bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adiponectin‐to‐leptin ratio and incident chronic kidney disease: Sex and body composition‐dependent association
Authors: Park Hye‐Sun , Park Sang Ho , Seong Yeseul , Kim Hyo Jeong , Choi Hoon Young , Rhee Yumie , Park Hyeong Cheon , Jhee Jong Hyun
Published: April 2024

Background

The association between the adiponectin‐to‐leptin ratio (A/L ratio) and the risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between A/L ratio and the risk of incident CKD and to examine whether such a relationship varied according to sex and body composition.

Methods

In this prospective community‐based cohort, participants with normal kidney function were analysed (N = 5192). The association between the A/L ratio at baseline and the risk of incident CKD, defined as two or more occasions with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 mL/min/m2 or proteinuria of ≥1+ on a dipstick test during the follow‐up period, was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on sex, body mass index (BMI) and the presence of sarcopenia.

Results

The participants' mean age was 57.2 ± 8.3 years, and 53.2% were women. The A/L ratio was higher in men compared with women (1.5 [0.8–3.2] and 0.5 [0.3–0.9] μg/ng, P < 0.001). During a median follow‐up of 9.8 [9.5–10.0] years, 417 incident CKD events occurred (8.7 per 1000 person‐years). Men in the highest quartile of A/L ratio had a lower risk of incident CKD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33–0.99) than those in the lowest quartile. Additionally, a 1.0 increase in A/L ratio was associated with a 12% decreased risk of incident CKD in men (aHR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80–0.97). However, no significant association was observed in women. In subgroup analysis stratified by BMI and the presence of sarcopenia, the association between a high A/L ratio and a reduced risk of incident CKD was consistent in men with a BMI < 23.0 kg/m2 and those with sarcopenia. However, no significant association was observed between men with a BMI ≥ 23.0 kg/m2 and those without sarcopenia.

Conclusions

A high A/L ratio is an independent marker of a reduced risk of incident CKD in men, especially in those with a BMI < 23.0 kg/m2 and sarcopenia.
The evaluation of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in children with obesity with vibration‐controlled transient elastography
Authors: Arsoy Hanife Ayşegül , Kara Özlem , Keskin Murat
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Parallel to the worldwide increase in obesity, the epidemic of chronic liver disease is increasing also in pediatric population. Our aim is to provide a different outlook on the current screening confusion in pediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with the non‐invasive vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) method.

Materials and Methods

This single‐center, cross‐sectional, comparative study was performed at the tertiary center, included 95 patients with obesity and 116 controls, both groups were 9–18 years of ages. VCTE examinations performed in all patients. The cut‐off values for controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were established by comparing the study and control groups.

Results

The cut‐off for CAP was determined as >236 dB/m when comparing the two groups. The AUC was 0.900 (95% CI, 0.851–0.937) and the diagnostic accuracy was 77.9% and 91.4% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively. The cut‐off value for LSM >5 kPa was determined by comparison of the two groups. The AUC was 0.794 (95% CI, 0.733–0.846) and the diagnostic accuracies were 50.5% and 90.5% for sensitivity and specificity, respectively.

Conclusions

There is no benchmark method for screening pediatric NAFLD. However, VCTE is a promising method for screening pediatric NAFLD. It is accessible, repeatable and practical.
Predictors of Sinonasal Improvement After Highly Effective Modulator Therapy in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Beswick Daniel M. , Liu Christine M. , Overdevest Jonathan B. , Zemke Anna , Khatiwada Aastha , Gudis David A. , Miller Jessa E. , Kimple Adam , Tervo Jeremy P. , DiMango Emily , Goralski Jennifer L. , Keating Claire , Senior Brent , Stapleton Amanda L. , Eshaghian Patricia H. , Mace Jess C. , Markarian Karolin , Alt Jeremiah A. , Bodner Todd E. , Chowdhury Naweed I. , Getz Anne E. , Hwang Peter H. , Khanwalker Ashoke , Lee Jivianne T. , Li Douglas A. , Norris Meghan , Nayak Jayakar V. , Owens Cameran , Patel Zara M. , Poch Katie , Schlosser Rodney J. , Smith Kristine A. , Smith Timothy L. , Soler Zachary M. , Suh Jeffrey D. , Turner Grant A. , Wang Marilene B. , Saavedra Milene T. , Taylor Cousar Jennifer L.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The 22‐question SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) assesses chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) severity. We aimed to identify predictors of SNOT‐22 score improvement following highly effective modulator therapy (HEMT) initiation and to corroborate the SNOT‐22 minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Methods

Prospective observational data was pooled from four studies across 10 US centers investigating people with CF (PwCF) and CRS. Three studies evaluated HEMT's impact on CRS. For participants enrolled prior to HEMT initiation, SNOT‐22 scores were obtained at baseline and after 3–6 months of HEMT. Multivariate regression identified predictors of improvement. Cronbach's alpha and four distribution‐based methods were used to assess internal consistency and calculate the MCID of the SNOT‐22.

