bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of quantitative assessment of florbetaben PET scans as an adjunct to the visual assessment across 15 software methods
Authors: Jovalekic Aleksandar , Roé-Vellvé Núria , Koglin Norman , Quintana Mariana Lagos , Nelson Aaron , Diemling Markus , Lilja Johan , Gómez-González Juan Pablo , Doré Vincent , Bourgeat Pierrick , Whittington Alex , Gunn Roger , Stephens Andrew W. , Bullich Santiago
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]florbetaben (FBB) is an established tool for detecting Aβ deposition in the brain in vivo based on visual assessment of PET scans. Quantitative measures are commonly used in the research context and allow continuous measurement of amyloid burden. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the robustness of FBB PET quantification.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of FBB PET images from 589 subjects. PET scans were quantified with 15 analytical methods using nine software packages (MIMneuro, Hermes BRASS, Neurocloud, Neurology Toolkit, statistical parametric mapping (SPM8), PMOD Neuro, CapAIBL, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), AmyloidIQ) that used several metrics to estimate Aβ load (SUVR, centiloid, amyloid load, and amyloid index). Six analytical methods reported centiloid (MIMneuro, standard centiloid, Neurology Toolkit, SPM8 (PET only), CapAIBL, NMF). All results were quality controlled.

Results

The mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 96.1 ± 1.6%, 96.9 ± 1.0%, and 96.4 ± 1.1%, respectively, for all quantitative methods tested when compared to histopathology, where available. The mean percentage of agreement between binary quantitative assessment across all 15 methods and visual majority assessment was 92.4 ± 1.5%. Assessments of reliability, correlation analyses, and comparisons across software packages showed excellent performance and consistent results between analytical methods.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that quantitative methods using both CE marked software and other widely available processing tools provided comparable results to visual assessments of FBB PET scans. Software quantification methods, such as centiloid analysis, can complement visual assessment of FBB PET images and could be used in the future for identification of early amyloid deposition, monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Impact of extramedullary disease in AML patients undergoing sequential RIC for HLA-matched transplantation: occurrence, risk factors, relapse patterns, and outcome
Authors: Fraccaroli Alessia , Vogt Daniela , Rothmayer Margarete , Spiekermann Karsten , Pastore Friederike , Tischer Johanna
Published: June 2023

We sought to evaluate the role of extramedullary disease (EMD) in sequential RIC retrospectively analyzing data of 144 high-risk AML patients undergoing HLA-matched transplantation. Median long-term follow-up was 11.6 years. Eighteen percent of patients (n = 26/144) presented with extramedullary AML (EM AML) or a history of EMD at time of transplantation. Overall relapse rate was 25% (n = 36/144) with 15% (n = 21/144) of all patients developing isolated BM relapse and 10% (n = 15/144) developing EM AML relapse with or without concomitant BM relapse (EM ± BM). Manifestation of EM relapse after transplantation occurred frequently at multiple sites and presented mostly as solid tumor mass. Only 3/15 patients with EM ± BM relapse showed a prior EMD manifestation. EMD prior to allogeneic transplantation had no impact on post-transplant OS when compared to non-EMD (median post-transplant OS 3.8 years versus 4.8 years; ns). Risk factors (p =  < 0.1) for EM ± BM relapse included younger age and a higher number of prior intensive chemotherapies, whereas the presence of chronic GVHD was a protective factor. Median post-transplant OS (15.5 months vs. 15.5 months), RFS (9.6 months vs 7.3 months), and post-relapse OS (6.7 months vs. 6.3 months) were not significantly different between patients with isolated BM vs. EM ± BM relapse. Taken together, occurrence of EMD prior to as well as of EM ± BM AML relapse after transplantation was moderate, presenting mostly as solid tumor mass after transplantation. However, diagnosis of those does not seem to influence outcomes after sequential RIC. A higher number of chemotherapy cycles prior to transplantation was identified as recent risk factor for EM ± BM relapse.
Early initiation of second-line therapy in primary immune thrombocytopenia: insights from real-world evidence
Authors: Cuker Adam , Buckley Brian , Mousseau Marie-Catherine , Barve Aditya Anand , Haenig Jens , Bussel James B.
Published: June 2023

To compare patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) prescribed early (within 3 months of initial ITP treatment) second-line treatment (eltrombopag, romiplostim, rituximab, immunosuppressive agents, splenectomy) with or without concomitant first-line therapy to those who received only first-line therapy. This real-world retrospective cohort study of 8268 patients with primary ITP from a large US-based database (Optum® de-identified Electronic Health Record [EHR] dataset) combined electronic claims and EHR data. Outcomes included platelet count, bleeding events, and corticosteroid exposure 3 to 6 months after initial treatment. Baseline platelet counts were lower in patients receiving early second-line therapy (10‒28 × 109/L) versus those who did not (67 × 109/L). Counts improved and bleeding events decreased from baseline in all treatment groups 3 to 6 months after the start of therapy. Among the very few patients for whom follow-up treatment data were available (n = 94), corticosteroid use was reduced during the 3- to 6-month follow-up period in patients who received early second-line therapy versus those who did not (39% vs 87%, p < 0.001). Early second-line treatment was prescribed for more severe cases of ITP and appeared to be associated with improved platelet counts and bleeding outcomes 3 to 6 months after initial therapy. Early second-line therapy also appeared to reduce corticosteroid use after 3 months, although the small number of patients with follow-up data on treatment precludes any substantive conclusions. Further research is needed to determine whether early second-line therapy has an effect on the long-term course of ITP.
Wound healing potential of sodium alginate-based topical gels loaded with a combination of essential oils, iron oxide nanoparticles and tranexamic acid
Authors: Nqoro X. , Adeyemi S. A. , Ubanako P. , Ndinteh D. T. , Kumar P. , Choonara Y. E. , Aderibigbe B. A.
Published: June 2023

