bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Association between Individual-Level Attributes and Fidelity to a Vocational Rehabilitation Intervention within a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Powers Katie E. , das Nair Roshan , Phillips Julie , Farrin Amanda , Radford Kathryn A.
Published: March 2023

Understanding what attributes or characteristics of those delivering interventions affect intervention fidelity and patient outcomes is important for contextualising intervention effectiveness. It may also inform implementation of interventions in future research and clinical practice. This study aimed to explore the relationships between attributes of Occupational Therapists (OTs), their faithful delivery of an early stroke specialist vocational rehabilitation intervention (ESSVR), and stroke survivor return-to-work (RTW) outcomes. Thirty-nine OTs were surveyed about their experience and knowledge of stroke and vocational rehabilitation and were trained to deliver ESSVR. ESSVR was delivered across 16 sites in England and Wales between February 2018 and November 2021. OTs received monthly mentoring to support ESSVR delivery. The amount of mentoring each OT received was recorded in OT mentoring records. Fidelity was assessed using an intervention component checklist completed using retrospective case review of one randomly selected participant per OT. Linear and logistic regression analyses explored relationships between OT attributes, fidelity, and stroke survivor RTW outcome. Fidelity scores ranged from 30.8 to 100% (Mean: 78.8%, SD: 19.2%). Only OT engagement in mentoring was significantly associated with fidelity (b = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.05–0.53, p < 0.05). Increased fidelity (OR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01–1.1, p = 0.01) and increasing years of stroke rehabilitation experience (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02–1.35) was significantly associated with positive stroke survivor RTW outcomes. Findings of this study suggest that mentoring OTs may increase fidelity of delivery of ESSVR, which may also be associated with positive stroke survivor return-to-work outcomes. The results also suggest that OTs with more experience of stroke rehabilitation may be able to support stroke survivors to RTW more effectively. Upskilling OTs to deliver complex interventions, such as ESSVR, in clinical trials may require mentoring support in addition to training to ensure fidelity.
Impacts of Environmental Pollution on Brain Tumorigenesis
Authors: Pagano Cristina , Navarra Giovanna , Coppola Laura , Savarese Beatrice , Avilia Giorgio , Giarra Antonella , Pagano Giovanni , Marano Alessandra , Trifuoggi Marco , Bifulco Maurizio , Laezza Chiara
Published: March 2023

Pollutants consist of several components, known as direct or indirect mutagens, that can be associated with the risk of tumorigenesis. The increased incidence of brain tumors, observed more frequently in industrialized countries, has generated a deeper interest in examining different pollutants that could be found in food, air, or water supply. These compounds, due to their chemical nature, alter the activity of biological molecules naturally found in the body. The bioaccumulation leads to harmful effects for humans, increasing the risk of the onset of several pathologies, including cancer. Environmental components often combine with other risk factors, such as the individual genetic component, which increases the chance of developing cancer. The objective of this review is to discuss the impact of environmental carcinogens on modulating the risk of brain tumorigenesis, focusing our attention on certain categories of pollutants and their sources.
Functional Nanocomposites in the Development of Flexible Armor
Authors: Mahfuz Hassan , Lambert Vincent , Clements Floria
Published: March 2023

The idea of flexible body armor has been around for many years. Initial development included shear thickening fluid (STF) as a backbone polymer to impregnate ballistic fibers such as Kevlar. At the core of the ballistic and spike resistance was the instantaneous rise in viscosity of STF during impact. Increase in viscosity was due to the hydroclustering of silica nanoparticles dispersed in polyethylene glycol (PEG) through a centrifuge and evaporation process. When STF composite was dry, hydroclustering was not possible due to absence of any fluidity in PEG. However, particles embedded within the polymer, covered the Kevlar fiber and offered some resistance to spike and ballistic penetration. The resistance was meagre and hence, the goal was to improve it further. This was achieved by creating chemical bonds between particles, and by strongly attaching particles to the fiber. PEG was replaced with silane (3-amino propyl trimethoxysilane), and a fixative cross-linker, Glutaraldehyde (Gluta), was added. Silane installed an amine functional group on the silica nanoparticle surface, and Gluta created strong bridges between distant pairs of amine groups. Amide functional groups present in Kevlar also interacted with Gluta and silane to form a secondary amine, allowing silica particles to attach to fiber. A network of amine bonding was also established across the particle-polymer-fiber system. In synthesizing the armor, silica nanoparticles were dispersed in a mixture of silane, ethanol, water, and Gluta, maintaining an appropriate ratio by weight, and using a sonication technique. Ethanol was used as a dispersion fluid and was evaporated later. Several layers of Kevlar fabric were then soaked with the admixture for about 24 h and dried in an oven. Armor composites were tested in a drop tower according to NIJ115 Standard using spikes. Kinetic energy at impact was calculated and normalized with the aerial density of the armor. NIJ tests revealed that normalized energy for 0-layer penetration increased from 10 J-cm2/g (STF composite) to 220 J-cm2/g for the new armor composite, indicating a 22-fold enhancement. SEM and FTIR studies confirmed that this high resistance to spike penetration was due to the formation of stronger C-N, C-H, and C=C-H stretches facilitated by the presence of silane and Gluta.
Physicochemical Principles of Adhesion Mechanisms in the Brain
Authors: Stachowicz Katarzyna
Published: March 2023

