bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive Sampling of Human Body Fluids Using In Vivo SPME
Authors: Hu Bin
Published: March 2023

Noninvasive body fluids offer attractive sources to gain insights into human health. The in vivo solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique is a fast and versatile sample preparation technique for the noninvasive sampling of human body fluids in various fields. This chapter summarizes the applications of SPME coupled with mass spectrometry (MS)-based approaches for noninvasive investigations of human body fluids, including urine, sweat, and saliva. New features of noninvasive SPME sampling and MS-based analysis are highlighted, and the prospects on their further development are also discussed.
Application of SPME for Comprehensive Analysis of Aerosol Samples
Authors: Zeinali Shakiba , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: March 2023

The importance of comprehensive investigation of aerosol samples relies on the fact that some portions of analytes can be adsorbed on the particles/droplets and for full characterization, study of particle/droplet-bound compounds as well as free, gas-phase ones is required. Among various microextraction techniques, needle-trap devices (NTD) have the capability of trapping particles/droplets and extracting gaseous compounds, simultaneously. However, the filtration efficiency of sorbent-packed NTD can be low which can be improved by adding a filter. In this chapter, the investigation of aerosol samples using filter-incorporated NTD is explained. The application of the device for the study of various aerosol samples such as breath composition, air pollution, and sprays is described. From the reported results from this area, it is shown that free and total concentrations of analytes can vary significantly, depending on the physicochemical properties of the analytes and characteristics of the sample. The results from critical aerosol samples (including breath samples and air pollution) revealed that less-volatile and polar compounds have higher tendencies to remain attached/adsorbed on the particles/droplets. It can be concluded that when only the gas-phase is studied in aerosol samples, a portion of analytes can remain hidden and their related information can be lost from results.
A two-dimensional Te/ReS2 van der Waals heterostructure photodetector with high photoresponsivity and fast photoresponse
Authors: Yan Yafei , Li Minxin , Xia Kai , Yang Kemeng , Wu Dun , Li Liang , Fei Guangtao , Gan Wei
Published: March 2023

The Te/ReS2 vdWH devices exhibit superior photoresponse performance, with excellent specific detectivity, high responsivity, and fast photoresponse speed. Besides, these devices exhibit photovoltaic effect and can be employed as a self-powered photodetector (SPPDs).
A novel removable template method for the preparation of persistent luminescence nanoparticles with biocompatible size and high intensity
Authors: Yan Zichao , Yin Chang , Sun Mengjie , Yuan Weibao , Wang Wei , Wu Qiang , Yuan Zhi
Published: March 2023

For the first time, we used MOFs based removable template to prepare NIR persistent luminescence nanoparticles. MOFs can regulate the position of metal ions for better luminescence intensity, and could also limit final products to nanosized scale.
Never a dull moment with praseodymium metal
Authors: Guo Zhifang , Deacon Glen B. , Junk Peter C.
Published: March 2023

[BiI2(DippForm)2], [BiII2(DippForm)2(C6F5)2] [BiIII(DippForm)2(C6F5)], [Pr(DippForm)2F(thf)]·PhMe, [p-HC6F4DippForm]·0.5thf, and a ring-opened thf [o-HC6F4O(CH2)4DippForm] were obtained by the reaction of Pr metal with [Bi(C6F5)3]·0.5dioxane, DippFormH in thf.
Pt17 nanocluster electrocatalysts: preparation and origin of high oxygen reduction reaction activity
Authors: Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Mitomi Yusuke , Nishi Naoki , Kurosaki Ryuki , Oiwa Kazutaka , Tanaka Tomoya , Hirase Hinoki , Miyajima Sayuri , Niihori Yoshiki , Osborn D. J. , Koitaya Takanori , Metha Gregory F. , Yokoyama Toshihiko , Iida Kenji , Negishi Yuichi
Published: March 2023

This work succeeded in fabricating the platinum 17-atom nanocluster-supported carbon black catalyst with high oxygen reduction reaction activity.
Ru(ii)-catalyzed oxidative coupling of sulfoxonium ylides with amines: efficient synthesis of α-ketoamides and indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines
Authors: Changmai Sumi , Gogoi Tribeni , Phukon Jyotshna , Das Bipul , Gogoi Sanjib
Published: March 2023

A Ru(ii)-catalyzed synthesis of α-ketoamides and indolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines is reported using sulfoxonium ylides and amines/2-phenylindoles as the starting compounds.
Chiral oxalamide phosphine (COAP)-Pd-catalyzed enantioselective cascade formal [4 + 1] annulation for enantioenriched 2,3-disubstituted indolines and further DFT study on regio- and stereocontrol
Authors: Zhou Sheng-Suo , Shen Jun-Hao , Liu Wen-Kai , Sun Xing-Yun , Song Jia-Yu , Wang Zheng , Qi Zheng-Hang , Wang Xing-Wang
Published: March 2023

