bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment, management, and rehabilitation of traumatic peripheral nerve injuries for non‐surgeons
Authors: Bateman Emma A. , Pripotnev Stahs , Larocerie‐Salgado Juliana , Ross Douglas C. , Miller Thomas A.
Published: June 2024

Electrodiagnostic evaluation is often requested for persons with peripheral nerve injuries and plays an important role in their diagnosis, prognosis, and management. Peripheral nerve injuries are common and can have devastating effects on patients' physical, psychological, and socioeconomic well‐being; alongside surgeons, electrodiagnostic medicine specialists serve a central function in ensuring patients receive optimal treatment for these injuries. Surgical intervention—nerve grafting, nerve transfers, and tendon transfers—often plays a critical role in the management of these injuries and the restoration of patients' function. Increasingly, nerve transfers are becoming the standard of care for some types of peripheral nerve injury due to two significant advantages: first, they shorten the time to reinnervation of denervated muscles; and second, they confer greater specificity in directing motor and sensory axons toward their respective targets. As the indications for, and use of, nerve transfers expand, so too does the role of the electrodiagnostic medicine specialist in establishing or confirming the diagnosis, determining the injury's prognosis, recommending treatment, aiding in surgical planning, and supporting rehabilitation. Having a working knowledge of nerve and/or tendon transfer options allows the electrodiagnostic medicine specialist to not only arrive at the diagnosis and prognosticate, but also to clarify which nerves and/or muscles might be suitable donors, such as confirming whether the branch to supinator could be a nerve transfer donor to restore distal posterior interosseous nerve function. Moreover, post‐operative testing can determine if nerve transfer reinnervation is occurring and progress patients' rehabilitation and/or direct surgeons to consider tendon transfers.
Thermo‐hydro‐mechanical coupled material point method for modeling freezing and thawing of porous media
Authors: Yu Jidu , Zhao Jidong , Zhao Shiwei , Liang Weijian
Published: June 2024

Climate warming accelerates permafrost thawing, causing warming‐driven disasters like ground collapse and retrogressive thaw slump (RTS). These phenomena, involving intricate multiphysics interactions, phase transitions, nonlinear mechanical responses, and fluid‐like deformations, and pose increasing risks to geo‐infrastructures in cold regions. This study develops a thermo‐hydro‐mechanical (THM) coupled single‐point three‐phase material point method (MPM) to simulate the time‐dependent phase transition and large deformation behavior arising from the thawing or freezing of ice/water in porous media. The mathematical framework is established based on the multiphase mixture theory in which the ice phase is treated as a solid constituent playing the role of skeleton together with soil grains. The additional strength due to ice cementation is characterized via an ice saturation‐dependent Mohr–Coulomb model. The coupled formulations are solved using a fractional‐step‐based semi‐implicit integration algorithm, which can offer both satisfactory numerical stability and computational efficiency when dealing with nearly incompressible fluids and extremely low permeability conditions in frozen porous media. Two hydro‐thermal coupling cases, that is, frozen inclusion thaw and Talik closure/opening, are first benchmarked to show the method can correctly simulate both conduction‐ and convection‐dominated thermal regimes in frozen porous systems. The fully THM responses are further validated by simulating a 1D thaw consolidation and a 2D rock freezing example. Good agreements with experimental results are achieved, and the impact of hydro‐thermal variations on the mechanical responses, including thaw settlement and frost heave, are successfully captured. Finally, the predictive capability of the multiphysics MPM framework in simulating thawing‐triggered large deformation and failure is demonstrated by modeling an RTS and the settlement of a strip footing on thawing ground.
Effects of mother–infant skin‐to‐skin contact on mother–infant relationship and maternal psychology feelings: A qualitative study
Authors: Feng Xiaoyan , Zhang Yuqing
Published: June 2024

Aims

To explore the effects of mother‐infant skin‐to‐skin contact on mother‐infant relationship and maternal psychology feelings.

Design

An exploratory qualitative research design using semi‐structured interviews.

Methods

A total of 64 mother‐infant pairs who met the inclusion criteria were selected as the experimental subjects to receive early and continuous intervention of mother‐infant skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC). On this basis, the qualitative research method of procedural grounded theory was used to conduct semi‐structured interviews with 18 puerperas before discharge from the hospital; the three‐level coding method of procedural grounded theory and Graneheim & Lundman qualitative content analysis method were combined to conductinterview content analysis in Nvivo 12 software, so as to extractcore categories and condense the theme.

