bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symmetry‐Enforced 2D Hourglass Phononic Nodal Net
Authors: Li Wenqi , Li Zehou , Pan Baoru , Zhou Pan , Sun Lizhong
Published: March 2023

Topological nodal‐line semimetals have received extensive attention in recent years, and they exhibit a variety of shapes under various crystallographic symmetry protections, including nodal rings, nodal chains, and nodal knots. By using symmetry analysis and an effective force constant model, it is proposed that a class of 2D hourglass nodal nets protected by nonsymmorphic symmetry can exist in the space group , where the glide operations play a crucial role in the formation of the nets. Further effective model analysis shows that the connect points of the nets are Dirac points that are forced by the symmetries. Based on first‐principle calculations, it is predicted that this nodal net can be realized in the phonon dispersion of 3D Sn. The Berry phase and nontrivial surface states further support its nontrivial topological characteristics. Herein, the studies expand the nodal structure in the study of nodal line in phononic systems and offer a solid foundation for subsequent experimental investigation on this challenging topological state.
Safflower yellow and its main component hydroxysafflor yellow A alleviate hyperleptinemia in diet‐induced obesity mice through a dual inhibition of the GIP‐GIPR signaling axis
Authors: Lyu Xiaorui , Yan Kemin , Hu WenJing , Xu Hanyuan , Guo Xiaonan , Zhou Zhibo , Zhu Huijuan , Pan Hui , Wang Linjie , Yang Hongbo , Gong Fengying
Published: March 2023

Glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is a gastrointestinal hormone secreted by K cells in the small intestine and is considered an obesity‐promoting factor. In this study, we systematically investigated the anti‐obesity effects of intragastric safflower yellow (SY)/hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) and the underlying mechanism for the first time. Our results showed that intragastric SY/HSYA, rather than an intraperitoneal injection, notably decreased serum GIP levels and GIP staining in the small intestine in diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice. Moreover, intragastric SY/HSYA was also first found to significantly suppress GIP receptor (GIPR) signaling in both the hypothalamus and subcutaneous White adipose tissue. Our study is the first to show that intragastric SY/HSYA obviously reduced food intake and body weight gain in leptin sensitivity experiments and decreased serum leptin levels in DIO mice. Further experiments demonstrated that SY treatment also significantly reduced leptin levels, whereas the inhibitory effect of SY on leptin levels was reversed by activating GIPR in 3 T3‐L1 adipocytes. In addition, intragastric SY/HSYA had already significantly reduced serum GIP levels and GIPR expression before the serum leptin levels were notably changed in high‐fat‐diet‐fed mice. These findings suggested that intragastric SY/HSYA may alleviate diet‐induced obesity in mice by ameliorating hyperleptinemia via dual inhibition of the GIP‐GIPR axis.
Unveiling the relationship between sustainable development and Industry 4.0: A text mining literature analysis
Authors: Strazzullo Serena , Moro Sérgio , Cricelli Livio
Published: March 2023

This article aims to assess the evolution of the literature on the link between Industry 4.0 and sustainable development. Through a systematic analysis of the literature, a sample of 234 documents was identified, published between 2011 and 2021. Given the large number of papers collected, the text mining approach was performed to analyze the sample of documents. In particular, the latent Dirichlet allocation model was adopted to group articles in different relevant topics starting from two dictionaries belonging to terms both in the domain of Industry 4.0 and in sustainability. As a result, 11 different topics have been identified that link these two domains. The results showed a strong predominance of Industry 4.0 compared to sustainability models that are very focused only on the environmental aspect. In conclusion, this study emphasizes future research potential by highlighting these existing research areas.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle and its Application in Chemical Enhanced oil Recovery
Authors: Vats Sushipra , Khan Fahad , Prajapati Deepak , Pandey Anurag , Sharma Shivanjali , Saxena Amit
Published: March 2023

A significant quantity of hydrocarbons remains in the reservoir after production using primary and secondary techniques. Traditional recovery techniques produce about 33 % of the original oil in place. However, the utilization of chemicals such as surfactants and polymers facilitate the additional recovery of one‐third of this oil. Researchers are currently aiming at mixing surfactant and nanoparticles for their potential applications in petroleum industry. In this work, authors claimed to be the first to study usage of synthesized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSN) with Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) surfactant to understand its applicability in Chemical Enhanced Oil Recovery through evaluation of the surface tension & Interfacial tension, surfactant adsorption, contact angle, and core flooding experiments. Surface tension studies revealed a synergistic interaction between MSN and anionic surfactant molecules. With the introduction of 2500 ppm of anionic surfactant, the surface tension of deionized water reduces to 34.5 mN/m from 72.4 mN/m. The surface tension of the mixture was further lowered by ∼9.8 % with the addition of 300 ppm MSN. The Interfacial Tension results also showed the same trend. When 300 ppm of MSN was introduced, then IFT values decreases from 8.13 mN/m to 3.91 mN/m at 2500 ppm of anionic surfactant. Contact angle measurements after MSN injection went from 77.98° for SDS (2500 ppm) to 73.36°, 66.54°, and 41.95° for 100, 200, and 300 ppm of MSN, respectively. This demonstrates that the shift toward water‐wet behavior increased along with the MSN concentration. Additionally, adding 300 ppm of MSN lowered surfactant adsorption by ∼80 % at a surfactant concentration of 2500 ppm. Up to 72.27 % of the OOIP could be recovered using the chemical slug made of SDS surfactant, polymer, and MSN. The research data suggests that the MSN can increase the effectiveness of the chemical injection approach, which can be used to recover more oil.
Vitamin B1‐Catalyzed Multicomponent Reaction for Efficient Synthesis of an Isoxazolone Compound by Using Ultrasound in a Water and Its Selective Identification of Metal Ions
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Liu Chang , Ren Lu , Li Wenyu , Luan Boyi , Zhang Yumin
Published: March 2023