COAP-Pd-catalyzed asymmetric cascade formal [4 + 1] annulation was developed between racemic vinyl benzoxazinones and N-tosylhydrazone sodium salts, affording trans-2,3-disubstituted indolines in good yields with high stereoselectivity.
A rhodium-catalyzed ylide formation/Smiles rearrangement reaction of chalcogenide ether and triazoles
Authors: He Jiafeng , Liu Xun-Shen , Li Mingjia , Peng Shaoting , Si Zhi-Yao , Liu Lu
Published: March 2023

A Rh(ii)-catalyzed highly stereoselective chalcogenide ylide formation/Smiles rearrangement reaction of diaryl thioether/selenoethers and triazoles was successfully developed.
Synthesis of efficient bi-anchoring bifuran/biphenyl derivatives for dye-sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: El-Shafeai Heba M. , Badawy Safa A. , Ismail Mohamed A. , Abdel-Latif Ehab , Fadda Ahmed A. , Elmorsy Mohamed R.
Published: March 2023

We have synthesized new metal-free dyes (HB-1–8) containing bifuran/biphenyl derivatives for dye-sensitized solar cells. Dye HB-3 exhibited the highest efficiency among the eight investigated dyes, reaching 5.51% with aVOCvalue higher than N3.
A green method for decolorization of polysaccharides from alfalfa by S-8 macroporous resin and their characterization and antioxidant activity
Authors: Yu Xiaohong , Mu Na , Liu Xiaochen , Shang Yueling , Wang Dujun , Li Fengwei
Published: March 2023

The decolorization process and adsorption mechanism of pigment molecules in alfalfa polysaccharides by S-8 resin were studied. Meanwhile, the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of alfalfa polysaccharides were analyzed.
Is Articulation Assessment via Synchronous Telepractice as Reliable as In-Person Assessment?
Authors: Bartamay Şeyma , Cangi M. Emrah , Baba Kübra , Çavdar Derya , Erdem Handan
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

This study aimed to determine whether articulation assessment via telepractice is as reliable as in-person assessment.

Method:

Thirty-four children aged 4–11 years with speech sound disorder (SSD) participated in the study. The Articulation Subtest (SET) of the Turkish Articulation and Phonology Test (SST) was used to assess the children's articulation skills. The study's procedures comprised two stages. First, in the Baseline Pilot Stage, five speech-language pathologists (SLPs; four graduate SLPs and one SLP with a PhD degree) conducted in-person assessments on seven children, and their agreement was examined (α for five SLPs = .950;
p
< .0001). In the Main Assessment Stage, four SLPs assessed 27 children synchronously on four separate days through either online (two SLPs) or in-person (the other two SLPs) clinician roles, which changed daily. Online evaluators did not use microphones and headphones to avoid any advantage. The agreement among the four raters was examined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results:

The results revealed an excellent level of agreement regarding overall assessment between online and in-person clinicians (
p
< .0001). All articulation manners were acceptable, good, or excellent. However, some sounds' (α < .7 for /d/, /ɣ/, /b/; α < .8 for /p/, /ʃ/, /t/, /l/, /v/) reliability levels were relatively low compared with others.

Conclusions:

There may be certain restrictiveness regarding discriminating visual or auditory clues related to certain phonemes in a telepractice environment. This restrictiveness may be related with sonority and with differentiation between minimal pairs where visual clues are limited.
Compound robust control of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on quasi‐Z source inverter
Authors: Peng Fan , Xie Weicai , Yan Jiande
Published: March 2023

In this study, a compound control strategy for motor side and quasi‐Z source side is proposed to improve the robustness of the quasi‐Z source permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system subjected to external disturbance. In this method, the complementary sliding mode control and sliding mode control as feedback controllers are combined with the disturbance observer technology as a feed‐forward compensator to achieve fast tracking and disturbance suppression for the PMSM drive system. Firstly, the signal models of quasi‐Z source inverters and motors are established. Secondly, by introducing state variables, the composite sliding mode controller is designed with strong robustness based on matched disturbances. Then, in order to further improve the disturbance suppression performance, a disturbance observer based on a feed‐forward compensator is designed to estimate the mismatched external disturbances in the motor drive system. Finally, the global asymptotic stability based on Lyapunov criterion is proved. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed compound control strategy has the advantages of fast convergence, small motor speed pulsation and strong robustness to external disturbances.
The XXL Survey
Authors: Bhargava Sunayana , Garrel Christian , Koulouridis Elias , Pierre Marguerite , Valtchanov Ivan , Cerardi Nicolas , Maughan Ben J. , Aguena Michel , Benoist Christophe , Baguley Cale , Ramos-Ceja Miriam E. , Adami Christophe , Chiappetti Lucio , Vignali Cristian , Willis Jon P.
Published: March 2023

Context.X-ray observations of galaxy clusters are impacted by the presence of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in a manner that is challenging to quantify, leading to biases in the detection and measurement of cluster properties for both astrophysics and cosmological applications.

Aims.We detect and characterise clusters contaminated by central AGNs within the XXL survey footprint and provide a systematic assessment of the cosmological impact of such systems in X-ray cluster samples.

Methods.We introduce a new automated class for AGN-contaminated (AC) clusters in the XXL source detection pipeline. The majority of these systems are otherwise missed by current X-ray cluster-detection methods. The AC selection is also effective in distinguishing AGN and cool-core presence using supplementary optical and infrared information.

