bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designed Synthesis of Compartmented Bienzyme Biocatalysts Based on Core–Shell Zeolitic Imidazole Framework Nanostructures
Authors: Wu Gaohui , Li Meng , Luo Zhigang , Qi Liang , Yu Long , Zhang Shaobo , Liu Hongsheng
Published: December 2022

For complex cascade biocatalysis, multienzyme compartmentalization helps to optimize substrate transport channels and promote the orderly and tunable progress of step reactions. Herein, a simple and general synthesis strategy is proposed for the construction of a multienzyme biocatalyst by compartmentalizing glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase (GOx and HRP) within core–shell zeolite imidazole frameworks (ZIF)‐8@ZIF‐8 nanostructures. Owing to the combined effects of biomimetic mineralization and the fine regulation of the ZIF‐8 growth process, the uniform shell encloses the seed (core) surface by epitaxial growth, and the bienzyme system is accurately localized in a controlled manner. The versatility of this strategy is also reflected in ZIF‐67. Meanwhile, with the ability to covalently bind divalent metal ions, lithocholic acid (LCA) is used as a competitive ligand to improve the pore structure of the ZIF from a single micropore to a hierarchical micro/mesopore network, which greatly increases mass transfer efficiency. Furthermore, the multienzyme cascade reaction is exemplified by the oxidation of o‐phenylenediamine (OPD). The findings show that the bienzyme assembly strategy significantly affects the biocatalytic efficiency mainly by influencing the utilization efficiency of the intermediate (Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2) between the step reactions. This study sheds new light on facile synthetic routes to constructing in vitro multienzyme biocatalysts.
Assessment of fracture energy of strain‐hardening fiber‐reinforced cementitious composite using experiment and machine learning technique
Authors: Tran Ngoc Thanh , Nguyen Tan Khoa , Nguyen Duy‐Liem , Le Quang Huy
Published: December 2022

This study investigates effects of both matrix strength and fiber type on fracture energy of strain‐hardening fiber‐reinforced concrete cementitious composite (SHFRCC) under direct tensile test. Three steel fiber types (twisted, hooked, and smooth fibers) were reinforced to three matrices with different compressive strengths, ranging from 28 to 180 MPa. In addition, a considerable number of direct tensile test results were collected to develop a machine learning‐based model for estimating fracture energy of SHFRCCs. The test results indicated that the fracture energy of SHFRCCs exhibited significant improvements with increasing matrix strength. Moreover, smooth fibers generated the highest values of fracture energy in the matrix with the highest compressive strength of 180 MPa whereas twisted did in other matrices. From the prediction results, the possibility of using a machine learning‐based model to predict the fracture energy of SHFRCCs was demonstrated.
Flexural performance of mortise–tenon wet joints in prefabricated ribbed beam bridges
Authors: Wang Xinqi , Tian Shuai , Sun Bo , Zhang Xiaotao , Zhang Zhongwei
Published: December 2022

In this study, the influence of mortise–tenon joint structures on the cracking performance of wet joint interfaces in prefabricated reinforced concrete ribbed beam bridges was evaluated by experimentally investigating four specimens involving different joint structures and theoretically analyzing one specimen with no joint structure. The results revealed that mortise–tenon joint structures exhibited superior crack resistance compared to non‐jointed structures, vertical, inclined, and V‐shaped joints. In particular, the mortise–tenon joint specimen was observed to maintain excellent deflection shape during the failure stage, exhibit abundant development in the deflection curve, and demonstrate optimum stiffness among all joint specimens. Its cracking load was consistent with that of the non‐jointed specimen and 49% higher than the cracking loads of ordinary vertical joint specimens. The tenon structure exhibited good mechanical locking performance at the joint, thereby effectively limiting joint interface cracking. The tenon root was the weakest component of the tenon–tenon joint structure. The short‐term stiffness degeneration coefficient of the mortise–tenon joint specimen was 0.952. The findings indicated that the application of Chinese traditional mortise–tenon wood joint structure to the deck of a ribbed beam bridge is feasible. The conclusions of this study are expected to serve as a reference for the future design of wet joints in prefabricated ribbed beam bridges.
Numerical analysis of reinforced concrete buildings subjected to blast load
Authors: Abd‐El‐Nabi Eslam , El‐Helloty Arafa , Summra Aymen
Published: December 2022

This study deals with a three‐dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis of two reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. The first is a three‐floor flat slab building without shear walls. The second is a three‐floor flat slab building with four shear walls. The blast load has been simulated using the coupled Eulerian–Lagrangian (CEL) technique found in the FE software Abaqus/Explicit. Concrete behavior has been modeled using the Johnson–Holmquist damage model (JH‐2) with 3D eight‐node reduced Lagrangian integration elements (C3D8R). The reinforcement steel has been modeled using the Johnson–Cook (JC) plasticity model and the JC computational fracture model with beam elements (B31). Trinitrotoluene (TNT) explosive material has been modeled using the Jones–Wilkins–Lee (JWL) equation of state (EOS) with eight‐node reduced integration Eulerian elements (EC3D8R). Air has been modeled using the EOS for ideal gas with EC3D8R elements. TNT charges of 20, 100, and 1000 kg with standoff distances of 2, 5, and 10 m have been used in the analysis. An analysis has been performed to study the two RC buildings' deformation, stresses, and damage. The results showed that small TNT charges of less than 20 kg with a standoff distance of more than 10 m had almost no effect on the two buildings. Also, huge TNT charges of more than 1000 kg with a standoff distance of less than 10 m had a catastrophic impact on the two buildings.
Design of a non‐shrinking silica fume high‐performance concrete with recycled ceramic tile aggregate
Authors: Meddah Mohammed Seddik
Published: December 2022

