bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized kernel regularized least squares estimator with parametric error covariance
Authors: Dang Justin , Ullah Aman
Published: April 2023

A two-step estimator of a nonparametric regression function via Kernel regularized least squares (KRLS) with parametric error covariance is proposed. The KRLS, not considering any information in the error covariance, is improved by incorporating a parametric error covariance, allowing for both heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation, in estimating the regression function. A two step procedure is used, where in the first step, a parametric error covariance is estimated by using KRLS residuals and in the second step, a transformed model using the error covariance is estimated by KRLS. Theoretical results including bias, variance, and asymptotics are derived. Simulation results show that the proposed estimator outperforms the KRLS in both heteroskedastic errors and autocorrelated errors cases. An empirical example is illustrated with estimating an airline cost function under a random effects model with heteroskedastic and correlated errors. The derivatives are evaluated, and the average partial effects of the inputs are determined in the application.
Metabolomics-based strategy to assess drug hepatotoxicity and uncover the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity involved
Authors: Martínez-Sena Teresa , Moro Erika , Moreno-Torres Marta , Quintás Guillermo , Hengstler Jan , Castell José V.
Published: April 2023

Toxicity studies, among them hepatotoxicity, are key throughout preclinical stages of drug development to minimise undesired toxic effects that might eventually appear in the course of the clinical use of the new drug. Understanding the mechanism of injury of hepatotoxins is essential to efficiently anticipate their potential risk of toxicity in humans. The use of in vitro models and particularly cultured hepatocytes represents an easy and robust alternative to animal drug hepatotoxicity testing for predicting human risk. Here, we envisage an innovative strategy to identify potential hepatotoxic drugs, quantify the magnitude of the alterations caused, and uncover the mechanisms of toxicity. This strategy is based on the comparative analysis of metabolome changes induced by hepatotoxic and non-hepatotoxic compounds on HepG2 cells, assessed by untargeted mass spectrometry. As a training set, we used 25 hepatotoxic and 4 non-hepatotoxic compounds and incubated HepG2 cells for 24 h at a low and a high concentration (IC10 and IC50) to identify mechanism-related and cytotoxicity related metabolomic biomarkers and to elaborate prediction models accounting for global hepatotoxicity and mechanisms-related toxicity. Thereafter, a second set of 69 chemicals with known predominant mechanisms of toxicity and 18 non-hepatotoxic compounds were analysed at 1, 10, 100 and 1000 µM concentrations from which and based on the magnitude of the alterations caused as compared with non-toxic compounds, we defined a “toxicity index” for each compound. In addition, we extracted from the metabolome data the characteristic signatures for each mechanism of hepatotoxicity. The integration of all this information allowed us to identify specific metabolic patterns and, based on the occurrence of that specific metabolome changes, the models predicted the likeliness of a compound to behave as hepatotoxic and to act through a given toxicity mechanism (i.e., oxidative stress, mitochondrial disruption, apoptosis and steatosis) for each compound and concentration.
An active new formulation of iron carried by aspartyl casein for iron-deficiency anemia: results of the ACCESS trial
Authors: Tsilika Maria , Mitrou John , Antonakos Nikolaos , Tseti Ioulia K. , Damoraki Georgia , Leventogiannis Konstantinos , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: April 2023

Oral iron supplementation is the cornerstone for the management of iron-deficiency anemia. A new oral formulation of iron conjugated with N-aspartyl-casein (Fe-ASP) (Omalin®, Uni-Pharma) is studied in the ACCESS double-blind, double-dummy randomized clinical trial; 60 patients were randomized to 12-week oral treatment twice every day either with oral ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) delivering 47 mg elementary iron or oral Fe-ASP delivering 40 mg elementary iron. Participants had hemoglobin less than 10 g/dl, decreased red blood cell (RBC) count, and ferritin lower than 30 ng/ml; patients with a medical history of malignancy were excluded. The primary endpoint was the increase of Hb in the first 4 weeks of treatment, and the study was powered for non-inferiority. A new score of global improvement was introduced where all participants were given one point for any at least 10% increase of Hb, RBC, and reticulocytes. At week 4, the mean (SE) change of Hb was 0.76 g/dl in the FeSO4 group and 0.83 g/dl in the Fe-ASP group (p: 0.876). The odds for worse allocation of the global score were 0.35 in the Fe-ASP group compared to the FeSO4 group. Patients in the Fe-ASP group experienced a significant decrease in the number of IDA-related physical signs by week 4. No differences were found between the two groups in any of the patient-reported outcomes of fatigue and of gastrointestinal adverse events either at week 4 or at week 12. ACCESS is the most recent clinical trial showing the non-inferiority of Fe-ASP to FeSO4 for the primary endpoint of the Hb change.
Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis and Increased NLRP3 Levels in Patients with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Wu Jingjing , Zhang Dongmei , Zhao Meijing , Zheng Xiaowei
Published: April 2023

Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) is one of the most common diseases, causing high maternal morbidity and mortality. However, the correlation of gut microbiota in PIH has not been reported. Our aim was to characterize the intestinal microbiota of patients with PIH compared with healthy people. We analyzed and compared the gut microbiota communities in the feces of 28 PIH patients with pregnancy(not pre-pregnancy) body mass index (including height and weight)-matched healthy controls using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and then investigate the relationships among gut microbiota, cytokines, and PIH. Compared with the healthy group, microbial α diversity was lower in the PIH group, but not statistically significant different. At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria exhibited obvious differences between the PIH and control groups. LEfSe analysis found 33 differentially abundant taxa between the two groups. The production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in PIH serum or placenta tissues was higher than that of the control group. In addition to alterations in gut microbiota composition, we also found that the Bac_Prevotellaceae, Pre_Prevotella bacteria were positively correlated with NLRP3 level, but negatively correlated with Bac_Bacteroidaceae, Bac_Bacteroides. PIH patients had gut microbiota dysbiosis and increased NLRP3 levels, which will lead to a better understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota and PIH.
Synthesis and cytotoxic activities of selenium nanoparticles incorporated nano-chitosan
Authors: Abdelhamid Ahmed E. , Ahmed Eman H. , Awad Hanem M. , Ayoub Magdy M. H.
Published: April 2023

New system compromising of chitosan nanoparticles encapsulated pre-synthesized selenium nanoparticles in the presence of 5-fluorouracil was successfully prepared and used for cancer antiproliferation. Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized using ascorbic acid as reducing agent under mild condition. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared via ionic gelation technique using sodium tri-polyphosphate. Characterization of the prepared nanoparticles was carried out using FTIR, TEM, XRD, TGA and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results displayed the formation of selenium nanoparticles with an average size 20 nm and chitosan nanoparticles with an average size 207 and 250 nm for neat nano-chitosan and chitosan incorporated 5-fluorouracil/selenium nanoparticles, respectively. The encapsulated nanocomposites were tested for treatment of cancer cell of human colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116), human liver carcinoma (HepG-2), and human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7. The results indicated the potent cytotoxic activities of all nanocomposite toward the tested cells with enhanced anticancer activity rather than the single drug or neat selenium nanoparticle. All composites were tested against non-tumor fibroblast-derived cell line (BJ) and demonstrated very low cytotoxicity.
Outcomes of a radiation sparing approach in medulloblastoma by subgroup in young children: an institutional review
Authors: Ronsley Rebecca , Triscott Joanna , Stanek Joseph , Rassekh S. Rod , Lum Amy , Cheng Sylvia , Goddard Karen , McConnell Dina , Strahlendorf Caron , Singhal Ash , Finlay Jonathan L. , Yip Stephen , Dunham Christopher , Hukin Juliette
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe disease outcomes including overall survival and relapse patterns by subgroup in young pediatric patients treated for medulloblastoma with a radiation-sparing approach.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of clinical outcomes includes treatment, relapse, and salvage therapy and late effects in children treated for medulloblastoma with a radiation-sparing approach at British Columbia Children’s Hospital (BCCH) between 2000 and 2020.

Results

There were 30 patients (median age 2.8 years, 60% male) treated for medulloblastoma with a radiation-sparing approach at BCCH. Subgroups included Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) (n = 14), group 3 (n = 7), group 4 (n = 6), and indeterminate status (n = 3). Three- and 5-year event-free survival (EFS) were 49.0% (30.2–65.4%) and 42.0% (24.2–58.9%) and overall survival (OS) 66.0% (95% CI 46.0–80.1%) and 62.5% (95% CI 42.5 and 77.2%), respectively, with a median follow-up of 9.5 years. Relapse occurred in 12/25 patients following a complete response, of whom six (group 4: n = 4; group 3: n = 1; unknown: n = 1) were successfully salvaged with craniospinal axis (CSA) RT and remain alive at a median follow-up of 7 years. Disease/treatment-related morbidity included endocrinopathies (n = 8), hearing loss n = 16), and neurocognitive abnormalities (n = 9).

Conclusions

This radiation sparing treatment approach for young patients with medulloblastoma resulted in a durable cure in most patients with SHH subgroup medulloblastoma. In those patients with groups 3 and 4 medulloblastoma, relapse rates were high; however, most group 4 patients were salvaged with RT.
Cytokeratin 6 identifies basal-like subtypes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with decreased survival
Authors: Lyu Su Ir , Krey Thaddaeus , Damanakis Alexander I. , Zhao Yue , Bruns Christiane J. , Schmidt Thomas , Popp Felix C. , Quaas Alexander , Knipper Karl ,   the PANCALYZE Study Group, Heise Michael , Marusch Frank , Siech Marco , Mosa Tawfik , Schniewind Bodo , Tepel Jürgen , Hartwig Werner , Prinz Christoph , Rau Bettina M. , Niedergethmann Marco , Kube Rainer , Saada George , Hiller Wolfgang , Settmacher Utz
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Rising incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) bind with insufficient therapy options showcases a great medical challenge. Further biomarkers are required to identify patients, who will benefit from more aggressive therapy.