The brain functions through neuronal circuits and networks that are synaptically connected. This type of connection can exist due to physical forces that interact to stabilize local contacts in the brain. Adhesion is a fundamental physical phenomenon that allows different layers, phases, and tissues to connect. Similarly, synaptic connections are stabilized by specialized adhesion proteins. This review discusses the basic physical and chemical properties of adhesion. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) such as cadherins, integrins, selectins, and immunoglobulin family of cell adhesion molecules (IgSF) will be discussed, and their role in physiological and pathological brain function. Finally, the role of CAMs at the synapse will be described. In addition, methods for studying adhesion in the brain will be presented.
Neurodegenerative Changes in the Brains of the 5xFAD Alzheimer’s Disease Model Mice Investigated by High-Field and High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Multi-Nuclei Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Yoo Chi-Hyeon , Kim Jinho , Baek Hyeon-Man , Chang Keun-A , Choe Bo-Young
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to investigate morphological and metabolic changes in the brains of 5xFAD mice. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) were obtained in 10- and 14-month-old 5xFAD and wild-type (WT) mice, while 31P MRS scans were acquired in 11-month-old mice. Significantly reduced gray matter (GM) was identified by voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in the thalamus, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal gray areas of 5xFAD mice compared to WT mice. Significant reductions in N-acetyl aspartate and elevation of myo-Inositol were revealed by the quantification of MRS in the hippocampus of 5xFAD mice, compared to WT. A significant reduction in NeuN-positive cells and elevation of Iba1- and GFAP-positive cells supported this observation. The reduction in phosphomonoester and elevation of phosphodiester was observed in 11-month-old 5xFAD mice, which might imply a sign of disruption in the membrane synthesis. Commonly reported 1H MRS features were replicated in the hippocampus of 14-month-old 5xFAD mice, and a sign of disruption in the membrane synthesis and elevation of breakdown were revealed in the whole brain of 5xFAD mice by 31P MRS. GM volume reduction was identified in the thalamus, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal gray areas of 5xFAD mice.
Visualization of Organ-Specific Lymphatic Growth: An Efficient Approach to Labeling Molecular Markers in Cleared Tissues
Authors: Christ Carolin , Jakus Zoltán
Published: March 2023

Organ-specific lymphatics are essential for the maintenance of healthy organ function and lymphatic dysfunction can lead to the development of various diseases. However, the precise role of those lymphatic structures remains unknown, mainly due to inefficient visualization techniques. Here, we present an efficient approach to visualizing organ-specific lymphatic growth. We used a modified CUBIC protocol to clear mouse organs and combined it with whole-mount immunostaining to visualize lymphatic structures. We acquired images using upright, stereo and confocal microscopy and quantified them with AngioTool, a tool for the quantification of vascular networks. Using our approach, we then characterized the organ-specific lymphatic vasculature of the Flt4kd/+ mouse model, showing symptoms of lymphatic dysfunction. Our approach enabled us to visualize the lymphatic vasculature of organs and to analyze and quantify structural changes. We detected morphologically altered lymphatic vessels in all investigated organs of Flt4kd/+ mice, including the lungs, small intestine, heart and uterus, but no lymphatic structures in the skin. Quantifications showed that these mice have fewer and dilated lymphatic vessels in the small intestine and the lungs. Our results demonstrate that our approach can be used to investigate the importance of organ-specific lymphatics under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Lipids in Mitochondrial Macroautophagy: Phase Behavior of Bilayers Containing Cardiolipin and Ceramide
Authors: Varela Yaiza R. , González-Ramírez Emilio J. , Iriondo Marina N. , Ballesteros Uxue , Etxaniz Asier , Montes Lidia Ruth , Goñi Félix M. , Alonso Alicia
Published: March 2023

Cardiolipin (CL) is a key lipid for damaged mitochondrial recognition by the LC3/GABARAP human autophagy proteins. The role of ceramide (Cer) in this process is unclear, but CL and Cer have been proposed to coexist in mitochondria under certain conditions. Varela et al. showed that in model membranes composed of egg sphingomyelin (eSM), dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), and CL, the addition of Cer enhanced the binding of LC3/GABARAP proteins to bilayers. Cer gave rise to lateral phase separation of Cer-rich rigid domains but protein binding took place mainly in the fluid continuous phase. In the present study, a biophysical analysis of bilayers composed of eSM, DOPE, CL, and/or Cer was attempted to understand the relevance of this lipid coexistence. Bilayers were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Upon the addition of CL and Cer, one continuous phase and two segregated ones were formed. In bilayers with egg phosphatidylcholine instead of eSM, in which the binding of LC3/GABARAP proteins hardly increased with Cer in the former study, a single segregated phase was formed. Assuming that phase separation at the nanoscale is ruled by the same principles acting at the micrometer scale, it is proposed that Cer-enriched rigid nanodomains, stabilized by eSM:Cer interactions formed within the DOPE- and CL-enriched fluid phase, result in structural defects at the rigid/fluid nanointerfaces, thus hypothetically facilitatingLC3/GABARAP protein interaction.
Influence of Dietary Protein Content on the Nutritional Composition of Mealworm Larvae (Tenebrio molitor L.)
Authors: Kröncke Nina , Benning Rainer
Published: March 2023

