bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of direct effects of rice‐thickened formula vs routine feeds on symptoms and gastroesophageal reflux indices: A crossover cohort study
Authors: Njeh Minna , Sultana Zakia , Plumb Toni , Alshaikh Enas , Jadcherla Sudarshan R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundWe compared the direct effects of routine vs rice‐thickened formula on 24‐h pH‐impedance and symptom characteristics and then examined if dietary effects were modified by acid reflux index severity in infants.MethodsForty infants under consideration for gastroesophageal reflux disease and therapies were evaluated at 43 ± 1 weeks postmenstrual age. Each infant was equally fed routine diet and thickened formula during evaluations. Postprandial sessions were analyzed for acid reflux index, reflux events, clearance times, distal baseline impedance, and symptoms.ResultsThickened formula has no effect (P ≥ 0.05) on acid reflux events’ characteristics or overall symptom frequency. However, refluxate height and frequency of weakly acidic events and cough were decreased (P < 0.05). Prolonged bolus clearance and a decrease in distal baseline impedance were noted with thickened feeds (vs routine feeds) when acid reflux index was >7 (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur pH‐impedance testing protocol identifies direct effects of potential therapies at the point of care. Acutely, thickened formula does not impact acid‐specific reflux indices but decreases full‐column reflux and cough reflexes. In those with an acid reflux index of >7, thickened formula prolongs the distal esophageal bolus clearance (the mechanisms of which are uncertain). Clinical trials are needed to clarify objective indications and therapeutic use of thickened formulas for infants with gastroesophageal reflux disease, along with short‐ and long‐term side effects.
Strawberry fruit quality: Impacts of the harvest date with a breeding perspective
Authors: Pedrozo Paula , Vicente Esteban , Moltini Ana Inés , Ibáñez Facundo , Lado Bettina , Fariña Laura , Ares Gastón , Lado Joanna 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe sensory, nutritional, and organoleptic characterization of strawberry genotypes is a useful strategy to guide breeding efforts on filling consumer's expectations. This work was focused on evaluating the fruit quality of six strawberry genotypes. We aimed to highlight key clues for breeders regarding the relative contribution of different techniques for fruit characterization and consumer perception, with a special focus on contrasting harvest moments.ResultsResults showed that coloration resulted less variable compared with free sugars, firmness, or volatile compounds. There was an absence of correlation between external/internal color and anthocyanin content or between soluble solids and individual sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose). Oxygen radical absorbance capacity and 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl methods showed to be complementary for antioxidant capacity determination. The predominance of esters and terpenes seems to contribute to typical strawberry flavor while a fine balance between aldehydes, terpenes, lactones, and esters found in similar proportions contributes to typical smell perception.ConclusionsThere is an important variability in fruit quality harvested fully ripe in different dates from the same harvest season and genotypes showed contrasting behaviors. Fruit color resulted more stable than other quality variables such as sugars or firmness while volatile profile showed significant changes. From a breeding perspective, it is crucial to consider many harvest moments throughout the reproductive cycle to assure a more representative fruit quality evaluation. Genotypes showing greater stability between harvests would be interesting for assuring a reproducible product during the season.
