bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving reinforcement of natural rubber latex by introducing poly‐zinc dimethacrylate and sulfur vulcanizing system
Authors: Chen Jing , Liao Lusheng , Zhang Fuquan , Gao Tiaoming , Gao Lijun , Ma Lin , Ma Xiaocong
Published: March 2022

In this work, zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) was employed to reinforce natural rubber latex (NRL) and a new process was introduced. Polymethacrylic acid was prepared by emulsion polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA), then mixed with ZnO in a different mole ratio (ZnO/MAA) and the mixture was noted as PZDMA. It was added to NRL and a traditional sulfur vulcanizing system was adopted simultaneously. The mechanical test results show that compared with the sample “NR,” the tensile and tear strength are significantly improved by the addition of PZDMA. When 7 phr ZnO (NR‐7A) are loaded, it can reach 25.1 MPa and 62.8 N/mm, which are higher than “NR” by 52.0% and 104.6%, respectively. While the strength of the NRL film reinforced only with PZDMA is quite limited. Detailed analysis by Fourier‐transforms infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometers, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric, and dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that PZDMA is successfully formed and dispersed uniformly in NRL, PZDMA acts as a nanoparticle and ionic cross‐linking agent, and the covalent cross‐linking network is formed by a sulfur vulcanizing agent. The dual cross‐linking network shows a synergistic effect on the reinforcement of NRL. The present work provides a process to reinforce NRL with adjustable mechanical properties.
Crystallographic Texture and Applications of Pure Cu Formed by Shot Peening
Authors: Sato Hisashi , Ito Yuya , Kalita Golap , Watanabe Yoshimi
Published: March 2022

The crystallographic texture of pure Cu formed by shot peening (SP) and the texture formation process are investigated. When a pure Cu sheet with a β‐fiber texture is subjected to SP, grain refinement occurs and a deformation‐induced layer is formed around the peened surface. The crystal lattice is rotated and a {110} fiber texture, in which the ⟨110⟩ direction is parallel to the plane normal direction of the peened surface, is formed. The intensity of the {110} fiber texture increases with increasing SP duration. The {110} fiber texture is formed by uniaxial compression for face‐centered cubic metals. It is concluded that uniaxial compression is dominant in deformation by SP and a {110} fiber texture is therefore formed. Moreover, using shot‐peened (SPed) specimen with {110} fiber texture, a growth test of graphene is carried out. The SPed specimen is used as a substrate to grow the graphene by the chemical vapor deposition process. Growth of high‐quality graphene on the SPed specimen is obtained compared to unprocessed substrate surface. Therefore, control of the crystallographic texture by SP would be one of important tools for preparing Cu and other catalytic substrate surfaces for high‐quality graphene growth.
Development of a flow‐sensitive macroinvertebrate index for Australian rivers
Authors: Chessman Bruce C. , Metzeling Leon , Robinson David P.
Published: March 2022

Hydrologically sensitive macroinvertebrate indices have been developed in Europe, the Americas and New Zealand to serve many purposes such as monitoring ecological responses to drought, flow regulation, water extraction and the provision of environmental flows. We created an Australian Macroinvertebrate Flow Index (AMFI) based on relative current‐velocity preferences of numerous Australian invertebrate families and genera, derived from a large dataset composited from past biomonitoring programs. We tested the new index with datasets independent from those used for its derivation, showing that it correlated strongly with current velocity and responded mostly as expected to discharge fluctuations downstream of a large dam. A genus‐level version was more responsive than a family‐level version, but the sensitivity of the family‐level version was improved by the incorporation of weighting based on taxon abundance. We suggest possible uses of the new index and recommend further development and testing, particularly in relation to intermittent streams and environmental flows.
Hydropeaking impairs upstream salmonid spawning habitats in a restored Danube tributary
Authors: Pander Joachim , Casas‐Mulet Roser , Geist Juergen
Published: March 2022

