bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Single‐Axis and Fixed‐Tilt Photovoltaic Array Construction on the Soil Seed Bank Characteristics in Semi‐Arid Grasslands
Authors: Li Jie , Bao Ai Ke , Sun Xiao Dan , Wu Tong , Duan Yuan Yuan , Yang Huan , Guo Zheng Gang , Pang Xiao Pan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWith the rapid global development of photovoltaic power generation, research on its impact on land and ecosystems has become increasingly significant. However, its impact on soil seed bank characteristics has yet to be better assessed. In this study, monitoring plots were established in a semi‐arid grassland undergoing solar energy development. This setup allowed us, for the first time, to investigate how soil seed bank characteristics respond to the construction of two typical photovoltaic array systems: single‐axis and fixed‐tilt systems. This study demonstrated that in both single‐axis and fixed‐tilt systems, the establishment of photovoltaic arrays resulted in a significant increase in soil seed density, with seed counts rising by approximately 47.5% compared with control sites without arrays. The aggregation effect of soil seed density under the photovoltaic array primarily occurred in the 0–10 cm soil layer. The soil seed density under the single‐axis arrays was higher than that under the fixed‐tilt arrays. The construction of photovoltaic arrays resets local soil and directly changes the micro‐environment—including reductions in solar radiation, decreases in average temperature by 0.1°C, and wind speed decreases by 1.5 m/s—which negatively affected the richness and diversity of the soil seed bank, resulting in a 21.1% decrease in species richness and a 10.1% reduction in seed diversity. Furthermore, this study highlights that seed germination in semi‐arid grasslands is under pressure due to environmental changes associated with photovoltaic construction areas. Specifically, soil moisture and organic matter were the key factors affecting the vegetation restoration potential of the entire construction area. We recommend selecting the single‐axis system of photovoltaic components. This selection is crucial, which considers both energy production efficiency and supports the facilitation of future vegetation ecosystem succession. Altogether, this study provides information for future land‐use planning in photovoltaic construction areas and sustainable development of photovoltaic power generation.
Climate Regulates the Effects of Abrupt Vegetation Shifts on Soil Moisture in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Xiao Guoan , Xin Liangjie , Wang Xue , Li Xiubin , Tan Minghong 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTAbrupt vegetation shifts, defined as an abrupt and irreversible level shift in the intercept (rather than slope) in productivity, indicate transitions of unstable ecosystems to alternative states. Understanding these shifts is critical when monitoring ecosystem productivity because they may reveal drivers and environmental impacts that differ from gradual changes in vegetation. In China's Loess Plateau where sustainable water resource limits are being approached due to revegetation, it is unclear whether large‐scale abrupt vegetation shifts have occurred and how the various vegetation changes have affected the soil water content (SMC). In this study, we found that approximately 27.9% of grasslands and 24.8% of forests on the Loess Plateau experienced positive abrupt vegetation shifts from 2000 to 2020. The results of the climate zone method and the multi‐period difference‐in‐differences (MDID) model showed that the effects of abrupt vegetation shifts on the SMC vary geographically. Approximately 55.9% of grasslands and 33.9% of forests can wet the soil (0–289 cm) during abrupt greening, while 35.7% of grasslands and 37.6% of forests may cause drying in such events. Positive hydrological responses of soil to vegetation greening were concentrated in grasslands with precipitation below 340 mm and forests with precipitation below 520 mm, and this could be related to the limitation of lower precipitation on evapotranspiration. Similar positive responses were also found in strong evaporative environments where the temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed were higher, and the vapor pressure deficit was lower, which may have been associated with the constraints of soil evaporation through vegetation greening. This study reveals the existence of spatial heterogeneity in the hydrological response of soils to abrupt vegetation shifts and explores possible climate‐regulating mechanisms. The results could be used to inform the development of targeted conservation and restoration measures in areas with similar climate conditions.