An efficient synthesis of 3‐methyl‐4‐(arylmethylene)isoxazol‐5(4H)‐ones are developed via cyclocondensation in 84–94 % yields starting from aromatic aldehydes, hydroxylamine with ethyl acetoacetate vitamin B1 is catalyzed under ultrasound radiation, and are characterized by HR‐MS, FT‐IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The reaction has simple operation, metal‐free catalysis, acid or base free catalysis. As a green catalyst, vitamin B1 is found to possess favorable catalytic activity and reusability for the condensation reaction. 5‐(2‐Hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzylidene)‐3‐methylisoxazol‐5(4H)‐one as a metal ion fluorescent probe, has excellent selectivity to Sr2+ and exhibits obvious discoloration. Fe2+ quenches the fluorescence of the ligand 3‐methyl‐4‐(2,3,4‐trihydroxybenzylidene)isoxazol‐5(4H)‐one, and exhibits an obvious color change.
Microwave‐Assisted PEG‐400 Medaited Synthesis of 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[g]indazole Derivatives: An Enaminone Approach
Authors: Padder Ashiq Hussain , Bhat Mohammad Yaqoob , Prakash Rao H. Surya , Gupta Raman , Ahmed Qazi Naveed
Published: March 2023

A simple, rapid and conceptually new efficient protocol for the synthesis of 4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐benzo[g]indazole derivatives from novel enaminones prepared via Blaise reaction under catalyst free conditions is reported involving polyethylene glycol (PEG‐400) as an efficient recyclable medium without using any organic co‐solvent or additive by Microwave irridation with 91–95 % yields without chromatography.
Selective Oxidation of Sulfuric Acid to Peroxydisulfuric Acid on a Tungsten Trioxide Anode
Authors: Kusama Hitoshi , Kodera Masanori , Sayama Kazuhiro
Published: March 2023

The mechanisms involved in the oxidation of H2SO4 to peroxydisulfuric acid (H2S2O8) and H2O to O2 on WO3, SnO2, and their interface models were investigated using density functional theory. Regardless of the metal oxide, the free energy changes for the two proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) steps of the H2SO4 oxidation mechanism indicated that the first PCET is the rate‐limiting step that requires a greater energy input than the second one. Based on the free energy change in the rate‐limiting step, the WO3 anode with SnO2 was expected to produce electrochemically more H2S2O8 in an aqueous H2SO4 solution than SnO2 only without O2 evolution from H2O. We also experimentally confirmed that the Faraday efficiency of H2S2O8 production using the WO3 anode deposited on a F‐doped SnO2 conductive glass (FTO) with lower applied potential is superior to FTO only.
Learning and Predicting Photonic Responses of Plasmonic Nanoparticle Assemblies via Dual Variational Autoencoders
Authors: Yaman Muammer Y. , Kalinin Sergei V. , Guye Kathryn N. , Ginger David S. , Ziatdinov Maxim
Published: March 2023

The application of machine learning is demonstrated for rapid and accurate extraction of plasmonic particles cluster geometries from hyperspectral image data via a dual variational autoencoder (dual‐VAE). In this approach, the information is shared between the latent spaces of two VAEs acting on the particle shape data and spectral data, respectively, but enforcing a common encoding on the shape‐spectra pairs. It is shown that this approach can establish the relationship between the geometric characteristics of nanoparticles and their far‐field photonic responses, demonstrating that hyperspectral darkfield microscopy can be used to accurately predict the geometry (number of particles, arrangement) of a multiparticle assemblies below the diffraction limit in an automated fashion with high fidelity (for monomers (0.96), dimers (0.86), and trimers (0.58). This approach of building structure‐property relationships via shared encoding is universal and should have applications to a broader range of materials science and physics problems in imaging of both molecular and nanomaterial systems.
An Artificial Miniaturized Peroxidase for Signal Amplification in Lateral Flow Immunoassays
Authors: Renzi Emilia , Piper Andrew , Nastri Flavia , Merkoçi Arben , Lombardi Angela
Published: March 2023