Internal curing (IC) process introduced via a water‐entraining agent using lightweight and porous aggregate has become an essential component in designing high and ultra‐high‐performance concrete (HPC/UHPC). This paper presents experimental results demonstrating the effectiveness of using recycled ceramic tile aggregates (RCTA) derived from waste ceramic tiles as an IC agent for high‐performance structural elements. Previous studies by the author have confirmed the efficiency of both the pre‐saturated recycled porous ceramic coarse aggregate (RPCA) as an IC and shrinkage compensating agents in mitigating autogenous shrinkage and the induced internal self‐stress in HPC mixtures. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of two different curing systems (internal curing using the waste ceramic aggregate combined with shrinkage compensating agents) on silica fume (SF) HPC behavior. The shrinkage compensating agents include a combination of shrinkage‐reducing agent (R) and expansive additive (E). The influence of this combined ternary curing system on the mechanical properties, including compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strengths, modulus of elasticity, autogenous shrinkage, and internal self‐induced tensile stress, were investigated. The obtained results indicate a substantial reduction in the autogenous shrinkage strains magnitude and, consequently, the internal self‐induced tensile stress in the HPC mixtures designed with these two curing systems. It was also found that this combination of the two curing systems resulting in a hybrid curing system, performs much better than the single incorporation of shrinkage‐compensating agents. Besides, a long‐term strengths improvement was recorded for mixtures designed with the RPCA. Incorporating recycled aggregate in the design and production of HPC could further promote concrete sustainability by reducing the amount of virgin extracted non‐renewable minerals, reducing the energy required to extract and process natural aggregates and the CO2 generated, and also reducing solid waste materials disposal.
Experimental and damage modeling research on compression‐shear behavior of carbon fiber recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Chen Yuliang , Li Tang , Jiang Rui , Ye Peihuan , Cai Jinwen
Published: December 2022

The application potential of recycled aggregate concrete has been realized with the development and utilization of waste concrete. Fibers are added to concrete made with recycled coarse aggregate to enhance its mechanical properties and broaden its application possibilities. Additionally, in practical applications, parts of structural elements are frequently under compression‐shear stress. As a result, the normal stress ratio k (k = σ/fcu, where σ is axial compressive stress, and fcu is concrete cube compressive strength), coarse aggregate replacement rate, and carbon fiber content are used as design parameters to examine the compressive‐shear mechanical properties of carbon fiber recycled aggregate concrete in this paper. The results show that the normal stress ratio and fiber content affect the whole compression‐shear process curve, shear strength, peak shear displacement, and damage evolution. A compressive shear damage model that takes into account the aggregate replacement rate, normal stress ratio, and fiber content is established. And there is good agreement between the experimental findings and the calculation model.
Stimuli‐Responsive Macromolecular Architecture by Butler Cyclopolymerizations: Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Ali Shaikh A. , Al‐Muallem Hasan A. , Mazumder Mohammad A. J.
Published: December 2022

This article reviews the synthesis of polyzwitterions (PZs) (poly‐carboxybetaines, ‐phosphonobetaines, and ‐sulfobetaines) having multiple pH‐responsive centers. The synthesis follows the Butler cyclopolymerization protocol involving a multitude of diallylammonium salts and their copolymerization with SO2 and maleic acid. The PZs have been transformed into cationic‐, anionic‐polyelectrolytes, and polyampholytes under the influence of pH. Particular attention is given to the application of these polymers as antiscalants, mild steel corrosion inhibitors, components in constructing Aqueous Two‐Phase Systems (ATPSs), and membrane modifiers. The ATPSs could be used to separate various biomolecules, including proteins. Many amphiphilic polymers incorporating a few mol % hydrophobic monomers have shown enhanced viscosities and could be suitable for applications in oil fields. The progress of applying Butler cyclopolymerization in reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) chemistry has been discussed. Future works are expected to focus on RAFT cyclopolymerization to construct block copolymers.
Insulin‐like growth factor II receptor alpha overexpression in heart aggravates hyperglycemia‐induced cardiac inflammation and myocardial necrosis
Authors: Lai Chin‐Hu , Van Thao Dao , Tsai Bruce Chi‐Kang , Hsieh Dennis Jine‐Yuan , Chen Michael Yu‐Chih , Kuo Wei‐Wen , Kuo Chia‐Hua , Lu Shang‐Yeh , Liao Shih‐Chieh , Lin Kuan‐Ho , Huang Chih‐Yang
Published: December 2022

