bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen fertilisation reduces the contribution of root-derived carbon to mineral-associated organic matter formation at low and high defoliation frequencies in a grassland soil
Authors: Bicharanloo Bahareh , Bagheri Shirvan Milad , Cavagnaro Timothy R. , Keitel Claudia , Dijkstra Feike A.
Published: July 2024

Background and aims

Rhizodeposition is organic matter released by living plant roots that can be transformed by microbes into particulate organic matter (POM), but that can also become more stable through the adsorption of organic matter onto soil minerals (mineral-associated organic matter, MAOM), thereby playing an important role in mitigating climate change. We examined how root-derived carbon (C) as a proxy for rhizodeposition contributed to POM and MAOM formation in a grassland affected by nitrogen (N) fertilisation and defoliation frequency, and to what degree rhizodeposition was incorporated into microbial biomass.

Methods

We applied N fertiliser (0 vs. 40 kg N ha−1 yr−1) and defoliation frequencies (3–4 vs. 6–8 clipping events year−1, simulating low and high grazing intensity) for three years, then used a 13CO2 pulse labelling technique to examine the incorporation of rhizodeposition into microbial biomass, POM and MAOM fractions.

Results

With N fertilisation, rhizodeposition contributed less to the formation of MAOM compared to the formation of POM, while defoliation frequency decreased the contribution of rhizodeposition into both POM and MAOM, particularly with N fertilisation. Although the MAOM fraction was relatively rich in N (C: N ratio of 10.5 vs. 13.5 for POM), our results suggest that adding inorganic N promoted the formation of POM more than of MAOM from rhizodeposition.

Conclusion

A large proportion of rhizodeposition was taken up by microbes that eventually could contribute to POM and MAOM formation. Our results provide insightful information regarding the stabilisation of rhizodeposition into different soil organic matter pools.
Mcti: mixed-criticality task-based isolation
Authors: Hoornaert Denis , Ghaemi Golsana , Bastoni Andrea , Mancuso Renato , Caccamo Marco , Corradi Giulio
Published: July 2024

The ever-increasing demand for high performance in the time-critical, low-power embedded domain drives the adoption of powerful but unpredictable, heterogeneous Systems-on-Chip. On these platforms, the main source of unpredictability—the shared memory subsystem—has been widely studied, and several approaches to mitigate undesired effects have been proposed over the years. Among them, performance-counter-based regulation methods have proved particularly successful. Unfortunately, such regulation methods require precise knowledge of each task’s memory consumption and cannot be extended to isolate mixed-criticality tasks running on the same core as the regulation budget is shared. Moreover, the desirable combination of these methodologies with well-known time-isolation techniques—such as server-based reservations—is still an uncharted territory and lacks a precise characterization of possible benefits and limitations. Recognizing the importance of such consolidation for designing predictable real-time systems, we introduce MCTI (Mixed-Criticality Task-based Isolation) as a first initial step in this direction. MCTI is a hardware/software co-design architecture that aims to improve both CPU and memory isolations among tasks with different criticalities even when they share the same CPU. In order to ascertain the correct behavior and distill the benefits of MCTI, we implemented and tested the proposed prototype architecture on a widely available off-the-shelf platform. The evaluation of our prototype shows that (1) MCTI helps shield critical tasks from concurrent non-critical tasks sharing the same memory budget, with only a limited increase in response time being observed, and (2) critical tasks running under memory stress exhibit an average response time close to that achieved when running without memory stress.
Why the use of domain-specific modeling in airworthy software requires new methods and how these might look like? (extended version)
Authors: Tietz Vanessa , Frey Constantin , Waldvogel Andreas , Schoepf Julian , Annighoefer Bjoern
Published: July 2024

The use of domain-specific modeling (DSM) in safety-critical avionics is rare, even though the ever-increasing complexity of avionics systems makes the use of DSM reasonable. DSM shows its advantage especially in capturing complex systems, data and relationships. The reason for the limited use in the (safety-critical) avionics area is mainly due to the high demands on the safety of software and systems. Everything that is to be used in flight operations and development must undergo a rigorous and complex certification process. Any data used in operations must be verified. A reduction of this effort can be achieved using qualified tools. A qualified tool can either replace or support certification activities. This article elaborates different use cases of how DSM could be used in relation to airworthy software. For those use cases, we review the effort of a certification and retrieve the major shortcomings and showstoppers of available frameworks, e.g. infeasible qualification of DSM runtimes and the unavailability of qualification artifacts. Finally, we elaborate possible ways of mitigation and show the concept and first results of a new DSM framework for airworthy applications, called DOMAINES. DOMAINES covers deterministic meta-modeling up to graph-based model transformations and verified visual editing. The concept of DOMAINES and a first functional prototype are presented that indicate that the shortcomings can be mitigated.
Pilot-scale microalgae cultivation and wastewater treatment using high-rate ponds: a meta-analysis
Authors: Velásquez-Orta Sharon B. , Yáñez-Noguez Isaura , Ramírez Ignacio Monje , Ledesma María Teresa Orta
Published: July 2024

