bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical techniques in restoration lumbar lordosis: a biomechanical human cadaveric study
Authors: Ochtman A. E. A. , Bisschop A. , Bleys R. L. A. W. , Öner F. C. , van Gaalen S. M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Degenerative changes of the lumbar spine lead in general to decrease of lumbar lordosis (LL). This change affects the overall balance of the spine, and when surgery is deemed, necessary restoration of the LL is considered. How this restoration can be achieved is a matter of controversy. The main purpose of this cadaveric study was to investigate the different steps of common posterior surgical techniques to understand the contribution of each successive step in restoring LL.

Methods

Ten fresh-frozen human lumbar spine specimens were used to perform a sequential correction and instrumentation with a pedicle screw construct.

Results

The mean LL angle measured at L3–L4 in intact condition was 12.9°; after screw insertion and compression, this increased to 13.8° (+ 7%, p = 0.04), after bilateral facetectomy to 16.3° (+ 20%, p = 0.005), after discectomy and insertion of interbody cage to 18.0º (+ 9%, p = 0.012), after resection of the lamina and the processes spinosus to 19.8° (+ 10%, p = 0.017), and after resection of the anterior longitudinal ligament to 25.4° (+ 22%, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Each step contributed statistically significant to restoration of segmental lordosis with bilateral facetectomy contributing the most in terms of percentage.

Level of Evidence

IV.
A service-oriented energy assessment system based on BPMN and machine learning
Authors: Yan Wei , Wang Xinyi , Gong Qingshan , Zhang Xumei , Zhang Hua , Jiang Zhigang
Published: August 2022

Increasing energy cost and environmental problems push forward research on energy saving and emission reduction strategy in the manufacturing industry. Energy assessment of machining, as the basis for energy saving and emission reduction, plays an irreplaceable role in engineering service and maintenance for manufacturing enterprises. Due to the complex energy nature and relationships between machine tools, machining parts, and machining processes, there is still a lack of practical energy evaluation methods and tools for manufacturing enterprises. To fill this gap, a serviced-oriented energy assessment system is designed and developed to assist managers in clarifying the energy consumption of machining in this paper. Firstly, the operational requirements of the serviced-oriented energy assessment system are analyzed from the perspective of enterprises. Then, based on the establishment of system architecture, three key technologies, namely data integration, process integration, and energy evaluation, are studied in this paper. In this section, the energy characteristics of machine tools and the energy relationships are studied through the working states of machine tools, machining features of parts and process activities of processes, and the relational database, BPMN 2.0 specification, and machine learning approach are employed to implement the above function respectively. Finally, a case study of machine tool center stand base machining in a manufacturing enterprise was applied to verify the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed approach and system.
Squatting and the State
Authors: Fox O'Mahony Lorna , Roark Marc L.
Published: August 2022

Squatting and the State offers a new theoretical and methodological approach for analyzing state response to squatting, homelessness, empty land, and housing. Embedded in local, national, and transnational contexts, and reaching beyond conventional property theories, this important work sets out a fresh analytical paradigm for understanding the deep, interlocking problems facing not just the traditional 'victims' of narratives about homelessness and squatting but also a variety of other participants in these conflicts. Against the backdrop of economic, social, and political crises, Squatting and the State offers readers important insights about the changing natures of property, investment, housing, communities, and the multi-level state, and describes the implications of these changes for how we think and talk about property in law.
Connecting children to nature through the integration of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge into Early Childhood Environmental Education
Authors: Acharibasam John Bosco , McVittie Janet
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we draw on the ontology and epistemology of the local Kasena ethnic group in Northern Ghana to explore Early Childhood Environmental Education. The study, taking place in Boania Primary School, drew on the concept of two-eyed seeing, where both western and Indigenous epistemologies and ontologies were taught. In this way, Indigenous Ecological Knowledge was integrated into the Early Childhood Environmental Education programme for the Kindergarten two classroom environmental studies topics. Two Indigenous Elders led the integration of local knowledge into environmental studies topics by visiting the school to teach the children through taking them outdoors for learning activities. After this, in-depth interviews were held with the teacher, Indigenous Elders, and nine children regarding their experiences. The purpose of the study was to explore how Indigenous Ecological Knowledges can help instil in children positive environmental attitudes and values, while also connecting them to nature and offering them a more relational understanding of human to nature relationships. Based on the Indigenous cultural framework of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility towards nature, the findings show that the integration of Indigenous Ecological Knowledge into environmental education has the potential to improve our relationships with the environment.
Is it good to be bad? An evolutionary analysis of the adaptive potential of psychopathic traits
Authors: Ene Ioana , Wong Keri Ka-Yee , Salali Gul Deniz
Published: August 2022

Although psychopathy is widely conceptualised as a mental disorder, some researchers question the maladaptive nature of psychopathy, and argue that it might be advantageous from an evolutionary point of view. According to this view, psychopathy can be seen as an evolutionary adaptative strategy that relies on deception and manipulation to gain short-term reproductive benefits. Psychopathy is also identified as a fast life strategy in response to early life stress and an adaptation to harsh environments. This paper investigates the evidence that psychopathic traits are adaptive, while also addressing the limitations of current evolutionary models of psychopathy based on frequency-dependent selection and life history theory. We review recent studies on the fitness correlates of psychopathy and find that psychopathic traits present potential adaptive trade-offs between fertility and mortality, and offspring quantity and quality. On a proximate level, individual differences in stress reactivity and environmental risk factors in early development predispose to psychopathy through gene–environment interactions. We propose that environmental, developmental, social and cultural factors can mediate the relationship between psychopathic traits and fitness and therefore should be considered to make accurate predictions on the adaptive potential of psychopathy. We end by outlining gaps in the literature and making recommendations for future evolutionary research on psychopathy.
THE ABSOLUTE -MEASURE OF TOTALLY POSITIVE ALGEBRAIC INTEGERS
Authors: WANG CONG , PANG XIAOJUAN , WU QIANG
Published: August 2022