Results.We present 33 AC objects, including 25 clusters in the redshift range, 0.14 ≤ z ≤ 1.03, and eight other sources with significantly peaked central profiles based on X-ray observations. Six of these are new confirmed clusters. We computed the missed fraction of the XXL survey, which is defined as the fraction of genuine clusters that are undetected due to their centrally peaked X-ray profiles. We report seven undetected AC clusters abovez > 0.6, in the range where X-ray cluster detection efficiency drops significantly. The missed fraction is estimated to be at the level of 5% for the 50 square-degree XXL area. The impact on cosmological estimates from missed clusters is negligible for XXL, but it produces a tension of ∼3σwith the fiducial cosmology when considering larger survey areas.

Conclusions.This work demonstrates the first systematic attempt to quantify the percentage of missed clusters in X-ray surveys as a result of central AGN contamination. Looking towards surveys such as eROSITA and Athena, larger areas and increased sensitivity will significantly enhance cluster detection, and therefore robust methods for characterising AGN contamination will be crucial for precise cluster cosmology, particularly in the redshiftz > 1 regime.
The chemistry of H2NC in the interstellar medium and the role of the C + NH3 reaction
Authors: Agúndez M. , Roncero O. , Marcelino N. , Cabezas C. , Tercero B. , Cernicharo J.
Published: March 2023

We carried out an observational search for the recently discovered molecule H2NC, and its more stable isomer H2CN, toward eight cold dense clouds (L1544, L134N, TMC-2, Lupus-1A, L1489, TMC-1 NH3, L1498, and L1641N) and two diffuse clouds (B0415+379 and B0355+508) in an attempt to constrain its abundance in different types of interstellar regions and shed light on its formation mechanism. We detected H2NC in all but one of the cold dense clouds targeted, while H2CN was only detected in five out of the eight clouds. The column densities derived for both H2NC and H2CN are in the range 1011–1012 cm−2, and the abundance ratio H2NC/H2CN varies between 0.51 and >2.7. The metastable isomer H2NC is therefore widespread in cold dense clouds, where it is present with an abundance similar to that of H2CN. We did not detect H2NC or H2CN in any of the two diffuse clouds targeted, meaning we can make no conclusions regarding how the chemistry of H2NC and H2CN varies between dense and diffuse clouds. We find that the column density of H2NC is correlated with that of NH3, which strongly suggests that these two molecules are chemically linked, ammonia most likely being a precursor of H2NC through the C + NH3 reaction. We performed electronic structure and statistical calculations that show that both H2CN and H2NC can be formed in the C + NH3 reaction through two different channels involving two different transition states that are very close in energy. The predicted product branching ratio H2NC/H2CN is very method dependent, but values between 0.5 and 0.8 are the most likely. Therefore, both the astronomical observations and the theoretical calculations support the reaction C + NH3 being the main source of H2NC in interstellar clouds.
Regularization for Wasserstein distributionally robust optimization
Authors: Azizian Waïss , Iutzeler Franck , Malick Jérôme
Published: March 2023

Optimal transport has recently proved to be a useful tool in various machine learning applications needing comparisons of probability measures. Among these, applications of distributionally robust optimization naturally involve Wasserstein distances in their models of uncertainty, capturing data shifts or worst-case scenarios. Inspired by the success of the regularization of Wasserstein distances in optimal transport, we study in this paper the regularization of Wasserstein distributionally robust optimization. First, we derive a general strong duality result of regularized Wasserstein distributionally robust problems. Second, we refine this duality result in the case of entropic regularization and provide an approximation result when the regularization parameters vanish.
Co-designing a social robot in a special educational needs school
Authors: Newbutt Nigel , Rice Louis , Lemaignan Séverin , Daly Joe , Charisi Vicky , Conley Iian
Published: March 2023

Social robots have the potential to support autistic school children with their wellbeing. This research reveals how a co-design approach with autistic children and their teachers was undertaken. Focus groups with autistic children and teachers collaboratively identified user requirements for the social robot and robot behaviours within the school ecosystem in order to improve student wellbeing. The results reveal the importance of including autistic children in the co-design process to ensure their voices are heard and also that the role of the robot is appropriate and targeted to the users’ needs and requirements. Autistic children and their teachers report multiple potential benefits for social robots supporting emotional wellbeing in the school. Autistic children were supportive of the introduction of a social robot in their school, mostly expressing positive attitudes towards the robot. The research is significant in revealing how a user-centred co-design approach involving autistic children and social robots may support emotional wellbeing.
Talking about moving machines
Authors: Pieters Céline , Danblon Emmanuelle , Souères Philippe , Laumond Jean-Paul
Published: March 2023

