bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential gains in soil carbon and nitrogen as a result of systems perenniality: Insights from on‐farm experiments and soil organic matter fractions
Authors: Krupek Fernanda Souza , Kaiser Michael , Redfearn Daren , Basche Andrea 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUnderstanding soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics along gradients of land intensification is critical to guide conservation goals towards improvements in soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage. In this study, we clarified (a) how the C and N concentrations within SOM fractions of distinct ecological relevance responded to soil management representing a cropland‐grassland gradient and (b) how these operationally defined fractions affected soil physicochemical and biological properties. We compared sites with annual row crop rotations with and without cover crops (i.e. cropland soils) with perennial grassland sites (i.e. reference soil) by sampling near‐surface soils from statewide on‐farm cover crop experiments replicated across four agro‐ecoregions in Midwest USA. Soil management had a significant main effect on C and N content in SOM fractions, but responses were site‐ and fraction‐specific. We found that C content of free particulate organic matter and water‐extractable organic matter (WEOM) of reference soils were 58%–76% and 31%–59% greater than those of the cropland soils in two of the four sites. Differences in N content of WEOM because of soil management were observed in two of the four sites. These reference soils had between 40% and 60% greater N than cropland soils. Additionally, the N content of aggregate occluded POM (o‐POM) of reference soils was three times greater than those of the cropland soils in one of the four sites. Broadly across bulk and SOM fractions, high declines in cropland C and N relative to reference soils were observed in non‐irrigated and strip‐till sites and coarse‐texture soils. Free and o‐POM C and N were strongly associated with aggregate stability, water infiltration and enzyme activity, whereas C and N contents of WEOM and MAOM were correlated with soil's ability to hold onto essential nutrients (e.g. calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium). Although the potential of cover crops to drive changes on ecologically meaningful SOM fractions is less pronounced in the short (3 year) term, the findings demonstrate the potential of continuous living cover as an approach to agroecosystem design to improve soil functions closely related to SOM characteristics.
The impact of social media intervention based on functional motivation on repeat blood donation behavior: A prospective randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Gao Chang , Mei Haokun , Mao Xiaofang 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundBlood plays an irreplaceable role in medical care. Low retention rate among blood donors is the major issue in China. Various functional motivations can encourage blood donors to participate in blood donation. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research studies on re‐donate behavior based on functional motivations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of social media intervention based on functional motivation, to discover effective intervention methods to improve re‐donate rate among nonregular blood donors.MethodsIn 2022–2023, 726 adults aged 18–55 years were randomized into the intervention or control group. Over 6 months, the intervention group received science popularization via social media. After the follow‐up period, re‐donate rate and functional motivation were assessed. Statistical analyses included t‐test, chi‐square test, logistic regression analysis, and analysis of variance.ResultsFive hundred and sixty‐eight participants completed the intervention survey. Overall, the repeat blood donation rate in the intervention group (18.1%) was significantly higher than the control group (4.2%) (p < .001). After the intervention, understanding, protection, sensation, and values motivation increased (p < .001). The changes in functional motivations vary across different age groups. In the 18–30 age group, understanding motivation increased (p < .001), while in the 31–45 and 46–55 age groups, protection motivation increased (p < .001). In the groups donating blood 3 time and 4 time, protection motivation increased (p < .05), and in the group donating blood 4 times, the values motivation increased (p < .05).ConclusionSocial media intervention based on functional motivation can effectively increase the re‐donate rate. Understanding, protection, sensation, and values motivations can directly influence the re‐donate behavior.
