bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal cline in reproductive traits in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou , Wakabayashi Kyosuke , Kawakami Renya , Miyatake Takahisa
Published: July 2023

Several previous studies have reported geographic variation and/or latitudinal clines of morphological sexual characteristics, but there are few studies that consider reproductive traits that are not morphological. Here, we measured the proportion of females fertilized by males, frequency of reproductive failure in males, and number of female copulations of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum collected from fields in Japan to investigate the relationship between reproductive traits and latitude. Our results show substantial differences in the reproductive traits of both sexes among field populations. We identified latitudinal clines for reproductive traits in males, but not females. Moreover, female, but not male, reproductive traits were correlated with body size. Our study suggests that selection for male reproductive traits varies with latitude in T. castaneum.

Significance statement

It has been established that latitudinal gradients are frequently observed in the traits of numerous animal species, of which body size is a prime example. Analogously, latitudinal gradients have been documented in the reproductive traits of several animal species, indicating that sexual selection may be influenced by latitude, although the specific understanding thereof remains elusive. In this study, we quantified the male and female reproductive traits and analyzed their relationship with latitude in the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. Our findings indicate that male mating efficacy was superior at lower than at higher latitudes, but no discernible latitudinal gradient was observed in female mating frequency. These results imply that selective pressure on males of this species is stronger at lower than at higher latitudes.
New strategies for the new environment in Spitsbergen fjords (Arctic). Scattering of the feather star Heliometra glacialis (Echinodermata, unstalked crinoid) clinging to a crab
Authors: Deja Kajetan , Dragańska-Deja Katarzyna , Wesławski Jan Marcin
Published: July 2023

This publication presents an unusual behavior of a comatulid crinoid that was tentatively attributed to Heliometria glacialis (Echinodermata, Crinoidea, Heliometrinae). This unstalked crinoid was observed clinging on Hyas sp. crabs in the inner part of the Spitsbergen fjords heavily loaded with suspension runoff. In situ observations were made using a 16-h and 45-min time-lapse sequence showing the decompositions of Atlantic cod. During the exposure, apart from typical organisms such as carrion crustaceans, crabs, and starfish, three individuals of crinoids were observed. One of the crinoids was clinging to the edge of the platform for most of the exposure. The remaining two individuals were observed attached to the carapace of Hyas sp. crabs for 6 h 55 min. It was also found, based on analysis of the video material from 202 locations examined in the summer season between 2015 and 2020 using a drop camera, two additional locations showing comatulid crinoids. Both locations in the Ekmanfjorden and in the interior of the Vanmijenfjorden are areas under the strong influence of a glacier meltwater plum or a glacial river runoff. So far, comatulid crinoids have been found mainly in locations outside of the influence of turbid waters from fjords. We interpret this new behavior within comatulid crinoids as an adaptation that help colonize new regions gradually exposed by the retreating glaciers.
Bridging mouse and human anatomies; a knowledge-based approach to comparative anatomy for disease model phenotyping
Authors: Ruberte Jesús , Schofield Paul N. , Sundberg John P. , Rodriguez-Baeza Alfonso , Carretero Ana , McKerlie Colin
Published: July 2023

The laboratory mouse is the foremost mammalian model used for studying human diseases and is closely anatomically related to humans. Whilst knowledge about human anatomy has been collected throughout the history of mankind, the first comprehensive study of the mouse anatomy was published less than 60 years ago. This has been followed by the more recent publication of several books and resources on mouse anatomy. Nevertheless, to date, our understanding and knowledge of mouse anatomy is far from being at the same level as that of humans. In addition, the alignment between current mouse and human anatomy nomenclatures is far from being as developed as those existing between other species, such as domestic animals and humans. To close this gap, more in depth mouse anatomical research is needed and it will be necessary to extent and refine the current vocabulary of mouse anatomical terms.
GRACE scores or high-sensitivity troponin for timing of coronary angiography in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Jobs Alexander , Boeddinghaus Jasper , Neumann Johannes Tobias , Goßling Alina , Sörensen Nils A. , Twerenbold Raphael , Nestelberger Thomas , Lopez-Ayala Pedro , Gimenez Maria Rubini , Miro Oscar , Koechlin Luca , Buergin Natacha , Feistritzer Hans-Josef , Collet Jean-Philippe , Bhatt Deepak L. , Granger Christopher B. , Blankenberg Stefan , Desch Steffen , Mueller Christian , Westermann Dirk , Thiele Holger
Published: July 2023

Background

The GRACE risk score is generically recommended by guidelines for timing of invasive coronary angiography without stating which score should be used. The aim was to determine the diagnostic performance of different GRACE risk scores in comparison to the ESC 0/1 h-algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn).

Methods

Prospectively enrolled patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of myocardial infarction (MI) in two large studies testing biomarker diagnostic strategies were included. Five GRACE risk scores were calculated. The amount of risk reclassification and the theoretical impact on guideline-recommended timing of invasive coronary angiography was studied.