Use of shrimp farming waste in the production of biomaterials for sustainable agriculture and mitigation of environmental damage
Authors: Lima Bomfim Jôse Raymara Alves , da Costa Cunha Graziele , Botero Wander Gustavo , Romão Luciane Pimenta Cruz 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundDue to the environmental degradation caused by shrimp farming in Brazilian mangrove ecosystems, it is of great importance to develop techniques capable of inserting waste into the production chain, strengthening the premise of sustainable shrimp farming development due to its economic and social impact. In this work, solid residues from shrimp farming were used as a slow‐release fertilizer (SRF) in formulations that also contain chitosan, montmorillonite, and urea.ResultsFertilizer granules produced without (FERT A) and with additional layers (FERT B) were characterized by elemental analysis (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen), obtaining values of 14.4%–18.4% for carbon, 5.6%–6.9% for hydrogen, and 12.3%–19.3% for nitrogen. The fertilizers had low C/N ratios of around 1.0–1.50, compared to a value of 0.87 for urea, the nitrogen fertilizer most widely used in Brazilian agriculture. Release tests in water showed the same release pattern in the first 5 min for FERT A and FERT B, with <10% urea release. After 30 min, the release from the fertilizers progressively increased, reaching >60% after 1 day and a maximum of 95%–97% after 15 days. In the first 3 days of incubation in the soil, the releases of nitrogen from FERT A, FERT B, and conventional urea presented different patterns, with values of 32%, 10%, and 90%, respectively. After incubation for 25 days, FERT A and FERT B presented nitrogen releases lower than 78%, confirming the slow release of the nutrient from these fertilizers. Degradation experiments showed that the fertilizers were biodegradable in the soil, with degradation exceeding 60% after 30 days, indicating that they could be applied to the soil without leaving residues.ConclusionsThe fertilizer granules produced are SRFs that have the potential to increase the efficiency of nitrogen fertilization, reducing the frequency of applications and minimizing nitrogen losses in the soil. In addition, they enable the reuse of shrimp farming waste, producing a new material of agricultural interest.
The effect of apple pomace powder and calcium ions on selected physicochemical properties of freeze‐dried carrot‐orange‐ginger snacks
Authors: Karwacka Magdalena , Galus Sabina , Janowicz Monika 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study aimed to determine the effect of various amounts of dried apple pomace (AP) powder and calcium ions on selected physicochemical properties of restructured freeze‐dried snacks in comparison with products obtained with low‐methoxyl pectin (LMP). The material was prepared using frozen carrot, orange concentrate, ginger, water, and various concentrations of AP (1, 3, 5%) and calcium lactate (0, 0.01, 0.05%). The reference samples were without additives, and with 0.5 or 1.5% of LMP combined with 0.01% of calcium lactate.RESULTSThe material was studied in terms of water content and activity, hygroscopic properties, structure, texture, color, and polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. The addition of AP resulted in reducing water activity and porosity. As a consequence of the increasing density of the structure, the reduction of hygroscopic properties by up to 16% followed the increasing amount of AP. Apple pomace and calcium ions strengthened the structure. The addition of 3% and 5% of AP gave a hardening effect close to or better than 0.5% LMP. Because of the pigment dilution, LMP caused significantly greater total color change than AP. The incorporation of AP also increased TPC and enhanced antioxidant activity in comparison with the reference materials by up to 18%.CONCLUSIONThe results showed that dried AP powder can be applied successfully as an additive enhancing stability, texture and bioactive compound content, thus fortifying the physicochemical properties of restructured freeze‐dried fruit and vegetable snacks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
M1 macrophage‐derived oncostatin M induces osteogenic differentiation of ligamentum flavum cells through the JAK2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Yang Jun , Chen Guanghui , Fan Tianqi , Qu Xiaochen 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundM1 macrophages (Mφs) are involved in osteogenic differentiation of ligamentum flavum (LF) cells and play an important role in heterotopic ossification. However, the mechanism by which M1 Mφs influence osteogenic differentiation of LF cells has not been studied.MethodsThe effect of conditioned medium including secretions of M1 Mφs (CM‐M1) on LF cells was analyzed by GeneChip profiling and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). THP‐1 cells were polarized into M1 Mφs and CM‐M1 was used to induce LF cells. In addition, LF cells were induced by CM‐M1 in the presence of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) inhibitors or oncostatin M (OSM)‐neutralizing antibodies. Based on the presence of OSM, knockout of OSMR or GP130 receptors, or addition of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor AZD1480 or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor Stattic were examined for effects on osteogenic differentiation of LF cells. OSM secretion was quantified by ELISA, while qPCR and western blot were used to evaluate expression of osteogenic genes and receptor and signaling pathway‐related proteins, respectively.ResultsGeneChip and IPA results indicate that the OSM signaling pathway and its downstream signaling molecules JAK2 and STAT3 are significantly activated. ELISA results indicate that OSM is highly expressed in cells treated with CM‐M1 and lowly expressed in cells treated with CM‐M1 and a COX‐2 inhibitor. Besides, CM‐M1 induces osteogenic differentiation of LF cells, which is weakened when COX‐2 inhibitors or OSM‐neutralizing antibody are added to it. Recombinant OSM could induce osteogenic differentiation of LF cells and upregulate expression of OSMR, GP130, phosphorylated (P)‐JAK2, and P‐STAT3. Upon knockdown of OSMR or GP130, or the addition of AZD1480 or Stattic, P‐JAK2 and P‐STAT3 expression were decreased and osteogenic differentiation was reduced.ConclusionM1 Mφ‐derived OSM induces osteogenic differentiation of LF cells and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays an important role.
