bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the communications resource management system [CRMS®]
Authors: Sendor Jonathan B.
Published: October 2023

As companies invest more in new communications facilities, the need to find tools to help them better manage their investments is becoming more Important.
Network management and the AT&T VSAT network
Authors: Brown Michael
Published: October 2023

VSAT networks were developed in the mid‐1980s as an alternative to terrestrial communications and can offer a cost advantage because linking two nodes via satellite costs the same, regardless of their distance from each other. This article will outline the basic elements of a VSAT network and describe some of the methods used to manage it.
What's needed for distributed systems management
Authors: Abderrahman A. Rahman
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the functions to be included in a management tool‐kit for a distributed operating system as required by end users. These functions are divided into OSI Management Functional Areas. The paper discusses the rationale of these functional areas regarding the management of distributed systems and summarizes the main features of each of them.
The need for speed: Reality or myth?
Authors: Sarch Ray
Published: October 2023

How many of us (the datacomm community) really need packet transfer at the T1 and E1 rates of 1.544 and 2.048 Mb/s? How about the cell relay and broadband ISDN rates? Let us look into some typical data transfer applications and apply current transmission techniques to them. Then we'll try to answer those questions.
Single‐anastomosis duodeno‐ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy improves lipid and glucose homeostasis in ob/ob mice
Authors: Frey Samuel , Ayer Audrey , Sotin Thibaud , Lorant Victoria , Louis‐Gaubert Clément , Arnaud Lucie , Billon‐Crossouard Stéphanie , Croyal Mikael , Prieur Xavier , Hadjadj Samy , Cariou Bertrand , Blanchard Claire , Le May Cédric
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the general and metabolic impact of single‐anastomosis duodeno‐ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI‐S) with Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in an obese (ob/ob) mouse model.

Methods

10‐week‐old male ob/ob mice underwent either SADI‐S, RYGB, or laparotomy surgery (Sham group). General and metabolic parameters were assessed during a 5‐week period thereafter.

Results

SADI‐S induced a deeper weight loss ([mean ± SEM] −41.2% ± 3.3%) than RYGB (−5.6% ± 3.5%, p < 0.001) compared with the Sham group (+6.3% ± 1.0%, p < 0.05). A significant food restriction was observed after SADI‐S only (−31%, 117.4 ± 10.3 g vs. 170.2 ± 5.2 g of food at day 35 in Sham group mice, p < 0.001). Random‐fed glycemia and glucose tolerance were more improved after SADI‐S than RYGB. SADI‐S decreased plasma cholesterol concentration by 60% (0.49 ± 0.04 g/L vs. 1.40 ± 0.10 g/L in the Sham group at day 35, p < 0.01), significantly more than RYGB (1.04 ± 0.14 g/L, p = 0.018). Plasma sitosterol/cholesterol and campesterol/cholesterol ratios were decreased after SADI‐S, suggesting a reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption. SADI‐S increased exogenous plasma cholesterol‐D7 clearance and fecal elimination, also indicating an increased plasma cholesterol excretion. Studying a pair‐fed group demonstrated that calorie restriction alone did not explain the beneficial impact of SADI‐S.

Conclusions

SADI‐S is associated with a greater improvement in lipid and glucose homeostasis than RYGB in ob/ob mice.
ScaffoldMatcher:A CMA‐ESbased algorithm for identifying hotspot aligned peptidomimetic scaffolds
Authors: Claussen Erin R. , Renfrew P. Douglas , Müller Christian L. , Drew Kevin
Published: October 2023

The design of protein interaction inhibitors is a promising approach to address aberrant protein interactions that cause disease. One strategy in designing inhibitors is to use peptidomimetic scaffolds that mimic the natural interaction interface. A central challenge in using peptidomimetics as protein interaction inhibitors, however, is determining how best the molecular scaffold aligns to the residues of the interface it is attempting to mimic. Here we present the Scaffold Matcher algorithm that aligns a given molecular scaffold onto hotspot residues from a protein interaction interface. To optimize the degrees of freedom of the molecular scaffold we implement the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA‐ES), a state‐of‐the‐art derivative‐free optimization algorithm in Rosetta. To evaluate the performance of the CMA‐ES, we used 26 peptides from the FlexPepDock Benchmark and compared with three other algorithms in Rosetta, specifically, Rosetta's default minimizer, a Monte Carlo protocol of small backbone perturbations, and a Genetic algorithm. We test the algorithms' performance on their ability to align a molecular scaffold to a series of hotspot residues (i.e., constraints) along native peptides. Of the 4 methods, CMA‐ES was able to find the lowest energy conformation for all 26 benchmark peptides. Additionally, as a proof of concept, we apply the Scaffold Match algorithm with CMA‐ES to align a peptidomimetic oligooxopiperazine scaffold to the hotspot residues of the substrate of the main protease of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Our implementation of CMA‐ES into Rosetta allows for an alternative optimization method to be used on macromolecular modeling problems with rough energy landscapes. Finally, our Scaffold Matcher algorithm allows for the identification of initial conformations of interaction inhibitors that can be further designed and optimized as high‐affinity reagents.
Rapid and sensitive detection of two fungal pathogens in soybeans using the recombinase polymerase amplification/CRISPR‐Cas12a method for potential on‐site disease diagnosis
Authors: Sun Xiwen , Lei Rong , Zhang Haipeng , Chen Wujian , Jia Qianwen , Guo Xing , Zhang Yongjiang , Wu Pinshan , Wang Xinyi
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Diaporthe aspalathi and Diaporthe caulivora are two of the fungal pathogens causing soybean stem canker (SSC) in soybean, which is one of the most widespread diseases in soybean growing regions and can cause 100% loss of yield. Current methods for the detection of fungal pathogens, including morphological identification and molecular detection, are mostly limited by the need for professional laboratories and staff. To develop a detection method for potential on‐site diagnosis for two of the fungal pathogens causing SSC, we designed a rapid assay combining recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and CRISPR‐Cas12a‐based diagnostics to specifically detect D. aspalathi and D. caulivora.