Wound management is a key feature in saving people’s lives, and regardless of the wound size, using appropriate wound dressing is crucial. Alginate-based topical gels loaded with 2 mL essential oils (eucalyptus, lavender and rosemary oil) in combination with 30 mg magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and 70 mg tranexamic acid were prepared. Carbopol was used as a gelling agent and as a surfactant to disperse the EO. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed the successful formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the absence of a chemical interaction between the iron nanoparticles, tranexamic acid, essential oils and the gel matrix. The gel formulations displayed pH, spreadability and viscosity in the range of 6.8–7.2, 5.4–10.1 cm and viscosity (3444–1260 cp) after 120 s, respectively. The in vitro wound healing studies of the wound dressings revealed a wound closure of 99% on day 3. Their antibacterial and blood clotting potential was significant compared to the control. The wound healing capability of these formulations makes them potential wound dressings for treating bleeding and infected wounds.
Balneotherapy for osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Protano Carmela , Fontana Mario , De Giorgi Andrea , Marotta Daniela , Cocomello Nicholas , Crucianelli Serena , Del Cimmuto Angela , Vitali Matteo
Published: June 2023

This systematic review is aimed to evaluate the effects of balneotherapy with thermal mineral water for managing the symptoms and signs of osteoarthritis located at any anatomical site. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement. The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, DOAJ and PEDro. We included clinical trials evaluating the effects of balneotherapy as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis, published in English and Italian language, led on human subjects. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. Overall, 17 studies have been included in the review. All of these studies were performed on adults or elderly patients suffering from osteoarthritis localized to knees, hips, hands or lumbar spine. The treatment assessed was always the balneotherapy with thermal mineral water. The outcomes evaluated were pain, palpation/pressure sensibility, articular tenderness, functional ability, quality of life, mobility, deambulation, ability to climb stairs, medical objective and patients’ subjective evaluation, superoxide dismutase enzyme activity, serum levels of interleukin-2 receptors. The results of all the included studies agree and demonstrated an improvement of all the symptoms and signs investigated. In particular, pain and quality of life were the main symptoms evaluated and both improved after the treatment with thermal water in all the studies included in the review. These effects can be attributed to physical and chemical-physical properties of thermal mineral water used. However, the quality of many studies resulted not so high due and, consequently, it is necessary to perform new clinical trial in this field using more correct methods for conducting the study and for processing statistical data.
Existence for a Cahn–Hilliard Model for Lithium-Ion Batteries with Exponential Growth Boundary Conditions
Authors: Stinson Kerrek
Published: June 2023

The Cahn–Hilliard reaction model, a nonlinear, evolutionary PDE, was introduced to model phase separation in lithium-ion batteries. Using Butler–Volmer kinetics for electrochemical consistency, this model allows lithium-ions to enter the domain via a nonlinear Robin-type boundary condition $$\partial _\nu \mu = R(c,\mu )$$

∂
ν

μ
=
R

(
c
,
μ
)

for the chemical potential $$\mu $$
μ
, with c, the lithium-ion density. Importantly, R depends exponentially on $$\mu $$
μ
. Fixed point methods are applied to obtain existence of regular solutions of the Cahn–Hilliard reaction model in dimension 3,  allowing for recovery of exponential boundary conditions as in the physical application.
Variability in composition of parrotfish bite scars across space and over time on a central Pacific atoll
Authors: Charendoff Jonathan A. , Edwards Clinton B. , Pedersen Nicole E. , Petrovic Vid , Zgliczynski Brian , Sandin Stuart A. , Smith Jennifer E.
Published: June 2023