Results

Overall, 8,618 patients were eligible for analyses. Comparing different GRACE risk scores, up to 63.8% of participants were reclassified into a different risk category. The proportion of MIs identified (i.e., sensitivity) dramatically differed between GRACE risk scores (range 23.8–66.5%) and was lower for any score than for the ESC 0/1 h-algorithm (78.1%). Supplementing the ESC 0/1 h-algorithm with a GRACE risk score slightly increased sensitivity (P < 0.001 for all scores). However, this increased the number of false positive results.

Conclusion

The substantial amount of risk reclassification causes clinically meaningful differences in the proportion of patients meeting the recommended threshold for pursuing early invasive strategy according to the different GRACE scores. The single best test to detect MIs is the ESC 0/1 h-algorithm. Combining GRACE risk scoring with hs-cTn testing slightly increases the detection of MIs but also increases the number of patients with false positive results who would undergo potential unnecessarily early invasive coronary angiography.

Graphical abstract
Post-implantation clinical cost analysis between transcutaneous and percutaneous bone conduction devices
Authors: Aukema Tjerk W. , Teunissen Emma M. , Janssen Arno M. , Hol Myrthe K. S. , Mylanus Emmanuel A. M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Bone conduction devices (BCD) are effective for hearing rehabilitation in patients with conductive and mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness. Transcutaneous bone conduction devices (tBCD) seem to lead to fewer soft tissue complications than percutaneous BCDs (pBCD) but have other drawbacks such as MRI incompatibility and higher costs. Previous cost analyses have shown a cost advantage of tBCDs. The purpose of this study is to compare long-term post-implantations costs between percutaneous and transcutaneous BCDs.

Materials and methods

Retrospective data from 77 patients implanted in a tertiary referral centre with a pBCD (n = 34), tBCD (n = 43; passive (tpasBCD; n = 34) and active (tactBCD; n = 9) and a reference group who underwent cochlear implantation (CI; n = 34), were included in a clinical cost analysis. Post-implantation costs were determined as the sum of consultation (medical and audiological) and additional (all post-operative care) costs. Median (cumulative) costs per device incurred for the different cohorts were compared at 1, 3 and 5 years after implantation.

Results

After 5 years, the total post-implantation costs of the pBCD vs tpasBCD were not significantly different (€1550.7 [IQR 1174.6–2797.4] vs €2266.9 [IQR 1314.1–3535.3], p = 0.185), nor was there a significant difference between pBCD vs tactBCD (€1550.7 [1174.6–2797.4] vs €1428.8 [1277.3–1760.4], p = 0.550). Additional post-implantation costs were significantly highest in the tpasBCD cohort at all moments of follow-up.

Conclusion

Total costs related to post-operative rehabilitation and treatments are comparable between percutaneous and transcutaneous BCDs up to 5 years after implantation. Complications related to passive transcutaneous bone conduction devices appeared significantly more expensive after implantation due to more frequent explantations.
The rising role of cognitive reserve and associated compensatory brain networks in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2
Authors: Siciliano Libera , Olivito Giusy , Urbini Nicole , Silveri Maria Caterina , Leggio Maria
Published: July 2023

Pre-existing or enhanced cognitive abilities influence symptom onset and severity in neurodegenerative diseases, which improve an individual’s ability to deal with neurodegeneration. This process is named cognitive reserve (CR), and it has acquired high visibility in the field of neurodegeneration. However, the investigation of CR has been neglected in the context of cerebellar neurodegenerative disorders. The present study assessed CR and its impact on cognitive abilities in spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2), which is a rare cerebellar neurodegenerative disease. We investigated the existence of CR networks in terms of compensatory mechanisms and neural reserve driven by increased cerebello-cerebral functional connectivity. The CR of 12 SCA2 patients was assessed using the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq), which was developed for appraising life-span CR. Patients underwent several neuropsychological tests to evaluate cognitive functioning and a functional MRI examination. Network based statistics analysis was used to assess functional brain networks. The results revealed significant correlations of CRIq measures with cognitive domains and patterns of increased connectivity in specific cerebellar and cerebral regions, which likely indicated CR networks. This study showed that CR may influence disease-related cognitive deficits, and it was related to the effective use of specific cerebello-cerebral networks that reflect a CR biomarker.
The role of AtPP2-A3 and AtPP2-A8 genes encoding Nictaba-related lectin domains in the defense response of Arabidopsis thaliana to Heterodera schachtii
Authors: Wojszko Kamila , Różańska Elżbieta , Sobczak Mirosław , Kuczerski Karol , Krępski Tomasz , Wiśniewska Anita
Published: July 2023

Main conclusion

Expression levels of AtPP2-A3 and AtPP2-A8 are reduced in syncytia induced by Heterodera schachtii and decline of their expression levels decreases host susceptibility, whereas their overexpression promotes susceptibility to parasite.