RESULTS

The translation elongation factor 1‐alpha gene was employed as the target gene to evaluate the specificity and sensitivity of this assay. The RPA/CRISPR‐Cas12a system has excellent specificity to distinguish D. aspalathi and D. caulivora from closely related species. The sensitivities of RPA/CRISPR‐Cas12a‐based fluorescence detection and lateral flow assay for D. aspalathi and D. caulivora are 14.5 copies and 24.6 copies, respectively. This assay can detect hyphae in inoculated soybean stems at 12 days after inoculation and has a recovery as high as 86% for hyphae‐spiked soybean seed powder. The total time from DNA extraction to detection was not more than 60 min.

CONCLUSION

The method developed for rapid detection of plant pathogens includes DNA extraction with magnetic beads or rapid DNA extraction, isothermal nucleic acid amplification at 39 °C, CRISPR‐Cas12a cleavage reaction at 37 °C, and lateral flow assay or endpoint fluorescence visualization at room temperature. The RPA and CRISPR‐Cas12a reagents can be preloaded in the microcentrifuge tube to simplify the procedures in the field. Both RPA and CRISPR‐Cas12a reaction can be realized on a portable incubator, and the results are visualized using lateral flow strips or portable flashlight. This method requires minimal equipment and operator training, and has promising applications for rapid on‐site disease screening, port inspection, or controlling fungal pathogen transmission in crop. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enrollment forecast for clinical trials at the portfolio planning phase based on site‐level historical data
Authors: Zhong Sheng , Xing Yunzhao , Yu Mengjia , Wang Li
Published: October 2023

An accurate forecast of a clinical trial enrollment timeline at the planning phase is of great importance to both corporate strategic planning and trial operational excellence. The naive approach often calculates an average enrollment rate from historical data and generates an inaccurate prediction based on a linear trend with the average rate. Under the traditional framework of a Poisson–Gamma model, site activation delays are often modeled with either fixed initiation time or a simple random distribution while incorporating the user‐provided site planning information to achieve good forecast accuracy. However, such user‐provided information is not available at the early portfolio planning stage. We present a novel statistical approach based on generalized linear mixed‐effects models and the use of non‐homogeneous Poisson processes through the Bayesian framework to model the country initiation, site activation, and subject enrollment sequentially in a systematic fashion. We validate the performance of our proposed enrollment modeling framework based on a set of 25 preselected studies from four therapeutic areas. Our modeling framework shows a substantial improvement in prediction accuracy in comparison to the traditional statistical approach. Furthermore, we show that our modeling and simulation approach calibrates the data variability appropriately and gives correct coverage rates for prediction intervals of various nominal levels. Finally, we demonstrate the use of our approach to generate the predicted enrollment curves through time with confidence bands overlaid.
Recent Progress in Polarization‐Enhanced PVDF‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Nie Jiaheng , Zhang Yaming , Wang Jizheng , Li Lijie , Zhang Yan
Published: October 2023

Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF)‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have led to continuous improvements in efficiency of up to 24.23%. These types of polarization‐enhanced solar cells offer a simpler strategy to achieve stable polarization to increase efficiency. The fundamental research progress in polarization‐enhanced built‐in fields in PVDF‐based PSCs is reviewed. Herein, it is discussed how polarization can be induced by piezo‐phototronic effect and spontaneous and external electric field poling. Finally, the directions for high‐efficiency PSCs based on PVDF are outlined.
Personal health record storage and sharing using searchable encryption and blockchain: A comprehensive survey
Authors: Bisht Abhishek , Das Ashok Kumar , Giri Debasis
Published: October 2023

Personal Health Records (PHRs) allow patients to have full control over their health data. However, storage and sharing of PHRs still remains a difficult but necessary task, especially when health data is one of the major targets of cyber attacks worldwide. Searchable Encryption (SE) is a feasible solution for this problem and can be augmented by Blockchain to address some of its issues, such as verifiability. Therefore, SE using blockchain is a promising technologies to tackle the challenge of PHR storage and sharing. In this survey, we have explored the research works that use SE and blockchain technology for the same. The work starts with an introduction of cloud, searchable encryption and blockchain. Subsequently, we present a literature survey of the corresponding technologies. We then describe SE in detail and how it fits with blockchain. This is followed by description of noteworthy existing solutions for secure storage and sharing of PHRs. Even though there have been a number of surveys related to SE, none of them have surveyed the use of blockchain with SE or use of SE and blockchain in PHR sharing. The work concludes with a comparative study of these existing solutions and future scope in this direction.
Hydrogeological characterization of the Silala River catchment
Authors: Gómez Carolina , Suárez Francisco , García Sebastián , Muñoz José F.
Published: October 2023

