bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deterioration of the Littoral–Benthic Ecosystem Following Recent Expansion of Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) in the World’s Clearest Large Lake
Authors: Scordo Facundo , Girdner Scott F. , San Pedro Aldo , Seitz Carina , Chandra Sudeep
Published: May 2023

Some biological invasions can result in algae blooms in the nearshore of clear lakes. We studied if an invasive crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) modified the biomass and community composition of benthic macroinvertebrates and therefore led to a trophic cascade resulting in increased periphyton biomass, elevated littoral primary productivity, and benthic algae bloom in a lake with remarkable transparency [Crater Lake, Oregon, USA]. After quantifying the changes in the spatial distribution of invasive crayfish over a 13-year period, we compared biomass and community composition of littoral–benthic macroinvertebrates, periphyton biovolume, community composition, nutrient limitation, and the development of benthic algae bloom in locations with high and low crayfish density. In addition, we determined if the alteration in community structure resulted in directional changes to gross primary production and ecosystem respiration. The extent of crayfish distribution along the shoreline of Crater Lake doubled over a 13-year period, leaving less than 20% of the shoreline free from crayfish. At high crayfish density sites, benthic macroinvertebrate biomass was 99% lower, and taxa richness was 50% lower than at low crayfish areas. High crayfish sites show tenfold greater periphyton biovolume, sixfold higher periphyton biomass (chlorophyll a), twofold higher metabolic productivity, and the presence of large filamentous algae (Cladophora sp.). The invasion of crayfish had negative consequences for a lake protected under the management of the USA National Park Service, with direct impacts on many levels of ecological organization.
In vitro activities of omadacycline, eravacycline, cefiderocol, apramycin, and comparator antibiotics against Acinetobacter baumannii causing bloodstream infections in Greece, 2020–2021: a multicenter study
Authors: Galani Irene , Papoutsaki Vassiliki , Karaiskos Ilias , Moustakas Nikolaos , Galani Lamprini , Maraki Sofia , Mavromanolaki Viktoria Eirini , Legga Olga , Fountoulis Kimon , Platsouka Evangelia D. , Giannopoulou Panagiota , Papadogeorgaki Helen , Damala Maria , Chinou Efrosini , Pasxali Aggeliki , Deliolanis Ioannis , Vagiakou Helen , Petinaki Efthymia , Chli Anastasia , Vagdatli Eleni , Kazila Polyzo , Papaioannou Vassiliki , Kontopoulou Konstantina , Ferke Atalia Noemi , Moraitou Eleni , Antoniadou Anastasia , Giamarellou Helen
Published: May 2023

Resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii to multiple clinically important antimicrobials has increased to very high rates in Greece, rendering most of them obsolete. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular epidemiology and susceptibilities of A. baumannii isolates collected from different hospitals across Greece. Single-patient A. baumannii strains isolated from blood cultures (n = 271), from 19 hospitals, in a 6-month period (November 2020–April 2021) were subjected to minimum inhibitory concentration determination and molecular testing for carbapenemase, 16S rRNA methyltransferase and mcr gene detection and epidemiological evaluation. 98.9% of all isolates produced carbapenemase OXA-23. The vast majority (91.8%) of OXA-23 producers harbored the armA and were assigned mainly (94.3%) to sequence group G1, corresponding to IC II. Apramycin (EBL-1003) was the most active agent inhibiting 100% of the isolates at ≤16 mg/L, followed by cefiderocol which was active against at least 86% of them. Minocycline, colistin and ampicillin-sulbactam exhibited only sparse activity (S <19%), while eravacycline was 8- and 2-fold more active than minocycline and tigecycline respectively, by comparison of their MIC50/90 values. OXA-23-ArmA producing A. baumannii of international clone II appears to be the prevailing epidemiological type of this organism in Greece. Cefiderocol could provide a useful alternative for difficult to treat Gram-negative infections, while apramycin (EBL-1003), the structurally unique aminoglycoside currently in clinical development, may represent a highly promising agent against multi-drug resistant A. baumanni infections, due to its high susceptibility rates and low toxicity.
Simulation training approaches in intracranial aneurysm surgery—a systematic review
Authors: Joseph Fredrick J. , Vanluchene Hanne E. R. , Bervini David
Published: May 2023

Background

With the increasing complexity and decreasing exposure to intracranial aneurysm surgery, training and maintenance of the surgical skills have become challenging. This review elaborated on simulation training for intracranial aneurysm clipping.

Methods

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify studies on aneurysm clipping training using models and simulators. The primary outcome was the identification of the predominant modes of the simulation process, models, and training methods associated with a microsurgical learning curve. The secondary outcomes included assessments of the validation of such simulators and the learning capability from the use of such simulators.

Results

Of the 2068 articles screened, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria. The chosen reports used a wide range of simulation approaches including ex vivo methods (n = 6); virtual reality (VR) platforms (n = 11); and static (n = 6) and dynamic (n = 3) 3D-printed aneurysm models (n = 6). The ex vivo training methods have limited availability, VR simulators lack haptics and tactility, while 3D static models lack important microanatomical components and the simulation of blood flow. 3D dynamic models including pulsatile flow are reusable and cost-effective but miss microanatomical components.

