bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium with Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Simulation and NRTL Parameter Estimation
Authors: Jeong Su Yeong , Kim Byoung Chul , Kim Jeom Soo , Kim Young Han
Published: August 2024

In this study, we propose a method for estimating liquid–liquid equilibrium with ab initio molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Additionally, we determined the non‐random two‐liquid model parameters for the systems applicable to the extraction design using a commercial software. The minimized energy of separate liquid phases yielded equilibrium data from a more versatile procedure than the existing MD simulation. Although many experimental measurements with the parameters have been published, the parameters are not always compatible with the software. The performances are graphically illustrated for example systems including ionic liquid and deep eutectic solvent, and the results indicated that the proposed procedures of the estimation and the model parameter determination were satisfactory.
Photoinduced Metal‐Free Decarboxylative Fluoroalkylation of Alkenes for the Synthesis of N‐Arylbutanamides and Oxindoles
Authors: Ji Yi‐Gang , Li Zhuo‐Hong , Yang Yu‐Qing , Yang Xiaohu , Yang Wen‐Chao
Published: August 2024

The visible light‐induced decarboxylative cascade reaction of fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids has been achieved for the efficient synthesis of fluorinated compounds. However, most of the transformations rely on noble iridium metal complex. Herein, a visible light‐induced metal‐free decarboxylative cascade reaction of fluoroalkyl carboxylic acids has been realized. This protocol features simple operation, transition metal free, and good functional group tolerance.
Modeling stage‐discharge and sediment‐discharge relationships in data‐scarce Himalayan River Basin Dhauliganga, Central Himalaya, using neural networks
Authors: Rautela Kuldeep Singh , Gupta Vivek , Devi Juna Probha , Majeed Lone Rafiya , Kuniyal Jagdish Chandra
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on the hydro‐sedimentological characterization and modeling of the Dhauliganga River in Uttarakhand, India. Field data collected from 2018–2020, including stage, velocity, and suspended sediment concentration (SSC), showed notable variations influenced by melting snow, glaciers, and precipitation. Challenges in accurately modeling rivers with a topography and sparse gauging stations were addressed using artificial neural networks (ANN). The calibrated models precisely predicted stage‐discharge and sediment‐discharge relationships, demonstrating the effectiveness of machine learning, particularly ANN‐based modeling, in such challenging terrains. The model's performance was assessed using coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean square error (MSE). During the calibration phase, the model exhibited notable performance with R2 values of 0.96 for discharge and 0.63 for SSC, accompanied by low RMSE values of 5.29 cu m s–1 for discharge and 0.61 g for SSC. Subsequently, in the prediction phase, the model maintained its robustness, achieving R2 values of 0.97 for discharge and 0.63 for SSC, along with RMSE values of 5.67 cu m s–1 for discharge and 0.68 g for SSC. The study also found a strong agreement between water flow estimates derived from traditional methods, ANN, and actual measurements. The suspended sediment load, influenced by both water flow and SSC, varied annually, potentially modifying aquatic habitats through sediment deposition, and altering aquatic communities. These findings offer crucial insights into the hydro‐sedimentological dynamics of the studied river, providing valuable applications for sustainable water‐resource management in challenging terrains and addressing environmental concerns related to sedimentation, water quality, and aquatic ecosystem.
A comparison of machine learning methods for recovering noisy and missing 4D flow MRI data
Authors: Csala Hunor , Amili Omid , D'Souza Roshan M. , Arzani Amirhossein
Published: August 2024

Experimental blood flow measurement techniques are invaluable for a better understanding of cardiovascular disease formation, progression, and treatment. One of the emerging methods is time‐resolved three‐dimensional phase‐contrast magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI), which enables noninvasive time‐dependent velocity measurements within large vessels. However, several limitations hinder the usability of 4D flow MRI and other experimental methods for quantitative hemodynamics analysis. These mainly include measurement noise, corrupt or missing data, low spatiotemporal resolution, and other artifacts. Traditional filtering is routinely applied for denoising experimental blood flow data without any detailed discussion on why it is preferred over other methods. In this study, filtering is compared to different singular value decomposition (SVD)‐based machine learning and autoencoder‐type deep learning methods for denoising and filling in missing data (imputation). An artificially corrupted and voxelized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation as well as in vitro 4D flow MRI data are used to test the methods. SVD‐based algorithms achieve excellent results for the idealized case but severely struggle when applied to in vitro data. The autoencoders are shown to be versatile and applicable to all investigated cases. For denoising, the in vitro 4D flow MRI data, the denoising autoencoder (DAE), and the Noise2Noise (N2N) autoencoder produced better reconstructions than filtering both qualitatively and quantitatively. Deep learning methods such as N2N can result in noise‐free velocity fields even though they did not use clean data during training. This work presents one of the first comprehensive assessments and comparisons of various classical and modern machine‐learning methods for enhancing corrupt cardiovascular flow data in diseased arteries for both synthetic and experimental test cases.
Blue Phase III from Bent‐Core Liquid Crystals: Unveiling Thermal Stability & Unique Traits – A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Khan Raj Kumar
Published: August 2024