In vitro evaluation of a hybrid negative pressure system for wound therapy
Authors: Davey Jack S. , Chong Wye Li , Fountain Jake , Heller Jane , Sul Rui , Jermyn Kieri , Michelsen Jacob , Ho Eckart Louisa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess whether negative pressure could be maintained accurately and repeatably with a wall‐suction‐based hybrid negative pressure wound therapy (h‐NPWT) system by comparing it with a commercial negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device.Study designIn vitro experimental study.MethodsA commercial NPWT device (control) and three h‐NPWT devices, with 0, 3, and 6 meters of additional tubing using the hospital‐wall suction (groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively), were applied sequentially to a commercial NPWT dressing on a silicone skin substrate and set to run at a continuous pressure of −125 mmHg. The pressure within the wound space was monitored at 10 second intervals for 24 h. The process was repeated five times for each group.ResultsThe commercial NPWT device produced an average pressure variance of 3.02 mmHg, and the h‐NPWT produced average variances of 4.38, 4.24 and 4.20 mmHg for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. All groups produced an average pressure within 0.15 mmHg of −125 mmHg over the 24‐hour period, and the h‐NPWT systems produced the smallest range with all values remaining within a ±5% variation from −125 mmHg.ConclusionThe h‐NPWT system achieved negative pressures that were comparable to those of a commercial control NPWT device. The addition of tubing between the skin substrate and the canister did not affect the pressure applied at the wound site.Clinical significanceThe h‐NPWT device tested in this study can be considered as an alternative for negative wound therapy when a commercial device cannot be used.
Cooled feline intestine and fresh intestine did not differ in enterotomy leak pressure testing or in gross wall thickness measurement
Authors: Miller Annellie K. , Regier Penny J. , Vilaplana Grosso Federico R. , Daly Edward J. , Carroll Bailey N. , Colee James C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo report gross anatomical gastrointestinal measurements and compare enterotomy leak pressures between fresh and cooled feline cadavers.Study DesignEx vivo, randomized study.AnimalsFresh feline cadavers (n = 20).MethodsJejunal segments (8 cm) were harvested on the same day as euthanasia. From each cadaver, one segment was randomly assigned to control (C), fresh enterotomy (FE), and cooled enterotomy (CE) groups. Enterotomy construction and leak testing were performed within 12 h of euthanasia for the C and FE groups and after 17–29 h of cooling for the CE group. Initial leak pressure (ILP) and maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP) were compared. Gastrointestinal wall thickness and intraluminal diameter were measured on harvested applicable gastrointestinal divisions at up to three time points: day 1 fresh, day 2 cooled, and day 3 cooled.ResultsThe mean (± SD) ILPs for the C, FE, and CE constructs were 600 (± 0.0), 200.3 (± 114.7), and 131.3 (± 92.6) mmHg, respectively. The C ILP was higher (p < .001) than the FE and CE ILP. The ILP (p = .11) and the MIP (p = .21) did not differ between the FE and CE constructs. Wall thickness (measured in mm) did not differ between duodenum day 1 fresh and day 2 cooled groups (p = .18) or between any jejunum day groups (p = .86). The intraluminal diameters (mean ± SD) for the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were 5.7 (± 0.7), 5.8 (± 0.8), and 7.2 (± 2.2) mm, respectively.ConclusionNo difference was appreciated between FE and CE ILP and MIP. Wall thickness measurements did not differ between days for duodenum or jejunum.Clinical relevanceCadaveric feline intestine cooled for up to 29 h may be used for determining intestinal leak pressures.