Methods

320 patients were included by the PANCALYZE study group. Cytokeratin 6 (CK6) immunohistochemical staining as a putative marker for the basal-like subtype of PDAC was performed. The correlation between CK6 expression patterns and survival data, as well as various markers of the (inflammatory) tumor microenvironment, were analyzed.

Results

We divided the study population based on the expression pattern of CK6. Patients with a high CK6 tumor expression had a significantly shorter survival (p = 0.013), confirmed in a multivariate cox regression model. CK6-expression is an independent marker for a decreased overall survival (HR = 1.655, 95% CI 1.158–2.365, p = 0.006). In addition, the CK6-positive tumors showed significantly less plasma cell infiltration and more cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) expressing Periostin and SMA.

Conclusions

CK6 could be considered as an independent biomarker for a shorter overall survival. CK6 is a clinically easily accessible biomarker for the identification of the basal-like subtype of PDAC. Therefore, it could be taken into consideration in deciding for the more aggressive therapy regimes. Prospectively, studies addressing the chemosensitive characteristics of this subtype are required.
Modified orca predation algorithm: developments and perspectives on global optimization and hybrid energy systems
Authors: Emam Marwa M. , El-Sattar Hoda Abd , Houssein Essam H. , Kamel Salah
Published: April 2023

This paper provides a novel, unique, and improved optimization algorithm called the modified Orca Predation Algorithm (mOPA). The mOPA is based on the original Orca Predation Algorithm (OPA), which combines two enhancing strategies: Lévy flight and opposition-based learning. The mOPA method is proposed to enhance search efficiency and avoid the limitations of the original OPA. This mOPA method sets up to solve the global optimization issues. Additionally, its effectiveness is compared with various well-known metaheuristic methods, and the CEC’20 test suite challenges are used to illustrate how well the mOPA performs. Case analysis demonstrates that the proposed mOPA method outperforms the benchmark regarding computational speed and yields substantially higher performance than other methods. The mOPA is applied to ensure that all load demand is met with high reliability and the lowest energy cost of an isolated hybrid system. The optimal size of this hybrid system is determined through simulation and analysis in order to service a tiny distant location in Egypt while reducing costs. Photovoltaic panels, biomass gasifier, and fuel cell units compose the majority of this hybrid system’s configuration. To confirm the mOPA technique’s superiority, its outcomes have been compared with the original OPA and other well-known metaheuristic algorithms.
Carbon nanomaterial-based membranes in solid-phase extraction
Authors: Bosco Chiara Dal , De Cesaris Massimo Giuseppe , Felli Nina , Lucci Elena , Fanali Salvatore , Gentili Alessandra
Published: April 2023

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) have some excellent properties that make them ideal candidates as sorbents for solid-phase extraction (SPE). However, practical difficulties related to their handling (dispersion in the atmosphere, bundling phenomena, reduced adsorption capability, sorbent loss in cartridge/column format, etc.) have hindered their direct use for conventional SPE modes. Therefore, researchers working in the field of extraction science have looked for new solutions to avoid the above-mentioned problems. One of these is the design of CNM-based membranes. These devices can be of two different types: membranes that are exclusively composed of CNMs (i.e. buckypaper and graphene oxide paper) and polysaccharide membranes containing dispersed CNMs. A membrane can be used either as a filter, operating under flow-through mode, or as a rotating device, operating under the action of magnetic stirring. In both cases, the main advantages arising from the use of membranes are excellent results in terms of transport rates, adsorption capability, high throughput, and ease of employment. This review covers the preparation/synthesis procedures of such membranes and their potential in SPE applications, highlighting benefits and shortcomings in comparison with conventional SPE materials (especially, microparticles carbonaceous sorbents) and devices. Further challenges and expected improvements are addressed too.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical and mental health of people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Hider Samantha , Muller Sara , Gray Lauren , Manning Fay , Brooks Mike , Heining Dominic , Menon Ajit , Packham Jonathan , Roddy Edward , Ryan Sarah , Scott Ian C. , Paskins Zoe
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess the longer term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the self-reported physical and mental health of people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs).

Methods

Two thousand twenty-four patients with IRDs were randomly selected from electronic health records. Survey invitations were sent (August 2021 coinciding with relaxation of UK COVID-19 restrictions) using SMS and postal approaches. Self-reported data included demographics, shielding status and physical (MSK-HQ) and mental health (PHQ8 and GAD7).

Results

Six hundred thirty-nine people completed the survey (mean (SD) age 64.5 (13.1) years, 384 (60%) female). Moderate/severe impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health was reported by 250 (41%) and 241 (39%) respectively. One hundred seventy-two (29%) reported moderate/severe depression (PHQ8 ≥ 10) and 135 (22%) moderate/severe anxiety (GAD7 ≥ 10). Females reported greater impacts of the pandemic on physical health (44% vs 34%), mental health (44% vs 34%), arthritis symptoms (49% vs 36%) and lifestyle factors (weight gain and reduced exercise and physical activity) than males. The physical and mental impacts were less in people with RA compared with other IRDs. Physical health impacts did not differ between age groups, but younger patients reported greater impacts on mental health.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the physical and mental health of people with IRDs. These effects were greatest in females. Recovery needs to address the negative impact of the pandemic on lifestyle factors to minimise the long-term impacts for people with IRDs.