Conclusions

The existing training methods are heterogenous and do not realistically simulate the complete microsurgical workflow. The current simulations lack certain anatomical features and crucial surgical steps. Future research should focus on developing and validating a reusable, cost-effective training platform. No systematic validation method exists for the different training models, so there is a need to build homogenous assessment tools and validate the role of simulation in education and patient safety.
Association between cooling temperature and outcomes of patients with heat stroke
Authors: Chen Lan , Xu Shuying , Yang Xiaoling , Zhao Junlu , Zhang Yuping , Feng Xiuqin
Published: May 2023

This study explored the relationship between body temperature and adverse outcomes in patients with heat stroke to identify the optimal target body temperature within the first 24 h. This retrospective, multicentre study enrolled 143 patients admitted to the emergency department and diagnosed with heat stroke. The primary outcome was the in-hospital mortality rate, while secondary outcomes included the presence and number of damaged organs and neurological sequelae at discharge. A body temperature curve was built using a generalized additive mixed model, and the association between body temperatures and outcomes was established by logistic regression. The threshold and saturation effects were used to explore the targeted body temperature management. Cases were divided into the surviving and non-surviving groups. The cooling rate within the first 2 h was significantly higher in the survival group than the non-survival group (β: 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.84; P = 0.014), while the non-survival group exhibited a lower body temperature within 24 h (β: − 0.06; 95% CI: − 0.08 to − 0.03; P ≤ 0.001). Body temperature after 2 h (odds ratio [OR]: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.14–4.50; P = 0.019) and lowest temperature within 24 h (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.06–0.55; P = 0.003) were significantly related to in-hospital mortality rate. When the body temperature at 0.5 h was 38.5–40.0 °C, the number of damaged organs was at its lowest. In patients with heat stroke, both hyperthermia and hypothermia were associated with adverse outcomes. Hence, an accurate body temperature management is required during the early stages of care.
Non-toxic, high selectivity process for the extraction of precious metals from waste printed circuit boards
Authors: Merli Giulia , Becci Alessandro , Amato Alessia , Beolchini Francesca
Published: May 2023

The work presented here focused on the extraction of gold (Au), silver (Ag) and palladium (Pd) from electronic waste using a solution of ammonium thiosulfate. Thiosulfate was used as a valid alternative to cyanide for precious metal extractions, due to its non-toxicity and high selectivity. The interactions between sodium thiosulfate, total ammonia/ammonium, precious metal concentrations and the particle size of the waste printed circuit boards (WPCBs) were studied by the response surface methodology (RSM) and the principal component analysis (PCA) to maximize precious metal mobilization. Au extraction reached a high efficiency with a granulometry of less than 0.25 mm, but the consumption of reagents was high. On the other hand, Ag extraction depended neither on thiosulfate/ammonia concentration nor granulometry of WPCBs and it showed efficiency of 90% also with the biggest particle size (0.50 < Ø < 1.00 mm). Pd extraction, similarly to Au, showed the best efficiency with the smallest and the medium WPCB sizes, but required less reagents compared to Au. The results showed that precious metal leaching is a complex process (mainly for Au, which requires more severe conditions in order to achieve high extraction efficiencies) correlated with reagent concentrations, precious metal concentrations and WPCB particle sizes. These results have great potentiality, suggesting the possibility of a more selective recovery of precious metals based on the different granulometry of the WPCBs. Furthermore, the high extraction efficiencies obtained for all the metals bode well in the perspective of large-scale applications.
SEOM-GEMCAD-TTD clinical guidelines for the systemic treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (2022)
Authors: Fernández Montes Ana , Alonso Vicente , Aranda Enrique , Élez Elena , García Alfonso Pilar , Grávalos Cristina , Maurel Joan , Vera Ruth , Vidal Rosario , Aparicio Jorge
Published: May 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Spain. Metastatic disease is present in 15–30% of patients at diagnosis and up to 20–50% of those with initially localized disease eventually develop metastases. Recent scientific knowledge acknowledges that this is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous disease. As treatment options increase, prognosis for individuals with metastatic disease has steadily improved over recent decades. Disease management should be discussed among experienced, multidisciplinary teams to select the most appropriate systemic treatment (chemotherapy and targeted agents) and to integrate surgical or ablative procedures, when indicated. Clinical presentation, tumor sidedness, molecular profile, disease extension, comorbidities, and patient preferences are key factors when designing a customized treatment plan. These guidelines seek to provide succinct recommendations for managing metastatic CRC.
Entropy and alternative entropy functionals of fractional Gaussian noise as the functions of Hurst index
Authors: Malyarenko Anatoliy , Mishura Yuliya , Ralchenko Kostiantyn , Shklyar Sergiy
Published: May 2023