Parrotfishes are conspicuous herbivores, microvores, and detritivores in coral reef ecosystems, and the impacts of their feeding, particularly their capacity to expose reef carbonate, have received much attention. In many cases, parrotfish assemblages have been shown to control algal proliferation and promote the settlement of corals and crustose coralline algae (CCA). In extreme cases, high densities of parrotfishes may negatively affect net reef accretion through bioerosion and targeted coral predation. Most evidence describing the impacts of parrotfish foraging on benthic community structure is based upon correlations between benthic composition and parrotfish behavior or abundance, with much less known about process-based change of individual parrotfish bite scars through time. Here, we estimated parrotfish bite selectivity and determined the change in benthic composition within parrotfish bite scars relative to change in the overall reefscape using data collected over a 12-month duration from the fore reef habitat at Palmyra Atoll. We identified 2150 parrotfish bite scars which appeared most frequently on turf algae covered substrata but also on coral, CCA, and encrusting macroalgae. Of those bites taken on live coral, 96% of scars returned to live coral within 12 months. Notably, adult coral survivorship in bite scars was higher than at randomly sampled coral-covered locations not affected by parrotfish bites. The exposed substrate within bite scars was most commonly colonized by the dominant benthic functional group in the area immediately surrounding the scar. We found little evidence of coral recruitment to bite scars (1/2150); however, CCA growth on bites initially on turf algae increased from 18.4 to 32.9% across the two time intervals. Our results suggest that benthic areas affected by parrotfish bites were more likely to undergo a successional shift to a more calcified state relative to unaffected benthic areas, indicating that parrotfish grazing helps maintain highly calcified coral reef ecosystems.
Anharmonic effects on the reflectivity of CaS and MgS: a first-principles based study
Authors: Chmeruk Artem , Núñez-Valdez Maribel
Published: June 2023

We employ systematic calculations based on density functional theory to model the reflectivity of CaS and MgS in the infrared region. We show that in addition to the modeling using the harmonic approximation, an accurate spectral description requires the inclusion of anharmonic effects. Due to their conceptual simplicity, CaS and MgS are excellent systems for the explicit consideration of the anharmonicity, which we include here using a perturbative approach up to three-phonon scattering processes, and the consideration of isotopic disorder. All physical quantities, such as Born effective charges and dielectric constant, necessary for the calculation of the reflectivity within the Lorentz model are extracted from our first-principles computations. To validate our predicted optical and transversal modes, and reflectivity spectra, we compare them to available experimental results. We find that the overall agreement is good, which supports the importance of the inclusion of anharmonic terms in the modeling of optical properties in the infrared region.
Investigation of the applicability of conditioned particle image velocimetry under conditions close to lean blow-off
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang , Liu Kunpeng , Fu Chen , Yu Juan , Gao Yi
Published: June 2023

In recent years, conditioned particle image velocimetry (CPIV) has attracted much attention for flame front extraction. It is an economical and straightforward technique because the flame front can be obtained simply from Mie-scattering images. In the current work, Mie-scattering and hydroxyl planar laser-induced fluorescence (OH-PLIF) measurements were taken simultaneously to study the applicability of CPIV under conditions with varying equivalence ratios, and the reliable working range of the CPIV method and the source of bias were clarified quantitatively. The premixed dimethyl ether (DME)/air flames stabilized on a two-dimensional bluff body were tested. It is found that the accuracy of the CPIV method worsens as the equivalence ratio decreases. The bias of CPIV is supposed to be related to the flame structure and aerodynamics. The extraction deviation in the upstream region for the stable flames is more significant than that in the downstream area due to the intensified interaction between the shear layer and flame near the bluff body. However, for the flames approaching the lean blow-off (LBO), the bias in the upstream part is smaller than that in the downstream area, which is related to the “back-support” of the hot recirculation zone (RZ). In addition, the difference between the results obtained by CPIV and OH-PLIF is usually the preheat layer of flame and concave-wrinkled location of OH-PLIF filled with CH2O radicals, especially under conditions close to the LBO, which can be used to estimate the spatial distribution of CH2O.

Graphical Abstract
Tapping to drumbeats in an online experiment changes our perception of time and expressiveness
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Burger Birgitta , Wöllner Clemens
Published: June 2023

Bodily movements along with music, such as tapping, are not only very frequent, but may also have a profound impact on our perception of time and emotions. The current study adopted an online tapping paradigm to investigate participants’ time experiences and expressiveness judgements when they tapped and did not tap to a series of drumming performances that varied in tempo and rhythmic complexity. Participants were asked to judge durations, passage of time (PoT), and the expressiveness of the performances in two conditions: (1) Observing only, (2) Observing and tapping regularly to the perceived beats. Results show that tapping trials passed subjectively faster and were partially (in slow- and medium-tempo conditions) perceived shorter compared to the observing-only trials. Increases in musical tempo (in tapping trials) and in complexity led to faster PoT, potentially due to distracted attentional resources for the timing task. Participants’ musical training modulated the effects of complexity on the judgments of expressiveness. In addition, increases in tapping speed led to duration overestimation among the less musically trained participants. Taken together, tapping to music may have altered the internal clock speed, affecting the temporal units accumulated in the pacemaker-counter model.
Intraindividual variations of urinary biomarkers in hospitalized children with glomerular diseases: a prospective observational study
Authors: Zhou Jianmei , Zhong Xuhui , Xiao Huijie , Xu Ke , Nair Viji , Larkina Maria , Ju Wenjun , Ding Jie
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to assess the intraindividual variations of urinary biomarkers in hospitalized children with glomerular diseases. Hospitalized children with glomerular diseases participated in the study. For each patient, an overnight (9:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.) urine was collected, followed by a 24-h urine (classified into four distinct periods: morning 7:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., afternoon 12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., evening 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., and overnight 9:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.). The concentrations of protein, albumin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were measured and normalized by three correction factors (creatinine, osmolality, or specific gravity, respectively). Additionally, the 2nd overnight urine sample was grouped into different aliquots according to centrifugation, additives, storage temperature, or delayed processing. Twenty (14 boys, 6 girls) children were enrolled, with an average age of 11.3 years. Among the three correction factors, creatinine-normalized biomarkers provided the best agreements among different periods over 24 h. There were significant diurnal variations during 24 h in the concentrations of urinary protein, albumin, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase, and EGF (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.003, and p = 0.003, respectively). Evening urine overestimated 24-h urinary protein and albumin, while overnight urine underestimated 24-h urinary albumin. Urinary EGF showed low variability within a day or between the 2 days (coefficients of variation 10.2% and 10.6%, respectively) and excellent agreements (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.9) with 24-h urinary concentration. Furthermore, urinary EGF was not affected by centrifugation, additives, storage temperature, or delayed processing of urine samples (all p > 0.05).