This article reviews hydrogeological studies carried out between 2016 and 2018 in the Silala River basin, a catchment shared by Chile and Bolivia. These were conducted in the context of the Case Concerning the Status and Use of the Waters of the Silala River, submitted to the International Court of Justice in 2016, and contributed to multidisciplinary science to demonstrate that this system is an international watercourse. In 2016, the hydrogeological understanding of the Silala River basin was poor. The studies reviewed here filled many knowledge gaps, providing a solid hydrogeological baseline, and establishing new monitoring infrastructure to collect relevant aquifer data. The most important hydrogeological units were identified as the fluvial deposits, alluvial deposits, and the Cabana ignimbrite. The latter is highly heterogeneous, weathered and fractured, and exhibits a high permeability. It is the most important unit in terms of productivity, and is the major regional aquifer providing spring flows to Bolivian wetlands and groundwater flow across the international border. The studies provided a preliminary understanding of the main aquifers in Chile and their properties, which underpinned the development of a robust hydrogeological conceptual model of the system, reviewed elsewhere in this special issue. Subsequent refinements are also summarized. This work confirmed that both surface water and groundwater flows from Bolivia to Chile, and thus confirms the status of the Silala River as an international watercourse and provided the basis for a basin‐scale groundwater numerical model, used to investigate the impact of wetland channelization on surface water/groundwater partitioning.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes
LncRNA PFAR facilitates the proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma by competitively binding to miR-15a
Authors: Fang Tie , Yu Kejie
Published: October 2023

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is type of aggressive tumor, with a markedly declined survival rate when distant metastasis occurs. It is of great significance to develop potential biomarkers to evaluate the progression of PTC. LncRNAs are recently widely claimed with biomarker value in malignant tumors. Herein, the role of LncRNA PFAR in PTC was investigated to explore potential prognostic marker for PTC. Compared to NTHY-ORI 3-1 cells, LncRNA PFAR was found markedly upregulated in PTC cell lines. In LncRNA PFAR knockdown TPC-1 cells, markedly declined cell viability, increased apoptotic rate, enhancive number of migrated cells, and elevated migration distance were observed, accompanied by a suppressed activity of the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling. In LncRNA PFAR overexpressed BCPAP cells, signally increased cell viability, declined apoptotic rate, reduced number of migrated cells, decreased migration distance, and increased tumor volume and tumor weight in nude mice xenograft model were observed, accompanied by an activation of the RET/AKT/mTOR signaling. The binding site between LncRNA PFAR and miR-15a, as well as miR-15a and RET, was confirmed by the dual luciferase reporter assay. The FISH study revealed that LncRNA PFAR was mainly located in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, the impact of the siRNA targeting LncRNA PFAR against the growth and migration of PTC cells was abolished by the inhibitor of miR-15a or SC79, an activator of AKT/mTOR signaling. Collectively, LncRNA PFAR facilitated the proliferation and migration of PTC cells by mediating the miR-15a/RET axis.
Standard anterior peritomy versus a small posterior incision for the implantation of the PRESERFLO microshunt
Authors: Bamousa Ahmed , Dakroub Mohamad , Verma-Fuehring Raoul , Papadopoulos Kosmas , Hillenkamp Jost , Loewen N. A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To compare two approaches for the implantation of the PRESERFLO microshunt: an anterior approach (A) with a 6–8-mm peritomy and a posterior approach (P) with a 3-mm incision.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 126 patients who received a PRESERFLO microshunt. We compared intraocular pressure (IOP), surgical time, medication count, and postoperative complications over nine months.

Results

The baseline IOP was similar in A (21.8 ± 8.5 mm Hg) and P (23.9 ± 8.1 mm Hg) (p = 0.08). Surgical duration was significantly shorter in P (10 ± 0.4 min) than in A (26 ± 0.8 min) (p < 0.001). Postoperative IOP levels were comparable in A (10.8 ± 5.9 mm Hg) and P (10.6 ± 4.5 mm Hg) at 30 days (p = 0.62) and throughout the study (all intra-group p-values > 0.08). The preoperative medication count was 3.2 ± 1.3 drops in A and 3.3 ± 1.0 drops in P (p = 0.4). Postoperative values were 0.2 ± 0.6 in A and 0.3 ± 0.7 in P at nine months. There were no significant differences in complications and surgical revisions between groups (p-values > 0.05).

Conclusion

Both techniques achieved satisfactory IOP and medication count reductions and had similar safety profiles, but the posterior incision technique was 2.6 times faster than the anterior incision technique.
From stationary to directional transition: a case study in Doñana
Authors: Muñoz-Reinoso José Carlos
Published: October 2023

Context

Doñana’s landscape is a mosaic of different types of transitions at different spatial and temporal scales. Among them, stationary transitions are relatively stable over time, while directional transitions involve the unidirectional movement of boundaries. The fiftieth anniversary of the Doñana National Park (SW Spain) provided a framework to test the transformation of a biotic transition from stationary to directional.