Plant-parasitic nematodes cause huge crop losses worldwide. Heterodera schachtii is a sedentary cyst-forming nematode that induces a feeding site called a syncytium via the delivery of secreted chemical substances (effectors) to host cells, which modulate host genes expression and phytohormone regulation patterns. Genes encoding the Nictaba-related lectin domain have been found among the plant genes with downregulated expression during the development of syncytia induced by H. schachtii in Arabidopsis thaliana roots. To investigate the role of two selected Nictaba-related genes in the plant response to beet cyst nematode parasitism, mutants and plants overexpressing AtPP2-A3 or AtPP2-A8 were infected, and promoter activity and protein localization were analyzed. In wild-type plants, AtPP2-A3 and AtPP2-A8 were expressed only in roots, especially in the cortex and rhizodermis. After nematode infection, their expression was switched off in regions surrounding a developing syncytium. Astonishingly, plants overexpressing AtPP2-A3 or AtPP2-A8 were more susceptible to nematode infection than wild-type plants, whereas mutants were less susceptible. Based on these results and changes in AtPP2-A3 and AtPP2-A8 expression patterns after treatments with different stress phytohormones, we postulate that the AtPP2-A3 and AtPP2-A8 genes play important roles in the defense response to beet cyst nematode infection.
Head and neck oncology management in the time of COVID-19: results of a head and neck cancer center
Authors: Heckel Silvia , Bohr Christopher , Meier Johannes , Maurer Julia , Kuenzel Julian , Mueller Karolina , Koelbl Oliver , Reichert Torsten , Vielsmeier Veronika , Gruber Isabella
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Given the concerns about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer care, we analyzed the treatment quality of the head and neck cancer center Regensburg before and throughout 2 years of the pandemic. We included data of 3 years to reflect the extended pandemic period as new developments continued to influence its course.

Methods

This retrospective review included all patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer in 2019, 2020, and 2021 who had not started treatment elsewhere prior to being referred to the head and neck cancer center. We compared tumor characteristics and times to therapy of patients diagnosed before COVID-19 in 2019 (n = 253), during COVID-19 in 2020 (n = 206), and in a phase of partial normalization in a persistent pandemic situation in 2021 (n = 247).

Results

Our data revealed no decrease in diagnoses or drift in stages toward more advanced stages. There was an increased percentage of diagnoses confirmed at the head and neck cancer center from 2019 (57.3%) to 2020 (68.0%) and to 2021 (65.6%) compared to confirmation at other institutions (2019, 42.7%; 2020, 32.0%; 2021, 34.4%; P = 0.041). Surgery and radiotherapy were performed with the same frequency. The median days between diagnosis and surgery were decreased in 2020 (19.5 days; P = 0.049) and 2021 (20.0 days; P = 0.026) in comparison to 2019 (23 days). The days to radiotherapy were not affected.

Conclusion

The data indicate a consistent oncological performance for head and neck cancer patients in all waves of the pandemic and thereafter without a decrease in diagnoses or shift in stages.
Exonic mutations in cell–cell adhesion may contribute to CADASIL-related CSVD pathology
Authors: Dunn Paul J. , Lea Rodney A. , Maksemous Neven , Smith Robert A. , Sutherland Heidi G. , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: July 2023

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a condition caused by mutations in NOTCH3 and results in a phenotype characterised by recurrent strokes, vascular dementia and migraines. Whilst a genetic basis for the disease is known, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the pathology of CADASIL are still yet to be determined. Studies conducted at the Genomics Research Centre (GRC) have also identified that only 15–23% of individuals clinically suspected of CADASIL have mutations in NOTCH3. Based on this, whole exome sequencing was used to identify novel genetic variants for CADASIL-like cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD). Analysis of functionally important variants in 50 individuals was investigated using overrepresentation tests in Gene ontology software to identify biological processes that are potentially affected in this group of patients. Further investigation of the genes in these processes was completed using the TRAPD software to identify if there is an increased number (burden) of mutations that are associated with CADASIL-like pathology. Results from this study identified that cell–cell adhesion genes were positively overrepresented in the PANTHER GO-slim database. TRAPD burden testing identified n = 15 genes that had a higher number of rare (MAF < 0.001) and predicted functionally relevant (SIFT < 0.05, PolyPhen > 0.8) mutations compared to the gnomAD v2.1.1 exome control dataset. Furthermore, these results identified ARVCF, GPR17, PTPRS, and CELSR1 as novel candidate genes in CADASIL-related pathology. This study identified a novel process that may be playing a role in the vascular damage related to CADASIL-related CSVD and implicated n = 15 genes in playing a role in the disease.
Bariatric surgery in individuals with type 2 diabetes is not associated with short or long-term risk of diabetic retinopathy progression: results from a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Thykjær Anne S. , Rosengaard Louise , Andersen Nis , Andresen Jens , Bek Toke , Hajari Javad , Heegaard Steffen , Højlund Kurt , Kawasaki Ryo , Laugesen Caroline S. , Möller Sören , Pedersen Frederik N. , Schielke Katja C. , Stokholm Lonny , Grauslund Jakob
Published: July 2023

Aims

Bariatric surgery is used to induce weight loss and glycemic stability in type 2 diabetes (T2D). It has been a concern that this may lead to early worsening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) due to a rapid decline in HbA1c. In this study, we evaluated the risk of short and long-term DR development and need for ocular intervention in an entire nation of individuals with T2D undergoing bariatric surgery.