Hydropower is considered an important form of renewable energy, often involving hydropeaking. While the effects of hydropeaking on aquatic communities in areas downstream the dam are well understood, there is a lack of studies investigating potential impacts on tributaries located further upstream. In this study, we tested the effects of hydropeaking operations on upstream tributaries in a restored area of the Danube River, with a focus on the periods of backlog and release of water (up‐ramping and down‐ramping, respectively) during the filling and release of the reservoir. We used brown trout egg and larval mortality, linked to hydraulic, sedimentary and physiochemical changes in spawning grounds as an indicator. We compared hydropeaking‐affected versus non‐affected sites in upstream tributaries using HydroEcoSedimentary Tools (HESTs) loaded with clean gravels and brown trout eggs. Egg and larval mortalities were significantly higher in the hydropeaking‐affected site with more than 80% egg mortality and almost 100% larval mortality compared to values of 55–63% and 80–85%, respectively, in non‐affected sites. Spawning ground quality was significantly altered in the hydropeaking‐affected site, where the highest mortalities were observed. Overall, duration of time periods with flow velocities close to zero were a key variable, potentially decreasing oxygen supply for eggs and larvae. Such periods of close to zero flow velocities were driven by backlog periods during the filling of the reservoir, revealing that such events can severely impair ecological integrity of spawning sites in tributaries upstream of dams by slowing the flows in upstream tributaries. Such altered processes can reduce fish population recruitment and need to be considered in future restoration projects.
Biomimetic Sequential Tautomerization/Dehydration/Addition Cascade Reactions: Facile Access to Proanthocyanidin Analogues Driven by Heating
Authors: Cui Xin , Wang Shuang , Lin Junjie , Li Jingpeng , Bai Hairui , Wang Xinghong , Huang Chao
Published: March 2022

An acid‐catalyzed, biomimetic cascades strategy for the synthesis of proanthocyanidin analogues is reported. The method lays in the structural transformations of 2‐hydroxychalcone strongly aﬀecting by pH and in situ generated flavylium salt intermediate could facile couping with π‐nucleophile to form the proanthocyanidin‐type product. A proposed bioinspired cascade reaction pathway based on control experiments were also provided. These results are of interest for developing the total synthesis of proanthocyanidin natural products.
Pencil‐Drawing Graphite Nanosheets: A Simple and Effective Cathode for High‐Capacity Aluminum Batteries
Authors: Yu Jiangkun , Li Xiaojing , Li Na , Wu Tingting , Liu Yanru , Li Caixia , Liu Jie , Wang Lei
Published: March 2022

Commercial graphite, as an attractive cathode material, has been extensively applied in rechargeable aluminum batteries. However, low capacity and complex cathode preparation procedures limit its further development. Herein, graphite nanosheets as cathode of aluminum battery have been prepared by a novel pencil‐drawing strategy, which shows superior capacity of 96 mAh g−1 and excellent stability with almost 100% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. By increasing charge–discharge current density to 2 A g−1, the battery also exhibits a high capacity of 72 mAh g−1 and retains 90% after 6000 cycles. Furthermore, a stage 3 anion intercalation/deintercalation mechanism has been proposed according to in situ X‐ray diffraction and ex situ characterization techniques. This work provides a controllable method for developing a graphite nanosheets cathode with a simplified process and contributes to the development of other kinds of energy storage devices.
Implementation of the expansion of sensor information storage based on the Internet of Things and cloud computing
Authors: Hu Lei
Published: March 2022

In the era of rapid development of informatization, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing have also been born and developed, quietly changing our way of life. The application of sensors has also brought great convenience to our lives, but there are still shortcomings that need to be studied in depth. This article aims to study the application and realization of Internet and cloud computing in sensor information storage. Aiming at the problems of sensors with multiple sources of information, large amount of data concurrency and low efficiency, the single‐point data agent is clustered and clustered to achieve high availability of sensor information storage. After a series of experimental results analysis, the information storage system constructed in this article can input 12 700 pieces of information per second and output 134 pieces of information per second. Therefore, sensor information storage based on the IoT and cloud computing has higher work efficiency, safety performance and availability than other sensor information storage. The architecture of information storage based on the IoT and sensors made in this article has far‐reaching significance for the development of smart devices in the future, and has great research value.
Die Netto‐Null als Ziel – erfolgreiche Projektbeispiele für das Bauen nach dem Leitsatz Reduce – Reuse – Recycle
Authors: Stockhusen Knut , Erichsen Jannika
Published: March 2022

Die Baubranche steht aktuell vor einer nie dagewesen Herausforderung: Wie können die durch sie verursachten klimaschädlichen Treibhausgase drastisch reduziert und der weltweit steigende Bedarf der gebauten Umwelt gedeckt werden? Gewiss ist: Nachhaltigkeit kann nur durch ganzheitliche architektonische Qualität entstehen. Mindestens genauso wichtig wie die Berücksichtigung der betrieblichen Emissionen sind die Emissionen, die beim Bau selbst entstehen. Denn die Menge dieser von heute bis 2050 entstehenden grauen Emissionen wird für das Erreichen der Klimaziele der Vereinten Nationen entscheidend sein. Die drei R „Reduce – Reuse – Recycle“ sind im Bau unverzichtbar, um diese Ziele erreichen zu können. Im Folgenden werden Projekte präsentiert, die sich an den drei R orientieren und damit erfolgreich demonstrieren, wie innovative Ansätze und Konzepte den Wandel zur Netto‐Null vorantreiben können. Dazu gehören die Überdachung des Olympiastadions in München als Vorbild aller Leichtbauten, das Holz‐Hängedach für das Olympische Wassersportzentrum 2024 in Paris als Beispiel des materialgerechten Entwurfs, die vier Freiform‐Stahl‐Glaskuppeln der Moynihan Train Hall in New York City und das modulare Containerstadion als Beispiele für den Erhalt und die Lebenszyklusverlängerung von Bauwerken oder ganzen Bauteilen, der City of Dream Pavillon „Cast & Place“ aus rezykliertem Aluminium sowie die Jugendreinrichtung Betonoase in Berlin, deren Außenwände und Vordächer aus dem besonders recyclingfreundlichen Infraleichtbeton (ILC) bestehen.
A Method of Fault Localization for Chinese Train Control Systems Based on Relationship Matrix with Frequent Terms
Authors: Zhang Yanpeng , Zhao Yili , Meng Nan
Published: March 2022