Objectives

This study aimed to examine landscape changes along a stationary groundwater-dependent transition, the processes responsible for them, and the consequences for the biotic transition.

Methods

Through detailed photointerpretation, nine land use/land cover categories were mapped at four dates (1971, 1984, 2002, 2019) on a ca. 2 square km plot, and then changes analysed at three levels (interval, category, and transition) using Intensity Analysis. Potential causes including precipitation, groundwater levels, local management and changes in the surroundings were examined to understand the changes.

Results

Juniper woodland, spontaneous pines and mixed shrub categories showed the greatest gains and were most active. In the third interval (2002–19) largest transitions from pond-grassland to several terrestrial categories and the dead of heathlands indicate the encroachment of xeric communities into hygrophytic ones. Observed changes seem to be due to succession, forestry management and extrinsic drivers such groundwater overexploitation in the surroundings of the protected area.

Conclusions

The long-term study of this stationary transition shows the weakening of the factors that controlled its establishment, the loss of its constituent habitats due to groundwater withdrawal, and its conversion into a directional transition.
Effect of Surface Oxide on Decarburization Reaction in the Austenitic Steel S304HCu
Authors: Zurek J. , Cosler H. , Quadakkers W. J. , Naumenko D.
Published: October 2023

In the present work, the high-temperature decarburization of the austenitic stainless steel S304HCu in Ar–4%H2–xH2O at temperatures between 1000 and 1150 °C was investigated. The focus was on determining parameters that influence the decarburization rate during heat treatment. Thermogravimetric experiments were performed with simultaneous measurements of CO release from the sample using a mass spectrometer. The variation of the experimental parameters included the composition of the atmosphere during pre-oxidation and decarburization, the temperature and the sample thickness. The results indicate that the loss of carbon from the specimen occurs faster through reaction of Cr2O3with C from the steel compared to the reaction of C at the steel surface with H2O, provided that in the former case CO can easily evaporate. The overall decarburization process is governed by competing reactions; the destruction of chromium oxide by C and the formation of oxide scale by water vapour. The relative rates of these two reactions determines whether decarburization will occur or whether formation of a protective oxide stops the release of CO, the latter being promoted at lower temperatures and high water vapour contents. A dense, sufficiently thick chromia scale retards the onset of decarburization but does eventually not stop the carbon loss. Indications were found that the destruction of a pre-formed chromia scale by carbon involves a two-step process whereby presence of hydrogen is important.
Why computational complexity may set impenetrable barriers for epistemic reductionism
Authors: Herzog Michael H. , Doerig Adrien , Sachse Christian
Published: October 2023

According to physicalism, everything is physical or metaphysically connected to the physical. If physicalism were true, it seems that we should – in principle – be able to reduce the descriptions and explanations of special sciences to physical ones, for example, explaining biological regularities, via chemistry, by the laws of particle physics. The multiple realization of the property types of the special sciences is often seen to be an obstacle to such epistemic reductions. Here, we introduce another, new argument against epistemic reduction. Based on mathematical complexity, we show that, under certain conditions, there can be “complexity barriers” that make epistemic reduction – in principle – unachievable even if physicalism were true.
Complex Restoration of Oil-Contaminated Soils with New Organomineral Reagents
Authors: Akhanova Tanzilya Rinatovna , Lyubchenko Nina Pavlovna , Sarmurzina Raushan Gaisiyevna , Karabalin Uzakbai Suleimenovich , Muhr Herve , Boiko Galina Ilyasovna
Published: October 2023

Among pollutants, petroleum hydrocarbons are recognized as the priority pollutants of the environment. Petroleum hydrocarbons can cause changes in the physical and chemical properties of soils, leading to a decrease in the functional activity of the microbiota of soil biocenoses. The aim of the study was to develop ways and methods of oil-contaminated soil remediation with the new generation sorbents based on organomineral biofertilizer “Kazuglegumus” and aluminum alloys activated by indium, gallium, and tin. The structure and composition of the organomineral reagents, as well as soils with different degrees of contamination were proved by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetry. As a working hypothesis, it was accepted that the aluminum alloy activated by gallium, indium, and tin forms complex compounds with humic or fulvic acids, which are low-toxic or non-toxic for plants. The efficiency of cleaning oil-contaminated soils with organomineral sorbents was evaluated. The reduction of oil concentration in soil samples by 12–22% depending on the concentration of reagents and oil content in soil was revealed. The character of oil pollution impact on plants of legume families alfalfa, melilot, and sainfoin, which are characterized by the ability to accumulate and then give nitrogen to the soil, was studied. The phytotoxicity of uncontaminated and non-oil-contaminated soils was studied in laboratory and field conditions. Significantly accelerated plant growth was observed in samples of oil-contaminated soil after treatment with sorbent based on activated aluminum alloy Rau-85 and fertilizer “Kazuglegumus”. The plants had stronger root systems. These experiments are explained by the effect of Rau-85 alloys in favor of reducing the oil concentration to the normalized limits, as well as the transformation of natural humic substances and additionally applied fertilizer “Kazuglegumus” (potassium humates), which increased their biological activity.
Reversal of biological age in multiple rat organs by young porcine plasma fraction
Authors: Horvath Steve , Singh Kavita , Raj Ken , Khairnar Shraddha I. , Sanghavi Akshay , Shrivastava Agnivesh , Zoller Joseph A. , Li Caesar Z. , Herenu Claudia B. , Canatelli-Mallat Martina , Lehmann Marianne , Habazin Siniša , Novokmet Mislav , Vučković Frano , Solberg Woods Leah C. , Martinez Angel Garcia , Wang Tengfei , Chiavellini Priscila , Levine Andrew J. , Chen Hao , Brooke Robert T. , Gordevicius Juozas , Lauc Gordan , Goya Rodolfo G. , Katcher Harold L.
Published: October 2023