Diabetes‐induced cardiovascular complications are mainly associated with high morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Insulin‐like growth factor II receptor α (IGF‐IIRα) is a cardiac risk factor. In this study, we hypothesized IGF‐IIRα could also deteriorate diabetic heart injury. The results presented that both in vivo transgenic Sprague–Dawley rat model with specific IGF‐IIRα overexpression in the heart and in vitro myocardium H9c2 cells were used to investigate the negative function of IGF‐IIRα in diabetic hearts. The results showed that IGF‐IIRα overexpression aided hyperglycemia in creating more myocardial injury. Pro‐inflammatory factors, such as Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, Interleukin‐6, Cyclooxygenase‐2, Inducible nitric oxide synthase, and Nuclear factor‐kappaB inflammatory cascade, are enhanced in the diabetic myocardium with cardiac‐specific IGF‐IIRα overexpression. Correspondingly, IGF‐IIRα overexpression in the diabetic myocardium also reduced the PI3K‐AKT survival axis and activated mitochondrial‐dependent apoptosis. Finally, both ejection fraction and fractional shortening were be significantly decrease in diabetic rats with cardiac‐specific IGF‐IIRα overexpression. Overall, all results provid clear evidence that IGF‐IIRα can enhance cardiac damage and is a harmful factor to the heart under high‐blood glucose conditions. However, the pathophysiology of IGF‐IIRα under different stresses and its downstream regulation in the heart still require further research.
Promoting Meaning‐Focused Skills: Creating a Foundation for Comprehension in Early Childhood Classrooms
Authors: Thomas Leiah J. G. , Piasta Shayne B. , Bailet Laura L. , Zettler‐Greeley Cynthia M. , Lewis Kandia
Published: December 2022

Young children's meaning‐focused skills are foundational for reading comprehension and begin to develop prior to formal reading instruction. In this article, we argue for the importance of supporting meaning‐focused skills in early childhood classrooms. We describe authentic, real‐life examples of engaging preschool children in activities that promote meaning‐focused skills and highlight how these align with research. In doing so, we provide insight into what early childhood teachers can do in their classrooms to foster the development of critical skills related to comprehension.
The role of gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis and prognosis
Authors: Zheng Jiaying , Sun Qianru , Zhang Jingwan , Ng Siew C.
Published: December 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune‐mediated intestinal disease consisting of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Inflammatory bowel disease is believed to be developed as a result of interactions between environmental, immune‐mediated and microbial factors in a genetically susceptible host. Recent advances in high‐throughput sequencing technologies have aided the identification of consistent alterations of the gut microbiome in patients with IBD. Preclinical and murine models have also shed light on the role of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in IBD. These findings have stimulated interest in development of non‐invasive microbial and metabolite biomarkers for predicting disease risk, disease progression, recurrence after surgery and responses to therapeutics. This review briefly summarizes the current evidence on the role of gut microbiome in IBD pathogenesis and mainly discusses the latest literature on the utilization of potential microbial biomarkers in disease diagnosis and prognosis.
Inflammatory bowel disease cross‐sectional imaging: What's new?
Authors: Wang Yang‐di , Zhang Ruo‐nan , Mao Ren , Li Xue‐hua
Published: December 2022

Cross‐sectional imaging—ultrasonography, computed tomography enterography, and magnetic resonance enterography—is a routine and indispensable tool for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) that helps to detect or monitor disease characteristics before, during, and after CD treatment. New emerging radiological technologies may have further clinical applications in the management of CD. In this review article, we focus on the latest developments in cross‐sectional imaging in CD research, including its role in intra‐ and extra‐luminal lesion detection, intestinal inflammation and fibrosis grading, therapeutic response assessment and outcome prediction, postoperative recurrence detection and prediction, and the gut‐brain axis.
Hydropolitics intertwined with geopolitics in the Brahmaputra River Basin
Authors: Baruah Tanushree , Barua Anamika , Vij Sumit
Published: December 2022

The legacy of the sub‐continent has led to a complex geopolitical rivalry in the Brahmaputra River Basin, shared by China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Each riparian state has a varying interest and development agenda, hindering the identification of common interests for water cooperation. This article presents the intertwining of regional geopolitics with the basin hydropolitics, restraining positive interaction, thus, leading to a status quo in the BRB. While maintaining a purposeful status quo seems to be a prudent move by the riparians, the local communities continue to suffer due to the impasse.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water Governance

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Human Water > Value of Water
Helical vortex theory and blade element analysis of multi‐bladed windmills
Authors: John Itoje H. , Wood David H. , Vaz Jerson R.P.
Published: December 2022