Key Points• The pandemic had a significant impact on long term physical and mental health in almost 40% of people with IRDs.• The impact of the pandemic was greater in women for physical health, mental health and arthritis symptoms.• Many people reported negative pandemic impacts on lifestyle factors including weight and physical activity.
Negative ANA-IIF in SLE patients: what is beyond?
Authors: Abozaid Hanan Sayed M. , Hefny Hesham M. , Abualfadl Esam M. , Ismail Mohamad A. , Noreldin Amal K. , Eldin Ahmed N. Nour , Goda Asmaa M. , Ali Amal H.
Published: April 2023

The antinuclear antibody (ANA) test has high sensitivity in diagnosing and classifying systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Objectives

To describe the immunological pattern of SLE patients through investigating specific antinuclear autoantibodies by enzyme dot immunoassay and studying their frequency in both positive and negative ANA indirect immunofluorescence assay (IIF) cases.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, blood samples from 393 newly diagnosed SLE patients were analyzed using (IIF) on HEp-2 cells and ANA dot immunoassay by automated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect 19 antibodies.

Results

Ninety-one percent of the patients are females; their mean age was 37 ± 12.28. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) was detected by IIF in 82.4% of cases, with 181 (46.1%) speckled and 167 (42.4%) homogeneous ANA patterns. The majority of patients (96%) demonstrated autoantibodies via EIA. Among the ANA-IIF-negative patients, 97.2% demonstrated autoantibodies. There was a significant difference in the frequency of certain autoantibodies between SLE patients with negative and positive ANA-IIF (1.44 0.73, 3.12 2.09,p = 0.00) respectively.

Conclusion

The results of analyzing 19 autoantibodies with the ANA staining pattern increased the significance of analyzing the immune profile even if IIF is negative when clinical symptoms strongly suggest SLE diagnosis. Certain autoantibodies may evade staining by the IFA approach while they are present in the patient’s serum, and they may not be detected by the ANA EIA profile if it does not contain that antigenic substrate.

Key Points•Indirect immunofluorescence on Hep-2 is the conventional method for ANA detection and is regarded as the “gold standard” for testing in clinical practice for SLE.•In our study, ANA profile dot enzyme immunoassay (EIA)-based test was performed to evaluate 19 autoantibodies in SLE patients either positive or negative for ANA-IIF.•The presence of anti-dsDNA with ANA-IIF-negative serum in 32.4% of SLE patients provides evidence that not all anti-dsDNA antibodies are identified on standard HEp-2 substrates.•certain autoantibodies can evade staining by the ANA-IIF method despite being present in the SLE patient’s blood; this supports the ANA profile enzyme dot immunoassay as a more sensitive test.
Investigating language and religiosity in Brunei
Authors: Sharbawi Salbrina
Published: April 2023

The inexplicable link between the Malay language and Islam has been well-documented in Malaysia. In Brunei, however, this association has not been made explicit and could only be inferred through the state’s stance of utilising only the Malay language for Islamic-related matters, most conspicuously in the Islamic education curriculum. While this practice has been in place since the early days of Islamic education in the country, the changing linguistic situation in Brunei, where English is now more popular than Malay among the younger generation, may require some rethinking of this practice. An earlier study investigating the issues of language and religion in Brunei has found that those who are more English-inclined do not identify strongly with the Muslim identity as their Malay-leaning counterparts. Taking its cue from those findings, the present study extends the investigation in two ways: one, by adding the social variables age, gender and educational background in its analysis; and two, by focusing on the notion of religiosity rather than on religious identity alone. The findings show that age and language proclivity are both predictors of religiosity with older Bruneians displaying greater religiosity than the younger ones. Language also plays a factor such that those who are predisposed to using more English than Malay have fewer manifestations of practices aligned to the Islamic teaching. Gender and educational level, however, have low factor loadings and are not contributory to the measurement of religiosity.
Sample average approximation of conditional value-at-risk based variational inequalities
Authors: Cherukuri Ashish
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on a class of variational inequalities (VIs), where the map defining the VI is given by the component-wise conditional value-at-risk (CVaR) of a random function. We focus on solving the VI using sample average approximation, where solutions of the VI are estimated with solutions of a sample average VI that uses empirical estimates of the CVaRs. We establish two properties for this scheme. First, under continuity of the random map and the uncertainty taking values in a bounded set, we prove asymptotic consistency, establishing almost sure convergence of the solution of the sample average problem to the true solution. Second, under the additional assumption of random functions being Lipschitz, we prove exponential convergence where the probability of the distance between an approximate solution and the true solution being smaller than any constant approaches unity exponentially fast. The exponential decay bound is refined for the case where random functions have a specific separable form in the decision variable and uncertainty. We adapt these results to the case of uncertain routing games and derive explicit sample guarantees for obtaining a CVaR-based Wardrop equilibria using the sample average procedure. We illustrate our theoretical findings by approximating the CVaR-based Wardrop equilibria for a modified Sioux Falls network.
One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) with a 150-cm Biliopancreatic Limb (BPL) Versus a 200-cm BPL, a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Salman Mohamed AbdAlla , Salman Ahmed , Assal Mohamed Moustafa , Elsherbiney Mohammed , Tourky Mohamed , Elewa Ahmed , Khalaf Adel Mohamed , Gadallah Mohamed A. , Gebril Mahmoud , Khalid Sadaf , Shaaban Hossam , Mohammed Aboalgasim Alamin , Osman Mohamed Hosny Abdo , Hassan Haitham
Published: April 2023