Limited availability of methods for the detection of xenotransplantation‐relevant viruses in veterinary laboratories
Authors: Denner Joachim 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe German Xenotransplantation Consortium is in the process to prepare a clinical trial application (CTA) on xenotransplantation of genetically modified pig hearts. In the CTA documents to the central and national regulatory authorities, that is, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Paul Ehrlich Institute (PEI), respectively, it is required to list the potential zoonotic or xenozoonotic porcine microorganisms including porcine viruses as well as to describe methods of detection in order to prevent their transmission. The donor animals should be tested using highly sensitive detection systems. I would like to define a detection system as the complex including the actual detection methods, either PCR‐based, cell‐based, or immunological methods and their sensitivity, as well as sample generation, sample preparation, sample origin, time of sampling, and the necessary negative and positive controls. Lessons learned from the identification of porcine cytomegalovirus/porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV) in the xenotransplanted heart in the recipient in the Baltimore study underline how important such systems are. The question is whether veterinary laboratories can supply such assays.MethodsA total of 35 veterinary laboratories in Germany were surveyed for their ability to test for selected xenotransplantation‐relevant viruses, including PCMV/PRV, hepatitis E virus, and porcine endogenous retrovirus‐C (PERV‐C). As comparison, data from Swiss laboratories and a laboratory in the USA were analyzed. Furthermore, we assessed which viruses were screened for in clinical and preclinical trials performed until now and during screening of pig populations.ResultsOf the nine laboratories that provided viral diagnostics, none of these included all potential viruses of concern, indeed, the most important assays confirmed in recent human trials, antibody detection of PCMV/PRV and screening for PERV‐C were not available at all. The situation was similar in Swiss and US laboratories. Different viruses have been tested for in first clinical and preclinical trials performed in various countries.ConclusionBased on these results it is necessary to establish special virological laboratories able to test for all xenotransplantation‐relevant viruses using validated assays, optimally in the xenotransplantation centers.
Myostatin gene invalidation does not prevent skeletal muscle mass loss during experimental sepsis in mice
Authors: Morel Jérome , Pignard Anne Sophie , Castells Josiane , Allibert Valentine , Hatimi Lahcène , Buhot Benjamin , Velarde Mathias , Durieux Anne Cécile , Freyssenet Damien 
Published: May 2024

AbstractLoss of muscle mass and function induced by sepsis contributes to physical inactivity and disability in intensive care unit patients. Limiting skeletal muscle deconditioning may thus be helpful in reducing the long‐term effect of muscle wasting in patients. We tested the hypothesis that invalidation of the myostatin gene, which encodes a powerful negative regulator of skeletal muscle mass, could prevent or attenuate skeletal muscle wasting and improve survival of septic mice. Sepsis was induced by caecal ligature and puncture (CLP) in 13‐week‐old C57BL/6J wild‐type and myostatin knock‐out male mice. Survival rates were similar in wild‐type and myostatin knock‐out mice seven days after CLP. Loss in muscle mass was also similar in wild‐type and myostatin knock‐out mice 4 and 7 days after CLP. The loss in muscle mass was molecularly supported by an increase in the transcript level of E3‐ubiquitin ligases and autophagy–lysosome markers. This transcriptional response was blunted in myostatin knock‐out mice. No change was observed in the protein level of markers of the anabolic insulin/IGF1‐Akt‐mTOR pathway. Muscle strength was similarly decreased in wild‐type and myostatin knock‐out mice 4 and 7 days after CLP. This was associated with a modified expression of genes involved in ion homeostasis and excitation–contraction coupling, suggesting that a long‐term functional recovery following experimental sepsis may be impaired by a dysregulated expression of molecular determinants of ion homeostasis and excitation–contraction coupling. In conclusion, myostatin gene invalidation does not provide any benefit in preventing skeletal muscle mass loss and strength in response to experimental sepsis.
imageKey points
Survival rates are similar in wild‐type and myostatin knock‐out mice seven days after the induction of sepsis.
Loss in muscle mass and muscle strength are similar in wild‐type and myostatin knock‐out mice 4 and 7 days after the induction of an experimental sepsis.
Despite evidence of a transcriptional regulation, the protein level of markers of the anabolic insulin/IGF1‐Akt‐mTOR pathway remained unchanged.
RT‐qPCR analysis of autophagy–lysosome pathway markers indicates that activity of the pathway may be altered by experimental sepsis in wild‐type and myostatin knock‐out mice.
Experimental sepsis induces greater variations in the mRNA levels of wild‐type mice than those of myostatin knock‐out mice, without providing any significant catabolic resistance or functional benefits.