Results

(1) The data were coded to extract five core categories, namely, birth experience, role transition, contact perception, mother‐infant connection and parental efficacy; (2) there were statistically significant differences in the number of coding reference points in five nodes before and after SSC, that is, mothers' positive feelings, newborns' physical characteristics noticed by their mothers, mother‐infant connection, role transition and birth experience. The number of coding reference points after SSC was statistically significant greater than before SSC; (3) The coding interview results showed that SSC could promote the sense of happiness in nurturing.
Course grades as a signal of student achievement: Evidence of grade inflation before and after COVID‐19
Authors: Goldhaber Dan , Goodman Young Maia
Published: June 2024

There is widespread speculation and some evidence that grades and grading standards changed during the pandemic, making higher grades relatively easier to achieve. In this paper we use longitudinal data from students in Washington State to investigate middle and high school grades in math, science, and English pre‐ and post‐pandemic. Our descriptive analysis of the data reveals that—in accordance with state guidance—almost no students received an F in the spring of 2020, and the share of students receiving A's jumped dramatically. While English and science grades returned to pre‐pandemic levels in the years following the 2019/2020 school year, grades in math did not. To understand how well grades reflect objective measures of learning we regress test scores on student grades separately by subject and year and find that the strength of the relationship between grades and test scores has diminished over time in math. The diminishment of the signal value of grades may be a concern given that schools and families use grades as a signal of when students are ready to progress and when they might need more help.
For‐profit milk in nonprofit cartons? The case of nonprofit charter schools subcontracting with for‐profit education management organizations
Authors: Lavertu Stephane , Tran Long
Published: June 2024

There is growing concern that some public service providers may be nonprofit in name but not in fact. We consider this issue in the context of nonprofit charter schools, which sometimes subcontract their daily operations to for‐profit management organizations. We use unique data from Ohio to study how nonprofit charters’ reliance on for‐profit operators affects student achievement and attendance. The results indicate that charter schools with for‐profit operators are, on average, at least as effective as nearby traditional public schools with respect to both outcomes, and that the average low‐achieving student experiences greater test‐score gains in charters with for‐profit operators than in traditional public schools. However, charter schools with for‐profit operators tend to be less effective than other charters nearby, particularly for students with high test scores and low absence rates. Further analysis comparing the administration and outcomes of charter schools with different types of contracting arrangements suggests that the prioritization of profit may explain their different outcomes. This study offers insights for literatures on charter schools, contracting, and sector boundaries.
Return from exile: Mythology and heritage in American Born Chinese and its Disney adaptation
Authors: Fagan Joshua
Published: June 2024

Though American Born Chinese has received a significant degree of scholarly study, the prevalence of cultural exile in the text has not received sufficient attention. Said's theorization on exile provides a guide to examining the mindset of Jin, who willfully accepts exile from his Chinese‐American heritage because of how he feels neither truly Chinese nor truly American. Only through a visceral encounter with Chinese mythology does he return from exile and embrace that heritage. The Disney adaptation, though significant from a “representation” standpoint, removes that threat of exile, diluting the narrative into a reassuring, palatable formula.
Incompatible insect technique: insights on potential outcomes of releasing contaminant females: a proof of concept under semi‐field conditions
Authors: Lombardi Giulia , Lampazzi Elena , Calvitti Maurizio
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Releasing large numbers of Aedes albopictus males, carrying the artificially introduced Wolbachia ‘wPip’ strain, results in a decrease in the reproductive capacity of wild females due to a phenomenon known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). This vector control strategy is referred to as the incompatible insect technique (IIT). However, its widespread implementation faces various challenges, including the complexity of removing fertile females from the males intended for release. Here, we present the results of semi‐field experiments comparing the impact of minimal female co‐release on two IIT modes: unidirectional CI‐based (UnCI IIT) and bidirectional CI‐based (BiCI IIT), specifically targeting Ae. albopictus.

RESULTS

The contamination of ‘wPip’ infected females (2%) during male releases significantly weakened the overall effectiveness of IIT, emphasizing the need for thorough sex separation. Specifically, with UnCI IIT, despite the low rate of co‐released females, there was a gradual rise in ‘wPip’ infection frequency, resulting in more compatible mating and subsequently higher rates of egg hatching. Conversely, this pattern was effectively mitigated in BiCI IIT owing to the reciprocal sterility between the wild‐type and the ‘wPip’ infected populations.

CONCLUSION

Through an experimental approach, conducted in a semi‐field setting, we have contributed to advancing scientific understanding regarding the potential outcomes of implementing the IIT strategy in the absence of a complete sexing system. The results suggest that safety measures for mitigating the potential impacts of co‐released females can be tailored according to the specific type of IIT being utilized. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Magneto‐Spectroscopy of Interlayer Excitons in Transition‐Metal Dichalcogenide Heterostructures
Authors: Holler Johannes , Selig Malte , Smirnov Dmitry S. , Kempf Michael , Zipfel Jonas , Nagler Philipp , Katzer Manuel , Katsch Florian , Ballottin Mariana V. , Mitioglu Anatolie A. , Chernikov Alexey , Christianen Peter C. M. , Schüller Christian , Knorr Andreas , Korn Tobias
Published: June 2024