  Conclusion: Given the diurnal variations of urinary biomarkers, urine samples should be collected during the same time period in clinical practice if possible. The results also extend the evidence for urinary EGF as a relatively stable biomarker applied in the future clinical practice.

What is Known:• Urinary biomarkers have been widely used or discussed in making diagnoses and therapy regimens and estimating the prognosis of pediatric glomerular diseases. It remains unclear whether their levels would be affected by the time of sample collection, processing methods, and storage conditions in hospitalized children with glomerular diseases.

What is New:• The levels of both commonly used biomarkers and novel biomarkers exhibited diurnal variations in hospitalized children with glomerular diseases.• Our results extend the evidence for urinary EGF as a relatively stable biomarker applied in the future clinical practice.
Longitudinal data on humoral response and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and subvariants BA.4/5 and BQ.1.1 after COVID-19 vaccination in cancer patients
Authors: Overheu Oliver , Lendowski Simon , Quast Daniel R. , Kühn Daniel , Vidal Blanco Elena , Kraeft Anna-Lena , Steinmann Eike , Kourti Eleni , Lugnier Celine , Steinmann Joerg , Reinacher-Schick Anke , Pfaender Stephanie
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VOC) and subvariants like BQ.1.1 demonstrate immune evasive potential. Little is known about the efficacy of booster vaccinations regarding this VOC and subvariants in cancer patients. This study is among the first to provide data on neutralizing antibodies (nAb) against BQ.1.1.

Methods

Cancer patients at our center were prospectively enrolled between 01/2021 and 02/2022. Medical data and blood samples were collected at enrollment and before and after every SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, at 3 and 6 months.

Results

We analyzed 408 samples from 148 patients (41% female), mainly with solid tumors (85%) on active therapy (92%; 80% chemotherapy). SARS-CoV-2 IgG and nAb titers decreased over time, however, significantly increased following third vaccination (p < 0.0001). NAb (ND50) against Omicron BA.1 was minimal prior and increased significantly after the third vaccination (p < 0.0001). ND50 titers against BQ.1.1 after the third vaccination were significantly lower than against BA.1 and BA.4/5 (p < 0.0001) and undetectable in half of the patients (48%). Factors associated with impaired immune response were hematologic malignancies, B cell depleting therapy and higher age. Choice of vaccine, sex and treatment with chemo-/immunotherapy did not influence antibody response. Patients with breakthrough infections had significantly lower nAb titers after both 6 months (p < 0.001) and the third vaccination (p = 0.018).

Conclusion

We present the first data on nAb against BQ.1.1 following the third vaccination in cancer patients. Our results highlight the threat that new emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants pose to cancer patients and support efforts to apply repeated vaccines. Since a considerable number of patients did not display an adequate immune response, continuing to exhibit caution remains reasonable.
Baryon Masses Estimate in Heavy Flavor QCD
Authors: Gómez-Rocha María , More Jai , Serafin Kamil
Published: June 2023

We apply the renormalization group procedure for effective particles (RGPEP) to the QCD eigenvalue problem for only heavy quarks. We derive the effective Hamiltonian that acts on the Fock space by solving the RGPEP equation up to second order in powers of the coupling constant. The eigenstates that contain three quarks and two or more gluons are eliminated by inserting a gluon-mass term in the component with one gluon and the eigenvalue problem for baryons is formulated. We estimate masses for bbb and ccc states and find that the results match the estimates obtained in lattice QCD and in quark models.
Are micro- and nanoelectrodes just smaller versions of regular electrodes?
Authors: Hyk Wojciech , Stojek Zbigniew
Published: June 2023

Fundamental differences in behavior of micro/nanoelectrodes and regular electrodes are illustrated. The selected cases are convenient for student laboratory courses. An example of determination of diffusion coefficients of both the substrate and the product of electrode reaction, which is only possible under conditions of using microelectrodes in the absence of added supporting electrolyte, is presented in detail. The problems and possibilities generated by the use of nanoelectrodes are also addressed.
What do zebra finches learn besides singing? Systematic mapping of the literature and presentation of an efficient associative learning test
Authors: Lu ChuChu , Gudowska Agnieszka , Rutkowska Joanna
Published: June 2023