Microalgae cultivation in wastewater has been widely researched under laboratory conditions as per its potential to couple treatment with biomass production. Currently, only a limited number of published articles consider outdoor and long-term microalgae-bacteria cultivations in real wastewater environmental systems. The scope of this work is to describe microalgal cultivation steps towards high-rate algal pond (HRAP) scalability and identify key parameters that play a major role for biomass productivity under outdoor conditions and long-term cultivations. Reviewed pilot-scale HRAP literature is analysed using multivariate analysis to highlight key productivity parameters within environmental and operational factors. Wastewater treatment analysis indicated that HRAP can effectively remove 90% of NH4+, 70% of COD, and 50% of PO43−. Mean reference values of 210 W m−2 for irradiation, 18 °C for temperature, pH of 8.2, and HRT of 7.7 are derived from pilot-scale cultivations. Microalgae biomass productivity at a large scale is governed by solar radiation and NH4+ concentration, which are more important than retention time variations within investigated studies. Hence, selecting the correct type of location and a minimum of 70 mg L−1 of NH4+ in wastewater will have the greatest effect in microalgae productivity. A high nutrient wastewater content increases final biomass concentrations but not necessarily biomass productivity. Pilot-scale growth rates (~ 0.54 day−1) are half those observed in lab experiments, indicating a scaling-up bottleneck. Microalgae cultivation in wastewater enables a circular bioeconomy framework by unlocking microalgal biomass for the delivery of an array of products.

Graphical Abstract
Use of Electron Beam-Induced Current Technique to Characterize Transport Properties of Narrow-Gap-Energy Materials for IR Detection
Authors: Bustillos Vasco Samantha , Baier Nicolas , Lobre Clément , Cervera Cyril , Péré-Laperne Nicolas , Evirgen Axel , Gravrand Olivier
Published: July 2024

The electron beam-induced current technique (EBIC) developed at CEA-Leti has been a valuable tool for studying the transport properties of minority carriers in HdCdTe. Indeed, previous work has demonstrated the use of this technique for estimating diffusion length from the exponential decay of EBIC as a function of junction distance, as well as direct measurement of the modulation transfer function (MTF) of small pixel pitch diodes. In this work, a modulated electron beam and a lock-in amplifier are used to measure the variation in current and phase shift with the scan distance to the junction. This work is focused on the estimation of the minority carrier lifetime from the linear evolution of the phase shift as a function of junction distance.
Psychosocial distress after radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, or (partial) nephrectomy – a comprehensive analysis of 4,290 German cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bahlburg Henning , Rausch Patricia , Tully Karl Heinrich , Berg Sebastian , Noldus Joachim , Butea-Bocu Marius Cristian , Beyer Burkhard , Müller Guido
Published: July 2024

Aim

To evaluate and identify predictors of psychosocial distress (PD) in patients after surgical treatment for prostate cancer (PC), bladder cancer (BC), or kidney cancer (KC) during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large, multi-institutional cohort.

Material and methods

Patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation (IR) after radical prostatectomy (RP), radical cystectomy (RC), or (partial) nephrectomy in one IR center in 2021 were included. PD was evaluated by the Questionnaire on Stress in Cancer Patients (QSC–R23) at the beginning (T1) and the end (T2) of IR. Regression analyses were performed to identify disease-specific predictors for high PD.

Results

A total of 4,290 patients (3,413 after RP, 563 after RC, 314 after (partial) nephrectomy) were included in this study. Median PD decreased significantly during IR across all tumor entities (each p < 0.001). The number of PC and BC patients suffering from high PD decreased significantly (each p < 0.001), but not in KC patients (p = 0.310). Younger age independently predicts high PD in all three malignancies, while additionally positive surgical margins (p = 0.016), ileal conduit (IC; p < 0.001), and nephrectomy (p = 0.032) independently predict high PD in PC, BC, and KC patients, respectively. During the Covid-19 pandemic the demand for individual psycho-oncologic counseling increased significantly in PC (p = 0.03) and KC (p = 0.001) patients.

Conclusion

Younger age independently predicts high PD in the three main urological malignancies. Positive surgical margins in PCa, IC in BCa, and nephrectomy in KC are disease-specific independent predictors for high PD in the early period after surgical treatment.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Disease-specific predictors for high PD may help clinicians identify patients at risk and may guide timely referrals to psycho-oncologic counseling in the early period after uro-oncologic surgery.
“Textbook outcome(s)” in colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mac Curtain Benjamin M. , Qian Wanyang , O’Mahony Aaron , Deshwal Avinash , Mac Curtain Reuben D. , Temperley Hugo C. , Sullivan Niall O. , Ng Zi Qin
Published: July 2024

Background

Textbook outcome (TO) is a composite measure used in surgery to evaluate post operative outcomes. No review has synthesised the evidence in relation to TO regarding the elements surgeons are utilising to inform their TO composite measure and the rates of TO achieved.

