bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential effectiveness, efficiency, and acceptability of drill‐based interventions targeting multiplication facts
Authors: Adams Sarah R. , Maki Kathrin E.
Published: February 2023

Math facts are foundational for later math skill development, but many students demonstrate difficulties with math facts in early schooling. Drill‐based interventions have been shown to effectively target foundational academic skills; however, there is limited research examining drill‐based interventions for teaching math facts compared to basic reading skills. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of incremental rehearsal (IR), traditional drill (TD), and strategic incremental rehearsal (SIR) on multiplication fact retention, fluency, and maintenance outcomes with 36 fourth and fifth graders. The study also examined intervention efficiency and treatment acceptability. Results showed no differences in retention, maintenance, or treatment acceptability across the interventions. There were significant differences in fluency at posttest, with IR resulting in the greatest fluency scores. Furthermore, TD was the most efficient intervention overall. Implications for practice and future research are also discussed.
Four‐dimensional proteomics analysis of human cerebrospinal fluid with trapped ion mobility spectrometry using PASEF
Authors: Mun Dong‐Gi , Budhraja Rohit , Bhat Firdous A. , Zenka Roman M. , Johnson Kenneth L. , Moghekar Abhay , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: February 2023

A quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer coupled with a trapped ion mobility spectrometry (timsTOF) operated in parallel accumulation‐serial fragmentation (PASEF) mode has recently emerged as a platform capable of providing four‐dimensional (4D) features comprising of elution time, collision cross section (CCS), mass‐to‐charge ratio, and intensity of peptides. The PASEF mode provides ∼100% ion sampling efficiency both in data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) and data‐independent acquisition (DIA) modes without sacrificing sensitivity. In addition, targeted measurements using PASEF integrated parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) mode have also been described. However, only limited number of studies have used timsTOF for analysis of clinical samples. Although Orbitrap mass spectrometers have been used for biomarker discovery from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a variety of neurological diseases, these Orbitrap‐derived datasets cannot readily be applied for driving experiments on timsTOF mass spectrometers. We generated a catalog of peptides and proteins in human CSF in DDA mode on a timsTOF mass spectrometer and used these data to build a spectral library. This strategy allowed us to use elution times and ion mobility values from the spectral library to design PRM experiments for quantifying previously discovered biomarkers from CSF samples in Alzheimer's disease. When the same samples were analyzed using a DIA approach combined with a spectral library search, a higher number of proteins were identified than in a library‐free approach. Overall, we have established a spectral library of CSF as a resource and demonstrated its utility for PRM and DIA studies, which should facilitate studies of neurological disorders.
Phenolic compounds extraction from propolis using imidazole‐based ionic liquids: A theoretical and experimental study
Authors: Pale‐Ezquivel Ivan , Vera‐Guzmán Mario , Domínguez Zaira , Matus Myrna H.
Published: February 2023

The stability and non‐covalent interactions (NCI) of complexes formed by pinocembrin (PC), pinobanksin (PB), and pinobanksin 3‐acetate (PA) with a series of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids ([Bmim][BF4], [Bmim][Br], [Omim][Br], [Umim][Br], [OmimOH][Cl], and [UnmimOH][Br]) were evaluated through thermochemical parameters obtained from density functional theory (DFT) calculations, as well as atoms in molecules (AIM) and NCI analyses. The theoretical data were contrasted with experimental results obtained from the extraction of the three phenolic compounds from a propolis sample with aqueous solutions of the imidazolium salts. Calculations predicted that the complex formation processes at 298 K are spontaneous and close to the thermodynamic equilibrium (ΔGm ± 10 kcal/mol) in all the cases. However, [Omim][Br] forms the more stable complexes with the three flavonoids, which present a good correlation with greater amounts of PC, PB, and PA obtained during the extractions with this salt, with respect to the others. The hydrogen bond between the anion and the hydroxyl group of phenolic type is one of the most important NCI between the chemical species that conform the complexes; however, the functionalized cation UnmimOH+ can interact, even better than bromide, with the flavonoids through a hydrogen bond between hydroxyl groups. This could explain the higher values obtained through the Folin–Ciocalteu test used to evaluate the total phenolic content in the propolis extracts. This is not the case for the OmimOH+ functionalized cation, because the more electronegative counterion (Cl−) avoids an analogous behavior.
Respiratory culture organism isolation and test characteristics in children with tracheostomies with and without acute respiratory infection
Authors: Steuart Rebecca , Ale Guillermo B. , Woolums Abigail , Xia Nicole , Benscoter Dan , Russell Christopher J. , Shah Samir S. , Thomson Joanna
Published: February 2023

Background

Among children with tracheostomies, little is known about how respiratory culture results differ between states with and without acute respiratory infections (ARI), or the overall test performance of respiratory cultures.

Objective

To determine the association of respiratory culture organism isolation with diagnosis of ARI in children with tracheostomies, and assess test characteristics of respiratory cultures in the diagnosis of bacterial ARI (bARI).