Results

A total of 184 PwCF participated with mean baseline SNOT‐22 scores ranging from 18.1 to 56.7. Cronbach's alpha was ≥0.90 across sites. Participants at sites with pre‐ and post‐HEMT data reported improvement in SNOT‐22 scores after initiating HEMT (all p < 0.05). Worse baseline SNOT‐22 score (odds ratio (OR): 1.05, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.02–1.08), F508del homozygosity (OR: 4.30, p = 0.040, 95% CI: 1.14–18.99), and absence of prior modulator therapy (OR: 4.99, p = 0.017, 95% CI: 1.39–20.11) were associated with greater SNOT‐22 improvement. The mean MCID calculated via distribution‐based methods was 8.5.

Conclusion

Worse baseline sinonasal symptoms, F508del homozygosity, and absence of prior modulator therapy predicted greater improvement after HEMT initiation. The mean MCID for SNOT‐22 in PwCF is 8.5 points, similar to non‐CF individuals with CRS, and provides a threshold specifically for PwCF. The SNOT‐22 has strong internal consistency in PwCF.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3965–3973, 2024
Simple and affordable colorimetric sensing strips for quantitative determination of total manganese in porewater samples
Authors: Pedre Ignacio , Fröhberg Nico , Waska Hannelore , Koschinsky Andrea , Pahnke Katharina
Published: April 2024

Simple and economical colorimetric strips for measuring manganese (Mn) in natural waters are described. For their construction, leucomalachite green (LMG) embedded in a Nafion® polymeric matrix was immobilized on a polyvinylchloride surface. Upon immersing the strips in the sample, any soluble manganese(II/III) present catalyzed the oxidation of the LMG base to malachite green by adding sodium periodate. The observed color change is related to the manganese concentration and can be quantified using a field device constructed using commercial red–green–blue sensors and an Arduino® board. A linear response from 0.1 to 0.6 μmol L−1 manganese (limit of detection: 0.1 μmol L−1) was observed. The signal for strips prepared on 7 d gave a relative standard deviation equal to 13%. The strips showed good agreement with results obtained by ICP‐MS in porewater collected on Spiekeroog Island (North Sea). Therefore, the method is a tool for rapid measurements of manganese in porewater samples offering new possibilities in understanding biogeochemistry for high temporal and spatial resolution manganese surveys and providing an analytical technique that provides field results comparable to laboratory systems.
Dynamics and optimal therapy of a stochastic HTLV‐1 model incorporating Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process
Authors: Chen Siyu , Liu Zhijun , Zhang Xinan , Wang Lianwen
Published: April 2024

As the prevalence of viral infection in body, human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is receiving increasing attention. Research on the corresponding virus models is of great significance to tackle the challenges of understanding HTLV‐1 development and treatment. This paper focuses on the dynamic analysis for a stochastic model with nonlinear cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response, which is driven by Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) process to model the progression of HTLV‐1 in vivo. Rich dynamic behaviors such as the extinction of infected CD4+ T cells (ITCs), stationary distribution (SD), probability density, and finite‐time stability (FTS) of the model are established to reveal the interaction of cell populations. The optimal therapeutic strategy based on the cost‐benefit viewpoint is further obtained. Finally, illustrative numerical simulations are represented to corroborate the effectiveness of treatment and the ambient perturbation's impact that strengthening the noise strength can lead to rapid virus clearance.
An efficient numerical method based on ultraspherical polynomials for linear weakly singular fractional Volterra integro‐differential equations
Authors: Sajjadi Sayed Arsalan , Saberi Najafi Hashem , Aminikhah Hossein
Published: April 2024

The linear weakly singular fractional Volterra integro‐differential equations involving the Caputo derivative have solutions whose derivatives are unbounded at the left endpoint of the integration interval. In this paper, we use suitable transformations to prevail on this nonsmooth behavior. We used the product integration method based on the new fractional basis function to solve these equations, which led to the production of the new interpolation formula and weights for the method. We investigate the convergence of the presented method. The proposed scheme is employed to solve some numerical examples to test its efficiency and accuracy.
Structural elucidation and complete NMR spectral assignments of Monascus monacolin analogues
Authors: Liu Jiachen , Xu Qingjiang , Wang Xin , Shang Xiaoya , Wang Nan
Published: April 2024

Three new monacolin analogues, 3,6‐dihydroxy‐monacolin P (1), 6‐methoxy monacolin S (2), and 6‐methoxy dehydromonacolin S (3), were isolated from a fraction that strongly inhibited 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase from the ethyl acetate portion of red yeast rice ethanol extract. Their structures were determined through a combination of 1D and 2D NMR experiments, mass spectrometry analysis, and known literature reports.
A general analytical solution for axisymmetric electro‐osmotic consolidation of unsaturated soil with semi‐permeable boundary
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Ni Junjun , Liu Yang , Gong Wenhui
Published: April 2024