Methods

Our systematic review and meta analysis was conducted in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane central registry of controlled trials were searched up to 8th November 2023. Pooled proportions of TO, clinical factors considered and risk factors in relation to TO are reported.

Results

Fifteen studies with 301,502 patients were included in our systematic review while fourteen studies comprising of 247,843 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Pooled rates of TO achieved were 55% with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 54–55%. When stratified by elective versus mixed case load, rates were 56% (95% CI 49–62) and 54% (95% CI 50–58), respectively. Studies reported differing definitions of TO. Reported predictors of achieving TO include age, left sided surgery and elective nature.

Conclusions

TO is achieved, on average in 55% of reported cases and it may predict short and long term post operative patient outcomes. This study did not detect a difference in rates between elective versus mixed case load TO proportions. There is no standardised definition in use of TO. Standardisation of the composite is likely required to enable meaning comparison using TO in the future and a Delphi consensus is warranted.
Mathematics teaching, learning, and assessment in the digital age
Authors: Weigand Hans-Georg , Trgalova Jana , Tabach Michal
Published: July 2024

The role of teaching, learning, and assessment with digital technology has become increasingly prominent in mathematics education. This survey paper provides an overview of how technology has been transforming teaching, learning, and assessment in mathematics education in the digital age and suggests how the field will evolve in the coming years. Based on several decades of research and educational practices, we discuss and anticipate the multifaceted impact of technology on mathematics education, thus laying the groundwork for the other papers in this issue. After a brief introduction discussing the motivations for this issue, we focus our attention on three lines of research: teaching mathematics with technology, learning mathematics with technology, and assessment with technology. We point to new research orientations that address the issue of teaching with technology, specifically describing attempts to conceptualise teachers’ mathematical and digital competencies, perspectives that view teachers as designers of digital resources, and the design and evaluation of long-term initiatives to support teachers as they develop innovative teaching practices enhanced by digital technologies. Our examination shows that learning with technology is still marked by new conceptualizations raised by researchers that can further our understanding of this complex issue. These conceptualizations support the recognition that multiple resources, ranging from paper and pencil to augmented reality, participate in the learning process. Finally, assessment with technology, especially in the formative sense, offers new possibilities for offering individualised support for learners that can benefit from adaptive systems, though more tasks for conceptual understanding need to be developed.
The relationship between fear of birth and feelings of security
Authors: Yazar Merve , Ege Emel
Published: July 2024

Fear of childbirth is experienced in the pre-pregnancy period, during pregnancy and in the postpartum period, and the source of fear may vary in each period. It is stated that the experience and fear of childbirth during the birth process also have effects in the postnatal period and it is thought that it may affect feelings of security. This research was conducted in a descriptive and relationship-seeking manner to determine the relationship between fear of birth and feelings of postpartum security. Survey Form, Wijma Birth Expectation/Experience Scale Version B and Mothers’ Postpartum Sense of Security Scale were used to collect data. It was determined that there was a negative and significant relationship between birth expectation/experience and mothers’ feelings of postpartum security (β = − 0.423. p < .001). It has been established that fear of birth is related to mothers’ feelings of birth security, and as the fear of birth increases, the feeling of postpartum security decreases. As a result of the research, it was reported that mothers with high education levels, medium and high income levels, planned pregnancies, receiving prenatal care, and support from their relatives felt safer.
Left-Invariance for Smooth Vector Fields and Applications
Authors: Biagi Stefano , Bonfiglioli Andrea , Polidoro Sergio
Published: July 2024

Let $$X = \{X_0,\ldots ,X_m\}$$

X
=
{

X
0

,
…
,

X
m

}

be a family of smooth vector fields on an open set $$\Omega \subseteq \mathbb {R}^N$$

Ω
⊆

R

N

. Motivated by applications to the PDE theory of Hörmander operators, for a suitable class of open sets $$\Omega $$
Ω
, we find necessary and sufficient conditions on X for the existence of a Lie group $$(\Omega ,*)$$

(
Ω
,

∗
)

such that the operator $$L=\sum _{i = 1}^mX_i^2+X_0$$

L
=

∑

i
=
1

m

X
i
2

+

X
0

is left-invariant with respect to the operation $$*$$

∗

. Our approach is constructive, as the group law is constructed by means of the solution of a suitable ODE naturally associated to vector fields in X. We provide an application to a partial differential operator appearing in the Finance.
Causal inference of the effect of blood proteome on the risk of head and neck cancer: two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wu Jianhao
Published: July 2024