Signal amplification strategies are widely used for improving the sensitivity of lateral flow immunoassays (LFiAs). Herein, the artificial miniaturized peroxidase Fe(III)‐MimochromeVI*a (FeMC6*a), immobilized on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), is used as a strategy to obtain catalytic signal amplification in sandwich immunoassays on lateral flow strips. The assay scheme uses AuNPs decorated with the mini‐peroxidase FeMC6*a and anti‐human‐IgG as a detection antibody (dAb), for the detection of human‐IgG, as a model analyte. Recognition of the analyte by the capture and detection antibodies is first evidenced by the appearance of a red color in the test line (TL), due to the accumulation of AuNPs. Subsequent addition of 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) induces an increase of the test line color, due to the TMB being converted into an insoluble colored product, catalyzed by FeMC6*a. This work shows that FeMC6*a acts as an efficient catalyst in paper, increasing the sensitivity of an LFiA up to four times with respect to a conventional LFiA. Furthermore, FeMC6*a achieves lower limits of detection that are found in control experiments where it is replaced with horseradish peroxidase (HRP), its natural counterpart. This study represents a significant proof‐of‐concept for the development of more sensitive LFiAs, for different analytes, based on properly designed artificial metalloenzymes.
Histological observations on aural fibrosarcoma in a Holstein cow
Authors: Shokrpoor Sara , Gorjidooz Morteza , Azizi Peyman , Ghamsari Seyed Mehdi
Published: March 2023

Fibrosarcomas occur as a mesenchymal tumour of malignant fibroblasts in a collagen background and are usually found in the female genital organs and rarely involve the skin. A 5‐year‐old female Holstein cow with a raised mass at the base of right ear was referred. On gross examination, the mass was approximately 13.00 × 10.00 × 7.00 cm in size. Finally, complete surgical removal was selected. The mass was encapsulated and the dermis was expanded by spindle‐shaped to polygonal neoplastic cells. These cells were arranged in interwoven pattern. Mitotic figures were infrequent. Masson's trichrome demonstrated the positive and blue staining of collagen. Immunohistochemically, the sections were uniformly positive for Vimentin and negative for Desmin, SMA and GFAP. A well‐differentiated fibrosarcoma was diagnosed based on histopathological features. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for this neoplasm. In the present case, surgery was also performed successfully and no new growth of the mass was observed 4 months following the surgical procedures. To our knowledge, this is the first report of well‐differentiated fibrosarcoma in a Holstein cow.
Gender, Race, Culture and Identity at the Internal Border of Marriage Migration of Vietnamese Women in South Korea
Authors: Kneebone Susan
Published: March 2023

In this chapter I examine female marriage migration to South Korea from Vietnam as a transnational case study, to explain the discriminatory consequences of South Korea’s laws and policies on nationality which frame such migration as ‘a critical project for the nation-state’ (Toyota M. Citizensh Stud 12(1):1, 2008, p. 3). Through a socio-legal study, I demonstrate how notions of gender, race, culture and identity shape the internal border for marriage migrants from Vietnam, through laws and policies in South Korea. I argue that responses to female marriage migration from Vietnam has created vulnerabilities, through nationality laws, which are reinforced through instrumental policies on labour migration and commercial regulation of marriage. These laws and policies entrench the unequal position of Vietnamese marriage migrants in the transnational marriage migration ‘market’ to create ‘structural vulnerability’ through the power and structures of the state.
New q-Analogues of Van Hamme’s (E.2) Supercongruence and of a Supercongruence by Swisher
Authors: Guo Victor J. W. , Schlosser Michael J.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a couple ofq-supercongruences for truncated basic hypergeometric series are proved, most of them modulo the cube of a cyclotomic polynomial. One of these results is a newq-analogue of the (E.2) supercongruence by Van Hamme, another one is a newq-analogue of a supercongruence by Swisher, while the other results are closely relatedq-supercongruences. The proofs make use of special cases of a very-well-poised$${}_6\phi _5$$6ϕ5summation. In addition, the proofs utilize the method of creative microscoping (which is a method recently introduced by the first author in collaboration with Wadim Zudilin), and the Chinese remainder theorem for coprime polynomials.
The bs5 allele of the susceptibility gene Bs5 of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) encoding a natural deletion variant of a CYSTM protein conditions resistance to bacterial spot disease caused by Xanthomonas species
Authors: Szabó Zoltán , Balogh Márta , Domonkos Ágota , Csányi Márta , Kaló Péter , Kiss György B.
Published: March 2023

Key message

The bs5 resistance gene against bacterial spot was identified by map-based cloning.

The recessive bs5 gene of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) conditions a non-hypersensitive resistance trait, characterized by a slightly swollen, pale green, photosynthetically active leaf tissue, following Xanthomonas euvesicatoria infection. The isolation of the bs5 gene by map-based cloning revealed that the bs5 protein was shorter by 2 amino acids as compared to the wild type Bs5 protein. The natural 2 amino acid deletion occurred in the cysteine-rich transmembrane domain of the tail-anchored (TA) protein, Ca_CYSTM1. The protein products of the wild type Bs5 and mutant bs5 genes were shown to be located in the cell membrane, indicating an unknown function in this membrane compartment. Successful infection of the Bs5 pepper lines was abolished by the 6 bp deletion in the TM encoding domain of the Ca_CYSTM1 gene in bs5 homozygotes, suggesting, that the resulting resistance might be explained by the lack of entry of the Xanthomonas specific effector molecules into the plant cells.
Tri‐modal Distribution of Trauma Deaths in a Resource‐Limited Setting: Perception Versus Reality
Authors: Gallaher Jared , An Selena J. , Kayange Linda , Davis Dylane , Charles Anthony
Published: March 2023

Background

Advances in trauma care in high‐income countries have significantly reduced late deaths following trauma, challenging the classical trimodal pattern of trauma‐associated mortality. While studies from low and middle‐income countries have demonstrated that the trimodal pattern is still occurring in many regions, there is a lack of data from sub‐Saharan Africa evaluating the temporal epidemiology of trauma deaths.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the trauma registry at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi, including all injured patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) from 2009 to 2021. Patients were compared based on timing of death relative to time of injury. We then used a modified Poisson regression model to identify adjusted predictors for early mortality compared to late mortality.