Methods

The study comprised a national, register-based cohort of individuals with T2D screened for DR. Cases were matched by age, sex and DR level at the date of surgery (index date) with non-bariatric controls. We extracted information on DR levels, in- and outpatient treatments, pharmaceutical prescriptions and laboratory values. We evaluated worsening of DR (incident and progressive DR) at follow-up (6 and 36 months).

Results

Amongst 238,967 individuals with T2D, who attended diabetic eye screening, we identified 553 that underwent bariatric surgery (0.2%) and 2677 non-bariatric controls. Median age was 49 years, and 63% were female. Cases had more comorbidities, lower HbA1c as well as more frequent use of glucose-lowering and antihypertensive medication than controls at index date. In a fully adjusted logistic regression model, the risk of DR worsening for cases was not significantly different compared to controls, neither short-term (OR 0.41 [CI 95% 0.13; 1.33], p = 0.14) nor long-term (OR 0.64 [CI 95% 0.33; 1.24], p = 0.18).

Conclusions

In this nationwide study, bariatric surgery did not associate with increased risk of short- or long-term DR worsening.
Recurrent bacteremia with Enterococcus faecalis, the clinical findings predicting endocarditis, and genomic characterization of the isolates: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tellapragada Chaitanya , Östlund Helena , Giske Christian , Rasmussen Magnus , Berge Andreas
Published: July 2023

Multiple episodes of Enterococcus faecalis bacteremia (EfsB) may indicate a relapse and be due to an undiagnosed infective endocarditis (IE). The aims were to study the clinical presentation of patients with EfsB with focus on the risk of recurrent infection and IE, identify potential improvements of the management, and to investigate whether E. faecalis isolates from different episodes in the same patient were identical. In a retrospective study, a cohort of patients with monomicrobial (M) EfsB episodes was analyzed. Clinical data from medical records were collected. Furthermore, blood culture isolates from patients with multiple episodes were subjected to whole genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing. In 666 episodes of MEfsB, 69 patients with IE and 43 with recurrent infections were found. Patients without IE, but with a following episode diagnosed as IE, were compared to those without a following episode. Variables significantly correlated with IE were long duration of symptoms, growth in all blood cultures, unknown origin of infection, heart murmur, and predisposition for IE. Transesophageal echocardiography, all negative, was done in 4 out of 11 episodes during the first episodes, later diagnosed with IE. In 28 of 31 patients with two or more EfsB episodes, isolates with identical sequence type were found. Episodes of EfsB in patients later diagnosed with IE showed features of IE already during the first episodes, were not adequately evaluated, are due to identical isolates, and most likely represent true relapses. Risk factor analysis should guide the use of echocardiography.
Adsorption mechanisms of ethane, ethene and ethyne on calcium exchanged LTA and FAU zeolites
Authors: Bläker Christian , Mauer Volker , Pasel Christoph , Dreisbach Frieder , Bathen Dieter
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study is to unravel the influence of single, double and triple bonds in hydrocarbons on the mechanisms of adsorption on zeolites. Therefore, the adsorption of the C2 hydrocarbons ethane, ethene and ethyne on different adsorbents is studied by adsorption calorimetry. As adsorbents pure sodium LTA (NaA) and FAU (NaX) zeolites and calcium exchanged CaNaA and CaNaX zeolites are used. Based on experimental loadings and heat of adsorption, the influence of the number and distribution of cations on different cation positions are discussed in detail. With increasing degree of exchange the increasing number of Ca2+-cations introduce energetically more valuable adsorption sites into the zeolites. On the other hand, the decreasing total number of cations has a negative effect on saturation loading. The impact of these opposing effects and the different occupation of cation positions on the interactions and mechanisms occurring are discussed. The loading increases from ethane to ethene to ethyne and shows higher values on FAU compared to LTA. In terms of interactions, due to the single bond, in ethane only dispersion and induction interactions are formed. In ethene and ethyne due to the double and triple bonds, respectively, additional quadrupole cation and π-interactions occur. In this study, for the first time the formation of a π-complex with Ca2+-cations at position I in LTA and at positions II, III, and III’ in FAU is demonstrated. For ethyne, additional π-complex formation with Na+-cations on the identical positions is also detected, which was previously unknown in literature.
Evolution of acaricide resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus on commercial farms in South Africa
Authors: van Dalen Ellie M. S. P. , van Rensburg Candice Jansen
Published: July 2023