Multi‐bladed windmills usually pump water for agriculture and domestic consumption, often in remote locations. Although they have been around for over 150 years, their aerodynamic performance is still poorly understood. This paper describes the use of helical vortex theory (HVT) and blade element momentum (BEM) analysis to predict windmill thrust, torque, and extracted power. We emphasize the unusual features of windmills: low Reynolds numbers and tip speed ratios and high solidity, all related to the generation of high torque at low wind speeds. Wind tunnel tests on a model rotor with 3, 6, 12, and 24 circular‐arc, constant‐chord blades determined the thrust, torque, and extracted power over a range of tip speed ratio that extended to runaway. For comparison, BEM was implemented with a correction for finite blade number derived from HVT, as well as the classical Prandtl tip loss factor. The HVT correction predicted the rotor power coefficient to within 3% of the test data on the average. At low tip speed ratios and smaller blade numbers, HVT was consistently more accurate than the Prandtl factor. At all blade numbers, the measured rotor torque exceeded the BEM predictions at the lowest tip speed ratios indicating stall delay which became more important (and more beneficial for windmill performance) as the blade number increased. The Prandtl formulation predicted the thrust to within a mean accuracy of 13% and was more accurate than the HVT method.
AdS Virasoro-Shapiro from single-valued periods
Authors: Alday Luis F. , Hansen Tobias , Silva Joao A.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We determine the full 1/$$ \sqrt{\uplambda} $$

λ

correction to the flat-space Wilson coefficients which enter the AdS Virasoro-Shapiro amplitude in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM theory at strong coupling. The assumption that the Wilson coefficients are in the ring of single-valued multiple zeta values, as expected for closed string amplitudes, is surprisingly powerful and leads to a unique solution to the dispersive sum rules relating Wilson coefficients and OPE data obtained in [1]. The corresponding OPE data fully agrees with and extends the results from integrability. The Wilson coefficients to order 1/$$ \sqrt{\uplambda} $$

λ

can be summed into an expression whose structure of poles and residues generalises that of the Virasoro-Shapiro amplitude in flat space.
Moyal deformations, W1+∞ and celestial holography
Authors: Bu Wei , Heuveline Simon , Skinner David
Published: December 2022

Abstract

We consider the Moyal deformation of self-dual gravity. In the conformal primary basis, holomorphic collinear limits of the amplitudes of this theory show that it enjoys a perturbatively exact symmetry algebra LW∧ that generalises Lw∧, the loop algebra of the wedge algebra of w1+∞, which appears in self-dual gravity.
On Non-linear Characterizations of Classical Orthogonal Polynomials
Authors: Njionou Sadjang P. , Kalda Sawalda D. , Mboutngam S. , Foupouagnigni M. , Koepf W.
Published: December 2022

Classical orthogonal polynomials are known to satisfy seven equivalent properties, namely the Pearson equation for the linear functional, the second-order differential/difference/q-differential/ divided-difference equation, the orthogonality of the derivatives, the Rodrigues formula, two types of structure relations, and the Riccati equation for the formal Stieltjes function. In this work, following previous work by Kil et al. (J Differ Equ Appl 4:145–162, 1998a; Kyungpook Math J 38:259–281, 1998b), we state and prove a non-linear characterization result for classical orthogonal polynomials on non-uniform lattices. Next, we give explicit relations for some families of these classes.
Integrable Sigma Models at RG Fixed Points: Quantisation as Affine Gaudin Models
Authors: Kotousov Gleb A. , Lacroix Sylvain , Teschner Jörg
Published: December 2022

The goal of this paper is to make first steps towards the quantisation of integrable nonlinear sigma models using the formalism of affine Gaudin models, by approaching these theories through their conformal limits. We focus mostly on the example of the Klimčík model, which is a two-parameter deformation of the principal chiral model on a Lie group G. We show that the UV fixed point of this theory is described classically by two decoupled chiral affine Gaudin models, encoding its left- and right-moving degrees of freedom, and give a detailed analysis of the chiral and integrable structures of these models. Their quantisation is then explored within the framework of Feigin and Frenkel. We study the quantum local integrals of motion using the formalism of quantised affine Gaudin models and show agreement of the first two integrals with known results in the literature for $$G=\textrm{SU}(2)$$

G
=
SU
(
2
)

. Evidence is given for the existence of a monodromy matrix satisfying the Yang–Baxter algebra for this model, thus paving the way for the quantisation of the non-local integrals of motion. We conclude with various perspectives, including on generalisations of this programme to a larger class of integrable sigma models and applications of the ODE/IQFT correspondence to the description of their quantum spectrum.
The influence of fracture energy on wooden structural members due to contact explosion
Authors: Gajewski T. , Szlachta A. , Sielicki P. W.
Published: December 2022

In military operations, sappers must often breach wooden structures. The formulas for determining the destructive explosive loads available in instructions and manuals used by sappers are simplified because they consider only a few variables, such as structure member diameter, whether the wood is dry or damp, or the wood species of the structure. In this study, the destructive explosive loads needed to breach pine, birch and oak members were computed via the finite element method. Static compression tests in three directions were conducted to define the orthotropic constitutive models of those wood species, and the results were used as an input to the numerical models. The damage model for wood considered different levels of energy criteria. The finite element analyses of contact explosion of TNT charges against cylindrical log beams were conducted for selected wood species, and destructive explosive loads were computed for different log diameters. Assuming different energy criteria, the results showed that the traditional approach in military instructions and manuals is higher than the values obtained from the numerical approach, i.e., standard manuals suggest using more explosive than may be needed.
Sex differences in suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm after release from incarceration: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Janca Emilia , Keen Claire , Willoughby Melissa , Borschmann Rohan , Sutherland Georgina , Kwon Sohee , Kinner Stuart A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

People released from incarceration are at increased risk of suicide compared to the general population. We aimed to synthesise evidence on the incidence of and sex differences in suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm after release from incarceration.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and PubMed between 1 January 1970 and 14 October 2021 for suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm after release from incarceration (PROSPERO registration: CRD42020208885). We calculated pooled crude mortality rates (CMRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) for suicide, overall and by sex, using random-effects models. We calculated a pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) comparing rates of suicide by sex.