This study proposes a closed‐form solution for axisymmetric electro‐osmotic consolidation of unsaturated soil under semi‐permeable boundary conditions. The governing equations are formulated to allow for vertical and radial flows of liquid and air phases. The techniques of eigenfunction expansion and Laplace transformation are employed to develop the exact solution for excess pore‐air (EPAP) and pore‐water pressures (EPWP). The proposed solution is first validated by comparing it to an existing solution, followed by verification through finite element simulations. Both methods of validation confirm the accuracy of the analytical solution. Then, based on the obtained solution, the effects of vertical flow, semi‐permeable boundary conditions, electrical voltage, electro‐osmosis conductivity and spacing ratio re/rw on the consolidation profile have been further investigated. Parametric studies show that the EPWP at the steady state depends on the electro‐osmosis conductivity and applied electricity gradient. In addition, the dissipation rates of EPWP and EPAP in the axisymmetric electro‐osmotic consolidation would be underestimated if the vertical flows are neglected. The semi‐permeable boundary conditions have great influences on the dissipation rate and the steady‐state solution. The proposed solution could serve as a theoretical basis for axisymmetric electro‐osmotic consolidation of unsaturated soil.
A split preconditioning scheme for nonlinear underdetermined least squares problems
Authors: Vater Nadja , Borzì Alfio
Published: April 2024

The convergence of preconditioned gradient methods for nonlinear underdetermined least squares problems arising in, for example, supervised learning of overparameterized neural networks is investigated. In this general setting, conditions are given that guarantee the existence of global minimizers that correspond to zero residuals and a proof of the convergence of a gradient method to these global minima is presented. In order to accelerate convergence of the gradient method, different preconditioning strategies are developed and analyzed. In particular, a left randomized preconditioner and a right coarse‐level correction preconditioner are combined and investigated. It is demonstrated that the resulting split preconditioned two‐level gradient method incorporates the advantages of both approaches and performs very efficiently.
Barriers to long‐acting injectable atypical antipsychotic use in Japan: Insights from a comparative psychiatrist survey
Authors: Oguchi Yoshiyo , Miyake Nobumi , Ando Kumiko
Published: April 2024

Aims

To investigate the negative attitudes of Japanese psychiatrists toward atypical long‐acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics, which are the current mainstream LAIs in Japan.

Methods

We surveyed 69 Japanese psychiatrists using a 5‐point Likert scale to assess their attitudes toward atypical LAI antipsychotics. Our assessment referenced concerns identified in a study conducted in Japan a decade ago, which found significant differences when compared with a survey of German psychiatrists. We also identified the factors influencing these negative attitudes. Additionally, the results were compared with those of previous Japanese and German studies.

Results

More than 50% of Japanese psychiatrists expressed negative attitudes toward atypical LAI antipsychotics in various areas. These concerns included apprehensions about cost, reluctance to recommend them initially, pain from injections, complexity of switching to LAI, usage in first‐episode cases, and sufficient medication adherence with oral drugs. In all three studies, cost and adequate adherence to oral medication were concerns that exceeded the average of the three negative comments. Age and experience in psychiatry influenced the psychiatrists' attitudes toward using these drugs in first‐episode cases.

Conclusions

These findings shed light on the reasons for the underutilization of atypical LAI antipsychotics and suggest opportunities to enhance their appropriate use in clinical settings.
Adhesion strength and mechanical properties of nanoclay modified hybrid kevlar/jute‐epoxy fiber metal laminate
Authors: Naveen Michael Roger , Kamaraj Logesh , Ponnarengan Hariharasakthisudhan
Published: April 2024

Delamination due to interfacial debonding between metal/composite is identified as a potential failure mechanism of fiber metal laminates (FML). In the present study, titanium based fiber metal laminate (Ti‐FML) were fabricated using different wt% of nanoclay modified epoxy as adhesive. Kevlar/jute fibers bidirectionally woven mat was used to prepare the composite layer in the laminate. The laminates produced using compression molding techniques were studied for tensile, flexural, impact load bearing capacity and adhesive strength based on lap shear and peel test following ASTM standards. Lap shear adhesive strength of nanoclay modified epoxy was enhanced to 27 MPa and interlaminar peel strength was increased to 16.8 N/mm in the laminates, when the amount of nanoclay was increased to 8 wt%. Matrix crack deflection and crack bridging due to the presence of nanoclay was identified as potential mechanism for increasing the adhesive strength of epoxy. Enhanced adhesive strength resulted in improved mechanical characteristics of Ti‐FML, exhibiting notable increases in tensile load bearing capacity at 15.5 kN, flexural peak load at 0.36 kN, and bending strength at 890 MPa, achieved with a 7 wt% increase in nanoclay content. Fiber breakage and plastic deformation of metal combinedly developed the failure deformation, load bearing and energy absorption capacity of the laminate. Hybridization of fibers kevlar/jute played a significant role in enhancing the energy absorption capacity of laminates. The developed material can find applications in aerospace structures, automotive components, and marine environments where superior mechanical performance and durability are essential.

Highlights

Nanoclay‐modified titanium‐based FMLs with kevlar/jute hybrid fiber mats prepared.

The adhesive strength of nanoclay‐modified epoxy increased due to crack deflection and bridging, enhancing the load‐bearing capacity of the titanium FML.

Improved adhesive strength controlled delamination failure in tensile and flexural tests.

