an upper detachment in an overlying Keuper shale and evaporite thrust sheet. Remnants of this allochthonous sheet form shale and ophite bodies pinched within the upper Cretaceous carbonates, conforming unusual tertiary welds. Ductile shear in the overturned limb of the Eaux‐Chaudes fold nappe imparted strong mylonitic foliation in carbonate rocks, often accompanied by N‐S stretching lineation and top‐to‐the‐south kinematic indicators. The burial of the massif by basement‐involved thrust sheets and the Keuper sheet, along with their Mesozoic‐Cenozoic cover, account for ductile deformation conditions and a structural style not reported hitherto for the Alpine Pyrenees. A hypothesis for the tectonic restoration of this part of the Pyrenean hinterland is finally proposed.
The impact of leucine supplementation on body composition and glucose tolerance following energy restriction: an 8-week RCT in adults at risk of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Pathak Kaveri , Zhao Yun , Calton Emily K. , James Anthony P. , Newsholme Philip , Sherriff Jill , Soares Mario J.
Published: November 2023

Background

L-Leucine (Leu) supplementation may benefit fat-free mass (FFM) per se and glucose metabolism.

Objectives

To determine whether Leu supplementation during energy restriction blunted the loss of FFM, enhanced the loss of fat mass (FM) and improved glucose tolerance.

Design

Thirty-seven adults, aged 20–65 years, with increased waist circumference and at least one other metabolic syndrome (MetS) component, were selected. We employed a two-arm parallel, double blind, randomized control trial (RCT) design. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (leucine – 3 g/d) or placebo (lactose - 2.67 g/d), while following an individualised energy restricted diet for an 8-week period. Detailed body composition (DEXA), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin and components of MetS were measured before and after the trial. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) assessed the effect of Leu on an intention-to-treat (ITT) principle. Bootstrapping method with 1000 bootstrap samples was used to derive parameter estimates, standard errors, p-values, and 95% confidence intervals for all outcomes.

Results

Adjusted for baseline values and other covariates, FFM (p = 0.045) and lean tissue mass (LTM) (p = 0.050) were significantly higher following Leu. These outcomes were modified by a significant treatment x sex interaction that indicated Leu had the greater effect in men. However, on adjustment for body composition changes, there was no difference in insulin sensitivity, oral glucose tolerance, or change in MetS components following Leu.

Conclusion

Short-term leucine supplementation during energy restriction resulted in a greater preservation of FFM and LTM particularly in men, but did not impact glucose metabolism.
Platoon dispersion model in the mixed traffic environment
Authors: Cheng Wei , Chen Ye-xiao
Published: November 2023

To describe the phenomenon of platoon dispersion in the mixed traffic environment and provide a theoretical basis for signal timing optimization in the mixed traffic environment. Based on Robertson’s platoon dispersion model, this paper fully considers the characteristics of mixed traffic conditions, and models the platoon dispersion in the mixed traffic environment. Firstly, considering the influence of the percentage of non-motor vehicles on the platoon dispersion, the functional relationship between the percentage of non-motor vehicles and the parameters of the platoon dispersion model is derived, and the parameters of the Robertson platoon dispersion model are calibrated. Secondly, through the data collected from Zitai Road in the city of Kunming, the required model parameters are calculated, and the arrival flow rate distribution downstream of the intersection is obtained. Finally, according to the measured data, the proposed model is compared with the classical Robertson model. The results show that compared with the Robertson model, the average prediction mean square error of the proposed model is reduced by 5.89%, which can better describe the dispersion law of the mixed traffic under the influence of different percentage of non-motorized vehicles.
Machine learning-based cluster analysis of immune cell subtypes and breast cancer survival
Authors: Wang Zhanwei , Katsaros Dionyssios , Wang Junlong , Biglio Nicholetta , Hernandez Brenda Y. , Fei Peiwen , Lu Lingeng , Risch Harvey , Yu Herbert
Published: November 2023

Host immunity involves various immune cells working in concert to achieve balanced immune response. Host immunity interacts with tumorigenic process impacting disease outcome. Clusters of different immune cells may reveal unique host immunity in relation to breast cancer progression. CIBERSORT algorithm was used to estimate relative abundances of 22 immune cell types in 3 datasets, METABRIC, TCGA, and our study. The cell type data in METABRIC were analyzed for cluster using unsupervised hierarchical clustering (UHC). The UHC results were employed to train machine learning models. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression survival analyses were performed to assess cell clusters in association with relapse-free and overall survival. Differentially expressed genes by clusters were interrogated with IPA for molecular signatures. UHC analysis identified two distinct immune cell clusters, clusters A (83.2%) and B (16.8%). Memory B cells, plasma cells, CD8 positive T cells, resting memory CD4 T cells, activated NK cells, monocytes, M1 macrophages, and resting mast cells were more abundant in clusters A than B, whereas regulatory T cells and M0 and M2 macrophages were more in clusters B than A. Patients in cluster A had favorable survival. Similar survival associations were also observed in other independent studies. IPA analysis showed that pathogen-induced cytokine storm signaling pathway, phagosome formation, and T cell receptor signaling were related to the cell type clusters. Our finding suggests that different immune cell clusters may indicate distinct immune responses to tumor growth, suggesting their potential for disease management.
Large bi-axial tensile strain effect in epitaxial BiFeO3 film grown on single crystal PrScO3
Authors: Bae In-Tae , Lingley Zachary R. , Foran Brendan J. , Adams Paul M. , Paik Hanjong
Published: November 2023