Results

Crude mortality of patients presenting to the ED in the study period was 2.4% (n = 4,096/165,324). Most patients experienced a pre‐hospital death (n = 2,330, 56.9%), followed by death in the ED (n = 619, 15.1%). Early death (pre‐hospital or ED) was associated with transportation by police (RR1.52, 95% CI 1.38, 1.68) or private vehicle (RR1.20, 95% CI 1.07, 1.31), vehicle‐related trauma (RR1.10, 95% CI 1.05, 1.14), and penetrating injury (RR1.11, 95% CI 1.04, 1.19). Ambulance transportation was associated with a 40% decrease in the risk of early death.

Conclusions

At a busy tertiary trauma center in Malawi, most trauma‐associated deaths occur within 48 h of injury, with most in the pre‐hospital setting. To improve clinical outcomes for trauma patients in this environment, substantial investment in pre‐hospital care is required through first‐responder training and EMS infrastructure.
Growth and Metabolic Response of Glycine max to the Plant Growth-Promoting Enterobacter Delta PSK and Bradyrhizobium japonicum Under Salinity Stress
Authors: Agha Mona S. , Haroun Samia A. , Abbas Mohamed A. , Sofy Mahmoud R. , Mowafy Amr M.
Published: March 2023

This study was designed to test the ability of some plant growth-promoting bacteria to adverse the effects of salinity on soybean growth. The effect ofBacillusMAP3 andEnterobacterDelta PSK, along withBradyrhizobium japonicumwas studied on soybean at two levels of NaCl salinization (50 and 100 mM). The physical growth parameters of bacterized soybean (21 days old), particularly plants co-inoculated withBradyrhizobium japonicum + EnterobacterDelta PSK, were significantly enhanced compared to control plants. The shoot length, leaf area, root length, and chlorophyll a content increased by 49.58%, 78.58%, 20.19%, and 57.35%, respectively, indicating the promoting activity of this bacterial combination. After 19 days following the onset of salinity stress, the retarded growth parameters in controls improved significantly due to bacterial treatments, especially byBradyrhizobium japonicum + EnterobacterDeltaPSK, which increased the values of all growth parameters significantly regardless of the salinity level. Additionally, electrolyte leakage, the amounts of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide decreased considerably due to this combined bacterial treatment.Overall, the combination treatment ofEnterobacterDelta PSK and the original symbiontB. japonicumenhanced soybean growth under salt stress, indicating the ability ofEnterobacterDelta PSK to mitigate osmotic stress. The effect of this strain on soybean yield should be further evaluated to pave the way for its use as a biofertilizer along withB. japonicum,especially under salt stress.
Burden of disease among patients with prevalent Crohn’s disease: results from a large German sickness fund
Authors: Zhuleku Evi , Antolin-Fontes Beatriz , Borsi Andras , Nissinen Riikka , Bravatà Ivana , Barthelmes Jennifer Norma , Lee Jennifer , Passey Alun , Wirth Daniel , Maywald Ulf , Bokemeyer Bernd , Wilke Thomas , Ghiani Marco
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the burden of disease among a real-world cohort of patients with prevalent Crohn’s disease (CD) in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using administrative claims data from the German AOK PLUS health insurance fund. Continuously insured patients with a CD diagnosis between 01 October 2014 and 31 December 2018 were selected and followed for at least 12 months or longer until death or end of data availability on 31 December 2019. Medication use (biologics, immunosuppressants (IMS), steroids, 5-aminosalicylic acid) was assessed sequentially in the follow-up period. Among patients with no IMS or biologics (advanced therapy), we investigated indicators of active disease and corticosteroid use.

Results

Overall, 9284 prevalent CD patients were identified. Within the study period, 14.7% of CD patients were treated with biologics and 11.6% received IMS. Approximately 47% of all prevalent CD patients had mild disease, defined as no advanced therapy and signs of disease activity. Of 6836 (73.6%) patients who did not receive advanced therapy in the follow-up period, 36.3% showed signs of active disease; 40.1% used corticosteroids (including oral budesonide), with 9.9% exhibiting steroid dependency (≥ 1 prescription every 3 months for at least 12 months) in the available follow-up.