Results

Twenty-nine studies were included. The pooled suicide CMR per 100,000 person years was 114.5 (95%CI 97.0, 132.0, I2 = 99.2%) for non-sex stratified samples, 139.5 (95% CI 91.3, 187.8, I2 = 88.6%) for women, and 121.8 (95% CI 82.4, 161.2, I2 = 99.1%) for men. The suicide SMR was 7.4 (95% CI 5.4, 9.4, I2 = 98.3%) for non-sex stratified samples, 14.9 for women (95% CI 6.7, 23.1, I2 = 88.3%), and 4.6 for men (95% CI 1.3, 7.8, I2 = 98.8%). The pooled suicide IRR comparing women to men was 1.1 (95% CI 0.9, 1.4, I2 = 82.2%). No studies reporting self-harm or suicidal ideation after incarceration reported sex differences.

Conclusion

People released from incarceration are greater than seven times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. The rate of suicide is higher after release than during incarceration, with the elevation in suicide risk (compared with the general population) three times higher for women than for men. Greater effort to prevent suicide after incarceration, particularly among women, is urgently needed.
Highly sensitive and quick in ovo sexing of domestic chicken eggs by two-wavelength fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Preuße Grit , Porstmann Vincenz , Bartels Thomas , Schnabel Christian , Galli Roberta , Koch Edmund , Oelschlägel Martin , Uckermann Ortrud , Steiner Gerald
Published: December 2022

The in ovo sexing of chicken eggs is a current task and a prerequisite to overcome the mass killing of male day-old chicks from laying lines. Although various methods have been developed and tested in recent years, practicable methods for sex determination are still missing which can be applicated in poultry hatcheries before the chicken embryo is capable of nociception and pain sensation. Optical spectroscopic methods enable an early determination of the sex. In this study, a novel method based on two-wavelength in ovo fluorescence excitation is described. More than 1600 eggs were examined. In ovo fluorescence was sequentially excited at 532 nm and 785 nm. The fluorescence intensities of the spectral regions behave inversely with respect to sex. It is shown that the observed sex-related differences in the fluorescence intensities are based on the embryonic hemoglobin synthesis. The accuracy of sex determination is 96% for both sexes. The hatching rate is not reduced compared to an equivalent reference group.

Graphical Abstract
The sphenoidal emissary foramina prevalence: a meta-analysis of 6,369 subjects
Authors: Piagkou Maria , Kostares Michael , Duparc Fabrice , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Politis Constantinus , Tsakotos George , Pantazis Nikos , Natsis Konstantinos
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To estimate the prevalence of the sphenoidal emissary foramina (SEF), and the effect of possible moderators on it.

Methods

A systematic online literature search was conducted. The pooled prevalence with 95% confidence intervals was estimated. Outlier and influential analyses were performed. The presence of small-study effect and publication bias were evaluated. Moderator analyses were executed to investigate the effect of the specimens’ continent of origin, type of study (dried skull or imaging), probing for the evaluation of SEF patency (conduction and instruments used), side dominance (bilateral or unilateral), morphometric data [SEF diameter, distances SEF–Foramen ovale (FO) and SEF–Foramen spinosum (FS)], and the methodology used for the morphometric measurements (caliper, DICOM Viewer, and image analysis software) on the estimated prevalence.

Results

In total, 6,460 subjects from 26 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall SEF prevalence was estimated as 38.1%. The heterogeneity was high and statistically significant. No indications of publication bias and small-study effect were identified. The conducted subgroup analyses did not yield statistically significant differences in the SEF prevalence between groups, except of the type of side dominance. Both results of the univariable and multivariable regression analyses showed the association of the unilateral dominance with a decrease in the reported SEF prevalence.

Conclusion

The identification of more unilateral than bilateral foramina in a given cohort is associated with a decrease in the reported crude SEF prevalence. Laterality-specific estimates should be established for a precisive estimation of the emissary foramina prevalence.
Sequential low-dose CT thorax scans to determine invasive pulmonary fungal infection incidence after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Enger K. , Tonnar X. , Kotter E. , Bertz H.
Published: December 2022