Let
$\alpha $
be a totally positive algebraic integer of degree d, with conjugates
$\alpha _1=\alpha , \alpha _2, \ldots , \alpha _d$
. The absolute
$S_k$
-measure of
$\alpha $
is defined by
$s_k(\alpha )= d^{-1} \sum _{i=1}^{d}\alpha _i^k$
. We compute the lower bounds
$\upsilon _k$
of
$s_k(\alpha )$
for each integer in the range
$2\leq k \leq 15$
and give a conjecture on the results for integers
$k>15$
. Then we derive the lower bounds of
$s_k(\alpha )$
for all real numbers
$k>2$
. Our computation is based on an improvement in the application of the LLL algorithm and analysis of the polynomials in the explicit auxiliary functions.
Complications after cochlear implantation in adult patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Dalgic A , Bozkurt E Basaran , Aliyeva A , Görgülü E , Ceylan M E , Edizer D T , Olgun L
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine the complication rate in adult patients during and after cochlear implantation.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients who had undergone cochlear implantation at a tertiary referral centre between 2009 and 2018. All complications and their treatments were categorised as either minor or major, as well as intra- or post-operative.

Results

The records of 392 patients with 395 implants were reviewed. The mean follow-up period was 89 ± 65.5 months (range, 6–408 months). The mean age of patients was 46 ± 15.2 years (range, 19–84 years). Sixty-two patients (16 per cent) had minor complications and 31 (8 per cent) had major complications.

Conclusion

Although cochlear implantation has the potential for significant intra- and post-operative complications, the actual complication rate is relatively low, and it can therefore be considered a safe procedure.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Group Exercise Intervention for Fall Risk Factors Reduction in Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Pepera Garyfallia , Krinta Katerina , Mpea Christina , Antoniou Varsamo , Peristeropoulos Argirios , Dimitriadis Zacharias
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a multidimensional exercise intervention on improving fall risk deterrent factors, such as overall strength and flexibility in nursing home residents.

Methods

A multi-centre, randomized controlled trial was finally utilized in 40 older adults (>65 years) who were randomly allocated to the intervention or the control group (20 subjects in each). The intervention group attended an exercise program twice a week for eight weeks, to improve functional mobility. The control group did not receive any intervention. Measurements before and after intervention included the Hand Grip Strength (HGS) testing, the Sit-to-Stand test (SST), the Back Scratch Test (BST), and the Sit-and-Reach test (SRT).

Results

MANOVA revealed significant time effects, V = 0.336, F(6, 33) = 2.78, p = 0.027, partial η2 = 0.336; group effects, V = 0.599, F(6, 33) = 8.22, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.599; and group*time interaction, V = 0.908, F(6, 33) = 54.52, p < 0.001, partial η2 = 0.908. A subsequent univariate analysis did not reveal a significant time effect for any variable (p > 0.05). Significant group effects were observed only for SRT (p < 0.05). Significant group*time interactions were observed for all the examined variables (p < 0.05). Dependent t-tests showed that the older adults in the exercise group were significantly improved in all the examined parameters (p < 0.05). Except for SRT (p > 0.05), all the other parameters significantly deteriorated in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Significant improvements were demonstrated in strength and flexibility among nursing home residents following an eight-week group exercise training program.
Conceptual metaphor activation in Chinese–English bilinguals
Authors: Yang Huilan , Reid J. Nick , Mei Yuru
Published: August 2022

An episodic memory experiment was conducted to examine whether “conceptual metaphors” influence how metaphorical expressions are processed and encoded into memory. Forty Chinese–English bilinguals read lists of expressions in their L1 and L2. The data revealed that after reading a series of metaphorical expressions based on the same underlying conceptual metaphor, participants falsely recognized new sentences that instantiated the same conceptual metaphor mapping more often than control sentences that did not share this mapping. This false memory effect was robust in both participants’ L1 and L2, with the only difference between languages being that participants showed more memory errors for literal sentences related to the source domain of the conceptual metaphors when reading in their second language (i.e., English). These data suggest that although bilinguals can access the appropriate conceptual metaphors in their second language, they have difficulty inhibiting literal meaning when processing metaphorical statements.
Upwelling Shadows Driven by the Low‐Level Jet Along the Subtropical West Coast of South America: Gulf of Arauco, Chile
Authors: Mardones Piero , Wong Zeneida , Contreras‐Rojas Josse , Muñoz Richard , Hernández‐Miranda Eduardo , Sobarzo Marcus
Published: August 2022