This review article mainly delves into the comprehensive development, thermal stabilization, characteristics, and applications of Blue Phase III (BPIII) derived from non‐calamitic, mainly T‐shaped and bent‐core liquid crystals (BCLC). The discussion begins with discovering and characterizing various liquid crystal (LC) phases of BCLCs, emphasizing the significance of the nematic (N) phase in three and four‐ring BCLCs. Following this, the focus shifts to the stabilization, properties, and potential applications of BPIII, particularly those derived from non‐conventional (T‐shaped and BCLCs) liquid crystals. The review highlights the exceptional electro‐optical (E−O) properties of BPIII, including high Kerr constants and distinct phase transitions. Studies reveal the impact of chirality on thermal behavior, microscopic observations, and the influence of molecular structures on mesophase formation. Investigations into asymmetrical chiral liquid crystal diads and hydrogen‐bonded complexes underscore the importance of molecular design in expanding BPIII ranges. Furthermore, achiral unsymmetrical BCLC designs reveal significant insights into the interplay between molecular structure, phase transitions, and E−O behavior. Experimental data propose that BPIII operates as a topologically protected liquid featuring skyrmion filaments, highlighting its potential in technological applications. Additionally, the structural transformation and E−O properties of highly polar BCLCs are examined to stabilize BPIII at room temperature, achieving notable Kerr constants and low voltage requirements. These collective studies provide a thorough understanding of BPIII and its promising applications in materials science and technology.
Utilizing Alfalfa as an Alternative Nitrogen Source in Improving Bermudagrass Grazing Systems in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Burt Justin
Published: August 2024

The environmental conditions of the Coastal Plains region of the United States provides livestock producers with unique forage production opportunities that may not be experienced nationwide. While the environmental conditions are favorable for forage production, and longer growing seasons, the rising cost associated with livestock production has producers seeking alternative ways to increase productivity while also reducing external input costs, specifically those associated with feeding livestock. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Crop Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Air‐Stable Boranes and Borinanes Encapsulated in Organogels for Anionic Ring‐Opening (Co)Polymerization
Authors: Chidara Vamshi , Gnanou Yves , Feng Xiaoshuang
Published: August 2024

Organoborane reagents play a pivotal role as Lewis acids in acid‐base pairs used in anionic polymerization and in other reactions; yet their high sensitivity to oxygen and moisture necessitates effective stabilization to prevent their oxidation and thus maintain their catalytic activity. In this study, we present novel encapsulation methods employing a cost‐effective hexatriacontane (C36H74, C36) organogel to stabilize sensitive organoborane reagents, including triethyl borane (TEB) and a borinane‐based ammonium salt (B3NBr). These organoboranes encapsulated in stable, self‐standing organogel blocks enable their safe handling in open laboratory environments without the need for a glovebox. Upon heating such borane‐containing organogel blocks organoboranes could be freed from the organogel and used to mediate both the homopolymerization of propylene oxide (PO) and the copolymerization of PO with CO2. Furthermore, efficient recovery of the C36 gelator from polymerization mixtures is achieved, with mass recovery ranging from 70 % to 90 %. This encapsulation method offers a practical and efficient solution for stabilizing, storing, and handling highly reactive organoborane reagents, thereby broadening their applicability and utilization in various chemical transformations.
Phase Engineering of ZnSe by Small Molecules as a High‐Performance Protective Layer for Zn Anode
Authors: Guo Yanan , Zhang Miaomiao , Yan Ping , Jiang Longtai , Dong Anqi , Yu Xin‐Yao
Published: August 2024

The practical application of aqueous zinc ion batteries is still hampered by the side reactions and dendrite growth on Zn anode. Herein, the phase engineering of ZnSe coating layer by incorporating small molecules is developed to enhance the performance of Zn anode. The unique electronic structure of ZnSe⋅0.5N2H4 promises strong adsorption for Zn atoms and enhanced ability to inhibit hydrogen evolution, thereby promoting uniform Zn deposition and preventing by‐product and dendrite growth. Meanwhile, fast Zn2+ transfer and deposition kinetics are also demonstrated by ZnSe⋅0.5N2H4. As a result, the ZnSe⋅0.5N2H4@Zn symmetric cell achieves long‐term cycling stability up to 1900 h and 300 h at high current densities of 5 mA cm−2 and 20 mA cm−2, respectively. The assembled ZnSe⋅0.5N2H4@Zn||NH4V4O10 full cell presents outstanding cycling stability and rate capability. This work highlights the key role of crystal phase control of protective layer for high‐performance zinc anode.
Developmental Changes in How Head Orientation Structures Infants’ Visual Attention
Authors: Franchak John M. , Smith Linda , Yu Chen
Published: August 2024