The development of tick resistance to chemical control plays a major role in the increasing global economic impact of ticks on cattle farming. Reports on acaricide resistance of Rhipicephalus decoloratus, endemic to Africa and South Africa, are relatively few compared to the closely related and globally distributed Rhipicephalus microplus. In South Africa, ectoparasite control became the sole responsibility of each commercial producer when compulsory dipping was phased out from 1984. Different acaricidal management strategies resulted in the simultaneous development of resistance to various acaricide groups. The establishment of a Pesticide Resistance Testing Facility provided the opportunity to test Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) populations, submitted from all over South Africa, for resistance where failure of chemical control was experienced. The number of populations resistant to cypermethrin (CM) was significantly higher than those tested as resistant to amitraz (AM), or chlorfenvinphos (CFVP). No significant difference was found between the number of populations resistant to AM and CFVP. The evolution of R. decoloratus resistance at the end of a 12 year period indicated a stable but high prevalence of 90% overall resistance to CM. The same trend was seen for AM-resistant R. decoloratus populations but at a lower level of just over 40%. In contrast, CFVP resistant R. decoloratus populations showed a decreasing trend with near-total reversion to susceptibility. Multi-resistance was present in more than 50% of populations tested with the highest incidence in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape provinces.
Ethics and Banking: Do Banks Divest Their Kind?
Authors: Guisande Diego P. , Harjoto Maretno Agus , Hoepner Andreas G. F. , O’Sullivan Conall
Published: July 2023

A growing group of institutional investors use divestment strategically to deter misconducts that are harmful for the climate and society. Based on Kantian ethics, we propose that divestment represents investors’ universal and absolute moral commitment to socially responsible investing (SRI). Following categorical and hypothetical imperatives and reciprocity as a norm, we hypothesize how institutional investors’ commit to SRI through a divestment strategy against ethically reprehensible behaviour of banks, especially when these investors represent banks themselves. Using a hand-collected database of the revelation dates of enforcement actions on banks, we find evidence that banks are less likely to divest equity holding on banks with misconduct (fined banks) than their non-bank institutional investors peers. Banks that commit to invest responsibly by signing for the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) are not significantly more likely to divest on fined banks stocks than non-signatory banks. Moreover, divestment of fined banks whose own legitimacy to operate is in question is not significantly different from non-fined banks divestment. We find that European banks are more inclined to sell their holdings permanently on fined banks than their United States peers. Therefore, bank’s moral commitment to SRI via divestments is influenced more by cultural and reciprocity norms than their moral commitment to participate in the PRI.
POSIX Lexing with Derivatives of Regular Expressions
Authors: Urban Christian
Published: July 2023

Brzozowski introduced the notion of derivatives for regular expressions. They can be used for a very simple regular expression matching algorithm. Sulzmann and Lu cleverly extended this algorithm in order to deal with POSIX matching, which is the underlying disambiguation strategy for regular expressions needed in lexers. Their algorithm generates POSIX values which encode the information of how a regular expression matches a string—that is, which part of the string is matched by which part of the regular expression. In this paper we give our inductive definition of what a POSIX value is and show that Sulzmann and Lu’s algorithm always generates such a value. We also show that our inductive definition of a POSIX value is equivalent to an alternative definition by Okui and Suzuki which identifies POSIX values as least elements according to an ordering of values.
High Utility Teleoperation Framework for Legged Manipulators Through Leveraging Whole-Body Control
Authors: Humphreys Joseph , Peers Christopher , Li Jun , Wan Yuhui , Zhou Chengxu
Published: July 2023

Legged manipulators are a prime candidate for reducing risk to human lives through completing tasks in hazardous environments. However, controlling these systems in real-world applications requires a highly functional teleoperation framework, capable of leveraging all utility of the robot to complete tasks. In this work, such a teleoperation framework is presented, where a wearable whole-body motion capture suit is integrated with a whole-body controller specialised for teleoperation and a set of teleoperation strategies that enable the control of all main frames of the robot along with additional functions. Within the whole-body controller, all tasks and constraints can be configured dynamically due to their modularity, hence enabling seamless transitions between each teleoperation strategy. As a result, this not only enables the realisation of trajectories outside the workspace without the whole-body controller but also the ability to complete tasks that would require an additional manipulator if just the gripper frames of the robot were controllable. To validate the presented framework, a set of real robot experiments have been completed to demonstrate all teleoperation strategies and analyse their proficiency.
Discrimination of quarry blasts from earthquakes in Northern and Central Egypt using linear and quadratic discriminant functions
Authors: Korrat I. M. , Elgabry M. N. , Lethy Ahmed , Hussein H. M. , Yavuz Evrim , Othman Adel S.
Published: July 2023

In this study, seismic events in Northern and Central Egypt are inspected to discriminate quarry blasts from earthquakes. We examine a collection of 639 events in both time and frequency domains with local magnitudes of 1.5 ≤ ML ≤ 3.3 from the Egyptian Seismological Network’s seismic event catalogue between 2009 and 2015. The maximum S-wave to the maximum P-wave amplitude ratio, complexity (C), spectral ratio (Sr), and power of events (Pe) classifiers as well as two statistical approaches, linear discriminant function (LDF) and quadratic discriminant function (QDF), are used to distinguish between earthquakes and quarry blasts. The usage of the LDF and QDF forms did not result in any major differences in the discrimination. The results obtained by the LDF and QDF from (Pe-C) are the best of all approaches. The findings of all approaches were compared to get a final categorization for each event, and a decision was achieved when at least three of the four methods provided the same event category. In Northern Egypt, 243 earthquakes and 308 quarry blasts could be identified as final decisions, with two misclassified events, resulting in an overall success rate of 99.6%. In Central Egypt, 48 earthquakes and 36 quarry blasts were classified as a final decision, with two misclassified events, for an overall success percentage of 97.6%.
On Conditioning Brownian Particles to Coalesce
Authors: Konarovskyi Vitalii , Marx Victor
Published: July 2023

