bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facilitating aerospace engineering senior design: Integrating lab curriculum redesign with student project and new technologies
Authors: Chen Mingtai 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study addresses a gap in existing literature by exploring the impact of an aerodynamics laboratory course on students' readiness for senior design projects in Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University. The redesigned curriculum focuses on propellers, aligning with the increasing popularity of senior design projects involving fixed‐wing aircraft and multi‐rotor systems in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. The updated course incorporates Additive Manufacturing (AM) and an anechoic chamber for the first time, outlining its structure, objectives, and pivotal concepts. The use of data acquisition codes streamlines experimentation while integrating AM accelerates practical applications of blade element theory (BET). Through an assessment of lab report grades, this initiative significantly enhances students' grasp of propeller concepts, marking a pivotal step in their preparation for senior design projects.
Genetic testing, another important tool in presurgical evaluation of focal epilepsies in childhood
Authors: Garcia‐Uzquiano Rocio , Barcia Giulia , Losito Emma , Chemaly Nicole , Kaminska Anna , Desguerre Isabelle , Blauwblomme Thomas , Boddaert Nathalie , Nabbout Rima 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEpilepsy surgery may be a curative therapy for patients with drug‐resistant epilepsies when focal lesions or foci are identified. Genetic testing is not yet routinely included in many presurgical evaluation programs although recent evidence support that finding a germline genetic mutation could help to better delineate the patient candidacy to surgery and provide valuable information on the expected surgery outcome. In this study, we report nine patients presenting drug‐resistant focal epilepsy enrolled in presurgical evaluation. We show how the identification of genetic pathogenic variant in epilepsy known genes led to the interruption of the presurgical work‐up and ruled out surgery in 7 of them. We observed that the co‐existence of some recurrent clinical characteristics as early seizures' onset, frequent precipitating factors including fever, and developmental delay or intellectual disability may be useful markers for germline genetic pathogenic variants. In this group, genetic assessment should be mandatory during presurgical work up, mainly in patients with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or doubtful structural lesions. The integration of next generation targeted sequencing into the presurgical evaluation can improve the selection of candidates for resective surgery and fosters a personalized medicine approach with a better outcome.Plaine Language AbstractGenetic testing is not yet systematically included in the pre‐surgical assessment of patients with drug‐resistant focal epilepsies. In this study, through the description of nine patients, we underline how the integration of genomics into the presurgical work up can help in evaluating the patient candidacy to surgery and provide valuable information on expected surgery outcome.
Recent progress in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/nanocellulose composite films for packaging applications: A comprehensive review of the impact on physico‐mechanical properties
Authors: Alvarado Marjun Cabusas 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs society advances, the demand for innovative and sustainable food processing techniques and materials has grown significantly. The food industry, especially the food packaging sector, faces the challenge of developing cost‐effective and sustainable packaging materials to meet consumers' increasing demands. One promising solution for this is the use of biodegradable polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), but standalone PVA cannot meet the required properties of packaging materials. The use of nanocellulose (NC) as fillers has been intensively studied recently. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of existing studies focusing on the preparation of PVA/NC composite films for packaging applications. The effects of NC loading on the physico‐mechanical properties of these films, including tensile strength, elongation, water absorption/swelling behavior, barrier properties, and optical properties, have been thoroughly examined. Overall, the general findings suggest that the reinforcement of NC in the PVA polymer matrix leads to improvements in the films' properties. Specifically, the addition of NC enhances tensile strength, reduces O2, CO2, and water vapor transmission rates, and decreases the films' propensity to absorb moisture or swell under wet conditions. However, it is important to note that the presence of NC compromises the optical properties of the films by reducing transparency, and the NC content beyond threshold level reduces the feasibility of the composite film. By synthesizing these findings, this review underscores the potential of PVA/NC composite films as promising materials for packaging applications. Moving forward, further research efforts are warranted to optimize the formulation and processing of these composite films to strike a balance between mechanical strength and optical clarity, thus advancing their practical utility in the packaging industry.
Physiotherapy assessment of people with neurological conditions in Australia: A national survey
Authors: Garner Jill , Lange Belinda , Lennon Sheila , van den Berg Maayken 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and PurposeCurrently there are approximately one billion people worldwide affected by a neurological condition. These conditions may result in a variety of impairments that require assessment and management from a physiotherapist. However, there is a lack of consensus in the literature as to what domains physiotherapists working in clinical settings include in their assessment of this population, with only five domains identified in a recent systematic review. This study aimed to explore current physiotherapy assessments in people with neurological conditions, including barriers, enablers, and influencing factors.MethodsA National online survey of Australian physiotherapists who assessed adults with neurological conditions in their clinical practice.ResultsA total of 212 respondents from all states in Australia completed the survey. The mean (SD) age was 35.7 (9.6) years, and the majority were female (85.4%). Respondents worked across various settings assessing stroke most frequently (58.0%). Study results demonstrated variability in assessment practice, with a number of assessment domains being assessed more commonly including balance, muscle strength, gait, falls and safety, function, goal setting, range of movement, pain, co‐ordination, activity tolerance, postural alignment and symmetry, and the upper limb. Experienced physiotherapists and those in rural and remote settings included fewer domains in their assessments. On the other hand, physiotherapists in the community setting included certain domains more frequently than those in other settings. Barriers and enablers were related to therapist caseload, knowledge, and intrinsic patient factors.DiscussionThere is variability in domains assessed by Australian physiotherapists, with an emerging consensus for a number of assessment domains. Study results suggest that clinical experience, geographical location, and clinical setting may play a role in the assessment patterns observed.Implications on Physiotherapy PracticeThere is little evidence to support what physiotherapists assess in practice, in different settings, in different states within Australia. This study indicates that experience, geographical location, and clinical setting affect the number and types of domains included in the assessment. Further research is needed to develop a consensus on best practices.
Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.): A potential small mighty giant in the field of cosmeceuticals
Authors: Lai‐Foenander Ashley Sean , Kuppusamy Giva , Manogoran Janaranjani , Xu Tengfei , Chen Yong , Tang Siah Ying , Ser Hooi‐Leng , Yow Yoon‐Yen , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau , Chuah Lay‐Hong , Yap Wei‐Hsum , Goh Bey‐Hing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsNatural products are widely used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries due to their high‐value bioactive compounds, which make for “greener” and more environmentally friendly ingredients. These natural compounds are also considered a safer alternative to antibiotics, which may result in antibiotic resistance as well as unfavorable side effects. The development of cosmeceuticals, which combine the cosmetic and pharmaceutical fields to create skincare products with therapeutic value, has increased the demand for unique natural resources. The objective of this review is to discuss the biological properties of extracts derived from larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens), the appropriate extraction methods, and the potential of this insect as a novel active ingredient in the formulation of new cosmeceutical products. This review also addresses the biological actions of compounds originating from the BSF, and the possible association between the diets of BSF larvae and their subsequent bioactive composition.MethodsA literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar to identify and evaluate the various biological properties of the BSF.ResultsOne such natural resource that may be useful in the cosmeceutical field is the BSF, a versatile insect with numerous potential applications due to its nutrient content and scavenging behavior. Previous research has also shown that the BSF has several biological properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and wound healing effects.ConclusionGiven the range of biological activities and metabolites possessed by the BSF, this insect may have the cosmeceutical potential to treat a number of skin pathologies.
Are miR‐26a and miR‐26b microRNAs potent prognostic markers of gestational diabetes?
Authors: Ghaneialvar Hori , Mohseni Mahdieh Mehrab , Kenarkoohi Azra , Kakaee Saeed 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBackgroundGestational diabetes mellitus is a common public health problem, accompanied by complications for the mother and fetus. So, introducing new biomarkers to identify early diabetes is essential. As serum miRNAs are potentially appropriate markers, we investigated miR‐26a and miR‐26b expression levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes.MethodDemographic and clinical characteristics of 40 gestational diabetic patients and 40 healthy controls were assessed. The expression level of miR‐26a and miR‐26b microRNAs was measured by real‐time PCR. Statistical analysis was done with GraphPad Prism software (version 8.4.3).ResultThe findings of this study showed that the expression level of miR‐26a and miR‐26b increased in women with gestational diabetes compared with healthy pregnant women, but the increase in expression was only significant for miR‐26a (p < 0.05).ConclusionAccording to the statistical and ROC curves, we suggest miR‐26a as a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus.
Seeing the floods through the trees: Using adaptive shortwave infrared thresholds to map inundation under wooded wetlands
Authors: Lymburner Leo , Ticehurst Catherine , Adame Maria Fernanda , Sengupta Ashmita , Kavehei Emad 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAccurate information about the extent, frequency and duration of forest inundation is required to inform ecological, biophysical and hydrological models and enables floodplain managers to quantify the efficacy of flood mitigation/modification activities. Open water classifiers derived from optical remote sensing typically underestimate or fail to detect floodplain forest inundation. This paper presents a new method for detecting forest inundation dynamics using freely available Landsat and Sentinel 2 data, referred to as short‐wave infrared mapping under vegetation. The method uses a dynamic threshold that accounts for the additional shortwave infrared reflectance caused by the presence of tree canopies over floodwater. The method is demonstrated at five Ramsar listed River Red Gum floodplain forest wetlands in southeastern Australia. Accuracy assessment based on independent drone imagery from a wide range of vegetated wetlands showed an absolute accuracy of 67%–70% and a fuzzy accuracy of 81%–83%. We found the method is conservative, and underestimates inundation (16%–18%) but very rarely misclassifies dry pixels as inundated (0.3%–0.6%). When compared to river gauge data, the method shows similar trends to an open water classifier (i.e., the area of inundated vegetation increases with increasing river height). The method is conservative compared to lidar‐based floodplain inundation models but can be applied wherever cloud‐free scenes of Landsat or Sentinel 2 have been acquired, thereby enabling floodplain managers with the ability to quantify changes in inundation dynamics in places/time‐periods where lidar is unavailable.
Agricultural intensification and urban expansion affect the seasonal flow regime in southern Ontario watersheds
Authors: Lockett Brandon R. , Buttle James M. , Leach Jason A. , Liu Freddy , Sorichetti Ryan J. , Eimers M. Catherine 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe mosaic of urban, agricultural and natural covers that typifies most developed landscapes makes it challenging to identify the primary causes of stream flow perturbation in mixed landcover watersheds. This is especially true in southern Ontario, Canada, where approximately 1/3 of the Canadian population lives in urban areas surrounded by agriculture. Whilst previous studies have examined the impacts of urban or agricultural landcover on stream flow separately, they are rarely considered together. Furthermore, major expansions in tile‐drained (TD) cropland in Ontario over the past several decades could affect the flow regime; however, this has never been examined. This study assessed the effect of landcover on flow regime at 19 proximal watersheds that varied in agriculture (0%–87%), natural (2%–97%) and urban landcover (2%–96%) using the Richards–Baker index (RBI), the coefficient of variation (CV) and a Baseflow index (BFI). Urbanized watersheds were consistently the most flashy (highest RBI and CV), regardless of season, whereas agricultural watersheds had moderately flashy conditions that varied between the growing (GS) and non‐growing seasons (NGS). Natural watersheds were the least flashy and had the highest BFI. Watersheds dominated by TD cropland were flashier during the NGS compared with un‐tiled agricultural watersheds. Furthermore, TD‐streams were warmer in the NGS and cooler in the GS, such that the former could affect ice breakup. A 50‐year analysis at three watersheds showed statistically significant increases in flashiness and decreases in BFI at an urbanizing watershed. In contrast, watersheds that remained agricultural or natural underwent small but significant declines in flashiness and increases in baseflow, potentially due to increases in precipitation and forest maturation. Our results suggest that continued expansions of urban and TD cropland may increase NGS flashiness. In contrast, enhanced soil moisture storage provided by TD could decrease the potential for flooding in the GS in southern Ontario.
POMSimulator: An open‐source tool for predicting the aqueous speciation and self–assembly mechanisms of polyoxometalates
Authors: Petrus Enric , Buils Jordi , Garay‐Ruiz Diego , Segado‐Centellas Mireia , Bo Carles 
Published: June 2024

AbstractElucidating the speciation (in terms of concentration versus pH) and understanding the formation mechanisms of polyoxometalates remains a significant challenge, both in experimental and computational domains. POMSimulator is a new methodology that tackles this problem from a purely computational perspective. The methodology uses results from quantum mechanics based methods to automatically set up the chemical reaction network, and to build speciation models. As a result, it becomes possible to predict speciation and phase diagrams, as well as to derive new insights into the formation mechanisms of large molecular clusters. In this work we present the main features of the first open‐source version of the software. Since the first report [Chem. Sci. 2020, 11, 8448‐8456], POMSimulator has undergone several improvements to keep up with the growing challenges that were tackled. After four years of research, we recognize that the source code is sufficiently stable to share a polished and user‐friendly version. The Python code, manual, examples, and install instructions can be found at https://github.com/petrusen/pomsimulator.
Circular RNA_015343 sponges microRNA‐25 to regulate viability, proliferation, and milk fat synthesis of ovine mammary epithelial cells via INSIG1
Authors: Wu Xinmiao , Wang Jiqing , Hao Zhiyun , Zhen Huimin , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Zhao Fangfang , Li Mingna , Zhao Zhidong , Shi Bingang , Ren Chunyan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIn our previous study, circ_015343 was found to inhibit the viability and proliferation of ovine mammary epithelial cells (OMECs) and the expression levels of milk fat synthesis marker genes, but the regulatory mechanism underlying the processes is still unclear. Accordingly in this study, the target relationships between circ_015343 with miR‐25 and between miR‐25 with insulin induced gene 1 (INSIG1) were verified, and the functions of miR‐25 and INSIG1 were investigated in OMECs. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR‐25 mimic remarkably decreased the luciferase activity of circ_015343 in HEK293T cells cotransfected with a wild‐type vector, while it did not change the activity of circ_015343 in HEK293T cells cotransfected with a mutant vector. These suggest that cic_015343 can adsorb and bind miR‐25. The miR‐25 increased the viability and proliferation of OMECs, and the content of triglycerides in OMECs. In addition, INSIG1 was found to be a target gene of miR‐25 using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Overexpression of INSIG1 decreased the viability, proliferation, and level of triglycerides of OMECs. In contrast, the inhibition of INSIG1 in expression had the opposite effect on activities and triglycerides of OMECs with overexpressed INSIG1. A rescue experiment revealed that circ_015343 alleviated the inhibitory effect of miR‐25 on the mRNA and protein abundance of INSIG1. These results indicate that circ_015343 sponges miR‐25 to inhibit the activities and content of triglycerides of OMECs by upregulating the expression of INSIG1 in OMECs. This study provided new insights for understanding the genetic molecular mechanism of lactation traits in sheep.