Early diagnosis of head and neck cancer can improve therapeutic outcomes but remains a challenge. The blood proteome can comprise a key source of biomarkers that enable the early diagnosis and precision medicine in head and neck cancer, but blood protein biomarkers of head and neck cancer are not well delineated. Here we applied two-sample Mendelian randomization to a GWAS dataset of 1478 blood proteins and large dataset of head and neck cancer cases and controls to identify blood proteome traits associated with head and neck cancer. Multiple two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methods were used to assess causal effects of the exposures, including: Inverse-variance weighted (IVW), Mendelian randomization-Egger method, Weight Median method, simple mode, weight mode. Sensitivity analysis was performed by using heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test and one-by-one exclusion test. Multivariable MR analyses were performed to assess the effects of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and smoking. A significant causal association between A Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 23 (ADAM23) and head and neck cancer was noted. The sensitivity analysis indicated no significant bias. Multivariate analysis showed that the effect for ADAM23 remained significant after adjusting for the indirect effects of obesity, diabetes mellitus and smoking. In sum, this study showed a significant causal role of genetically dysregulated ADAM23 protein with head and neck cancer risk. The specific mechanisms underlying the role of ADAM23 in mediating head and neck cancer risk, and its role as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker, need further investigation.
What Animals Can Do: Agency, Mutuality, and Adaptation
Authors: Read Catherine , Szokolszky Agnes
Published: July 2024

The endeavor to naturalize the philosophy of biology brings the problem of agency to the forefront, along with renewed attention to the organism and organicism. In this article, we argue for a mutualist approach to agency that starts to unravel layers of this complex issue by focusing on perception and action at the core of all biological agency. The mutuality of animals and their surroundings is seen as distinct from the typical concepts of organism, preexisting environment, and their interactions. Mutuality means a deep ontological and epistemological compatibility between the organism and its surround. We suggest that the concept of direct perception developed and empirically researched in the tradition of the ecological approach, launched by James J. Gibson, offers a promising path to approach agency within an ecological–mutuality framework. At the core of our definition of agency is the animal’s ability to self-initiate actions and activities. Animals are the source of their own actions and activities within the mutual, co-defining relation to their surround. The place of agency related to mutuality has not been elaborated sufficiently thus far, in either biology or ecological psychology. In this article, our goal is to argue for the necessity of placing agency into an ecological–mutuality framework and of further research in this direction in line with Marjorie Grene’s call to assimilate Gibson’s theory of knowledge into biology.
Intramolecular [π4s + π4s] photocycloaddition of carbon- and nitrogen-bridged [32](1,4)naphthalenophanes
Authors: Oguma Yukiko , Yamamoto Masanori , Sunatsuki Yukinari , Ota Hiromi , Yamaji Minoru , Okamoto Hideki
Published: July 2024

[32](1,4)Naphthalenophanes, bearing carbon-bridge chains (syn- and anti-NPs) and nitrogen-bridge chains (syn- and anti-ANPs), were synthesized, and their X-ray structures and photoreactions were investigated. The intramolecular separation distance between the naphthalene cores for ANPs was shorter than that for NPs, suggesting that intramolecular interactions between the naphthalene rings  were more efficient for ANPs compared to NPs. Upon photoirradiation at 300 nm, anti-NP, syn-ANP and anti-ANP produced the corresponding intramolecular [π4s + π4s] cycloadducts, whereas syn-NP gave an unidentified complex product mixture. Quantum yields for the photo-consumption (ΦPC) of NPs and ANPs were evaluated to quantitatively compare their photoreactivity. The ΦPC values of ANPs were approximately two-fold higher than those of ANPs.Noteworthily, the ΦPC value of syn-ANP was estimated to be unity. Based on these results we discuss the effects of the alignments of the naphthalene cores (antivs. syn) and the bridging elements (C-bridge vs. N-bridge) on the photoreaction efficiencies of [32](1,4)naphthalenophanes.

Graphical abstract
Design of Human–Computer Interaction Gesture Recognition System Based on a Flexible Biosensor
Authors: Chen Qianhui
Published: July 2024