Transition‐metal dichalcogenide (TMD) monolayers are direct‐gap semiconductors with peculiar spin–valley coupling. Combining two different TMDs can lead to a type‐II band alignment and formation of interlayer excitons (ILE). In MoSe2–WSe2 heterobilayers, optically bright ILE are only observable if the interlayer twist angle is close to 0° (aligned, R‐type) or 60° (anti‐aligned, H‐type). Herein, low‐temperature optical spectroscopy studies of these ILE in high magnetic fields are presented. Depending on interlayer twist, ILE transitions are either valley conserving or between different valleys. This allows engineering of the ILE g factor, changing its magnitude and even its sign. Additionally, applied magnetic fields induce a valley polarization of the ILE, and its buildup can directly be observed in helicity‐ and time‐resolved photoluminescence, with peculiar features due to the dependence of ILE optical selection rules on interlayer registry. For both, R‐type and H‐type structures, it is found that at 24 Tesla, the valley polarization is resonantly enhanced, even though their g factors are markedly different. This observation hints at a scattering process involving single carriers within the ILE and zone‐boundary acoustic phonons.
Joint Exfoliation of MXene by Dimensional Mismatched SiC/ZIF‐67 Toward Multifunctional Flame Retardant Thermoplastic Polyurethane
Authors: Bi Xue , Song Kunpeng , Zhang Zeqi , Lin Tao , Pan Ye‐Tang , Fu Wangyang , Song Pingan , He Jiyu , Yang Rongjie
Published: June 2024

The single‐layer MXene fully demonstrates the advantages of 2D materials, especially catalytic, conductive, and mechanical properties. However, the high energy consumption and low efficiency faced by MXene in the divestiture process are still challenges that need to be solved urgently. In this article, dimension mismatch and collaborative stripping strategies are skillfully combined to easily realize the transformation from multi‐layer MXene to single layer. In addition, the functionalized MXene@SiC@polyaniline (MXene@SiC@PANI) nano‐hybrid materials are used as fillers to improve the thermal conductivity, flame retardant, and antibacterial properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The surface temperature of TPU/MXene@SiC@PANI composites increased from 33.4 °C to 59.8 °C within 10 s. In addition, the antibacterial efficiency of TPU composites against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is 69.6% and 88.9%, respectively. Compared with pure TPU, the peak heat release rate and total heat release are reduced by 71.4% and 34.6%, respectively. The flame‐retardant mechanism of MXene hybrid materials is systematically discussed. It is worth noting that the introduction of PANI enhances the compatibility between the filler and the polymer, effectively maintaining the mechanical properties of the TPU itself. This work provides a convenient method for the multi‐functional practical application of TPU.
Determining Factors of Grain Size in Bainite Structure of Fe–2Mn–C Alloys
Authors: Furuhara Tadashi , Kaneshita Takeshi , Miyamoto Goro
Published: June 2024

Effects of transformation temperature and carbon content on the effective grain bounded by high‐angle boundary, i.e., “Bain size”, in bainite structure are studied in Fe–2Mn–(0.05–0.75)C (mass%) alloys transformed isothermally between 773 and 673 K. Bainitic ferrite (BF) nucleates at austenite (γ) grain boundary with strong variant selection for carbon content less than 0.2 mass%, resulting in formation of coarse BF regions consisting of the Kurdjumov–Sachs (K–S) variants belonging to the same Bain variant. As temperature is lowered, K–S variant pairs with large misorientation are frequently formed. Variant selection at γ grain boundary becomes weaker for higher carbon content due to frequent intragranular nucleation particularly at 673 K. The Bain size decreases generally as transformation temperature is lowered, which is ≈15 μm at 773 K but down to ≈5 μm at 673 K, and also slightly decreases at 773 K with increasing carbon content. At lower temperatures, it decreases with the increase of carbon content in low carbon range less than 0.2 mass%C but inversely increases in higher carbon range. The observed changes in the variant paring and the Bain size are well understood in terms of the driving force of BF formation and self‐accommodation of transformation strain.
Machine learning and nonlinear finite element analysis of fiber‐reinforced polymer‐confined concrete‐steel double‐skin tubular columns under axial compression
Authors: Isleem Haytham F. , Qiong Tang , Chukka Naga Dheeraj Kumar Reddy , Kumar Rakesh , Nagaraju T. Vamsi , Hamed Asmaa Y.
Published: June 2024

Fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP)‐confined double‐skin tubular columns (DSTCs) are an innovative type of hybrid columns that consist of an outer tube made of FRP, an inner circular steel tube, and a concrete core sandwiched between them. Available literature focuses on hollow DSTCs with limited research on DSTCs made with inner steel tubes filled with concrete. Overall, DSTCs have many applications, highlighting the importance of studying the effects of concrete filling and strength on the composite system. To address this gap, finite element models (FEMs) and both traditional and innovative machine learning (ML) techniques were used to develop accurate models for predicting load‐bearing capacity and confined ultimate strain under axial loads. A comprehensive database of 60 experimental tests and 45 FEMs simulations of columns was analyzed, with five parameters selected as input variables for ML‐based models. New techniques like gradient boosting (GB), random forest (RF), convolutional neural networks, and long short‐term memory are compared with established algorithms like multiple linear regression, support vector regression (SVR), and empirical mode decomposition (EMD)‐SVR. Regression error characteristics curve, Shapley Additive Explanation analysis, and statistical metrics are used to assess the performance of these models using a database containing 105 FEMs test results that cover a range of input variables. While EMD‐SVR and GB perform well for confined ultimate strain, the suggested EMD‐SVR, GB, and RF models show superior predictive accuracy for confined ultimate load. To be more precise, for confined ultimate load prediction, EMD‐SVR, GB, and RF obtain values of 0.99, 0.989, and 0.960, respectively. The values for GB and EMD‐SVR at confined ultimate strain are 0.690 and 0.99, respectively. However, design engineers are limited by the “black‐box” nature of ML. In order to solve this, the study presents an open‐source GUI based on GB, which gives engineers the ability to precisely estimate confined ultimate load and strain under various test conditions, enabling them to make well‐informed decisions about mix proportion.
SKA Headquarters: Another Two-Stage Site Selection Tussle
Authors: Schilizzi Richard T. , Ekers Ronald D. , Dewdney Peter E. , Crosby Philip
Published: June 2024

