bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Nonlinear Conversion of Structured Light for Machine Learning Based Ultra‐Accurate Information Networks
Authors: Zhang Zilong , He Wei , Zhao Suyi , Gao Yuan , Wang Xin , Li Xiaotian , Wang Yuqi , Ma Yunfei , Hu Yetong , Shen Yijie , Zhao Changming 
Published: February 2024

AbstractStructured light can be encoded to carry information for free‐space optical communications with an extended degree of freedom to increase the capacity, however, the accuracy issue along with capacity increase is one of the biggest challenges that prevent practical applications. To achieve high accuracy with high capacity by a simple method, they propose the spatial nonlinear conversion of structured light into a communication network, especially, realizing an ultra‐high‐accuracy point‐to‐multipoint (PtoMP) information transmission link. A series of coherently superposed spatial modes and their spatial nonlinear conversion states are used as information carriers to replace the prior orbital angular momentum beams and greatly expand channel capacity within quite low spatial mode order. Through the spatial nonlinear conversion of simple dual‐mode superposition and a very basic neural network for machine learning‐based recognition, as high as 99.5% accuracy for more than 500 modes is obtained. By a combination of diffuse reflection screens and multiple CCDs, the large observation angle PtoMP information transmission is also proved to be feasible. This work paves the way for practical large‐scale multi‐party information networks using structured light.
Cardiac DTI using short‐axis PROPELLER: A feasibility study
Authors: Sadighi Mehdi , Kara Danielle , Mai Dingheng , Nguyen Khoi , Chen Shi , Kwon Deborah , Nguyen Christopher 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeWe aimed to develop a free‐breathing (FB) cardiac DTI (cDTI) method based on short‐axis PROPELLER (SAP) and M2 motion compensated spin‐echo EPI (SAP‐M2‐EPI) to mitigate geometric distortion and eliminate aliasing in acquired diffusion‐weighted (DW) images, particularly in patients with a higher body mass index (BMI).Theory and MethodsThe study involved 10 healthy volunteers whose BMI values fell into specific categories: BMI <25 (4 volunteers), 25< BMI <28 (5 volunteers), and BMI >30 (1 volunteer). We compared DTI parameters, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), and helix angle transmurality (HAT), between SAP‐M2‐EPI and M2‐ssEPI. To evaluate the performance of SAP‐M2‐EPI in reducing geometric distortions in the left ventricle (LV) compared to CINE and M2‐ssEPI, we utilized the DICE similarity coefficient (DSC) and assessed misregistration area.ResultsIn all volunteers, SAP‐M2‐EPI yielded high‐quality LV DWIs without aliasing, demonstrating significantly reduced geometric distortion (with an average DSC of 0.92 and average misregistration area of 90 mm2) and diminished signal loss due to bulk motion when compared to M2‐ssEPI. DTI parameter maps exhibited consistent patterns across slices without motion related artifacts.ConclusionSAP‐M2‐EPI facilitates free‐breathing cDTI of the entire LV, effectively eliminating aliasing and minimizing geometric distortion compared to M2‐ssEPI. Furthermore, it preserves accurate quantification of myocardial microstructure.
The coax monopole antenna: A flexible end‐fed antenna for ultrahigh field transmit/receive arrays
Authors: Budé Lyanne M. I. , Steensma Bart R. , Zivkovic Irena , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPurposeThe coax monopole antenna is presented for body imaging at 7 T. The antenna is fed at one end, eliminating the possibility of cable‐coil coupling and simplifying cable routing. Additionally, its flexibility improves loading to the subject.MethodsLike the coax dipole antenna, an interruption in the shield of the coaxial cable allows the current to extend to the outside of the shield, generating a B1+ field. Matching is achieved using a single inductor at the distal side, and a cable trap enforces the desired antenna length. Finite difference time domain simulations are employed to optimize the design parameters. Phantom measurements are conducted to determine the antenna's B1+ efficiency and to find the S‐parameters in straight and bent positions. Eight‐channel simulations and measurements are performed for prostate imaging.ResultsThe optimal configuration is a length of 360 mm with a gap position of 40 mm. Simulation data show higher B1+ levels for the coax monopole (20% in the prostate), albeit with a 5% lower specific absorbance rate efficiency, compared to the fractionated dipole antenna. The S11 of the coax monopole exhibits remarkable robustness to loading changes. In vivo prostate imaging demonstrates B1+ levels of 10–14 μT with an input power of 8 × 800 W, which is comparable to the fractionated dipole antenna. High‐quality images and acceptable coupling levels were achieved.ConclusionThe coax monopole is a novel, flexible antenna for body imaging at 7 T. Its simple design incorporates a single inductor at the distal side to achieve matching, and one‐sided feeding greatly simplifies cable routing.