The laminate's impact energy absorption capacity was enhanced by nanoclay, hybrid kevlar/jute fiber composite, and titanium ductility.
Exploring the impact of polyphenolic compounds on the chromatic characteristics in flowers of Rhododendron arboreum Sm. collected from different altitudinal locations
Authors: Sendri Nitisha , Sharma Taniya , Swati Km , Bhatt Pooja , Bhandari Pamita
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Rhododendron arboreum Sm. flowers grow in the Himalayan region and have traditionally been used in beverages and food. These wild edible Himalayan flowers are known for their sweet–sour flavor and beautiful scarlet red color. The primary pigments responsible for the scarlet red color of these flowers are anthocyanins.

Objective

In the present study, we conducted chemo‐profiling and elucidated the chromatic characteristics of R. arboreum flower petals growing in the wild in different altitudinal areas.

Methodology

The content of anthocyanins, phenolics, and other flavonoids was determined in R. arboreum flower petals collected from 38 different locations in two provinces in India (Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand) to obtain a distinguishable chemical index. A UHPLC method has also been developed and validated for the quantitative analysis. Besides, the color characteristics of each collected floral sample were also analyzed.

Results

Chemometric analysis (principal component analysis [PCA] and heatmap analysis) revealed that floral samples collected from different altitudes exhibited similar chemical diversity, whereas statistical analysis (bivariate linear correlation) revealed a positive correlation between the color parameter a*/b* and cyanidin glycosides. Besides, non‐targeted metabolomics analysis was carried out, which resulted in the tentative identification of 150 metabolites.

Conclusion

The results revealed that there is a direct influence of accumulated anthocyanins to color parameter a*/b* values in the floral samples irrespective of altitude.
No genetic causal association between iron status and pulmonary artery hypertension: Insights from a two‐sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Liu Peng‐Cheng , Lv Meng‐Na , Rong Yan‐Yan , Yu Shu‐Jiao , Wu Rui
Published: April 2024

To explore the genetic causal association between pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and iron status through Mendelian randomization (MR), we conducted MR analysis using publicly available genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary data. Five indicators related to iron status (serum iron, ferritin, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and transferrin saturation) served as exposures, while PAH was the outcome. The genetic causal association between these iron status indicators and PAH was assessed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Cochran's Q statistic was employed to evaluate heterogeneity. We assessed pleiotropy using MR‐Egger regression and MR‐Presso test. Additionally, we validated our results using the Weighted median, Simple mode, and Weighted mode methods. Based on the IVW method, we found no causal association between iron status (serum iron, ferritin, TIBC, sTfR, and transferrin saturation) and PAH (pβ > 0.05). The Weighted median, Simple mode, and Weighted mode methods showed no potential genetic causal association (pβ > 0.05 in the three analyses). Additionally, no heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected in any of the analyses. Our results show that there are no genetic causal association between iron status and PAH.
Adaptive leader‐following formation for high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with an uncertain leader system over switching networks
Authors: Luo Jialei , Liu Wei
Published: April 2024

In this article, we study the leader‐following formation problem for high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems with an uncertain leader system over switching networks. We first divide the uncertain leader system into two types and then design adaptive distributed observers for them respectively. Then, based on our designed observers, we synthesize two adaptive distributed control laws respectively to solve our problem, forcing the errors between the states of the followers and that of the leader to the prescribed time‐varying desired formation vectors. Finally, our main result is illustrated by two examples.
Ti─O─C Bonding at 2D Heterointerfaces of 3D Composites for Fast Sodium Ion Storage at High Mass Loading Level
Authors: Yu Diwen , Guo Kaixuan , Hou Fengxiao , Zhang Yangang , Ye Xiaolin , Zhang Yaohui , Ji Puguang , Khalilov Umedjon , Wang Gongkai , Zhang Xin , Wang Kai , Song Yuexian , Zhong Xiaobin , Sun Hongtao , Zhu Jian , Liang Junfei , Wang Hua
Published: April 2024

3D composite electrodes have shown extraordinary promise as high mass loading electrode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, they usually show poor rate performance due to the sluggish Na+ kinetics at the heterointerfaces of the composites. Here, a 3D MXene‐reduced holey graphene oxide (MXene‐RHGO) composite electrode with Ti─O─C bonding at 2D heterointerfaces of MXene and RHGO is developed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal the built‐in electric fields (BIEFs) are enhanced by the formation of bridged interfacial Ti─O─C bonding, that lead to not only faster diffusion of Na+ at the heterointerfaces but also faster adsorption and migration of Na+ on the MXene surfaces. As a result, the 3D composite electrodes show impressive properties for fast Na+ storage. Under high current density of 10 mA cm−2, the 3D MXene‐RHGO composite electrodes with high mass loading of 10 mg cm−2 achieve a strikingly high and stable areal capacity of 3 mAh cm−2, which is same as commercial LIBs and greatly exceeds that of most reported SIBs electrode materials. The work shows that rationally designed bonding at the heterointerfaces represents an effective strategy for promoting high mass loading 3D composites electrode materials forward toward practical SIBs applications.
Additive Manufacturing: A Paradigm Shift in Revolutionizing Catalysis with 3D Printed Photocatalysts and Electrocatalysts Toward Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Khoo Valerine , Ng Sue‐Faye , Haw Choon‐Yian , Ong Wee‐Jun
Published: April 2024