The International SKA Project Office (ISPO) was established in 2003 and hosted by ASTRON at its headquarters in Dwingeloo, The Netherlands, the home institute of the SKA Director at that time. As the global component of the project began to expand and substantial funding for coordination of this expansion (through PrepSKA and other initiatives) came into view in 2006–7, the International SKA Steering Committee (ISSC) held a competition in 2007 for the location of the central office. This led to the ISPO, which was renamed the SKA Program Development Office (SPDO), moving to the University of Manchester, initially for the period 2008 to 2011. Another competition was held in 2011 as the prospect of establishing a legal entity to manage the Pre-Construction Phase starting in 2012 emerged. Manchester was selected again. In this chapter we describe these two, at times contentious, selection rounds and the issues involved.
Introduction to Dignity, Freedom and Justice
Authors: Gotoh Reiko , Richardson Henry
Published: June 2024

More than 50 years have passed since the publication of John Rawls's A Theory of Justice (1971) and Amartya Sen's Collective Choice and Social Welfare (1970). This chapter introduces the following three purposes of this book. First, this book seeks to obtain clues for the critical development of the theory of justice and the welfare state by capturing the overlaps and differences between Rawls's political philosophy and Sen's normative economics.  Second, this book examines the concept of dignity, which has not received much attention in liberalism. Neither a free competitive market system nor a wage-income redistribution system will be sufficient to protect and respect “dignity”. To protect and respect values stocked and sustained within an individual, it is necessary to pay attention to his/her capability for dignity and capability for utilizing the right to liberties. Third, this book cross-pollinates the methods of liberal social sciences and philosophy, working from existing connections between these two areas. Throughout this book, the reader will find that theories of liberal social science and philosophy contain clues of ideas and methods that critically develop themselves.
A head with two tales: demystifying early spread of disease from the pancreatic head
Authors: Aribindi Swetha , Oliphant Michael , Ponnatapura Janardhana
Published: June 2024

The pancreas is a centrally located extraperitoneal organ within the anterior pararenal space. It is extensively connected to the extraperitoneal spaces by location and a network of mesenteries and ligaments. This provides interconnected avenues for vessels, lymphatics, and nerves to course through—as well as avenues for the spread of disease. The head of the pancreas results from the fusion of its ventral analog (anterior head) with its dorsal analog (posterior head). This differentiation provides two distinct pathways of spread of disease from the head of the pancreas. This communication will discuss the embryology, anatomy, and pathways of disease spread from the anterior and posterior pancreatic head. While any disease process can use these pathways, proven cases of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas are used for illustrations.
The ownership memory self-reference effect shifts recognition criterion but not recognition sensitivity
Authors: Sparks S. D. , Kritikos A.
Published: June 2024

Information referenced to the self is retrieved more accurately than information referenced to others, known as the memory self-reference effect. It is unclear, however, whether social context (identity of the other) or task factors alter decision-making processes. In a virtual object allocation task, female participants sorted objects into their own or another’s (stranger or mother) basket based on a colour cue. Subsequently, they performed a recognition memory task in which they first indicated whether each object was old or new, and then whether it had been allocated to themselves or to the other. We obtained owner-specific hit rates and false-alarm rates and applied signal detection theory to derive separate recognition sensitivity (d’) and recognition criterion parameters (c) for self- and other-owned objects. While there was no clear evidence of a recognition self-reference effect, or a change in sensitivity, participants adopted a more conservative recognition criterion for self- compared with other-owned objects, and particularly when the other-referent was the participant’s mother compared with the stranger. Moreover, when discriminating whether the originally presented objects were self- or other-owned, participants were biased toward ascribing ownership to the ‘other’. We speculate that these findings reflect ownership-based changes in decisional processing during the recognition memory self-reference paradigm.
Real-world use patterns, effectiveness, and tolerability of sacituzumab govitecan for second-line and later-line treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer in the United States
Authors: Kalinsky Kevin , Spring Laura , Yam Clinton , Bhave Manali Ajay , Ntalla Ioanna , Lai Catherine , Sjekloca Nikoleta , Stwalley Brian , Stokes Michael , Taylor Aliki , Nanda Rita
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) have poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Sacituzumab govitecan (SG), a Trop-2–directed antibody–drug conjugate, is approved for patients with mTNBC who have received ≥ 2 systemic therapies (≥ 1 in the metastatic setting) based on the ASCENT study (NCT02574455). The current study describes real-world SG use and outcomes in patients with mTNBC in the United States.