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis that assessed the impact of performing OAGB with a 150-cm BPL versus a 200-cm BPL concerning weight loss, comorbidities remission, and adverse nutritional effects. The analysis included studies that compared patients who underwent OAGB with a 150-cm BPL and 200-cm BPL. Eight studies were eligible for this review after searching in the EMBASE, PubMed central database, and Google scholar. The pooled analysis revealed favoring the 200-cm BPL limb length for weight loss, with a highly significant difference in the TWL% (p=0.009). Both groups showed comparable comorbidities remission. Significantly higher ferritin and folate deficiency rates were found in the 200-cm BPL group. Considering a 200-cm BPL when performing OAGB delivers a better weight loss outcome than a 150-cm BPL, which is at the expense of a more severe nutritional deficiency. No significant differences were found regarding the comorbidities’ remission.
Investigation into the influence of the interlayer temperature on machinability and microstructure of additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Fuchs Christina , Elitzer Daniel , Höppel Heinz Werner , Göken Mathias , Zaeh Michael F.
Published: April 2023

The capability of wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) to produce large, near-net-shaped parts with inexpensive equipment has led to the process being considered as one of the options to significantly decrease the buy-to-fly ratio in aircraft manufacture. Even so, there are several challenges associated with the process: achieving mechanical properties and microstructure similar to wrought material, as well as the low surface quality of the parts. The low surface quality is usually improved by milling. As with the microstructure, here too the question arises as to whether the process is comparable to milling wrought material. A significant factor influencing the microstructure according to literature is the interlayer temperature during the WAAM process. Therefore, the objective of this research was to study the influence of the interlayer temperature on the machinability and the microstructure of wire and arc additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V. Consequently, the machinability was first determined for Ti-Al6-V4-parts manufactured with three different interlayer temperatures. Then, the macro- and microstructures were analyzed and, finally, the mechanical properties were determined. Contrary to expectations based on the state of the art, the machinability was not influenced by the interlayer temperature. This aligns with the mechanical properties and the macro- and microstructures, which are only slightly affected by the interlayer temperature.
Secondary diabetes mellitus in acromegaly
Authors: Moustaki Melpomeni , Paschou Stavroula A. , Xekouki Paraskevi , Kotsa Kalliopi , Peppa Melpomeni , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Kalantaridou Sophia , Vryonidou Andromachi
Published: April 2023

Secondary diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common complication of acromegaly, encountered in up to 55% of cases. Vice versa, the prevalence of acromegaly is markedly higher in cohorts of patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). The presence of secondary DM depends primarily on acromegaly status and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, malignancy rate and overall mortality. The principal pathophysiologic mechanism is increased insulin resistance due to excessive lipolysis and altered fat distribution, reflected at the presence of intermuscular fat and attenuated, dysfunctional adipose tissue. Insulin resistance is ascribed to the direct, diabetogenic effects of growth hormone (GH), which prevail over the insulin-sensitizing effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), probably due to higher glucometabolic potency of GH, IGF-1 resistance, or both. Inversely, GH and IGF-1 act synergistically in increasing insulin secretion. Hyperinsulinemia in portal vein leads to enhanced responsiveness of liver GH receptors and IGF-1 production, pointing towards a mutually amplifying loop between GH-IGF-1 axis and insulin. Secondary DM occurs upon beta cell exhaustion, principally due to gluco-lipo-toxicity. Somatostatin analogues inhibit insulin secretion; especially pasireotide (PASI) impairs glycaemic profile in up to 75% of cases, establishing a separate pathophysiologic entity, PASI-induced DM. In contrast, pegvisomant and dopamine agonizts improve insulin sensitivity. In turn, metformin, pioglitazone and sodium-glucose transporters 2 inhibitors might be disease-modifying by counteracting hyperinsulinemia or acting pleiotropically. Large, prospective cohort studies are needed to validate the above notions and define optimal DM management in acromegaly.
Schule, Macht und Absentismus
Authors: Hertel Thorsten
Published: April 2023