This paper is devoted to the study of the properties of entropy as a function of the Hurst index, which corresponds to the fractional Gaussian noise. Since the entropy of the Gaussian vector depends on the determinant of the covariance matrix, and the behavior of this determinant as a function of the Hurst index is rather difficult to study analytically at high dimensions, we also consider simple alternative entropy functionals, whose behavior, on the one hand, mimics the behavior of entropy and, on the other hand, is not difficult to study. Asymptotic behavior of the normalized entropy (so called entropy rate) is also studied for the entropy and for the alternative functionals.
In situ stress determination in isotropic and anisotropic rocks and its application to a naturally fractured reservoir
Authors: Zhang Jincai , Fan Xin , Huang Zhiwen , Liu Zhongqun , Fan Zhihui , Liu Lin
Published: May 2023

Anisotropies exist in many sedimentary rocks, particularly in naturally fractured reservoirs, causing horizontal stress anisotropies. Case studies indicate that when a rock formation contains high dip-angle fractures or contains horizontal factures (e.g. bedding planes), it has very distinguished horizontal stresses. In these cases, the conventional isotropic method for estimating horizontal stresses may give erroneous results. Using the theory of anisotropy, horizontal stresses in the vertical transverse isotropy (VTI) and horizontal transverse isotropy (HTI) models are derived for determining in situ stresses in naturally fractured rocks. Comparing with the isotropic model, the VTI model predicts a higher minimum or maximum horizontal stress, which is suitable for shales. In contrast, the HTI model gives a lower minimum stress than the isotropic model. A combined model based on the VTI and HTI models is proposed for estimating the minimum horizontal stress in a naturally fractured formation containing natural fractures with different dip angles. Measured data in the Xujiahe gas reservoir in China reveal that the minimum horizontal stresses and formation breakdown pressures decrease as the fracture dip angles increase, which is consistent to the derived HTI model. Natural fractures can result in a decrease of the minimum horizontal stress by up to 3 MPa/km and a reduction of the formation breakdown pressure by up to 10 MPa/km in the studied area. Combining the proposed anisotropic model to the measured data of natural fractures and horizontal stresses, the assessment of in situ stresses and their impact on hydraulic fracturing are proposed. Case study demonstrates that the proposed model gives a good prediction of the minimum horizontal stresses in the naturally fractured reservoir.
Researching (multiple) coordination of action in adult education organizations—Theoretical approaches, empirical findings and future perspectives
Authors: Schemmann Michael , Bonn Eva
Published: May 2023

The paper aims at analyzing how coordination of action is conceptualized and researched in the context of adult education. Selected perspectives from organization theory are explored with regard to their conceptualizations of coordination of action. Based on a narrative synopsis of studies from adult education research, the paper then shows that there are various actor constellations, coordination mechanisms and influencing factors marking coordination of action as a multi-faceted, multi-level and multi-perspective research phenomenon. Following, key parameters of a research program focusing on multiple coordination of action in adult education organizations are presented.
Actions of Groups
Authors: McCleary John
Published: May 2023

Using the unifying notion of group actions, this second course in modern algebra introduces the deeper algebraic tools needed to get into topics only hinted at in a first course, like the successful classification of finite simple groups and how groups play a role in the solutions of polynomial equations. Because groups may act as permutations of a set, as linear transformations on a vector space, or as automorphisms of a field, the deeper structure of a group may emerge from these viewpoints, two different groups can be distinguished, or a polynomial equation can be shown to be solvable by radicals. By developing the properties of these group actions, readers encounter essential algebra topics like the Sylow theorems and their applications, Galois theory, and representation theory. Warmup chapters that review and build on the first course and active learning modules help students transition to a deeper understanding of ideas.
The Years of Lead. Memory, history, journalism, victims
Authors: Foot John
Published: May 2023

‘Soprattutto un attore di quella drammatica fase della vita italiana è stato tuttavia privilegiato in modo schiacciante come oggetto di studio: il “soggetto terrorista”, ovvero i terroristi e le organizzazioni terroristiche.’

(‘One kind of actor in that dramatic period of Italian life has been privileged above all others, in an overwhelming way by researchers and others: the terrorists themselves and their organisations.’ (Brizzi 2021, 11).
The Economic Reform of Female Monasticism in the Papal States of Clement VIII: Ideas, Actions, and Impacts
Authors: Harvey Isabel
Published: May 2023

In the Papal States of the end of the sixteenth century, most female monasteries were mendicant. In doing so, nuns violated many rules of the XXVth session of the Council of Trent: they obviously did not respect enclosure, but also were unable to survive only thanks to their real estate properties, as stated by the chapters 2, 3, and 16 of the De Regularibus et Monialibus decree. This financial situation of convents was addressed for the first time by Clement VIII (1592–1605), who led a broad economic reform all over his territory. How was the economic reform of convents led by Clement VIII applied in the local realities of the Papal States, what were its impacts on nuns, and how did they react to these changes? Based on the letters received by the Congregation of Bishops and Regulars in Rome during the Pontificate of Clement VIII, this article addresses the materiality and the local peculiarities of the economic reform of female convents in the dioceses of the Papal States, highlighting the strategies used by nuns to fight against change, negotiate accommodation, or adapt their daily lives to the new Roman requirements. Much less known and studied than the Tridentine enclosure, the economic reform desired by the same Council of Trent is an equally important change whose impacts durably transformed the daily life and identity of nuns.
Hidden in Plain Sight: John Cotton's Middle Way and the Making of the Cambridge Platform of Church Discipline
Authors: Winship Michael P.
Published: May 2023

The 1648 Cambridge Platform, Congregationalists’ first, guided New England Congregationalist church practice well into the next century. Yet the synodical deliberations that shaped the platform remain largely a closed book. Were the contents of all three preparatory platform drafts known, a baseline could be established for inferring those deliberations. But it has long been taken as a given that John Cotton's draft is missing.