The continuous development of high-speed Internet technology has made the application of robots increasingly widespread. Current robots and human–computer interaction systems mostly use rigid materials, such as metals and semiconductors, which have limitations in terms of deformability and flexibility. In addition, the biocompatibility and user comfort of these materials are also an issue. Therefore, research into new flexible biosensors is essential to improve the flexibility, comfort, and interactivity of these systems. This research will select polymer hydrogel as the electrode material of the sensor and polydimethylsiloxane as the base material of the sensor to design a resistance flexible biosensor to solve the poor flexibility. The research will use a template-matching method to verify the feasibility of gesture recognition of the flexible sensor. The remote control system of the robot finger is designed by a proportional-integral differential controller tuned by aradial basis function neural network. The feasibility of the research system is verified by simulation and scene experiments. The flexible sensor studied and prepared had a sensitivity of 0.7269, a tensile limit of 300%, and a thickness of 0.16 mm, showing good sensitivity and stability. The recognition accuracy of the sensor designed in the study was 92.8%, which was 8.1% higher than that of the data glove. Compared with traditional proportional-integral derivative (PID) controllers, the improved controller system error was within 10 to 3 rad, which had better adaptability and stability. Key information includes the design method of the flexible biosensor, its high sensitivity and stability under multiple stretches, and the proposal and validation of a new RBFNN–PID control model. These results showed that using this new sensor and control model significantly improved the control accuracy of mechanical fingers and the effect of gesture recognition. These results have important implications for the development of more advanced human–computer interaction systems. They not only improve the performance and reliability of the system, but also improve the user's interactive experience. These technologies are particularly promising in the fields of prosthetics for disabled people, advanced game controllers, and remotely controlled robots operating in hazardous environments. The research results are expected to lead to the development of advanced prosthetics, augmented reality devices, advanced game controllers, and automated robots. The main contribution of the research is to design a resistive flexible biosensor, which improves the traditional sensor's poor flexibility and large size and improves the sensor's ability to sense small changes. Future research may focus on further improving the sensor's long-term stability and performance under a variety of environmental conditions. In addition, commercializing these technologies and making them universal is also an important direction for the future.
Modeling of the Impact‐Generated Hydrothermal System at the Haughton Impact Structure
Authors: Trowbridge A. J. , Marchi Simone , Osinski Gordon R. , Taron Joshua M.
Published: July 2024

Hypervelocity impacts can generate hydrothermal systems, which have been suggested as candidate environments for prebiotic chemistry on the early Earth. The Haughton impact structure (a 23 km diameter crater located on Devon Island, Nunavut, Arctic Canada) displays evidence of water‐rock alteration indicative of a hydrothermal system generated from a cosmic impact. To model the formation of this crater and subsequent hydrothermal alteration, we have successfully developed a new two‐code methodology that utilizes a shock physics code and a hydrothermal code (HYDROTHERM). We can best reproduce the Haughton crater with a ∼700 m diameter projectile with an impact velocity of 14 km/s. With our approach, we were able to match all the major geological constraints observed at the Haughton impact structure. Our models show that the Haughton crater interior could have sustained temperatures ideal for thermophilic and hyperthermophilic life (50–120°C) for more than 50,000 years, indicating that these systems can sustain prebiotic chemistry and life for longer than previously estimated.
Graphene oxide electrodes enable electrical stimulation of distinct calcium signalling in brain astrocytes
Authors: Fabbri Roberta , Scidà Alessandra , Saracino Emanuela , Conte Giorgia , Kovtun Alessandro , Candini Andrea , Kirdajova Denisa , Spennato Diletta , Marchetti Valeria , Lazzarini Chiara , Konstantoulaki Aikaterini , Dambruoso Paolo , Caprini Marco , Muccini Michele , Ursino Mauro , Anderova Miroslava , Treossi Emanuele , Zamboni Roberto , Palermo Vincenzo , Benfenati Valentina
Published: July 2024

Astrocytes are responsible for maintaining homoeostasis and cognitive functions through calcium signalling, a process that is altered in brain diseases. Current bioelectronic tools are designed to study neurons and are not suitable for controlling calcium signals in astrocytes. Here, we show that electrical stimulation of astrocytes using electrodes coated with graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide induces respectively a slow response to calcium, mediated by external calcium influx, and a sharp one, exclusively due to calcium release from intracellular stores. Our results suggest that the different conductivities of the substrate influence the electric field at the cell–electrolyte or cell–material interfaces, favouring different signalling events in vitro and ex vivo. Patch-clamp, voltage-sensitive dye and calcium imaging data support the proposed model. In summary, we provide evidence of a simple tool to selectively control distinct calcium signals in brain astrocytes for straightforward investigations in neuroscience and bioelectronic medicine.
Magnetic field expulsion in optically driven YBa2Cu3O6.48
Authors: Fava S. , De Vecchi G. , Jotzu G. , Buzzi M. , Gebert T. , Liu Y. , Keimer B. , Cavalleri A.
Published: July 2024

Coherent optical driving in quantum solids is emerging as a research frontier, with many reports of interesting non-equilibrium quantum phases1–4 and transient photo-induced functional phenomena such as ferroelectricity5,6, magnetism7–10 and superconductivity11–14. In high-temperature cuprate superconductors, coherent driving of certain phonon modes has resulted in a transient state with superconducting-like optical properties, observed far above their transition temperature Tc and throughout the pseudogap phase15–18. However, questions remain on the microscopic nature of this transient state and how to distinguish it from a non-superconducting state with enhanced carrier mobility. For example, it is not known whether cuprates driven in this fashion exhibit Meissner diamagnetism. Here we examine the time-dependent magnetic field surrounding an optically driven YBa2Cu3O6.48 crystal by measuring Faraday rotation in a magneto-optic material placed in the vicinity of the sample. For a constant applied magnetic field and under the same driving conditions that result in superconducting-like optical properties15–18, a transient diamagnetic response was observed. This response is comparable in size with that expected in an equilibrium type II superconductor of similar shape and size with a volume susceptibility χv of order −0.3. This value is incompatible with a photo-induced increase in mobility without superconductivity. Rather, it underscores the notion of a pseudogap phase in which incipient superconducting correlations are enhanced or synchronized by the drive.
A database of chemical absorption in human skin with mechanistic modeling applications
Authors: Stevens Jessica N. , Prockter Alyson K. , Fisher Hunter A. , Tran Hien , Evans Marina V.
Published: July 2024