The use of insects as livestock feed is becoming increasingly accepted because they provide an important source of protein. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor L.) reared on a range of diets that differed in nutritional composition. Focus was placed on the influence of dietary protein content on larval protein and amino acid composition. For the experimental diets, wheat bran was chosen as the control substrate. The following types of flour-pea protein, rice protein, sweet lupine, and cassava, as well as potato flakes, were mixed with wheat bran and used as the experimental diets. An analysis of the moisture, protein, and fat content was then carried out for all diets and larvae. Furthermore, the amino acid profile was determined. It was shown that supplementing the feed with pea and rice protein was most suitable in terms of high protein yield in larvae (70.9–74.1% dry weight) with low fat content (20.3–22.8% dry weight). The total amino acid content was highest in larvae that were fed with a mixture of cassava flour and wheat bran (51.7 ± 0.5% dry weight), as well as the highest content of essential amino acids (30.4 ± 0.2% dry weight). Moreover, a weak correlation between larval protein content and diet was identified, yet a stronger influence of dietary fats and carbohydrates on larval composition was found. This research could result in improved formulations of artificial diets for Tenebrio molitor larvae in the future.
Sleep Quality Disturbances Are Associated with White Matter Alterations in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Rojczyk Philine , Seitz-Holland Johanna , Kaufmann Elisabeth , Sydnor Valerie J. , Kim Cara L. , Umminger Lisa F. , Wiegand Tim L. T. , Guenette Jeffrey P. , Zhang Fan , Rathi Yogesh , Bouix Sylvain , Pasternak Ofer , Fortier Catherine B. , Salat David , Hinds Sidney R. , Heinen Florian , O’Donnell Lauren J. , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E. , Shenton Martha E. , Koerte Inga K.
Published: March 2023

Sleep disturbances are strongly associated with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD and mTBI have been linked to alterations in white matter (WM) microstructure, but whether poor sleep quality has a compounding effect on WM remains largely unknown. We evaluated sleep and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) data from 180 male post-9/11 veterans diagnosed with (1) PTSD (n = 38), (2) mTBI (n = 25), (3) comorbid PTSD+mTBI (n = 94), and (4) a control group with neither PTSD nor mTBI (n = 23). We compared sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) between groups using ANCOVAs and calculated regression and mediation models to assess associations between PTSD, mTBI, sleep quality, and WM. Veterans with PTSD and comorbid PTSD+mTBI reported poorer sleep quality than those with mTBI or no history of PTSD or mTBI (p = 0.012 to <0.001). Poor sleep quality was associated with abnormal WM microstructure in veterans with comorbid PTSD+mTBI (p < 0.001). Most importantly, poor sleep quality fully mediated the association between greater PTSD symptom severity and impaired WM microstructure (p < 0.001). Our findings highlight the significant impact of sleep disturbances on brain health in veterans with PTSD+mTBI, calling for sleep-targeted interventions.
Qualification of Hemophilia Treatment Centers to Enable Multi-Center Studies of Gene Expression Signatures in Blood Cells from Pediatric Patients
Authors: Reipert Birgit M. , Hofbauer Christoph J. , Gangadharan Bagirath , Berg Verena , Donnachie Elizabeth , Meeks Shannon , Mancuso Maria Elisa , Bowen Joel , Brown Deborah L.
Published: March 2023