The now-recovered draft was, among other things, Cotton's vehicle for working reforms restraining Congregationalism's democratic and fissiparous tendencies into the Cambridge Platform. He had first laid out those reforms in Keyes of the Kingdom of Heaven (1644), a book that attracted widespread attention, including at the English Westminster and Savoy Assemblies. Yet the slender amount of scholarship on the Cambridge Platform has offered, at most, generalized acknowledgment, if any, of Cotton's considerable and complicated impact on it. That neglect leaves a large gap in our understanding of the platform, the synod, and Cotton himself, as well as of the unstable dynamics of clerical authority in an awkwardly peripheral emergent puritan church movement that emphasized lay empowerment.
Expanding north: first record of the beaded sea cucumber Euapta lappa at Madeira Island
Authors: Schäfer Susanne
Published: May 2023

This study provides the first record of the beaded sea cucumber Euapta lappa at Madeira Island. A single individual was observed during a nocturnal scuba dive at 17 m depth, presumably feeding. After having its previous northern limit in the North-east Atlantic at the Selvagens Islands, this record expands the known distribution and northern limit of this tropical species by about 300 km. This new record of yet another tropical species expanding its range northwards can be seen as another indication of the ongoing tropicalization in the marine environment of Macaronesia in the North-east Atlantic.
Responding to Reviewers: Guidelines and Advice
Authors: Sundström Aksel
Published: May 2023

Responding to those who have read and critiqued your work, such as editors and reviewers, is a central part of academic exchange. To be able to explain and defend the choices you have made in a response letter is also a key skill that takes time to develop. It is my hope that this essay will help you reflect on the process of writing these responses and provide some useful tips toward getting published.
Role of social aversion in the motivations for tax law compliance
Authors: Malka Tiv Karnit
Published: May 2023

Discovering individuals' internal motivations for paying taxes is essential to a tax system since the basic assumption of any tax system is that most of the population pays their taxes voluntarily. This article examines the existence of a social aversion towards tax offenders in Israel as well as the variables that affect tax law compliance and increase tax payments. In this respect, the article presents quantitative questionnaire data collected by the author, which is based on a sample of 189 participants from Israel. The study shows that the social response to tax evaders exerts a greater impact on increasing tax law compliance than the fear of punishment per se and clarifies the importance of education for paying taxes.
Magnetically tuned SIW patch antenna based on nematic liquid crystal for 5G applications and satellite communication systems
Authors: Kouki Adel , Sboui Fakher , Latrach Lassaad
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a new design of a reconfigurable miscrostrip patch antenna based on a substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW). The antenna is resonant at the millimeter-wave (mmWave) 5G spectrum. The tuning technique consists of using a nematic liquid crystal (K15). An adjustable frequency band from 30.191 to 32 GHz is obtained, giving a tunable range of Δfr = 1.809 GHz. The maximum gain and efficiency reach the values of 7.61 and 9.07 dBi and 93 and 94%, respectively. The proposed SIW antenna loaded with liquid crystal was fabricated and tested. The experimental results correlated well with the simulation; however, the measured reflection coefficient plot shows a shift of the tuning range of 284 MHz, which is an acceptable outcome compared to simulation. A new approach of adopting the magnetic field as a technique to tune the resonance frequency has been used. The structure is characterized by its design simplicity, compactness, and fabrication process. The proposed antenna proves that the liquid crystal improves the performance of the antenna in the Ka band for 5G applications and satellite communication systems.
Interrater Reliabilität und Übereinstimmungsvalidität des 4AT zur Erfassung des postoperativen Delirs
Authors: Muzzana Chiara , Mantovan Franco , Tappeiner Waltraud , Niederbacher Sarah , Huber Markus Karl , Ausserhofer Dietmar
Published: May 2023