Organic carbon storage and accumulation characteristics of peatlands in the Changbai Mountains, China
Authors: Liu Zigang , Ma Xuehui , Yang Fei , Diao Hongwei , Li Yun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPeatlands are important carbon pools and stable carbon sinks in terrestrial ecosystems. Studying carbon storage and accumulation characteristics can provide a scientific basis for the conservation and restoration of peatlands. Based on the 2014–2015 survey of the Jilin Provincial Forestry Department on the carbon storage of peatlands in the Changbai Mountains, the surveyed 865 peatlands have a total area of 22,900 hm2 and carbon storage of 18,753,300 tons. There are 275 medium‐sized organic carbon (OC) stocks of peatlands (10000–100,000 tons) in this area, and their carbon storage accounts for 41.3% of the total reserves. The peatland carbon in this area is mainly distributed in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, valleys and the lava platform are the most important geomorphological basis for peatland deposits. The Mudanjiang River Basin has the largest carbon storage and it is dominated by a nutrient‐rich peatland. Peatlands in the Changbai Mountains formed and developed since the Holocene, and the carbon accumulation intensity is different in each stage. The average carbon density of peatlands in this area was 69.74 kg/m3 with an average value of 81.77 kg/m2 for OC accumulation per unit area. The average value of the carbon cumulative intensity of peatlands was 164.43 ton/km2 and the carbon accumulation rate of peatlands was 38.96 g/(a m2).
FRANCES HESSELBEIN: A DEEP SOURCE OF WISDOM, INSPIRATION, AND ENCOURAGEMENT
Authors: Austin Lloyd J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe author, the 28th U.S. Secretary of Defense, writes about his long history with “my trusted mentor Frances Hesselbein.” As he notes, “Every one of Frances’s 107 years was a gift. And as I continue to mourn her passing, I also continue to draw inspiration from her life and her service. Of course, to Frances, there was never a distinction between the two. As she would say, To serve is to live.” He recalls that he “first met Frances in 2003 when, as the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division, I attended a leadership seminar for senior leaders at West Point.” In a roomful of generals, “Frances articulated something profound and true. Character is what counts. And before you can talk to anyone about values like bravery, integrity, and respect for all, you have to live those values. I’ve seen this lesson play out many times over my career. When you live and lead with character, your teammates will follow your example.”
Evolution of the Deformation‐ and Flow‐Induced Crystallization and Characterization of the Microstructure of a Single Spherulite, Lamella, and Chain of Isotactic Polypropylene
Authors: Sharaf Mohammed A. , Kloczkowski Andrzej 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIsotactic polypropylene (iPP) is a frequently used polymer in industrial processing and scientific research, used as a model material. This review highlights some current and forefront issues in polymer science and engineering. This review alludes to classical deformation schemes to interpret the complicated deformation in isotactic polypropylene as a semicrystalline polymer. Also, due to the complex hierarchical structures of crystallized polymers, the progress on the multiscale and multistage microstructural evolution covering each deformation stage from the initiation of plasticity until failure is mainly concerned, particularly in terms of crystalline morphology changes. Specifically, the characterization of the microstructure evolution of a single spherulite, lamella, and chain of isotactic polypropylene will be emphasized and mentioned. Here, the authors are most interested in the results obtained from stretching (strain‐induced) orientation and crystallization studies accompanied by the in situ scattering and spectroscopy techniques offering a detection window from nano to micrometer scale, which should be able to reflect the microstructural changes at different length scales of interest. During polymer processing, the melts are frequently subjected to shear or/and elongation flow fields, producing flow‐induced molecular chain orientation in the melt. The oriented molecular chains crystallize differently than those encountered under quiescent conditions. Thus, orientation‐induced crystallization has long been an object of intense interest. A vast body of research is reported about the effects of preorientation on the crystallization of various polymers. Among them, iPP is most frequently studied since its diversified structure and morphology are very sensitive to changes in processing conditions and molecular parameters.