E‐commerce platform finance with dual channels
Authors: Yan Nina , Chen Zhineng , Xu Xun , He Xiuli 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn the platform economy era, e‐commerce platforms function as distribution channels for sellers and offer online loans to sellers as financing providers. This study focuses on platform finance, where the platform sets a credit line or interest rate to offer either a limited or unlimited loan to capital‐constrained sellers. The sellers may have sufficient initial capital or be capital‐constrained but have access to limited or unlimited loans. We found that the optimal sellers' channel strategy, choosing either a single channel or online‐dominant or offline‐dominant dual channels, depends on the platform's credit line, consumers' channel preferences, and their switching behavior between online and offline channels. Given an unlimited (or limited) loan, the seller's dominated channel's quantity decreases (or increases) with her initial capital. The seller's and platform's preference for the unlimited loan or limited loan depends on the dominant channel and the seller's capital constraint. Loan offerings result in Pareto improvements for both participants, which reveals the value platform finance brings. We compare platform finance with bank finance and find that platform finance increases the sellers' threshold quantity without stockout in each channel and encourages the seller to place a higher quantity in both channels. We also examine the channel substitution effect on the sellers' quantity decisions. Findings provide insights for platforms and sellers to implement optimal financing and channel structures to increase their profits.
In defence of urban community gardens
Authors: Egerer Monika , Karlebowski Susan , Conitz Felix , Neumann Astrid E. , Schmack Julia M. , Sturm Ulrike 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

With the boom in urban living has come a boom in urban gardening. In particular, urban community gardening is an increasingly popular form of horticultural production, community involvement and connection to nature. Through the establishment and management of community gardens, biodiversity can flourish, with community gardens as ‘hotspots’ of flora and fauna within the urban matrix. Gardeners can deeply connect with the natural elements of gardens and thus learn about and gain appreciation for the natural world. Such interactions can combat the loss of nature experiences in cities. Despite their benefits for nature and for people, community gardens are threatened ecosystems as often temporary fixtures in city landscapes due to lack of land tenure and policy protection.

In this perspective, we recognize community gardens as an important ecosystem in urban conservation and argue for the defence of urban community gardens by city policy. We formalize this activity and the value of these ecosystems with scientific evidence from ecological and social‐ecological research in 39 community gardens in Berlin and Munich, Germany.

Although our data reveal that these gardens support large amounts of biodiversity and catalyse human‐nature connections, a lack of comprehensive documentation of social‐ecological benefits at the city level can make community gardens vulnerable to urban planning threats; we have seen losses of multiple research sites in the last 4 years of biodiversity research.