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Zahlreiche Instrumente zur Erkennung eines postoperativen Delirs sind verfügbar. Leitlinien empfehlen die Benutzung des 4 A’s Test (4AT). Allerdings gibt es kaum Evidenz zur Validität und Reliabilität des deutschsprachigen 4AT. Fragestellung/Ziel: Die Zielsetzung war, die Interrater-Reliabilität des deutschsprachigen 4AT zur Erkennung eines postoperativen Delirs bei allgemeinchirurgischen und orthopädisch-traumatologischen Patient_innen und die Übereinstimmungsvalidität mit der Delirium Observation Screening (DOS)-Skala zu überprüfen. Methoden: Die Arbeit ist Teil einer prospektiven Kohortenstudie. Die Stichprobe bestand aus 202 stationären Patient_innen (≥ 65 Jahre), die einem chirurgischen Eingriff unterzogen wurden. Die Interrater-Reliabilität des 4AT (Intraklassenkoeffizient) wurde bei 33 Patient_innen durch zwei Krankenpfleger_innen überprüft. Die Übereinstimmungsvalidität zwischen der DOS und dem 4AT wurde anhand des Korrelationskoeffizienten nach Pearson berechnet. Ergebnisse: Die Interrater-Reliabilität für den 4AT-Gesamtwert und der dichotomisierte Gesamtwert lagen bei 0,92 (95%-KI: 0,84–0,96) und 0,98 (95%-KI: 0,95–0,98). Die Korrelation zwischen DOS und 4AT betrug 0,54 (p < 0,001). Schlussfolgerungen: Der 4AT kann als Screening-Instrument zur postoperativen Delirerkennung durch das Krankenpflegepersonal bei älteren, allgemeinchirurgischen und orthopädisch-traumatologischen Patient_innen eingesetzt werden. Allerdings besteht bei positiven 4AT-Ergebnissen die Notwendigkeit eines weiterführenden Assessments durch Pflegeexpert_innen oder Ärzt_innen.
Arctic Sea Ice Loss Weakens Northern Hemisphere Summertime Storminess but Not Until the Late 21st Century
Authors: Kang Joonsuk M. , Shaw Tiffany A. , Sun Lantao
Published: May 2023

Observations show Arctic sea ice has declined and midlatitude storminess has weakened during Northern Hemisphere (NH) summertime. It is currently unclear whether Arctic sea ice loss impacts summertime storminess because most previous work focuses on other seasons. Here we quantify the impact of Arctic sea ice loss on NH summertime storminess using equilibrium and transient climate model simulations. The equilibrium simulations show mid‐to‐late 21st century Arctic sea ice loss weakens summertime storminess, but only in the presence of ocean coupling. With ocean coupling, the equator‐to‐pole temperature and atmospheric energy gradients significantly weaken due to increased surface turbulent flux in the polar region following Arctic sea ice loss. The transient simulations show Arctic sea ice loss does not significantly weaken summertime storminess until the late 21st century. Furthermore, Arctic Amplification, which is dominated by Arctic sea ice loss in the present day, does not significantly impact the present‐day weakening of summertime storminess.
Detection and Characterization of a Coronal Mass Ejection Using Interplanetary Scintillation Measurements From the Murchison Widefield Array
Authors: Morgan J. , McCauley P. I. , Waszewski A. , Ekers R. , Chhetri R.
Published: May 2023

We have shown previously that the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA), can detect 100s of Interplanetary Scintillation (IPS) sources simultaneously across a field of view (FoV) ∼30° in extent. To test if we can use this capability to track heliospheric structures, we undertook a search of 88 hr of MWA IPS data, and identified an observation likely to have a significant Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) in the FoV. We demonstrate that in a single 5‐min MWA observation we are able to localize and image a CME ∼33 hr after launch at an elongation of ∼37° from the Sun. We use IPS observables to constrain the kinematics of the CME, and describe how MWA IPS observations can be used in the future to make a unique contribution to heliospheric modeling efforts.
Bending of the Western Mongolian Blocks Initiated the Late Triassic Closure of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean and Formation of the Tuva‐Mongol Orocline
Authors: Zhao Pan , Appel Erwin , Deng Chenglong , Xu Bei
Published: May 2023

Bending of ribbon continents or arcs is an important tectonic process for reconstructing central Asia. Formation of the striking Tuva‐Mongol Orocline by closure of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Ocean (MOO) has long been proposed, but coupling of the two geological events has not been well illustrated, hindering our understanding of tectonic evolution of central Asia. In order to constrain age of initial closure of the MOO in its western segment and formation of the Tuva‐Mongol Orocline, we performed paleomagnetic studies on the Late Triassic clastic rocks in the Amuria Block (AMB; 17 sites) and the Tarvagatay Block (TVB; 10 sites) of the western Mongolian blocks (WMB) on both sides of the Mongol‐Okhotsk Suture. Rock magnetic investigations show hematite and magnetite as main magnetic carriers of the characteristic remanent magnetization (ChRM). The ChRM directions from both regions pass fold and/or reversal tests and can be considered as primary remanent magnetization. Combining the overlapped new paleomagnetic poles (AMB: λ/φ = 70.4°N/233.8°E, A95 = 4.6°; TVB: λ/φ = 70.5°N/248.2°E, A95 = 9.0°) with geological evidence, we propose that the bending of the WMB following its collision with the Siberia Craton resulted in the Late Triassic closure of the MOO in its western segment, and initiated the formation of the Tuva‐Mongol Orocline.
Reduction of Multi‐Port Water Distribution Networks Using the Generalized Thevenin Theorem
Authors: Balireddy Raman , Chakravorty Anjan , Bhallamudi S. Murty , Kuiry S. Nath
Published: May 2023