Parotid sialolithiasis – Long term follow‐up analyzing surgical approaches
Authors: Tanenbaum Zachary , Wenzel Piper , Molotkova Evgeniya , Fick Ben , Henkle Kailey , Hoffman Henry 
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectivesPresent follow‐up data comparing transoral and transfacial parotid gland procedures for stone removal to offer insight addressing technical considerations and complications.MethodsRetrospective study of a consecutive series of surgical treatments for parotid sialolithiasis from 2013 to 2018 at an academic institution by one surgeon provided review of 16 transoral and 10 transfacial procedures supplemented by long‐term follow‐up through telephone or mail. Clinical and radiographic parameters, additional treatment, and persistence of symptoms were evaluated.ResultsFour of 10 patients treated with the transfacial approach had parotid‐cutaneous fistulas addressed with transdermal scopolamine patches and pressure dressings (one also with intraductal steroid infusion) with closure at a median of 12.5 days. A fifth fistula failed to resolve at 23 days and was addressed with parotidectomy. All 8 patients who were contacted (median: 106 months) reported complete resolution of symptoms. None had facial weakness.Six of 16 patients treated by a transoral approach had persistent stone fragments at the conclusion of operation. Four of these 6 patients underwent subsequent procedures (two transoral, one transfacial, one parotidectomy). Among the 11 patients who responded to long‐term follow‐up (median: 107 months), one reported mild symptoms insufficient to request treatment. Larger stone size coupled with proximal location correlated with the conversion from transoral to include transfacial approach.ConclusionPatients with retained stone remnants at the conclusion of transoral stone removal are more likely to require additional procedures that result in long‐term favorable results. The transfacial approach to stone removal offers long‐term favorable results following the common short‐term complication of salivary fistula.Level of EvidenceOCEBM Level 4.
Interactive software for processing, compilation, and interpretation of seafloor heat‐flow data, including analysis of measurement uncertainties
Authors: Dickerson K. L. , Fisher A. T. , Harris R. N. , Hutnak M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe present software for processing and interpretation of marine heat‐flow data. These data commonly include in situ measurements of the thermal gradient and thermal conductivity as a function of subseafloor depth, and are used to calculate vertical heat flow. New software includes SlugPen, for parsing and correcting datasets for each penetration, and SlugHeat, for calculating equilibrium temperatures () and in situ thermal conductivity (k) with depth, and using these values to calculate heat flow and uncertainty metrics. SlugHeat is based on an established approach that solves iteratively for and k and introduces several new tools and a graphical user interface to help identify and resolve data issues and improve interpretation of results. Notably, SlugHeat incorporates multiple options for determining the uncertainty of calculated heat‐flow values, including a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis of layer properties. Results from reprocessing heat‐flow data from earlier marine surveys show the benefits of SlugHeat's flexibility and interactivity for managing and interpreting data from multiple settings. We find that incorporating ambiguity in the thickness and thermal conductivity of individual sediment layers significantly increases the uncertainty in heat flow measurements; the statistical fit of observations to a linear model, as has been historically relied on to define heat‐flow uncertainty, tends to understate this value. Assessment of data quality and testing reduction options requires making thoughtful decisions, aided using an interactive interface, and is therefore not fully automated. SlugPen and SlugHeat are accessible for public use with documentation and source code that is readily adaptable to include alternative processing algorithms.
PREDICTING LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH THE TALENTS THAT REALLY MATTER
Authors: Conchie Barry , Dalton Sarah 
Published: November 2024

AbstractConchie (founder and president of Conchie Associates) and Dalton (partner, Conchie Associates) explain that they apply science “to the study, application, and development of leadership,” adapted from the research in their book The Five Talents Really Matter. They discuss their criteria for outstanding leadership and point to “over 58,000 top level leaders in our global database.” Their scientific “assessment of The Five Talents That Really Matter carries a disproportionate weight, greater than all the other factors thought to be important in leadership selection, in predicting top leadership performance.” The Talents “capture the broad variability of traits, dispositions, and characteristics the very best leaders possess, and, through the Executive Leadership Assessment built to measure these talents, we are able to use the results to help predict future leadership performance.” In their words, the Talents are Setting Direction (using modern GPS technology as a metaphor), Harnessing Energy, Exerting Pressure (“Debate and dissent, we’ve found, is what many leaders claim to value yet precious few succeed in delivering”), Increasing Connectivity (“The very best leaders…are straight shooters who deliver difficult messages with compassion,”) and Controlling Traffic (“Exceptional leaders responsible for business execution follow rigid rules with maximum flexibility.”)