Coil sketching for computationally efficient MR iterative reconstruction
Authors: Oscanoa Julio A. , Ong Frank , Iyer Siddharth S. , Li Zhitao , Sandino Christopher M. , Ozturkler Batu , Ennis Daniel B. , Pilanci Mert , Vasanawala Shreyas S. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPurposeParallel imaging and compressed sensing reconstructions of large MRI datasets often have a prohibitive computational cost that bottlenecks clinical deployment, especially for three‐dimensional (3D) non‐Cartesian acquisitions. One common approach is to reduce the number of coil channels actively used during reconstruction as in coil compression. While effective for Cartesian imaging, coil compression inherently loses signal energy, producing shading artifacts that compromise image quality for 3D non‐Cartesian imaging. We propose coil sketching, a general and versatile method for computationally‐efficient iterative MR image reconstruction.Theory and MethodsWe based our method on randomized sketching algorithms, a type of large‐scale optimization algorithms well established in the fields of machine learning and big data analysis. We adapt the sketching theory to the MRI reconstruction problem via a structured sketching matrix that, similar to coil compression, considers high‐energy virtual coils obtained from principal component analysis. But, unlike coil compression, it also considers random linear combinations of the remaining low‐energy coils, effectively leveraging information from all coils.ResultsFirst, we performed ablation experiments to validate the sketching matrix design on both Cartesian and non‐Cartesian datasets. The resulting design yielded both improved computatioanal efficiency and preserved signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) as measured by the inverse g‐factor. Then, we verified the efficacy of our approach on high‐dimensional non‐Cartesian 3D cones datasets, where coil sketching yielded up to three‐fold faster reconstructions with equivalent image quality.ConclusionCoil sketching is a general and versatile reconstruction framework for computationally fast and memory‐efficient reconstruction.
Determination of electromagnetic traveling path in polymer/multi‐walled carbon nanotube nanocomposite foams and analysis by Taguchi technique
Authors: Azerang Bashar , Azdast Taher , Doniavi Ali , Hasanzadeh Rezgar 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe attenuation of electromagnetic (EM) energy with polymeric nanocomposite foams is significant because the microwave energy is diminished by multiscattering of EM into microcellular structure. In this study, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposite foams were fabricated via a chemical foaming in an injection‐molding process. It was demonstrated that the skin depth in foamed ABS/MWCNT specimens was fallen dramatically compared to their solid counterparts. The diminution of skin depth for foamed ABS/1 wt% of MWCNT nanocomposite was 21.7% compared to solid pure ABS. The reflectance of pure ABS was decreased by foaming but it was increased in foamed ABS/MWCNT nanocomposite. The absorption of microwave was improved by foaming and adding MWCNTs in ABS matrix. The utmost value of the experimental absorption shielding effectiveness (SEA. experimental), 14.26 dB, was found for the foamed ABS/1 wt% of MWCNT, holding pressure of 2 s and cooling time of 60 s F8, at 8.7 GHz. It was demonstrated that traveling path of EM wave was prolonged by the introduction of microcellular structure in ABS/MWCNT nanocomposite. Moreover, the contribution of MWCNT, holding pressure time, and cooling time to traveling path were achieved 76.7%, 8.5%, and 7.3%, respectively.Highlights
ABS/MWCNTs nanocomposite foams were fabricated by chemical foaming process.