Semiconductor‐based materials utilized in photocatalysts and electrocatalysts present a sophisticated solution for efficient solar energy utilization and bias control, a field extensively explored for its potential in sustainable energy and environmental management. Recently, 3D printing has emerged as a transformative technology, offering rapid, cost‐efficient, and highly customizable approaches to designing photocatalysts and electrocatalysts with precise structural control and tailored substrates. The adaptability and precision of printing facilitate seamless integration, loading, and blending of diverse photo(electro)catalytic materials during the printing process, significantly reducing material loss compared to traditional methods. Despite the evident advantages of 3D printing, a comprehensive compendium delineating its application in the realm of photocatalysis and electrocatalysis is conspicuously absent. This paper initiates by delving into the fundamental principles and mechanisms underpinning photocatalysts electrocatalysts and 3D printing. Subsequently, an exhaustive overview of the latest 3D printing techniques, underscoring their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of photocatalysts and electrocatalysts for energy and environmental applications. Furthermore, the paper examines various methodologies for seamlessly incorporating catalysts into 3D printed substrates, elucidating the consequential effects of catalyst deposition on catalytic properties. Finally, the paper thoroughly discusses the challenges that necessitate focused attention and resolution for future advancements in this domain.
Constructing 2D Polyphenols‐Based Crosslinked Networks for Ultrafast and Selective Uranium Extraction from Seawater
Authors: Chen Mengwei , Liu Dan , Liu Tao , Wei Tao , Qiao Qingtian , Yuan Yihui , Wang Ning
Published: April 2024

The role of tannins (TA), a well‐known abundant and ecologically friendly chelating ligand, in metal capture has long been studied. Different kinds of TA‐containing adsorbents are synthesized for uranium capture, while most adsorbents suffer from unfavorable adsorption kinetics. Herein, the design and preparation of a TA‐containing 2D crosslinked network adsorbent (TANP) is reported. The ≈1.8‐nanometer‐thick TANP films curl up into micrometer‐scale pores, which contribute to fast mass transfer and full exposure of active sites. The coordination environment of uranyl (UO22+) ions is explored by integrated analysis of U L3‐edge XANES and EXAFS. Density functional theory calculations indicate the energetically favorable UO22+ binding. Consequently, TANP with excellent adsorption kinetics presents a high uranium capture capacity (14.62 mg‐U g‐Ads−1) and a high adsorption rate (0.97 mg g−1 day−1) together with excellent selectivity and biofouling resistance. Life cycle assessment and cost analysis demonstrate that TANP has tremendous potential for application in industrial‐scale uranium extraction from seawater.
AI/ML driven intrusion detection framework for IoT enabled cold storage monitoring system
Authors: Prasad Mahendra , Pal Pankaj , Tripathi Sachin , Dahal Keshav
Published: April 2024

An IoT‐based monitoring system remotely controls and manages intelligent environments. Due to wireless communication, deployed sensor nodes are more vulnerable to attacks. An intrusion detection system is an efficient mechanism to detect malicious traffic and prevent abnormal activities. This article suggests an intrusion detection framework for the cold storage monitoring system. The temperature is the main parameter that affects the environment and harms stored products. A malicious node injects false data that manipulates temperature and forwards manipulated data. It also floods the data to neighbor nodes. In this work, data are generated and collected for intrusion detection. Two machine learning techniques have been applied: supervised learning (Bayesian rough set) and unsupervised learning (micro‐clustering). The proposed method shows better performance than existing methods.
Diploids and tetraploids of Acorus (Acoraceae) in temperate Asia are pseudocryptic species with clear differences in micromorphology, DNA sequences and distribution patterns, but shared pollination biology
Authors: Sokoloff Dmitry D. , Degtjareva Galina V. , Skaptsov Mikhail V. , Vislobokov Nikolay A. , Kirejtshuk Alexander G. , Sennikov Alexander N. , Severova Elena E. , Chepinoga Victor V. , Samigullin Tahir H. , Valiejo‐Roman Carmen M. , Smirnov Sergey V. , Shmakov Alexander I. , Marchuk Elena A. , Remizowa Margarita V.
Published: April 2024