Policy implications: To protect community gardens now and for future urban generations, we call for systematic and comprehensive data collection on community gardening activities and policy support for these urban ecosystems. Some cities are starting to do this and this can be scaled out. We argue for the recognition of urban community gardens as a physical land use and also of the gardeners themselves as important habitat managers and stewards of urban biodiversity.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Evaluation of effect of boric acid on thermoplastic starch: Morphological, mechanical, barrier, and optical properties
Authors: Yoğurtçu Hakan , Gürler Nedim 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn this study, starch was modified with different amounts of boric acid, and the degree of substitution of the synthesized compounds at different temperatures and times was determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and titration methods. The degrees of substitution in both methods showed similar tendency. Optimum conditions were determined, and thermoplastic starch (TPS) and boric acid (B) films were prepared by casting method using glycerol as plasticizer. The morphological properties of the films were studied by scanning electron microscope‐energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM‐EDS). According to the FTIR results, it was observed that the BO and BOC stretching vibrations increased when the amount of boric acid increased. The tensile strength, water barrier (swelling capacity, solubility, and water vapor permeability), and optical properties of samples were investigated. The swelling capacity, solubility, and water vapor permeability of the films decreased with the addition of 0.5% boric acid to the starch, but the highest tensile strength was achieved. The tensile strength for TPSB0.5% increased compared to control group TPS. In addition, the film showed the highest transparency. Thermoplastic film containing 0.5% boric acid can be used as a packaging material due to its improved mechanical and water barrier.Highlights
The thermoplastic starch and boric acid composite were successfully produced.
The presence of boric acid was confirmed by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS).
The degree of substitution was determined by two different methods.
Transparency increased with the addition of boric acid.
Tensile strength improved with boric acid content.
A new approach for grafting plasticized cellulose acetate biodegradable plastic with maleic anhydride: Processing and characterization
Authors: Pesaranhajiabbas Ehsan , Mohanty Amar K. , Al‐Abdul‐Wahid M. Sameer , Misra Manjusri 
Published: February 2024

AbstractGrafting polymers with reactive maleic anhydride is a common approach for the synthesis of new material with the capability of acting as a compatibilizer in polymer blends. Accordingly, this research showed a new approach for grafting maleic anhydride onto renewable cellulose acetate using an initiator. The grafting process through extrusion showed good stability with continuous production of all grafted samples. Moreover, two different grafting processes, namely one‐step and two‐step processes, were shown to produce materials with very similar characteristics. Grafting of maleic anhydride onto cellulose acetate by reacting with its hydroxyl groups was confirmed by both Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Rheological studies also demonstrated the enhanced flowability and lower viscosity of the grafted material in comparison to the plasticized cellulose acetate.Highlights
Grafting maleic anhydride onto plasticized cellulose acetate by reactive extrusion.
Detection of grafted maleic anhydride onto cellulose acetate through NMR analysis.
High thermal stability of grafted materials.
Significant reduction in viscosity of plasticized cellulose acetate after grafting
Hydrophobic glass and paper coatings based on plasma polymerized vegetable oils using a novel atmospheric pressure plasma concept
Authors: Bellmann Martin , Loesch‐Zhang Amelia , Möck Dennis M. J. , Appelt Jörn , Geissler Andreas , Viöl Wolfgang 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAtmospheric pressure plasma polymerization represents a promising coating technology, addressing drawbacks of traditional processes (solvent use, multistep procedures, etc.) while enabling deposition of thin cross‐linked polymer layers with high contour fidelity. We address technological challenges with a novel plasma device that integrates multiple plasma source benefits and investigate the suitability of two plant‐based precursors, chia and tung oil, for plasma polymerization to hydrophobize glass and paper. Chia oil enables the deposition of thin, covalently bonded hydrophobic polymer layers. Such coatings have diverse applications especially inside the paper industry, where water repellents in the form of internal and surface sizing have always been an essential functionalization step. Using bio‐based precursors and reducing extra chemicals contributes to substituting fossil‐based or harmful substances.
Mountain greening and rising temperatures erode habitats of ironwort (Sideritis), an important natural medicinal resource
Authors: Theodoridis Spyros , Hickler Thomas , Thines Marco 
Published: February 2024

Societal Impact StatementNative medicinal plants contribute essential health benefits to populations globally, constituting a major natural resource that human societies rely on. Being an integral part of terrestrial biodiversity, medicinal plants are detrimentally affected by ongoing climate and land‐use change, yet comprehensive studies on the risk that extinction will pose to medicinal biodiversity are lacking. Responding to ongoing scientific calls for conserving medicinal biodiversity, this study provides an integrated assessment of the impacts of environmental change on ironwort (Sideritis), a group of closely related endemic plants of great cultural significance as local medicinal resources in the Balkan Mountains.Summary

Mountain habitats harbour unique biodiversity and provide vital resources for human well‐being, including natural medicinal resources, yet they are amongst the environments most impacted by global change. While there is ample evidence of recent rapid climate and land‐use change on mountain ecosystems, the impacts of these processes on the habitats of culturally important medicinal plants are still poorly understood. Here, we assess the potential loss of mountain habitats for medicinal plant resources over the past four decades using the culturally important ironwort, a group of endemic medicinal plants of the Balkan Mountains extensively used by local human populations and the pharmaceutical industry for treating cough and cold and gastrointestinal disorders.