Hemophilia A is a rare congenital bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of functionally active coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Most patients with the severe form of the disease require FVIII replacement therapies, which are often associated with the development of neutralizing antibodies against FVIII. Why some patients develop neutralizing antibodies while others do not is not fully understood. Previously, we could demonstrate that the analysis of FVIII-induced gene expression signatures in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from patients exposed to FVIII replacement therapies provides novel insights into underlying immune mechanisms regulating the development of different populations of FVIII-specific antibodies. The aim of the study described in this manuscript was the development of training and qualification test procedures to enable local operators in different European and US clinical Hemophilia Treatment Centers (HTC) to produce reliable and valid data for antigen-induced gene expression signatures in PBMC obtained from small blood volumes. For this purpose, we used the model antigen Cytomegalovirus (CMV) phosphoprotein (pp) 65. We trained and qualified 39 local HTC operators from 15 clinical sites in Europe and the US, of whom 31 operators passed the qualification at first attempt, and eight operators passed at the second attempt.
Development of National Antimicrobial Intravenous-to-Oral Switch Criteria and Decision Aid
Authors: Harvey Eleanor J. , Hand Kieran , Weston Dale , Ashiru-Oredope Diane
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies, such as intravenous-to-oral switch (IVOS), promote optimal antimicrobial use, contributing to safer and more effective patient care and tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Aim: This study aimed to achieve nationwide multidisciplinary expert consensus on antimicrobial IVOS criteria for timely switch in hospitalised adult patients and to design an IVOS decision aid to operationalise agreed IVOS criteria in the hospital setting. Method: A four-step Delphi process was chosen to achieve expert consensus on IVOS criteria and decision aid; it included (Step One) Pilot/1st round questionnaire, (Step Two) Virtual meeting, (Step Three) 2nd round questionnaire and (Step 4) Workshop. This study follows the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II instrument checklist. Results: The Step One questionnaire of 42 IVOS criteria had 24 respondents, 15 of whom participated in Step Two, in which 37 criteria were accepted for the next step. Step Three had 242 respondents (England n = 195, Northern Ireland n = 18, Scotland n = 18, Wales n = 11); 27 criteria were accepted. Step Four had 48 survey respondents and 33 workshop participants; consensus was achieved for 24 criteria and comments were received on a proposed IVOS decision aid. Research recommendations include the use of evidence-based standardised IVOS criteria. Discussion and Conclusion: This study achieved nationwide expert consensus on antimicrobial IVOS criteria for timely switch in the hospitalised adult population. For criteria operationalisation, an IVOS decision aid was developed. Further research is required to provide clinical validation of the consensus IVOS criteria and to expand this work into the paediatric and international settings.
Intervortex Venous Anastomosis in the Macula in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Imaged by En Face Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Fernández-Vigo José Ignacio , Rego-Lorca Daniela , Moreno-Morillo Francisco Javier , Burgos-Blasco Bárbara , Valverde-Megías Alicia , Méndez-Hernández Carmen , López-Guajardo Lorenzo , Donate-López Juan
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To assess the presence of macular intervortex venous anastomosis in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) patients using en face optical coherence tomography (EF-OCT). Methods: A cross-sectional study where EF-OCT 6 × 6 and 12 × 12 mm macular scans of patients with unilateral chronic CSCR were evaluated for anastomosis between vortex vein systems in the central macula. The presence of prominent anastomoses was defined as a connection with a diameter ≥150 µm between the inferotemporal and superotemporal vortex vein systems which crossed the temporal raphe. Three groups were studied: CSCR eyes (with an active disease with the presence of neurosensorial detachment; n = 135), fellow unaffected eyes (n = 135), and healthy eyes as controls (n = 110). Asymmetries, abrupt termination, sausaging, bulbosities and corkscrew appearance were also assessed. Results: In 79.2% of the CSCR eyes there were prominent anastomoses in the central macula between the inferotemporal and superotemporal vortex vein systems, being more frequent than in fellow eyes and controls (51.8% and 58.2% respectively). The number of anastomotic connections was higher in the affected eye group (2.9 ± 1.8) than in the unaffected fellow eye group (2.1 ± 1.7) and the controls (1.5 ± 1.6) (p < 0.001). Asymmetry, abrupt terminations and the corkscrew appearance of the choroidal vessels were more frequent in the affected eyes, although no differences in sausaging or bulbosities were observed. Conclusions: Intervortex venous anastomoses in the macula were common in CSCR, being more frequently observed in affected eyes than in fellow unaffected eyes and healthy controls. This anatomical variation could have important implications concerning the pathogenesis and classification of the disease.
Obesity during Pregnancy and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19-Case Series of the Registry Study “COVID-19 Related Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome Study” (CRONOS-Network)
Authors: Weschenfelder Friederike , Zöllkau Janine , Schohe Anna , Pecks Ulrich , Groten Tanja , Schaefer-Graf Ute ,   on behalf of CRONOS-Network
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Obesity is an increasing challenge in the care of pregnant women. The aim of our study was to investigate whether obesity is an independent risk factor for severe maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19. (2) Methods: Data from the COVID-19 Related Obstetric and Neonatal Outcome Study (CRONOS), a prospective multicenter registry for SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women, was used to analyze the effect of obesity on selected individual and combined outcome parameters (3) Results: With 20.1%, the prevalence of obesity in the CRONOS registry exceeds the German background rate of 17.5%. Obese women showed significantly higher rates of GDM (20.4% vs. 7.6%; p < 0.001), hypertensive pregnancy disorders (6.2% vs. 2%; p = 0.004) and C-sections (50% vs. 34.5%; p < 0.001). BMI was revealed to be an individual risk factor for the severe combined pregnancy outcome (maternal death, stillbirth or preterm birth < 32 weeks) (OR 1.050, CI 1.005–1.097). (4) Conclusions: Maternal BMI is a predictor for the most severe outcome as maternal or neonatal death and preterm delivery <32 weeks of gestation. Unexpectedly, categorized obesity seems to have limited independent influence on the course and outcome of pregnancies with COVID infections.
Differences in Next-Day Adverse Effects and Impact on Mood of an Evening of Heavy Alcohol Consumption between Hangover-Sensitive Drinkers and Hangover-Resistant Drinkers
Authors: Mackus Marlou , van de Loo Aurora J. A. E. , van Neer Renier H. P. , Vermeulen Sterre A. , Terpstra Chantal , Brookhuis Karel A. , Garssen Johan , Scholey Andrew , Verster Joris C.
Published: March 2023