Most studies of developing visual attention are conducted using screen‐based tasks in which infants move their eyes to select where to look. However, real‐world visual exploration entails active movements of both eyes and head to bring relevant areas in view. Thus, relatively little is known about how infants coordinate their eyes and heads to structure their visual experiences. Infants were tested every 3 months from 9 to 24 months while they played with their caregiver and three toys while sitting in a highchair at a table. Infants wore a head‐mounted eye tracker that measured eye movement toward each of the visual targets (caregiver's face and toys) and how targets were oriented within the head‐centered field of view (FOV). With age, infants increasingly aligned novel toys in the center of their head‐centered FOV at the expense of their caregiver's face. Both faces and toys were better centered in view during longer looking events, suggesting that infants of all ages aligned their eyes and head to sustain attention. The bias in infants’ head‐centered FOV could not be accounted for by manual action: Held toys were more poorly centered compared with non‐held toys. We discuss developmental factors—attentional, motoric, cognitive, and social—that may explain why infants increasingly adopted biased viewpoints with age.
Overweight and Obesity in People Living With Type 1 Diabetes: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of the BETTER Registry
Authors: Lalanne‐Mistrih Marie‐Laure , Bonhoure Anne , Messier Virginie , Boudreau Valérie , Lebbar Maha , Talbo Meryem K. , Sun Cathy J. , Bandini Aude , Secours Laurence , Calderon Virginie , Grou Caroline , Tressières Benoit , Brazeau Anne‐Sophie , Rabasa‐Lhoret Rémi
Published: August 2024

Aims

The prevalence and associations of overweight and obesity in Canadian adult people living with type 1 diabetes (PWT1D) are poorly documented. In a cohort of PWT1D patients, this study assesses (i) overweight and obesity frequencies and associated PWT1D clinicodemographic characteristics, (ii) diabetes characteristics, and (iii) the use of noninsulin adjunctive agents.

Materials and Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of self‐reported data from the BETTER registry: 1091 adult PWT1D (aged 44.4 ± 15.0 years; 32% HbA1c<7% [53 mmol/mol]) classified by BMI classes: underweight combined with normal weight, overweight, or obesity. Bivariate analyses were used to identify associations between BMI classes, diabetes characteristics, complications, and treatments.

Results

Overweight and obesity affected 34.6% and 19.8% of participants. Compared to underweight + normal weight, PWT1D with overweight/obesity was associated with male sex, higher age, lower education level, longer diabetes duration, and higher total insulin doses and use of cardiorenal therapies (all p < 0.001). Compared to other PWT1D, those living with obesity reported higher HbA1c (p < 0.05), less frequent hypoglycemia (p < 0.05), more cardiovascular diseases (p < 0.003), retinopathy, neuropathy, depression treatment as well as noninsulin adjunctive agent use (all p < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that living with overweight/obesity was associated with male sex, being treated for cardiorenal therapies, depression, diabetes duration, and total daily insulin doses.

Conclusions

Overweight or obesity affects over half of adult PWT1D in the Canadian BETTER registry and is associated with higher HbA1c levels, higher total daily insulin doses, more chronic diabetes complications and noninsulin adjunctive agent use, a worse cardiometabolic profile, and lower hypoglycemia frequency.
A facile method to fabricate cell‐laden hydrogel microparticles of tunable sizes using thermal inkjet bioprinting
Authors: Suntornnond Ratima , Ng Wei Long , Shkolnikov Viktor , Yeong Wai Yee
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the application of a drop‐on‐demand (DOD) thermal inkjet (TIJ)‐based bioprinting system for the fabrication of cell‐laden hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) with tunable sizes. The TIJ bioprinting technique involves the formation of vapor bubbles within the print chamber through thermal energy, expelling small droplets of bio‐ink onto a substrate. The study employs a heat‐treated saponified gelatin‐based bio‐ink, HSP‐GelMA. This bio‐ink is modified through methacrylic anhydride functionalization and undergoes subsequent saponification and heat treatment processes. Various concentrations of SPAN 80 surfactant in mineral oil were evaluated to assess their influence on HMP size and stability. The results indicate a direct correlation, with higher SPAN 80 concentrations resulting in smaller and more stable HMPs. The study further investigates the influence of jetting volume on HMP size distribution, revealing that larger jetting volumes lead to increased HMP sizes, attributed to droplet coalescence. This is supported by our further study via a Monte Carlo simulation, which shows that the mean droplet diameter grows approximately linear with the number of dispensed droplets. In addition, the study demonstrates the capability of the TIJ bioprinting system to achieve multimaterial encapsulation within HMPs, exemplified by staining living cells with distinct cytoplasmic membrane dyes. The presented approach provides insights into the controlled fabrication of cell‐laden HMPs, highlighting the versatility of the TIJ bioprinting system for potential applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Presentation matters: Surface text features and text quality in written narratives of Dutch high school students with and without dyslexia
Authors: Bazen Loes , van den Boer Madelon , de Bree Elise H. , de Jong Peter F.
Published: August 2024