Schulabsentismus wird vornehmlich als illegitimes Fernbleiben von der Schule und damit als individuelles Fehlverhalten diskutiert. Demgegenüber nimmt der vorliegende Beitrag einen Blickwinkel auf das Phänomen ein, der stärker die Bedeutung schulischer Strukturen und Praktiken für den Schulabsentismus akzentuiert. Der Beitrag plädiert für eine machtanalytische Perspektive auf den Gegenstand und dafür, den Schulabsentismus als etwas zu verstehen, das auch in und durch schulische Machtverhältnisse hervorgebracht wird.
Can Māori Negotiate School Attendance in State-Led Education in Aotearoa, New Zealand?
Authors: Coulter Sarah-Kay
Published: April 2023

There is a conflict between the claims of Māori sovereignty and the imposition of State legislation on Māori children. This conflict of interest has been given very little consideration in the public sphere. This research-informed article speculates that despite legislation ensuring that education attendance is fixed as a legal obligation for all Primary and Secondary aged children, there is urgency to address if conceivably this is a deeply flawed assumption as it contradicts notions of tribal sovereignty. Cautiously, this article does not romanticise past positioning of Māori peoples, nor makes claims to indigenous righteousness, rather moves to suggest that State-led education belongs part of positive outcomes for Māori, however there must be negotiation to the terms and expectations for education attendance. This paper is a catalyst for future orientated discussion aiming to broaden what education can move to become in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Study on mechanical parameters and creep seepage characteristics of different coal and rock combination samples
Authors: Zhao Dong , Chang Haiming , Pu Yuxin , Feng Zengchao , Li Xiaowei
Published: April 2023

Based on the fact that the production of deep coalbed methane (CBM) in Yushe-Wuxiang Block is lower than expected, the paper is carried out uniaxial strength test and triaxial rheological test on coal measure strata reservoirs (mudstone, coal, sandstone and their composite sample) deeper than 1300 m in the block. In the uniaxial strength test, it is found that the stress–strain process of deep coal rock sample was similar to that of shallow one. The brittleness of deep coal rock sample is more obvious. It can also serve as described by the four stages of shallow coal rock sample in the compression process. The compressive strength of the coal in the combined samples will be improved in a small range, while the mudstone will be driven to produce radial tensile failure at the moment of failure. Creep characteristics of the composite sample are similar to those of the single one, and the axial deformation characteristics under lower stress (14 MPa, 18 MPa, 22 MPa) are close to those of coal. The axial deformation characteristics under extreme stress (26 MPa, 30 MPa, 34 MPa) are close to those of sandstone. The established stress-seepage coupled creep damage model can be used to describe the deformation law of each rock sample under different stresses. The permeability characteristics of the composite sample are determined by the poor permeability of the composite formation. There is a great correlation between the volume deformation and permeability evolution of the sample in the test. The permeability model based on the theory of porous media can be well fitted the relationship between volumetric strain and permeability. It is of great significance to predict the influence of creep effect on permeability under different in-situ stresses in engineering.
Automatic Detection of Specific Constructions on a Large Scale Using Deep Learning in Very High Resolution Airborne Imagery
Authors: Achanccaray Pedro , Gerke Markus , Wesche Leonhard , Hoyer Sebastian , Thiele Klaus , Knufinke Ulrich , Krafczyk Christina
Published: April 2023

In the High Modernism period, from around 1914 to 1970, many system halls in steel construction were manufactured to meet the increasing demand in industry, commerce, and agriculture, among other areas. However, these types of buildings have not been the focus of any research in the field of construction history, generating a lack of knowledge regarding their construction types, distribution, and related context to enable statements on the ability and worthiness of historical monument listings. This paper proposes a methodology for the automatic detection of these buildings using aerial imagery. For this purpose, Deep Learning techniques for two tasks are evaluated: semantic segmentation and object detection. Different state-of-the-art software architectures are extensively reviewed and assessed through a series of experiments to determine which features and hyper-parameters produce the best results. Based on our experiments, the height information from nDSM improved the results by refining the detections and reducing the number of false negatives and false positives. Moreover, the Focal Loss helped boost the detections by tuning its hyper-parameter $$\gamma$$
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Networks of splicing processors: simulations between topologies
Authors: Martín José Angel Sanchez , Mitrana Victor , Păun Mihaela
Published: April 2023

Networks of splicing processors are one of the theoretical computational models that take inspiration from nature to efficiently solve problems that our current computational knowledge is not able to. One of the issues restricting/hindering is practical implementation is the arbitrariness of the underlying graph, since our computational systems usually conform to a predefined topology. We propose simulations of networks of splicing processors having arbitrary underlying graphs by networks whose underlying graphs are of a predefined topology: complete, star, and grid graphs. We show that all of these simulations are time efficient in the meaning that they preserve the time complexity of the original network: each computational step in that network is simulated by a fixed number of computational steps in the new topologic networks. Moreover, these simulations do not modify the order of magnitude of the network size.
Pilot scale evaluation of thin film composite membranes for reducing wastewater volumes: osmotic concentration process
Authors: Awad Abdelrahman M. , Jalab Rem , Nasser Mustafa S. , Hassan Mohammad K. , Minier-Matar Joel , Adham Samer
Published: April 2023