Methods

This single‐center, retrospective cohort study included respiratory cultures of children with tracheostomies obtained between 2010 and 2018. The primary predictor was ARI diagnosis code at the time of culture; the primary outcomes were respiratory culture organism isolation and species identified. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess for association between ARI diagnosis and isolation of any organism while controlling for potential confounders and accounting for within‐patient clustering. A multinomial logistic regression equation assessed for association with specific species. Test characteristics were calculated using bARI diagnosis as the reference standard.

Results

Among 3578 respiratory cultures from 533 children (median 4 cultures/child, interquartile range (IQR): 1–9), 25.9% were obtained during ARI and 17.2% had ≥1 organism. Children with ARI diagnosis had higher odds of organism identification (adjusted odds ratio 1.29, 95%  confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.44). When controlling for covariates, ARI was associated with isolation of Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes. Test characteristics revealed a 24.3% sensitivity, 85.2% specificity, 36.5% positive predictive value, and 76.3% negative predictive value in screening for bARI.

Conclusion

The utility of respiratory culture testing to screen for, diagnose, and direct treatment of ARI in children with tracheostomies is limited.
Effect of Training Pulse Parameters on the Synaptic Plasticity of a ZrO2(Y)‐Based Memristive Device
Authors: Koryazhkina Maria N. , Ryabova Margarita A. , Okulich Evgeniya V. , Belov Alexey I. , Antonov Ivan N. , Shenina Maria E. , Shchanikov Sergey A. , Mikhaylov Alexey N. , Filatov Dmitrii O. , Valenti Davide , Spagnolo Bernardo
Published: February 2023

Herein, the effect of training pulse parameters on the synaptic plasticity of a ZrO2(Y)‐based memristive device has been investigated. It is shown that the potentiation and depression significantly depend on the amplitude and shape of the training pulses. The most stable synaptic plasticity is observed when considering training pulses with rectangular shape and maximum amplitude value. In contrast, there is a rather weak dependence of the potentiation and depression on the number of pulses in trains. The observed effect can be explained in terms of the work required to change the resistive state. Moreover, a ZrO2(Y)‐based memristive device exhibits distinguishable potentiation and depression for at least 1000 cycles.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Zirconium Oxide High‐k Gate Dielectric in Silicon‐Based Metal Oxide Semiconductor Capacitors
Authors: Cai Haotian , Tuokedaerhan Kamale , Lu Zhenchuan , Du Hongguo , Zhang Renjia
Published: February 2023

Herein, zirconia thin films are successfully prepared on silicon substrates using the sol–gel method, and the microstructure, optical, and electrical properties of zirconia high‐k gate dielectric films are analyzed at different annealing temperatures. X‐ray diffraction results show that ZrO2 films crystallize above 500 °C and the grain size increases with the increase of annealing temperature; X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirms that metal–oxygen bonds can be effectively formed and defects in the films are eliminated by annealing treatment, with significant changes in the valence band shift (ΔEv) and conduction band shift (ΔEc) with increasing annealing temperature. Analysis of the optical properties of the films by UV‐Vis confirms that all zirconia films have high transmittance, with the bandgap increasing from 5.54 to 5.74 eV with increasing annealing temperature. Atomic force microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope show that the film quality is better and the root mean square roughness of the zirconia films increases from 0.551 to 1.190 nm and the film thickness decreases from 176.19 to 58.73 nm with increasing annealing temperature. Electrical performance tests show that proper annealing is effective in improving electrical properties, such as obtaining a larger dielectric constant (k) and a lower leakage current density.
A Study on Imprint Behavior of Ferroelectric Hafnium Oxide Caused by High‐Temperature Annealing
Authors: Sünbül Ayse , Lehninger David , Lederer Maximilian , Mähne Hannes , Hoffmann Raik , Bernert Kerstin , Thiem Steffen , Schöne Fred , Döllgast Moritz , Haufe Nora , Roy Lisa , Kämpfe Thomas , Seidel Konrad , Eng Lukas M.
Published: February 2023

Hafnium oxide is found to be a favorable material for ferroelectric nonvolatile memory devices. Its compatibility with complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor processes, the relatively low crystallization temperature when zirconium‐doped, and the thickness scaling are among the advantageous properties of hafnium oxide. Different requirements must be fulfilled for different applications of hafnium oxide. Herein, high‐temperature annealing and operation conditions are analyzed in order to investigate nonvolatile memories for automotive applications. A strong imprint behavior (shift in coercive voltages) is observed after annealing hafnium–zirconium–oxide thin films at temperatures varied between 100 and 200 °C. The imprint behavior is a significant challenge in many applications. Therefore, to reduce/recover the undesirable imprint behavior caused by high‐temperature treatment, two different ways are successfully examined and delineated here: endurance cycling and applying high electric fields.
Unilateral diffuse alveolar haemorrhage with microscopic polyangiitis: A case report
Authors: Kim Tae Gyoung , Kang Jiyeon , Seo Woo Jung , Kang Jieun , Park So‐Hee , Koo Hyeon‐Kyoung , Park Hye Kyeong , Lee Sung‐Soon , Kim Jung Gon , Kang Hyung Koo
Published: February 2023