Methods

This retrospective, observational study included adult patients with mTNBC from the ConcertAI Patient360™ database who received SG in the second line (2L) and later from April 2020 to May 2022. SG use patterns, effectiveness, and tolerability are described.

Results

This analysis included 230 patients (median age 60 years, 26% Black, 17% with ECOG performance status ≥ 2, 66% in community settings; median of 2 prior lines of treatment in the metastatic setting); median follow-up was 7.2 months. Median (95% CI) real-world overall survival was 10.0 (8.3–11.1) months for all patients and 13.9 (9.8-not estimable) months in the 2L subgroup (n = 77). Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) was administered concomitantly with SG in 134 (58%) patients; 35 (15%) received G-CSF for the first time. Median (IQR) time from SG start to G-CSF use was 8.5 (8.0–29.0) days. Seventeen (7%) patients discontinued SG due to toxicity.

Conclusions

Using a real-world, ethnically diverse population of patients with mTNBC presenting with poor prognosis, these data reinforced the findings from ASCENT. In routine clinical practice, SG is an effective treatment in the 2L setting, consistent with treatment guidelines.
Assessment of risks associated with development of river meandering under climate change using a physics-based free-meandering model
Authors: Masuya Shigekazu , Inoue Takuya , Iwasaki Toshiki , Kido Riho , Ogawa Kohei , Shimizu Yasuyuki
Published: June 2024

Recent increases in heavy rainfall events, which may have resulted from climate change, have caused various natural water- and sediment-related disasters. A typical sediment-related disaster in a steep gravel-bed river is extreme bank erosion and subsequent meander development, damaging residential areas and infrastructure along the river. Assessing the bank erosion rate and its future changes under climate change is essential to prevent such severe disasters. Here, we propose a simple but useful framework for this purpose using a physics-based numerical model of free meandering and a large dataset of flood hydrographs generated from climate and runoff models. First, numerical experiments on meandering development were conducted using a two-dimensional morphodynamic model of free meandering. The results indicate that meander dynamics could reach a dynamic equilibrium state under several hydraulic and channel geometry conditions, and the characteristics of the simulated meandering channel were reasonably consistent with the field data. The meander amplitude of this state was positively correlated with the steady discharge; therefore, the increase in flow discharge may have an important effect on river dynamics under climate change. To quantify this effect, we combined a simple predictor of meander amplitude derived from a numerical experiment with a flood hydrograph dataset for current and future climatic conditions. The results suggest that the meander amplitude increased significantly for the same probability of occurrence; therefore, the risk of riverbank erosion due to river meandering will increase significantly under future climate conditions.
Experimental and numerical study of unsteady flows in a compound open channel
Authors: Kaddi Yassine , Proust Sébastien , Faure Jean-Baptiste , Cierco François-Xavier
Published: June 2024

Unsteady flows are investigated in a compound open-channel flume, consisting of a Main Channel (MC) and an adjacent Flood Plain (FP). Two types of inflow hydrographs are studied, i.e., a discharge hydrograph with, at any time: a slightly unbalanced inflow partition between MC and FP (Case I); and a noticeably unbalanced inflow partition (Case II). Ensemble averages of the time-varying discharges, water depths and velocities are estimated based on 100 successive runs. The main focus of the experimental study is on assessing (i) the time-varying lateral discharge and depth-averaged Reynolds stress at the MC/FP interface, and (ii) the influence of the inflow partition on the downstream flow parameters. The experimental flows are then simulated using a 1D (one-dimensional) code that was adapted to implement the 1D+ Independent Sub-sections Model (ISM) (Proust et al. in Water Resour Res 45:1–16, 2009). The numerical study aims at validating the ISM under unsteady flow conditions, using classical 1D simulations as benchmark. It is experimentally found that 90 successive runs are required to get convergence of the ensemble averages of sub-section discharges and flow depth, while interfacial velocity is not fully converged after 100 runs. The influence of the inflow partition on the downstream parameters is felt along the whole flume. The ISM simulations are closer to the measurements than the classical 1D simulations. The ISM can accurately predict the time-varying flow depths and interfacial lateral discharge, and can approximate the interfacial Reynolds stresses.
Optimizing Three-Dimensional Stencil-Operations on Heterogeneous Computing Environments
Authors: Herrmann Nina , Dieckmann Justus , Kuchen Herbert
Published: June 2024

Complex algorithms and enormous data sets require parallel execution of programs to attain results in a reasonable amount of time. Both aspects are combined in the domain of three-dimensional stencil operations, for example, computational fluid dynamics. This work contributes to the research on high-level parallel programming by discussing the generalizable implementation of a three-dimensional stencil skeleton that works in heterogeneous computing environments. Two exemplary programs, a gas simulation with the Lattice Boltzmann method, and a mean blur, are executed in a multi-node multi-graphics processing units environment, proving the runtime improvements in heterogeneous computing environments compared to a sequential program.
Sedimentation of large, soluble proteins up to 140 kDa for 1H-detected MAS NMR and 13C DNP NMR – practical aspects
Authors: Bell Dallas , Lindemann Florian , Gerland Lisa , Aucharova Hanna , Klein Alexander , Friedrich Daniel , Hiller Matthias , Grohe Kristof , Meier Tobias , van Rossum Barth , Diehl Anne , Hughes Jon , Mueller Leonard J. , Linser Rasmus , Miller Anne-Frances , Oschkinat Hartmut
Published: June 2024