The process of learning in birds has been extensively studied, with a focus on species such as pigeons, parrots, chickens, and crows. In recent years, the zebra finch has emerged as a model species in avian cognition, particularly in song learning. However, other cognitive domains such as spatial memory and associative learning could also be critical to fitness and survival, particularly during the intensive juvenile period. In this systematic review, we provide an overview of cognitive studies on zebra finches, with a focus on domains other than song learning. Our findings indicate that spatial, associative, and social learning are the most frequently studied domains, while motoric learning and inhibitory control have been examined less frequently over 30 years of research. All of the 60 studies included in this review were conducted on captive birds, limiting the generalizability of the findings to wild populations. Moreover, only two of the studies were conducted on juveniles, highlighting the need for more research on this critical period of learning. To address this research gap, we propose a high-throughput method for testing associative learning performance in a large number of both juvenile and adult zebra finches. Our results demonstrate that learning can occur in both age groups, thus encouraging researchers to also perform cognitive tests on juveniles. We also note the heterogeneity of methodologies, protocols, and subject exclusion criteria applied by different researchers, which makes it difficult to compare results across studies. Therefore, we call for better communication among researchers to develop standardised methodologies for studying each cognitive domain at different life stages and also in their natural conditions.
Survival impact of immediate complete lymph node dissection for Chinese acral and cutaneous melanoma with micrometastasis in sentinel nodes: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhong Jingqin , Zou Zijian , Hu Tu , Sun Wei , Wang Chunmeng , Yan Wangjun , Luo Zhiguo , Liu Xin , Xu Yu , Chen Yong
Published: June 2023

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) has become a critical part of standard surgical treatment for melanoma with no clinical metastatic evidence. However, for patients with a positive sentinel node, the MSLT-II and DeCOG-SLT trials have shown that immediate complete lymph node dissection (CLND) does not bring further survival benefits. There is still an argument among the Chinese population dominated by acral subtypes on whether CLND can be omitted. Thus, this study aims to investigate the impact of immediate CLND on relapse-free survival (RFS) in Chinese melanoma patients with a positive sentinel node. Patients with acral or cutaneous melanoma of clinical Stages I–II who received SNB procedure and were detected with nodal micrometastasis were retrospectively collected at Fudan University Cancer Center (FUSCC) from January 2017 to December 2021. The clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors for RFS were analyzed. Out of 381 patients who received SNB in the past 5 years, 130 (34%) cases with SN micrometastasis detected were included in this study. Ninety-nine patients underwent immediate CLND while the other 31 patients received observation alone. Among patients who received CLND, the non-SN(NSN)-positive rate was 22.2%. Most of the clinicopathologic factors were balanced well between the CLND and non-CLND groups. However, more patients in the CLND group were detected with BRAF and NRAS mutation (P = 0.006) and received adjuvant PD-1 monotherapy (P = 0.042) as well. There were slightly fewer N1 patients in the CLND group, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.075). The study found no significant difference in RFS between the two groups (P = 0.184). Even for patients with the acral subtype (P = 0.925), primary T4 lesion (P = 0.769), or presence of ulceration (P = 0.249), immediate CLND did not bring more survival benefits. Immediate CLND did not bring further RFS benefit for Chinese melanoma patients with SN micrometastasis in real-world clinical practice, even for patients with acral subtype or more tumor burden such as thick Breslow invasion and ulceration.
Substituting phenol in phenol–formaldehyde resins for wood modification by phenolic cleavage products from vacuum low-temperature microwave-assisted pyrolysis of softwood kraft lignin
Authors: Karthäuser Johannes , Biziks Vladimirs , Frauendorf Holm , Hoffmann Lisa , Raskop Salomé , Roggatz Daniel , Militz Holger
Published: June 2023

Wood modification by impregnation and curing inside of the cell wall using phenol–formaldehyde resins (PF resins) is a well-known and commercialized method to improve, amongst others, the dimensional stability and the durability of wood. However, phenol is mainly obtained from non-renewable resources, and the substitution of phenol by renewable resources has been a topic of research interest for years. Due to the high availability of technical lignins, lignin-derived cleavage products are promising candidates. In this study, organic cleavage products obtained from vacuum low-temperature microwave-assisted pyrolysis of softwood kraft lignin were used to substitute up to 45% of phenol in PF resins. The curing behavior and the free formaldehyde content of the resins was studied. Pine sapwood was treated with these resins by a vacuum pressure treatment, and the weight percent gain, leaching, and dimensional stability of the species were examined. Selected samples were analyzed with bright-field microscopy. The results indicate that up to 30% substitution of phenol by lignin-based organic products does not lead to significantly inferior quality of wood modification. Additionally, the amount of formaldehyde added to the resin can be reduced. The method described in this study could be a way to improve the environmental footprint of wood modification by PF resins.
Multi-stakeholder partnerships for the SDGs: is the “next generation” fit for purpose?
Authors: Widerberg Oscar , Fast Cornelia , Rosas Montserrat Koloffon , Pattberg Philipp
Published: June 2023