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) is a life‐threatening condition caused by widespread damage to the small pulmonary vessels. Common chest imaging findings in patients with DAH show bilateral diffuse airspace opacities. DAH complicating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis, including microscopic polyangiitis, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with progressive dyspnea, reduced haemoglobin levels, and alveolar opacities on chest imaging. We report the case of a 78‐year‐old woman who presented with unilateral DAH, severe dyspnea, and anaemia. DAH was confirmed using bronchoalveolar lavage. Laboratory test results, including ANCA, positive anti‐myeloperoxidase antibody, and negative anti‐proteinase 3, led to a diagnosis of microscopic polyangiitis. Rituximab and methylprednisolone were administered. The patient's symptoms, laboratory test results, and chest radiography findings improved after the initiation of treatment. This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition of clinical symptoms and signs, including dyspnea and anaemia, for the diagnosis of DAH.
Distance‐targeted competitive follower‐attraction containment control for multi‐agent systems with weighted directed graphs
Authors: Ao Yichao , Jia Yingmin
Published: February 2023

This paper studies competitive containment control problems of the leader‐follower multi‐agent systems with weighted directed graphs. Two leaders compete to minimize the ultimate distances from the followers, by directly connecting with some of the followers and allocating weights on these connections. This competition is characterized by a nonzero‐sum game due to the existence of singular strategies. With the help of matrix series and Geršgorin discs, we provide the gradients and the convexity of the payoff functions on the differentiable strategy sets. By constructing auxiliary strategy sets which elaborately exclude the singular strategies and deeply analyzing the Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions, existence and uniqueness of the Nash equilibrium are rigorously examined, and a sufficient and necessary algebraic condition for this Nash equilibrium is further obtained. For a special case where all followers can be connected with meanwhile a degree condition for the interaction graph is satisfied, we find each leader tends to build connections with all followers and destroy the distribution fashion of multi‐agent systems. All above analysis indicates that some typical phenomena in game theory models such as Pigs' Payoff and Prisoner's Dilemma similarly exist in the multi‐agent containment control systems. Lastly, two Nash equilibrium seeking algorithms are proposed for leaders to select their rational strategies.
The jump of the clique chromatic number of random graphs
Authors: Lichev Lyuben , Mitsche Dieter , Warnke Lutz
Published: February 2023

The clique chromatic number of a graph is the smallest number of colors in a vertex coloring so that no maximal clique is monochromatic. In 2016 McDiarmid, Mitsche and Prałat noted that around  the clique chromatic number of the random graph  changes by  when we increase the edge‐probability  by , but left the details of this surprising “jump” phenomenon as an open problem. We settle this problem, that is, resolve the nature of this polynomial “jump” of the clique chromatic number of the random graph  around edge‐probability . Our proof uses a mix of approximation and concentration arguments, which enables us to (i) go beyond Janson's inequality used in previous work and (ii) determine the clique chromatic number of  up to logarithmic factors for any edge‐probability .
Thermodynamic Analysis of CO2 Hydrogenation to Ethanol: Solvent Effects
Authors: Fu Weijie , Tang Zhenchen , Liu Shuilian , He Yiming , Sun Ruiyan , Mebrahtu Chalachew , Zeng Feng
Published: February 2023

CO2 hydrogenation to ethanol presents an important way to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate global warming. Since the solvent plays a key role in this reaction (i. e. in a batch reactor), the thermodynamics is investigated herein using an RGibbs model in Aspen Plus to illustrate the effects of solvents with various dielectric constant and vapor pressure. Accordingly, it is found that the solvents possessing a high dielectric constant together with low vapor pressure favor ethanol synthesis thermodynamically. Furthermore, mixing a solvent having a high‐dielectric‐constant and high vapor pressure with another solvent having a low‐dielectric‐constant and low vapor pressure promotes ethanol synthesis thermodynamically.
Binary Carbon Modification Promoting the Electrochemical Performance of Silicon Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Yaxin , Zhang Yang , Song Ye , Li Pingyun , Liu Jie
Published: February 2023

As the research on lithium‐ion battery cathode materials gradually breaks through the saturation, the anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries have received wide attention because of their promising future. Silicon electrodes, in particular, are attracting increasing attention. In this paper, the Si/G precursor was achieved by simple mechanical ball milling. Two silicon based composite electrode materials Si@TA and Si@TA‐G were synthesized by spontaneous polymerization of tannic acid on precursor surface in Tris buffer solution. For the poor electrical conductivity of silicon, graphite was added as a carbon source to avoid the direct contact between silicon and electrolyte during charge/discharge process by forming tannic acid coating on silicon surface.The Si@TA composites achieve a discharge specific capacity of 927.4 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 current density after 50 cycles with a retention rate of 87.1 % while the reversible capacity of Si@TA‐G is 1249.8 mAh g−1 with a retention rate is 93.6 %. This unique composite method provides new insights into the modification of silicon anode materials.
Exploring Anthraquinones as Antibacterial and Antifungal agents
Authors: Raghuveer Dhanush , Pai V. Varsha , Murali Thokur Sreepathy , Nayak Roopa
Published: February 2023