Globally, robots can be described as some sets of moving parts that are dedicated to a task while using their own energy. Yet, humans commonly qualify those machines as being intelligent, autonomous or being able to learn, know, feel, make decisions, etc. Is it merely a way of talking or does it mean that robots could eventually be more than a complex set of moving parts? On the one hand, the language of robotics allows multiple interpretations (leading sometimes to misreading or confusion in various contexts). On the other hand, the status of robots is challenged more and more by technical achievements and humans’ own empirical beliefs. In this paper, we follow a linguistic approach in order to explore the relevance of these words when talking about robots. Since we note that the words impose themselves (even if opposed), we discuss the efficiency of a rhetorical strategy in order to work with such a lexicon in robotics. More precisely, we explore the argumentative technique of the dissociation of notions through the study of a practical case: the case of robot lawn mowers versus hedgehogs.
Suppression of Pre-Pulse of Chirped Laser Pulse by Scanning Amplitude Limiting Approach Based on Quadratic Electro-Optic Effect
Authors: Ye Rong , Yin Ming , Zeng Tingting , Wu Xianyun , Li Hongmei
Published: March 2023

The too intense pre-pulse breaks the conditions of interaction of main pulse with target in experiments where laser pulses interact with matter. An approach of pre-pulse suppression by scanning amplitude limiting is proposed based on quadratic electro-optic effect, according to the characteristics of frequency varies with time of the chirped laser pulse. The scanning amplitude limiting scheme with a Mach-Zehnder interferometer system is depicted and the properties of pre-pulse suppression are analysed both theoretically and numerically. For 800nm central wavelength and magnitude ns duration chirped laser pulse, the simulation result shows that the pre-pulse is suppressed on a scale of 10% to 1‰ or more on the premise of appropriate controlling voltage. Furthermore, the suppressing performance of pre-pulse is sensitive to the deviation and time-delay of voltage which affects the transmittance of system, and it is necessary to reduce the voltage deviation and time-delay so as to suppress the pre-pulse more severe.
Scattering Model for Stray Light Calculations in Laser Interferometry Application to TianQin Science Interferometer
Authors: Yan Haoyu , Chen Qinfang , Wang Hu , Wang Xingyan , Ma Zhanpeng
Published: March 2023

In the field of space optics, correct estimation of the amount of stray light is necessary to evaluate system performance and guide the selection of the correct design. Given the noise target of several picometers on distance measurements, this configuration is very sensitive to stray-light noise; thus, stray-light estimation is an important part of the design process. For complex optical systems, stray-light simulations can be performed by using specific optical analysis software (FRED, Tracepro, ASAP), which require expensive licenses and excessive computing time. Herein, we consider the effects of combined roughness, mirror contamination, and surface imperfections, construct a unified physical scattering model and simulate it. According to the analysis, the stray light of the telescope system is less than 1010 of the outgoing laser power.These considerations apply to various optical systems.
Numerical Analysis of Target Scattering Characteristics Based on Singularity Expansion Method
Authors: Cao Pei , Li Pingyang , Wang Daowei , Lin Mingzhuang , Wu Jiuhui
Published: March 2023

Based on the physical meaning of wave equation and Singularity Expansion Method, a numerical solution method is designed to extract the pole distributions of infinite cylinder, sphere and ellipsoid. By analysing the wave equation and boundary conditions of the target scattering characteristics, the extractions of poles of target scattering field are transformed into the solution of Hankel function and its derivative roots. Then, the T-matrix method is improved to make the numerical solution process of roots more accurate and faster. The numerical results are compared with strict analytical solutions and experimental results to fully verify the correctness of the method mentioned in this paper this study provides a basis for understanding the scattering mechanism of surface waves, and also provides a method and idea for solving problems such as acoustic scattering and electromagnetic scattering in engineering practice.
Fiber Laser Methane Detection Device based on TDLAS and Its Application
Authors: Weng Longhang , Wang Han , Yang Qiaoyun
Published: March 2023

Methane is a flammable and explosive gas, which is the main component of natural gas, mashgas, and biogas. Using the technology of tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) to detect methane, which does not require oxygen, no poisoning, no calibrating, has gas selectivity, strong environmental adaptability, and is stable and reliable. The laser transmission with the optical fiber has the characteristics of low optical loss, long distance and flexible networking. This manuscript demonstrated an optical fiber laser methane detection device based on TDLAS and its application. The laser was transmitted to the methane detection position by optical fiber, and the laser interacted with methane in the optical fiber gas box. The optical fiber collimator coupled the surplus laser into the optical fiber and sent it back to the monitoring device.The photoelectric detector converted the surplus laser to an electrical signal. The monitoring device operation was based on the principle of TDLAS and analyzed the returned laser strength to obtain the concentration of methane. This manuscript described the principle, composition and monitoring spot network of the fiber laser methane monitoring device and shown a practical application.
Study on Evolution of Surface Morphology and Temperature of Carbon Fiber Composites Irradiated by Millisecond Pulsed Laser
Authors: Gong Lei , Zhang Yu , Zhang Yizhuo , Wang Hongrui , Zhang Chi
Published: March 2023