We introduce the notion of a conditional distribution to a zero-probability event in a given direction of approximation and prove that the conditional distribution of a family of independent Brownian particles to the event that their paths coalesce after the meeting coincides with the law of a modified massive Arratia flow, defined in Konarovskyi (Ann Probab 45(5):3293–3335, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1214/16-AOP1137).
A soft-chemistry route to prepare halide perovskite nanocrystals with tunable emission and high optical performance
Authors: da Silva Thais C. A. , Fernández-Saiz Carolina , Sánchez Rafael S. , Gualdrón-Reyes Andrés F. , Mora-Seró Iván , Julián-López Beatriz
Published: July 2023

Cesium lead halide perovskites constitute a benchmark family of inorganic perovskites for high performance optoelectronic devices. Hot injection is by far the most extended procedure to fabricate CsPbX3 (X: Cl, Br, and/or I) perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) of high quality. However, the tedious N2-vacuum cycles and fast heating/cooling steps hinder the large-scale production of these materials. This work presents a fast one-step methodology to fabricate small CsPb(ClxBr1-x)3 nanocrystals with good control of the particle size and shape by using a Soft Chemistry strategy (ligand-mediated controlled growth) and microwave heating. We demonstrate that the procedure can be extended to different mixed halide perovskites, thus providing a fine tuning of the chemical composition and consequently, tunable photoluminescence (PL) emission from 522 nm for pure CsPbBr3 to 477 nm for CsPb(Cl0.4Br0.6)3, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) up to ~86% (for CsPbBr3) and narrow PL full width at half maximum ~18–26 nm. In addition, the protocol was designed in such a way that the chemistry involved in the crystal nucleation and growth of perovskites is as close as possible to that of the hot injection process, which is mechanistically well-understood, to facilitate their adoption by the perovskite research community.

Graphical Abstract
Decoherence mitigation by embedding a logical qubit in a qudit
Authors: Miyahara Hideyuki , Chen Yiyou , Roychowdhury Vwani , Bouchard Louis-Serge
Published: July 2023

Quantum information stored in a qubit is rapidly lost to the environment. The realization of robust qubits is one of the most important challenges in quantum computing. Herein, we propose to embed a logical qubit within the manifold of a qudit as a scheme to preserve quantum information over extended periods of time. Under identical conditions (e.g., decoherence channels), the submanifold of the logical qubit exhibits extended lifetimes compared to a pure two-level system (qubit). The retention of quantum information further improves with separation between the sublevels of the logical qubit. Lifetime enhancement can be understood in terms of entropy production of the encoding and nonencoding subspaces during evolution under a quantum map for ad-level system. The additional pathways for coherent evolution through intermediate sublevels within ad-level manifold provide an information-preserving mechanism: reversible alternative channels to the irreversible loss of information to the environment characteristic of open quantum systems.
How are gender counter-stereotypical adolescents evaluated by their peers? Investigating the backlash effect in French schools
Authors: Meimoun Ethan , Bonnot Virginie , Berenguer Julia , Aelenei Cristina
Published: July 2023