Anthraquinones having an anthracene core structure with two carbonyl groups are essential compounds in therapeutic applications. One of the growing concerns within the medical community is antimicrobial resistance. Multiple drug‐resistant microbes can worsen a disease that can be easily treated with normal drugs. Microbes also produce biofilms that further enhance their resistance to antimicrobials, rendering biofilm‐associated infections challenging to eradicate. This review provides an update on the antibacterial and antifungal activities of natural and synthetic anthraquinone derivatives. The mechanism of antibacterial and antifungal action of anthraquinones are summarised, which will help in designing new therapeutically effective anthraquinone compounds.
Actors in conflict of interest in Iran's health system: Ranking and policy recommendations for conflict of interest management
Authors: Khanjankhani Khatere , Takian Amirhossein , Shamsi Gooshki Ehsan , Mohammadi Seyed‐Mehrdad , Arab Mohammad
Published: February 2023

We conducted this study to rank conflict of interest (COI) actors in Iran's health system. Based on a review of relevant literature, we extracted a list of 27 actors within seven categories who play roles in the COI in the health system. We considered three criteria for ranking the actors: the actor's interest, power, and authority concerning COI. Each actor scored one to five on the Likert scale in every criteria. Using descriptive statistics, each actor's mean and standard deviation of its scores were calculated in these three indicators. The actors were ranked using the fuzzy TOPSIS method. The results showed the leading players in abusing the COI in the health system of Iran are the “Food and Drug Organization” and the “Parliament.” The role and capacity of civil society and nongovernmental organizations as essential arms of oversight and transparency should not be overlooked. The government needs to enhance its efforts, we envisage, to utilize the capability of these actors by opening a dialog with them and providing the necessary training for COI.
The evolution of cannabinoid receptors in cancer
Authors: Pennant Nakea M. , Hinton Cimona V.
Published: February 2023

Cannabis sativa (cannabis) has been used as a therapeutic treatment for centuries treating various diseases and disorders. However, racial propaganda led to the criminalization of cannabis in the 1930s preventing opportunities to explore marijuana in therapeutic development. The increase in recreational use of cannabis further grew concern about abuse, and lead to further restrictions and distribution of cannabis in the 1970s when it was declared to be a Schedule I drug in the USA. In the late 1990s in some states, legislation assisted in legalizing the use of cannabis for medical purposes under physician supervision. As it has been proven that cannabinoids and their receptors play an essential role in the regulation of the physiological and biological processes in our bodies. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is the complex that regulates the cell‐signaling system consisting of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes responsible for the synthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids. The ECS along with phytocannabinoids and synthetic cannabinoids serves to be a beneficial therapeutic target in treating diseases as they play roles in cell homeostasis, cell motility, inflammation, pain‐sensation, mood, and memory. Cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis and even restore homeostasis in a variety of models of cancer in vitro and in vivo. Cannabis and its receptors have evolved into a therapeutic treatment for cancers.

This article is categorized under:

Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Dynamic response of elastic anisotropic solid with nanoinclusions
Authors: Parvanova Sonia , Dineva Petia
Published: February 2023

The finite elastic anisotropic solid with multiple elastic isotropic/anisotropic nanoinclusions of arbitrary shape, size, number and geometrical configuration subjected to time‐harmonic or transient loads is examined under plane strain conditions. The proposed mechanical model is based on a hybrid usage of elastodynamic theory for the bulk elastic anisotropic solid under non‐classical boundary conditions (BC), supplemented with a localized constitutive equation for the solid‐nanoinclusion interface in the framework of the Gurtin‐Murdoch theory of surface elasticity. The developed and verified numerical scheme for solution of the transient problem is based on the hybrid usage of direct and inverse Fourier transform (FFT), boundary element method (BEM) in conjunction with closed form frequency dependent fundamental solution of elastodynamic equation for anisotropic materials. The proposed model is flexible, numerically efficient and has virtually no limitations regarding the type of material anisotropy, nanoinclusions’ shape, size, number and geometrical configuration. The numerical results show a marked dependence of the wave fields on the surface elasticity effects, on the size, number and position of the nanoinclusions, on the type of material anisotropy, on the type and properties of the dynamic load, on the mutual interactions between nanoinclusions and between them and the external solid's boundary.
ModelarDB: Integrated Model-Based Management of Time Series from Edge to Cloud
Authors: Jensen Søren Kejser , Thomsen Christian , Pedersen Torben Bach
Published: February 2023