Conclusions

This study suggests that there remains a large burden of disease among patients who do not receive IMS or biologics in the real world in Germany. A revision of treatment algorithms of patients in this setting according to the latest guidelines may improve patient outcomes.
Amnio acid substitution at position 298 of human glucose-6 phosphatase-α significantly impacts its stability in mammalian cells
Authors: Cao Jingsong , Markel Arianna , Hanahoe Erin , Ketova Tatiana , Mihai Cosmin , Zalinger Zach , Marquardt David , Amato Nicholas J. , Cheng Yi Min , Reid David W. , Dousis Athanasios , Giangrande Paloma H. , Schultz Joshua R. , Martini Paolo G. V. , Finn Patrick F.
Published: March 2023

Glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α) catalyzes the hydrolysis of glucose-6-phosphate to glucose and functions as a key regulator in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis. Deficiency in G6Pase-α causes glycogen storage disease 1a (GSD1a), an inherited disorder characterized by life-threatening hypoglycemia and other long-term complications. We have developed a potential mRNA-based therapy for GSD1a and demonstrated that a human G6Pase-α (hG6Pase-α) variant harboring a single serine (S) to cysteine (C) substitution at the amino acid site 298 (S298C) had > twofold increase in protein expression, resulting in improved in vivo efficacy. Here, we sought to investigate the mechanisms contributing to the increased expression of the S298C variant. Mutagenesis of hG6Pase-α identified distinct protein variants at the 298 amino acid position with substantial reduction in protein expression in cultured cells. Kinetic analysis of expression and subcellular localization in mammalian cells, combined with cell-free in vitro translation assays, revealed that altered protein expression stemmed from differences in cellular protein stability rather than biosynthetic rates. Site-specific mutagenesis studies targeting other cysteines of the hG6Pase-α S298C variant suggest the observed improvements in stability are not due to additional disulfide bond formation. The glycosylation at Asparagine (N)-96 is critical in maintaining enzymatic activity and mutations at position 298 mainly affected glycosylated forms of hG6Pase-α. Finally, proteasome inhibition by lactacystin improved expression levels of unstable hG6Pase-α variants. Taken together, these data uncover a critical role for a single amino acid substitution impacting the stability of G6Pase-α and provide insights into the molecular genetics of GSD1a and protein engineering for therapeutic development.
On identifying possible artificial intelligence applications in requirements engineering processes
Authors: Dehn Simon , Jacobs Georg , Zerwas Thilo , Berroth Joerg , Hötter Matthis , Korten Matthias , Müller Marvin , Gossen Nico , Striegel Serena , Fleischer Dirk
Published: March 2023

Managing an ever-growing number of requirements is a time consuming and highly complex activity in product development projects. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the last decades, algorithms are now capable of supporting Requirements Engineering (RE) tasks. The algorithm’s ability to intelligently process natural language data as well as the application in RE have been published extensively. In established RE processes however, it is often unclear, where AI algorithms can be utilized. The result is a significant imbalance between state-of-the-art AI algorithms and their application rates in real RE processes. One of the reasons is, that current models of RE processes aren’t able to convey the needed information for the identification of suitable tasks. Therefore, this paper aims to provide a framework of finite and standardized process steps with a data processing-oriented perspective, that can be used to systematically identify the points in the RE processes where AI algorithms can be applied. With the standardized process steps of this framework, established RE processes can be abstracted and expressed in a way that is compatible with the scope of AI algorithms. Due to the finite number of standardized process steps, libraries of suitable AI algorithms for the defined process steps can be built, so that their applicability can be efficiently assessed. The presented framework was developed collaboratively during a research project with industry participation.
Assessing fluid volume and determining outcomes of acute heart failure using plasma human atrial natriuretic peptide
Authors: Suzuki Yuya , Otsuka Tadashi , Yoshioka Yuki , Iida Tomomichi , Maruyama Shingo , Watanabe Hirofumi , Kaseda Ryohei , Yamamoto Suguru , Kaneko Yoshikatsu , Goto Shin , Aoyagi Ryuji , Narita Ichiei
Published: March 2023

Background

The post-dialysis plasma level of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) reflects the fluid volume in patients on hemodialysis. The threshold hANP level is reportedly 100 pg/mL; however, the clinical usefulness of the threshold hANP level for volume control has not been sufficiently studied.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational study that included 156 hemodialysis patients without atrial fibrillation. First, we examined the usefulness of the threshold hANP level (100 pg/mL) for predicting hypoxemia due to congestion in a short-term observational study from December 30, 2015 to January 5, 2016. Subsequently, we conducted a 5-year follow-up study wherein the outcomes were hospitalization due to acute heart failure (AHF), development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and all-cause death. Finally, we collected echocardiography data to investigate the relationship between cardiac function and hANP.

Results

Our short-term observational study showed that patients with an hANP level ≥ 100 pg/mL developed hypoxemia due to congestion (odds ratio, 3.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.06–11.71; P = 0.040). At the 5-year follow-up, patients with an hANP level ≥ 100 pg/mL had significantly higher rates of hospitalization due to AHF, CVD, and all-cause death based on the log-rank test (P = 0.003, P = 0.019, P < 0.001, respectively). Cardiac disfunctions were significantly associated with the high hANP level.