Presentation features such as spelling, punctuation and handwriting can influence the evaluation of general text quality. High school students with dyslexia might therefore be at a disadvantage, as at least their spelling performance is typically poor(er). Furthermore, these students might show less sophisticated linguistic features of texts, such as word length and sentence complexity, that might also be related to text quality. We compared narratives written by Dutch high school students (mean age 13.7 years) with (n = 28) and without (n = 29) dyslexia. Students with dyslexia's texts contained more spelling errors and poorer handwriting quality, but not more punctuation errors. Teacher‐rated general text quality was lower for the texts of students with dyslexia in uncorrected versions. When spelling and punctuation errors were corrected, no teacher‐rated text quality differences emerged. No differences in linguistic text features were found. Furthermore, spelling, punctuation and, to a lesser extent, number of words per sentence clause were related to ratings of text quality across participants. These results confirm the influence of presentation features on text quality rating. They encourage teachers to be aware of this effect and emphasize the importance of spelling and writing support and interventions for students with dyslexia throughout education.
Using multiple scales of movement to highlight risk–reward strategies of coyotes (Canis latrans) in mixed‐use landscapes
Authors: Van Scoyoc Amy , Calhoun Kendall L. , Brashares Justin S.
Published: August 2024

Many wildlife species vary habitat selection across space, time, and behavior to maximize rewards and minimize risk. Multi‐scale research approaches that identify variation in wildlife habitat selection can highlight not only habitat preferences and risk tolerance but also movement strategies that afford coexistence or cause conflict with humans. Here, we examined how anthropogenic and natural features influenced coyote (Canis latrans) habitat selection in a mixed‐use, agricultural landscape in Mendocino County, California, USA. We used resource selection functions and hidden Markov models to test whether coyote selection for anthropogenic and natural features varied by time of day or by behavioral state (resting, foraging, and traveling). We found that coyotes avoided development, but, contrary to our expectations, coyotes selected for roads, agriculture, and areas with risk of human encounter and rifle use regardless of diel period or behavioral state. While traveling, coyotes increased selection for roads and avoided ruggedness, indicating that unpaved roads may enhance connectivity for coyotes in mixed‐use landscapes. Finally, we found that coyotes selected for mountain lion habitat when resting and at night, signifying that risk from natural predators was not a factor in habitat selection at coarse scales. Coyote habitat selection for places and times associated with human activity, without variation across scales, signals a potential for conflict if coyotes are perceived by people as a nuisance.
Dynamic evolution of tricuspid regurgitation during hospitalization in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Zocca Eugenio , Cocianni Daniele , Barbisan Davide , Perotto Maria , Contessi Stefano , Rizzi Jacopo Giulio , Savonitto Giulio , Brollo Enrico , Soranzo Elisa , De Luca Antonio , Merlo Marco , Sinagra Gianfranco , Stolfo Davide
Published: August 2024

Aims

Secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with poor prognosis in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). However, its dynamic evolution in response to volume status and treatment has never been previously investigated. In this study, we sought to explore the in‐hospital evolution of TR in ADHF patients and to assess its prognostic implications.

Methods and results

We retrospectively enrolled patients admitted for ADHF with ≥2 in‐hospital echocardiographic evaluations of TR. Patients were categorized, according to TR evolution, into persistent moderate‐severe TR, improved TR (from moderate‐severe to trivial‐mild) and persistent trivial‐mild TR. The primary endpoint was a composite of 5‐year all‐cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization (HFH). A total of 1054 patients were included. Of 318 patients (30%) with moderate‐severe TR at admission, 49% improved TR severity and showed better trends of decongestion, whereas those who maintained persistent moderate‐severe TR had characteristics of more severe heart failure at admission and discharge. Atrial fibrillation, previous heart failure and higher dosage of loop diuretics before admission were associated with a lower probability of improved TR. After adjustment, improved TR was associated with lower risk of 5‐year all‐cause mortality/HFH compared with persistent moderate‐severe TR (hazard ratio [HR] 0.524, p = 0.008) and no different from persistent trivial‐mild TR (HR 0.878, p = 0.575). Results were consistent across all subgroups of in‐hospital variation of mitral regurgitation.