Whether from environmental and occupational hazards or from topical pharmaceuticals, the human skin comes into contact with various chemicals every day. In vivo experiments not only require large investments of both time and money, but in vivo experiments can also be unethical due to the need to intentionally or incidentally expose humans or animals to toxic chemicals. Comparatively, in vitro experiments offer ethical and financial advantages when combined with the opportunity to selectively choose chemicals for experimentation. With in vivo experimentation being so infeasible, many scientists have chosen to make their in vitro data available publicly. Using these data, a detailed database containing 73 chemicals was created with a robust set of descriptors to be used in connection with mathematical modeling to predict diffusion, permeability, and partition coefficients. This resulting database is tailored to be easily used in various coding languages.
Influence of granite micro particles on the mechanical, damping and antimicrobial properties of silk–sisal hybrid composites
Authors: Sripriyan K. , Karthigha M.
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on the effect of granite-micro-filler on static mechanical properties, damping behavior, and physical characteristics of silk-sisal hybrid composite. The composites structures are fabricated by using three layers of plain weaves mat with varying weight percentages (2, 4, and 6 wt%) of granite-micro-filler by hand layer process. The effect of granite-micro-filler on silk-sisal is analyzed and results are compared with pure silk-sisal (without granite-Micro-filler) hybrid composite. The results infer that; the tensile strength and flexural strength value of the developed silk-sisal hybrid composites are increased with the increase in wt% of granite-micro-filler content than pure silk–sisal, approximately 5% and 9% improved value in order by adding 6 wt% granite-micro-filler on silk–sisal. The tensile and flexural fracture morphology analysis indicated that composed plain weave of silk–sisal fiber mat with two (longitudinal and transverse) directions possesses higher mechanical properties and also observed that, granite-micro-filler dispersed on silk–sisal fiber mat and resin with closely packed. The improved damping factor is obtained by adding 6 wt% of granite-micro-filler content, which is approximately 75.8% higher than pure silk–sisal. The physical properties of silk–sisal hybrid composite have also been analyzed and well discussed in this paper.
Human amniotic membrane modulates collagen production and deposition in vitro
Authors: Moreno Sarah E. , Enwerem-Lackland Isioma , Dreaden Kristiana , Massee Michelle , Koob Thomas J. , Harper John R.
Published: July 2024

Pathological fibrosis is a significant complication of surgical procedures resulting from the accumulation of excess collagen at the site of repair which can compromise the tissue architecture and severely impede the function of the affected tissue. Few prophylactic treatments exist to counteract this process; however, the use of amniotic membrane allografts has demonstrated promising clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify the underlying mechanism of action by utilizing relevant models that accurately represent the pathophysiology of the disease state. This study employed a pro-fibrotic in vitro system using TGFβ1 stimulation and macromolecular crowding techniques to evaluate the mechanism by which amniotic membrane allografts regulate collagen biosynthesis and deposition. Following treatment with dehydrated human amnion chorion membrane (DHACM), subsequent RNA sequencing and functional enrichment with Reactome pathway analysis indicated that amniotic membranes are indeed capable of regulating genes associated with the composition and function of the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, macromolecular crowding was used in vitro to expand the evaluation to include both the effects of DHACM and a lyophilized human amnion/chorion membrane (LHACM). DHACM and LHACM regulate the TGFβ pathway and myofibroblast differentiation. Additionally, both DHACM and LHACM modulate the production, secretion, and deposition of collagen type I, a primary target for pathological fibrosis. These observations support the hypothesis that amniotic membranes may interrupt pathological fibrosis by regulating collagen biosynthesis and associated pathways.
Parallel single B cell transcriptomics to elucidate pig B cell repertoire
Authors: Bram Stanley , Lindsey Graeme , Drnevich Jenny , Xu Fangxiu , Wozniak Marcin , Medina Gisselle N. , Mehta Angad P.
Published: July 2024

