bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Categorically related topologies and hemimetrical analogues of the Baire and Kenderov theorems
Authors: Maslyuchenko Oleksandr V.
Published: June 2024

A non-negative function $$d:X^2\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

d
:

X
2

→
R

is called a hemimetric if $$d(x,x)=0$$

d
(
x
,
x
)
=
0

and $$d(x,y)\le d(x,z)+d(z,y)$$

d
(
x
,
y
)
≤
d
(
x
,
z
)
+
d
(
z
,
y
)

for any $$x,y,z\in X$$

x
,
y
,
z
∈
X

. Then $$d'(x,y)=d(y,x)$$

d
′

(
x
,
y
)

=
d

(
y
,
x
)

is a hemimetric as well. We call it the dual hemimetric. We show the existence of the universal hemimetric space $$\ell _\infty ^{^{_\oplus }}(T)$$

ℓ
∞

⊕

(
T
)

which allows to prove the hemimetrizability of a premetric space with the weak triangle inequality. Then we generalize the Baire horizontal theorem and obtain some version of the Baire curves theorem for a separately continuous function ranged in a regular hemimetrizable space. In particular, we show that if X is a topological space, Y is a first countable space at $$b\in Y$$

b
∈
Y

, Z is a regular hemimetrizable space and $$f:X\times Y\rightarrow Z$$

f
:
X
×
Y
→
Z

is a separately continuous function, then there is a residual set A in X such that f is continuous at every point of $$A\times \{b\}$$

A
×
{
b
}

. We also generalize the Kenderov theorem on the Čech complete spaces and prove that that the open ball topology for the dual hemimetric $$d'$$

d
′

is categorically related to the open ball topology for a hemimetric d with respect to any $$\beta $$
β
-unfavorable for the Christensen $$\sigma $$
σ
-game space. More precisely, if X is a $$\beta $$
β
-unfavorable space for the Christensen $$\sigma $$
σ
-game and $$f:X\rightarrow Y$$

f
:
X
→
Y

continuous with respect to a hemimetric d on Y, then there is a dense $$G_\delta $$

G
δ

-set A in X such that f is continuous on A with respect to the dual hemimetric $$d'$$

d
′

at every point of A. Therefore, f is continuous on A with respect to the pseudometric $${\widehat{d}}=\max \{d,d'\}$$

d
^

=
max

{
d
,

d
′

}

. Moreover, we show that this result cannot be extended to an $$\alpha $$
α
-favorable space for the Saint-Raymond game.
Optimizing a canola-gelatine-urea bio-adhesive: effects of crosslinker and incubation time on the bonding performance
Authors: Tene Tayo Lawrence , Cárdenas-Oscanoa Aldo Joao , Beulshausen Arne , Chen Lizhen , Euring Markus
Published: June 2024

The importance of creating eco-friendly and health-conscious materials has become paramount in striving to attain long-term development goals. For the past decades, constant efforts have been made to tackle the issue of formaldehyde release from wood-based panels which, to date, are still mainly produced from unsustainable synthetic adhesives. In the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally responsible adhesive solutions for the wood industry, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite, and sodium nitrite were used under different heat treatment conditions as crosslinkers for canola protein-based bio-adhesive formulations. The developed adhesive formulations showed outstanding mechanical properties, with a viscosity below 4000 mPa/s despite the relatively high solid content, as well as excellent bonding performances. The one-layer particleboards bonded with the canola-based adhesive demonstrated outstanding mechanical properties, with the internal bonding and the bending strength values surpassing 0.60 N/mm2 and 10 N/mm2, respectively. Notably, the sodium nitrite-crosslinked variants exhibited significantly superior performance compared to the UF-bonded control boards. Longer incubation times generally improve bonding strength, with sodium nitrite showing the most pronounced effects. The results of this research showcase not only the possibility of developing a plant protein-based wood adhesive with high solid content, but also the potential superiority of canola protein-based wood adhesives when compared to conventional, synthetic counterparts. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing bio-based adhesives in wood composite manufacturing, highlighting sodium nitrite as a promising crosslinker for enhancing the adhesive’s performance.
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) modulates mitochondrial dynamics in PPARγ-depleted equine adipose derived stromal cells
Authors: Marycz Krzysztof , Wiatrak Benita , Irwin-Houston Jennifer M. , Marcinkowska Klaudia , Mularczyk Malwina , Bourebaba Lynda
Published: June 2024

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a transcription factor that promotes adipogenesis, lipid uptake and storage, insulin sensitivity, and glucose metabolism. Hence, defects in PPARγ have been associated to the development of metabolic disorders. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a glycoprotein primarily produced in the liver that regulates the bioavailability of sex hormones. Alike PPARγ, low SHBG levels have been correlated with insulin resistance and associated endocrine abnormalities. Therefore, this study aimed to verify whether SHBG may restore depleted PPARγ functions and thus serve as a new candidate for the management of metabolic conditions. A model of equine adipose-derived stromal cells (EqASCs) has been used, in which a PPARγ silencing and SHBG treatment have been achieved to determine the changes in cell viability, premature senescence, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial functions. Obtained data demonstrated that loss in PPARγ triggers cell apoptosis which is not reversed by SHBG application. Moreover, PPARγ knockdown cells exhibited premature senescence, which has been substantially alleviated by SHBG concomitantly to increased BAX/BCL2 ratio, suggesting a possible effect on senescence-induced apoptosis resistance. Interestingly, PPARγ silencing induced a significant alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential as well as the expression of dynamics and metabolism-related markers. SHBG treatment enabled to ameliorate the transmembrane potential, to normalize the expression levels of key dynamics and metabolism mediators, and to restore the protein levels of PINK, which is critically involved in mitochondria recycling machinery. Presented data suggest that SHBG may provide new mechanistic insights into the regulation of PPARγ functions, and thus offers a preliminary picture on a possible SHBG-PPARγ metabolic crosstalk.