Young blood plasma is known to confer beneficial effects on various organs in mice and rats. However, it was not known whether plasma from young adult pigs rejuvenates old rat tissues at the epigenetic level; whether it alters the epigenetic clock, which is a highly accurate molecular biomarker of aging. To address this question, we developed and validated six different epigenetic clocks for rat tissues that are based on DNA methylation values derived from n = 613 tissue samples. As indicated by their respective names, the rat pan-tissue clock can be applied to DNA methylation profiles from all rat tissues, while the rat brain, liver, and blood clocks apply to the corresponding tissue types. We also developed two epigenetic clocks that apply to both human and rat tissues by adding n = 1366 human tissue samples to the training data. We employed these six rat clocks to investigate the rejuvenation effects of a porcine plasma fraction treatment in different rat tissues. The treatment more than halved the epigenetic ages of blood, heart, and liver tissue. A less pronounced, but statistically significant, rejuvenation effect could be observed in the hypothalamus. The treatment was accompanied by progressive improvement in the function of these organs as ascertained through numerous biochemical/physiological biomarkers, behavioral responses encompassing cognitive functions. An immunoglobulin G (IgG) N-glycosylation pattern shift from pro- to anti-inflammatory also indicated reversal of glycan aging. Overall, this study demonstrates that a young porcine plasma-derived treatment markedly reverses aging in rats according to epigenetic clocks, IgG glycans, and other biomarkers of aging.
Increasing baseline aortic valve peak flow velocity is associated with progression of aortic valve stenosis in osteoporosis patients—a possible link to low vitamin D status
Authors: Tsuruda Toshihiro , Funamoto Taro , Suzuki Chiyoko , Yamamura Yoshimasa , Nakai Michikazu , Chosa Etsuo , Kaikita Koichi
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological characteristics of the aortic valve and identify factors associated with the progression of aortic valve stenosis (AS) in osteoporosis patients.

Methods

In this single-center prospective cohort study, we recruited 10 patients (mean age: 75 ± 7 years, 90% female) who were taking anti-resorptive medicines at the outpatient clinic of University of Miyazaki Hospital, Japan. Baseline assessments, including transthoracic echocardiogram, blood sampling, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, were performed. Follow-up assessments were conducted at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

Results

During the 2-year follow-up, three patients with aortic valve peak flow velocity (AV PFV) ≥2 m/s at baseline developed moderate AS, which is defined as AV PFV ≥3 m/s. However, seven patients with AV PFV <2 m/s did not exhibit any progression of AS. There were significant variations in terms of bone mineral density, T-score values, and biomarkers associated with bone turnover (i.e., bone alkaline phosphatase, tartrate-resistance acid phosphatase-5b) among the enrolled patients, but none of these factors were found to be associated with the progression of AS. All patients exhibited low vitamin D status, with a median level of 16.1 ng/mL (25th percentile, 9.7 ng/mL; 75th percentile, 23 ng/mL). The baseline levels of AV PFV values were negatively correlated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, determined by univariate linear regression analysis (beta coefficient = -0.756, 95% confidence interval, -0.136 ̶ -0.023, p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that low vitamin D status might be a potential risk factor for the progression of AS in osteoporosis patients undergoing treatment with anti-resorptive medicines.

Summary

Elderly patients with osteoporosis patients exhibited a subset of aortic valve stenosis. Our data suggest that the baseline aortic valve peak flow velocity predicts the progression of aortic valve stenosis, and there might be an association between the progression and the co-existing low vitamin D status in these patients.
Vegetative response to Verticillium dahliae of italian varieties of olive (Olea europaea L.)
Authors: Basile Boris , Sigillo Loredana , Mataffo Alessandro , Corrado Giandomenico
Published: October 2023

Verticillium dahliae, the causal agent of vascular wilt, is a cosmopolitan pathogen of olive (Olea europaea L.). Italy is a traditional oil-producing country and its olive growing system is characterized by hundreds of regional varieties. They are widely employed for yielding oils protected by geographical indication systems of the European Union. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of V. dahliae on the vegetative growth of young, own-rooted olive plants under natural environmental conditions. Specifically, we analyzed differences in stem elongation, number of leaves and stem diameters in eight local varieties of the Campania region of Italy, plus a reference national cultivar, following artificially infection with a non-defoliating pathotype. Multivariate analysis indicated that a distinction in vulnerability among cultivar can be made considering the inhibitory effect of the fungus on stem extension growth, while the other parameters are less influential. Our work also illustrated the variability in some vegetative parameters among the Campanian germplasm and its influence on the inhibitory effect of the pathogen. Further studies will have to analyze the mechanisms connecting the morpho-physiological alterations with the pathogen invasion of the host tissue.
Autorschaft und Literarische Kommunikation in Fanfiction-Portalen
Authors: Weitin Thomas , Bühler Jill , Brottrager Judith , Glawion Anastasia , Doat Joël
Published: October 2023