Conclusions

The hANP level is indicative of both fluid volume and cardiac dysfunction. A threshold hANP level of 100 pg/mL can serve as a predictive marker for AHF and a practical indicator for volume control.
Urethane-acrylate-based photo-inks for digital light processing of flexible materials
Authors: Kuang Guanxing , Bakhshi Hadi , Meyer Wolfdietrich
Published: March 2023

Urethane–acrylate-based photo-inks containing various concentrations (0.1–1.5 wt.%) of two photo-initiators, namely ethyl phenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphinate (TPOL) or diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (BPO), for digital light processing (DLP) were developed. According to photo-DSC kinetics investigations, no significant difference was detected between the photo-activity of formulations containing BPO or TPOL at various concentrations. BPO (1.0 wt.%) with a high molar extinction coefficient (500 L/mol·cm at 365 nm) resulted in higher controllability on the layer thickness (100 µm) during the 3D printing process. The surface cracks that appeared during the post-curing process could be avoided by splitting the exposure time (5 min) into short intervals (5 × 1 min) without affecting double bond conversion (DBC). Several flexible objects were successfully 3D printed in good quality and their thermomechanical properties and layer-by-layer morphology were investigated.
Floral enhancement of turfgrass lawns benefits wild bees and honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Wolfin James , Watkins Eric , Lane Ian , Portman Zachary M. , Spivak Marla
Published: March 2023

The turfgrass lawn is a common feature of urban and suburban communities, often accounting for the largest green spaces by area in these landscapes. Flowering species within turfgrass lawns have the potential to serve as a source of forage for bee pollinators in urban and suburban areas. We intentionally introduced low-growing flowers to turfgrass lawns to promote bee diversity and reduce inputs, while maintaining the traditional aesthetics and recreational uses associated with lawns. We compared bee communities on lawns with naturally-occurring blooms of Trifolium repens to bee communities on florally-enhanced lawns that contained Prunella vulgaris ssp. lanceolata and Thymus serpyllum in addition to T. repens. Trifolium repens provided forage for both wild bee communities and Apis mellifera, with A. mellifera being the most common of the 56 species of bees observed on T. repens. We found that florally-enhanced lawns supported more diverse bee communities than lawns with just T. repens. Furthermore, the bee communities supported by florally-enhanced lawns were significantly different from the bee communities supported by lawns containing just T. repens based on presence-absence data (Jaccard’s dissimilarity index). Our research indicates that A. mellifera colonies and wild bee communities can be supported by allowing T. repens to bloom in turfgrass lawns, and that land managers can support more diverse bee communities by intentionally introducing low-growing species of flowers to lawns.
Circularity indicators and added value to traditional LCA impact categories: example of pig production
Authors: Møller Hanne , Lyng Kari-Anne , Röös Elin , Samsonstuen Stine , Olsen Hanne Fjerdingby
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of using circularity indicators is to show the effect of changes from linear to more circular systems. This paper contributes to highlighting the importance of methodological aspects of circularity indicators in the agricultural sector when using a life cycle thinking approach. Selected circularity indicators have been explored and compared with LCA impact categories by using them to evaluate the circularity of a livestock system.

Methods

Circularity indicators were tested on a theoretical pig production system where several circularity strategies and associated mitigation actions were applied. The strategies and mitigation actions were as follows: anaerobic digestion of manure (closing resource loops), anaerobic digestion of bread waste (closing resource loops), precision fertilization (narrowing resource loops), use of cover crops in feed production (regenerating resource flows), and use of bread waste as feed (slowing resource loops). The functional unit was 1 kg pork as carcass weight, and the treatment of 1.1 kg bread waste for all impact categories and indicators. For each mitigation action, relevant circularity indicators were tested. Based on this, the functionality and suitability of these indicators were discussed.

Results and discussion

Four of the circularity indicators were based on nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) substances: N recycling index, partial N balance, consumption of fossil-P fertilizers, and emissions to water bodies (P). Even if the indicators do not capture the impact of emissions of N and P as the eutrophication impact categories, they provide a useful indication of the circularity of a system. The other three circularity indicators tested were as follows: renewable energy production, soil organic carbon, and land use ratio. The renewable energy production indicator is easy to understand and communicate and provides unique information. Soil organic carbon presents a potential for soil carbon sequestration. Land use ratio is based on the same data as land occupation but provides an assessment of whether feed production competes for the suitable area for food production by including production of human-digestible protein.

Conclusions

Circularity indicators provide valuable information about the circularity of an agricultural product system. The circularity indicators and LCA impact categories can be used either separately or together, or to complement each other. The choice of indicators depends on the questions raised, i.e., goals and scope, and it is therefore important to have a number of circular indicators to choose from in order to achieve a comprehensive assessment.
On the Necessity Defense in a Democratic Welfare State: Leaving Pandora’s Box Ajar
Authors: Coca-Vila Ivó
Published: March 2023

The necessity defense is barely accepted in contemporary Western case law. The courts, relying on the opinion held by the majority of legal scholars, have reduced its margin of application to practically zero, since in the framework of contemporary welfare states, there is almost always a “legal alternative.” The needy person who acts on their own behalf, regardless of whether they save an interest higher than the one they injure, does not show due deference to democratic legal solutions and procedural channels. This article aims to contest this abrogative interpretation of the necessity defense and to outline the limits of its legitimate scope. Even in welfare states, there are actions in a necessity scenario that neither question the legal decisions of the democratically elected legislature nor make a mockery of established procedural channels.
An Experimental, Computational, and Statistical Strategy for the Bayesian Calibration of Complex Material Models
Authors: de Pablos Juan L. , Sabirov Ilchat , Romero Ignacio
Published: March 2023