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) during neutropenia goes along with a high mortality for patients after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). Low-dose computed tomography (CT) thorax shows good sensitivity for the diagnosis of IFD with low radiation exposure. The aim of our study was to evaluate sequential CT thorax scans at two time points as a new reliable method to detect IFD during neutropenia after alloHCT. We performed a retrospective single-center observational study in 265/354 screened patients admitted for alloHCT from June 2015 to August 2019. All were examined by a low-dose CT thorax scan at admission (CT t0) and after stable neutrophil recovery (CT t1) to determine the incidences of IFD. Furthermore, antifungal prophylaxis medications were recorded and cohorts were analyzed for statistical differences in IFD incidence using the sequential CT scans. In addition, IFD cases were classified according to EORTC 2008. At CT t0 in 9.6% of the patients, an IFD was detected and antifungal therapy initiated. The cumulative incidence of IFD in CT t1 in our department was 14%. The use of Aspergillus-effective prophylaxis through voriconazole or posaconazole decreased CT thorax t1 suggesting IFD is statistically significant compared to prophylaxis with fluconazole (5.6% asp-azol group vs 16.3% fluconazole group, p = 0.048). In 86%, CT t1 was negative for IFD. Low-dose sequential CT thorax scans are a valuable tool to detect pulmonary IFDs and guide antifungal prophylaxis and therapies. Furthermore, a negative CT t1 scan shows a benefit by allowing discontinuation of antifungal medication sparing patients from drug interactions and side effects.
Choline supplementation for preterm infants: metabolism of four Deuterium-labeled choline compounds
Authors: Böckmann Katrin A. , Bernhard Wolfgang , Minarski Michaela , Shunova Anna , Wiechers Cornelia , Poets Christian F. , Franz Axel R.
Published: December 2022

Background

Supply of choline is not guaranteed in current preterm infant nutrition. Choline serves in parenchyma formation by membrane phosphatidylcholine (PC), plasma transport of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) via PC, and methylation processes via betaine. PUFA-PC concentrations are high in brain, liver and lung, and deficiency may result in developmental disorders. We compared different deuterated (D9-) choline components for kinetics of D9-choline, D9-betaine and D9-PC.

Methods

Prospective study (1/2021–12/2021) in 32 enterally fed preterm infants (28 0/7–32 0/7 weeks gestation). Patients were randomized to receive enterally a single dose of 2.7 mg/kg D9-choline-equivalent as D9-choline chloride, D9-phosphoryl-choline, D9-glycerophosphorylcholine (D9-GPC) or D9-1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-PC(D9-POPC), followed by blood sampling at 1 + 24 h or 12 + 60 h after administration. Plasma concentrations were analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry. Results are expressed as median (25th/75th percentile).

Results

At 1 h, plasma D9-choline was 1.8 (0.9/2.2) µmol/L, 1.3 (0.9/1.5) µmol/L and 1.2 (0.7/1.4) µmol/L for D9-choline chloride, D9-GPC and D9-phosphoryl-choline, respectively. D9-POPC did not result in plasma D9-choline. Plasma D9-betaine was maximal at 12 h, with lowest concentrations after D9-POPC. Maximum plasma D9-PC values at 12 h were the highest after D9-POPC (14.4 (9.1/18.9) µmol/L), compared to the other components (D9-choline chloride: 8.1 [5.6/9.9] µmol/L; D9-GPC: 8.4 (6.2/10.3) µmol/L; D9-phosphoryl-choline: 9.8 (8.6/14.5) µmol/L). Predominance of D9-PC comprising linoleic, rather than oleic acid, indicated fatty-acyl remodeling of administered D9-POPC prior to systemic delivery.

Conclusion

D9-Choline chloride, D9-GPC and D9-phosphoryl-choline equally increased plasma D9-choline and D9-betaine. D9-POPC shifted metabolism from D9-betaine to D9-PC. Combined supplementation of GPC and (PO) PC may be best suited to optimize choline supply in preterm infants. Due to fatty acid remodeling of (PO) PC during its assimilation, PUFA co-supplementation with (PO) PC may increase PUFA-delivery to critical organs. This study was registered (22.01.2020) at the Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) (German Register for Clinical Studies), DRKS00020502.

Study registration

This study was registered at the Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS) (German Register for Clinical Studies), DRKS00020502.
Combining the advantages of 3-D and 2-D templating of total hip arthroplasty using a new tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT of the hip with comparable radiation dose to conventional radiographs
Authors: Kaiser Dominik , Hoch Armando , Rahm Stefan , Stern Christoph , Sutter Reto , Zingg Patrick O.
Published: December 2022

Background

Inaccurately scaled radiographs for total hip arthroplasty (THA) templating are a source of error not recognizable to the surgeon and may lead to inaccurate reconstruction and thus revision surgery or litigation. Planning based on computed tomography (CT) scans is more accurate but associated with higher radiation exposure. The aim of this study was (1) to retrospectively assess the scaling deviation of pelvic radiographs; (2) to prospectively assess the feasibility and the radiation dose of THA templating on radiograph-like images reconstructed from a tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT dataset.

Methods

120 consecutive patients were retrospectively analyzed to assess the magnification error of our current THA templates. 27 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled and a radiographic work-up in the supine position including a new tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT scan protocol was obtained. THA was templated on both images. Radiation dose was calculated.

Results

Scaling deviations between preoperative radiographs and CT of ≥ 5% were seen in 25% of the 120 retrospectively analyzed patients. Between the two templates trochanter tip distance differed significantly (Δ2.4 mm, 0–7 mm, p = 0.035)), predicted femoral shaft size/cup size was the same in 45%/41%. The radiation dose of the CT (0.58 mSv, range 0.53–0.64) was remarkably low.