The study of the interaction between laser and composite materials has attracted the attention of many researchers. In this paper, the surface morphology and temperature evolution of T300 carbon fiber composites irradiated by millisecond pulse laser were studied and analyzed experimentally. The transient morphology change process of the front surface of the material was observed by a camera. With the injection of pulsed laser energy, the material began to change its characteristics from the center, leading to a decrease in reflectivity of it, and this area expanded with the accumulation of laser energy. The temperature change on the back of the material was observed by a thermal imager. Within a certain range and the same laser irradiation time, the greater the injected energy per unit area, the faster the temperature of the back center rises. However, under the same circumstances as above, the highest center temperature of the back of the composites is only related to the total energy injected, and has nothing to do with the spot size.
On Chip Polarization Beam Splitter Based on Inverse Design
Authors: Cao Jie , Zhao Zhikai , Sun Haifeng , Yang Yong , Deng Yubo , Cao Pengfei
Published: March 2023

With the gradual improvement of optical interconnection technology’s requirements for high-speed broadband transmission of data, multidimensional multiplexing technology must be used to meet the application scenarios. Among them, polarization multiplexing technology has opened up a higher multiplexing dimension, and the application prospects are very broad. Polarization beam splitters have received a lot of attention as a key device in polarization multiplexing technology. The polarization multiplexer designed by traditional design methods with the help of classical theory and empirical calculation generally has deficiencies such as excessive volume and complex design, which is not conducive to large-scale integration, and the introduction of inverse design can effectively solve this problem and improve design efficiency. In this paper, the polarization beam splitter is implemented by using the inverse design, which can realize the output of the modes TE0 and TM0 in the bus waveguide from the respective regional waveguides, and the integration of TE0 and TM0 in the respective branch waveguides into the fusion transmission in the bus waveguide, with a size of only 2.4μm × 2μm. At the same time, simulation experiments show that the insertion loss of the device in the operating wavelength range of 1520nm to 1580nm is less than 1.4dB, and the crosstalk value between channels is almost negligible because the core layer of 220nm is difficult to achieve polarization rotation.
Preliminary Study on the Stability of High-resolution π-phase Shift FBG Ocean Temperature Sensor
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Yang Shuqing , Sun Qingquan , Bai Xiaoxue , Ji Lanting , Su Juan , Wu Chi , Xu Lei , Liu Qiang , Yu Liping
Published: March 2023

Fiber Bragg gratings are widely used in sensing fields, but few studies about their stability have been reported. A high-resolution π-phase shift FBG (π-FBG) ocean temperature sensor is experimentally demonstrated by using a linearized optical frequency sweeping interrogation system. A gas absorption line from H13C14N (HCN) gas was used to calibrate the laser frequency in real-time, providing long-term stability of the demodulation system. The temperature coefficient of π-FBG is ~14pm/°C, the temperature-resolution is as high as 0.001 °C and the response time is 49.45ms. In order to study the stability of the π-FBG probe, it is placed in a Gallium point bottle with a constant temperature point. Over the course of 4 hours of continuous testing, the probe exhibited a linear drift of approximately 0.09°C.
Auto-Focusing in Digital Holographic Microscopy Using Differential Cosine Score
Authors: Zhong Zhi , Li Danyang , Li Qianwen
Published: March 2023

Accurately estimating the reconstruction distance of samples is very important for digital holographic microscopy, various auto-focusing algorithms have been proposed. These algorithms determine focus position by finding the global peak or valley of the evaluation curve. However, the discrete step size is small in precise autofocus process, which causes that the function values around peak or valley are not much different. As a result, the sensitivity of the peak and valley values of the evaluation curve is low, and the focusing accuracy is also susceptible to noise. In this paper, an autofocusing method using differential cosine score (DCS) is proposed to improve the accuracy and sensitivity of evaluation curve. In this method, two virtual detectors are placed on both sides of the real detector at the same distance. Two ordinary focusing curves and one DCS curve can be obtained by using the cosine score function. Therefore, the focal plane can be automatically identified by searching the zero-crossing of DCS curve, which avoids the problem of low sensitivity of peak and valley values by traditional methods. We illustrate the validity of the proposed method with measurements on USAF resolution target, blood smear and Hela cell.
Impact of maltodextrin and temperature on spray dried mixed flesh-peel matrix of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) powder
Authors: Duong T N D , Tran T N T , Hoang Q B
Published: March 2023

Red flesh dragon fruit(Hylocereus polyrhizus)has been considered as rich source of essential nutrients for health. The objective of this research was to investigate the ability of producing fruit powder from the pulp underwith the utilization of the peel of red flesh dragon fruit by spray drying technique. Maltodextrin concentration and inlet air temperature were the experimental factors investigated the effects on the physicochemical properties of the powder. Results showed that the concentration of maltodextrin (10 - 20%) and the inlet spray drying temperature (140 - 160°C) affected on the retention of betacyanin, morphology and other properties of the fruit powder. The maltodextrin concentration of 15% and the inlet temperature of 150°C revealed high retention (98.75%) of betacyanin. There were analytical methods including SEM, FTIR and DSC explored also to confirm the changes of the mixed flesh-peel matrix from red dragon fruit through the processing.
Flow behavior and dynamic transformation of titanium alloy Ti62A during deformation at different temperatures and strain rates
Authors: Guan Haiting , Fu Qiang , Xiang Wei , Min Wu , Xiong Yunsen , Yuan Wuhua
Published: March 2023