Despite mixed results in the past, multi-stakeholder partnerships (MSPs) are considered important governance instruments for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This perspective discusses the ‘next generation’ of MSPs, comparing them to previous generations, and whether they can contribute to transformative change. The discussion is based on a first analysis of nearly 500 MSPs collected in the Transformative Partnership 2030 project, comprising a subset of initiatives on the Partnership Platform maintained by the United Nations. Three observations are made. First, only a small number of the 7000 or so entries on the Partnership Platform are active MSPs. Second, international organizations and national government are the main partners in MSPs. The most common functions are related to soft governance such as knowledge dissemination and information exchange. Third, MSPs mainly connect environmental and social SDGs, notably between climate change, biodiversity, health and education. They are less focused on the economic goals, addressing the drivers of unsustainable behavior. The perspective recommends an update of the Partnership Platform, more research on how to harness potential synergies across SDGs in MSPs and more attention to meta-governance of MSPs, at the UN level.
Follicular homocysteine as a marker of oocyte quality in PCOS and the role of micronutrients
Authors: Kucuk Tansu , Horozal Pınar Erol , Karakulak Asena , Timucin Emel , Dattilo Maurizio
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Does follicular homocysteine predict the reproductive potential of oocytes following FSH stimulation in PCOS women? Can it be modulated by dietary interventions?

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, interventional clinical study. Forty-eight PCOS women undergoing in vitro fertilization at a private fertility clinic were randomized for a dietary supplementation providing micronutrients involved in homocysteine clearance or no treatment. The supplement was assumed 2 months before stimulation until pick-up day. Monofollicular fluids were collected and frozen. After embryo transfer, the fluids from the follicles generating the transferred embryos were thawed and analyzed.

Results

Follicular homocysteine showed a negative correlation with clinical pregnancy both in the whole population (r =  − 0.298; p = 0.041) and in controls (r =  − 0.447, p = 0.053). The support achieved a non-significantly lower concentration of follicular homocysteine (median [IQR]–7.6 [13.2] vs 24.3 [22.9]). Supplemented patients required far less FSH for stimulation (1650 [325] vs 2250 [337], p = 0.00002) with no differences in the number of oocytes collected, MII rate, and fertilization rate. Supplemented patients enjoyed higher blastocyst rate (55% [20.5] vs 32% [16.5]; p = 0.0009) and a trend for improved implantation rate (64% vs 32%; p = 0.0606). Clinical pregnancy rates were 58% vs 33% in controls (p = ns).

Conclusion

Follicular homocysteine is a suitable reporter that might be investigated as a tool for oocyte-embryo selection. A diet enriched with methyl donors may be useful in PCOS and supplements may also help. These findings may be also true for non-PCOS women, which warrants investigation.

The study was approved by the Acibadem University Research Ethics Committee (2017–3-42). Clinical trial retrospective registration number ISRCTN55983518.
Cement hydration mechanisms through time – a review
Authors: John Elisabeth , Lothenbach Barbara
Published: June 2023

In this article the progress of the research on cement hydration mechanisms is critically reviewed, starting with the work of Le Chatelier and Michaelis during the late nineteenth century. Proposed mechanisms are discussed in the light of experimental data to highlight the role of new or improved analytical techniques. The focus of this article lies on the dormant period and the silicate reaction. Today many of the mechanisms proposed throughout time cannot withstand experimental evidence and need to be rejected, including the classical protective hydrate layer theory. However, it seems likely that hydrated surface species are involved in the mechanism. Theories that aim to explain the rate changes solely based on the nucleation and growth of portlandite can also not withstand experimental evidence. Nevertheless, the retardation of portlandite crystal growth through silicate ions is a relevant factor. Especially since it might present a mechanism for the nucleation of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), backing up theories that propose C–S–H and portlandite to grow from the same nuclei. Finally, an overview over facts, that are currently considered to be valid and hence need to be regarded in the future mechanisms is given.
Magnetothermal Properties and Magnetocaloric Effect in the 3d Ferromagnetic Elements: Fe, Co, and Ni
Authors: ElNegery Eman Z. , Asaad Hala , Aly Samy H. , Yehia Sherif , Mohammad Fatema Z.
Published: June 2023

We present a calculation of magnetothermal properties and magnetocaloric effect (MCE) for the ferromagnetic elements: Fe, Co, and Ni. In particular, we calculated the temperature and field dependences of magnetization, heat capacity, entropy, isothermal entropy change $$\Delta {S}_{m}$$

Δ

S
m

, adiabatic temperature change ΔTad, and the two figures-of-merit: the relative cooling powers RCP(S) and RCP(T). We have used the mean-field theory in calculating the magnetization, magnetic heat capacity, and magnetic entropy. The lattice and electronic contributions to the total heat capacity and entropy were calculated using standard relations to subsequently calculate $$\Delta {T}_{ad}$$