Key messages

PPARγ is a transcription factor that tightly regulates cell metabolism.

Low SHBG levels correlate with insulin resistance and associated endocrine abnormalities.

PPARγ silencing reduces cell viability, triggers premature senescence and profound mitochondrial failure in equine ASCs.

SHBG protein reverses senescent phenotype and apoptosis resistance of PPARγ- ASCs.

SHBG improves mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism following PPARγ knockdown.

SHBG might serve as a PPARγ potential mimicking agent for the modulation of ASCs metabolic processes.
Simultaneous extreme values of zeta and L-functions
Authors: Heap Winston , Li Junxian
Published: June 2024

We show that distinct primitive L-functions can achieve extreme values simultaneously on the critical line. Our proof uses a modification of the resonance method and can be applied to establish simultaneous extreme central values of L-functions in families.
Existence of generating families on Lagrangian cobordisms
Authors: Li Wenyuan
Published: June 2024

For an embedded exact Lagrangian cobordism between Legendrian submanifolds in the 1-jet bundle, we prove that a generating family linear at infinity on the Legendrian at the negative end extends to a generating family linear at infinity on the Lagrangian cobordism after stabilization if and only if the formal obstructions vanish. In particular, a Lagrangian filling with trivial stable Lagrangian Gauss map admits a generating family linear at infinity.
The previously undescribed variant of the thyrohyoid muscle and its potential impact on surgical procedures
Authors: Maślanka Krystian , Zielinska Nicol , Karauda Piotr , Węgiel Andrzej , Niemiec Małgorzata , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: June 2024

The thyrohyoid muscle belongs to the infrahyoid group located in the carotid triangle. It normally originates from thyroid cartilage and inserts into hyoid bone. Quite often, it is continuous with the sternohyoid muscle. Furthermore, there are variants that have their origin in the cricoid cartilage only, however, this occurs very rarely. During anatomical dissection, a two-headed variant of this muscle was found. One head had its origin in the cricoid cartilage and the other in the thyroid cartilage. This variant of thyrohyoid had not been previously described in the available literature. Therefore, we believe that it may be referred to as the cricothyrohyoid muscle. As the thyrohyoideus is often used as a landmark during surgical procedures in the prelaryngeal area and as a muscle graft, a thorough knowledge of its anatomy and variation is extremely important. We speculate that the two-headed version of this muscle may be problematic during surgical procedures in this region, however, it may also provide more options as a muscular graft.
MOAAA/D: a decomposition-based novel algorithm and a structural design application
Authors: Altiok Mustafa , Gündüz Mesut
Published: June 2024

When real-world engineering challenges are examined adequately, it becomes clear that multi-objective need to be optimized. Many engineering problems have been handled utilizing the decomposition-based optimization approach according to the literature. The performance of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms is highly dependent on the balance of convergence and diversity. Diversity and convergence are not appropriately balanced in the decomposition technique, as they are in many approaches, for real-world problems. A novel Multi-Objective Artificial Algae Algorithm based on Decomposition (MOAAA/D) is proposed in the paper to solve multi-objective structural problems. MOAAA/D is the first multi-objective algorithm that uses the decomposition-based method with the artificial algae algorithm. MOAAA/D, which successfully draws a graph on 24 benchmark functions within the area of two common metrics, also produced promising results in the structural design problem to which it was applied. To facilitate the design of the "rectangular reinforced concrete column" using MOAAA/D, a solution space was derived by optimizing the rebar ratio and the concrete quantity to be employed.
Mouse IgA modulates human gut microbiota with inflammatory bowel disease patients
Authors: Takahashi Keishu , Morita Naoki , Tamano Ryutaro , Gao Peng , Iida Noriho , Andoh Akira , Imaeda Hirotsugu , Kurokawa Ken , Tsuboi Mayo , Hayakawa Yoku , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Shinkura Reiko
Published: June 2024

Background

The imbalance of commensal bacteria is called dysbiosis in intestinal microflora. Secreted IgA in the intestinal lumen plays an important role in the regulation of microbiota. Although dysbiosis of gut bacteria is reported in IBD patients, it remains unclear what makes dysbiosis of their microflora. The intervention method for remedy of dysbiosis in IBD patients is not well established. In this study, we focused on the quality of human endogenous IgA and investigated whether mouse monoclonal IgA which binds to selectively colitogenic bacteria can modulate human gut microbiota with IBD patients.

Methods

IgA-bound and -unbound bacteria were sorted by MACS and cell sorter. Sorted bacteria were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate what kinds of bacteria endogenous IgA or mouse IgA recognized in human gut microbiota. To evaluate the effect of mouse IgA, gnotobiotic mice with IBD patient microbiota were orally administrated with mouse IgA and analyzed gut microbiota.

Results

We show that human endogenous IgA has abnormal binding activity to gut bacteria in IBD patients. Mouse IgA can bind to human microbiota and bind to selectively colitogenic bacteria. The rW27, especially, has a growth inhibitory activity to human colitogenic bacteria. Furthermore, oral administration of mouse IgA reduced an inflammation biomarker, fecal lipocalin 2, in mice colonized with IBD patient-derived microbiota, and improved dysbiosis of IBD patient sample.

Conclusion

Oral treatment of mouse IgA can treat gut dysbiosis in IBD patients by modulating gut microbiota.
Can instability variations warn developers when open-source projects boost?
Authors: Capilla Rafael , Salamanca Victor , Valdezate Alejandro , Robles Gregorio
Published: June 2024

Although architecture instability has been studied and measured using a variety of metrics, a deeper analysis of which project parts are less stable and how such instability varies over time is still needed. While having more information on architecture instability is, in general, useful for any software development project, it is especially important in Open Source Software (OSS) projects where the supervision of the development process is more difficult to achieve. In particular, we are interested when OSS projects grow from a small controlled environment (i.e., the cathedral phase) to a community-driven project (i.e., the bazaar phase). In such a transition, the project often explodes in terms of software size and number of contributing developers. Hence, the complexity of the newly added features, and the frequency of the commits and files modified may cause significant variations of the instability of the structure of the classes and packages. Consequently, in this article we analyze the instability in OSS projects, especially during that sensitive phase where they become community-driven. Our results show that instability metrics can be easily obtained in such type of transitions. We also observed from our case studies that instability metrics can help finding out the balance between adding new functionality and performing refactoring. As a conclusions we state that instability metrics offer relevant information in the transition phase from the cathedral to the bazaar.
The NPGS Sudanese sorghum core collection encloses novel grain mold resistant germplasm
Authors: Cuevas Hugo E. , Prom Louis K.
Published: June 2024

Grain mold is one of the most devasting diseases in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L. (Moench)] that affects the endosperm and deteriorates the pericarp tissue, reducing the quality of the grain. Today, sorghum breeding programs have a limited number of sources of resistance for the development of resistant cultivars. Therefore, the USDA-Agriculture Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System Sudan core collection was assessed to identify new sources of grain mold resistance based on seed emergence and deterioration. A total of 246 accessions were evaluated for two years and a subset of 46 accessions with grain mold resistance were subsequently evaluated for two additional years together with 11 breeding resistant lines from the sorghum association panel. The analysis identified 39 grain mold resistance accessions including seven that showed both high seedling emergence (> 82%) and low seed deterioration (< 2.15). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that five accessions (PI 570382, PI 570776, PI 570330, PI 570702, and PI 570348) that clustered distantly from reference sets and showed both high seedling emergence and low seed deterioration can be classified as new resistance sources. Genome-wide association analysis using 147,069 SNPs identified two genomic regions in chromosome 2 and 3 associated with seedling emergence rate and seed deterioration, respectively. The analysis of both genomic regions found two genes of interest associated with phenylpropanoid metabolic process and phosphorylase kinase. These Sudanese grain mold resistance accessions provide new genetically diverse germplasm for breeding programs and insights in the defense resistance responses.
Genetic diversity analysis and DNA fingerprinting of primary Qingke (Hordeum vulgare L. var. nudum Hook. f.) cultivars
Authors: Hu Qian , Yao Youhua , Cui Yongmei , Li Xin , An Likun , Bai Yixiong , Ding Baojun , Yao Xiaohua , Wu Kunlun
Published: June 2024

To assess the genetic diversity of the primary Qingke cultivars and establish their unique genetic profiles, 837 barley simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers were screened across 12 cultivars. The selection process involved the utilization of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis technology, to identify primers exhibiting desirable characteristics, such as polymorphism, stability, and reproducibility. Subsequently, we analyzed the genetic diversity of the primary Qingke cultivars to for DNA fingerprints. A total of 18 pairs of SSR markers were selected as the optimal markers for constructing fingerprints of major Qingke cultivars. These included 83 observed alleles (Na), ranging from there to 11, with an average of 4.61 per pair. Notably, Bmag0496 and Scssr04163 exhibited higher allelic diversity, with 11 and 8 loci, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.36 to 0.74, with an average of 0.52. The expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.4031 to 0.7682, with an average of 0.59, and the observed heterozygosity (Ho) varied between 0.13 and 0.67, with an average of 0.32. The outcomes obtained through phylogenetic tree analysis, population structure assessment and principal component analysis demonstrated that the primary Qingke cultivars could be classified into three distinct groups: group I primarily originated from Xizang and Qinghai provinces; group II mainly consisted of cultivars from Yunnan and Heilongjiang provinces; and group III predominantly comprised cultivars originating from Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Interestingly, the Sichuan cultivars were distributed across all three groups without any clear tendency toward a specific cluster or subgroup. These findings indicated that the genetic distance among Qingke cultivars was significantly correlated with geographic location but not exclusively determined by it. The construction of DNA fingerprints for the primary Qingke cultivars used these identified sets of SSR primers (18 pairs) laid a solid foundation for cultivar identification, conservation and utilization efforts related to this crop.
Residual profit splitting: a theory-based approach to tax multinationals
Authors: Richter Wolfram F.
Published: June 2024

About 140 countries have agreed to reallocate the rights to tax international corporate profits and to introduce minimum tax rates. The agreed plan is the product of pragmatism and a search for consensus, but ambitious. It requires far-reaching system changes such as a move towards unitary profit taxation, better known as formula apportionment. The formulary apportionment of profit earned by a multinational enterprise (MNE) assumes international agreement on common rules for the determination of taxable profit. This is a critical departure from the well-established tradition of separate entity accounting (SEA) and may still turn out to be a serious design flaw of the reform. This paper argues for a reform that retains SEA and addresses the flaws in the current system of corporate taxation at their root rather than merely fixing symptoms. To this end, a reform aimed specifically at the rules governing the taxation of intangible assets is recommended. The proposed system can be interpreted as a theory-based generalization of the withholding tax solution of Article 12B of the UN Model Tax Convention to cases where an MNE maintains a physical presence in the source country or intra-group supplies of goods and services entail allocable costs.
Objective Linguistic Markers Associated with Callous-Unemotional Traits in Early Childhood
Authors: Waller R. , Flum M. , Paz Y. , Perkins E. R. , Rodriguez Y. , Knox A. , Pelella M.R. , Jones C. , Sun S. , Denham S.A. , Herrington J. , Parish-Morris J.
Published: June 2024

Background. Callous-unemotional (CU) traits are associated with interpersonal difficulties and risk for severe conduct problems (CP). The ability to communicate thoughts and feelings is critical to social success, with language a promising treatment target. However, no prior studies have examined objective linguistic correlates of childhood CU traits in early childhood, which could give insight into underlying risk mechanisms and novel target treatments. Methods. We computed lexical (positive emotion, sad, and anger words) and conversational (interruptions and speech rate) markers produced by 131 children aged 5–6 years (M = 5.98; SD = 0.54, 58.8% female) and their parents while narrating wordless storybooks during two online visits separated by 6–8 weeks (M = 6.56, SD = 1.11; two books, order counterbalanced). Audio recordings were diarized, time-aligned, and orthographically transcribed using WebTrans. Conversational markers were calculated using R and word frequencies were calculated using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software. We examined links between child CU traits and linguistic markers, and explored whether relationships were moderated by child sex. Results. Higher CU traits were associated with fewer positive emotion words produced by parents and children. Higher CU traits were also associated with greater concordance in the degree of interruptions and expression of anger emotion words by parents and children. Conclusions. Results suggest that objective linguistic correlates of CU traits are detectable during early childhood, which could inform adjunctive treatment modules that improve outcomes by precisely tracking and targeting subtle communication patterns.
ASYMPTOTIC NORMALITY OF THE COEFFICIENTS OF THE MORGAN-VOYCE POLYNOMIALS
Authors: Benoumhani Moussa , Heim Bernhard , Neuhauser Markus
Published: June 2024

We study arithmetic and asymptotic properties of polynomials provided by $$Q_n(x):= x \sum _{k=1}^n k \, Q_{n-k}(x)$$

Q
n

(
x
)

:
=
x

∑

k
=
1

n

k

Q

n
-
k

(
x
)

with initial value $$Q_0(x)=1$$

Q
0

(
x
)

=
1

. The coefficients satisfy a central limit theorem and a local limit theorem involving Fibonacci numbers. We apply the methods of Berry and Esseen, Harper, Bender, and Canfield.
Effects of a human amniotic membrane extract on ARPE-19 cells
Authors: Lulli Matteo , Tartaro Ruggero , Papucci Laura , Magnelli Lucia , Kaur Indu Pal , Caporossi Tomaso , Rizzo Stanislao , Mannini Antonella , Giansanti Fabrizio , Schiavone Nicola
Published: June 2024

Background

Human Amniotic Membrane (hAM) is endowed with several biological activities and might be considered an optimal tool in surgical treatment for different ophthalmic pathologies. We pioneered the surgical use of hAM to treat retinal pathologies such as macular holes, tears, and retinal detachments, and to overcome photoreceptor damage in age-related macular degeneration. Although hAM contributed to improved outcomes, the mechanisms of its effects are not yet fully understood. The characterization and explanation of the effects of hAM would allow the adoption of this new natural product in different retinal pathologies, operative contexts, and hAM formulations. At this end, we studied the properties of a hAM extract (hAME) on the ARPE-19 cells.

Methods and results

A non-denaturing sonication-based technique was developed to obtain a suitable hAME. Viability, proliferation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were studied in hAME-treated ARPE-19 cells. The hAME was able to increase ARPE-19 cell viability even in the presence of oxidative stress (H2O2, TBHP). Moreover, hAME prevented the expression of EMT features, such as EMT-related proteins, fibrotic foci formation, and migration induced by different cytokines.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that the hAME retains most of the properties observed in the whole tissue by others. The hAME, other than providing a manageable research tool, could represent a cost-effective and abundant drug to treat retinal pathologies in the future.
Unmasking early colorectal cancer clues: in silico and in vitro investigation of downregulated IGF2, SOCS1, MLH1, and CACNA1G in SSA polyps
Authors: Mirbahari Seyedeh Nasim , Fatemi Nayeralsadat , Savabkar Sanaz , Chaleshi Vahid , Zali Neda , Taleghani Mohammad Yaghoob , Mirzaei Ebrahim , Rejali Leili , Moghadam Pardis Ketabi , Mojarad Ehsan Nazemalhosseini
Published: June 2024

Background and aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) originates from pre-existing polyps in the colon. The development of different subtypes of CRC is influenced by various genetic and epigenetic characteristics. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) is found in about 15–20% of sporadic CRCs and is associated with hypermethylation of certain gene promoters. This study aims to find prognostic genes and compare their expression and methylation status as potential biomarkers in patients with serrated sessile adenomas/polyps (SSAP) and CRC, in order to evaluate which, one is a better predictor of disease.

Method

This study employed a multi-phase approach to investigate genes associated with CRC and SSAP. Initially, two gene expression datasets were analyzed using R and Limma package to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Venn diagram analysis further refined the selection, revealing four genes from the Weissenberg panel with significant changes. These genes, underwent thorough in silico evaluations. Once confirmed, they proceeded to wet lab experimentation, focusing on expression and methylation status. This comprehensive methodology ensured a robust examination of the genes involved in CRC and SSAP.

Result

This study identified cancer-specific genes, with 8,351 and 1,769 genes specifically down-regulated in SSAP and CRC tissues, respectively. The down-regulated genes were associated with cell adhesion, negative regulation of cell proliferation, and drug response. Four highly downregulated genes in the Weissenberg panel, including CACNA1G, IGF2, MLH1, and SOCS1. In vitro analysis showed that they are hypermethylated in both SSAP and CRC samples while their expressions decreased only in CRC samples.

Conclusion

This suggests that the decrease in gene expression could help determine whether a polyp will become cancerous. Using both methylation status and gene expression status of genes in the Weissenberg panel in prognostic tests may lead to better prognoses for patients.
A cytosol-tethered YHB variant of phytochrome B retains photomorphogenic signaling activity
Authors: Hu Wei , Lagarias J. Clark
Published: June 2024

The red and far-red light photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB) transmits light signals following cytosol-to-nuclear translocation to regulate transcriptional networks therein. This necessitates changes in protein–protein interactions of phyB in the cytosol, about which little is presently known. Via introduction of a nucleus-excluding G767R mutation into the dominant, constitutively active phyBY276H (YHB) allele, we explore the functional consequences of expressing a cytosol-localized YHBG767R variant in transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings. We show that YHBG767R elicits selective constitutive photomorphogenic phenotypes in dark-grown phyABCDE null mutants, wild type and other phy-deficient genotypes. These responses include light-independent apical hook opening, cotyledon unfolding, seed germination and agravitropic hypocotyl growth with minimal suppression of hypocotyl elongation. Such phenotypes correlate with reduced PIF3 levels, which implicates cytosolic targeting of PIF3 turnover or PIF3 translational inhibition by YHBG767R. However, as expected for a cytoplasm-tethered phyB, YHBG767R elicits reduced light-mediated signaling activity compared with similarly expressed wild-type phyB in phyABCDE mutant backgrounds. YHBG767R also interferes with wild-type phyB light signaling, presumably by formation of cytosol-retained and/or otherwise inactivated heterodimers. Our results suggest that cytosolic interactions with PIFs play an important role in phyB signaling even under physiological conditions.
A review on the work of German urban biodiversity networks – from national to international activities
Authors: Müller Norbert , Werner Peter
Published: June 2024

This review analyses the development of three urban biodiversity networks in Germany since 1970. The first network “Biotope Mapping in Populated Areas” (BMPA) was founded by Herbert Sukopp (Berlin) and the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation in connection with the development of the first comprehensive urban ecology studies in Berlin. The aim was to establish standardized methods for the investigation of urban biodiversity, obtain comparable results on the national level, and exchange information for sustainable development and management in urban areas. From 1979 to 2005 this network held 21 meetings in different German cities and one meeting in Vienna. In 2005, the network merged with the “Competence Network Urban Ecology” (CONTUREC) aiming to link local research and activities both on urban biodiversity and urban ecology. From 2006 to 2011 CONTUREC organized several national conferences, published their results in its own book series, and sent out a newsletter with information to local projects and current international research. With financial support by the German Ministry of the Environment CONTUREC organized in 2008 in Erfurt the first international conference “Urban Biodiversity and Design”. The results were brought to the following up 9th Conference of the Parties (COP) within the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which was held in Bonn (Germany) and underlined the urgent need to create an own Major Group for “Cities and Biodiversity”. On this occasion, the “International Network Urban Biodiversity and Design” (URBIO) was founded to promote urban biodiversity and design through a continuing dialogue with the CBD and their partners. This network was following CONTUREC and is organizing international conferences prior to the COP meetings and is exchanging over a newsletter and the website the state on urban biodiversity research and its application. To date, eight URBIO conferences and three URBIO workshops were held, and the results were published in a book and in special issues in international journals.

This article describes the development and challenges to run the three different urban biodiversity networks. It gives suggestions for the future based on the experiences done so far.
Dewatering and valorizing lake sediments by electroosmotic dewatering for lakes restoration
Authors: Li Huilin , Ottosen Lisbeth M.
Published: June 2024

Dredging eutrophic lake sediments can improve water quality, but it also requires dewatering and valorizing the dredged material to avoid wasting resources like phosphorus. This study experimentally investigated the basic mechanism and performance of electroosmotic dewatering of 1-L dredged sediments using different electric currents (20 mA, 40 mA, and 60 mA) after gravity filtration. The dewatering performance, moisture content and distribution, effect of electrochemical reaction on dewaterability, energy consumption, and changes in metals and phosphorus (P) distribution and pH values were analyzed. The results indicated that electroosmotic dewatering effectively decreased sediment mass by predominantly eliminating free and a portion of interstitial water, with reductions ranging from 7 to 20%. The optimal duration and current should, however, be considered to balance water removal and energy consumption. Higher moisture removal occurred with 40 mA for 24 h and 60 mA for 6 h, while the energy consumption obtained with 60 mA (0.201 kWh/kg water removed) was significantly lower than that of applying 40 mA for 24 h (0.473 kWh/kg water removed), with the assistance of ohmic heating, resulting in reduced viscosity and water release from capillaries. The tested conditions did not significantly extract heavy metals or P from the sediments, which may facilitate the disposal of the removed water back into the lake and the utilization of the treated sediments for different purposes. This technology is easy to operate and suitable for the treatment of dredged sediments, and the dewatering result is comparable to low pressurized filtration but at low energy consumption.
Evolutionary Invasion Analysis of Modern Epidemics Highlights the Context-Dependence of Virulence Evolution
Authors: Surasinghe Sudam , Kabengele Ketty , Turner Paul E. , Ogbunugafor C. Brandon
Published: June 2024

Models are often employed to integrate knowledge about epidemics across scales and simulate disease dynamics. While these approaches have played a central role in studying the mechanics underlying epidemics, we lack ways to reliably predict how the relationship between virulence (the harm to hosts caused by an infection) and transmission will evolve in certain virus-host contexts. In this study, we invoke evolutionary invasion analysis—a method used to identify the evolution of uninvadable strategies in dynamical systems—to examine how the virulence-transmission dichotomy can evolve in models of virus infections defined by different natural histories. We reveal peculiar patterns of virulence evolution between epidemics with different disease natural histories (SARS-CoV-2 and hepatitis C virus). We discuss the findings with regards to the public health implications of predicting virus evolution, and in broader theoretical canon involving virulence evolution in host-parasite systems.
Measurement of Diffusion Coefficients and Assessment of Atomic Mobilities in HCP Mg-Ag-Sn Alloys
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhu Lilong , Manuel Michele V.
Published: June 2024

Reliable thermodynamic and kinetic databases are essential for designing and developing novel magnesium (Mg) alloys for elevated-temperature applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. This study investigated diffusion behaviors of HCP Mg-Ag-Sn alloys by four sets of three diffusion couples annealed at 450, 500, and 550 °C, respectively. Interdiffusion and impurity diffusion coefficients at the three annealing temperatures were extracted using the forward-simulation method. The determined diffusion coefficients, combined with prior results in the literature, were then used to assess atomic mobilities for the HCP phase of the Mg-Ag-Sn system. This assessment was conducted using the DICTRA and the TCMG5 thermodynamic database within the Thermo-Calc software. Comprehensive comparisons between calculated and experimental diffusion coefficients yielded an excellent agreement. The atomic mobilities were also further validated by appropriate predictions of concentration profiles and diffusion paths observed in independent diffusion couple experiments performed at 525 °C for 18 hrs. It has been found that the addition of Sn and Ag both increase the diffusivity of Ag in HCP Mg and Sn in HCP Mg in the stable temperature range of HCP Mg, respectively. This improved understanding of the kinetics in the Mg-Ag-Sn ternary system is essential for controlling diffusion-dependent properties such as coarsening and, therefore, the mechanical properties of Mg-Ag-Sn alloys at elevated temperatures.
Phenolic profile, fatty acid and mineral composition with antioxidant, antibacterial, and enzyme inhibitor activities of different extracts from Erodium Cicutarium (L.) L’Hér. consumed as a vegetable in Kilis, Turkey
Authors: Ucan Turkmen Filiz , Koyuncu Gülcan , Sarigullu Onalan Fatma Esen
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to explore the antioxidant activities, phenolic profile, fatty acid and mineral composition of the different extracts of Erodium cicutarium (L.) L’Hér. consumed as a vegetable in Kilis, Turkey. While catechine hydrate was the most abundant phenolic compounds in methanol, ethanol and diethyl ether extracts, it was chlorogenic acid in the water extract. Looking at the fatty acid profile, the amount of palmitic acid, one of the saturated fatty acids, was found to be high (34.30%), followed by stearic acid (5.10%). Total monounsaturated fatty acids are the second highest fatty acids. Total polyunsaturated fatty acids were determined as the third rank fatty acids. While the amount of linoleic acid, one of the total polyunsaturated fatty acids, was determined as 17.62%, the ratio of linolenic acid was determined as 9.60%. While the most calcium, magnesium and potassium were found among the 9 different mineral substances determined, respectively; the lowest element was found to be nitrogen. Looking at the results, it was determined that the plant is a high source of calcium (1078.503 mg/kg). Inhibitory effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 were observed, with a zone diameter of 5.5 mm and 11 mm in methanol extract and diethyl ether extract, respectively. Ethanol and water extracts of E. cicutarium (L.) L.‘Hér. may be preferred as an alternative natural agent due to their amylase and tyrosinase activities. The results suggested that the E. cicutarium (L.) L.‘Hér. extracts may be useful for food and medicinal applications.
A 12-year overview of fertility preservation practice in Nordic pediatric oncology centers
Authors: Asadi-Azarbaijani Babak , Oskam Irma C. , Jahnukainen Kirsi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Fertility preservation is the only option to safeguard fertility following gonadotoxic treatments. This study aimed to provide an updated status on fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients in the Nordic countries.

Methods

A questionnaire consisting of 14 questions was sent to directors of 18 main pediatric oncology centers in the Nordic countries in 2010 and 2022. We received information regarding indications, guidelines, counseling, and available fertility preservation options.

Results

The response rates were 89% in 2010 and 72% in 2022. The results reveal an increase in clinical practice guidelines on fertility preservation for cancer patients, from 25% in 2010 to 70% in 2022. Counseling on fertility preservation options in 2022 was more specific and offered to most patients who fulfilled indications for fertility preservation (from 19 to 77%). Sperm cryopreservation continues to be the predominant fertility preservation method for pubertal boys in the Nordic countries. However, there has been a notable increase in the availability of testicular tissue preservation for prepubertal boys (0 to 62%). A similar increase in the offer of ovarian tissue preservation for prepubertal girls (0 to 92%) was observed among pediatric cancer patients.

Conclusions

The past decade has shown commendable advancements in fertility preservation for pediatric cancer patients in the Nordic countries.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

As fertility care evolves globally, continuous assessment of regional practices and challenges is imperative to enhance the quality of care and life for pediatric cancer survivors in the Nordic regions.
Analysis of Top 100 Articles Cited in Top Pain Journals: A Comprehensive Two Decade Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Vij Kunal , Thomas John M. , Wan Leo , Chatim Ajay N. , Thomas George , Kaye Alan D.
Published: June 2024

Purpose of Review

A bibliometric analysis was performed to analyze and compare the top 100 articles from the most well-known five pain journals: Pain, Pain Physician, Pain Medicine, Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, and Journal of Pain. A query of the Scopus database was performed to filter the top 200 most cited articles from each journal. CY score was calculated for the top 200 articles from each journal by dividing the total number of citations by the number of years the article has been published.

Recent Findings

All articles had a collective analysis of the top CY scores, the top 100 of which were further analyzed. The pain subtype, type of publication, country of origin, and senior author were extrapolated from these top 100 articles. Frequency tables were organized, revealing Pain Journal as the highest publishing journal out of the top 100 articles.

Chronic pain was the most studied subtype of pain and narrative reviews were the most common type of evidence. Studies were also organized in five-year epochs to analyze the frequency of publications in these intervals. Results show that 2010-2014 had the highest frequency of articles published overall. Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is also an objective indicator of the average number of citations per published article from each journal. The journal with the highest JIF was Pain with an impact factor of 7.926. (6)
Environmental Factors Influencing Metal Concentrations in Scomber colias Along the Canary Islands
Authors: Lozano-Bilbao Enrique , Jurado-Ruzafa Alba , Lorenzo José María , González José Antonio , Hardisson Arturo , González-Weller Dailos , Paz Soraya , Rubio Carmen , Gutiérrez Ángel José
Published: June 2024

A total of 140 specimens of Scomber colias were collected from the Canary archipelago waters during the first semester of 2021, with 20 samples from each of the seven main islands. After analyzing the concentrations of metals (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Cu) with ICP-OES, significant variations were observed among islands, with specimens from Tenerife and Gran Canaria containing higher levels of Al, Cd, and Pb, while those from Lanzarote and Fuerteventura had elevated levels of Zn, Fe, and Cu. These differences are probably related to greater anthropogenic activity around Tenerife and Gran Canaria coasts, leading to higher pollution levels, and the influence of Saharan dust and African upwelling on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, enriching the waters with nutrients. Specific management strategies to mitigate marine pollution and continuous monitoring are crucial to safeguard marine ecosystems and to ensure food security.
Factors Predicting Prognosis in Metastatic Grade 1 Gastro-entero-pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Pandrowala Saneya A. , Kapoor Deeksha , Kunte Aditya , Chopde Amit , Puranik Ameya , Dev Indraja Devidas , Parghane Rahul , Basu Sandip , Ramaswamy Anant , Ostwal Vikas , Chaudhari Vikram A. , Bhandare Manish S. , Shrikhande Shailesh V.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The incidence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NET) has steadily increased. These tumors are considered relatively indolent even when metastatic. What determines survival outcomes in such situations is understudied.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained NET clinic database, to include patients of metastatic grade 1 GEP-NET, from January 2018 to December 2021, to assess factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Of the 589 patients of GEP-NET treated during the study period, 100 were grade 1, with radiological evidence of distant metastasis. The median age was 50 years, with 67% being men. Of these, 15 patients were observed, while 85 patients received treatment in the form of surgery (n = 32), peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (n = 50), octreotide LAR (n = 22), and/or chemotherapy (n = 4), either as a single modality or multi-modality treatment. The median (PFS) was 54.5 months. The estimated 3-year PFS and 3-year overall survival rates were 72.3% (SE 0.048) and 93.4% (SE 0.026), respectively. On Cox regression, a high liver tumor burden was the only independent predictor of PFS (OR 3.443, p = 0.014). The 5-year OS of patients with concomitant extra-hepatic disease was significantly lower than that of patients with liver-limited disease (70.7% vs. 100%, p = 0.017).