Commonly considered bispecific, Acorus is one of the most phylogenetically isolated angiosperm genera that forms the order Acorales sister to the rest of the monocots. The Acorus calamus group is widely distributed in the Holarctic regions of Eurasia and America and has strong medicinal and other practical uses since prehistoric times. Earlier studies interpreted native diploids and invasive triploids occurring in North America as two species that differed in morphology and distribution ranges. In contrast, diploids, triploids, and tetraploids occurring in Eurasia are commonly interpreted as one species because they reportedly cannot be distinguished in collections. We resolve the controversy over taxonomic concepts between Eurasia and America and provide the first detailed multidisciplinary account of Acorus in temperate Asia. We used plastid and nuclear markers, leaf anatomy, seed micromorphology, pollen stainability, flow cytometry, and direct chromosome counts. Diploids and tetraploids show stable molecular and micromorphological differences. Triploids are their sterile hybrids, with the plastid genome inherited from the diploid parent. Diploids of America and Asia tend to differ in leaf characters. Coadaptative coexistence with pollinating beetles Platamartus jakowlewi and Sibirhelus corpulentus (Kateretidae) is conserved between diploids and tetraploids and over a distance of 4700 km between Japan and Western Siberia. Diploids are self‐compatible and can set seeds in the absence of kateretid beetles. Tetraploids are self‐incompatible and/or cannot set seeds in the absence of Platamartus and Sibirhelus. Diploids (A. americanus) and tetraploids (A. verus) are two biological species; the former has two subspecies. Acorus calamus should be restricted to triploids; it apparently first evolved in temperate Asia. Diploids mostly occur in much cooler climates than triploids and tetraploids. Accessions of A. verus and A. calamus from tropical Asia are apparently derived from ancient introductions. Our data provide a new framework for the pharmacological use of Acorus.
Better to deliver tomorrow morning than late today? The time‐of‐day effect in customer perception of online sellers' logistics service quality
Authors: Song Fei (Sophie) , Xu Yuhang , Chen Heng , Zhang Kunpeng
Published: April 2024

Drawing upon energy depletion theory and expectancy disconfirmation theory, this study aims to zoom in on the effect of delivery time on customer perception of online seller logistics service quality (LSQ). We conjecture that customer rating of LSQ will vary depending on the delivery time in a day (i.e., the time‐of‐day effect). With a large sample consisting of more than 42 million orders from Alibaba, the results from mixed‐effects ordered logit model corroborate the time‐of‐day effect and that promised delivery service interacts with the time‐of‐day effect by strengthening it. Following that, machine learning techniques are employed to quantify the importance of the different predictors and results show that the time‐of‐day effect is the most important predictor. The study reveals a new time‐related attribute, contributes to the LSQ framework, and has important managerial implications for practitioners.
Evaluation using the SWAT model of the effects of land use land cover changes on hydrological processes in the Gala Lake Basin, Turkey
Authors: Keleş Özgenç Emine
Published: April 2024

Changes in hydrological processes in watersheds are triggered by various factors, including land use land cover changes (LULCC) emerging from human activities. Hence, it is crucial to elucidate the interaction among hydrological processes to improve sustainable water management plans. The current study explored the effects of LULCC on hydrological processes in the Gala Lake catchment over a 30‐year temporal period. In this context, to evaluate LULCC, land cover maps were obtained using the supervised classification method with Landsat images (5 TM, 7 ETM+, 8 OLI) of 1993, 2008, and 2023. Hydrological processes were assessed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a commonly applied eco‐hydrological model. The model was utilized to evaluate the potential effect of LULCC on processes like surface runoff, infiltration, evapotranspiration, and erosion. Between 1993 and 2023, significant LULCC have been observed in the study area. There has been a decrease of 4.3%, 1%, 1.6%, and 5.3% in agricultural lands, forested lands, inland marshes, and pasture lands, respectively, while artificial surfaces, rice fields, and water bodies have seen an increase of 7%, 3.4%, and 1.9%, respectively. The potential effects of these changes were observed as a decrease in the runoff, a decrease in permeability, and an increase in processes such as evapotranspiration and erosion throughout the basin and sub‐basin. In general, LULCC significantly affect the hydrological status of the catchment. Therefore, establishing different conservation and utilization strategies that consider land use dynamics to maintain the resilience of ecosystems in the basins is vital in the sustainable management of water resources.
High‐resolution x‐ray emission spectrometry in the lithium K range with a reflection zone plate spectrometer
Authors: Hassebi Khalil , Rividi Nicolas , Fialin Michel , Verlaguet Anne , Godard Gaston , Probst Jürgen , Löchel Heike , Krist Thomas , Braig Christoph , Seifert Christian , Benbalagh Rabah , Vacheresse Régis , Ilakovac Vita , Guen Karine Le , Jonnard Philippe
Published: April 2024

Implementing a newly developed spectrometer for the soft x‐ray range of (35–130) eV based on reflection zone plates was successfully accomplished on an electron probe microanalyzer. In this context, we present the first spectra acquired using this setup, including those of elements such as Be (Kα), C (Kα), Mg (L2,3), Al (L2,3), and Si (L2,3). We have also conducted an analysis of several lithium compounds and measured the emission of Li Kα from metallic Li, LiF, and LiNbO3. Some of the results were compared with density functional theory calculations. The spectrum obtained for the lithium‐bearing mineral amblygonite Li0.75Na0.25Al(PO4)F0.75(OH)0.25 is chosen to discuss some of the challenges faced.
Workflows
Authors: Münster Sander , Apollonio Fabrizio Ivan , Bluemel Ina , Fallavollita Federico , Foschi Riccardo , Grellert Marc , Ioannides Marinos , Jahn Peter Heinrich , Kurdiovsky Richard , Kuroczyński Piotr , Lutteroth Jan-Eric , Messemer Heike , Schelbert Georg
Published: April 2024