We used information collected from major European natural history museums to guide extensive field campaigns across 15 separate mountain ranges. We integrate field data with thousands of satellite images, station‐validated climate reanalysis data and habitat suitability modelling. We finally used machine learning to assess the relative roles of climate and vegetation rates of change in driving rates of habitat suitability change.
We show that rising temperatures and ‘mountain greening’ erode the habitats of ironwort at alarming rates. About 50% of the total habitat area across all considered mountain ranges shows a significant decline in habitat suitability.
These past trends will most likely continue in the future and could lead to widespread local extinction of the species and other medicinal plants that share similar ecological preferences, threatening their future contributions to societal well‐being.
Association between individual sensor behavior of an electronic nose and airways inflammation in children with asthma: a pilot study at alpine altitude climate
Authors: Ferrante Giuliana , Cogo Anna Luisa , Sandri Marco , Piazza Michele , Costella Silvia , Appodia Massimiliano , Aralla Raffaele , Tenero Laura , Zaffanello Marco , Piacentini Giorgio 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundMarkers of airway inflammation can be helpful in the management of childhood asthma. Residential activities, such as intensive asthma camps at alpine altitude climate (AAC), can help reduce bronchial inflammation in patients who fail to achieve optimal control of the disease. Analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be obtained using electronic devices such as e‐Noses. We aimed to identify alterations in urinary e‐Nose sensors among children with asthma participating in an intensive camp at AAC and to investigate associations between urinary e‐Nose analysis and airway inflammation.MethodsWe analyzed data collected in children with asthma recruited between July and September 2020. All children were born and resided at altitudes below 600 m asl. Urinary VOCs (measured using the Cyranose 320® VOC analyzer), Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO) and spirometry were evaluated upon children's arrival at the Istituto Pio XII, Misurina (BL), Italy, at 1756 m asl (T0), and after 7 (T1) and 15 days (T2) of stay.ResultsTwenty‐two patients (68.2% males; median age: 14.5 years) were enrolled. From T0 to T1 and T2, the negative trend for FeNO was significant (p < .001). Significant associations were observed between e‐Nose sensors S7 (p = .002), S12 (p = .013), S16 (p = .027), S17 (p = .017), S22 (p = .029), S29 (p = .021), S31 (p = .009) and ΔFeNO at T0–T1. ΔFeNO at T0‐T2 was significantly associated with S17 (p = .015), S19 (p = .004), S21 (p = .020), S24 (p = .012), S25 (p = .018), S26 (p = .008), S27 (p = .002), S29 (p = .007), S30 (p = .013).ConclusionsWe showed that a decrease in FeNO levels after a short sojourn at AAC is associated with behaviors of individual urinary e‐Nose sensors in children with asthma.