The study of solids and structures under extreme conditions often relies on simulations that employ complex material models. These, in turn, are formulated using analytical expressions that depend on parameters whose values need to be adjusted for optimally reproducing available experimental results and, especially, out-of-sample predictiveness. In this article we review the process required to calibrate all the parameters of the Johnson-Cook and Zerilli-Armstrong models for a nickel-based superalloy. To this end, we present in an unified fashion the thermomechanical problem, its numerical implementation, a complete experimental campaign that suffices to obtain the material constants, and a Bayesian calibration procedure that can be employed to obtain the optimal values for the model parameters as well as their uncertainty. The advocated methodology is ideally designed to calibrate strain rate-, temperature-, and age-dependent elastoplastic models. The procedure is, however, general enough to be employed as guideline for other complex calibrations.
Pulmonary thromboembolism and obesity in forensic pathologic case work
Authors: Klintschar Michael , Wöllner Kirsten , Hagemeier Lars , Engelmann Theresa A. , Mahlmann Jan , Lunow Alessia , Wolff-Maras Roman
Published: March 2023

328 autopsy cases of fatal pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) were compared to 984 age- and sex-matched controls to evaluate the association between obesity and PE in a forensic context. Both PE and control cases had a mean age of 67,8 years (male 62,9 years, females 71,7 years). The percentage of morbidly obese persons with a body mass index (BMI) of above 40 or abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue of above 4 cm was higher in the PE group (8,39% vs. 4,67% and 29.45% vs. 23.40%, respectively). On the other side, that of very slim persons (BMI below 18.5 or adipose tissue below 3 cm) was significantly smaller (4,27% vs. 7,52% and 47.55% vs. 56,60%). We thus found a strong association between being overweight and death from PE, while slim persons seem to be at an advantage. As the group of underweight persons includes those suffering from chronic diseases with reduced mobility or hypercoagulability (e.g. tumor kachexia or sarkopenia due to immobilisation), this finding is to some extent unexpected.
Apigenin Attenuates Hippocampal Microglial Activation and Restores Cognitive Function in Methotrexate-Treated Rats: Targeting the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Taha Mohamed , Eldemerdash Omar Mohsen , Elshaffei Ismail Mohamed , Yousef Einas Mohamed , Soliman Ayman S. , Senousy Mahmoud Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Microglial activation underpins the methotrexate (MTX)-induced neurotoxicity; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. This study appraised the potential impact of apigenin (Api), a neuroprotective flavonoid, in MTX-induced neurotoxicity in rats in terms of microglial activation through targeting the miR-15a/Rho-associated protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Normal control (saline i.p. daily and i.v. on days 8 and 15); Api control (20 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 30 days; MTX-alone (75 mg/kg, i.v.) on days 8 and 15, then four i.p. injections of leucovorin (LCV): 6 mg/kg after 18 h, then three doses (3 mg/kg) every 8 h post-MTX; and Api co-treated (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) throughout the model for 30 days, with administration of MTX and LCV as in group 3. MTX administration elevated hippocampal ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba-1) immunostaining, indicating microglial activation. This was accompanied by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and enhanced apoptosis manifested by elevated hippocampal interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde, and caspase-3, and decreased reduced glutathione levels. Concurrently, abated miR-15a expression, overexpression of its target ROCK-1, diminished downstream ERK1/2 and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were observed. Api mitigated the MTX-induced neurotoxicity by reversing the biochemical, histopathological, and behavioral derangements tested by novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Conclusively, Api lessens MTX-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and boosts cognitive function through inhibiting microglial activation via modulating the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway.

Graphical Abstract

Graphical abstract showing the effects of methotrexate and apigenin co-treatment in MTX-induced neurotoxicity model.

On the left, methotrexate (MTX) administration to rats resulted in hippocampal miR-15a downregulation, which triggered an enhanced expression of its target ROCK-1, consequently inhibiting the downstream ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, instigating a state of microglial activation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. On the other hand, apigenin (Api) co-treatment restored miR-15a, inhibited ROCK-1 expression, and activated the ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, leading to diminished hippocampal microglial activation, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, and restoration of the redox balance, along with improvement in memory and cognitive function of the MTX-treated rats.
The Importance of Winter Dinoflagellate Blooms in Chesapeake Bay—a Missing Link in Bay Productivity
Authors: Millette Nicole C. , Clayton Sophie , Mulholland Margaret R. , Gibala-Smith Leah , Lane Michael
Published: March 2023