Gas operations generate large volumes of wastewater, necessitating efficient water management schemes. This study evaluates a forward osmosis (FO) pilot plant for volumes reduction of gas industry process water (PW). The osmotic pressure difference between seawater (40 g/L Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)) and low salinity (2 g/L TDS) PW is used for the osmotic concentration (OC). In the OC, PW volumes get reduced, while diluted draw solution (DS) is directly discharged, obviating the high-energy DS recovery step. A thin-film composite hollow fiber (HF) FO membrane was tested under FO mode using synthetic solutions to assess the performance on the OC unit. Subsequently, the pilot unit was subjected to PW feed for 48 h of continuous operation, primarily to evaluate water flux, reverse solute flux (RSF), and membrane fouling. The cleaning requirement to remove contaminants from the membrane surface was examined. The membrane achieved a water flux and RSF between 11.5 to 6.43 LMH and 38.57 to 9.45 mmol h−1 m−2, respectively at feed recovery rates between 60 and 90%. The membrane achieved a water flux of 10 LMH, which slightly decreased to 9.6 after 48 h of operation, mainly due to inorganic scaling. Lastly, cleaning with citric acid succeeded in recovering the initial water flux.
Unveiling the synergistic effect of internal Fe single atoms and introduced Fe3C in Enteromorpha derived biochar with enhanced peroxymonosulfate activation property towards nitenpyram removal
Authors: Xiong Sheng , Zeng Hao , Deng Yaocheng , Tang Rongdi , Wang Jiajia , Li Ling , Zhou Zhanpeng , Gong Daoxin
Published: April 2023

This work demonstrated that Enteromorpha biochar with introduced iron (SFB900-3) could activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) efficiently for NTP remediation. It removed 83.9%–95.1% of NTP in 60 min under a wide pH range from 3.15 to 8.95. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed the synergistic relationship between internal Fe single atoms and introduced Fe compounds—Fe3C. The adsorption capacity of SFB900-3 for persulfate improved from −0.953 eV to −4.214 eV, and the Bader charge analysis showed that Fe atoms as active sites (0.658 e) enhanced the adsorption capacity more than carbon (0.050 e). Moreover, the energy barrier for PMS dissociation reduced from 0.072 eV to −5.372  eV due to the longer length of O–O bond under the synergistic effect of Fe single atom and Fe3C which increased from 1.467 Å to 3.890 Å. The quenching experiment confirmed that 1O2 was the main active substance in NTP degradation and its contribution rate was 88.2%, which was further verified by EPR detection. The effect factor experiments proved that the SFB900-3/PMS system had stable and efficient activity for NTP removal, which remained at 73.6% removal rate after three rounds of tests. This work provided novel guidance for constructing efficient and stable biochar-based materials for organic pollutant remediation.

Graphical Abstract
Sustainable energy propulsion system for sea transport to achieve United Nations sustainable development goals: a review
Authors: Tay Zhi Yung , Konovessis Dimitrios
Published: April 2023

The cost of renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar is falling significantly over the decade and this can have a large influence on the efforts to reach sustainability. With the shipping industry contributing to a whopping 3.3% in global CO2 emissions, the International Maritime Organization has adopted short-term measures to reduce the carbon intensity of all ships by 50% by 2050. One of the means to achieve this ambitious target is the utilisation of propulsion systems powered by sustainable energy. This review paper summarises the current state of the adoption of renewable energy and alternative fuels used for ship propulsion. Special focus is given to the means of these alternative energies in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). A state-of-the-art for various ships powered by renewable energy and alternative fuels is investigated and their technologies for mitigating carbon emissions are described. The cost for each technology found in the literature is summarised and the pros and cons of each technology are studied.
Scalable flood inundation mapping using deep convolutional networks and traffic signage
Authors: Alizadeh Bahareh , Behzadan Amir H.
Published: April 2023

Floods are one of the most prevalent and costliest natural hazards globally. The safe transit of people and goods during a flood event requires fast and reliable access to flood depth information with spatial granularity comparable to the road network. In this research, we propose to use crowdsourced photos of submerged traffic signs for street-level flood depth estimation and mapping. To this end, a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) is utilized to detect traffic signs in user-contributed photos, followed by comparing the lengths of the visible part of detected sign poles before and after the flood event. A tilt correction approach is also designed and implemented to rectify potential inaccuracy in pole length estimation caused by tilted stop signs in floodwaters. The mean absolute error (MAE) achieved for pole length estimation in pre- and post-flood photos is 1.723 and 2.846 in., respectively, leading to an MAE of 4.710 in. for flood depth estimation. The presented approach provides people and first responders with a reliable and geographically scalable solution for estimating and communicating real-time flood depth data at their locations.
The incidence and prognostic role of β-catenin and E-cadherin biomarkers in bladder neoplasms, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yazdi Seyed Amir Miratashi , Batmani Sara , Tabriz Hedieh Moradi , Nazar Elham , Pourebrahimi Elham
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives

To predict the aggressive behavior of the bladder tumor as well as the poor prognosis of the disease, the use of some biomarkers including β-catenin and E-cadherin related to the detachment of tumoral cells from its primary lesion can be very beneficial. We intended to evaluate the incidence of β-catenin and E-cadherin expression and their association with tumor biological behavior in patients suffering bladder neoplasms.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was done on 30 established bladder neoplasms on tissue assessment with evidence of malignancy on cystoscopic examination. Hematoxylin and Eosin stains were planned for pathological evaluation in terms of tumor biological behavior. Immunohistochemistry staining for two markers E-cadherin and β-catenin was done to evaluate gene expression.

Results

Overall, β-catenin biomarker was expressed in nuclear in only one patient (3.3%), while abnormal E-Cadherin staining was revealed in none of the patients. The expression of these biomarkers was independent of tumor characteristics including vascular invasion, tumor size, tumor grade, and tumor stage (P-value>0.05).

Conclusion

The change in β-catenin and E-cadherin expression probably has a weak prognostic role in the prediction of the biological behavior in bladder neoplasms as well as the clinical outcomes of patients in our society.

Highlights
Resident Wilderness Medicine Curriculum Consensus Guidelines: Summarization and Recommendations for Resident Rotations in Wilderness Medicine
Authors: Mikros Athena , Comp Geoffrey B. , Wilson Matthew D. , Plash Walker B. , Gardner Justin M. , Lareau Stephanie A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Wilderness medicine education is one of the fastest growing facets of both graduate and undergraduate medical education. Currently, there are curriculum guidelines for both student electives and fellowships in wilderness medicine. However, there are no guidelines for resident elective curricula. The student/resident education committee of the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened a task force to develop curriculum guidelines for these electives.

Methods

A survey of previously described core wilderness medicine topics was sent to a cohort of educators involved in wilderness medicine resident electives. They were asked to rank topics on the basis of their importance of being included on a Likert scale. Multivariate analysis of medians was used to distinguish among topics to determine which topics were voted most and least necessary for a curriculum.

Results

Of the database members contacted, 35 responded to the survey. The described current state of residency electives was that 16 institutions offered their own elective (46%). For subject preferences, multivariate analysis of scoring distribution medians demonstrated a significantly higher pattern of responses ( P<0.01) for subjects with a median of 3 (must include) than for the lowest-scoring subjects that had a median of 1 (can include). Every topic was rated “must” by at least 1 respondent. Topics were further subdivided into an educational framework reflecting a common approach to education of wilderness medicine fellows focusing on education, leadership, knowledge, and skills.

Conclusions

There was a wide variety in the ranking of topics; however, there were multiple topics on which a consensus for inclusion was reached. These topics are organized and presented here as a suggested curriculum by the student/resident education committee of the WMS.
Workplace Domination and Labor Unions
Authors: Umbers Lachlan Montgomery
Published: April 2023

Recent decades have seen a precipitous decline in union membership, with deleterious consequences for the working class. Yet political theorists have devoted little attention to unions. In this article, I argue that unions help solve collective action problems that otherwise stymie workers’ attempts to take industrial action and compel employers to take better account of their interests. Unions thereby afford workers a form of partial protection from domination. This has three important implications. First, insofar as workers have claims against subjection to domination, they must be afforded opportunities to unionize. Second, insofar as the ability of unions to afford workers such protection depends on their being able to credibly threaten industrial action, it is essential that unions and their members have the right to take such action. Finally, workers have duties to join the union that represents them and contribute to its legitimate activities. This lends support to various forms of compulsory unionization.
Structure and Dynamics of Lithosphere and Asthenosphere in Asia: A Seismological Perspective
Authors: Ma Jincheng , Bunge Hans‐Peter , Fichtner Andreas , Chang Sung‐Joon , Tian You
Published: April 2023

Knowledge of lithospheric structure is essential for understanding the impact of continental collision and oceanic subduction on surface tectonic configurations. Full‐waveform tomographic images reveal lateral heterogeneities and anisotropy of the lithosphere and asthenosphere in Asia. Estimating lithospheric thickness from seismic velocity reductions at depth exhibits large variations underneath different tectonic units. The thickest cratonic roots are present beneath the Sichuan, Ordos, and Tarim basins and central India. Radial anisotropy signatures of 11 representative tectonic provinces uncover the different nature and geodynamic processes of their respective past and present deformation. The large‐scale continental lithospheric deformation is characterized by low‐velocity anomalies from the Himalayan Orogen to the Baikal rift zone in central Asia, coupled with the post‐collision thickening of the crust. The horizontal low‐velocity layer of ∼100–300 km depth extent below the lithosphere points toward the existence of the asthenosphere beneath East and Southeast Asia, with heterogeneous anisotropy indicative of channel flows.