Conclusion

A higher burden of liver disease is associated with shorter PFS in patients with metastatic grade I GEP-NETs. The OS is significantly lower in patients with associated extrahepatic involvement. These parameters may justify a more aggressive treatment approach in metastatic grade 1 GEP-NETs.
Attitudes Toward Mononormativity and Polyamorous Legal Rights in the US
Authors: Morris Georgia , Chen Li Yin , Kaufman Gayle , Compton D’Lane
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Recent research shows an increase in polyamory and acceptance of polyamorous relationships. However, there is still limited research on broader attitudes toward monogamy and polyamory, particularly regarding legal rights and with a national sample. This study examines the impact of cohort, sexual orientation, and contact with polyamorists on attitudes toward monogamy and polyamorous legal rights. This research has the potential to bring more attention to polyamorous relationships, disrupt heteronormative views of relationships, and consider legal rights for those in relationships involving more than two people.

Methods

We use data from a sample of 2665 adults from the 2021 American Marriage Survey, a national survey focused on attitudes toward marriage post-marriage equality, to consider the relationship between cohort, sexual orientation, contact, and attitudes toward mononormativity and polyamory.

Results

Overall, there is support for the idea that monogamy is the norm while people are generally not supportive of granting legal rights for polyamorous relationships. Younger cohorts, LGBQ individuals, and those who know a polyamorous person are less likely to support mononormativity and more likely to support legal rights for polyamorous relationships. Furthermore, contact has a stronger impact on attitudes of Millennials and LGBQ individuals.

Conclusion

While mononormativity remains the norm and polyamory is not widely supported, given patterns of greater acceptance among younger cohorts and LGBQ individuals, there is a good possibility that acceptance will increase over time.

Policy Implications

This research has the potential to bring more attention to polyamorous relationships, disrupt heteronormative views of relationships, and consider legal rights for those in relationships involving more than two people.
Adsorptive removal of hazardous rhodamine B dye from aqueous solutions by St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Authors: Isik Birol
Published: June 2024

In this work, it was aimed to remove the highly toxic rhodamine B (RhB) dye from wastewater by using a low-cost, renewable, sustainable, and completely natural adsorbent obtained from St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) (HP), which is considered an agro-waste. HP was characterized by FTIR-ATR, XRD, FESEM, and pHpzc. Adsorption experiments were conducted by optimizing pH (2–12), dose (0.01–0.30 g), time (0–120 min), and concentration (10–50 mg/L). Equilibrium data were applied to linear isotherms. The results stated that the removal process occurred in a monolayer on the homogeneous surface of HP and the $${q}_{m}$$

q
m

value was determined as 196.08 mg/g at 298 K. Kinetic results showed that RhB adsorption on HP followed a quasi-second-order. The effect of salt concentration onto RhB adsorption on HP adsorbent and reusability studies were conducted. Thermodynamic tests showed that the process was exothermic ($${\varDelta H}_{A}^{o}=-13.58 kJ/mol$$

Δ
H

A

o

=
-
13.58
k
J
/
m
o
l

) and spontaneous ($${\varDelta G}_{A}^{o}=-26.61 kJ/mol$$

Δ
G

A

o

=
-
26.61
k
J
/
m
o
l

). The results of the study indicated that HP may be a favorable adsorbent for basic dyes in wastewater.

Graphical abstract
An Ode to a Mathematician: Commemorating Uri Leron
Authors: Hazzan Orit , Zazkis Rina , Levy Meira , Hadar Irit , Buchbinder Orly
Published: June 2024

This is one of two contributions written to commemorate Professor Uri Leron, who became Associate Editor of what was then the International Journal for Computers and Mathematical Learning, a journal founded by Seymour Papert, and upon which Digital Experiences in Mathematics Education builds. One contribution includes memories from several current and former Editorial Board members. In this contribution, five former supervisees of Uri Leron share their stories.

In addition to the personal and professional development of the storytellers, the stories reflect upon the distinguished career of Prof. Leron—a mathematician, an educator, a mentor and a colleague. These stories reflect a scholarly exchange devoted to the debate upon the nature of mathematical and computer science thinking and teaching. These topics are addressed from a variety of perspectives—cognitive, social and psychological—to highlight Uri’s interest in computing as a way to express and explore mathematical and logical ideas.