Expansion and reorganization of water distribution networks by connecting sub‐networks via single or multiple pipes are common practices in developing cities to serve newly developed areas. In that context, the existing large network is often replaced with its equivalent simplified network for the optimal design of the upcoming sub‐networks to avoid the computational burden. The reservoir‐pump model is frequently used by practicing hydraulic engineers to replace an existing one; however, such a model should be applied only when the networks are connected through a single pipe. In this study, a new network reduction methodology is developed for multi‐port connections utilizing the analogy between electrical circuits and hydraulic networks. The equivalent simple network is obtained by suitably applying the generalized Thevenin theorem for electrical circuits. The number of network elements in the equivalent network is significantly reduced compared to the ones obtained by the existing water distribution network (WDN) reduction methods. Therefore, it is possible to reorganize and expand a large existing network system from a prior knowledge of its most sensitive parts. The accuracy and robustness of the proposed methodology are investigated on realistic WDNs by comparing the results with EPANET, for both Demand Driven Analysis and Pressure Driven Analysis. However, as of now, an electrical simulator is required to implement the proposed methodology due to the absence of current dependent voltage source model in hydraulic simulators. The proposed network reduction method can be of enormous utility for hydraulic engineers and opens up an opportunity to implement new elements in hydraulic simulators.
In the Pacific Northwest, 2021 Was the Hottest Year in a Millennium
Authors: Derouin Sarah
Published: May 2023

A 1,000-year temperature record shows unprecedented warming in the Pacific Northwest, and new modeling predicts the likelihood of future heat waves in the decades to come.
Explainable multi-task learning for multi-modality biological data analysis
Authors: Tang Xin , Zhang Jiawei , He Yichun , Zhang Xinhe , Lin Zuwan , Partarrieu Sebastian , Hanna Emma Bou , Ren Zhaolin , Shen Hao , Yang Yuhong , Wang Xiao , Li Na , Ding Jie , Liu Jia
Published: May 2023

Current biotechnologies can simultaneously measure multiple high-dimensional modalities (e.g., RNA, DNA accessibility, and protein) from the same cells. A combination of different analytical tasks (e.g., multi-modal integration and cross-modal analysis) is required to comprehensively understand such data, inferring how gene regulation drives biological diversity and functions. However, current analytical methods are designed to perform a single task, only providing a partial picture of the multi-modal data. Here, we present UnitedNet, an explainable multi-task deep neural network capable of integrating different tasks to analyze single-cell multi-modality data. Applied to various multi-modality datasets (e.g., Patch-seq, multiome ATAC + gene expression, and spatial transcriptomics), UnitedNet demonstrates similar or better accuracy in multi-modal integration and cross-modal prediction compared with state-of-the-art methods. Moreover, by dissecting the trained UnitedNet with the explainable machine learning algorithm, we can directly quantify the relationship between gene expression and other modalities with cell-type specificity. UnitedNet is a comprehensive end-to-end framework that could be broadly applicable to single-cell multi-modality biology. This framework has the potential to facilitate the discovery of cell-type-specific regulation kinetics across transcriptomics and other modalities.
Designing reliable and accurate isotope-tracer experiments for CO2 photoreduction
Authors: Wang Shengyao , Jiang Bo , Henzie Joel , Xu Feiyan , Liu Chengyuan , Meng Xianguang , Zou Sirong , Song Hui , Pan Yang , Li Hexing , Yu Jiaguo , Chen Hao , Ye Jinhua
Published: May 2023

The photoreduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) into renewable synthetic fuels is an attractive approach for generating alternative energy feedstocks that may compete with and eventually displace fossil fuels. However, it is challenging to accurately trace the products of CO2 photoreduction on account of the poor conversion efficiency of these reactions and the imperceptible introduced carbon contamination. Isotope-tracing experiments have been used to solve this problem, but they frequently yield false-positive results because of improper experimental execution and, in some cases, insufficient rigor. Thus, it is imperative that accurate and effective strategies for evaluating various potential products of CO2 photoreduction are developed for the field. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate that the contemporary approach toward isotope-tracing experiments in CO2 photoreduction is not necessarily rigorous. Several examples of where pitfalls and misunderstandings arise, consequently making isotope product traceability difficult, are demonstrated. Further, we develop and describe standard guidelines for isotope-tracing experiments in CO2 photoreduction reactions and then verify the procedure using some reported photoreduction systems.
Mucosal immunity in health care workers’ respiratory tracts in the post-COVID-19 period
Authors: Kryukova Nadezhda , Baranova Irina , Abramova Natalia , Khromova Ekaterina , Pachomov Dmitry , Svitich Oksana , Chuchalin Alexander , Kostinov Mikhail
Published: May 2023