Some semienclosed bays in the eastern boundary upwelling systems worldwide display a strong surface temperature gradient between cold water upwelled outside and warmer water inside these bays. This anomalous coastal temperature pattern is known as upwelling shadow (US). Research on this topic has mainly focused on identifying spatiotemporal patterns of US events, but the influence of the atmospheric synoptic variability on the temporal evolution of US events remains less well documented. This study uses observational, satellite‐derived, and reanalysis data to propose a mechanism that relates synoptic‐scale atmospheric phenomena with the development of US events in the Gulf of Arauco (GA), a highly productive and the largest semienclosed bay in central Chile (around 37°S). The mechanism associates the passage of migratory anticyclones over the study area with two key processes. The first process is the formation of a coastal low‐level wind jet, which intensifies the upwelling of cold subsurface waters outside the GA. We strongly suggest that the second one is the development of a coastal low pressure, which usually implies clear skies (increasing the solar radiation input) and weak downwelling favorable winds along the coast, factors that could largely explain the observed surface warming inside this embayment during these events. The presence of cold water upwelled offshore and the enhanced surface warming inside the GA, possibly also modulated by a weakened circulation, results in a strong thermal gradient with average temperature differences of more than 3°C, generating the US.
Observed and Projected Changes of Large‐Scale Environments Conducive to Spring MCS Initiation Over the US Great Plains
Authors: Song Fengfei , Leung L. Ruby , Feng Zhe , Chen Xingchao , Yang Qiu
Published: August 2022

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are frequent over the US Great Plains during spring. The link between large‐scale environments and spring MCS initiation were well established. Here, historical and future changes of spring large‐scale environments favorable for MCS initiation are investigated using an MCS tracking data set, ERA5 reanalysis, and 20 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models. The frequency of Great Plains low‐level jet (GPLLJ)‐related MCS environments is found to have increased by ∼41% from 1979 to 2019, consistent with the enhanced GPLLJ and more frequent MCSs. Comparing CMIP6 AMIP and historical experiments, we find that the observed GPLLJ strengthening and more frequent MCS environments are mainly due to the decadal sea‐surface temperature variations rather than external forcings. Under a high emission scenario, the frequency of GPLLJ‐related environments favorable for MCS initiation will increase by ∼65% during 2015–2100, along with a stronger GPLLJ, suggesting more frequent MCSs over the US Great Plains in a warming world.
Simulation of Magnetospheric Sawtooth Oscillations: The Role of Kinetic Reconnection in the Magnetotail
Authors: Wang Xiantong , Chen Yuxi , Tóth Gábor
Published: August 2022

Magnetospheric sawtooth oscillations are observed during strong and steady solar wind driving conditions. The simulation results of our global magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) model with embedded kinetic physics show that when the total magnetic flux carried by constant solar wind exceeds a threshold, sawtooth‐like magnetospheric oscillations are generated. Different from previous works, this result is obtained without involving time‐varying ionospheric outflow in the model. The oscillation period and amplitude agree well with observations. The simulated oscillations cover a wide range of local times, although the distribution of magnitude as a function of longitude is different from observations. Our comparative simulations using ideal or Hall MHD models do not produce global time‐varying features, which suggests that kinetic reconnection physics in the magnetotail is a major contributing factor to sawtooth oscillations.
Data‐Driven Discovery of Soil Moisture Flow Governing Equation: A Sparse Regression Framework
Authors: Song Wenxiang , Shi Liangsheng , Wang Lijun , Wang Yanling , Hu Xiaolong
Published: August 2022

Conventionally, soil moisture dynamics are mathematically modeled by the Richardson‐Richards equation, whose derivation is based on the conservation of mass and the Buckingham‐Darcy law. However, it is complicated and even impossible to finish such rigorous derivations based on physical principles due to the complexity and uncertainties in the vadose zone. In this work, we propose a data‐driven sparse regression framework. For the first time, we discover the time‐dependent nonlinear soil moisture flow equation from only volumetric water content observations. The framework leverages linear approximations and group sparsity techniques. Except for a few assumptions, it requires no prior information, including a specific constitutive relationship model, boundary conditions, and initial conditions. Several numerical experiments are tested to demonstrate that the framework successfully discovers the underlying soil moisture flow equation from data and tends to discover the parsimonious equation governed by dominant physical processes. Besides, the identified nonlinear coefficients, which represent soil hydraulic properties, fit well with the actual coefficients, although they deviate slightly at near‐saturated ends. The results demonstrate the satisfactory performance of the proposed framework under various scenarios. Despite being based on a homogeneous soil assumption, this study provides a new perspective for deriving soil moisture flow governing equations.
CHIKV infection reprograms codon optimality to favor viral RNA translation by altering the tRNA epitranscriptome
Authors: Jungfleisch Jennifer , Böttcher René , Talló-Parra Marc , Pérez-Vilaró Gemma , Merits Andres , Novoa Eva Maria , Díez Juana
Published: August 2022

Ample evidence indicates that codon usage bias regulates gene expression. How viruses, such as the emerging mosquito-borne Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), express their genomes at high levels despite an enrichment in rare codons remains a puzzling question. Using ribosome footprinting, we analyze translational changes that occur upon CHIKV infection. We show that CHIKV infection induces codon-specific reprogramming of the host translation machinery to favor the translation of viral RNA genomes over host mRNAs with an otherwise optimal codon usage. This reprogramming was mostly apparent at the endoplasmic reticulum, where CHIKV RNAs show high ribosome occupancy. Mechanistically, it involves CHIKV-induced overexpression of KIAA1456, an enzyme that modifies the wobble U34 position in the anticodon of tRNAs, which is required for proper decoding of codons that are highly enriched in CHIKV RNAs. Our findings demonstrate an unprecedented interplay of viruses with the host tRNA epitranscriptome to adapt the host translation machinery to viral production.
PTEN inhibits AMPK to control collective migration
Authors: Peglion Florent , Capuana Lavinia , Perfettini Isabelle , Boucontet Laurent , Braithwaite Ben , Colucci-Guyon Emma , Quissac Emie , Forsberg-Nilsson Karin , Llense Flora , Etienne-Manneville Sandrine
Published: August 2022