Solution NMR is typically applied to biological systems with molecular weights < 40 kDa whereas magic-angle-spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR traditionally targets very large, oligomeric proteins and complexes exceeding 500 kDa in mass, including fibrils and crystalline protein preparations. Here, we propose that the gap between these size regimes can be filled by the approach presented that enables investigation of large, soluble and fully protonated proteins in the range of 40–140 kDa. As a key step, ultracentrifugation produces a highly concentrated, gel-like state, resembling a dense phase in spontaneous liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). By means of three examples, a Sulfolobus acidocaldarius bifurcating electron transfer flavoprotein (SaETF), tryptophan synthases from Salmonella typhimurium (StTS) and their dimeric β-subunits from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfTrpB), we show that such samples yield well-resolved proton-detected 2D and 3D NMR spectra at 100 kHz MAS without heterogeneous broadening, similar to diluted liquids. Herein, we provide practical guidance on centrifugation conditions and tools, sample behavior, and line widths expected. We demonstrate that the observed chemical shifts correspond to those obtained from µM/low mM solutions or crystalline samples, indicating structural integrity. Nitrogen line widths as low as 20–30 Hz are observed. The presented approach is advantageous for proteins or nucleic acids that cannot be deuterated due to the expression system used, or where relevant protons cannot be re-incorporated after expression in deuterated medium, and it circumvents crystallization. Importantly, it allows the use of low-glycerol buffers in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) NMR of proteins as demonstrated with the cyanobacterial phytochrome Cph1.
Neurosurgical resection of multiple brain metastases: outcomes, complications, and survival rates in a retrospective analysis
Authors: Niedermeyer Sebastian , Schmutzer-Sondergeld M. , Weller J. , Katzendobler S. , Kirchleitner S. , Forbrig R. , Harter P. N. , Baumgarten L. V. , Schichor C. , Stoecklein V. , Thon N.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the outcomes of microsurgical resection of multiple brain metastasis (BMs).

Methods

This retrospective, monocentric analysis included clinical data from all consecutive BM patients, who underwent simultaneous resection of ≥ 2 BMs between January 2018 and May 2023. Postoperative neurological and functional outcomes, along with perioperative complications, as well as survival data were evaluated.

Results

A total of 47 patients, with a median age of 61 years (IQR 48–69), underwent 73 craniotomies (median 2; range 1–3) for resection of 104 BMs. Among patients, 80.8% presented with symptomatic BMs, causing focal neurological deficits in 53% of cases. Gross total resection was achieved in 87.2% of BMs. Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) scores improved in 42.6% of patients, remained unchanged in 46.8%, and worsened in 10.6% after surgery. Perioperative complications were observed in 29.8% of cases, with transient complications occurring in 19.2% and permanent deficits in 10.6%. The 30-days mortality rate was 2.1%. Logistic regression identified eloquent localization (p = 0.036) and infratentorial craniotomy (p = 0.018) as significant predictors of postoperative complications. Concerning overall prognosis, patients with permanent neurological deficits post-surgery (HR 11.34, p = 0.007) or progressive extracranial disease (HR: 4.649; p = 0.006) exhibited inferior survival.

Conclusion

Microsurgical resection of multiple BMs leads to clinical stabilization or functional improvement in most patients. Although transient complications do not affect overall survival, the presence of persistent neurological deficits (> 3 months post-surgery) and progressive extracranial disease negatively impact overall survival. This highlights the importance of careful patient selection for resection of multiple BMs.
The current status on secondary metabolites produced by fungi of the genus Diplodia associated with plants
Authors: Salvatore Maria Michela , Masi Marco , Andolfi Anna
Published: June 2024

Fungi of the genus Diplodia have a worldwide distribution and are typically associated with plants. Diplodia is well‐known for the diseases it causes on economically and ecologically relevant plants. In particular, this fungal genus is responsible of various symptoms of plant diseases, including shoot blights, dieback, cankers and fruit rots. In the last decades, literature concerning metabolites produced by Diplodia species has been significantly enriched by many reports dealing with the biosynthetic potential of this fungal genus. Several polyketide- and terpenoid-derived compounds have been reported, demonstrating the biosynthetic arsenal of this fungal genus. Investigations on the biological properties of compounds isolated from in vitro cultures of these fungi have proved a broad spectrum of biological functions. In particular, bioassays disclosed that antimicrobial and phytotoxic activities are the most notable bioactivities of secondary metabolites isolated from this genus. Hence, the present review is intended as reference guide to metabolites produced by fungi currently belong to the genus Diplodia, emphasizing the implication of their occurrence, absolute configuration determinations and the structure–activity relationships.
What goes underground comes around: the molecular basis of crosstalk between plants and soil microorganisms
Authors: Tadrosova Manuela , Uhlik Ondrej , Suman Jachym
Published: June 2024