The combination of negative mental and physical symptoms which can be experienced after a single episode of alcohol consumption, starting when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) approaches zero, are collectively referred to as the alcohol hangover. Previous research revealed that 10 to 20% of drinkers claim not to experience next-day hangovers. Past studies were usually limited to single timepoint assessments. The aim of the current semi-naturalistic study was to compare the next-day effects of an evening of alcohol consumption of self-reported hangover-resistant drinkers (n = 14) with those of a group of self-reported hangover-sensitive drinkers (n = 15) at hourly timepoint throughout the day (09:30 until 15:30). Assessments of 23 hangover symptoms, mood (Profiles of Mood States-Short Form), and daytime sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale) were made hourly after both an alcohol day and an alcohol-free control day. Additional morning assessments were made for mood (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Y, Beck’s Depression Inventory-II), risk-taking behavior (RT-18), past night sleep (Groningen Sleep Quality Scale), alcohol consumption, and activities during the test days. No significant differences were found regarding the amount of alcohol consumed and the total sleep time of the two groups. The hangover-sensitive group reported having a hangover as well as the presence of a variety of hangover-related symptoms, which were most severe in the morning and then gradually decreased during the day. The most frequently reported and most severe symptoms were sleepiness and fatigue, concentration problems, and headache. In contrast, the hangover-resistant group reported the absence of a hangover and the presence and severity of next-day symptoms did not significantly differ from the control day, except for increased fatigue and reduced vigor. The next-day effects on sleepiness-related complaints and vigor were significantly more pronounced among hangover-sensitive drinkers compared to hangover-resistant drinkers. In conclusion, contrary to hangover-resistant drinkers, hangover-sensitive drinkers report a variety of hangover symptoms that gradually ease during the day, but are still present in the afternoon.
Past Analogues of Deoxygenation Events in the Mediterranean Sea: A Tool to Constrain Future Impacts
Authors: Mancini Alan Maria , Bocci Giacomo , Morigi Caterina , Gennari Rocco , Lozar Francesca , Negri Alessandra
Published: March 2023

Human-induced carbon emissions are altering the modern climate, with severe repercussions on ecosystems. Among others, anthropogenic pressure is causing deoxygenation of the bottom water, with the widespread establishment of hypoxic zones in several Mediterranean areas. The geological archives allow investigating past deoxygenation dynamics (sapropel events) and their impact on marine ecosystems. Here, we compare the causes and the evolution of deoxygenation dynamics which occurred during two different time periods (Messinian and Holocene) in different paleoceanographic settings based on their micropaleontological content. The Messinian sapropel events are the result of increased export productivity during a relatively cold and arid context, triggering bottom anoxic conditions. The Holocene sapropel formed in response to weakening/stopping of the thermohaline circulation due to increasing temperature and freshwater input. Our results suggest that the deoxygenation dynamics in the Mediterranean in the near future will not follow the trend characteristic of the Holocene deep-sea sapropel because of the predicted drying trend. Differently, the paleoceanographic setting triggering the Messinian shallow-sea sapropels is comparable with the modern situation in different Mediterranean areas, where human-induced eutrophication is promoting deoxygenation. Based on these results, we suggest that the patchy deoxygenation trend in the Mediterranean Sea caused by climate warming may lead to a drastic change in the ecosystem services which would likely impact human activities.
Alternaria alternata Isolated from Infected Pears (Pyrus communis) in Italy Produces Non-Host Toxins and Hydrolytic Enzymes as Infection Mechanisms and Exhibits Competitive Exclusion against Botrytis cinerea in Co-Infected Host Fruits
Authors: Castaldi Stefany , Zorrilla Jesús G. , Petrillo Claudia , Russo Maria Teresa , Ambrosino Patrizia , Masi Marco , Cimmino Alessio , Isticato Rachele
Published: March 2023

Alternaria alternata is one of the most devastating phytopathogenic fungi. This microorganism causes black spots in many fruits and vegetables worldwide, generating significant post-harvest losses. In this study, an A. alternata strain, isolated from infected pears (Pyrus communis) harvested in Italy, was characterized by focusing on its pathogenicity mechanisms and competitive exclusion in the presence of another pathogen, Botrytis cinerea. In in vitro assays, the fungus produces strong enzymatic activities such as amylase, xylanase, and cellulase, potentially involved during the infection. Moreover, it secretes four different toxins purified and identified as altertoxin I, alteichin, alternariol, and alternariol 4-methyl ether. Only alteichin generated necrotic lesions on host-variety pears, while all the compounds showed moderate to slight necrotic activity on non-host pears and other non-host fruit (lemon, Citrus limon), indicating they are non-host toxins. Interestingly, A. alternata has shown competitive exclusion to the competitor fungus Botrytis cinerea when co-inoculated in host and non-host pear fruits, inhibiting its growth by 70 and 65%, respectively, a result not observed in a preliminary characterization in a dual culture assay. Alteichin and alternariol 4-methyl ether tested against B. cinerea had the best inhibition activity, suggesting that the synergism of these toxins and enzymatic activities of A. alternata are probably involved in the competitive exclusion dynamics in host and non-host pear fruits.
Post-Flood Resilience Assessment of July 2021 Flood in Western Germany and Henan, China
Authors: Manandhar Bikram , Cui Shenghui , Wang Lihong , Shrestha Sabita
Published: March 2023