Pten is one of the most frequently mutated tumour suppressor gene in cancer. PTEN is generally altered in invasive cancers such as glioblastomas, but its function in collective cell migration and invasion is not fully characterised. Herein, we report that the loss of PTEN increases cell speed during collective migration of non-tumourous cells both in vitro and in vivo. We further show that loss of PTEN promotes LKB1-dependent phosphorylation and activation of the major metabolic regulator AMPK. In turn AMPK increases VASP phosphorylation, reduces VASP localisation at cell-cell junctions and decreases the interjunctional transverse actin arcs at the leading front, provoking a weakening of cell-cell contacts and increasing migration speed. Targeting AMPK activity not only slows down PTEN-depleted cells, it also limits PTEN-null glioblastoma cell invasion, opening new opportunities to treat glioblastoma lethal invasiveness.
Structural insights into inhibitory mechanism of human excitatory amino acid transporter EAAT2
Authors: Kato Takafumi , Kusakizako Tsukasa , Jin Chunhuan , Zhou Xinyu , Ohgaki Ryuichi , Quan LiLi , Xu Minhui , Okuda Suguru , Kobayashi Kan , Yamashita Keitaro , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Nureki Osamu
Published: August 2022

Glutamate is a pivotal excitatory neurotransmitter in mammalian brains, but excessive glutamate causes numerous neural disorders. Almost all extracellular glutamate is retrieved by the glial transporter, Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 (EAAT2), belonging to the SLC1A family. However, in some cancers, EAAT2 expression is enhanced and causes resistance to therapies by metabolic disturbance. Despite its crucial roles, the detailed structural information about EAAT2 has not been available. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of human EAAT2 in substrate-free and selective inhibitor WAY213613-bound states at 3.2 Å and 2.8 Å, respectively. EAAT2 forms a trimer, with each protomer consisting of transport and scaffold domains. Along with a glutamate-binding site, the transport domain possesses a cavity that could be disrupted during the transport cycle. WAY213613 occupies both the glutamate-binding site and cavity of EAAT2 to interfere with its alternating access, where the sensitivity is defined by the inner environment of the cavity. We provide the characterization of the molecular features of EAAT2 and its selective inhibition mechanism that may facilitate structure-based drug design for EAAT2.
Topological nature of the liquid–liquid phase transition in tetrahedral liquids
Authors: Neophytou Andreas , Chakrabarti Dwaipayan , Sciortino Francesco
Published: August 2022

The first-order phase transition between two tetrahedral networks of different density—introduced as a hypothesis to account for the anomalous behaviour of certain thermodynamic properties of deeply supercooled water—has received strong support from a growing body of work in recent years. Here we show that this liquid–liquid phase transition in tetrahedral networks can be described as a transition between an unentangled, low-density liquid and an entangled, high-density liquid, the latter containing an ensemble of topologically complex motifs. We first reveal this distinction in a rationally designed colloidal analogue of water. We show that this colloidal water model displays the well-known water thermodynamic anomalies as well as a liquid–liquid critical point. We then investigate water, employing two widely used molecular models, to demonstrate that there is also a clear topological distinction between its two supercooled liquid networks, thereby establishing the generality of this observation, which might have far-reaching implications for understanding liquid–liquid phase transitions in tetrahedral liquids.
Misinformation of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Lee Sun Kyong , Sun Juhyung , Jang Seulki , Connelly Shane
Published: August 2022

The current study examined various types of misinformation related to the COVID-19 vaccines and their relationships to vaccine hesitancy and refusal. Study 1 asked a sample of full-time working professionals in the US (n = 505) about possible misinformation they were exposed to related to the COVID-19 vaccines. Study 2 utilized an online survey to examine U.S. college students’ (n = 441) knowledge about COVID-19 vaccines, and its associations with vaccine hesitancy and behavioral intention to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Analysis of open-ended responses in Study 1 revealed that 57.6% reported being exposed to conspiratorial misinformation such as COVID-19 vaccines are harmful and dangerous. The results of a structural equation modeling analysis for Study 2 supported our hypotheses predicting a negative association between the knowledge level and vaccine hesitancy and between vaccine hesitancy and behavioral intention. Vaccine hesitancy mediated the relationship between the vaccine knowledge and behavioral intention. Findings across these studies suggest exposure to misinformation and believing it as true could increase vaccine hesitancy and reduce behavioral intention to get vaccinated.
Dispersion and stability mechanism of Pt nanoparticles on transition-metal oxides
Authors: Jeong Eun-Suk , Hwang In-Hui , Han Sang-Wook
Published: August 2022