The effect of deformation temperature and strain rate on the hot deformation behavior and dual-phase microstructure evolution of the titanium alloy Ti62A was examined using electron backscatter diffraction. In general, the activation energy of Ti62A during steady-state deformation in the (α + β) phase is 295 kJ mol−1. The primary recovery mechanisms of the β phase during hot deformation are dynamic recovery and dynamic recrystallization (DRX). Moreover, discontinuous DRX occurs at low temperatures and high strain rates, whereas continuous DRX occurs at high temperatures and low strain rates. Furthermore, high strain rates in the (α + β) phase and high deformation temperatures are advantageous to dynamic phase changes during dynamic transformation (DT). The β phase penetrates the lamellar α
s phase, causing fragmentation and spheroidization of the α
s phase. Finally, DT begins more easily in the fine α
s phase than in the coarse α
p phase.
Dissecting the molecular features of bovine-arrested eight-cell embryos using single-cell multi-omics sequencing
Authors: Zhang Jingyao , Lyu Qingji , Li Jing , Ma Zhuoran , Yang Ruoyu , Yin Xunzhe , Yang Lei , Gao Shuai
Published: March 2023

The regulation of mammalian early-embryonic development is a complex, coordinated process that involves widespread transcriptomic and epigenetic remodeling. The main cause of developmental failure in preimplantation embryos after in vitro fertilization is the irreversible arrested-at-cleavage stage. To deepen our understanding of this embryonic block, we profiled a single-cell multi-omics map of copy number variations (CNVs), the transcriptome, the DNA methylome, and the chromatin state of bovine eight-cell embryos with a two-cell fate that either arrested or developed into blastocysts. To do this, we sequenced a biopsied blastomere and tracked the developmental potential of the remaining cells. Aneuploid embryos inferred by CNVs from DNA- and RNA-library data tended to lose their developmental potency. Analysis of distinct genomic regions of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility revealed that enrichment of gene function and signaling pathways, such as the MAPK signaling pathway, was altered in arrested euploid eight-cell embryos compared with blastocyst-developed euploid eight-cell embryos. Moreover, the RNA expression and chromatin accessibility of embryonic genome activation-associated genes were lower in arrested euploid embryos than in blastocyst-developed embryos. Taken together, our results indicate that the developmental block of eight-cell embryos can be caused by multiple molecular layers, including CNVs, abnormality of DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility, and insufficient expression of embryonic genome activation-associated genes. Our integrated and comprehensive data set provides a valuable resource to further dissect the exact mechanisms underlying the arrest of bovine eight-cell embryos in vitro.
Hybrid confidence intervals for informative uniform asymptotic inference after model selection
Authors: McCloskey A
Published: March 2023

I propose a new type of confidence interval for correct asymptotic inference after using data to select a model of interest without assuming any model is correctly specified. This hybrid confidence interval is constructed by combining techniques from the selective inference and post-selection inference literatures to yield a short confidence interval across a wide range of data realizations. I show that hybrid confidence intervals have correct asymptotic coverage, uniformly over a large class of probability distributions that do not bound scaled model parameters. I illustrate the use of these confidence intervals in the problem of inference after using the lasso objective function to select a regression model of interest and provide evidence of their desirable length and coverage properties in small samples via a set of Monte Carlo experiments that entail a variety of different data distributions as well as an empirical application to the predictors of diabetes disease progression.
A new immune disease: systemic hypertension
Authors: Copur Sidar , Peltek Ibrahim B , Mutlu Ali , Tanriover Cem , Kanbay Mehmet
Published: March 2023

Systemic hypertension is the most common medical comorbidity affecting the adult population globally, with multiple associated outcomes including cerebrovascular diseases, cardiovascular diseases, vascular calcification, chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome and mortality. Despite advancements in the therapeutic field approximately one in every five adult patients with hypertension is classified as having treatment-resistant hypertension, indicating the need for studies to provide better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and the need for more therapeutic targets. Recent pre-clinical studies have demonstrated the role of the innate and adaptive immune system including various cell types and cytokines in the pathophysiology of hypertension. Moreover, pre-clinical studies have indicated the potential beneficial effects of immunosuppressant medications in the control of hypertension. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether such pathophysiological mechanisms and therapeutic alternatives are applicable to human subjects, while this area of research is undoubtedly a rapidly growing field.
Role of initial medical treatment and effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection with thrombosed false lumen
Authors: Masada Kenta , Shinzato Kento , Koizumi Shigeki , Yokawa Koki , Kasai Mio , Inoue Yosuke , Seike Yoshimasa , Sasaki Hiroaki , Matsuda Hitoshi
Published: March 2023

OBJECTIVES

The optimal treatment for acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) with thrombosed false lumen (T-FL) of the ascending aorta remains controversial. The goal of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of initial medical treatment (IMT) and the effectiveness of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for AAAD with T-FL.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 60 patients with AAAD with T-FL. Emergency aortic repair was performed in 33 patients, and IMT was selected in 27 uncomplicated patients with ascending aortic diameter < 50 mm and ascending T-FL thickness ≤ 10 mm.