Conclusion

Among ADHF patients with moderate‐severe TR at admission, 49% had an in‐hospital improvement in TR severity, which was associated with a reduction in risk of 5‐year all‐cause mortality and morbidity outcomes.
The potential of γδ CAR and TRuC T cells: An unearthed treasure
Authors: Schamel Wolfgang W. , Zintchenko Marina , Nguyen Trang , Fehse Boris , Briquez Priscilla S. , Minguet Susana
Published: August 2024

Recent years have witnessed the success of αβ T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) in treating haematological cancers. CARs combine the tumour antigen binding capability of antibodies with the signalling functions of the T‐cell receptor (TCR) ζ chain and co‐stimulatory receptors. Despite the success, αβ CAR T cells face limitations. Possible solutions would be the use of γδ T cells and new chimeric receptors, such as TCR fusion constructs (TRuCs). Notably, γδ CAR T cells are gaining traction in pre‐clinical and clinical studies, demonstrating a promising safety profile in several pilot studies. This review delves into the current understanding of γδ CAR and TCR fusion construct T cells, exploring the opportunities and challenges they present for cancer treatment.
Recent Developments in C−S, C−Se Bond Formation via Three‐Component Reactions of Alkynes
Authors: Wang Zhan‐Yong , Feng Guipeng , Jiang Xiaoying , Xue Hanyue , Xu Qing , Xia Ran
Published: August 2024

Alkynes are valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. They can undergo three‐component difunctionalization to create sulfur or selenium‐containing compounds. Three‐component reactions of alkynes are atom economic, practical and regioselective. This review will disscuss decade developments, including C−S and C−Se bond formation via thiolation, sulfonylation and selenylation. Recent developments can be mainly categorized into three types. (1) Radical C−S/S−Se bond formation is a hot topic. Reactions initiated by S/Se radicals or other radicals exhibit two types of selectivities. Photochemical and electrochemical reactions under eco‐friendly conditions have been increasingly reported. (2) Some transformations involve electrophilic three‐membered ring intermediates. Thiiraniums, seleniraniums, and iodoniums are among the most prevalent species. They undergo ring‐opening by various nucleophiles and participate in tandem reactions. (3) Metal‐catalyzed reactions, a classic category, will also be discussed in the text. In the following section, we will provide an overview based on the mechanisms and substrates. The roles of added reagents will also be discussed.
N‐Arylphenothiazines and N,N‐Diarylphenazines as Tailored Organophotoredox Catalysts for the Reductive Activation of Alkenes
Authors: Giraud Madeleine , Mitha Mathis Robin , Klehenz Sven , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: August 2024

A small library of N‐arylphenothiazines, N‐arylbenzo[b]phenothiazines and N,N‐diarylphenazines has been synthesized as strongly reducing organophotocatalysts without the need for sacrificial reagents or electrochemistry. Their opto‐electronic properties and their suitability as organophotoredox catalysts for the efficient activation of olefins was investigated using the addition of methanol to α‐methylstyrene as a model reaction. The findings were supported by DFT calculations. Three photocatalysts were identified that allowed quantitative yields with 10 mol % catalyst loading and 20 h irradiation by a 365 nm LED. The catalyst loading was gradually reduced to 0.5 mol % and the irradiation time was reduced to only 20 min. These experiments revealed that N,N‐diisobutyl‐4′‐(10H‐phenothiazin‐10‐yl)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐amine is the most efficient photocatalyst among the N‐arylphenothiazines. This chromophore combines high electron density introduced by the diisobutylamino phenyl group with high absorptivity at 365 nm caused by the phenylene bridge to the phenothiazine core. In an attempt to shift the excitation wavelength into the visible light range for selectivity and sustainability purposes (potential use of sunlight as a light source), N‐arylbenzo[b]phenothiazines N,N‐diarylphenazines were designed that exhibit a red‐shifted and broad absorbance shoulder into the visible range, but only N,N‐diarylphenazines allow photocatalysis and the one‐electron activation of alkenes by visible light (450 nm LED).
Electrochemical N‐Centered Radical‐Triggered Intramolecular N−N Coupling for the Cyclization of o‐Aminyl Azobenzenes
Authors: Gao Anna , Chen Kangjia , Ma Fang , Li Anni , Li Hongji
Published: August 2024

An electrochemical radical cyclization of o‐aminyl azobenzenes via N‐centered radical generation has been developed for the synthesis of benzotriazoles. The cyclization of o‐aminyl azobenzenes bearing a sulfonyl protection on amine readily proceeds in the absence of any external transition metal catalyst or chemical oxidant, and exhibits good tolerance towards functional groups.
Painful stimulation increases functional connectivity between supplementary motor area and thalamus in patients with small fibre neuropathy
Authors: Scheliga Sebastian , Dohrn Maike F. , Kellermann Thilo , Lampert Angelika , Rolke Roman , Namer Barbara , Peschke Greta Z. , van den Braak Nortje , Lischka Annette , Spehr Marc , Jo Han‐Gue , Habel Ute
Published: August 2024

Background

The lead symptom of small fibre neuropathy (SFN) is neuropathic pain. Recent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have indicated central changes in SFN patients of different etiologies. However, less is known about brain functional connectivity during acute pain processing in idiopathic SFN.

Methods

We conducted fMRI with thermal heat pain application (left volar forearm) in 32 idiopathic SFN patients and 31 healthy controls. We performed functional connectivity analyses with right supplementary motor area (SMA), left insula, and left caudate nucleus (CN) as seed regions, respectively. Since pathogenic gain‐of‐function variants in voltage gated sodium channels (Nav) have been linked to SFN pathophysiology, explorative connectivity analyses were performed in a homogenous subsample of patients carrying rare heterozygous missense variants.