Δ

T

ad

. Those contributions depend on the Debye temperature ϴD and the coefficient of the electronic heat capacity γe respectively. The Maxwell relation is used to calculate $$\Delta {S}_{m}$$

Δ

S
m

and $$\Delta {T}_{ad}$$

Δ

T

ad

. As an example of our results, the maximum $$\Delta {S}_{m}$$

Δ

S
m

for the three elements, in 6 T, is between 0.17 to 0.36 J/mol K and the maximum $$\Delta {T}_{ad} \mathrm{}$$

Δ

T

ad

 is between 0.46 to 1.5 K/T for the same field change. The relative cooling power RCP(S) is in the 15–36 J/mol range for the three elements in a 6 T field. Also, the relative cooling power, RCP (T), is in the 162–1044 $${K}^{2}$$

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range for the same field. For Fe and Co the RCP (T) per Tesla values, i.e., 139 and 174 $${K}^{2}/T$$

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respectively are comparable to that of Gd and other Gd-based magnetocaloric materials. The behavior of the magnetization, magnetic heat capacity, and magnetic entropy shows that the phase transition in these three elements is of the second order. The universal curve and Arrott plots further support this conclusion.
Lorentzian manifolds properly isometrically embeddable in Minkowski spacetime
Authors: Minguzzi E.
Published: June 2023

I characterize the Lorentzian manifolds properly isometrically embeddable in Minkowski spacetime (i.e., the Lorentzian submanifolds of Minkowski spacetime that are also closed subsets). Moreover, I prove that the Lorentzian manifolds that can be properly conformally embedded in Minkowski spacetime coincide with the globally hyperbolic spacetimes. Finally, by taking advantage of the embedding, I obtain an infinitesimal version of the distance formula.
Pairwise Markov Models and Hybrid Segmentation Approach
Authors: Kuljus Kristi , Lember Jüri
Published: June 2023

The article studies segmentation problem (also known as classification problem) with pairwise Markov models (PMMs). A PMM is a process where the observation process and underlying state sequence form a two-dimensional Markov chain, it is a natural generalization of a hidden Markov model. To demonstrate the richness of the class of PMMs, we examine closer a few examples of rather different types of PMMs: a model for two related Markov chains, a model that allows to model an inhomogeneous Markov chain as a conditional marginal process of a homogeneous PMM, and a semi-Markov model. The segmentation problem assumes that one of the marginal processes is observed and the other one is not, the problem is to estimate the unobserved state path given the observations. The standard state path estimators often used are the so-called Viterbi path (a sequence with maximum state path probability given the observations) or the pointwise maximum a posteriori (PMAP) path (a sequence that maximizes the conditional state probability for given observations pointwise). Both these estimators have their limitations, therefore we derive formulas for calculating the so-called hybrid path estimators which interpolate between the PMAP and Viterbi path. We apply the introduced algorithms to the studied models in order to demonstrate the properties of different segmentation methods, and to illustrate large variation in behaviour of different segmentation methods in different PMMs. The studied examples show that a segmentation method should always be chosen with care by taking into account the purpose of modelling and the particular model of interest.
Apple ripeness identification from digital images using transformers
Authors: Xiao Bingjie , Nguyen Minh , Yan Wei Qi
Published: June 2023

We describe a non-destructive test of apple ripeness using digital images of multiple types of apples. In this paper, fruit images are treated as data samples, artificial intelligence models are employed to implement the classification of fruits and the identification of maturity levels. In order to obtain the ripeness classifications of fruits, we make use of deep learning models to conduct our experiments; we evaluate the test results of our proposed models. In order to ensure the accuracy of our experimental results, we created our own dataset, and obtained the best accuracy of fruit classification by comparing Transformer model and YOLO model in deep learning, thereby attaining the best accuracy of fruit maturity recognition. At the same time, we also combined YOLO model with attention module and gave the fast object detection by using the improved YOLO model.
Friendship networks in inclusive elementary classrooms: Changes and stability related to students’ gender and self-perceived social inclusion
Authors: Garrote Ariana , Zurbriggen Carmen L. A. , Schwab Susanne
Published: June 2023

Friendships with classmates play a significant role in student’s development. However, only some friendships are maintained for longer than a school year and their formation depend on many factors. One important factor is gender because gender homophily is consistently found in friendship networks. In addition, there is evidence that same-gender friendships are more stable. In the context of inclusive education, friendship can be considered as one of four key dimensions of social inclusion. While three of these dimensions are assessed from others’ perspective, self-perception of social inclusion focuses solely on the individual students’ view. However, hardly any studies investigated how students’ self-perception of social inclusion is related to friendships, and more specifically, whether and how self-perceived social inclusion is related to changes in friendship networks in the classroom. To contribute to this research gap, friendship networks of 280 students aged 9–11 years (49% girls) in 15 classes of Grade 4 were examined at the beginning and at the end of one school year. Network changes were analyzed with longitudinal social network analyses. Students’ gender and self-perception of inclusion were added as predictors of changes in the friendship networks. The results confirmed gender homophily for formation and stability. The analyses also showed that students who perceived themselves as socially included nominated more best friends at the end of the school year but were not necessarily perceived as best friends by their peers. This highlights the importance of considering different perspectives to better understand social inclusion in classrooms.
The division of cognitive labor and the structure of interdisciplinary problems
Authors: Reijula Samuli , Kuorikoski Jaakko , MacLeod Miles
Published: June 2023