RESULTS

Among the 27 patients who received IMT, 14 had intramural haematomas at admission; however, new ulcer-like projections appeared in 7 (50%) during hospitalization. Before discharge, 12 (44%) were given medical treatment only, and 15 (56%) required delayed aortic repair including TEVAR in 8 and open repair in 7. The median interval from onset to delayed repair was 9 days, and significantly more patients received TEVAR compared to those receiving emergency repair (53% vs 21%; P = 0.043). Between the TEVAR (n = 15) and the open repair (n = 33) groups, 1 (7%) 30-day death occurred in the TEVAR group, whereas no in-hospital deaths occurred in the open repair group. During the median follow-up time of 24.8 months, no aorta-related death was observed, and there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of freedom from aortic events (TEVAR: 92.8%/3 years vs open repair: 88.4%/3 years; P = 0.871).

CONCLUSIONS

Our management, using a combination of emergency aortic repair, IMT and delayed aortic repair for AAAD with T-FL, achieved favourable clinical outcomes. Among the selected Japanese patients, IMT with repeated multidetector computed tomography could detect a new intimal tear that could be closed by TEVAR in some cases. Using EVAR for this pathology resulted in acceptable early and midterm outcomes. Further investigations are required to validate the safety and efficacy of this management procedure.
The essential role of spontaneous and starter yeasts in cocoa and coffee fermentation
Authors: Schwan Rosane Freitas , Bressani Ana Paula Pereira , Martinez Silvia Juliana , Batista Nadia Nara , Dias Disney Ribeiro
Published: March 2023

Yeasts are important microorganisms used in different fermentation processes. The cocoa beans must go through a correct fermentation process to obtain good-quality chocolate, which involves the action of yeasts and bacteria, and yeasts play a crucial role since they act in the first days of fermentation. In coffee, several studies have shown that the microbiota in the fruits is also a relevant factor. The fermentation process (regardless of the processing type) improves the beverage’s quality. In this sense, studies using starter cultures in these two raw materials are important for better control of the process, and optimization of fermentation time, in addition to the improvement and diversification of volatile and non-volatile compounds produced by yeasts. Thus, this review discusses the importance and role of yeasts during fermentation, their metabolism, the produced compounds, and how yeast and the different chemical reactions help increase the quality of chocolate and coffee.
A quality improvement approach in co-developing a primary healthcare package for raising awareness and managing female genital schistosomiasis in Nigeria and Liberia
Authors: Oluwole Akinola S , Bettee Anthony K , Nganda Motto Malea , Piotrowski Helen L , Fapohunda Victoria O , Adejobi Josephine B , Soneye Islamiat Y , Kafil-Emiola Maryam A , Soyinka Festus O , Nebe Obiageli J , Ekpo Uwem F , Kollie Karsor K , Isiyaku Sunday , Thomson Rachael , Dean Laura , Ozano Kim ,   Quality Improvement Team
Published: March 2023

Background

Girls and women living in endemic areas for urogenital schistosomiasis may have lifelong vulnerability to female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). For >2 decades, the importance of FGS has been increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but without established policies for case detection and treatment. This research aimed to understand the level of FGS knowledge of frontline health workers and health professionals working in endemic areas and to identify health system needs for the effective management of FGS cases and prevention of further complications due to ongoing infections.

Methods

Workshops were conducted with health workers and stakeholders using participatory methods. These workshops were part of a quality improvement approach to develop the intervention.

Results

Health workers’ and system stakeholders’ knowledge regarding FGS was low. Participants identified key steps to be taken to improve the diagnosis and treatment of FGS in schistosomiasis-endemic settings, which focused mainly on awareness creation, supply of praziquantel, development of FGS syndromic management and mass administration of praziquantel to all eligible ages. The FGS intervention component varies across countries and depends on the health system structure, existing facilities, services provided and the cadre of personnel available.

Conclusion

Our study found that co-developing a new service for FGS that responds to contextual variations is feasible, promotes ownership and embeds learning across health sectors, including healthcare providers, NTD policymakers and implementers, health professionals and community health workers.
A holistic approach to well-being and neglected tropical diseases: evaluating the impact of community-led support groups in Nigeria using community-based participatory research
Authors: Chowdhury Shahreen , Adekeye Oluwatosin , McRae Ayuba , Olorunfemi Temitope , Dubukumah Linda , Makinde Oluwabunmi , Ozokede Edward , Ewemade Jude , Abdulkadir Shuaibu , Ayuba Rebecca , Habibat Suleiman , Gurma Matthew , Thomson Rachael , Dean Laura
Published: March 2023

Background

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect around 1 billion people, many living in the poorest parts of the world. NTDs often lead to serious long-term physical impairments. Stigma, disability, poverty and social isolation interact, resulting in poor quality of life and significant psychosocial impacts. The holistic health and psychosocial needs of persons affected by NTDs are often overlooked in integrated NTD programme design and research. Furthermore, the viewpoints of persons affected are often absent and spaces for empowerment and advocacy are limited.