Der Beitrag nimmt mit Metadatenanalysen die Veränderungen der Harry Potter-Fanfiction im ›Corona-Jahr‹ 2020 in den Blick. Dazu wurden sämtliche Texte, die in diesem Jahr auf Fanfiktion.de neu geschrieben oder fortgesetzt worden sind, als Korpus aufbereitetet. Im Mittelpunkt der Untersuchung steht die Frage, nach welchen Mustern und Kriterien Autorinnen und Autoren Aufmerksamkeit für ihre Texte erhalten. Mit Hilfe von Netzwerkmodellen kann den Ergebnissen deskriptiver Statistik, deren Mittelwerte leicht zu narrativen Unschärfen in der Interpretation führen, eine evidenzbasierte Analyse unterschiedlicher Kommunikationsrollen an die Seite gestellt werden. Topic Models und Sentiment-Analysen der Harry Potter-Romane sowie von Fanfiction und deren Reviews untermauern einen sozialen Trend zum restriktiven Umgang mit Negativität und negativer Kritik.
Are Private Prisons Intrinsically Wrong? An Analysis
Authors: Duus-Otterström Göran , Poama Andrei
Published: October 2023

Several critics have argued that private prisons are not only problematic because of their worse effects but also intrinsically wrong. This article analyzes two prominent arguments for this claim: the representation argument and the condemnation argument. The conclusion is that these arguments fail to show that there is something intrinsically wrong about private prisons. This is especially true if the arguments are extended to non-profit private prisons under social injustice contexts that states are responsible for. In such cases, non-profit private prisons might not only be on a par with public prisons but be preferable to them. However, the arguments are also insufficient to oppose every conceivable for-profit private prison.
Prebiotics: A Solution for Improving Plant Growth, Soil Health, and Carbon Sequestration?
Authors: Alahmad Abdelrahman , Edelman Lucas , Castel Lisa , Bernardon-Mery Aude , Laval Karine , Trinsoutrot-Gattin Isabelle , Thioye Babacar
Published: October 2023

Soil fertility and productivity are severely impacted by exploitation and degradation processes. These threats, coupled with population growth and climatic changes, compel us to search for innovative agroecological solutions. Prebiotics, a type of soil biostimulant, are used to enhance soil conditions and plant growth and may play a role in carbon (C) sequestration. Two commercial prebiotics, K1® and NUTRIGEO L® (referred to as SPK and SPN, respectively), were assessed for their effects on agricultural soil cultivated with Zea mays L., compared to untreated soil or control (SP). Analyses were performed at two harvesting dates: three weeks (D1) and ten weeks (D2) after the application of prebiotics. Plant growth parameters and soil characteristics were measured, focusing on soil organic matter, soil bacterial and fungal communities, and plant root mycorrhization. Regarding physicochemical parameters, both prebiotic treatments increased soil electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, and soluble phosphorus (P) while decreasing nitrates. Meanwhile, the SPN treatment was distinct in elevating specific cationic minerals, such as calcium (Ca) and boron (B), at D2. At the microbial level, each prebiotic induced a unique shift in the indigenous bacterial and fungal communities’ abundance and diversity, evident at D2. Simultaneously, specific microbial taxa were recruited by each prebiotic treatment, such as Caulobacter, Sphingobium, and Massilia from bacteria and Mortierella globalpina and Schizothecium carpinicola from fungi in SPK as well as Chitinophaga, Neobacillus, and Rhizomicrobium from bacteria and Sordariomycetes and Mortierella minutissima from fungi in SPN. These biomarkers were identified as (a) saprotrophs, (b) plant growth-promoting bacteria and fungi, (c) endohyphal bacteria, and (d) endophytic and symbiotic microbiota. This result was reflected in the increase in glomalin content and mycorrhization rate in the treated soils, especially by SPN. We observed that these effects led to an increase in plant biomass (shoots by 19% and 22.8% and roots by 47.8% and 35.7% dry weights for SPK and SPN, respectively) and contributed to an increase in soil C content (organic C by 8.4% and total C by 8.9%), particularly with SPN treatment. In light of these findings, the use of prebiotics ten weeks after application not only increased plant growth by improving soil characteristics and shaping its native microbial community but also demonstrated the potential to enhance C sequestration.
Heterodox modeling: practicing well-tuned provisioning or commoning with networked multi-agent environments
Authors: Miyazaki Shintaro
Published: October 2023