Conclusion

Scaling deviations of pelvic radiographs for templating THA may lead to planning errors of ≥ 3 mm in 25% and ≥ 6 mm in 2% of the patients. 2-D templating on radiograph-like images based on tin-filtered ultra-low-dose CT eliminates this source of error without increased radiation dose.

Level of evidence

Retrospective and prospective comparative study, Level III.
Functional outcomes and health-related quality of life after reconstruction of segmental bone loss in femur and tibia using the induced membrane technique
Authors: Grün Wolfram , Hansen Emilie Johannah Jellum , Andreassen Geir Stray , Clarke-Jenssen John , Madsen Jan Erik
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The induced membrane technique (IMT), frequently called Masquelet technique, is an operative, two-staged technique for treatment of segmental bone loss. Previous studies mainly focused on radiological outcome parameters and complication rates, while functional outcomes and health-related quality of life after the IMT were sparsely reported.

Materials and methods

Retrospective study containing of a chart review as well as a clinical and radiological follow-up examination of all patients treated with the IMT at a single institution. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The radiographic evaluation contained of standard anteroposterior and lateral, as well as hip-knee-ankle (HKA) radiographs.

Results

Seventeen patients were included in the study. All had suffered high-energy trauma and sustained additional injuries. Ten bone defects were localized in the femur and seven in the tibia. Ten patients underwent additional operative procedures after IMT stage 2, among them three patients who contracted a postoperative deep infection. The median LEFS was 59 (15–80), and the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were 41.3 (24.0–56.1) and 56.3 (13.5–66.2), respectively. The median length of the bone defect was 9 (3–15) cm. In 11 patients, union was obtained directly after IMT stage 2. Bone resorption was observed in two patients. At follow-up, 16 of the 17 bone defects had healed. The median follow-up was 59 months (13–177).

Conclusion

Our results show a high occurrence of complications after IMT stage 2 in segmental bone defects of femur and tibia requiring additional operative procedures. However, fair functional outcomes as well as a good union rate were observed at follow-up.
Toll-like receptors and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pathways in Parkinson’s disease: mechanisms and therapeutic implications
Authors: Soraci Luca , Gambuzza Maria Elsa , Biscetti Leonardo , Laganà Pasqualina , Lo Russo Carmela , Buda Annamaria , Barresi Giada , Corsonello Andrea , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Lorello Giuseppe , Filippelli Gianfranco , Marino Silvia
Published: December 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor and non-motor disturbances as a result of a complex and not fully understood pathogenesis, probably including neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and formation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregates. As age is the main risk factor for several neurodegenerative disorders including PD, progressive aging of the immune system leading to inflammaging and immunosenescence may contribute to neuroinflammation leading to PD onset and progression; abnormal α-syn aggregation in the context of immune dysfunction may favor activation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NOD) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome within microglial cells through interaction with toll-like receptors (TLRs). This process would further lead to activation of Caspase (Cas)-1, and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (PC), with subsequent impairment of mitochondria and damage to dopaminergic neurons. All these phenomena are mediated by the translocation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and enhanced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). To date, drugs to treat PD are mainly aimed at relieving clinical symptoms and there are no disease-modifying options to reverse or stop disease progression. This review outlines the role of the TLR/NLRP3/Cas-1 pathway in PD-related immune dysfunction, also focusing on specific therapeutic options that might be used since the early stages of the disease to counteract neuroinflammation and immune dysfunction.
Contributions to the stereochemistry of zirconium oxysalts—part V: syntheses and crystal structures of MZr(SeO4)3 (M = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) and Li2Zr(XO4)3 (X = S, Se)
Authors: Giester Gerald , Wildner Manfred
Published: December 2022

The new compounds M2+Zr(SeO4)3 (M2+  = Mg, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) and Li2Zr(XO4)3 (X = S, Se) were synthesized at 220 °C by reaction of Zr2O2(CO3)(OH)2 with hydroxides or carbonates of M / Li and the respective acids H2SeO4/H2SO4. They form crystals up to several tenths of a mm and were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The framework structures of these selenates can be deduced from that of monoclinic Fe2(SO4)3 in space group P21/n, which is characterized by two types of isolated Fe3+O6 octahedra, corner-linked with three different sulfate groups: ferric iron is substituted in 1:1 ratio by Zr4+ and M2+ as already known for isotypic MZr(SO4)3 representatives. In the case of Li2Zr(XO4)3 members, one additional lithium atom occupies a tetrahedral vacancy of the Fe2(SO4)3 architecture.