RNA and protein biomarkers for detecting enhanced metabolic resistance to herbicides mesosulfuron‐methyl and fenoxaprop‐ethyl in black‐grass (Alopecurus myosuroides)
Authors: Lowe Claudia , Onkokesung Nawaporn , Goldberg Alina , Beffa Roland , Neve Paul , Edwards Robert , Comont David 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe evolution of non‐target site resistance (NTSR) to herbicides leads to a significant reduction in herbicide control of agricultural weed species. Detecting NTSR in weed populations prior to herbicide treatment would provide valuable information for effective weed control. While not all NTSR mechanisms have been fully identified, enhanced metabolic resistance (EMR) is one of the better studied, conferring tolerance through increased herbicide detoxification. Confirming EMR towards specific herbicides conventionally involves detecting metabolites of the active herbicide molecule in planta, but this approach is time‐consuming and requires access to well‐equipped laboratories.RESULTSIn this study, we explored the potential of using molecular biomarkers to detect EMR before herbicide treatment in black‐grass (Alopecurus myosuroides). We tested the reliability of selected biomarkers to predict EMR and survival after herbicide treatments in both reference and 27 field‐derived black‐grass populations collected from sites across the UK. The combined analysis of the constitutive expression of biomarkers and metabolism studies confirmed three proteins, namely, AmGSTF1, AmGSTU2 and AmOPR1, as differential biomarkers of EMR toward the herbicides fenoxaprop‐ethyl and mesosulfuron in black‐grass.CONCLUSIONOur findings demonstrate that there is potential to use molecular biomarkers to detect EMR toward specific herbicides in black‐grass without reference to metabolism analysis. However, biomarker development must include testing at both transcript and protein levels in order to be reliable indicators of resistance. This work is a first step towards more robust resistance biomarker development, which could be expanded into other herbicide chemistries for on‐farm testing and monitoring EMR in uncharacterised black‐grass populations. © 2024 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
An analysis of virtual reality in abdominal surgery—A scoping review
Authors: Ochs Vincent , Saad Baraa , Taha‐Mehlitz Stephanie , Staubli Sebastian , Neumann Katerina , Fischer Laura , Honaker Michael D. , Lamm Sebastian , Rosenberg Robert , Taha Anas , Cattin Philippe C. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe integration of virtual reality (VR) in surgery has gained prominence as VR applications have increased in popularity.MethodsA scoping review was undertaken, gathering the most relevant sources, utilising a detailed literature search of medical and academic databases including EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane, IEEE, Google Scholar, and the Google search engine.ResultsOf the 18 articles included, 7 focused on VR in colon surgery, 5 addressed VR in pancreas surgery, and the remaining 6 concentrated on VR in liver surgery. All the articles concluded that VR has a promising future in abdominal surgery by facilitating precision, visualisation, and surgeon training.ConclusionsAdopting VR technology in abdominal surgery has the potential to improve preoperative planning, decrease perioperative anxiety among patients, and facilitate the training of surgeons, residents, and medical students. Additional supporting studies are necessary before VR can be widely implemented in surgical care delivery.
Biomarkers of transfusion transmitted occult hepatitis B virus infection: Where are we and what next?
Authors: Fu Michael X. , Simmonds Peter , Andersson Monique , Harvala Heli 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBlood transfusion is a vital procedure, where transfusion‐transmitted infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains an important issue, especially from blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). Occult hepatitis B virus infection is a complex entity to detect using surrogate blood biomarkers for intrahepatic viral transcriptional activity, requiring a continually refined battery of tests utilised for screening. This review aims to critically evaluate the latest advances in the current blood biomarkers to guide the identification of OBI donors and discuss novel HBV markers that could be introduced in future diagnostic practice. Challenges in detecting low HBV surface antigen levels, mutants, and complexes necessitate ultrasensitive multivalent dissociation assays, whilst HBV DNA testing requires improved sensitivity but worsens inaccessibility. Anti‐core antibody assays defer almost all potentially infectious donations but have low specificity, and titres of anti‐surface antibodies that prevent infectivity are poorly defined with suboptimal sensitivity. The challenges associated with these traditional blood HBV markers create an urgent need for alternative biomarkers that would help us better understand the OBI. Emerging viral biomarkers, such as pre‐genomic RNA and HBV core‐related antigen, immunological HBV biomarkers of T‐cell reactivity and cytokine levels, and host biomarkers of microRNA and human leucocyte antigen molecules, present potential advances to gauge intrahepatic activity more accurately. Further studies on these markers may uncover an optimal diagnostic algorithm for OBI using quantification of various novel and traditional blood HBV markers. Addressing critical knowledge gaps identified in this review would decrease the residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted HBV infection without compromising the sustainability of blood supplies.