Ion Chemistry in Dielectric Barrier Discharge Ionization: Recent Advances in Direct Gas Phase Analyses
Authors: Dryahina Kseniya , Polášek Miroslav , Jašík Juraj , Sovová Kristýna , Španěl Patrik 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTDielectric barrier discharge ionization (DBDI) sources, employing low‐temperature plasma, have emerged as sensitive and efficient ionization tools with various atmospheric pressure ionization processes. In this review, we summarize a historical overview of the development of DBDI, highlighting key principles of gas‐phase ion chemistry and the mechanisms underlying the ionization processes within the DBDI source. These processes start with the formation of reagent ions or metastable atoms from the discharge gas, which depends on the nature of the gas (helium, nitrogen, air) and on the presence of water vapor or other compounds or dopants. The processes of ionizing the analyte molecules are summarized, including Penning ionization, electron transfer, proton transfer and ligand switching from secondary hydrated hydronium ions. Presently, the DBDI‐MS methods face a challenge in the accurate quantification of gaseous analytes, limiting its broader application in biological, environmental, and medical realms where relative quantification using standards is inherently complex for gaseous matrices. Finally, we propose future avenues of research to enhance the analytical capabilities of DBDI‐MS.
Compact Wide‐Stopband QMSIW‐Based BPF for X‐Band Applications
Authors: Medda Amrita , Azad Amit R. , Srivastava Gunjan , Mohan Akhilesh , Sinha Manoranjan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTA novel and compact two‐pole quarter mode substrate integrated waveguide (QMSIW) based bandpass filter with ultra‐wide stopband characteristics (rejection level > 20 dB, up to 4.05f0, where f0 is the center frequency of the bandpass filter) is designed and developed in this paper. The designed second‐order filter comprises of two circular QMSIW cavity resonators. The filter is designed using the dominant TM010 mode of the circular SIW cavity. The TM010 modes of cavities are coupled through the arc‐shaped slot etched in the middle layer. To verify the present design methodology, a second‐order bandpass filter is fabricated and its characteristics are measured. The designed bandpass filter shows outstanding performance in terms of good fractional bandwidth of 14.45%, lower insertion loss of 2 dB and wider stopband behavior (rejection better than 20 dB up to 4.05f0) in a given footprint. The experimental results of the filter matches well the EM‐simulated ones.
Simultaneous multi‐slice cardiac real‐time MRI at 0.55T
Authors: Yagiz Ecrin , Garg Parveen , Cen Steven Y. , Nayak Krishna S. , Tian Ye 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeTo determine the feasibility of simultaneous multi‐slice (SMS) real‐time MRI (RT‐MRI) at 0.55T for the evaluation of cardiac function.MethodsCardiac CINE MRI is routinely used to evaluate left‐ventricular (LV) function. The standard is sequential multi‐slice balanced SSFP (bSSFP) over a stack of short‐axis slices using electrocardiogram (ECG) gating and breath‐holds. SMS has been used in CINE imaging to reduce the number of breath‐holds by a factor of 2–4 at 1.5T, 3T, and recently at 0.55T. This work aims to determine if SMS is similarly effective in the RT‐MRI evaluation of cardiac function. We used an SMS bSSFP pulse sequence with golden‐angle spirals at 0.55T with an SMS factor of three. We cover the LV with three acquisitions for SMS, and nine for single‐band (SB). Imaging was performed on 9 healthy volunteers and 1 patient with myocardial fibrosis and sternal wires. A spatio‐temporal constrained reconstruction is used, with regularization parameters selected by a board‐certified cardiologist. Images were quantitatively analyzed with a normalized contrast and an Edge Sharpness (ES) score.ResultsThere was a statistically significant 2‐fold difference in contrast between SMS and SB and no significant difference in ES score. The contrast for SMS and SB were 13.38/29.05 at mid‐diastole and 10.79/22.26 at end‐systole; the ES scores for SMS and SB were 1.77/1.83 at mid‐diastole and 1.50/1.72 at end‐systole.ConclusionsSMS cardiac RT‐MRI at 0.55T is feasible and provides sufficient blood‐myocardium contrast to evaluate LV function in three slices simultaneously without any gating or periodic motion assumptions.