Exercise‐induced cortical disinhibition mediates the relationship between fitness and memory in older adults
Authors: Cadwallader Claire J. , Curtin Dylan , Taylor Eleanor M. , de Moel Tamar , Jarvis Huw , Hutchison Christopher , Hendrikse Joshua , Chong Trevor T.‐J. , Coxon James P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRegular exercise benefits learning and memory in older adults, but the neural mechanisms mediating these effects remain unclear. Evidence in young adults indicates that acute exercise creates a favourable environment for synaptic plasticity by enhancing cortical disinhibition. As such, we investigated whether plasticity‐related disinhibition mediated the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and memory function in healthy older adults (n = 16, mean age = 66.06). Participants completed a graded maximal exercise test and assessments of visual and verbal memory, followed by two counterbalanced sessions involving 20 min of either high‐intensity interval training exercise or rest. Disinhibition was measured following intermittent theta burst stimulation via paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation. In line with our hypotheses, we observed a positive correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and verbal memory, which was mediated by plasticity‐related cortical disinhibition. Our novel finding implicates cortical disinhibition as a mechanism through which the effects of acute bouts of exercise may translate to improved memory in older adults. This finding extends current understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the positive influence of cardiorespiratory fitness for memory function in older adults, and further highlights the importance of promoting exercise engagement to maintain cognitive health in later life.
imageKey points
There are well established benefits of regular exercise for memory function in older adults, but the mechanisms are unclear. Cortical disinhibition is important for laying down new memories, and is enhanced following acute exercise in young adults, suggesting it is a potential mechanism underlying these benefits in ageing.
Older adults completed a fitness test and assessments of memory, followed by two sessions involving either 20 min of exercise or rest. Disinhibition was measured following intermittent theta burst stimulation via paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Cardiorespiratory fitness was positively associated with memory performance. Higher fitness was associated with enhanced cortical disinhibition following acute exercise.
Cortical disinhibition completely mediated the relationship between fitness and memory.
This novel finding provides a mechanistic account for the positive influence of cardiorespiratory fitness on memory in later life, and emphasises the importance of regular exercise for cognitive health in older populations.
Enhanced Euler–Lagrange Formulation for Analyzing Human Gait With Moving Base Reference
Authors: Chander Sekar Anup , Mukherjee Ashutosh , Shivling Vhatkar Dattatraya , Singla Ashish 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Euler–Lagrange's formulation is known for its systematic and simplified approach to deriving dynamics of complex systems. In order to apply the existing formulation to human gait dynamics, the base reference frame must be assumed as an inertial reference frame. Conventionally, the ankle joints or the hip joints are regarded as base reference frames during the stance and swing phases of human walking. As these joints are non-inertial in nature during actual locomotion, this assumption could result in inaccurate calculation of lower-limb joint torques and forces. Therefore, in this paper, an existing Euler–Lagrange-based formulation originally developed for fixed-base robotic manipulators is considered and modified to accommodate the movement of the base reference frame with respect to an inertial frame of reference defined outside the human body. The applicability of the modified formulation is studied, implemented, and validated using three standard and publicly available gait datasets covering the phases of walking and running. The joint torques obtained using the proposed dynamic model are compared with reference torques by calculating the mean absolute error values and visually through Bland–Altman plots. The obtained joint torque values and plots indicate a close agreement with published torques, thereby validating the accuracy of the proposed dynamic model. The robust formulation implementation makes it a valuable resource for researchers in this field, offering a reliable framework for gait analysis and the design of lower-limb prosthetics or exoskeletons.
Three-Dimensional Profile Reconstruction and Internal Defect Detection of Silicon Wafers Using Cascaded Fiber Optic Fabry–Pérot Interferometer and Leaky Field Detection Technologies
Authors: Zhou Fengfeng , Fu Xingyu , Chen Siying , Han Changheon , Jun Martin B. G. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Wafer quality control is one of the important processes to improve the yield rate of semiconductor products. Profile quality and defects in the wafer are two key factors that should be taken into consideration. In this research, we introduce a method that measures the profile of the upper surface and the thickness of the wafer at the same time using an optical fiber cascaded Fabry–Pérot interferometer working at wavelength of 1550 nm. Therefore, the 3D profile of the wafer can be reconstructed directly. Testing results show that both accuracy and precision of the Fabry–Pérot interferometer are within a nanometer scale. Defects, especially those embedded inside the wafer, will be detected by monitoring the leaky field with treating wafers as slab waveguides. With the leaky field detection, defects on the lower surface of the wafer were successfully detected by monitoring the leaky field above the upper surface of the wafer. Compared with traditional methods such as radiographic testing or computed tomography testing, the proposed methods provide a cost-effective alternative for wafer quality evaluation.