In July 2021, devastating floods occurred in western Germany and Henan, China, resulting in extreme loss of life and property damage. Despite the differences in context, climate change contributed to these events. Flood resilience generally means the system’s ability to recover from floods. A post-flood resilience assessment seeks to determine the impact of the flood on the area, the duration it took to recover, the effectiveness of the measures taken to reduce the risk of flooding, and ways to enhance flood resilience. The post-flood review capacity method was used to assess the event and calculate the flood resilience index. Western Germany experienced a 500-year return period flood in connection with the low-pressure system, Bernd, while Zhengzhou in Henan experienced a 1000-year return period flood with the influence of Typhoon In-Fa and the Western Pacific subtropical high. More than 107,000 people were affected in Germany, with 205 deaths that account for USD 40 billion in economic losses, whereas in Henan, 14.786 million people were affected, and 398 people died, which accounts for USD 18.9 billion in losses. Germany was more impacted and took longer to restore essential services than Henan, China. The flood resilience index shows that the resilience level of both countries is low. The severe rainstorms in Zhengzhou and the Ahr River Valley exposed weaknesses in urban disaster management, particularly in urban areas, such as subway flooding and risk communication with the public. The events highlighted the need to better understand risks and their consequences, early warning systems, preparedness, and emergency response.
Urban Sprawl and Its Multidimensional and Multiscale Measurement
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Shu Xianfan , Zhang Liang
Published: March 2023

The evaluation and dynamic monitoring of urban sprawl is essential to the sustainable development of cities and therefore attracts enthusiasm from numerous scholars. This study conducted a thorough review of the literature on the multidimensional and multiscale measurement of urban sprawl. Firstly, it provides a definition based on the common characteristics of urban sprawl to contribute to a relatively uniform definition and judging criteria. Secondly, indicators of growth, morphology, density, land use mixture, and accessibility dimensions are sorted out, as well as dimensions that are not widely operationalized but make sense. Thirdly, the review spotlights single-dimensional measures in large-sample comparative studies and booming comparative studies based on multidimensional measures. Furthermore, another focus lies on different spatiotemporal combinations of temporal and spatial scales for the measurement. Overall, there are large gaps in comparative studies on the multidimensional measurement of urban sprawl under multiple spatiotemporal scales. In particular, few micro-scale studies focus on inner-city units, and few measure urban sprawl at multiple scales simultaneously. Finally, the challenges and future of multidimensional and multiscale measurements are discussed: relativity and uncertainty of sprawl criteria; strong dependence on the choice of spatiotemporal scales; comparability of sprawl measurements that remains to be improved; the necessity of long-term international cooperation on the measurement of urban sprawl at the global and regional levels. The article appeals for more multidimensional and multiscale urban sprawl measurement studies based on multi-case comparisons in the future, especially in the developing context.
Projected on the Dusk: Seeking Cinema in 1910s and 1920s Japanese Poetry
Authors: Campana Andrew
Published: March 2023

In this article, I explore a set of poetic works from early 20th-century Japan that took cinema—films, movie theaters, screenings, sets, and a variety of cinematic technologies—as their main subject. An enormous range of poets, including some of modern Japanese poetry’s most canonical figures, took a diverse set of approaches to the subject matter, but all were less interested in portraying films themselves, and more in how poetry could use “cinema” and the “cinematic” to grapple with questions of memory, media, ecology, the body, and social change. Looking at these works—most of which appear here in English for the first time—we can find a new archive of early cinematic thought and sensation not bound to the screen.
Effect of Double-Step and Strain-Assisted Tempering on Properties of Medium-Carbon Steel
Authors: Salvetr Pavel , Školáková Andrea , Kotous Jakub , Drahokoupil Jan , Melzer Daniel , Jansa Zdeněk , Donik Črtomir , Gokhman Aleksandr , Nový Zbyšek
Published: March 2023

The present work aimed to study the properties of medium-carbon steel during tempering treatment and to present the strength increase of medium-carbon spring steels by strain-assisted tempering (SAT). The effect of double-step tempering and double-step tempering with rotary swaging, also known as SAT, on the mechanical properties and microstructure was investigated. The main goal was to achieve a further enhancement of the strength of medium-carbon steels using SAT treatment. The microstructure consists of tempered martensite with transition carbides in both cases. The yield strength of the DT sample is 1656 MPa, while that of the SAT sample is about 400 MPa higher. On the contrary, plastic properties such as the elongation and reduction in area have lower values after SAT processing, about 3% and 7%, respectively, compared to the DT treatment. Grain boundary strengthening from low-angle grain boundaries can be attributed to the increase in strength. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, a lower dislocation strengthening contribution was determined for the SAT sample compared to the double-step tempered sample.
Accelerated versus Slow In Vitro Aging Methods and Their Impact on Universal Chromatic, Urethane-Based Composites
Authors: Ilie Nicoleta
Published: March 2023