Market-driven, profit-oriented, mainstream neoclassical economics is increasingly being challenged by alternative approaches such as heterodox economics. This article contributes to broader discussions in this field, especially of social provisioning, and suggests that integrating perspectives from the overlapping fields of media history and history of economy could not only provide valuable insights and attract more supporters, but even initiate a bottom-up transformation process. Historical knowledge regarding how neoclassical economics gained mainstream status in the early postwar decades provides hints on how to popularize non-profit-driven, well-designed approaches to social provisioning, often referred to as commoning. More specifically, the article firstly addresses the necessity of a large-scale appropriation of computational methods, procedures, tools, media, and models to experiment with economic issues, which are usually applied mostly by mainstream profit-driven approaches. Secondly, it presents the implications of such a practice, which I tentatively refer to as heterodox modeling, while remembering the 1960s North American context of business simulation games and their role within the large-scale effort to educate and train the newly-defined class of “business managers.” The article, thirdly, theorizes heterodox modeling as being based on a still imaginary, not-yet implemented, networked multi-agent online environment, which would integrate the modular programming of agent-based models, group exercises, role-playing, gaming, and testing of operations and processes within large-scale socio-ecological networks of commoning. Finally, the article argues not only to model heterodox economic theories, but at the same time to model in heterodox ways and highlight associated implications.
Climate Variability and Glacier Evolution at Selected Sites Across the World: Past Trends and Future Projections
Authors: Al‐Yaari Amen , Condom Thomas , Junquas Clementine , Rabatel Antoine , Ramseyer Victor , Sicart Jean‐Emmanuel , Masiokas Mariano , Cauvy‐Fraunié Sophie , Dangles Olivier
Published: October 2023

The availability of freshwater from glaciers and snowmelt is of vital importance for people and ecosystems in the context of global climate change. Here, we focus on 25 glaciers located in different climates and latitudes and investigate their recent (1958–2020) and future projected trends (2020–2050 and 2070–2100) in monthly precipitation (Pr), maximum and minimum temperatures, ice mass loss, and their relationships with cloud properties. The study sites are located in Temperate Europe (France), the Inner (Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia) and Outer Tropics (Bolivia and Peru), Central America (Mexico), tropical Southeast Asia (Indonesia), Equatorial Africa (Uganda), and the Southern dry and Patagonian Andes (Chile and Argentina). The climate analyses are based on TerraClimate data (Monthly Climate and Climatic Water Balance for Global Terrestrial Surfaces) and 28 CORDEX (Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment) climate simulations. Our findings reveal that, extrapolating current glacier volume change trends, almost half of the studied glaciers are likely to vanish (95%–100% volume loss) by 2050, with widespread warming and drying trends since 1958. A shift toward wetter conditions at Pico Humboldt (Venezuela) and Martial Este (Argentina) identifiable in the CORDEX simulation will very likely not have a limiting impact on glacier mass loss owing to increasing temperatures, which will raise the elevation of the rain/snow limit. Our results provide useful new information to better understand glacier‐climate relationships and future scenarios dominated by ice mass loss trends across the globe. These findings suggest serious consequences for future water availability, which exacerbate the vulnerability of local populations and ecosystems.
Sohlh2 promotes pulmonary fibrosis via repression of p62/Keap1/Nrf2 mediated anti-oxidative signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Lanlan , Zhang Xiaoli , Zhang Ruihong , Wang Liyan , Zhi Sujuan , Feng Xiaoning , Liu Xuyue , Shen Ying , Hao Jing
Published: October 2023

Disturbance in the redox balance of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) was considered as a causal factor for pulmonary fibrosis. The regulatory mechanisms of redox hemostasis in the development of pulmonary fibrosis remain largely unknown. Using a type II AEC-specific Sohlh2 conditional knock-in (CKI) mouse model, we found that Sohlh2, a basic HLH transcription factor, accelerated age-related pulmonary fibrosis. High-fat diet (HFD) resulted in a tremendous increase in lung inflammation and fibrotic changes in the lung tissues of Sohlh2 CKI mice. Sohlh2 overexpression led to a significant rise of intracellular ROS and apoptosis in the lung, mouse primary AECIIs, and human A549 cells, which was attenuated by ROS inhibitor (NAC). Sohlh2 enhanced oxidative stress via repressing p62/Keap1/Nrf2 mediated anti-oxidative signaling pathway. p62, a direct target of Sohlh2, mediated Sohlh2 effects on ROS generation and apoptosis in A549 cells. Hence, our findings elucidate a pivotal mechanism underlying oxidative stress-induced pulmonary fibrosis, providing a framework for aging-related disorder interventions.
The spatiotemporal dynamics of semantic integration in the human brain
Authors: Murphy Elliot , Forseth Kiefer J. , Donos Cristian , Snyder Kathryn M. , Rollo Patrick S. , Tandon Nitin
Published: October 2023

Language depends critically on the integration of lexical information across multiple words to derive semantic concepts. Limitations of spatiotemporal resolution have previously rendered it difficult to isolate processes involved in semantic integration. We utilized intracranial recordings in epilepsy patients (n = 58) who read written word definitions. Descriptions were either referential or non-referential to a common object. Semantically referential sentences enabled high frequency broadband gamma activation (70–150 Hz) of the inferior frontal sulcus (IFS), medial parietal cortex, orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and medial temporal lobe in the left, language-dominant hemisphere. IFS, OFC and posterior middle temporal gyrus activity was modulated by the semantic coherence of non-referential sentences, exposing semantic effects that were independent of task-based referential status. Components of this network, alongside posterior superior temporal sulcus, were engaged for referential sentences that did not clearly reduce the lexical search space by the final word. These results indicate the existence of complementary cortical mosaics for semantic integration in posterior temporal and inferior frontal cortex.
Biomimetic nanovaccine-mediated multivalent IL-15 self-transpresentation (MIST) for potent and safe cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Kaiyuan , Zhang Xuanbo , Ye Hao , Wang Xia , Fan Zhijin , Lu Qi , Li Songhao , Zhao Jian , Zheng Shunzhe , He Zhonggui , Ni Qianqian , Chen Xiaoyuan , Sun Jin
Published: October 2023

Cytokine therapy, involving interleukin-15 (IL-15), is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. However, clinical application has been limited due to severe toxicity and the relatively low immune response rate, caused by wide distribution of cytokine receptors, systemic immune activation and short half-life of IL-15. Here we show that a biomimetic nanovaccine, developed to co-deliver IL-15 and an antigen/major histocompatibility complex (MHC) selectively targets IL-15 to antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), thereby reducing off-target toxicity. The biomimetic nanovaccine is composed of cytomembrane vesicles, derived from genetically engineered dendritic cells (DC), onto which IL-15/IL-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα), tumor-associated antigenic (TAA) peptide/MHC-I, and relevant costimulatory molecules are simultaneously anchored. We demonstrate that, in contrast to conventional IL-15 therapy, the biomimetic nanovaccine with multivalent IL-15 self-transpresentation (biNV-IL-15) prolonged blood circulation of the cytokine with an 8.2-fold longer half-life than free IL-15 and improved the therapeutic window. This dual targeting strategy allows for spatiotemporal manipulation of therapeutic T cells, elicits broad spectrum antigen-specific T cell responses, and promotes cures in multiple syngeneic tumor models with minimal systemic side effects.
Manipulating coordination environment for a high-voltage aqueous copper-chlorine battery
Authors: Zhang Xiangyong , Wei Hua , Li Shizhen , Ren Baohui , Jiang Jingjing , Qu Guangmeng , Lv Haiming , Liang Guojin , Chen Guangming , Zhi Chunyi , Li Hongfei , Liu Zhuoxin
Published: October 2023

Aqueous copper-based batteries have many favourable properties and have thus attracted considerable attention, but their application is limited by their low operating voltage originating from the high potential of copper negative electrode (0.34 V vs. standard hydrogen electrode). Herein, we propose a coordination strategy for reducing the intrinsic negative electrode redox potential in aqueous copper-based batteries and thus improving their operating voltage. This is achieved by establishing an appropriate coordination environment through the electrolyte tailoring via Cl− ions. When coordinated with chlorine, the intermediate Cu+ ions in aqueous electrolytes are successfully stabilized and the electrochemical process is decoupled into two separate redox reactions involving Cu2+/Cu+ and Cu+/Cu0; Cu+/Cu0 results in a redox potential approximately 0.3 V lower than that for Cu2+/Cu0. Compared to the coordination with water, the coordination with chlorine also results in higher copper utilization, more rapid redox kinetics, and superior cycle stability. An aqueous copper-chlorine battery, harnessing Cl−/Cl0 redox reaction at the positive electrode, is discovered to have a high discharge voltage of 1.3 V, and retains 77.4% of initial capacity after 10,000 cycles. This work may open up an avenue to boosting the voltage and energy of aqueous copper batteries.
Anaerobic photoinduced Cu(0/I)-mediated Glaser coupling in a radical pathway
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Zhao Liang
Published: October 2023

The reaction mechanism of the historic copper-catalyzed Glaser coupling has been debated to be based on redox cycles of Cu ions in specific oxidation states or on a radical mechanism based on Cu(0)/Cu(I). Here, the authors demonstrate two coexisting Glaser coupling pathways which can be differentiated by anaerobic/irradiation or aerobic reaction conditions. Without O2, copper(I) acetylides undergo a photo-excited pathway to generate highly reactive alkynyl radicals, which combine together to form a homo-coupling product or individually react with diverse X-H (X = C, N, O, S and P) substrates via hydrogen atom transfer. With O2, copper(I) acetylides are oxidized to become a Cu-acetylide/Cu-O merged Cu(I/II) intermediate for further oxidative coupling. This work not only complements the radical mechanism for Glaser coupling, but also provides a mild way to access highly energetic alkynyl radicals for efficient organic transformations.
Pleasure before business: emotions and age effects on daily activity scheduling
Authors: La Malva Pasquale , Ceccato Irene , Di Crosta Adolfo , D’Angelo Nico , Marin Anna , Bartolini Emanuela , D’Intino Eleonora , Mammarella Nicola , Palumbo Riccardo , Palumbo Rocco , Di Domenico Alberto
Published: October 2023

Activity scheduling represents a key process in daily life, involving the evaluation of the costs and benefits of the resources to be invested, but also a preference for when to engage in pleasant or unpleasant activities. Aging affects the evaluation processes and individual preferences due to changes in cognitive functioning and life perspectives. The present study investigated the differences between younger adults (age range 19–33) and older adults (age range 65–87) in a task assessing preferential scheduling of activities. Participants were asked to schedule thirty emotional activities (positive, negative, or neutral) within a 30-day time window, assigning one activity for each day. Results indicated that older adults, but not younger adults, planned positive activities closer in time, supporting the “positivity effect”. Also, both younger and older adults tended to postpone negative activities, scheduling them in the last days. Finally, for older adults only, negative affect was associated with the tendency to put positive activities closer in time. Present findings showed age-specific effects of emotional content on daily activity scheduling.