Results

For right SMA, we found significantly higher connectivity with the right thalamus in SFN patients compared to controls. This connectivity correlated significantly with intraepidermal nerve fibre density, suggesting a link between peripheral and central pain processing. We found significantly reduced connections between right SMA and right middle frontal gyrus in patients with Nav variants. Likewise, connectivity between left CN and right frontal pole was decreased.

Conclusions

Aberrant functional connectivity in SFN is in line with previous research on other chronic pain syndromes. Functional connectivity changes may be linked to SFN, highlighting the need to determine if they result from peripheral changes causing abnormal somatosensory processing. This understanding may be crucial for assessing their impact on painful symptoms and therapy response.

Significance statement

We found increased functional connectivity between SMA and thalamus during painful stimulation in patients with idiopathic SFN. Connectivity correlated significantly with intraepidermal nerve fibre density, suggesting a link between peripheral and central pain processing. Our findings emphasize the importance of investigating functional connectivity changes as a potential feature of SFN.
Joint bidding strategy of multi‐virtual power plant operators
Authors: Du Jiyu , Zhao Yi , Sun Wenyao , Qian Xiaoyi
Published: August 2024

The distributed generation of new energy can effectively use the local endemic clean new energy and provide green power. However, due to the small scale and scattered layout of distributed generation resources, it is difficult to participate in the economic dispatch of power systems and even the competition of the power market. Virtual Power Plant (VPP) can act as a carrier of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) to manage its internal energy, to carry out combined bidding in the day‐ahead energy market and the regulation market. When virtual power plants coordinate multiple distributed energy resources to participate in electricity market transactions, the degree of disclosure of their internal privacy information will produce different trading strategies. A Stackelberg game model between multiple virtual power plant aggregators and virtual power plant operators is constructed, and the Kriging model is combined to protect the privacy information in the transactions of virtual power plant operators. Energy management for distributed generation is carried out, and the profit situation of virtual power plant operators under different strategies is analyzed.
Post‐fire sediment attenuation in beaver ponds, Rocky Mountains, CO and WY, USA
Authors: Dunn Sarah B. , Rathburn Sara L. , Wohl Ellen
Published: August 2024

We evaluated the post‐fire sediment dynamics in beaver ponds to examine these ponds' contributions to sediment storage following disturbance. Beaver dams and beaver mimicry structures impound water and sediment, a function that is of growing interest in wildfire‐prone landscapes. Wildfires typically lead to high sediment loading into rivers in the years following fire, constituting a disturbance to aquatic ecosystems and a challenge to water resource managers. Previous work establishes that beaver dams trap substantial volumes of sediment, but sedimentation appears spatially and temporally heterogeneous and it remains unclear the extent to which short‐term pulses of sediment are attenuated by these structures. We examine the conditions under which beaver dams and beaver mimicry structures store post‐fire sediment by quantifying the sediment volume of 40 ponds, about half of which were burned in large wildfires in the Colorado and Wyoming Rocky Mountains in 2020. The median relative volume of burned ponds is 85%, which is greater than the median for unburned ponds (58%), meaning that burned ponds store higher relative volumes of sediment when pond size is accounted for. Furthermore, sediment accumulated at a median rate of 3.0 cm/year over the entire history of the pond. Post‐fire sedimentation rates, with a median of 20.4 cm/year, were an order of magnitude higher than pre‐fire rates with a median of 1.8 cm/year. In addition, vegetation and geomorphic characteristics correlated with sediment storage in ponds. Sediment surveys confirmed that ponds with greater surface areas contain higher volumes of sediment. Additionally, older ponds and ponds abandoned by beavers stored higher volumes of sediment compared to recently constructed ponds, ponds actively maintained by beaver, and beaver mimicry structures. These findings demonstrate that beaver ponds and mimicry structures may function as sediment sinks capable of attenuating post‐fire sediment. The biogeomorphic context, defined across multiple scales from the pond to the catchment, provides additional explanation for the wide range of sediment storage observed and remains an important consideration for beaver‐based restoration, catchment sediment management, and resilience evaluation.
Nutrition, health benefits, and processing of sand rice (Agriophyllum squarrosum): Comparisons with quinoa and buckwheat
Authors: Yang Xiaofan , Fu Wenting , Xiao Liuyang , Wei Zhaojun , Han Lihong
Published: August 2024