Methods

Using a community-based participatory research design, our study partnered with persons affected and caregivers as co-researchers to address this gap. Through the process, we co-designed and implemented community-based support groups in Kaduna and Kwara, Nigeria, where NTDs are endemic. This paper utilises photovoice with support group facilitators (persons affected); participant observation of group meetings; rapid micronarratives with support group members; and key informant interviews with programme implementers at the state and local government area levels to explore the impact of the support groups from the perspective of people affected by NTDs and other health system actors.

Results

Perceived impacts of the support groups included a sense of ownership and empowerment, stigma reduction, improved self-esteem, improved health knowledge and health outcomes and capacity strengthening through vocational training.

Conclusions

Support groups, as community spaces of healing, offer a low-cost holistic intervention for chronic disease and disability.
Increased Myocardial Infarction Risk Following Herpes Zoster Infection
Authors: Parameswaran Ganapathi I , Drye Alexandra F , Wattengel Bethany A , Carter Michael T , Doyle Kathleen M , Mergenhagen Kari A
Published: March 2023

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported as a postinfection sequela of herpes zoster, but with limited data on incidence after zoster and protective effect of the zoster vaccine. This study investigates the risk of developing an MI 30 days postzoster, determines patient-specific risk factors, and investigates the impact of herpes zoster vaccination.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients who received care at a Veterans Affairs facility between 2015 and 2020. Time to MI was determined from either 30 days post–zoster infection (zoster cohort) or a primary care appointment (control cohort).

Results

This study assessed a total of 2 165 584 patients. MI within 30 days occurred in 0.34% (n = 244) of the zoster cohort and 0.28% (n = 5782) of the control cohort (P = .0016). Patients with a documented herpes zoster infection during the study period were 1.35 times more likely to develop an MI within the first 30 days postinfection compared to the control cohort. Patients who received the recombinant zoster vaccine were less likely to have an MI postinfection (odds ratio, 0.82 [95% confidence interval, .74–.92]; P = .0003).

Conclusions

Herpes zoster infection was associated with an increased risk of MI within the first 30 days postinfection. History of prior MI, male sex, age ≥50 years, history of heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, human immunodeficiency virus, prior cerebrovascular accident, and renal disease increased odds of MI 30 days postinfection with herpes zoster. Herpes zoster vaccination decreased the odds of developing an MI in patients aged ≥50 years.
Police Retention: A Systematic Review of the Research
Authors: Wilson Jeremy M , Grammich Clifford A , Cherry Terry , Gibson Anthony
Published: March 2023

Difficulties in recruitment and retention undermine the ability of U.S. police departments to maintain and diversify their workforces, particularly in light changing workloads and performance expectations. The police reform movement and recent increases in crime have highlighted these challenges, but other systemic and acute issues have also made staffing departments difficult. Attention to police staffing has been sporadic and uneven, with much discussion focused on recruitment. Given increasing attrition and that retention is more efficient than recruitment, there is considerable need for systematic examination of staff turnover and the development of strategies to bolster retention. To help fill this need, this manuscript assesses the landscape of retention research. We began by conducting a systematic search of four scholarly databases, which yielded 82 journal articles for investigation. We developed a codebook to isolate research features, which we captured in an SPSS dataset. We analyzed article content to illustrate key characteristics and lessons, including the types and characteristics of scholars and organizations who have produced the research, financial support for research, the characteristics of journals in which the work is published, substantive foci (including on diversity), methodological approaches and types of data, units of analysis, theoretical explanations and the causes and correlates of attrition, effects of turnover, and forms and effectiveness of retention strategies. We illustrate the nature and evolution of this work, identifying key features, strengths, weaknesses, lessons, and gaps in knowledge. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for police research and evidence-based workforce planning.
Morphological and Molecular Identification Protocols for Bactrocera dorsalis: A Joint Validation Study
Authors: Taddei Andrea , Reisenzein Helga , Mouttet Raphaëlle , Lethmayer Christa , Egartner Alois , Gottsberger Richard A. , Blümel Sylvia , Heiss Claudia , Pohn Chiara , Reynaud Philippe
Published: March 2023

Bactrocera dorsalis is considered among the most destructive and economically important invasive fruit flies worldwide. Native to Southeast Asia, in just a few years, it has spread almost throughout all of sub-Saharan Africa, causing fruit loss in several commercially grown crops. In Europe, it is frequently intercepted as larva on imported fruits during phytosanitary inspections. In recent years, adult specimens have been caught in traps in Austria, Italy, and France, increasing the level of attention to this species. Rapid and unambiguous identification by European plant health laboratories is important to effectively prevent its introduction and establishment in Europe. The harmonized use of validated diagnostic protocols is essential. However, in entomology, unlike other disciplines, diagnostic protocols often lack validation data to support their suitability as adequate identification tools. In this study, tests from two international diagnostic protocols for the identification of B. dorsalis underwent a thorough validation process to assess their performance characteristics (analytical and diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility). A novel process of a joint validation of morphological and molecular identification protocols is reported. The novelty of this approach arises from the fact that morphological and molecular tests are validated in the same study, based on the same panel of samples, also allowing a two-way control on the assigned values of samples. Potential critical issues that could represent weaknesses of the protocols are also discussed in detail.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .