bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Learning‐Based Measurement of Ultrasonic Axial Transmission Velocity in Neonatal Bone
Authors: Li Qing , Tran Tho N. H. T. , Guo Jialin , Li Boyi , Xu Kailiang , Le Lawrence H. , Ta Dean 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesTo develop a robust algorithm for estimating ultrasonic axial transmission velocity from neonatal tibial bone, and to investigate the relationships between ultrasound velocity and neonatal anthropometric measurements as well as clinical biochemical markers of skeletal health.MethodsThis study presents an unsupervised learning approach for the automatic detection of first arrival time and estimation of ultrasonic velocity from axial transmission waveforms, which potentially indicates bone quality. The proposed method combines the ReliefF algorithm and fuzzy C‐means clustering. It was first validated using an in vitro dataset measured from a Sawbones phantom. It was subsequently applied on in vivo signals collected from 40 infants, comprising 21 males and 19 females. The extracted neonatal ultrasonic velocity was subjected to statistical analysis to explore correlations with the infants' anthropometric features and biochemical indicators.ResultsThe results of in vivo data analysis revealed significant correlations between the extracted ultrasonic velocity and the neonatal anthropometric measurements and biochemical markers. The velocity of first arrival signals showed good associations with body weight (ρ = 0.583, P value <.001), body length (ρ = 0.583, P value <.001), and gestational age (ρ = 0.557, P value <.001).ConclusionThese findings suggest that fuzzy C‐means clustering is highly effective in extracting ultrasonic propagating velocity in bone and reliably applicable in in vivo measurement. This work is a preliminary study that holds promise in advancing the development of a standardized ultrasonic tool for assessing neonatal bone health. Such advancements are crucial in the accurate diagnosis of bone growth disorders.
Hydrophobic Aerogels from Vinyl Polymers Derived from Radical Polymerization: Proof‐of‐Concept
Authors: Adolfs Claudia , Altarabeen Razan , Kimmritz Leon , Gibowsky Lara , Schroeter Baldur , Beuermann Sabine , Smirnova Irina 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHydrophilicity is one important drawback of bio‐based aerogels. To overcome this issue, a novel approach for the preparation of mesoporous, water repellent aerogels is introduced, which combines synthesis of cross‐linked bio‐based copolymers from methacrylate copolymerizations, followed by solvent exchange and supercritical drying steps. The influence of monomers with different nonpolar ester groups (methyl, vanillin, tetrahydrofurfuryl) on textural properties and water contact angles of the dry products is assessed. Final aerogels show generally high overall porosities (≈96%), low densities (0.07–0.11 g cm−3) as well as fine, mainly mesoporous networks, and specific surface areas in the range of 120–240 m2 g−1. Hereby, choice of the methacrylate ester groups results in differences of the resulting pore‐size distributions. Water repellency tests show stable static water contact angles in the hydrophobic range (≈100°) achieved for the substrate containing the vanillin ester group. On the contrary the other substrates absorb water quickly, which indicates a decisive role of the ester group. The presented approach opens up a new pathway to bio‐based aerogels with intrinsic hydrophobicity. It is suggested that the properties are tailored by the choice of the monomer structure, hence enabling further adaption and optimization of the products.
A practical and robust approach for solving the multi‐compartment vehicle routing problem under demand uncertainty using machine learning
Authors: Chamurally Shabanaz , Rieck Julia 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe multi‐compartment vehicle routing problem is an extension of the vehicle routing problem and consists of designing a set of routes to perform the collection or delivery of different product types from customers with minimal costs. The product types are incompatible with each other and must be transported separately in multiple compartments. In practice, several uncertainties such as uncertainty in demands can arise, where the exact demand of customers is not known at the time of planning. To deal with these uncertainties, decision‐makers have to rely on robust solutions. A solution is considered robust when it can resist perturbations in every possible demand scenario as much as possible. In the day to day business of most logistic companies, historical data about each customer can be stored and used to make intelligent decisions regarding the expected demands. In this article, we propose an adaptive large neighborhood search for solving the robust multi‐compartment vehicle routing problem under demand uncertainty and present a robust solution approach for the problem in practical settings by employing machine learning. We show that by using our approach, the solutions obtained have lower recourse costs and have a lower gap between expected and actual costs, which is a favorable outcome to have in practice.
Transient computational homogenization of heterogeneous poroelastic media with local resonances
Authors: Liupekevicius Renan , van Dommelen Johannes A. W. , Geers Marc G. D. , Kouznetsova Varvara G. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA computational homogenization framework is proposed for solving transient wave propagation in the linear regime in heterogeneous poroelastic media that may exhibit local resonances due to microstructural heterogeneities. The microscale fluid‐structure interaction problem and the macroscale are coupled through an extended version of the Hill‐Mandel principle, leading to a variationally consistent averaging scheme of the microscale fields. The effective macroscopic constitutive relations are obtained by expressing the microscale problem with a reduced‐order model that contains the longwave basis and the so‐called local resonance basis, yielding the closed‐form expressions for the homogenized material properties. The resulting macroscopic model is an enriched porous continuum with internal variables that represent the microscale dynamics at the macroscale, whereby the Biot model is recovered as a special case. Numerical examples demonstrate the framework's validity in modeling wave transmission through a porous layer.
On‐Line Analysis of Cigarette Smoke Based on Microwave Plasma Torch Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tang He , Yuan Kailong , Chu Fengjian , Zhang Xiaobing , Li Qi , Chen Qi , Feng Hongru , Pan Yuanjiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCigarette smoke contains a large number of chemicals, including both flavor components and harmful substances. The mainstream smoke (MSS) generated by smoking is directly inhaled by individuals, making it crucial to establish an effective method for smoke detection and analysis. One promising technique for analyzing smoke is MPT‐MS (Microwave plasma torch mass spectrometry). This approach offers several advantages in accurately detecting the composition of cigarette smoke. By combining MPT‐MS with a smoke pumping device, we can achieve real‐time online detection of smoke components. We successfully detected 22 flavor compounds present in the smoke. These compounds contribute to the distinct taste of cigarettes. Moreover, we identified 2 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the smoke. PAHs are known carcinogens and are of great concern in terms of their potential health risks. The successful detection and identification of flavor compounds and PAHs using our method confirm the online detection capability of MPT‐MS. This approach provides an efficient and reliable means for analyzing the complex composition of cigarette smoke. By utilizing MPT‐MS, we can gain valuable insights into the chemical composition of cigarette smoke and can inform the development of strategies and policies aimed at reducing the harmful effects of smoking and protecting public health.
Cultural keystone species as a tool for biocultural stewardship. A global review
Authors: Mattalia Giulia , McAlvay Alex , Teixidor‐Toneu Irene , Lukawiecki Jessica , Moola Faisal , Asfaw Zemede , Cámara‐Leret Rodrigo , Díaz Sandra , Franco F. Merlin , Halpern Benjamin S. , O'Hara Casey , Renard Delphine , Uprety Yadav , Wall Jeffrey , Zafra‐Calvo Noelia , Reyes‐García Victoria 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe cultural keystone species (CKS) concept (i.e. ‘species that shape in a major way the cultural identity of a people’ as defined by Garibaldi and Turner in 2004) has been proposed as part of a common framing for the multiple entangled relationships between species and the socioecological systems in which they exist. However, the blurred and prolific definitions of CKS hamper its univocal application. This work examines the current use of the term CKS to reconcile a definition and explore its practical applications for biocultural stewardship.We ran a search for the words ‘cultural’ AND ‘keystone’ AND ‘species’. Our search was limited to peer‐reviewed articles published in English between 1994 and 2022 (inclusive) and was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. We extracted and analysed bibliometric information as well as information on (i) the CKS components, (ii) humans' support for CKS and (iii) the definitions of CKS.From the 313 selected documents, the CKS concept appears to be increasingly accepted, as evidenced by a growing corpus of literature. However, the absence of a systematic and precise way of documenting CKS precludes global cross‐cultural comparisons.The geographical distribution of authors using the concept is biased. We found that 47% of all the CKS reported and 38% of the works identified in our review were located in North America.Beyond ‘supporting identity’, several other of nature's contributions to people are associated with the CKS definitions. However, the contributions of the sociocultural group to the survival and conservation of the CKS (i.e. stewardship) are made explicit only in one‐third of the documents reviewed.To advance biocultural stewardship as a conservation paradigm, we suggest (a) defining CKS as an indissoluble combination of a non‐human species and one or more sociocultural groups; (b) acknowledging that species and sociocultural group relations should be classified in a continuum, according to gradients of relationship intensity; and (c) explicitly acknowledging the reciprocal relationships between sociocultural groups and species.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Evaluating stakeholder perceptions on drone use in forest restoration using a social–ecological systems framework
Authors: Coldrey Jessica J. , Thompson Benjamin S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Forest restoration is critical for meeting global objectives related to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

Recently, new technologies such as unmanned aerial vehicles (hereafter drones) have been promoted to support activities across the planning, implementation, monitoring and maintenance stages of forest restoration. Yet, there is little empirical data on how the development and application of drones are perceived by restoration managers and stakeholders and how drones intersect with existing forest social–ecological systems (SESs).

Here, we investigate how drone tree planting initiatives in Australia can support ecosystem restoration. Through interviews and focus groups with key actors, we examine the opportunities and challenges that have been experienced or are foreseen with drone use.

Opportunities included the ability of drones to access degraded sites that are difficult or unsafe to access on foot, for example, following bushfires, floods or landslides. They were also perceived to ease the labour shortage of bush regenerators in Australia. Drones were considered particularly useful when operating at scales of around 20–100 ha.

Challenges included restrictive flying regulations that prohibit use of artificial intelligence to plot courses through complex terrain, their unproven ability to control or eradicate weeds and the uncertain supply, germination and survival rates of seeds—upon which drone‐based restoration relies. Drone use may also reduce the emotional, spiritual and cultural connections of people to the land, as compared to hand‐planting seeds or seedlings.

We conclude by conceptualising how drone‐assisted restoration can be embedded within a forest SESs management framework. Ultimately, we argue that drones offer a ‘boutique’ restoration approach that supports, rather than replaces, traditional forest restoration techniques.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The synergistic effect and origin of strength in carbon fiber reinforced PAEK, PEEK, and PEKK high‐performance thermoplastic composites manufactured by multi‐scale aqueous dispersion coating
Authors: Balakumaran V. , Alagirusamy Ramasamy , Kalyanasundaram Dinesh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHigh‐performance thermoplastic composites of polyketones [poly‐aryl‐ether‐ketone (PAEK), poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK), poly‐ether‐ketone‐ketone (PEKK)] reinforced with continuous carbon fiber (CF) were consolidated using towpreg produced by multi‐scale aqueous dispersion coating technique. An intra‐matrix trend of composite strength and void fraction was studied to identify the composite with maximum strength free of voids for each polyketone matrix. The CF/PAEK composite with a flexural strength of ~2047 MPa and ILSS of ~99 MPa with a fiber volume fraction of ~67% had the maximum strength free of voids among CF/PAEK composite and all polyketone composites studied. The highest crystallinity (34.5%), and the highest amount of hydrogen bonding and bonds formed between CF, PI nanoparticle, and PAEK explained the origin of strength in CF/PAEK composite. The maximum strength among CF/PEEK and CF/PEKK composite free of voids had a flexural strength of ~1861 MPa, ~1981 MPa; ILSS of ~74 MPa, ~60 MPa; fiber volume fraction of ~61% and ~ 65%, respectively. The polyimide (PI) nanoparticles layer on CF formed the fiber matrix interface, supported hydrogen bonding in all polyketone composites, and formed bonds with CF and matrices of PAEK and PEEK establishing a synergistic effect.Highlights
Intra‐matrix trend of strength and voids in polyketone composites studied.
Void‐free, high‐performance, high fiber volume fraction composites developed.
CF/PAEK composite had maximum strength among polyketone composites studied.
PI nanoparticles formed bonds with CF and matrices of PAEK and PEEK.
CF/PAEK composite strength originates from crystallinity, H bond, and bonding.
Cardiomyocyte differentiation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on poly(mannitol sebacate)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube substrate
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Elham , Sigaroodi Faraz , Ganjoury Camellia , Parandakh Azim , Najmoddin Najmeh , Shahriari Shayan , Maymand Maryam Mahmoodinia , Khani Mohammad‐Mehdi 
Published: June 2024

AbstractMyocardial infarction is one of the main causes of death worldwide. After myocardial infarction, the damaged area is typically occupied with non‐contractile scar tissue owing to the limited ability of cardiac cells to proliferate. Cardiac patches can potentially restore heart function by providing sufficient electrochemical properties to the damaged area and supporting the differentiation into and proliferation of cardiac cells. In this study, we developed for the first time a poly(mannitol sebacate) (PMS) based scaffold combined with 1% (w/w)multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to produce a biocompatible cardiac patch by the solvent casting method. We characterized the resultant PMS‐MWCNT scaffold in terms of chemical, physical, mechanical and electrical properties. The PMS/MWCNT patch revealed appropriate hydrophilicity, elasticity close to that of the target tissue, and electrical conductivity suited for a cardiac patch. The cytocompatibility of the composite was confirmed by the successful attachment and proliferation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUC‐MSCs). The PMS/MWCNTs further contributed to the differentiation of HUC‐MSCs by significant overexpression of cardiac‐specific proteins, i.e. troponin T and connexin 43, in the presence of 5‐azacytidine. The findings of this study could be of assistance in the use and development of PMS‐based composites as cardiac patches for myocardial tissue engineering applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Polyols induce acute oxidative stress and mortality in Indian malaria vector Anopheles stephensi (Diptera: Culicidae): potential for use as sugar‐cum‐toxin source in toxic sugar baits
Authors: Jeena Meenakshi , Kumar Gaurav , Yadav Chander Prakash , Lata Suman , Thakur Yamini , Kaur Jaspreet , Pasi Shweta 
Published: June 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDDevelopment of insecticide resistance in the major malaria vectors has necessitated the development of novel vector control tools. One such strategy involves the use of toxic sugar baits that targets the sugar‐feeding behaviour of mosquito vectors. In this study, we investigated the potential of polyols, as a toxic food (sugar) source in toxic sugar baits against the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi Liston. We examined the acute toxicity of six polyols, namely, erythritol, glycerol, mannitol, propylene glycol (PG), sorbitol, and xylitol on adult female An. stephensi mosquitoes at two different concentrations – 2% and 10%. We also studied changes in fecundity, egg hatchability and mid‐gut peroxide levels induced by polyol exposure.RESULTSAmong the six polyol compounds tested, PG was most toxic and lethal followed by glycerol and erythritol (P < 0.001) compared to the control (sucrose). PG induced acute mortality at different tested concentrations. In the erythritol‐ and glycerol‐fed groups, a dose‐dependent effect on mortality was observed. Glycerol evidently reduced fecundity and egg‐hatchability in gonotrophic cycles G1 and G2. Sucrose was the preferred food source (48%), followed by erythritol (18%), PG (10%) and glycerol (8%). Ingestion of polyols increased peroxide levels in mosquito guts, which persisted for extended durations ultimately resulting in rapid mortality (P < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe present study highlights the usefulness of sugar polyols for the development of toxic sugar baits with minimal yet effective ingredients. Further research could be focused on field experiments and on the exploration of synergistic effects of different polyols for optimization of field applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Osthole accelerates osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Zheng Sheng , Hu Guanyu , Zheng Jia , Li Yikai , Li Junhua 
Published: June 2024

AbstractOsthole, a natural coumarin derivative, has been shown to have multiple pharmacological activities. However, its effect on osteoporotic fracture has not yet been examined. This research was designed to explore the unknown role and potential mechanism of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. We first evaluated the osteogenic and angiogenic abilities of osthole. Then angiogenesis‐related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and further explore its molecular mechanism. After that, we established osteoporotic fracture model in ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis rats and treated the rats with osthole or placebo. Radiography, histomorphometry, histology, and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of osthole on osteoporotic fracture healing. In vitro research revealed that osthole promoted osteogenesis and up‐regulated the expression of angiogenic‐related markers. Further research found that osthole couldn't facilitate the angiogenesis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in a direct manner, but it possessed the ability to induce the osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Mechanistically, this was conducted through activating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Subsequently, using ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis tibia fracture rat model, we observed that osthole facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H‐positive capillary formation. Sequential fluorescent labeling confirmed that osthole could effectively accelerate bone formation in the fractured region. The data above indicated that osthole could accelerate osteoporotic fracture healing by inducing the osteogenesis–angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs via the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which implied that osthole may be a potential drug for treating osteoporosis fracture.
Re‐determination of R(13C/12C) for Vienna Peedee belemnite (VPDB)
Authors: Dunn Philip J. H. , Malinovsky Dmitry , Ogrinc Nives , Potočnik Doris , Flierl Lukas , Rienitz Olaf , Paul Dipayan , Meijer Harro A. J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractRationaleThe isotope ratio for the internationally agreed but virtual zero‐point of the carbon isotope‐delta scale, Vienna Peedee belemnite (VPDB), plays a critical role in linking carbon isotope delta values to the SI. It is also a quantity used for various data processing procedures including ‘17O correction’, clumped isotope analysis and conversion of carbon isotope delta values into other expressions of isotopic composition. A value for RVPDB(13C/12C) with small uncertainty is therefore desirable to facilitate these procedures.MethodsThe value of RVPDB(13C/12C) was determined by errors‐in‐variables regression of isotope delta values traceable to VPDB measured by isotope ratio mass spectrometry against isotope ratios traceable to the SI by use of gravimetric mixtures of 12C‐ and 13C‐enriched d‐glucose measured by multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.ResultsA value of RVPDB(13C/12C) = 0.0111105 ± 0.0000042 (expanded uncertainty, k = 2) was obtained.ConclusionsThe new value for RVPDB(13C/12C) agrees very well with the consensus values calculated from previous measurement results proposed by Kaiser and by ourselves, as well as recent determinations independent of mass spectrometry. The expanded uncertainty of 0.4‰ when expressed as an isotope delta value is a tenfold improvement over the previous best measurement of the isotopic composition of carbon.
High micropore‐utilization carbon aerogel with controlled nanostructures via adjusting aggregation state of polyacrylonitrile for energy storage systems
Authors: Peng Yuanyou , Fu Yihan , Yu Meimei , Zhao Lei , Zeng Huanzhong , Niu Shengtao , Zhang Jie , Chen Junlong , Liu Guang , Wu Youzhi , Ran Fen 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDesigning and optimizing the pore structure of porous carbon electrodes is essential for diverse energy storage systems. In this study, an innovative approach spray phase‐inversion strategy was developed for the rapid and efficient fabrication of controlled porous carbon aerogel. Moreover, the aggregation structure of polyacrylonitrile is controlled by adjusting the Hansen's solubility parameter, thereby regulating the electrode material structure. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis of the spray phase‐inversion process revealed that this regulation process is jointly regulated by solvent hydrodynamic diameter and phase‐inversion kinetics. Through optimization, a novel porous carbon material was obtained that exhibited excellent performance as an electrode material. When utilized in supercapacitors for energy storage, it demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 373.1 F g−1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte solution. Simultaneously, it has been observed that the preparation strategy for porous electrodes offers notable advantages in terms of excellent designability, broad universality, simplicity, and high efficiency, thereby holding promise for large‐scale fabrication of diverse porous electrode materials and various types of electrodes for diverse energy storage applications.