Graphical abstract
Instructional support in inquiry-based elementary school science classes: how does it relate to students’ science content knowledge and academic language proficiency?
Authors: Heppt Birgit , Henschel Sofie , Hardy Ilonca , Gabler Katrin
Published: December 2022

Inquiry-based science instruction has been proposed as an optimal learning environment for language-integrated teaching. While its potential for developing both content knowledge and language skills has been shown for students with limited language proficiency, research focusing on mainstream classrooms has mainly considered domain-specific learning. Despite the effectiveness of inquiry-based science instruction for student outcomes, research on the role of specific aspects of instructional quality is limited. Addressing this research gap, the present study investigates the relationship between teachers’ instructional support during inquiry-based science classes and elementary school students’ learning gains in science content knowledge and academic language proficiency. Multilevel regression analyses are based on data from 459 German elementary school students from Grades 3 and 4 who participated in a longitudinal intervention study that took place over one school year. Our findings indicate a strong impact of students’ prior knowledge on learning outcomes and compositional effects for the language-related measures. Relations between teachers’ instructional support, as measured by the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS; Pianta et al., 2008), and students’ learning outcomes did not emerge. In interpreting the results, the overall mediocre quality of teachers’ instructional support needs to be considered.
Natural-Language Predicates as Relations of the Relational Model of Data
Authors: Poller Olga
Published: December 2022

In this paper I review the Neo-Davidsonian semantics of prepositional phrases and secondary predication. I argue that certain types of examples pose challenge to this semantics. I present an alternative to the Neo-Davidsonian analysis which successfully deals with the problematic examples. The core idea lies in representing theta-roles not as functions from events to their participants, but rather as argument-labels encoding the role of each argument in a given verb. As a result, natural-language predicates can now be treated in the manner in which relations are treated in the relational model of data, that is, as naming sets of tuples in which every object is given together with its role named by a corresponding attribute (a theta-role). Such a representation allows the employment of relational algebra operators to calculate the extensions of complex predicates (predicates built out of atomic predicates and/or atomic predicates and prepositions). I lay out the foundations of a relational FOL appropriate for the representation of natural-language predicates and present solutions to the problematic examples. From a practical perspective, the expressions of a relational FOL can be translated to a relational algebra or SQL, which makes it possible to operate with these three languages on the same relational model of data. From a philosophical perspective, a relational FOL permits a return to ‘property-based’ semantics, one in which properties named by predicates are those of individuals, and not of events.
Amphibian survival compromised by long-term effects of chytrid fungus
Authors: Palomar Gemma , Fernández-Chacón Albert , Bosch Jaime
Published: December 2022

Chytridiomycosis, the disease caused by the fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has been unambiguously implicated in the decline of amphibian populations worldwide. However, the impact of this devastating infectious disease can be difficult to gauge without empirical data on the population-level effects of Bd. Often, assessments of the amphibian chytridiomycosis panzootic are based primarily on expert opinions; as a result, declines in tropical areas are promptly attributed to Bd while its impact on temperate species not suffering from adult mass mortalities is frequently overlooked. Here, we investigated the survival probability in an amphibian species from a temperate area that until now has not been considered to be severely impacted by the disease. Specifically, we related individual survival to Bd infection status using long-term capture-mark-recapture data of male spiny common toads (Bufo spinosus) in Sierra de Guadarrama National Park in central Spain. Even though the study population has demonstrated potential for adaptation to Bd and die-offs of adult individuals have not been recorded, our results clearly indicated that the probability of survival was lower for Bd-positive individuals. Moreover, the probability of becoming Bd-positive was higher than the probability of clearance, driving the population to a slow but certain decline. These results are consistent with other indicators of a negative population trend and suggest that the impact of Bd on temperate species of less concern may be greater than previously thought.
Evaluation of corneal epithelial thickness mapping using anterior segment OCT in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
Authors: Albadawi Maha Alsayed , Nassar Ghada Azab , El Gendy Heba A , Ghalwash Dalia AbdelFattah
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the corneal epithelial thickness by anterior segment OCT in children with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) compared to normal participants.

Patient and methods

A cross-sectional case control observational study was conducted on children aged from 5 to 18 years with VKC. The study included 142 eyes divided into two groups: 71 eyes of VKC group and 71 eyes of age matched control group. Anterior segment OCT epithelial mapping for the central 5-mm was done to evaluate epithelial thickness-based variables.

Results

Corneal epithelial thickness mapping showed significant superior thinning (51.07 ± 4.11) μm in VKC group compared to controls (52.54 ± 2.01) μm (p = 0.008), a decreased MIN epithelial thickness (45.99 ± 6.52) μm compared to controls (50.11 ± 1.91) μm (p < 0.001) and more negative (MIN–MAX) value (− 11.77 ± 9.38) indicating focal epithelial thinning compared to (− 5.80 ± 1.88) in controls (p = 0.001). In palpebral VKC, MIN epithelial thickness showed significant thinning (48. 38 ± 3.45) μm compared to controls (50.11 ± 1.91) μm (p = 0.001). Eyes with mixed VKC showed superior epithelial thinning (50.70 ± 4.59) μm compared to (52.54 ± 2.01) μm in controls (p = 0.025) and significant decreased MIN epithelial thickness (43.78 ± 7.83) μm compared to (50.11 ± 1.91) μm in control group.

Conclusions

VKC is a disease primarily affecting the corneal epithelium. Corneal epithelial thickness mapping may be considered to assess the integrity of the ocular surface in eyes with VKC, and to detect corneal epithelial changes. Disease phenotype may influence the corneal epithelial changes, and the disease duration is another factor influencing these changes.