To ensure critical infrastructure is operating as expected, high-quality sensors are increasingly installed. However, due to the enormous amounts of high-frequency time series they produce, it is impossible or infeasible to transfer or even store these time series in the cloud when using state-of-the-practice compression methods. Thus, simple aggregates, e.g., 1–10-minutes averages, are stored instead of the raw time series. However, by only storing these simple aggregates, informative outliers and fluctuations are lost. Many Time Series Management System (TSMS) have been proposed to efficiently manage time series, but they are generally designed for either the edge or the cloud. In this paper, we describe a new version of the open-source model-based TSMS ModelarDB. The system is designed to be modular and the same binary can be efficiently deployed on the edge and in the cloud. It also supports continuously transferring high-frequency time series compressed using models from the edge to the cloud. We first provide an overview of ModelarDB, analyze the requirements and limitations of the edge, and evaluate existing query engines and data stores for use on the edge. Then, we describe how ModelarDB has been extended to efficiently manage time series on the edge, a novel file-based data store, how ModelarDB’s compression has been improved by not storing time series that can be derived from base time series, and how ModelarDB transfers high-frequency time series from the edge to the cloud. As the work that led to ModelarDB began in 2015, we also reflect on the lessons learned while developing it.
Noncommutativity and logarithmic correction to the black hole entropy
Authors: Gupta Kumar S. , Jurić Tajron , Samsarov Andjelo , Smolić Ivica
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We study the noncommutative corrections to the entropy of the Reissner-Nordström black hole using a κ-deformed scalar probe within the brick-wall framework. The noncommutativity is encoded in an Abelian Drinfeld twist constructed from the Killing vector fields of the Reissner-Nordström black hole. We show that the noncommutative effects naturally lead to a logarithmic correction to the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy even at the lowest order of the WKB approximation. In contrast, such logarithmic corrections in the commutative setup appear only after the quantum effects are included through higher order WKB corrections or through higher loop effects. Our analysis thus provides further evidence towards the hypothesis that the noncommutative framework is capable of encoding at least some quantum effects in curved spacetime, although additional contributions will appear when the NC effects are fully incorporated in a gravity theory.
When facial recognition does not ‘recognise’: erroneous identifications and resulting liabilities
Authors: Raposo Vera Lúcia
Published: February 2023

Facial recognition is an artificial intelligence-based technology that, like many other forms of artificial intelligence, suffers from an accuracy deficit. This paper focuses on one particular use of facial recognition, namely identification, both as authentication and as recognition. Despite technological advances, facial recognition technology can still produce erroneous identifications. This paper addresses algorithmic identification failures from an upstream perspective by identifying the main causes of misidentifications (in particular, the probabilistic character of this technology, its ‘black box’ nature and its algorithmic bias) and from a downstream perspective, highlighting the possible legal consequences of such failures in various scenarios (namely liability lawsuits). In addition to presenting the causes and effects of such errors, the paper also presents measures that can be deployed to reduce errors and avoid liabilities.
Effects of Ti6Al4V mechanical and thermal surface modification on the adhesion of a chitosan-bioactive glass coating
Authors: Sanguedolce Michela , Rotella Giovanna , Curcio Federica , Pelaccia Riccardo , Siciliani Vincenzina , Cassano Roberta , Orazi Leonardo , Filice Luigino
Published: February 2023

Biomedical implants interact with human tissues introducing significant perturbation into the body. Implant surfaces can be then functionalized enabling better biocompatibility. At the same time, the additional use of a coating provides further functions such as corrosion protection, osteointegration, and drug delivery. In this context, a composite made of chitosan and bioactive glass nanoparticles has been used for coating Ti6Al4V alloy samples processed beforehand using different processes, i.e., polishing, milling, grit blasting, and electrical discharge machining. Experiments have been carried out to correlate substrate surface conditions and coating effectiveness in terms of scratch resistance with the final aim to obtain suitable guidelines to improve substrate-coating performances.

Graphical Abstract
Feasibility of using quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy and ultra-microbalances for investigation of a PET microplastic reference material
Authors: Seghers John , Günther Marcel , Breidbach Andreas , Peez Nadine , Imhof Wolfgang , Emteborg Håkan
Published: February 2023

Here, we report on the feasibility of using quantitative NMR and ultra-microbalances for additional measurements of the mass of poly-ethylene terephthalate (PET) particles in a reference material (RM). The microplastic (MP) PET particles were immobilised in solid NaCl following freeze-drying of a 1-ml NaCl suspension. The particles ranged from 30 to about 200 µm (Feretmin). In a 3-day process, more than 500 such units of PET particles in the NaCl carrier were prepared and later used in a large-scale inter-laboratory comparison. The homogeneity of PET in the salt carrier over these 500 units had previously been evaluated with respect to the mass of PET using an ultra-microbalance. In addition to the original results obtained by weighing, two independent results of quantitative 1H-NMR have been obtained for further investigation of this reference material together with one additional set of weighing data. The NMR data were used for confirmation of the weighed amount of PET (as weighing is non-specific for PET). Average masses of 0.293 ± 0.04 mg and 0.286 ± 0.03 mg of PET were obtained using two different ultra-microbalances (14% RSD for n = 14 and 9% RSD for n = 4, respectively). The corresponding 1H-NMR data was 0.300 ± 0.02 mg of PET (6.7% RSD for n = 5) and 0.345 ± 0.04 mg of PET (12.5% RSD for n = 14), respectively. The average mass of PET obtained by 1H-NMR measurements was in agreement with the weighed amounts within their standard deviations. A mean value of 0.306 mg PET with an expanded uncertainty of 0.058 mg (± 19% relative) was calculated, and it is traceable to the SI system of measurements. Measurement of PET by quantitative 1H-NMR spectroscopy is also reported for a water sample. The PET contained in one RM sample was transferred to 1 L of water to mimic a drinking water sample for microplastics.