A BiFeO3 film is grown epitaxially on a PrScO3 single crystal substrate which imparts ~ 1.45% of biaxial tensile strain to BiFeO3 resulting from lattice misfit. The biaxial tensile strain effect on BiFeO3 is investigated in terms of crystal structure, Poisson ratio, and ferroelectric domain structure. Lattice resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy, precession electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction results clearly show that in-plane interplanar distance of BiFeO3 is the same as that of PrScO3 with no sign of misfit dislocations, indicating that the biaxial tensile strain caused by lattice mismatch between BiFeO3 and PrScO3 are stored as elastic energy within BiFeO3 film. Nano-beam electron diffraction patterns compared with structure factor calculation found that the BiFeO3 maintains rhombohedral symmetry, i.e., space group of R3c. The pattern analysis also revealed two crystallographically distinguishable domains. Their relations with ferroelectric domain structures in terms of size and spontaneous polarization orientations within the domains are further understood using four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy technique.
Deep learning system for automated detection of posterior ligamentous complex injury in patients with thoracolumbar fracture on MRI
Authors: Jo Sang Won , Khil Eun Kyung , Lee Kyoung Yeon , Choi Il , Yoon Yu Sung , Cha Jang Gyu , Lee Jae Hyeok , Kim Hyunggi , Lee Sun Yeop
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) algorithm for automated detection and localization of posterior ligamentous complex (PLC) injury in patients with acute thoracolumbar (TL) fracture on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and evaluate its diagnostic performance. In this retrospective multicenter study, using midline sagittal T2-weighted image with fracture (± PLC injury), a training dataset and internal and external validation sets of 300, 100, and 100 patients, were constructed with equal numbers of injured and normal PLCs. The DL algorithm was developed through two steps (Attention U-net and Inception-ResNet-V2). We evaluate the diagnostic performance for PLC injury between the DL algorithm and radiologists with different levels of experience. The area under the curves (AUCs) generated by the DL algorithm were 0.928, 0.916 for internal and external validations, and by two radiologists for observer performance test were 0.930, 0.830, respectively. Although no significant difference was found in diagnosing PLC injury between the DL algorithm and radiologists, the DL algorithm exhibited a trend of higher AUC than the radiology trainee. Notably, the radiology trainee's diagnostic performance significantly improved with DL algorithm assistance. Therefore, the DL algorithm exhibited high diagnostic performance in detecting PLC injuries in acute TL fractures.
Role of Microwaves in Heterogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Horikoshi S. , Serpone N.
Published: November 2023

This chapter discusses solid-state catalytic reactions using the microwave heterogeneous microscopic thermal effect (MHMTE), and its positive effects in terms of chemical reactions examined from our research experience. In addition, the distribution of heat in solid catalysts during the generation of MHMTE is also explained using a coupled analysis of electromagnetic fields and heat transfer in computer simulations. On the other hand, it should be noted that there are ineffective chemical reactions despite the generation of MHMTE. The principle of the generation of hotspots (electric discharges and plasmas) in microwave chemistry will be described, as hotspot formation poses a peculiar problem for solid catalyst reactions when microwaves are used; the methods to suppress the occurrence of hotspots shall be discoursed.
Microwave-assisted Extraction of Lignin from Biomass
Authors: Ahmad Khwaja Alamgir , Pant Kamal Kishore , Al Mesfer Mohammed K. , Ahmad Ejaz
Published: November 2023

The present chapter discusses microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of lignin from biomass. In particular, the lignin structure, applications, and characterization techniques have been discussed. MAE of lignin from biomass is considered an efficient and environmentally friendly method due to its less energy and chemical requirements. Moreover, it can be performed at a lower operating temperature and pressure compared to conventional methods, which helps to preserve the structural integrity of lignin. Therefore, microwave-assisted lignin extraction from various feedstocks such as wood, straw, and agricultural waste is discussed in this chapter. Furthermore, the effect of biomass, solvent used, microwave power and frequency, extraction time and temperature, solid-to-solvent ratios, and the presence of catalysts in lignin extraction is elaborated. A discussion of different characterization tools such as spectroscopic, chromatography, and structural analysis follows because it is necessary to understand lignin’s properties and its potential applications. Overall, MAE is a promising method for lignin extraction that offers several advantages over conventional methods, albeit further research is needed to optimize the process and address the challenges associated with MAE.
Microwave Catalysis in Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Zhou Jicheng , Xu Wentao
Published: November 2023