The dual pressures of climate change and population growth have made the development of new grains a necessity. Agriophyllum squarrosum (sand rice) has high adaptability to harsh environments and does not occupy agricultural land. It is widely cultivated and consumed in Central Asia. Sand rice, together with quinoa and buckwheat, belongs to the same pseudocereals group with rich nutritional value and gluten‐free properties; however, its nutritional composition and health benefits differ from those of quinoa and buckwheat. Sand rice seeds are a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds, including proteins, amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and crude fiber, which are similar to those in buckwheat and quinoa; however, their starch content is relatively low. Sand rice seeds also possess phenolic acids and flavonoids, which exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anti‐diabetes, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Furthermore, sand rice extracts are considered suitable for treating some chronic diseases. Overall, sand rice is considered a good plant‐based food that can be used to develop various functional foods and beverages or mixed with other grains in different recipes. However, advancements in the processing technology of sand rice‐based foods are required to fully exploit the potential of sand rice in the food industry to improve human health. This review analyzes the current understanding of the nutritional content of sand rice by comparing it with that of quinoa and buckwheat. Furthermore, its potential medicinal activity and feasibility as a functional ingredient to improve food quality is discussed.
Thermal and hydrodynamic analysis inside a channel partially filled with porous material
Authors: Taamneh Yazan , Sathyamurthy Ravishankar
Published: August 2024

In this work, the transfer of heat and changes in fluid pressure within a rectangular channel fairly packed with porous material have been studied numerically for various Darcy numbers and dimensionless porous layers. The model was run with the following assumptions: laminar flow, forced convection, isotropic porous material, local thermodynamic equilibrium, constant wall temperature boundary condition, and no thermal dissipation. The study covers a broad range for the dimensionless porous layer, 0 ≤ hr < 1, and the Darcy number, 10−4 < Da < 10−2. The fully developed and developing flow over the channel is investigated in numerical study. It was observed that the inertia effect may be disregarded when Da < 10−4. The local dimensionless bulk temperature distribution, pressure drop, and velocity profiles were all shown to be impacted by the Darcy number and dimensionless porous layers, according to the numerical analysis results. The maximum heat transfer rate was attained when the ratio of the porous layer inside the channel was 0.8, and the pressure gradient was the highest. Partial packing of the channel with a porous material has two advantages: it increases the rate heat transmission rate and results in a much smaller pressure drop than a filled porous medium.
Effects of groundwater pumping on pore water flow and salt transport in tide‐controlled unconfined coastal aquifers
Authors: Chen Qian , Zhang Lei , Shen Chengji , Lu Chunhui
Published: August 2024

Unconfined coastal aquifers are a main pathway for land‐sourced solutes to enter the oceans. The migration of these solutes in aquifers is highly affected by the groundwater flow and salt transport processes, which are, to a great extent, controlled by tides. While many studies have examined how tidal oscillations would influence the subsurface hydrodynamics in coastal aquifers, most of them ignored the potential impact of groundwater pumping, a common practice in coastal areas to satisfy the demand for freshwater. This study, by means of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, explored the combined effects of tides and groundwater pumping on the pore water flow and salinity distributions in an unconfined coastal aquifer. The results show that, in a tide‐controlled aquifer, the addition of groundwater pumping would exacerbate the degree of seawater intrusion and lead to wider spreading and deeper penetration of the upper saline plume. Moreover, groundwater pumping would enhance the tide‐driven circulation in the upper saline plume and weaken the density‐driven circulation in the saltwater wedge, ultimately leading to the reduction in total submarine groundwater discharge. These findings may promote a deep insight into the complex coastal groundwater systems experiencing human activities, and provide guidance for better evaluating the environmental impact of groundwater pumping.
Mutational signatures and their association with cancer survival and gene expression in multiple cancer types
Authors: Karihtala Peeter , Kilpivaara Outi , Porvari Katja
Published: August 2024

Different endogenous and exogenous mutational processes cause specific patterns of somatic mutations and mutational signatures. Although their biological research has been intensive, there are only rare studies assessing the possible prognostic role of mutational signatures. We used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to study the associations between the activity of the mutational signatures and four survival endpoints in 18 types of malignancies. We further explored the prognostic differences according to, for example, the HPV status in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and smoking status in lung cancers. The predictive power of the signatures over time was evaluated with a dynamic area under the curve model, and the links between mutational signature activities and differences in gene expression patterns were analyzed. In 12 of 18 studied cancer types, we identified at least one mutational signature whose activity predicted survival outcomes after adjusting for the established prognostic factors. For example, overall survival was associated with the activity of mutational signatures in nine cancer types and disease‐specific survival in seven cancer types. The clock‐like signatures SBS5 and SBS40 were most commonly associated with survival endpoints. The genes of the myosin binding protein and melanoma antigen families were among the most substantially dysregulated genes between the signatures of low and high activity. The differences in gene expression also revealed various enriched pathways. Based on these data, specific mutational signatures associate with the gene expression and have the potential to serve as strong prognostic factors in several cancer types.
Reconstructive surgery of difficult urethrocutaneous fistula following gender‐affirming surgery
Authors: Matsuo Kazuna , Kanbe Miki , Sakamoto Fumitoshi , Kamei Yuzuru , Akamatsu Shusuke
Published: August 2024

Introduction

In Japan, transgender individuals have historically had limited therapeutic options, prompting many to seek gender‐affirming surgeries in private or foreign clinics because of restricted access to public hospitals. This has led to challenges for patients undergoing surgery.