Research on the backlash effect has long studied the social sanctions that individuals impose on those who do not conform to stereotypical expectations. Specifically, research has focused on reactions to gender stereotype violations. Studies have shown that adults, adolescents, and even children will sanction others when they fail to conform to gender stereotypes. The present pre-registered research (https://tinyurl.com/4epypv3a) studied this gender backlash among adolescents in French middle and high-schools. For this study, we were also interested in exploring the moderating role of participants’ socioeconomic status in their expression of backlash. We created four profiles of adolescents presenting their candidacy for a school representative role. The profiles varied in the personality traits and behaviors they contained (stereotypically feminine vs. masculine) and the gender of the target (boy vs. girl). A sample of 840 participants between the ages of 13 and 18 rated the target adolescent on measures intended to capture backlash, as well as gender stereotypicality items. Using multilevel models to analyze our data, we did not find evidence of backlash as hypothesized. However, unexpectedly, on a measure of perception of arrogance, we found that participants judged a counter-stereotypical target more positively than a stereotypical target. Furthermore, we also found evidence that, compared to stereotypical targets, counter-stereotypical targets were judged more competent, mostly by high SES adolescents. Possible methodological and theoretical explanations for these results are discussed, as well as implications for future research on the backlash effect, particularly among adolescents.
Sodium bicarbonate as a local adjunctive agent for limiting platelet activation, aggregation, and adhesion within cardiovascular therapeutic devices
Authors: Ammann Kaitlyn R. , Outridge Christine E. , Roka-Moiia Yana , Muslmani Sami , Ding Jun , Italiano Joseph E. , Tomat Elisa , Corbett Scott , Slepian Marvin J.
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular therapeutic devices (CTDs) remain limited by thrombotic adverse events. Current antithrombotic agents limit thrombosis partially, often adding to bleeding. The Impella® blood pump utilizes heparin in 5% dextrose (D5W) as an internal purge to limit thrombosis. While effective, exogenous heparin often complicates overall anticoagulation management, increasing bleeding tendency. Recent clinical studies suggest sodium bicarbonate (bicarb) may be an effective alternative to heparin for local anti-thrombosis. We examined the effect of sodium bicarbonate on human platelet morphology and function to better understand its translational utility. Human platelets were incubated (60:40) with D5W + 25 mEq/L, 50 mEq/L, or 100 mEq/L sodium bicarbonate versus D5W or D5W + Heparin 50 U/mL as controls. pH of platelet-bicarbonate solutions mixtures was measured. Platelet morphology was examined via transmission electron microscopy; activation assessed via P-selectin expression, phosphatidylserine exposure and thrombin generation; and aggregation with TRAP-6, calcium ionophore, ADP and collagen quantified; adhesion to glass measured via fluorescence microscopy. Sodium bicarbonate did not alter platelet morphology but did significantly inhibit activation, aggregation, and adhesion. Phosphatidylserine exposure and thrombin generation were both reduced in a concentration-dependent manner—between 26.6 ± 8.2% (p = 0.01) and 70.7 ± 5.6% (p < 0.0001); and 14.0 ± 6.2% (p = 0.15) and 41.7 ± 6.8% (p = 0.03), respectively, compared to D5W control. Platelet aggregation via all agonists was also reduced, particularly at higher concentrations of bicarb. Platelet adhesion to glass was similarly reduced, between 0.04 ± 0.03% (p = 0.61) and 0.11 ± 0.04% (p = 0.05). Sodium bicarbonate has direct, local, dose-dependent effects limiting platelet activation and adhesion. Our results highlight the potential utility of sodium bicarbonate as a locally acting agent to limit device thrombosis.
Effect of male age on semen quality in domestic animals: potential for advanced functional and translational research?
Authors: Abah Kenneth Owoicho , Fontbonne Alain , Partyka Agnieszka , Nizanski Wojciech
Published: July 2023

Age and other factors like season and breed are often associated with sperm quality and fertility in domestic animals. Even though many studies assessed the relationship between the age of the male and sperm parameters, the effects have not been comprehensively evaluated. Changes in semen quality from pubertal (young) to adult and old age were identified in the bull, ram, buck, boar, dog, and stallion, respectively. The review discusses the association between male age and semen volume, the total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, sperm cell function, sperm DNA integrity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity in these species of animals. Generally, semen characteristics improve to a certain age, which declines as the animal ages. Only a few studies evaluated the impact of advanced age or employed advanced functional sperm assessment methods to assess age-related changes in sperm quality and male fertility. Such studies in the dog or stallion, for instance, may contribute to advancing knowledge in human-assisted reproductive techniques used in patients of advanced paternal and maternal age.
Production and characterization of graphene oxide-engineered biochars and application for organic micro-pollutant adsorption from aqueous solutions
Authors: Regkouzas Panagiotis , Sygellou Labrini , Diamadopoulos Evan
Published: July 2023

In this study, conventional and Graphene Oxide-engineered biochars were produced and thoroughly characterized, in order to investigate their potential as adsorptive materials. Two types of biomass, Rice Husks (RH) and Sewage Sludge (SS), two Graphene Oxide (GO) doses, 0.1% and 1%, and two pyrolysis temperatures, 400 °C and 600 °C were investigated. The produced biochars were characterized in physicochemical terms and the effect of biomass, GO functionalization and pyrolysis temperature on biochar properties was studied. The produced samples were then applied as adsorbents for the removal of six organic micro-pollutants from water and treated secondary wastewater. Results showed that the main factors affecting biochar structure was biomass type and pyrolysis temperature, while GO functionalization caused significant changes on biochar surface by increasing the available C- and O- based functional groups. Biochars produced at 600 °C showed higher C content and Specific Surface Area, presenting more stable graphitic structure, compared to biochars produced at 400 °C. Micro-pollutant adsorption rates were in the range of 39.9%-98.3% and 9.4%-97.5% in table water and 28.3%-97.5% and 0.0%-97.5% in treated municipal wastewater, for the Rice Husk and Sewage Sludge biochars respectively. The best biochars, in terms of structural properties and adsorption efficiency were the GO-functionalized biochars, produced from Rice Husks at 600 °C, while the most difficult pollutant to remove was 2.4-Dichlorophenol.
Exploring alternative normalization approaches for life cycle assessment
Authors: De Laurentiis Valeria , Amadei Andrea , Sanyé-Mengual Esther , Sala Serenella
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This work investigates the use of alternative approaches to normalization in life cycle assessment (LCA) and shows the relevance of the normalization step in the interpretation of the results of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) by testing the use of five alternative normalization sets.