Currently, digital reconstructions are mainly a process in one single context by interdisciplinary workgroups using expert technologies. 3D reconstructions in the humanities are primarily created within long-term interdisciplinary projects. This chapter provides an overview of the team processes and workflows to create 3D reconstructions. Interdisciplinary teamwork creates specific challenges due to the different work processes of the disciplines involved—e.g., humanities, design, and computing. Since 3D reconstructions are projects, both processes and quality need to be managed. This chapter contains a set of empirically grounded recommendations for the organization and management of 3D reconstruction projects.
3D Modeling
Authors: Münster Sander , Apollonio Fabrizio Ivan , Bluemel Ina , Fallavollita Federico , Foschi Riccardo , Grellert Marc , Ioannides Marinos , Jahn Peter Heinrich , Kurdiovsky Richard , Kuroczyński Piotr , Lutteroth Jan-Eric , Messemer Heike , Schelbert Georg
Published: April 2024

The chapter introduces the concepts of the raw model and informative model; it clarifies the concept of semantic segmentation and defines the digital representation methods and 3D modeling techniques; finally, it lists the different configuration spaces of a 3D model in different software packages.
Harmony via Reductions and Expansions
Authors: Tranchini Luca
Published: April 2024

The notion of harmony arises by considerations about the notion of assertion in the theory of meaning. When applied to rules in the format of natural deduction, harmony can be explained by making reference to certain transformations on derivations, called reductions and expansions. Reductions are a key ingredient of the proof of normalization for the calculus of natural deduction for intuitionistic logic. In this calculus, normal derivations that are closed (i.e. such that their conclusions depend on no assumption) end with an introduction rule, a fact which is referred to as the canonicity of closed normal derivations. The condition for the canonicity of normal derivations in a more general setting are discussed. The chapter ends with a brief discussion of other accounts of harmony.
Identity of Proofs
Authors: Tranchini Luca
Published: April 2024

Proof-theoretic semantics is here presented as primarily concerned with the investigation of the relationship between proofs (understood as abstract entities) and derivations (the linguistic representations of proofs). This relationship is taken to be analogous to that between names and (abstract) objects in Frege. On this conception of proof-theoretic semantics, reductions and expansions should be viewed as identity-preserving operations on derivations and thus as inducing an equivalence relation on derivations such that equivalent derivations denote the same proof. Using this equivalence on derivations it is possible to define an equivalence relation on formulas that is stricter than interderivability, called isomorphism. We argue that identity of proofs and formula isomorphism show the intensional nature of this conception of proof-theoretic semantics. Finally, this conception is compared to the one advocated by Dummett and Prawitz, which is based on a notion of validity of derivations.
Institutions
Authors: Barrientos Armando
Published: April 2024

This chapter is concerned with the design, implementation, and outcomes of current social protection institutions in the region. It examines in turn the three core social protection institutions: occupational pensions, individual retirement savings plans, and social assistance. Occupational pensions in Latin America are restricted to selected groups of workers, mainly skilled workers in large firms. They are also highly fragmented and dependent on public subsidies, although the level of subsidies is increasingly contested. Recent trends in labour force participation in occupational pensions suggest stagnation during this century. Individual retirement savings plans are based on individual workers’ saving capacity. They were initially implemented in ten countries in the region, under different modalities. Individual retirement savings plans have not proved successful in the region, and it is fair to say their institutional structures are in transition. Social assistance greatly expanded in the new century. Most countries in the region have implemented large scale old age transfers and conditional income transfer programmes. By 2015, social assistance transfers reached around one third of the population in the region.
Employment
Authors: Barrientos Armando
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines the stratification effects of social protection institutions on employment. The conventional approach, supported by current theories of welfare institutional development, is to assume that the structure of employment shapes social protection institutions. This makes sense when researching the origins of welfare institutions. However, once social protection institutions are in place, they exercise considerable influence on employment. The direction of causality is now from social protection to employment. The discussion in the chapter explores the stratification effects of social protection institutions on the structure of employment. The chapter discussed social protection contribution to three changes in employment in the region: tertiarisation, job polarisation and relocation, and participation in global production networks. Approaching the association between social protection and employment as a causal link brings new insights on social protection institutions in the region.
No trauma-related diagnosis in emergency trauma room whole-body computer tomography of patients with inconspicuous primary survey
Authors: Suda Arnold J. , Pepke Julia , Obertacke Udo , Stadthalter Holger
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Whole-body computer tomographic examinations (WBCT) are essential in diagnosing the severely injured. The structured clinical evaluation in the emergency trauma room, according to ATLS® and guidelines, helps to indicate the correct radiological imaging to avoid overtriage and undertriage. This retrospective, single-center study aimed to evaluate the value of WBCT in patients with an inconspicuous primary survey and whether there is any evidence for this investigation in this group of patients.

Methods

This retrospective, single-center study was conducted with patients admitted to a maximum-care hospital and supraregional trauma center in Germany and part of the TraumaNetwork DGU® in southwest Germany between January 2012 and November 2017. Hospital files were used for evaluation, and WBCT was carried out using a 32-row MSCT device from Siemens Healthineers, Volume Zoom, Erlangen, Germany. For evaluation, non-parametric procedures such as the chi-square test, U test, Fisher test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to test for significance (p < 0.05).