Case presentation

A transgender man underwent surgery at a private clinic and experienced recurrent complications. Subsequent examination at another clinic and our hospital revealed limited medical records, complicating our understanding of this case. After a detailed investigation, the urethrocutaneous and urethrovaginal fistulas were identified and addressed by joint urologists and plastic surgeons, resulting in no recurrence after 1 year.

Conclusion

This case underscores the importance of thorough preoperative assessment with a flexible mindset, emphasizing the need to avoid being misled by inadequate records or appearances in complication management of gender‐affirming surgery. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals based on comprehensive evaluations lead to safer complication treatments.
Introduction of universal transvaginal cervical length measurement does not decrease spontaneous preterm delivery rate compared to universal transabdominal screening with reflex cut‐off: A pre‐post study
Authors: Holthaus Emily , Alrahmani Layan , Sprawka Nicole , Goodman Jean Ricci , Lal Ann
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The objective of our study is to examine cervical length measurements, identification of short cervix, vaginal progesterone use, and rate of spontaneous preterm delivery before and after departmental transition to a universal transvaginal ultrasound screening protocol from a universal transabdominal screening protocol.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational pre–post study examining the year prior to and year following a transition to a universal transvaginal ultrasound screening protocol to assess cervical length at the time of the anatomy survey. Prior to this transition, universal transabdominal cervical length screening was performed, with reflex transvaginal ultrasound measurement if transabdominal measurement was <35 mm or was unable to be obtained.

Results

A total of 1760 charts were reviewed; 962 charts were from the pre‐transition/transabdominal year and 798 charts were from the post‐transition/transvaginal year. In the post‐transition/transvaginal year, cervical length less than 20 mm was identified in 1.5% of cases, compared to 0.7% of cases in the pre‐transition/transabdominal year (p = 0.114). There was no difference in the rate of spontaneous preterm delivery between the two groups (5.1% in the pre‐transition/transabdominal year vs. 6.9% in the post‐transition/transvaginal year; p = 0.111).

Conclusions

In this pre‐post study, introduction of a universal transvaginal cervical length screening did not decrease spontaneous preterm delivery rates or detection of short cervix <20 mm, compared to a protocol of universal transabdominal cervical length screening with reflex to transvaginal for measurement <35 mm.
Downconversion Master Slave OCT With a Bidirectional Sweeping Laser
Authors: Martinez Jimenez A. , Cernat R. , Bradu A. , Riha R. , Proano Grijalva E. A. , Meyer B. O. , Ansbaek T. , Yvind K. , Podoleanu A.
Published: August 2024

This paper explores the challenges of signal processing when using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging instruments driven by asymmetric MHz bidirectional sweeping lasers. A downconversion master–slave (DMS) method is proposed as a viable alternative to the traditional OCT protocol. Unlike conventional swept source OCT, which requires a separate calibration for each sweep, the DMS approach does not require calibration of the acquired channeled spectra; its operation is independent of the tuning direction. We demonstrate the practicality of the DMS method with en‐face OCT images obtained with an OCT instrument equipped with a fast bidirectional swept laser (tuning speed 1.6 MHz) and a slow acquisition card of only 2.5 MS/s sampling rate.
Comparative Analysis of Commercial Immunoassays for the Determination of Total, Intact, and Nonintact Luteinizing Hormone in Urine
Authors: Demir And , Anttonen Mikko , Alfthan Henrik , Stenman Ulf‐Håkan , Hero Matti
Published: August 2024

Background

In our recent publications, we reported the identification of three different molecular forms of total luteinizing hormone (LH) in urine, the intact LH, the free beta‐subunit (LHβ), and its core fragment of LHβ (LHβcf), the latter two establishing the nonintact portion of LH. Following the discontinuation of the Delfia immunofluorometric assay (IFMA) (Wallac, PerkinElmer Finland, Finland), a leading method for detecting urinary LH for 30 years, this study seeks to assess the efficacy of three alternative commercial immunoassays in identifying various forms of U‐LH.

Methods

Diluted urine samples underwent gel filtration to separate them into fractions, each containing different forms of LH. These were then assayed using Delfia IFMA, Architect LH (Abbott, USA), Elecsys LH Cobas (Roche, Switzerland), and Immulite 2000 LH (Siemens, Germany) immunoassays.

Results

Both Delfia and Immulite assays detected total U‐LH, that is, all three forms of U‐LH, including intact LH, LHβ, and LHβcf. Cobas detected only intact LH and LHβ, whereas Architect detected solely the intact LH.

Conclusions

Immulite assay can be an alternative tool to detect all forms of urinary LH, a feature likely to be instrumental in developing noninvasive, practical, and scalable solutions for evaluating total U‐LH changes during minipuberty in neonates, during the onset of central puberty in peripubertal children, puberty‐associated disorders in adolescents, and the fertility window in women, with a special focus on postpeak changes.