Methods

Five normalization sets are applied and compared. The five sets are based on the following: (i) a production-based approach at global and (ii) at EU level; (iii) a consumption-based approach at EU level based on process-based LCA; (iv) a consumption-based approach at EU level based on environmental extended input/output; and (v) a planetary boundaries-based approach. The five normalization sets are applied to the environmental impacts of 144 products, and the resulting normalized impacts are aggregated into a single score by adopting two alternative weighting sets to investigate how the adoption of different normalization and weighting sets can affect the interpretation of LCIA results. The relative contribution of each impact category to the single score is derived and the ranking of impact categories is compared for each normalization and weighting option.

Results and discussion

The relative contribution of the impact categories to the aggregated score of a product is significantly affected by the choice of the normalization set and to a lesser extent by the application of different weighting sets. The main benefits and limitations of each normalization approach presented are discussed together with their implications on the interpretation of the results deriving from the application of each set.

Conclusions

The dominating role of the normalization step on the interpretation of the results emphasizes the need to choose the most suitable normalization set according to the goal and scope of the study and to make sure that normalization references are based on comprehensive inventories of emissions and resources, well aligned with the impact assessment methods used in terms of coverage and classification, to avoid the risk of biased normalization. Future research needs for developing more robust and comprehensive normalization sets are identified.
Environmental effects of potentially toxic elements and the magnetic susceptibility distribution in the surface bottom sediments in the Vistula estuary (Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland)
Authors: Kusza Grzegorz , Kubowicz Agnieszka , Kłostowska Żaneta , Łuczak Katarzyna , Łęczyński Leszek , Hulisz Piotr
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study is aimed at analyzing the spatial distribution of magnetic susceptibility and the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface layer of bottom sediments in the Vistula estuary (Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland) in relation to local sedimentary conditions. We also assessed the usefulness of magnetic susceptibility measurements to identify changes in sediment properties caused by anthropogenic factors.

Materials and methods

Bottom sediments were collected along three transects using the Van Veen grab sampler. The following properties were determined: granulometric composition, organic matter and carbonate content, pH, electrical conductivity, and heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Specific (mass) magnetic susceptibility (χ) was measured using the MS2 Bartington® laboratory magnetic susceptibility meter. To characterize the conditions of the sedimentary environment in the study area, statistical analysis was performed on selected parameters of grain size distribution, such as mean grain diameter (Mz) and sorting (σ1) indices.

Results and discussion

The research showed significant differences in the sedimentary environment (erosion vs. deposition processes) along the studied transects which were controlled by the wave regime, sea currents, and river water inflow. Open-water sediments were richer in organic matter and more saline than deltaic sediments, which in turn were characterized by higher pH and higher carbonate content. The highest mean total content of Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn and the highest magnetic susceptibility (χ) were determined in open-water sediments, while the highest Fe and Cr values were obtained for deltaic sediments. Statistically significant differences between these sediments were found only for organic matter (LoI), Pb, Cu, and Cd content. Magnetic susceptibility showed a moderate correlation with Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn (rs 0.4–0.6).

Conclusion

PTE content and magnetic susceptibility of sediments showed a very high heterogeneity within the study area, depending mainly on the location (delta vs. open waters), grain size composition, and organic matter content. Our results demonstrated that magnetic susceptibility analysis is an easy method that can be used to complement the identification of technogenic changes in the marine environment.
Longitudinal analysis of home food production and food sharing behavior in Japan: multiple benefits of local food systems and the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kamiyama Chiho , Hori Keiko , Matsui Takanori , Pretty Jules , Saito Osamu
Published: July 2023

Home food production and sharing (home consumption) make up a local community-based food system that has become a custom closely tied to people’s daily life and culture across Japan. In this study, nationwide questionnaire surveys were conducted in 2015 and 2021 to investigate the status and trends of non-commercial home food consumption in Japan. We were also able to evaluate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which commenced at the beginning of 2020 in Japan. It was found that a wide variety of foods and many different species of food are part of home consumption. In addition, the amount of home production and the amount shared with close neighbors and friends via social networks is higher in agricultural areas than in urban areas. The amount of home production was slightly higher and the amount shared with others slightly lower in 2021 compared with 2015, suggesting that COVID-19 may have limited the sharing activities that also connect people. Meanwhile, the majority of respondents who were directly asked about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the survey in 2021 answered “no change”, suggesting a resilient system even under the pressures of the pandemic. Moreover, there has been an uptake in home food production and sharing amongst younger generations, men, and people living in urban areas. These customs and lifestyles are embedded in Japanese culture, helping to produce a sustainable and resilient food system. This home consumption system has the potential to contribute to various global challenges in the form of nature-based solutions which help meet the targets of the sustainable development goals, in particular a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and the promotion of health, well-being and social relations. We discuss future research challenges for a more resource-efficient, inclusive, and sustainable growth model that includes home consumption.