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has generated interest in the assessment of systemic immune status, but existing knowledge about mucosal immunity is clearly insufficient to understand the full pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of novel coronavirus infection on mucosal immunity in the postinfection period among health care workers (HCWs). A total of 180 health care workers with and without a history of COVID-19 who ranged in age from 18 to 65 years were enrolled in this one-stage, cross-sectional study. The study subjects completed the 36-Item Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and total immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were quantified in saliva samples, induced sputum samples, and nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal scrapings by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were quantified in serum samples by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Analysis of the questionnaire data showed that all HCWs with a history of COVID-19 reported health problems that limited their daily activities and negative changes in their emotional health three months after the disease, regardless of its severity. The following shifts were detected in the adaptive arm of the immune response in different mucosal compartments. Among subjects who had severe or moderate-to-severe COVID-19, salivary sIgA levels were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005, respectively). Compared to the subjects in the control group, all subjects with prior COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of total IgG in induced sputum. In the group of patients who had had severe infection, total IgG in saliva was also higher (p < 0.05). A direct statistically significant correlation was also detected between the levels of total IgG in all studied samples and the levels of specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the serum. A significant correlation was observed between total IgG levels and the parameters of physical and social activities, mental health, and fatigue levels. Our study demonstrated long-term changes in the humoral mucosal immune response, which were most pronounced in health care workers with a history of severe or moderate-to-severe COVID-19, and an association of these changes with certain clinical signs of post-COVID-19 syndrome.
En-face optical coherence tomography hyperreflective foci of choriocapillaris in central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Hwang Bo-Een , Kim Joo-Young , Kim Rae-Young , Kim Mirinae , Park Young-Geun , Park Young-Hoon
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study is to evaluate choroidal hyperreflective foci (HRF) changes in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) on en-face optical coherence tomography (OCT). Retrospective analysis of 42 patients with unilateral CSC (84 eyes, including fellow eyes for controls) and 42 age- and sex-matched controls. With 4.5 × 4.5 mm macular scans, structural en-face OCT choriocapillaris (CC) slabs were used to calculate the density and number of HRF in acute CSC eyes with serous retinal detachment (SRD), resolved CSC eyes without SRD, unaffected fellow eyes, control eyes, and 1-year follow-up eyes. Based on the 2-disc diameter (3000 μm), the en-face OCT scan was divided into foveal and perifoveal lesion and analyzed to consider the impact of SRF in HRF measurement. Regression analyses were performed on the several factors with HRF number and density in the acute and resolved CSC eyes. The perifoveal density and number of CC HRF was significantly lower in the resolved CSC eyes when compared to the acute CSC eyes (P = 0.002, both), fellow eyes (P = 0.042/density, 0.028/number), and controls (P = 0.021/density, P = 0.003/number). There was no significant difference between the acute CSC eyes, fellow eyes, controls, and 1-year follow-up eyes. As subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased and choroidal vascularity (CVI) increased, the perifoveal density and number of HRF was measured higher with a significant correlation in univariate regression analysis of the acute and resolved CSC eyes (all, P < 0.05). The authors hypothesized that stromal edema induced by choroidal congestion and hyperpermeability has the greatest influence on HRF measurement, possibly affected by inflammatory cells and materials extravasation.
Bone mineral density and microarchitecture change during skeletal growth in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the German coast
Authors: Delsmann Julian , Schmidt Britta , Oheim Ralf , Amling Michael , Rolvien Tim , Siebert Ursula
Published: May 2023

Across species, the skeletal system shares mutual functions, including the protection of inner organs, structural basis for locomotion, and acting as an endocrine organ, thus being of pivotal importance for survival. However, insights into skeletal characteristics of marine mammals are limited, especially in the growing skeleton. Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are common marine mammals in the North and Baltic Seas and are suitable indicators of the condition of their ecosystem. Here, we analyzed whole-body areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and lumbar vertebrae by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in neonate, juvenile, and adult harbor seals. Along skeletal growth, an increase in two-dimensional aBMD by DXA was paralleled by three-dimensional volumetric BMD by HR-pQCT, which could be attributed to an increasing trabecular thickness while trabecular number remained constant. Strong associations were observed between body dimensions (weight and length) and aBMD and trabecular microarchitecture (R2 = 0.71–0.92, all p < 0.001). To validate the results of the DXA measurement (i.e., the standard method used worldwide to diagnose osteoporosis in humans), we performed linear regression analyses with the three-dimensional measurements from the HR-pQCT method, which revealed strong associations between the two imaging techniques (e.g., aBMD and Tb.Th: R2 = 0.96, p < 0.0001). Taken together, our findings highlight the importance of systematic skeletal investigations in marine mammals during growth, illustrating the high accuracy of DXA in this context. Regardless of the limited sample size, the observed trabecular thickening is likely to represent a distinct pattern of vertebral bone maturation. As differences in nutritional status, among other factors, are likely to affect skeletal health, it appears essential to routinely perform skeletal assessments in marine mammals. Placing the results in the context of environmental exposures may allow effective measures to protect their populations.
Reduction of rupture risk in ICA aneurysms by endovascular techniques of coiling and stent: numerical study
Authors: Rostamian Ali , Fallah Keivan , Rostamiyan Yasser
Published: May 2023