It is widely assumed that phytoplankton abundance and productivity decline during temperate winters because of low irradiance and temperatures. However, winter phytoplankton blooms commonly occur in temperate estuaries, but they are often undocumented because of reduced water quality monitoring in winter. The small body of in situ work that has been done on winter blooms suggests they can be of enormous consequence to ecosystems. However, because monitoring is often reduced or stopped altogether during winter, it is unclear how widespread these blooms are or how long they can last. We analyzed an over 30-year record of monthly phytoplankton monitoring samples along with ad hoc sampling throughout Chesapeake Bay to assess the distributions of two common winter bloom species, Heterocapsa rotundata and Heterocapsa steinii, and the environmental conditions associated with these blooms. The long-term monitoring data revealed that H. rotundata blooms occur within a narrow salinity range (7–12) and potentially have different triggers depending upon the nutrient status of waters affected. The ad hoc sampling confirmed the occurrence of H. steinii blooms in the lower Chesapeake Bay, despite the lack of evidence for them from monthly monitoring data. Together, our findings demonstrate that winter blooms routinely occur in numerous locations throughout Chesapeake Bay and can last up to a month. Our findings suggest that while winter blooms are a staple of the Bay’s annual phytoplankton community, there are major data gaps reporting their occurrence highlighting the need for more frequent monitoring to understand factors promoting these blooms and their consequences on ecosystem productivity.
Identifying activity areas in a neanderthal hunting camp (the Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter, Spain) via spatial analysis
Authors: Moclán Abel , Huguet Rosa , Márquez Belén , Álvarez-Fernández Ana , Laplana César , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Pérez-González Alfredo , Baquedano Enrique
Published: March 2023

Spatial analysis has been much used to examine the distribution of archaeological remains at Pleistocene sites. However, little is known about the distribution patterns at sites identified as hunting camps, i.e., places occupied over multiple short periods for the capture of animals later transported to a base camp. The present work examines a Neanderthal hunting camp (the Navalmaíllo Rock Shelter in Pinilla del Valle, Madrid, Spain) to determine whether different activities were undertaken in different areas of the site. A spatial pattern was detected with a main cluster of materials (lithic tools, faunal remains, and coprolites) clearly related to the presence of nearby hearths—the backbone of the utilised space. This main cluster appears to have been related to collaborative and repetitive activities undertaken by the hunting parties that used the site. Spatial analysis also detected a small, isolated area perhaps related to carcasses processing at some point in time and another slightly altered by water.
Utility of ultrasonographic examination in catheter-related infections in peritoneal dialysis: a clinical approach
Authors: Nardelli Luca , Scalamogna Antonio , Castellano Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Peritoneal dialysis- (PD) related infections continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients on renal replacement therapy via PD. However, despite the great efforts in the prevention of PD-related infectious episodes, approximately one third of technical failures are still caused by peritonitis. Recent studies support the theory that ascribes to exit-site and tunnel infections a direct role in causing peritonitis. Hence, prompt exit site infection/tunnel infection diagnosis would allow the timely start of the most appropriate treatment, thereby decreasing the potential complications and enhancing technique survival. Ultrasound examination is a simple, rapid, non-invasive and widely available procedure for tunnel evaluation in PD catheter-related infections. In case of an exit site infection, ultrasound examination has greater sensitivity in diagnosing simultaneous tunnel infection compared to the physical exam alone. This allows distinguishing the exit site infection, which will likely respond to antibiotic therapy, from infections that are likely to be refractory to medical therapy. In case of a tunnel infection, the ultrasound allows localizing the catheter portion involved in the infectious process, thus providing significant prognostic information. In addition, ultrasound performed after two weeks of antibiotic administration allows monitoring patient response to therapy. However, there is no evidence of the usefulness of ultrasound examination as a screening tool for the early diagnosis of tunnel infections in asymptomatic PD patients.
Virtual reality for prospective and process-related competence modeling—piloting a participatory approach and investigating user acceptance of the applied VR-tool
Authors: Depenbusch Sarah , Schaper Niclas , Schumacher Jan-Philip
Published: March 2023

In times of digitalization, it is important to derive competence requirements in relation to future digitalized business processes. Enabling to present these processes in an illustrative and experienceable way, Virtual Reality (VR) may offer special advantages for prospective and process-related competence modeling (PCM) and to include employees as competence modelers. In order to investigate these potential advantages, a VR-based PCM approach is piloted and compared with a conventional PCM approach. In order to identify concrete VR-attributes that may be specifically supportive for VR-based PCM, user acceptance of the applied VR-tool has been evaluated.

Results show that the realistic visualization and interaction possibilities provided by VR support a prospective and process-related analysis focus during competence modeling. This way, employees are enabled to identify future competence requirements with regard to single process steps. Comparisons with the conventional PCM approach demonstrate that the prospective and process-related competence models developed in VR provide a higher level of detail concerning the number of identified competence requirements. In the course of user acceptance evaluation, concrete VR-attributes are derived that are most supportive for participatory PCM (e.g. 3D visualization, perceived immersion).

Practical Relevance: VR offers a space for experiencing new business processes, thus enabling employees to conduct PCM. By integrating employees’ expertise, required future competences can be derived validly. On this basis, appropriate measures for effective competence modeling can be implemented in the organization.
The Musical Madhouse
Authors: Berlioz Hector , Macdonald Hugh
Published: March 2023

This is the first complete translation into English of Berlioz's second collection of musical articles, originally published in 1859. The work is a uniquely Berliozian combination of light-hearted journalism and serious musical comment and analysis.
The Idea of the Castle in Medieval England
Authors: Wheatley Abigail
Published: March 2023

A new way of looking at the medieval castle - as a cultural reflection of the society that produced it, seen through art and literature.