Structural coloring of dental resin-based composites (RBC) is used to create universal chromatic materials designed to meet any aesthetic need, replacing the mixing and matching of multiple shades. The microstructural adjustments to create this desideratum involve nanoscale organic–inorganic core–shell structures with a particular arrangement. The generally higher polymer content associated with these structures compared to universal chromatic RBCs colored by pigments, which in their microstructure come close to regularly shaded RBCs, can influence the way the material ages. Accelerated and slow aging up to 1.2 years of immersion in artificial saliva at 37 °C were therefore compared in relation to their effects on the materials described above and in relation to the immersion conditions prescribed by standards. Quasi-static and viscoelastic parameters were assessed to quantify these effects by a depth-sensing indentation test equipped with a DMA module. The microstructure of the materials was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The results convincingly show a differentiated influence of the aging protocol on the measured properties, which was more sensitively reflected in the viscoelastic behavior. Accelerated aging, previously associated with the clinical behavior of RBCs, shows a 2- to 10-fold greater effect compared to slow aging in artificial saliva of up to 1.2 years, highly dependent on the microstructure of the material.
Artifacts’ Detection for MRI Non-Metallic Needles: Comparative Analysis for Artifact Evaluation Using K-Means and Manual Quantification
Authors: AL-Maatoq Marwah , Fachet Melanie , Rao Rajatha , Hoeschen Christoph
Published: March 2023

Interventional biopsy needles need to be accurately localized to the target tissue during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) interventions. In this context, severe susceptibility artifacts affect the visibility of structures in the MR images depending on the needle’s material composition. In particular, standard needles for the spinal cord made of nickel-titanium alloys (NiTi) generate massive susceptibility artifacts during MRI. Consequently, this does not allow the precise placement of the needle to the target. The aim was to prove that using a non-metallic material for the needle can significantly reduce the appearance of artifacts. Hence, this work used a new combination of non-metallic materials based on an enforced fiber bundle as an inner core with different outer hollow sheets to fabricate seven prototypes of interventional spinal needles to optimize their visualization in MRI scans. Susceptibility artifacts for the non-metallic needles were evaluated in MRI images by an automatic quantification based on a K-means algorithm and compared with manual quantification. The width and length of the artifacts were measured for each needle. The non-metallic needles showed significantly lower artifacts in comparison to the standard needle. K-means provided the capability for detecting needle artifacts in MRI images, facilitating qualitative and quantitative assessment of MRI artifacts.
JQPro:Join Query Processing in a Distributed System for Big RDF Data Using the Hash-Merge Join Technique
Authors: Elzein Nahla Mohammed , Majid Mazlina Abdul , Hashem Ibrahim Abaker Targio , Ibrahim Ashraf Osman , Abulfaraj Anas W. , Binzagr Faisal
Published: March 2023

In the last decade, the volume of semantic data has increased exponentially, with the number of Resource Description Framework (RDF) datasets exceeding trillions of triples in RDF repositories. Hence, the size of RDF datasets continues to grow. However, with the increasing number of RDF triples, complex multiple RDF queries are becoming a significant demand. Sometimes, such complex queries produce many common sub-expressions in a single query or over multiple queries running as a batch. In addition, it is also difficult to minimize the number of RDF queries and processing time for a large amount of related data in a typical distributed environment encounter. To address this complication, we introduce a join query processing model for big RDF data, called JQPro. By adopting a MapReduce framework in JQPro, we developed three new algorithms, which are hash-join, sort-merge, and enhanced MapReduce-join for join query processing of RDF data. Based on an experiment conducted, the result showed that the JQPro model outperformed the two popular algorithms, gStore and RDF-3X, with respect to the average execution time. Furthermore, the JQPro model was also tested against RDF-3X, RDFox, and PARJs using the LUBM benchmark. The result showed that the JQPro model had better performance in comparison with the other models. In conclusion, the findings showed that JQPro achieved improved performance with 87.77% in terms of execution time. Hence, in comparison with the selected models, JQPro performs better.
Analytically Computing the Moments of a Conic Combination of Independent Noncentral Chi-Square Random Variables and Its Application for the Extended Cox–Ingersoll–Ross Process with Time-Varying Dimension
Authors: Rujivan Sanae , Sutchada Athinan , Chumpong Kittisak , Rujeerapaiboon Napat
Published: March 2023