The initiation, growth, and rupture of cerebral aneurysms are directly associated with Hemodynamic factors. This report tries to disclose effects of endovascular technique (coiling and stenting) on the quantitative intra-aneurysmal hemodynamic and the rupture of cerebral aneurysms. In this paper, Computational Fluid Dynamic are done to investigate and compare blood hemodynamic inside aneurysm under effects of deformation (due to stent) and coiling of aneurysm. The blood stream inside the sac of aneurysm as well as pressure and OSI distribution on the aneurysm wall are compared in nine cases and results of two distinctive cases are compared and reported. Obtained results specifies that the mean WSS is reduced up to 20% via coiling of the aneurysm while the deformation of the aneurysm (applying stent) could reduce the mean WSS up to 71%. In addition, comparison of the blood hemodynamic shows that the blood bifurcation occurs in the dome of aneurysm when endovascular technique for the treatment is not applied. It is found that the bifurcation occurs at ostium section when ICA aneurysm is deformed by the application of stent. The impacts of coiling are mainly limited since the blood flow entrance is not limited in this technique and WSS is not reduced substantial. However, usage of stent deforms the aneurysm angle with the orientation of parent vessel and this reduces blood velocity at entrance of the ostium and consequently, WSS is decreased when deformation of the aneurysm fully occurs. These qualitative procedures provide a preliminary idea for more profound quantitative examination intended for assigning aneurysm risk of upcoming rupture.
Investigation of composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic characteristics from Juniperus sabina and Ferula communis extracts
Authors: Kavaz Doga , Faraj Razan El Khaled El
Published: May 2023

Plants have been one the most valuable sources of biologically active compounds. This study investigates the chemical composition, as well as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of methanolic and ethanolic extracts from Juniperus sabina and Ferula communis leaves, grown in Cyprus. Total phenolic and flavonoids content of methanol and ethanol extracts were quantified. Chemical constituents of the leaf extracts were analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Mome inositol was the predominant component in the J. Sabina’s extracts. The most dominant component in F. communis ethanolic extract was phytol, while in FCL methanolic extract 1,3,4,5 tetrahydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging ability. Antioxidant activity results revealed concentration dependent activity for methanolic and ethanolic extracts from the plant leaves. Antibacterial activity of plant extracts was tested against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using disk diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration methods. Cytotoxic activity of plant extracts were evaluated on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, where they demonstrated their potential on the viability of both cell lines. The biological activity revealed by plants is due to the bioactive compounds found in the extracts. These bioactive components could be used as anticancer drug candidates.
Heart disease risk factors detection from electronic health records using advanced NLP and deep learning techniques
Authors: Houssein Essam H. , Mohamed Rehab E. , Ali Abdelmgeid A.
Published: May 2023

Heart disease remains the major cause of death, despite recent improvements in prediction and prevention. Risk factor identification is the main step in diagnosing and preventing heart disease. Automatically detecting risk factors for heart disease in clinical notes can help with disease progression modeling and clinical decision-making. Many studies have attempted to detect risk factors for heart disease, but none have identified all risk factors. These studies have proposed hybrid systems that combine knowledge-driven and data-driven techniques, based on dictionaries, rules, and machine learning methods that require significant human effort. The National Center for Informatics for Integrating Biology and Beyond (i2b2) proposed a clinical natural language processing (NLP) challenge in 2014, with a track (track2) focused on detecting risk factors for heart disease risk factors in clinical notes over time. Clinical narratives provide a wealth of information that can be extracted using NLP and Deep Learning techniques. The objective of this paper is to improve on previous work in this area as part of the 2014 i2b2 challenge by identifying tags and attributes relevant to disease diagnosis, risk factors, and medications by providing advanced techniques of using stacked word embeddings. The i2b2 heart disease risk factors challenge dataset has shown significant improvement by using the approach of stacking embeddings, which combines various embeddings. Our model achieved an F1 score of 93.66% by using BERT and character embeddings (CHARACTER-BERT Embedding) stacking. The proposed model has significant results compared to all other models and systems that we developed for the 2014 i2b2 challenge.
Underscoring the effect of swab type, workflow, and positive sample order on swab pooling for COVID-19 surveillance testing
Authors: Kalinowski Maxwell J. , Hartigan Devon R. , Lojek Neal M. , Buchholz Bryan O. , Ghezzi Chiara E.
Published: May 2023

Sample pooling is a promising strategy to facilitate COVID-19 surveillance testing for a larger population in comparison to individual single testing due to resource and time constraints. Increased surveillance testing capacity will reduce the likelihood of outbreaks as the general population is returning to work, school, and other gatherings. We have analyzed the impact of three variables on the effectiveness of pooling test samples: swab type, workflow, and positive sample order. We investigated the performance of several commercially available swabs (Steripack polyester flocked, Puritan nylon flocked, Puritan foam) in comparison to a new injected molded design (Yukon). The bench-top performance of collection swab was conducted with a previously developed anterior nasal cavity tissue model, based on a silk-glycerol sponge to mimic soft tissue mechanics and saturated with a physiologically relevant synthetic nasal fluid spiked with heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2. Overall, we demonstrated statistically significant differences in performance across the different swab types. A characterization of individual swab uptake (gravimetric analysis) and FITC microparticle release suggests that differences in absorbance and retention drive the observed differences in Ct of the pooled samples. We also proposed two distinct pooling workflows to encompass different community collection modes and analyzed the difference in resulting positive pools as an effect of workflow, swab type, and positive sample order. Overall, swab types with lower volume retention resulted in reduced false negative occurrence, also observed for collection workflows with limited incubation times. Concurrently, positive sample order did have a significant impact on pooling test outcome, particularly in the case of swab type with great volume retention. We demonstrated that the variables investigated here affect the results of pooled COVID-19 testing, and therefore should be considered while designing pooled surveillance testing.