Graphical abstract
Effects of reducing, stabilizing, and antibiotic agents on “Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis”
Authors: Ude Emea Okorafor , Haas Jucelaine , Kaiyoum Mohammed Kaysar , Ding Chang , Adrian Lorenz
Published: February 2023

Anaerobic ammon ium oxidizing (anammox) bacteria oxidize ammonium and reduce nitrite, producing N2, and could play a major role in energy-optimized wastewater treatment. However, sensitivity to various environmental conditions and slow growth currently hinder their wide application. Here, we attempted to determine online the effect of environmental stresses on anammox bacteria by using an overnight batch activity test with whole cells, in which anammox activity was calculated by quantifying N2 production via headspace-pressure monitoring. A planktonic mixed culture dominated by “Candidatus Kuenenia stuttgartiensis” strain CSTR1 was cultivated in a 30-L semi-continuous stirring tank reactor. In overnight resting-cell anammox activity tests, oxygen caused strong inhibition of anammox activity, which was reversed by sodium sulfite (30 µM). The tested antibiotics sulfamethoxazole, kanamycin, and ciprofloxacin elicited their effect on a dose-dependent manner; however, strain CSTR1 was highly resistant to sulfamethoxazole. Anammox activity was improved by activated carbon and Fe2O3. Protein expression analysis from resting cells after anammox activity stimulation revealed that NapC/NirT family cytochrome c (KsCSTR_12840), hydrazine synthase, hydrazine dehydrogenase, hydroxylamine oxidase, and nitrate:nitrite oxidoreductase were upregulated, while a putative hydroxylamine oxidoreductase HAO (KsCSTR_49490) was downregulated. These findings contribute to the growing knowledge on anammox bacteria physiology, eventually leading to the control of anammox bacteria growth and activity in real-world application.

Key Points

• Sulfite additions can reverse oxygen inhibition of the anammox process

• Anammox activity was improved by activated carbon and ferric oxide

• Sulfamethoxazole marginally affected anammox activity

Graphical abstract
High‐Risk Breast Lesions Diagnosed by Ultrasound‐Guided Vacuum‐Assisted Excision
Authors: He Ping , Lei Yu‐Tao , Zhao Hong‐Mei , Chen Wen , Shen Wei‐Wei , Fu Peng , Cui Li‐Gang
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the role of ultrasound‐guided vacuum‐assisted excision (US‐guided VAE) in the treatment of high‐risk breast lesions and to evaluate the clinical and US features of the patients associated with recurrence or development of malignancy.

Materials and methods

Between April 2010 and September 2021, 73 lesions of 73 patients underwent US‐guided VAE and were diagnosed with high‐risk breast lesions. The incidence of recurrence or development of malignancy for high‐risk breast lesions was evaluated at follow‐up period. The clinical and US features of the patients were analyzed to identify the factors affecting the recurrence or development of malignancy rate.

Results

Only benign phyllodes tumors on US‐guided VAE showed recurrences, while other high‐risk breast lesions that were atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), lobular neoplasia (atypical lobular hyperplasia/lobular carcinoma in situ), radial scar, and flat epithelial atypia did not show recurrences or malignant transformation. The recurrence rate of the benign phyllodes tumor was 20.8% (5/24) in a mean follow‐up period of 34.3 months. The recurrence rate of benign phyllodes tumor with distance from nipple of less than 1 cm was significantly higher than that of lesions with distance from nipple of more than 1 cm (75% vs. 10%, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Benign phyllodes tumors without concurrent breast cancer could be safely followed up instead of surgical excision after US‐guided VAE when the lesions were classified as BI‐RADS 3 or 4A by US.
Hydroxychloroquine in children with proliferative lupus nephritis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Gheet Fatma Sayed , Dawoud Heba El-Sayed , El-Shahaby Waleed Ahmed , Elrifaey Shymaa Mohamed , Abdelnabi Hend Hassan
Published: February 2023