A 5‐year natural history cohort of patients with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy determining disease progression and feasibility of clinical outcome assessments for clinical trials
Authors: Kools Joost , Vincenten Sanne , van Engelen Baziel G. M. , Voet Nicoline B. M. , Merkies Ingemar , Horlings Corinne G. C. , Voermans Nicol C. , Mul K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe number of clinical trials in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is expected to increase in the near future. There is a need for clinical outcome assessments (COAs) that can capture disease progression over the relatively short time span of a clinical trial. In this study, we report the natural progression of FSHD and determine the feasibility of COAs for clinical trials.MethodsGenetically confirmed FSHD patients underwent various COAs at baseline and after 5 years. COAs consisted of the Motor Function Measure (MFM), manual muscle testing using the Medical Research Council score, six‐minute walk test, quantitative muscle strength assessment of the quadriceps muscle, clinical severity score, and FSHD evaluation score (FES). Statistical significance and the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) were calculated and power calculations were performed.ResultsOne hundred fifty‐four symptomatic FSHD patients were included, with a mean (SD) age of 51.4 (14.6) years old. All COAs showed a minimal, yet statistically significant progression after 5 years. MCID was reached for the MFM Domain 1, MFM total score, and FES. These three COAs showed the lowest sample size requirements for clinical trials (185, 156, and 201 participants per group, respectively, for a trial duration of 2 years).DiscussionThe captured FSHD disease progression rate in 5 years was generally minimal. The COAs in this study are not feasible for clinical trials with a duration of 2 years. Extended trial durations or novel outcome assessments might be necessary to improve trial feasibility in FSHD.
Impact of adherence to oral nutritional supplements on nutrition status and muscle strength in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: A prospective observational longitudinal study
Authors: Ferreira Wagner A. , Martucci Renata B. , Souza Nilian C. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundGiven the lack of evidence regarding the effects of adherence to oral nutritional supplements (ONS) and the types of formulas used in clinical practice, we aimed to assess the impact of adherence to ONS and the high‐protein formula on the nutrition status and muscle strength in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.MethodsThis study evaluated newly diagnosed outpatients with esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colorectal cancer prescribed ONS. Nutrition status was assessed using the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG‐SGA), and muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength (HGS) dynamometry. ONS adherence was calculated as the ratio of self‐reported intake to the prescribed amount and categorized as ≥80% or <80%.ResultsA total of 54 patients were included. Most patients were ≥60 years of age (63%), were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (63%), were classified as stage III and IV (83%), and exhibited nutrition risk or malnutrition according to PG‐SGA (89%). Patients with adherence ≥80% to ONS exhibited less weight loss and HGS reduction compared with patients with adherence <80% (P < 0.05). Although patients consuming a high‐protein formula maintained HGS and those on a standard formula experienced a reduction, formula type did not predict HGS change in the multivariate analysis. ONS protein intake, adjusted for adherence, was a predictor of weight change (β: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02–0.2; P = 0.011).ConclusionPatients with adherence ≥80% to ONS experienced less reduction in both weight and HGS, whereas those consuming a high‐protein formula maintained HGS. Notably, ONS protein intake, adjusted for adherence, was an independent predictor of weight change.