Interdisciplinarity is strongly promoted in science policy across the world. It is seen as a necessary condition for providing practical solutions to many pressing complex problems for which no single disciplinary approach is adequate alone. In this article we model multi- and interdisciplinary research as an instance of collective problem solving. Our goal is to provide a basic representation of this type of problem solving and chart the epistemic benefits and costs of researchers engaging in different forms of cognitive coordination. Our findings suggest that typical forms of interdisciplinary collaboration are unlikely to find optimal solutions to complex problems within short time frames and can lead to methodological conservatism. This provides some grounds for both reflecting on current science policy and envisioning more effective scientific practices with respect to interdisciplinary problem solving.
Epistemic injustice, naturalism, and mental disorder: on the epistemic benefits of obscuring social factors
Authors: Degerman Dan
Published: June 2023

Naturalistic understandings that frame human experiences and differences as biological dysfunctions have been identified as a key source of epistemic injustice. Critics argue that those understandings are epistemically harmful because they obscure social factors that might be involved in people’s suffering; therefore, naturalistic understandings should be undermined. But those critics have overlooked the epistemic benefits such understandings can offer marginalised individuals. In this paper, I argue that the capacity of naturalistic understandings to obscure social factors does not necessarily cause epistemic injustice and can even help people to avoid some epistemic injustice. I do this by considering how some individuals with bipolar disorder deploy the neurobiological understanding of their disorder, highlighting three functions it fills for them: explanation, disclamation, and decontestation. In performing these functions, the neurobiological understanding does marginalise alternative, social perspectives on bipolar disorder. However, this can be understood as a feature rather than a bug. By marginalising alternative explanations, the neurobiological understanding can help individuals with bipolar disorder resist epistemic injustice, including, for example, the trivialisation of their experiences. Given this, critics seeking to undermine naturalistic understandings of mental disorder and other experiences in the pursuit of epistemic justice themselves risk exacerbating epistemic injustice.
Oxytetracycline-induced inflammatory process without oxidative stress in blue mussels Mytilus trossulus
Authors: Hallmann Anna , Leszczyńska Dagmara , Czumaj Aleksandra , Świeżak Justyna , Caban Magda , Michnowska Alicja , Smolarz Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

Potentially harmful compounds including pharmaceuticals are commonly found in marine waters and sediments. Amongst those, antibiotics and their metabolites are detected worldwide in various abiotic (at concentrations as high as µg/L) and biotic matrices at ng/gram of tissue, posing a risk to non-target species exposed to them such as blue mussels. Amongst those, oxytetracycline (OTC) belongs to the most detected antibiotics in the marine environment. In this work, we concentrated on studying the potential induction of oxidative stress, activation of cellular detoxification processes (including Phase I and Phase II xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes) and multixenobiotic resistance pumps (Phase III) as well as changes in the aromatisation efficiency in Mytilus trossulus exposed to 100 μg/L OTC. Our results show that 100 µg/L OTC concentration did not provoke cellular oxidative stress and did not affect the expression of genes involved in detoxification processes in our model. Moreover, no effect of OTC on aromatisation efficiency was found. Instead, phenoloxidase activity measured in haemolymph was significantly higher in OTC exposed mussels than in those from the control (30.95 ± 3.33 U/L and 17.95 ± 2.75 U/L, respectively). OTC exposed mussels were also characterised by a tissue-dependant activation of major vault protein (MVP) gene expression (1.5 times higher in gills and 2.4 times higher in the digestive system) and a decreased expression of the nuclear factor kappa B-a (NF-κB) gene (3.4 times lower in the digestive system) when compared to those from the control. Additionally, an elevated number of regressive changes and inflammatory responses in tissues such as gills, digestive system and mantle (gonads) was observed underlining the worsening of bivalves’ general health. Therefore, instead of a free-radical effect of OTC, we for the first time describe the occurrence of typical changes resulting from antibiotic therapy in non-target organisms like M. trossulus exposed to antibiotics such as OTC.
Zero-Range Hamiltonian for a Bose Gas with an Impurity
Authors: Ferretti Daniele , Teta Alessandro
Published: June 2023

We study the Hamiltonian for a system of N identical bosons interacting with an impurity, i.e., a different particle, via zero-range forces in dimension three. It is well known that, following the standard approach, one obtains the Ter-Martirosyan Skornyakov Hamiltonian which is unbounded from below. In order to avoid such instability problem, we introduce a three-body force acting at short distances. The effect of this force is to reduce to zero the strength of the zero-range interaction between two particles, i.e., the impurity and a boson, when another boson approaches the common position of the first two particles. We show that the Hamiltonian defined with such regularized interaction is self-adjoint and bounded from below if the strength of the three-body force is sufficiently large. The method of the proof is based on a careful analysis of the corresponding quadratic form.