Stochastic Defect Localization for Cooperative Additive Manufacturing Using Gaussian Mixture Maps
Authors: Rescsanski Sean , Shah Vihaan , Tang Jiong , Imani Farhad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Robotic additive manufacturing (RAM) offers significant improvements in maximum build volume compared to conventional bounded designs (e.g., gantry) by leveraging high degrees-of-freedom machines and multi-robot cooperation. However, cooperative RAM suffers from the same defect generation challenges as conventional systems, necessitating improvements in the detection and prevention of flaws within fabricated components. Quality assurance can be further bolstered through the integration of AM models, which utilize sensor feedback to localize defects, vastly reducing false positives. This research explores defect localization through a novel dynamic defect model created from simulated sensing data. In particular, two cooperative robots are simulated to estimate defect parameters, while observing the workspace and accurately classifying different regions of the part, generating a Gaussian mixture map that identifies and assigns appropriate actions based on defect types and characteristics. The experimental result shows that the implementation of the dynamic defect model and selective reevaluation achieved an effective defect detection accuracy of 99.9%, an improvement of 9.9% without localization. The proposed framework holds potential for application in domains that utilize high degrees-of-freedom machines and collaborative agents, offering scalability, improved fabrication speeds, and enhanced mechanical properties.
The correlation between time-intensity curve parameters of transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasound and pathological prognostic factors in rectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Su Shitao , Huang Jianyuan , Huang Xuanzhang , Li Xigui , Liu Yaoli , Meng Jun , Fan Yu , He Xiaoyan , Zhu Shangyong 
Published: May 2024

Aims: To investigate the correlation between time-intensity curve (TIC) parameters obtained from transrectal contrast-enhanced ultrasound (TR-CEUS) and important pathological prognostic factors in rectal adenocarcinoma.Material and methods: We retrospectively included 477 patients with pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma. TIC parameters were derived from preoperative dynamic TR-CEUS images. These parameters included peak intensity (PI), time to peak (TTP),mean transit time (MTT), slope (S), and area under the curve (AREA). Pathological prognostic factors included TN stage, tumor diameter, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion, and tumor differentiation. Spearman’s correlation analysis and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the association between TIC parameters and pathological prognostic factors.Results: pT1-2 stages rectal carcinomas exhibited higher PI-max, PI-min, S-max, S-min, AREA-max, and AREA-min than pT3-4 stages (all p<0.05). pN0 stage rectal adenocarcinomas displayed higher PI-max, S-max, AREA-max, PI-ratio, Sratio, and AREA-ratio than pN1-2 stage (all p<0.05). PI-ratio and S-ratio were higher in the LVI-negative and tumor diameter ≥4cm group compared to the LVI-positive and tumor diameter <4cm group, respectively (p<0.05). Well-differentiated rectal adenocarcinomas displayed higher PI-max, AREA-max, PI-ratio, S-ratio, and AREA-ratio than the moderate-poor differentiated group (all p<0.05). PI-max, S-max, AREA-max, PI-ratio, S-ratio, and AREA-ratio were negatively correlated with pN stage (all p<0.05). PI-ratio and S-ratio were independent predictive factors for the pN stage (OR=0.774, OR=1.048). S-ratio and AREA-ratio were independent predictive factors for tumor differentiation (OR=1.071, OR=0.911).Conclusions: TIC parameters derived from TR-CEUS exhibit correlations with specific pathological prognostic factors in rectal adenocarcinomas. This non-invasive method may hold promise for preoperatively assessing the prognosis of rectal adenocarcinoma patients.