Pork is the most widely consumed meat on the planet, placing swine health as a critical factor for both the world economy and the food industry. Infectious diseases in pigs not only threaten these sectors but also raise zoonotic concerns, as pigs can act as “mixing vessels” for several animals and human viruses and can lead to the emergence of new viruses that are capable of infecting humans. Several efforts are ongoing to develop pig vaccines, albeit with limited success. This has been largely attributed to the complex nature of pig infections and incomplete understanding of the pig immune responses. Additionally, pig has been suggested to be a good experimental model to study viral infections (e.g., human influenza). Despite the significant importance of studying pig immunology for developing infection models, zoonosis, and the crucial need to develop better swine vaccines, there is still very limited information on the response of the swine adaptive immune system to several emerging pathogens. Particularly, very little is known about the pig B cell repertoire upon infection. Understanding the B cell repertoire is especially crucial towards designing better vaccines, predicting zoonosis and can provide insights into developing new diagnostic agents. Here, we developed methods for performing parallel single pig B cell (up to 10,000 B cells) global and immunoglobulin transcriptome sequencing. We then adapted a computational pipeline previously built for human/mouse sequences, to now analyze pig sequences. This allowed us to comprehensively map the B cell repertoire and get paired antibody sequences from pigs in a single parallel sequencing experiment. We believe that these approaches will have significant implications for swine diseases, particularly in the context of swine mediated zoonosis and swine and human vaccine development.
Prevalence of antiphospholipid autoantibodies associated with biologics treatment for psoriasis
Authors: Li Lixin , Toyama Satoshi , Mizuno Yuka , Yamamoto Toyoki , Hiroshima Asahi , Koyama Asumi , Taira Haruka , Sugimoto Eiki , Ito Yukiko , Awaji Kentaro , Tateishi Shoko , Kanda Hiroko , Asano Yoshihide , Sato Shinichi , Shibata Sayaka
Published: July 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that sometimes necessitates therapeutic intervention with biologics. Autoantibody production during treatment with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors is a recognized phenomenon, however, the production of autoantibodies associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has not been comprehensively evaluated in patients with psoriasis. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of APS-associated autoantibodies in patients with psoriasis treated with different biologics and to investigate the potential associations between autoantibody production and clinical or serological parameters. Patients with psoriasis undergoing biologics treatments were enrolled in this study, and were categorized based on the type of biologics administered, TNF, interleukin (IL)-17, or IL-23 inhibitors. Clinical and serological data were collected and analyzed in conjunction with data on APS autoantibodies. TNF inhibitors were associated with a higher frequency of APS autoantibodies compared to IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors. Notably, the presence of APS autoantibodies correlated with concurrent arthritis and higher disease severity at treatment initiation in patients treated with TNF inhibitors. Elevated Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores and anti-nuclear antibody titers higher than × 320 were predictors of APS autoantibody production. Despite the higher autoantibody rates, clinical symptoms of APS were absent in these patients. This study provides the first comprehensive evidence of an increased frequency of APS autoantibodies associated with TNF inhibitor treatment in patients with psoriasis. The observed association between APS autoantibody positivity and TNF inhibitor treatment or clinical parameters suggests a potential immunomodulatory interplay between autoimmunity and inflammation in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Non-destructive diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease by near-infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics
Authors: Behdad Saba , Massudi Reza , Pakdel Abbas
Published: July 2024

Inflammatory Bowel Disease includes Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Currently, diagnosing involves a series of current diagnostic methods that are invasive, time-consuming, and expensive. Near-infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics can detect changes in biofluids and thus have the potential to diagnose disease. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic ability of near infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and its types. This method used blood plasma and saliva samples absorbance spectrum and multivariate analysis with the Principal Component Analysis and, Linear Discriminant Analysis, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis, and Support Vector Machine in the range 1300–1600 nm and 12 water absorbance bands in this range, separately. In the near-infrared range, total accuracy of 100% led to the separation of the healthy group and Inflammatory Bowel Disease and then the separation of the healthy group and patients with Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. The aquaphotomics approach was used to investigate the changes in the 12 water absorbance bands and their impact on the accuracy of the diagnostic method. Aquaphotomics also detected 100% of the mentioned samples. We achieved a fast, accurate, non-invasive method based on near-infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics to diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease and its types using blood plasma or saliva samples. The current study found that monitoring blood plasma or saliva using near-infrared spectra offers an opportunity to thoroughly investigate biofluids and changes in their water spectral patterns caused by complex physiological changes due to Inflammatory Bowel Disease and its types, and to visualize these changes using aquagram.
Experimental and numerical investigations on the bending capacity of cold-formed steel box headers
Authors: Matloub Ahmed A. , Elayouby Sara N. , Ibrahim Sherif M. , Dessouki Abdelrahim K.
Published: July 2024