The heterogeneous catalysts of Pt/transition-metal oxides are typically synthesized through calcination at 500 °C, and Pt nanoparticles are uniformly and highly dispersed when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is applied before calcination. The influence of H2O2 on the dispersion and the stability of Pt nanoparticles on titania-incorporated fumed silica (Pt/Ti–FS) supports was examined using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements at the Pt L3 and Ti K edges as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The local structural and chemical properties around Pt and Ti atoms of Pt/Ti–FS with and without H2O2 treatment were monitored using in-situ XAFS during heating from room temperature to 500 °C. XAFS revealed that the Pt nanoparticles of H2O2-Pt/Ti–FS are highly stable and that the Ti atoms of H2O2-Pt/Ti–FS support form into a distorted-anatase TiO2. DFT calculations showed that Pt atoms bond more stably to oxidized–TiO2 surfaces than they do to bare- and reduced–TiO2 surfaces. XAFS measurements and DFT calculations clarified that the presence of extra oxygen atoms due to the H2O2 treatment plays a critical role in the strong bonding of Pt atoms to TiO2 surfaces.
Distribution and genetic diversity of Anisakis spp. in cetaceans from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Cipriani Paolo , Palomba Marialetizia , Giulietti Lucilla , Marcer Federica , Mazzariol Sandro , Santoro Mario , Alburqueque Renato Aco , Covelo Pablo , López Alfredo , Santos M. Begoña , Pierce Graham J. , Brownlow Andrew , Davison Nicholas J. , McGovern Barry , Frantzis Alexandros , Alexiadou Paraskevi , Højgaard Dánjal Petur , Mikkelsen Bjarni , Paoletti Michela , Nascetti Giuseppe , Levsen Arne , Mattiucci Simonetta
Published: August 2022

Parasite biodiversity in cetaceans represents a neglected component of the marine ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the distribution and genetic diversity of anisakid nematodes of the genus Anisakis sampled in cetaceans from the Northeast Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. A total of 478 adults and pre-adults of Anisakis spp. was identified by a multilocus genetic approach (mtDNA cox2, EF1 α − 1 nDNA and nas 10 nDNA gene loci) from 11 cetacean species. A clear pattern of host preference was observed for Anisakis spp. at cetacean family level: A. simplex (s.s.) and A. pegreffii infected mainly delphinids; A. physeteris and A. brevispiculata were present only in physeterids, and A. ziphidarum occurred in ziphiids. The role of cetacean host populations from different waters in shaping the population genetic structure of A. simplex (s.s.), A. pegreffii and A. physeteris was investigated for the first time. Significant genetic sub-structuring was found in A. simplex (s.s.) populations of the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea compared to those of the Iberian Atlantic, as well as in A. pegreffii populations of the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian Seas compared to those of the Iberian Atlantic waters. Substantial genetic homogeneity was detected in the Mediterranean Sea population of A. physeteris. This study highlights a strong preference by some Anisakis spp. for certain cetacean species or families. Information about anisakid biodiversity in their cetacean definitive hosts, which are apex predators of marine ecosystems, acquires particular importance for conservation measures in the context of global climate change phenomena.
Preservation of glycine coordination compounds under a gamma radiation dose representative of natural mars radioactivity
Authors: Bonales Laura J. , Muñoz-Iglesias Victoria , Prieto-Ballesteros Olga , Mateo-Martí Eva
Published: August 2022

The Martian subsurface is more favorable for organic preservation than its surface because of the shielding effect of rocks from cosmic rays and UV radiation with increasing depth. Nevertheless, the natural radioactivity on Mars owing to U, Th, and K must be considered to study the possible extant and/or extinct life. Here, we demonstrate the importance of natural radiation on the amino acid glycine in two different chemical environments, GlyFeSO4 5H2O and GlyMgSO4 5H2O, which are coordination compounds considered relevant to Mars. The results show that after a 600 kGy dose of gamma radiation, glycine was more stable when it bonded to Mg in the GlyMgSO4 5H2O coordination compound, it was less stable when it bonded to Fe in the GlyFeSO4 5H2O compound. Studies on the effects of gamma radiation on preservation of organic molecules bound to minerals and other potential compounds on Mars are significantly important in the search for biosignatures.
Malicious anchor node extraction using geodesic search for survivable underwater wireless sensor network
Authors: Prateek  , Reddy T. Srinivasa , Chandra Saurabh , Arya Rajeev , Verma Ajit Kumar
Published: August 2022

Localization in underwater wireless sensor network (UWSN) faces an imminent threat when the triangulating anchor node starts to malfunction. Traditional geometric approaches are insufficient to cope with the survivability of UWSN topology. To address these issues, this paper presents a symplectic geometry for identification of the malicious anchor node. Consequently, a geodesic search algorithm (GSA) based Target localization is proposed which reduces the positioning error by exploiting the phase-space constancy of the underwater acoustic sensor network topology to effectively triangulate the target node despite its mobility. First, a malicious anchor node model is presented. The node movement is expressed in the form of “ripple region”. GSA is then proposed which effectively frees the node metastasis from anchor node geometry, thereby making the underwater system more survivable and resilient. Simulation results evaluate the survivability of the geodesic formalism in terms of the reduced penalty incurred by node movement, as well as the reduced impact of anchor node malfunction. An improvement of 13.46% and 9.26% reveals the utility of the geodesic technique in aquamarine sensor deployments, which would be beneficial in underwater resource exploration and defense planning.
Geriatric nutritional risk index as a potential prognostic marker for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer: a single-center, retrospective cohort study
Authors: Funamizu Naotake , Sakamoto Akimasa , Utsunomiya Takeshi , Uraoka Mio , Nagaoka Tomoyuki , Iwata Miku , Ito Chihiro , Tamura Kei , Sakamoto Katsunori , Ogawa Kohei , Takada Yasutsugu
Published: August 2022

In pancreatic cancer, postoperative complications (POCs) are associated with disease outcomes. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is known to predict POCs after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP) in patients with hepatobiliary pancreatic tumors, including pancreatic cancer. Through POC occurrence risk, we aimed to determine whether GNRI could predict prognosis in patients who underwent PD or DP for resectable pancreatic cancer. This retrospective study examined 139 patients who underwent radical pancreatectomy for resectable pancreatic cancer at Ehime University. All patients were subjected to nutritional screening using GNRI and were followed up for POC diagnosis and patient outcomes such as overall survival (OS). Patients were divided based on the GNRI value of 99 (Low group: N = 74, GNRI < 99; High group: N = 65, GNRI ≥ 99), which was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that GNRI < 99 was statistically correlated with POCs after curative pancreatic resection (p = 0.02). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed that GNRI < 99 was significantly associated with long OS (p = 0.04). GNRI could be a potential prognostic marker for resectable pancreatic cancer after curative pancreatic resection despite being a simple and noninvasive approach.
Copper ferrite nanoparticles loaded on reduced graphene oxide nanozymes for the ultrasensitive colorimetric assay of chromium ions
Authors: Yi Wenwen , Zhang Peng , Wang Yunpeng , Li Zhongping , Guo Yujing , Liu Meng , Dong Chuan , Li Changfeng
Published: August 2022

A novel colorimetric assay for the heavy metal Cr3+ was created for the first time.
Effect of sodium alginate supplementation on weight management and reproductive hormones in polycystic females
Authors: Manzoor Faiza , Nisa Mahr-Un , Shakoor Abdul , Hussain Liaqat , Mahmood Abid , Younas Anam
Published: August 2022

Dietary fiber is getting attention these days due to its tendency to improve the reproductive performance in human beings.
Visualization of intercellular cargo transfer using upconverting nanoparticles
Authors: Goh Yeongchang , Kim Jongwoo , Park Hye Sun , Jung Taeyoung , Hong Kwan Soo , Nam Sang Hwan , Suh Yung Doug , Lee Kang Taek
Published: August 2022

Cell–cell communication is important for cellular differentiation, organ function, and immune responses.
Self-doping induced oxygen vacancies and lattice strains for synergetic enhanced upconversion luminescence of Er3+ ions in 2D BiOCl nanosheets
Authors: Wang Tianhui , Xu Liang , Wu Zhijie , Li Yongjin , Yin Zhaoyi , Han Jin , Yang Zhengwen , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo
Published: August 2022

Oxygen vacancies act as energy bridges to transfer charges and lattice strain drives and enhances energy transfer for synergetic enhanced luminescence.
Surface coverage control for dramatic enhancement of thermal CO oxidation by precise potential tuning of metal supported catalysts
Authors: Qi Xingyu , Shinagawa Tatsuya , Lu Xiaofei , Yui Yuhki , Ibe Masaya , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: August 2022

External potential control allows reactant coverage control on the catalyst, in this case to suppress excessive CO adsorption, leading to improved thermal CO oxidation performance.
Educational Environments and Secondary School Outcomes Among Students Who Are D/deaf and Hard of Hearing in Special Education
Authors: Epstein Sherise , Christianson Erin , Ou Henry C. , Norton Susan J. , Sie Kathleen C.Y. , Horn David L.
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to provide updated national estimates on the annual number, educational environments, and secondary school outcomes of students who are D/deaf and hard of hearing (D/HH) receiving special education (SpEd) and related services in the United States.

Method:

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive analysis of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Part B, Section 618 data from 2012 to 2018. Participants included students 6–21 years old in SpEd with “hearing impairment” reported as their primary disability. The general population of students in secondary school served as a comparator, via Current Population Survey data. We described the annual number of students (a) overall, (b) by educational environment, and (c) by reason for exiting SpEd, including the proportion graduating from and dropping out of secondary school. We described variation over time.

Results:

The median annual number of students was 67,655, with minimal variation by year. The proportion in general education (GenEd) for ≥ 80% of the day increased by 4.2% over 6 years from 57.8% to 62.0%, whereas the proportions in GenEd for < 40% and 40%–79% of the day decreased by 1.6% and 1.3%, respectively. Proportions in the remainder of the environments changed < 1.0% each. Of exiters, 86.8% of students graduated, whereas 3.9% dropped out, compared to a dropout rate of 5.0% in the general population.

Conclusion:

From 2012 to 2018, students who are D/HH receiving SpEd in the United States have spent increasingly more time in GenEd, most graduated from high school, and few dropped out, with dropout patterns appearing similar to the general population.
Reconfigurable intelligent surface‐aided millimetre wave communications utilizing two‐phase minimax optimal stochastic strategy bandit
Authors: Mohamed Ehab Mahmoud , Hashima Sherief , Anjum Nasreen , Hatano Kohei , Shafai Walid El , Elhalawany Basem M.
Published: August 2022

Millimetre wave (mmWave) communications, that is, 30 to 300 GHz, have intermittent short‐range transmissions, so the use of reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) seems to be a promising solution to extend its coverage. However, optimizing phase shifts (PSs) of both mmWave base station (BS) and RIS to maximize the received spectral efficiency at the intended receiver seems challenging due to massive antenna elements usage. In this paper, an online learning approach is proposed to address this problem, where it is considered a two‐phase multi‐armed bandit (MAB) game. In the first phase, the PS vector of the mmWave BS is adjusted, and based on it, the PS vector of the RIS is calibrated in the second phase and vice versa over the time horizon. The minimax optimal stochastic strategy (MOSS) MAB algorithm is utilized to implement the proposed two‐phase MAB approach efficiently. Furthermore, to relax the problem of estimating the channel state information (CSI) of both mmWave BS and RIS, codebook‐based PSs are considered. Finally, numerical analysis confirms the superior performance of the proposed scheme against the optimal performance under different scenarios.
Cooperative optimisation strategy of computation offloading in multi‐UAVs‐assisted edge computing networks
Authors: Zhang Shanxin , Cao Runyu , Jiang Zefeng
Published: August 2022

Mobile edge computing has been developed as a promising technology to extend diverse services to the edge of the Internet of Things system. Motivated by the high flexibility and controllability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a multi‐UAVs‐assisted mobile edge computing system is studied to reduce the total consumption of time and energy of terminal equipments. In this system, UAVs act as the computing nodes or relay nodes for process terminal equipment's task. Accordingly, an optimisation problem is formulated to minimise the weighted sum of energy and delay consumption in the edge computing network. To solve the problem, an asynchronous advantage actor–critic (A3C) based deep reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed to obtain the optimal strategy for computation offloading and resource allocation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed A3C based algorithm converges fast and outperforms the baseline algorithms in terms of the energy and time consumption of system.
Melamine sponge decorated with Fe3O4/CuS nanoparticles as novel peroxidase‐like nanozyme for disinfection
Authors: Yang Xiaoni , Guo Aiying , Du Liqiang , Qin Baoping , Wang Xiuping , Cai Aijun
Published: August 2022

A melamine sponge‐supported Fe3O4/CuS nanozyme with highly peroxidase‐like activity was fabricated using polydopamine (PDA) as adsorption agent (named as S/PDA/Fe3O4/CuS). Fe3O4 and CuS nanoparticles were well dispersed on the surface of melamine sponge. Effects of reaction parameters such as temperature and solution pH on peroxidase‐like activity were investigated. S/PDA/Fe3O4/CuS exhibited highly disinfection efficiency against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the presence of trace H2O2 (100 μm). ·OH radicals were found to be the main reactive oxygen species.
Meter placement algorithms to enhance distribution systems state estimation: Review, challenges and future research directions
Authors: Zeraati Mehdi , Shabanzadeh Morteza , Sheibani Mohammad Reza , Jabari Farkhondeh
Published: August 2022

Increasing the number of measurements in power distribution networks is crucial in improving the monitoring accuracy and operation quality. However, due to the large number of nodes in distribution networks, it is not economically possible to install meters in all nodes. State estimation as a useful tool can help to reduce the need for meters. The location of meters has a significant effect on the state estimation results. A comprehensive literature review of the optimal meter placement methods in distribution networks with the aim of improving state estimation is presented in this paper. These methods are compared in terms of the objective function and constraints of the optimization problem, relevant uncertainties, types of state estimation algorithms and the solution methods. This paper provides a detailed insight for researchers and network operators about the types of meter placement methods, their advantages and disadvantages, existing barriers, and future research areas.
Immunadsorption zur Herstellung von COVID-19
Antikörperkonzentraten
Authors: Rothenburg Jannik , Rink-Baron Silke , Müller Lisa , Ostermann Philipp Niklas , Fischer Johannes , Stegbauer Johannes , Moldenhauer Anja
Published: August 2022

Seit mehr als 2 Jahren hält die COVID-19 Pandemie die ganze Welt in Atem.
Vor Einführung der Impfung schien die Anwendung von Frischplasmen
rekonvaleszenter Spender nach Einzelfallberichten ein vielversprechender
Therapieansatz, insbesondere, wenn sie bereits in der Frühphase der
Erkrankung eingesetzt werden. In multizentrischen Studien großer
Fallzahlen blieben die Ergebnisse unter den Erwartungen, weshalb in Deutschland
keine eindeutige Leitlinienempfehlung zur Anwendung von rekonvaleszenten Plasmen
(RKP) existiert.

Ein Grund dafür könnten schwankende und zu Beginn der
RKP-Anwendung zu niedrige Konzentrationen an COVID-19 Antikörpern in der
überwiegenden Zahl der Plasmaeinheiten sein – was wiederum das
Ausbleiben einer überzeugenden klinischen Wirksamkeit erklären
könnte.