Enhancing the biodegradation of bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate by an IsPETasePA and MHETase dual‐enzyme system
Authors: Gao Yingtong , Zheng Yunxin , Qi Zixin , Pan Yufan , Zhou Yu , You Shengping , Su Rongxin , Qi Wei , Wang Mengfan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDEnvironmental and ecological hazards caused by the accumulation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are becoming a global concern. The use of enzymes to address the plastic crisis has achieved many successes, but the difficulty in degrading high‐crystallinity PET has limited its application. Numerous studies have investigated the degradation of PET with arbitrary crystallinity to bis‐2‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) using chemical pre‐treatment methods such as glycolysis, but few have tested its biocompatibility with enzymatic alliances.RESULTSHerein, we report the enzymatic characterization and subsequent engineering of the state‐of‐the‐art IsPETasePA and MHETase (where MHET is mono(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate), a dual‐enzyme system which can be used for the degradation from BHET to a single‐product terephthalate (TPA). Modulators, including surfactants, organic solvents and metal ions, enhanced the enzyme activity of IsPETasePA and MHETase by up to 1.1‐fold and 2.3‐fold, respectively. 100% TPA yield (BHET of 25 g L−1) was achieved within 5 h. We also analyzed the mechanism of optimal ion modulator modification by dynamics simulation, and it synergistically achieved enhancement of MHET degradation ability by improving stability and binding energy.CONCLUSIONThe introduction of modulators improves the efficiency of the dual‐enzyme system in degrading BHET. This work provides a valuable strategy for the complete degradation of BHET to TPA, laying the groundwork for the realization of PET recycling. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Complex hydrology and variability of nitrogen sources in a karst watershed
Authors: Clune John W. , Cravotta Charles A. , Husic Admin , Dozier Hilary J. , Schimdt Kurt E. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractStreams draining karst areas with rapid groundwater transit times may respond relatively quickly to nitrogen reduction strategies, but the complex hydrologic network of interconnected sinkholes and springs is challenging for determining the placement and effectiveness of management practices. This study aims to inform nitrogen reduction strategies in a representative agricultural karst setting of the Chesapeake Bay watershed (Fishing Creek watershed, Pennsylvania) with known elevated nitrate contamination and a previous documented groundwater residence time of less than a decade. During baseflow conditions, streamflow did not increase with drainage area. Headwaters and the main stem lost substantial flow to sinkholes until eventually discharging along large springs downstream. Seasonal hydrologic conditions shift the flow and nitrogen load spatially among losing and gaining stream sections. A compilation of nitrogen source inputs with the geochemistry and the pattern of enrichment of δ15N and δ18O suggest that the nitrogen in streams and springs during baseflow represents a mixture of manure, fertilizer, and wastewater sources with low potential for denitrification. The pH and calcite saturation index increased along generalized flow paths from headwaters to springs and indicate shorter groundwater residence times in baseflow during the spring versus summer. Given the substantial investment in management practices, fixed monitoring sites could incorporate synoptic water sampling to properly monitor long‐term progress and help inform management actions in karst watersheds. Although karst watersheds have the potential to respond to nitrogen reduction strategies due to shorter groundwater residence times, high nitrogen inputs, effectiveness of conservation practices, and release of legacy nutrients within the karst cavities could confound progress of water quality goals.
On the maximum local mean order of sub‐k $k$‐trees of a k $k$‐tree
Authors: Li Zhuo , Ma Tianlong , Dong Fengming , Jin Xian'an 
Published: June 2024

AbstractFor a ‐tree , a generalization of a tree, the local mean order of sub‐‐trees of is the average order of sub‐‐trees of containing a given ‐clique. The problem whether the maximum local mean order of a tree (i.e., a 1‐tree) at a vertex is always taken on at a leaf was asked by Jamison in 1984 and was answered by Wagner and Wang in 2016. Actually, they proved that the maximum local mean order of a tree at a vertex occurs either at a leaf or at a vertex of degree 2. In 2018, Stephens and Oellermann asked a similar problem: for any ‐tree , does the maximum local mean order of sub‐‐trees containing a given ‐clique occur at a ‐clique that is not a major ‐clique of ? In this paper, we give it an affirmative answer.