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial agent used to treat mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, constitutional manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study assessed the efficacy and side effects of HCQ in children with proliferative lupus nephritis (LN). This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial study was conducted on 60 children with proliferative LN classes III and IV treated with steroids and a mycophenolate (MMF) regimen. Patients were categorized into two groups, the HCQ group (n = 30) and the placebo group (n = 30). They were evaluated initially at 6- and a 12-month follow-up by mucocutaneous, ophthalmological examination, and investigations (BUN, creatinine, 24 h proteinuria, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, Antids-DNA, C3, C4). Disease activity was assessed using the SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI-2 k). After 12 months, TG, cholesterol, 24 h proteinuria, Antids-DNA, and SLEDAI score were significantly decreased in the HCQ group (P: 0.002, 0.012, 0.031, 0.001, respectively). After 12 months, the cumulative probabilities of developing primary end-points (LN partial and complete remission) were 40% and 60% in the HCQ group versus 53.3% and 36.7% in the placebo group (P: 0.002). After 12 months, the HCQ group experienced mucocutaneous alopecia (3.3%), hyperpigmentation (10%), and ophthalmological mild retinal changes (6.7%), but they did not differ significantly from the placebo group.

  Cunclusion: HCQ improved the disease and LN activity in children with proliferative LN, with documented skin hyperpigmentation and mild retinal changes following HCQ use in a few cases. This study was registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ with trial registration number (TRN): NCT03687905, September 2018 “retrospectively registered.”

What is Known:

• Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is documented as an adjunctive treatment in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) LN with efficacy in improving lupus musculoskeletal and mucocutaneous manifestations.

• Due to the paucity of studies, its effects and side effects in children with LN remain unclear.

What is New:

• This pilot randomized clinical trial assessed the efficacy and adverse effects of HCQ in children with proliferative LN.

• HCQ had numerous advantages for LN, including rapid and sustained remission, antilipidemic effect, and rapid improvement of kidney functions.
Geckos differentiate self from other using both skin and faecal chemicals: evidence towards self-recognition?
Authors: Szabo Birgit , Ringler Eva
Published: February 2023

Self-recognition is the ability to recognise stimuli originating from oneself. Humans and some non-human animals show evidence of true visual self-recognition in the mirror test. They use their reflection to inspect themselves and to remove a mark that is only visible in the mirror. Not all animals, however, rely primarily on vision. In lizards, chemical cues are crucial in social interactions, and therefore, lizards would benefit from a chemical self-other distinction. Here, we test the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko), a social species, on their ability to discriminate their own skin and faecal chemicals from those of same-sex, unfamiliar conspecifics. We predicted that individuals would show more self-directed behaviour when confronted with the chemicals from unfamiliar individuals within their home enclosure as a sign of the need for increased comparison. Geckos showed higher self-directed responses towards chemicals from unfamiliar individuals compared to self-produced chemicals and a water control. Furthermore, scat and skin chemicals (regardless of origin) elicited similar but stronger responses than peppermint oil pointing towards a possible social function of scat piles. Although further tests and controls are needed, our study provides evidence towards chemical self-recognition and for a social function of scat piling in tokay geckos.
Accretion disks, quasars and cosmology: meandering towards understanding
Authors: Czerny Bożena , Cao Shulei , Jaiswal Vikram Kumar , Karas Vladimír , Khadka Narayan , Martínez-Aldama Mary Loli , Naddaf Mohammad Hassan , Panda Swayamtrupta , Pozo Nuñez Francisco , Prince Raj , Ratra Bharat , Sniegowska Marzena , Yu Zhefu , Zajaček Michal
Published: February 2023

As Setti and Woltjer noted back in 1973, one can use quasars to construct the Hubble diagram; however, the actual application of the idea was not that straightforward. It took years to implement the proposition successfully. Most ways to employ quasars for cosmology now require an advanced understanding of their structure, step by step. We briefly review this progress, with unavoidable personal biases, and concentrate on bright unobscured sources. We will mention the problem of the gas flow character close to the innermost stable circular orbit near the black hole, as discussed five decades ago. This problem later led to the development of the slim disk scenario and is recently revived in the context of Magnetically Arrested Disks (MAD) and Standard and Normal Evolution (SANE) models. We also discuss the hot or warm corona issue, which is still under debate and complicates the analysis of X-ray reflection. We present the scenario of the formation of the low ionization part of the Broad Line Region as a failed wind powered by radiation pressure acting on dust (Failed Radiatively Driven Dusty Outflow – FRADO). Next, we examine the cosmological constraints currently achievable with quasars, primarily concentrating on light echo methods (continuum time delays and spectral-line time delays to the continuum) that are (or should be) incorporating the progress mentioned above. Finally, we briefly discuss prospects in this lively subject area.
Pin-supported walls as seismic retrofit for existing RC frames: performance improvement through link removal
Authors: Casprini Elena , Belleri Andrea , Marini Alessandra , Passoni Chiara , Labò Simone
Published: February 2023