Daher verfolgen wir eine Strategie, die die selektive Sammlung und Konzentrierung
menschlicher Immunglobuline aus einer Spende mittels Immunadsorption
ermöglicht.
Klonale Hämatopoese – Verbindungsglied
kardiovaskulärer und hämatologischer
Erkrankungen
Authors: Frick Mareike , Damm Frederik
Published: August 2022

Klonale Hämatopoese ist ein prämaligner Zustand der Blutzellen,
der insbesondere in der älteren Bevölkerung sehr häufig
ist. Er geht nicht nur mit einem erhöhten Risiko für
hämatologische Erkrankungen einher, sondern ist insbesondere aufgrund
des vermehrten Vorkommens von kardiovaskulären Erkrankungen klinisch
hochrelevant. Auch im Kontext allogener hämatopoetischer
Stammzelltransplantationen spielt klonale Hämatopoese eine zunehmend
wichtige Rolle.
Die Verordnung (EU) 2017/746 des Europäischen
Parlaments über In-vitro-Diagnostika
Authors: Weinstock Christof , Vogeser Michael
Published: August 2022

Von den klinisch tätigen medizinischen Akteuren nahezu unbemerkt trat am
26. Mai 2017 die vom Europaparlament verabschiedete Verordnung (EU)
2017/746 über In-vitro-Diagnostika in Kraft. Die Verordnung
löste die im Jahr 1998 von der Europäischen Gemeinschaft
verabschiedete Richtlinie 98/79/EG ab, in der damals
grundlegende Anforderungen an die Herstellung und Zulassung und an das
Inverkehrbringen von In-vitro-Diagnostika formuliert wurden. Dieser Beitrag
beschreibt die Neuerungen für industrielle Hersteller und für
Labore, die selbst In-vitro-Diagnostika herstellen (Eigenherstellung).
Editorial
Authors: Schmalzing Marc , Schmieder Astrid
Published: August 2022

Die gute interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit in der Patientenversorgung und
patientenortientierten wissenschaftlichen Kooperationen am
Universitätsklinikum Würzburg dienten als Ausgangspunkt für
die Gestaltung des Themenhefts „Haut und Rheuma“. Die Haut stellt
neben den Gelenken eine der häufigsten Manifestationsorte
rheumatisch-entzündlicher Erkrankungen dar. Nicht selten tragen spezifische
kutane Befunde, welche relativ unkompliziert der zusätzlichen
histopathologischen Befundung zugänglich sind, entscheidend zur Diagnose
bei. Aufgrund dieser großen rheumatologisch-dermatologischen Schnittmenge an
Erkrankungen wurden in dieser Ausgabe namhafte Experten von den Herausgebern gebeten
zu zentralen autoimmunologischen und chronisch-entzündlichen Erkrankungen
Stellung zu nehmen.
Psychische Gesundheit von Seeleuten: Einsatz künstlicher Intelligenz
Authors: Reck Chiara , Oldenburg Marcus
Published: August 2022

In den letzten Jahren, seit Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie, und nun auch durch den Krieg in der Ukraine haben sich die Lebensumstände für Seeleute drastisch verschlechtert. Neben z. T. verlängerten Arbeitsverträgen, höherem Arbeitsaufkommen und schwierigen Heimreisebedingungen wurden zufluchtstiftende Landgänge weltweit verboten 1. Zur Erfassung der emotionalen Belastung der Seeleute können Künstliche-Intelligenz-Systeme verwendet werden. Das hier verwendete Deep Learning (DL) ist eine Methode der Informationsverarbeitung, bei der die Maschine selbstständig ihre Fähigkeiten verbessern kann.
Behandlungsverhalten und Wünsche an die Therapie aus Sicht von jungen Erwachsenen mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1
Authors: Seibert Lea Kristin , Grieskamp Ricarda Margitta , Schmidt Hannah , Menrath Ingo , Pawils Silke , Rumpf Hans-Jürgen , von Sengbusch Simone
Published: August 2022

Hintergrund Bei Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen (JujE) mit Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 (DMT1) werden gehäuft Behandlungsverhaltensweisen beobachtet, die mit ungünstigen Gesundheitsoutcomes assoziiert sind. Darüber hinaus verläuft der in diesem Alter erforderliche Transitionsprozess oft problematisch. Insgesamt ist diese Altersspanne mit einem erhöhten Risiko für akute Komplikationen und langfristige Folgeschäden assoziiert. Ziel der Studie ist es, Gründe für Therapieunzufriedenheit und ungünstiges Behandlungsverhalten aus Sicht der JujE zu explorieren und den Bedarf sowie konkrete Empfehlungen für ein zusätzliches psychologisches Coaching abzuleiten.

Methode Insgesamt wurden 15 qualitative Interviews mit JujE (Alter M=20.2; SD=3.1 Jahre; 53.3% weiblich) geführt. Zudem wurden die Soziodemographie und depressive Symptomatik (PHQ-9; Patient Health Questionnaire) erhoben.

Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse deuten darauf hin, dass Behandlungsunzufriedenheit und ungünstiges Behandlungsverhalten mit direktiven Kommunikationsmustern sowie einer fehlenden persönlichen Bindung zu den Behandler:innen assoziiert sind. Zudem werden psychische Belastungen aus Sicht der Befragten unzureichend thematisiert. Die JujE wünschten sich insbesondere Kontinuität im Behandlungsteam sowie einen empathischen Umgang. Die Idee eines zusätzlichen Coachings wurde positiv aufgenommen. Hierbei besteht der Wunsch nach bedürfnisorientierter Ausgestaltung.

Diskussion Mögliche Barrieren von Adhärenz und psychische Belastungen sollten offen erfragt und thematisiert werden. Insbesondere bei psychisch belasteten JujE könnte das Behandlungsverhalten möglicherweise durch zusätzliche niederschwellige Coachingangebote verbessert werden. Eine randomisiert-kontrollierte Studie ist noch ausstehend.