The study investigates the bending strength of tracks of box headers beyond AISI, which considers the capacity of individual channels alone. Both experimental and FEM are used, and the results are compared to AISI. The findings highlight tracks' significant role in the overall bending capacity. AISI is found to be conservative by 34% to 152%. Failure mode is different from code theoretical expectations for a single channel. Fastener close spacing marginally improves the capacity, while side fasteners offer significant enhancement, but track widening limits this enhancement. A modification to AISI is proposed considering track strength, with outcomes showing good accuracy.
Multi-Target In-Silico modeling strategies to discover novel angiotensin converting enzyme and neprilysin dual inhibitors
Authors: Shah Sapan K. , Chaple Dinesh R. , Masand Vijay H. , Jawarkar Rahul D. , Chaudhari Somdatta , Abiramasundari A. , Zaki Magdi E. A. , Al-Hussain Sami A.
Published: July 2024

Cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, stroke, and hypertension, affect 608 million people worldwide and cause 32% of deaths. Combination therapy is required in 60% of patients, involving concurrent Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone-System (RAAS) and Neprilysin inhibition. This study introduces a novel multi-target in-silico modeling technique (mt-QSAR) to evaluate the inhibitory potential against Neprilysin and Angiotensin-converting enzymes. Using both linear (GA-LDA) and non-linear (RF) algorithms, mt-QSAR classification models were developed using 983 chemicals to predict inhibitory effects on Neprilysin and Angiotensin-converting enzymes. The Box-Jenkins method, feature selection method, and machine learning algorithms were employed to obtain the most predictive model with ~ 90% overall accuracy. Additionally, the study employed virtual screening of designed scaffolds (Chalcone and its analogues, 1,3-Thiazole, 1,3,4-Thiadiazole) applying developed mt-QSAR models and molecular docking. The identified virtual hits underwent successive filtration steps, incorporating assessments of drug-likeness, ADMET profiles, and synthetic accessibility tools. Finally, Molecular dynamic simulations were then used to identify and rank the most favourable compounds. The data acquired from this study may provide crucial direction for the identification of new multi-targeted cardiovascular inhibitors.
The moderating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between occupational stress and mental health issues among nurses
Authors: Rafiei Sima , Souri Saber , Nejatifar Zahra , Amerzadeh Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Occupational stress is a complex concept resulting from interaction among personnel, work environment, and cultural contexts. It can cause mental health issues, including clinical mental disorders, as well as emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, cognitive difficulties, and feeling sad. As a vulnerable group, healthcare professionals, especially nurses, experience a high rate of occupational stress. Therefore, we aimed to study the relationship between occupational stress, mental health problems, and self-efficacy among the nursing population. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 365 nurses selected through a two-stage sampling process from tertiary hospitals in Qazvin, Iran, between July and September 2022. Study variables included occupational stress measured by the persian version of the health and safety executive management standards revised indicator tool (MS-RIT), the general health questionnaire containing 28 questions measuring psychological distress in four primary areas of somatic and anxiety symptoms, sleep disorders, social dysfunction, and depression [GHQ–28], and general self-efficacy [GSE–10]. The mentioned variables and some of the nurses’ demographic characteristics, including age, gender, education, and work experience, were analyzed using moderated multiple regression, descriptive statistics, and the Pearson correlation coefficient.The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant association between self-efficacy and occupational stress (r = 0.62, P = 0.000) and self-efficacy and mental health (r = 0.67, P = 0.01). Regression analysis demonstrated that occupational stress accounted for 42% of the variation in mental health (R2 = 0.42, P < 0.01). The results also showed that self-efficacy moderates the relationship between occupational stress and mental health, with a significant effect (P < 0.01). The elevated prevalence of occupational stress and the concerning state of mental health among nurses highlight the need for the implementation of intervention programs, including stress prevention strategies at the workplace through organizing better working shifts, as well as increasing nurses’ self-efficacy and their effective participation in work-related tasks aiming to enhance working conditions for nurses.
Effects of mixing water and environmental pH value on the properties of sulfoaluminate cement-based ultra-high water materials
Authors: Zhang Yaohui , Wang Chun , Ren Yumeng , Xiong Zuqiang
Published: July 2024

In order to grasp the influence of the pH value of mixing water and environmental water on the properties of ultra-high water materials, this article separately carried out the influence of different pH values of mixing water on the properties of ultra-high water materials and the conservation of high-water materials in water environments with different pH values. Using test methods such as loss of flow time, compressive strength, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric-Differential Thermal Analysis (TG–DTA), to conduct regular exploration and mechanism analysis. The study found that with the continuous increase of the pH value of the mixing water, the loss of flow time of the ultra-high water material gradually decreased, and the compressive strength of the samples at the same age continued to increase. A lower pH value will affect the compressive strength of the consolidated body of the ultra-high water material, but when the pH = 13 in the reaction solution, the compressive strength of the consolidated body will no longer increase and begin to produce a weakening effect. The pH of the construction water for ultra-high water materials is recommended to be 4–13. At the same time, it was found that under the conservation of an acidic environment, the consolidated body was severely eroded and the strength loss was large. The acid–base environment of the goaf suitable for filling with the ultra-high water material should be between pH = 7–10 to ensure that the filling body is not weakened by erosion.