The use of microwave (MW) irradiation to increase the rate of chemical reactions has attracted much attention recently. However, the intrinsic nature of the effects of MW irradiation on chemical reactions remains unclear. Herein, the highly efficient conversion of NO and decomposition of H2S via MW catalysis were addressed. The reaction temperature was decreased by several hundred degrees centigrade. Moreover, the apparent activation energy (Ea′) decreased substantially under MW irradiation. Importantly, a model explaining the interactions between microwave electromagnetic waves and molecules is proposed to elucidate the intrinsic reason for the reduction in the Ea′ under MW irradiation, and a formula for the quantitative estimation of the decrease in the Ea′ was determined. MW irradiation energy was partially transformed to reduce the Ea′, highlighting that MW irradiation is a new type of power energy for speeding up chemical reactions. The effect of MW irradiation on chemical reactions was determined. Our findings challenge both the classical view of MW irradiation as only a heating method and the controversial MW non-thermal effect and open a promising avenue for the development of novel MW catalytic reaction technology. We have developed microwave catalysis for application in energy and environmental catalytic reactions. We have also developed microwave catalytic oxidation reaction technology for the degradation of organics in wastewater.
Microwave-assisted Glycerol Conversion into Valuable Chemicals
Authors: Estevez Rafael , La Parola Valeria , Bautista Felipa M. , Testa Maria Luisa
Published: November 2023

This chapter describes the effectiveness of microwave irradiation as a new synthetic technique for the conversion of glycerol into valuable chemicals. In particular, microwave irradiation quickly activates the reactants, favouring their interaction with the catalysts and leading to the conversion of glycerol for the formation of several important chemicals.
Advances in the synthesis of heteroatom-doped graphene-based materials and their application in sensors, adsorbents and catalysis
Authors: Xian Ziwei , Chen Yanmei , Li Na , Zhu Tao
Published: November 2023

This review focuses on synthesis methods for N, B, P, and S co-doped graphenes and graphene-based composites and comprehensively discusses their recent applications in the fields of sensors, adsorbents and catalysis.
Stromal and tumor immune microenvironment reprogramming through multifunctional cisplatin-based liposomes boosts the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yu Hang , Zhu Wenting , Lin Caiyan , Jia Menglei , Tan Xiaoxiao , Yuan Zhongwen , Feng Senglin , Yan Pengke
Published: November 2023

Application of ATF decorated cisplatin liposomes and anti PD-1 antibodies to mice with pancreatic cancer showed improved efficacy by enhancing drug penetration and remodeling the immunosuppressive microenvironment.
Oxygen vacancy-promoted photocatalytic H2O2 production over bismuth oxybromide nanosheets
Authors: Chu Hongxiang , Li Ruofan , Zeng Di , Wang Wenjing , Cui Bingkun , Jia Taikang , Zhang Ling , Wang Wenzhong
Published: November 2023

The introduction of oxygen vacancies enables photocatalytic production of H2O2 over BiOBr without noble metal cocatalysts.
Dynamic supramolecular hydrogels mediated by chemical reactions
Authors: Chen Jingjing , Wang Hucheng , Long Feng , Bai Shengyu , Wang Yiming
Published: November 2023

This Feature Article summarizes the recent advances in the chemical reaction mediated supramolecular hydrogels and provides perspectives for further advances.
Excitation wavelength-dependent multi-coloured and white-light emissive pyrene-based hydrazones: suppression of Kasha's rule
Authors: M Naveen Kumar , Lyngkhoi Deikrisha Lyngdoh , Gaikwad Sudhakar , Samanta Jayanta , Ahamed Rafiq , Khatua Snehadrinarayan , Pramanik Susnata
Published: November 2023

Multi-coloured and white-light emissions from pyrene-based hydrazones are described.
The effect of Ge doping concentration on the electrochemical performance of silicene anode for lithium-ion batteries: a first-principles study
Authors: Song Jun , Jiang Mingjie , Yuwono Jodie A. , Liu Sailin , Wang Jingxiu , Zhang Qi , Chen Yuhui , Zhang Jun , Wu Xuehong , Liu Juanfang
Published: November 2023