The co-existence of plants and microorganisms throughout their evolution resulted in an intertwined ecological network that serves as the basis for the functioning of today’s terrestrial ecosystems. The interactions between plants, bacteria, and fungi are often multipartite and occur both within and among kingdoms. Apart from the textbook examples of tight mutualistic associations such as root nodule symbiosis or mycorrhizas, there are also looser interactions, e.g., those between plants and plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi. Additionally, plants are also targets of microbial pathogens. Thus, intricate mechanisms of how plants and microorganisms recognize each other have evolved, mediated by chemical signals resulting in a differential gene expression and, eventually, a physiological response. This paper aims to review the molecular basis of such signaling, the apparatus of signal sensing and transduction in bacteria and plants are outlined and exemplified. Moreover, examples of recent discoveries in the field of plant–microbe signaling are presented, i.e., quorum quenching and the involvement of small RNAs. Last but not least, suggestions are provided for the potential exploitation of plant–microbe communication networks for human benefit, e.g., in the field of sustainable agriculture, aiming at crop growth promotion and protection against pathogens.
Texture and Contamination-Level Dependent Effects of Calcium-Rich Deinking Paper Sludge Biochar on Soil Cd Availability, Enzymatic Activity, and Plant Stress Mitigation
Authors: Kara Recep Serdar , Pazarlar Sercan , Okur Bülent , Almaz Cansu , Okur Nur , Matula Svatopluk , Miháliková Markéta
Published: June 2024

The study evaluated calcium-rich deinking paper sludge (DPS) biochar's capability as a viable alternative method to mitigate soil cadmium (Cd) availability. Our analysis of 68 recent studies showed that 75% of the studies focused on contamination levels below 10 mg kg-1. However, mining and smelting areas exhibit higher levels of Cd contamination (mean value of 57.5 mg kg-1 with a CV of 128%), necessitating a contamination rate-dependent approach.

Clay loam (CL) and sandy loam (SL) soils were artificially contaminated with Cd to mimic polluted areas (20, 40, 80 mg kg-1). Soils were aged for six months and then treated with DPS biochar doses of 0%, 1%, and 3% (w/w) for a month. Cd extractability and toxicity were gauged using diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid extraction and plant physiology tests. Supplementarily, machine learning algorithms were tested to predict plant physiological parameters and biomass production, leveraging variables from principal component analysis and design parameters.

Biochar application (3%, w/w) reduced soil Cd availability (20.1% in SL, 8.4% in CL; p < .05), attributed to increased soil pH, enhanced microbial activity, and expanded soil surface area. The plants grown in treated soils displayed increased dry matter content, chlorophyll, relative water content, and decreased malondialdehyde levels. The impact varied, being more pronounced in SL soils with high Cd contamination.

This study presents the first report on the use of DPS biochar in Cd-contaminated soils and sets expectations for its outcomes regarding plant physiology and soil microbial activity in a diversified experimental design. DPS biochar appeared as a tool for mitigating soil Cd availability and alleviating plant stress particularly in SL soils. The biochar's efficiency was influenced by its dose, the level of contamination, and the soil type, highlighting the importance of tailored application strategies.
What has Changed in 20 Years? Structure and Function of Soft-sediment Macrofauna in a Subarctic Embayment, Newfoundland (Canada)
Authors: Komendić Ivana , de Moura Neves Bárbara , Ramey-Balci Patricia A.
Published: June 2024

Understanding how natural and anthropogenic disturbances affect the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems is central to predicting future dynamics. Placentia Bay is an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area (EBSA) in the North Atlantic exposed to multiple stressors (e.g., rising sea surface temperatures, tanker traffic, and aquaculture). To investigate changes in the community and functional structure of soft-sediment macrofauna as well as environmental drivers of observed variation, we compared contemporary (2019–2020) and historical (1998) samples at eight stations (n = 77) collected 21 years apart. Although community and functional structure differed between these time points, functional traits were maintained (i.e., no loss of 36 trait modalities). Overall, 37% of species/taxa were only observed in either the historical or contemporary community, and the contemporary community exhibited lower macrofaunal density but had similar richness, resulting in higher evenness and diversity. Highly tolerant subsurface deposit feeders having small body sizes (< 10 mm) and direct development dominated the historical community. The contemporary community had nearly equal proportions of surface and subsurface deposit feeders with small to medium body sizes (< 10–50 mm) with pelagic larvae, and the proportion of highly tolerant species/taxa was reduced. These changes likely reflect the reduction in polychaetes (91 vs. 58%) and increased bivalves (4 vs. 25%) relative to the historical time point. Community variation was driven by changes in the sedimentary habitat. Contemporary versus historical sediments were ~ 4.5x coarser (possibly due to storms) with higher levels of sedimentary organic matter. This work contributes to advancing the understanding of relationships between benthic macrofauna, functional traits, and the sedimentary habitat in coastal environments.
Development of a semi-empirical bond strength model for multi-pass hot roll bonding based on the characterizations using the truncated-cone experiment
Authors: Krämer Alexander , Liu Zhao , Teller Marco , Aretz Holger , Karhausen Kai , Bailly David , Hirt Gerhard , Lohmar Johannes
Published: June 2024