MXene—Reclaimed Cellulose Acetate Composites for Methylene Blue Removal Through Synergistic Adsorption and Photocatalysis
Authors: Subash Alsha , Sen Sanchari , Naebe Minoo , Kandasubramanian Balasubramanian , Kulthe Manisha , Kore Akansha 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe rapid growth in textile industries has led to a significant discharge of dyed water into water sources, posing severe threats to human and environmental health. Methylene blue (MB), crucial for medical diagnostics and dyeing, requires effective removal due to its toxicological and environmental hazards, persisting above 1 ppm in aqueous solutions at ambient temperatures. Reclaiming cellulose acetate not only heralds a sustainable approach to water reclamation but also amalgamates natural purification with technological advancements. The study utilized reclaimed cellulose acetate to fabricate electrospun nanofibers and bead adsorbents using Ti3C2Tx and surface‐modified Ti3C2Tx via liquid‐state microwaving. The research investigated surface chemistry, morphology, and the impact of adsorption conditions on MB adsorption, revealing enhanced uptake capacities from 45% to 93% for nanofibers and 40%–80% for beads at 25°C after 2 and 3 h, respectively. Adsorption followed PSO kinetics and Langmuir isotherms, with thermodynamic analysis indicating an endothermic, spontaneous physisorption process with ΔH and ΔS values obtained 0.008–31.33 kJ·mol−1 and 11.95–116.38 J·mol−1·K−1. Furthermore, the CA‐surface‐modified Ti3C2Tx composite demonstrated significant photocatalytic activity, achieving 96% degradation efficiency compared to Ti3C2Tx alone. The biodegradation assay under natural conditions using an in‐house degradation slurry showed 20%–58% degradation of the spent adsorbents over 120 days.
Preparation and properties of three‐dimensional hexagonal honeycomb woven composites with superior electromagnetic wave absorbing and load bearing performances
Authors: Yao Wenbin , Guo Xingcheng , Zhou Xinghai , Gao Yuan , Qian Yongfang , Lyu Lihua 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWith the advent of the 5G era, electromagnetic pollution has been increasingly serious. Structural electromagnetic wave (EW) absorbing composites play a key role in both civil and military applications. However, the laminated plate structure and laminated honeycomb structure EW‐absorbing composites were prone to delamination and low EW absorbing performance. To enhance the EW absorption and mechanical properties of composite materials, this study successfully developed a novel three‐dimensional hexagonal honeycomb woven composites (3D‐HHWC). 3D‐HHWC with a three‐dimensional hexagonal honeycomb woven fabric (3D‐HHWF) as the reinforced materials was manufactured by the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process with epoxy resin, carbon black (CB), multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and carbonyl iron powder (CIP) as functional materials. The EW absorption performance and bending mechanical properties of 3D‐HHWC with different structural parameters were compared and analyzed. The test results demonstrated that the 3D‐HHWC (H2‐3) achieved a remarkable minimum reflection loss of −38.1 dB with the effective electromagnetic absorption band (EAB) 13.8 GHz. Additionally, CST provided a clear explanation of the electromagnetic field distribution elucidating the mechanism for EW absorption. While the 3D‐HHWC (H2‐3) had a maximum bending load 6603.9 N without obvious delamination phenomenon. Furthermore, finite element simulation clarified internal stress distribution explaining the failure mechanisms. In conclusion, the 3D‐HHWC exhibited outstanding EW absorption and mechanical properties for widespread application in military and aerospace fields.Highlights
The 3D‐HHWC was formed by VARTM process with epoxy resin, CB, MWCNTs, and CIP.
The 3D‐HHWC had excellent EM performance with RLmin −38.1 dB and EAB 13.8 GHz.
CST provided a clear explanation of the electromagnetic field distribution.
The 3D‐HHWC had a maximum bending load 6603.9 N without obvious delamination.
FEM clarified internal stress distribution to explain the failure mechanisms.