The Ge concentration has an important influence on the electrochemical performance of germasilicene structures, among which Si6Ge2 shows the best performance.
Effect of copper doping on plasmonic nanofilms for high performance photovoltaic energy applications
Authors: Tariq Ghulam Hasnain , Asghar Ghulam , Shifa M. Shahzad , Anis-Ur-Rehman M. , Ullah Sana , Shah Zulfiqar Ali , Ziani Imane , Tawfeek Ahmed M. , Sher Farooq
Published: November 2023

In the current era, alternative but environment-friendly sources of energy have gained attention to meet the growing energy demands.
Synergistic effect of Fenton pretreatment and hydrothermal carbonization of lignin on the physicochemical properties of the resulting hydrochar
Authors: Fu Jiaqian , Bai Li , Chi Mingshu , Xu Xiuling , Yu Kecheng , Wang Miao
Published: November 2023

Mechanistic description of the synergistic effect of Fenton pretreatment and hydrothermal carbonization on lignin.
An emerging direction for nanozyme design: from single-atom to dual-atomic-site catalysts
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Yong , Lee Lawrence Yoon Suk , Wong Kwok-Yin
Published: November 2023

This mini-review captures the emerging direction of nanozymes and presents a comprehensive overview of dual-atomic site nanozymes. It guides the exploration of next-generation nanozymes and inspires further innovation in the field.
Augmented improved nested array with enhanced degrees of freedom and reduced mutual coupling effect
Authors: Yu Weichuang , He Peiyu , Liu Huiheng , Qiu Da
Published: November 2023

To reduce mutual coupling of an improved nested array (INA), the authors propose an augmented improved nested array (AINA) by splitting the dense subarray of the INA into two parts and rearranging one of them on the right side of the last element in the INA, which enhances the number of unique lags in difference coarray and reduces the number of element pairs with small separations. The closed‐form expressions for the physical element locations, the range of consecutive lags and the number of unique lags are derived for any given element number. It is indicated that the AINA possesses higher degrees of freedom and less mutual coupling than the common sparse arrays. Numerical simulations verify the superiority of the proposed configuration.
Two-dimensional MHD modelling of switchbacks from jetlets in the slow solar wind
Authors: Biondo Ruggero , Bemporad Alessandro , Pagano Paolo , Reale Fabio
Published: November 2023

Solar wind switchbacks are polarity reversals of the magnetic field, recently frequently measured by Parker Solar Probe inside 0.2 AU. In this Letter we show that magnetic switchbacks, similar to those observed by PSP, are reproduced by injecting a time-limited collimated high-speed stream in the Parker spiral. We performed a 2D magnetohydrodynamics simulation with the PLUTO code of a slightly inclined jet at 1000 km s−1 between 5 and 60 R⊙. The jet rapidly develops a field inversion at its wings and, at the same time, it is bent by the Parker spiral. The match with the radial outward wind field creates two asymmetric switchbacks, one that bends to the anti-clockwise and one that bends to the clockwise direction in the ecliptic plane, with the last one being the most extended. The simulation shows that such S-shaped magnetic features travel with the jet and persist for several hours and to large distances from the Sun (beyond 20 R⊙). We show the evolution of physical quantities as they would be measured by a hypothetical detector at a fixed position when crossed by the switchback, for comparison with in situ measurements.
Prevalence and distribution of subtypes of Blastocystis in Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus macrourus), bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus), and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) farmed in Hainan, China
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhang Yun , Li Jiaqi , Ren Guangxu , Qiang Yu , Wang Yuan , Lai Xiuyi , Lei Sheng , Liu Rui , Chen Yuankun , Huang Huicong , Li Wenting , Lu Gang , Tan Feng
Published: November 2023

Blastocystis sp. is an important gastrointestinal parasite with global distribution, prevalent in humans, farmed animals, and wildlife. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines (Atherurus macrourus), bamboo rats (Rhizomys pruinosus), and masked palm civets (Paguma larvata) in Hainan Province, China. A total of 900 fecal samples were collected from three farmed animal species including 257 porcupines, 360 rats, and 283 civets. Genomic DNA was extracted from each fecal sample and Blastocystis sp. was detected by PCR at the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum likelihood method. Blastocystis sp. was detected in 47 (5.2%) fecal samples: 12 (4.7%) Asiatic brush-tailed porcupines, 8 (2.2%) bamboo rats, and 27 (9.5%) masked palm civets. Three known Blastocystis sp. subtypes, including ST1, ST4, ST5, and one unnamed subtype (unST), were found in one, 19, 26, and one animal, respectively. Subtypes ST4 and unST were detected in porcupines, ST4 in rats, and ST1 and ST5 in civets. Our results suggest that the three farmed animal species reported in this study could serve as reservoirs for potentially zoonotic Blastocystis sp. subtypes and transmit this parasite to humans, other farmed animals, and wildlife.