With special reference to the modelling of hot roll bonding, new experimental procedures to measure the resulting bond strength for a combination of AA6016 and AA8079 aluminum alloys at elevated temperatures and various strain rates using laboratory tests are proposed. The data acquired by this procedure is used to developed and calibrate a semi-empirical model, which accurately predicts the resulting bond strength within an error of 2 MPa on average. It is shown that the bond strength generally follows the flow stress regarding the dependency on temperature and strain. Additionally, inter-pass times can increase the bond strength, provided that both a suitable temperature and timespan are realized. Contrary, multiple consecutive height reductions were found to reduce the bond strength.
Dietary Supplementation of Compound Probiotics Improves Intestinal Health by Modulated Microbiota and Its SCFA Products as Alternatives to In-Feed Antibiotics
Authors: Wang Wenxing , Dang Guoqi , Hao Wei , Li Anping , Zhang Hongfu , Guan Shu , Ma Teng
Published: June 2024

Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium, and Pediococcus acidilactici, as intestinal probiotics, have been proved to play a positive role in treating intestinal diseases, promoting growth and immune regulation in poultry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of compound probiotics on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal microbiome characteristics, as well as intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. Treatment diets with chlortetracycline and compound probiotics were used for two groups of sixty broilers each throughout the feeding process. Another group was fed the basal diet. The BW (2589.41 ± 13.10 g vs 2422.50 ± 19.08 g) and ADG (60.57 ± 0.31 g vs 56.60 ± 0.45 g) of the compound probiotics added feed treatment group were significantly increased, and the FCR was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The supplementation of a compound probiotics enhanced the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Faecalibacterium, and norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_vadinBB60_group (P < 0.05), and modulated the cecal microbiota structure, thereby promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and elevating their levels (P < 0.05), particularly propionic and butyric acids. Furthermore, the administration of the compound probiotics supplements significantly enhanced the villi height, V/C ratio, and reduced the crypt depth (P < 0.05). In addition, the activity of digestive enzymes in the duodenum and jejunum was elevated (P < 0.05). Collectively, the selected compound probiotics supplemented in this experiment have demonstrated efficacy, warranting further application in practical production settings as a viable alternative to antibiotics, thereby facilitating efficient production and promoting gastrointestinal health.
Skeletal muscle as a pro- and anti-inflammatory tissue: insights from children to adults and ultrasound findings
Authors: Di Ludovico Armando , La Bella Saverio , Ciarelli Francesca , Chiarelli Francesco , Breda Luciana , Mohn Angelika
Published: June 2024

Previously regarded as a movement and posture control agent, the skeletal muscle is now recognized as an endocrine organ that may affect systemic inflammation and metabolic health. The discovery of myokines such as IL-6, released from skeletal muscle in response to physical exercise, is now one of the most recent insights. Myokines are the mediators of the balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. This underscores the muscle function as a determinant of good health and prevention of diseases. Advances in ultrasound technology improved evaluation of muscle thickness, composition, and determining fat distribution. Combining imaging with molecular biology, researchers discovered the complicated interplay between muscle function, cytokine production and general health effects.The production of myokines with exercise showcasing the adaptability of muscles to high-stress conditions and contributing to metabolism and inflammation regulation. These findings have significant implications in order to provide improvement in metabolic and inflammatory diseases.
The single point insulin sensitivity estimator (SPISE) is associated with bone health in Arab adults
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Wani Kaiser , Khattak Malak N. K. , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Al-Saleh Yousef , Sabico Shaun
Published: June 2024

Background

The Single Point Insulin Sensitivity Estimator (SPISE) index is a surrogate marker for insulin sensitivity. Given the emerging role of bone as an active endocrine organ, its associations with non-invasive measures of extra-skeletal functions such as insulin sensitivity warrant investigation.

Aims

This study aimed to explore the relationship between the SPISE index and Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in an adult population.

Methods

Data from a total of 1270 Arab adults (84% females, mean age 56.7 ± 8.1 years) from the Osteoporosis Registry Database of the Chair for Biomarkers of Chronic Diseases in King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was used in this study. T-scores and SPISE were calculated. Regression models were used to determine associations between SPISE and bone health indices.

Results

The low BMD group (N = 853; T-score <-1.0) had significantly higher SPISE values than those with normal BMD (N = 417; T-score − 1.0 and above) (4.6 ± 1.3 vs. 4.3 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression, adjusted for covariates, confirmed a significant inverse association between SPISE and BMD for all participants (β=-0.22, p < 0.001), as well as both groups [normal BMD (β = -0.10, p = 0.02) and low BMD groups (β = -0.15, p < 0.001)]. SPISE, family history of T2DM, and history of fractures collectively account for 17% of the variances perceived in T-score for all participants (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

A significant inverse association between the SPISE index and BMD was observed in adults, suggesting a link between BMD and extra-skeletal health. Underlying mechanisms need to be investigated prospectively using BMD as secondary outcomes in lifestyle modification programs.