This paper focuses mainly on the problem of computing the γth, γ>0, moment of a random variable Yn:=∑i=1nαiXi in which the αi’s are positive real numbers and the Xi’s are independent and distributed according to noncentral chi-square distributions. Finding an analytical approach for solving such a problem has remained a challenge due to the lack of understanding of the probability distribution of Yn, especially when not all αi’s are equal. We analytically solve this problem by showing that the γth moment of Yn can be expressed in terms of generalized hypergeometric functions. Additionally, we extend our result to computing the γth moment of Yn when Xi is a combination of statistically independent Zi2 and Gi in which the Zi’s are distributed according to normal or Maxwell–Boltzmann distributions and the Gi’s are distributed according to gamma, Erlang, or exponential distributions. Our paper has an immediate application in interest rate modeling, where we can explicitly provide the exact transition probability density function of the extended Cox–Ingersoll–Ross (ECIR) process with time-varying dimension as well as the corresponding γth conditional moment. Finally, we conduct Monte Carlo simulations to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of our explicit formulas through several numerical tests.
Construction and Modification of Topological Tables for Digital Models of Linear Complexes
Authors: Rozhkov Aleksandr N. , Galishnikova Vera V.
Published: March 2023

Building information systems use topological tables to implement the transition from two-dimensional line drawings of the geometry of buildings to digital three-dimensional models of linear complexes. The topological elements of the complex are named and the topological relations of the complex are described by arranging the element names in topological tables. The efficient construction and modification of topological tables for complete buildings is investigated. The topology of a linear complex with nodes, edges, faces, and cells is described with 12 tables. Three of the tables of a complex are independent of each other and form a basis for the construction of the other tables. A highly efficient construction algorithm with complexity O (number of cells) for typical buildings with an approximately constant number of edges per face and faces per cell of is presented. In practice, building designs and their digital models are frequently modified. A modification algorithm is presented, whose complexity equals that of the construction algorithm. Examples illustrate that the efficient algorithms permit the replacement of the conventional focus on the topology of building components by a focus on the topology of the entire building. A set of properties of the original, which are not explicitly described by the topological tables, for example, the orientation of surfaces and multiply connected domains, are analyzed in the paper. An overview of the research dealing with the topological attributes that are not contained in topological tables concludes the paper.
Risk Factors for Emergency Department Presentations after the Initiation of Opioid Analgesics in Non-Cancer Patients in Korea: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Noh Yoojin , Heo Kyu-Nam , Kim Dal-ah , Han Ji-Min , Lee Ju-Yeun , Ah Young-Mi
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives: Opioid use in Korea is lower than in other developed countries. However, recent studies have reported an increase in opioid prescriptions and the number of chronic opioid users. The current status of adverse events (AEs) associated with opioid analgesics in Korea is unclear. This nested case–control study aimed to evaluate the influence of opioid analgesic use patterns on all emergency department (ED) visits and opioid-related ED visits after opioid analgesic initiation using the national claims database. Materials and Methods: Adult non-cancer patients who initiated non-injectable opioid analgesics (NIOA) between January 2017 and June 2018 were included. We defined the case group as patients who visited the ED within six months of opioid initiation, and the control group was selected in a 1:1 ratio using an exact matching method. Results: A total of 97,735 patients (13.58%) visited the ED within six months of NIOA initiation. Nearly 32% of cases were linked to opioid-related AEs. The most frequent AEs were falls and fractures (61.27%). After adjusting for covariates, opioid initiation at the ED was associated with all-cause or opioid-related ED visits (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.09–3.29; aOR = 3.82, 95% CI = 3.62–4.04, respectively). Chronic NIOA use was associated with all-cause and opioid-related ED visits (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.23–1.40; aOR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.39–1.76, respectively). Conclusion: This study found that 13% of non-cancer patients visited the ED within six months of NIOA initiation. In addition, the NIOA use pattern was significantly associated with all-cause and opioid-related ED visits.
A Novel Design of Spike-Shaped Miniaturized 4 × 4 MIMO Antenna for Wireless UWB Network Applications Using Characteristic Mode Analysis
Authors: Suresh Ankireddy Chandra , Reddy Thatiparthi Sreenivasulu , Madhav Boddapati Taraka Phani , Alshathri Samah , El-Shafai Walid , Das Sudipta , Sorathiya Vishal
Published: March 2023

In this article, a 4 × 4 miniaturized UWB-MIMO antenna with reduced isolation is designed and analyzed using a unique methodology known as characteristic mode analysis. To minimize the antenna’s physical size and to improve the isolation, an arrangement of four symmetrical radiating elements is positioned orthogonally. The antenna dimension is 40 mm × 40 mm (0.42λ0× 0.42λ0) (λ0 is the wavelength at first lower frequency), which is printed on FR-4 material with a width of 1.6 mm and εr = 4.3. A square-shaped defected ground framework was placed on the ground to improve the isolation. Etching square-shaped slots on the ground plane achieved the return losses S11 < −10 dB and isolation 26 dB in the entire operating band 3.2 GHz–12.44 GHz (UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz) and X-band (8 GHz–12 GHz) spectrum and achieved good isolation bandwidth of 118.15%. The outcomes of estimated and observed values are examined for MIMO inclusion factors such as DG, ECC, CCL, and MEG. The antenna’s performances, including radiation efficiency and gain, are remarkable for this antenna design. The designed antenna is successfully tested in a cutting-edge laboratory. The measured outcomes are quite similar to the modeled outcomes. This antenna is ideal for WLAN and Wi-Max applications.