Pin-supported (PS) walls represent a possible solution for the seismic retrofit of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, enabling linearization of the frame deformation along its height and consequently inhibiting soft storey collapse mechanisms. The effectiveness of this rehabilitation technology is strongly related to the characteristics of the existing frames, especially to the vertical distribution of the frame storey lateral stiffness. Since a larger 1st storey lateral stiffness may lead to a detrimental structural response of the retrofitted system, an alternative solution obtained from removing the connecting link between the 1st floor of the existing building and the pin-supported wall is investigated in this paper. An analytical method is proposed to derive the distribution of the internal actions in a dual 2D RC frame-PS wall system without the link at the 1st floor level, considering both a linear and nonlinear behaviour of the frame. It emerges that some parameters describing the structure type can provide straightforward information on the suitability of this solution in the seismic retrofit of existing RC buildings. As a result, a simplified procedure has been derived to preliminarily define the retrofit system configuration and evaluate the maximum demand in the PS wall. Such a procedure is finally applied with reference to a frame representing a RC building and finite element model analyses are carried out for validation purposes.
Investigation of the similarities between NDVI maps from different proximal and remote sensing platforms in explaining vineyard variability
Authors: Kasimati A. , Psiroukis V. , Darra N. , Kalogrias A. , Kalivas D. , Taylor J. A. , Fountas S.
Published: February 2023

Vegetation indices (VI), especially the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI), are used to determine management units (MU) and to explain quantity and quality of vineyard production. How do NDVI maps from different sensing technologies differ in a production context? What part of the variability of yield and quality can they explain? This study compares high-resolution multispectral, multi-temporal data from CropCircle, SpectroSense + GPS, Parrot Sequoia + multispectral camera equipped UAV, and Sentinel-2 imagery over two seasons (2019 and 2020). The objective was to assess whether the date of data collection (phenological growth stage) influences the correlations between NDVI and crop production. The comparison of vineyard NDVI data from proximal and remote sensing in both a statistical and a productive context showed strong similarities between NDVI values from similar sensors (0.69 < r < 0.96), but divergences between proximal and airborne/spaceborne observations. Exploratory correlation analysis between NDVI layers and grape yield and total soluble solids data (TSS) showed high correlations (maximum |r|= 0.91 and |r|= 0.74, respectively), with correlations increasing as the season progressed. No relationship with must titratable acidity or pH was found. Finally, proximal sensors explained better the variability in yield and quality for grapes in the early and late growth stages. The UAV's MUs described the yield of both years better than the other sensors. In 2019, the PCA-based MUs explained the TSS variability better than the UAV-related zones. Due to their coarse spatial resolution, the satellite data proved inconsistent in explaining the variability.
Determinants of High-tech Exports: New Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Navarro Zapata Amadeo , Arrazola María , de Hevia José
Published: February 2023

High export capacity is a key element for sustained long-term economic growth. To achieve this goal, the technological sophistication of exports plays a key role. To enhance exports with a high level of technological sophistication, it is critical to target key drivers of high-tech exports. Hence, this article studies the determinants of international trade flows of manufactures according to their technological content in the case of OECD countries. Given a panel of 35 countries and 15 years (2004 to 2018), panel data estimation techniques are used in the analysis. In addition, two alternative measures have been considered to measure the importance of high-technology content manufacturing exports: High-tech manufacturing exports and high-tech manufacturing exports as a share of total employment. Results obtained show strong evidence of the relevance of variables such as gross fixed capital formation on total employment, the land area per capita, the percentage of university graduates relative to the population group, R&D expenditure in terms of GDP, the stock of inward foreign direct investment in terms of GDP, imports of high-tech manufactures as a share of GDP, the quality of national governance and regulation, the country population and EU membership as determinants of technology-intensive exports. Moreover, the findings have significant implications for trade and industrial policies in OECD countries, to ensure the effectiveness of policies targeting the technological upgrading of exports.
Night eating syndrome subtypes: differences in binge eating and food addiction symptoms
Authors: Echeverri Brenda , Kozak Andrea T. , Gildner Daniel J. , Pickett Scott M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to examine differences in binge eating and food addiction symptoms between Night Eating Syndrome (NES) latent subtypes: evening hyperphagia with nocturnal ingestions (EHNI), evening hyperphagia-only (EHO), and nocturnal ingestions-only (NIO). It was hypothesized that the EHNI group would report more binge eating behaviors and more food addiction symptoms than both the EHO and NIO groups. Further, it was hypothesized that the EHO and NIO groups would differ with the EHO group reporting more binge eating behaviors and the NIO group reporting more food addiction symptoms.

Methods

Participants completed measures online relating to night eating, binge eating, and food addiction. Average age of the final sample was 34.3 (SD = 10.5) and 62.0% were men. Responses to the Night Eating Questionnaire (NEQ; Allison et al., 2008) were used to create an EHNI group (n = 65), an EHO group (n = 32), and a NIO group (n = 69). ANOVAs were conducted to examine between-group differences on disordered eating symptoms.

Results

Participants in the EHNI group reported more severe binge eating and food addiction symptoms than those in the EHO and NIO groups. However, there were no significant differences in binge eating or food addiction between the EHO and NIO groups.

Conclusion

Individuals who meet both NES core criteria (evening hyperphagia and nocturnal ingestions) are likely at a higher risk for experiencing other, more severe disordered eating pathologies. Implications concerning assessment and future research on NES typology are discussed.

Level of evidence

Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.