Skin depth in foamed nanocomposite samples was fallen compared to solids.
Reflectance of pure ABS was decreased by foaming.
Absorption of microwave was improved by foaming and MWCNTs.
Traveling path of EM wave was prolonged by microcellular structure.
Enhancing flame retardancy of poly(lactic acid) with a novel fully biobased flame retardant synthesized from phytic acid and cytosine
Authors: Qin Wangping , Zhang Ruike , Fu Yan , Chang Jie 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn order to reduce environmental pollution and improve material safety, biobased flame‐retardant polymers are gradually becoming a new trend. We synthesized a fully biobased flame retardant called PACY by reacting phytic acid (PA) and cytosine (CY) in water, and then mixed the flame retardant with biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) to obtain composites, characterizing the performance of the composites by microscopic morphology, thermal properties, flame‐retardant performance and so on. The test results showed that the PLA composite with 2 wt% PACY (PLA/2PACY) achieved UL‐94V‐1 and the PLA composite with 4 wt% PACY (PLA/4PACY) had a limiting oxygen index of 23.6%. Compared to pure PLA, PLA/4PACY had good flame retardancy with 12% less peak heat release and 19% less total heat release. Analysis of the flame‐retardant mechanism showed that PACY could promote the formation of a graphitized carbon layer after burning PLA, therefore enhancing the flame‐retardant properties of PLA. Through a thermal stability study, it was found that the temperature required for PACY mass loss of 5% was 275 °C and the residual weight reached 38% at 750 °C, which indicated high thermal stability and residual carbon rate. The addition of PACY also improved the thermal conductivity of PLA, with that of PLA/4PACY being 3.84 times higher than that of pure PLA. In addition, the tensile strength, flexural modulus, maximum force during impact and maximum energy received during fracture of PLA/4PACY increased by 3.3%, 8.1%, 29.2% and 17.5% respectively over pure PLA, effectively improving the mechanical properties of PLA. Overall, a fully biobased flame retardant was synthesized for improving the fire resistance of PLA degradable polymers. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Challenges in bridging the gap between protein structure prediction and functional interpretation
Authors: Varadi Mihaly , Tsenkov Maxim , Velankar Sameer 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe rapid evolution of protein structure prediction tools has significantly broadened access to protein structural data. Although predicted structure models have the potential to accelerate and impact fundamental and translational research significantly, it is essential to note that they are not validated and cannot be considered the ground truth. Thus, challenges persist, particularly in capturing protein dynamics, predicting multi‐chain structures, interpreting protein function, and assessing model quality. Interdisciplinary collaborations are crucial to overcoming these obstacles. Databases like the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database, the ESM Metagenomic Atlas, and initiatives like the 3D‐Beacons Network provide FAIR access to these data, enabling their interpretation and application across a broader scientific community. Whilst substantial advancements have been made in protein structure prediction, further progress is required to address the remaining challenges. Developing training materials, nurturing collaborations, and ensuring open data sharing will be paramount in this pursuit. The continued evolution of these tools and methodologies will deepen our understanding of protein function and accelerate disease pathogenesis and drug development discoveries.
A dynamical Gaussian, lognormal, and reverse lognormal Kalman filter
Authors: Van Loon Senne , Fletcher Steven J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe derive a generalization of the Kalman filter that allows for non‐Gaussian background and observation errors. The Gaussian assumption is replaced by considering that the errors come from a mixed distribution of Gaussian, lognormal, and reverse lognormal random variables. We detail the derivation for reverse lognormal errors and extend the results to mixed distributions, where the number of Gaussian, lognormal, and reverse lognormal state variables can change dynamically every analysis time. We test the dynamical mixed Kalman filter robustly on two different systems based on the Lorenz 1963 model, and demonstrate that non‐Gaussian techniques generally improve the analysis skill if the observations are sparse and uncertain, compared with the Gaussian Kalman filter.