Results

From 3976 patients treated with WBCT, 120 patients (3.02%) showed an inconspicuous primary survey. This examination did not reveal any trauma sequelae in any of this group. Additionally, 198 patients (4.98%) showed minor clinical symptoms in the primary survey, but no morphological trauma sequence could be diagnosed in WBCT diagnostics. Three hundred forty-two patients were not admitted as inpatients after WBCT and discharged to further outpatient treatment because there were no objectifiable reasons for inpatient treatment. Four hundred fifteen patients did not receive WBCT for, e.g., isolated extremity trauma, child, pregnancy, or death.

Conclusion

Not one of the clinically asymptomatic patients had an imageable injury after WBCT diagnostics in this study. WBCT should only be performed in severely injured patients after clinical assessment regardless of “trauma mechanism.” According to guidelines and ATLS®, the clinical examination seems to be a safe and reliable method for reasonable and responsible decision-making regarding the realization of WBCT with all well-known risk factors.
Exploring the Topography of the Obturator Artery and Corona Mortis: a Detailed Analysis with Surgical Implications
Authors: Konarska-Włosińska Monika , Ostrowski Patryk , Del Carmen Yika Alicia , Dziedzic Martyna , Bonczar Michał , Wojciechowski Wadim , Walocha Jerzy , Koziej Mateusz
Published: April 2024

Introduction and Hypothesis

The obturator artery (ObA) is described as a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. It arises close to the origin of the umbilical artery, where it is crossed by the ureter. The main goal of the present study was to create an anatomical map of the ObA demonstrating the most frequent locations of the vessel’s origin and course.

Methods

In May 2022, an evaluation of the findings from 75 consecutive patients who underwent computed tomography angiography studies of the abdomen and pelvis was performed.

Results

The presented results are based on a total of 138 arteries. Mostly, ObA originated from the anterior trunk of the internal iliac artery (79 out of 138; 57.2%). The median ObA diameter at its origin was found to be 3.34 mm (lower quartile [LQ] = 3.00; upper quartile [UQ] = 3.87). The median cross-sectional area of the ObA at its origin was found to be 6.31 mm2 (LQ = 5.43; UQ = 7.32).

Conclusions

Our study developed a unique arterial anatomical map of the ObA, showcasing its origin and course. Moreover, we have provided more data for straightforward intraoperative identification of the corona mortis through simple anatomical landmarks, including the pubic symphysis. Interestingly, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the morphometric properties of the aberrant ObAs and the “normal” ObAs originating from the internal iliac artery was found. It is hoped that our study may aid in reducing the risk of serious hemorrhagic complications during various surgical procedures in the pelvic region.
Hermitian–Yang–Mills connections on some complete non-compact Kähler manifolds
Authors: Zhang Junsheng
Published: April 2024

We give an algebraic criterion for the existence of projectively Hermitian–Yang–Mills metrics on a holomorphic vector bundle E over some complete non-compact Kähler manifolds $$(X,\omega )$$

(
X
,
ω
)

, where X is the complement of a divisor in a compact Kähler manifold and we impose some conditions on the cohomology class and the asymptotic behaviour of the Kähler form $$\omega $$
ω
. We introduce the notion of stability with respect to a pair of (1, 1)-classes which generalizes the standard slope stability. We prove that this new stability condition is both sufficient and necessary for the existence of projectively Hermitian–Yang–Mills metrics in our setting.
Effects of different exercise intensities or durations on salivary IgA secretion
Authors: Uchino Takamasa , Uchida Masataka , Ito Reita , Fujie Shumpei , Iemitsu Keiko , Kojima Chihiro , Nakamura Mariko , Shimizu Kazuhiro , Tanimura Yuko , Shinohara Yasushi , Hashimoto Takeshi , Isaka Tadao , Iemitsu Motoyuki
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to examine changes in salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) secretion at different intensities or durations of acute exercise.

Methods

Twelve healthy untrained young males were included in randomized crossover trials in Experiment 1 (cycling exercise for 30 min at a work rate equivalent to 35%, 55%, and 75% maximal oxygen uptake [$${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max]) and Experiment 2 (cycling exercise at 55% $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max intensity for 30, 60, and 90 min). Saliva samples were collected at baseline, immediately after, and 60 min after each exercise.

Results

Experiment 1: The percentage change in the s-IgA secretion rate in the 75% $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max trial was significantly lower than that in the 55% $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max trial immediately after exercise (− 45.7%). The percentage change in the salivary concentration of cortisol, an s-IgA regulating factor, immediately after exercise significantly increased compared to that at baseline in the 75% $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max trial (+ 107.6%). A significant negative correlation was observed between the percentage changes in saliva flow rate and salivary cortisol concentration (r = − 0.52, P < 0.01). Experiment 2: The percentage change in the s-IgA secretion rate in the 90-min trial was significantly lower than that in the 30-min trial immediately after exercise (−37.0%). However, the percentage change in salivary cortisol concentration remained the same.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that a reduction in s-IgA secretion is induced by exercise intensity of greater than or equal to 75% $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max for 30 min or exercise duration of greater than or equal to 90 min at 55% $${\dot{\text{V}}}$$

V
˙

O2max in healthy untrained young men.