Combinatorial testing is a prevailing approach to finding out faults in the extremely complex systems of train operation for railway. While combinatorial testing is applied to Chinese Train Control Systems (CTCS) for revealing faults, some potential faults tend to be arduous to trigger due to the interaction of multiple test cases. For the sake of accurate and efficient fault localization of CTCS under the circumstances of masking effects, a novel method of locating the faults of CTCS using the relationship matrix with frequent terms has been proposed in the paper. To begin with, failed test cases from CTCS were made full use of to calculate the frequentness of failure‐inducing elements for ordered tables. Then, the relationship matrix with frequent terms for CTCS was established to work out the suspiciousness of failure‐inducing combinations by the following relation of failure‐inducing elements in the above tables. Furthermore, an iterative approach to locating failure‐inducing combinations was adopted to obtain the full list of rankings of failure‐inducing combinations, among which top combinations, especially MFS (Minimal Failure‐causing Schema), were prone to discover the faults of CTCS. Finally, the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method for CTCS was confirmed on the simulation platform of CTCS for Beijing‐Shenyang High‐speed Rail. Empirical studies suggest that compared to the method of fault forest, the average suspiciousness in the proposed method is 12.17% higher than that and the number of additional test cases are reduced by 31.7% on average, which can produce more precise and efficient results of identifying the faults of CTCS in case of masking effects. The research achievements can provide some references for the safety evaluation and system optimization of CTCS for high‐speed rail. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A novel circular RNA confers trastuzumab resistance in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2‐positive breast cancer through regulating ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Shengting , Wang Yufang , Li Qian , Li Xiaoming , Feng Xinghua
Published: March 2022

HER2‐positive breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer, characterized by high malignancy and poor prognosis. Trastuzumab, the first HER2‐targeted monoclonal antibody therapy, has a crucial role in a curative setting in HER2‐positive breast cancer. However, frequent drug resistance inhibits its clinical efficacy. Herein, by performing circular RNA (circRNA) profiling, we identified a novel circRNA, circ‐BGN, as a key contributor in trastuzumab resistance. Circ‐BGN was evidently increased in trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer cells and tissues, linking to poor overall survival. Knockdown of circ‐BGN inhibited breast cancer cell viability and notably restored its sensitivity to trastuzumab. Further, we found that circ‐BGN could directly bind to OTUB1 and SLC7A11, enhancing OTUB1‐mediated SLC7A11 deubiquitination and thereby inhibiting ferroptosis, a newly recognized form of cell death that is distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy. Moreover, erastin, a small‐molecule ferroptosis inducer, could effectively restore the anti‐tumor effect of trastuzumab. Pre‐clinically, the orthotopic tumor model showed that erastin significantly reduced tumor volume generated by trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer cells, which was more pronounced after combined circ‐BGN knockdown. Collectively, our data reveal a novel circRNA controlling trastuzumab resistance via regulation of ferroptosis, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for trastuzumab‐resistant breast cancer patients.
Using a non‐invasive technique to identify suspected microplastics in grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) living in the western North Sea
Authors: Desclos‐Dukes Lucas , Butterworth Andrew , Cogan Tristan
Published: March 2022

Background

Plastic pollution is of growing concern in marine ecosystems worldwide. Specifically, microplastics (<5 mm) may interact with a variety of biota with the potential to cause harm to organism health. Studies investigating microplastics are increasing, yet their occurrence within free‐ranging and living marine mammals remains largely unexplored.

Methods

By using a protocol involving enzymatic digestion, filtration and microscopic identification, faecal samples collected from a grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) haul‐out site in the North Sea were investigated for microplastic presence.

Results

Altogether, 71 suspected microplastic particles, consisting of both fibres and fragments in a variety of colours and sizes, were identified across 66 analysed faecal subsamples.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that marine mammals are ingesting microplastics and that faecal material can be used to indirectly and non‐invasively record microplastic uptake data in pinnipeds. Since the current paper is the first to document potential microplastic exposure among wild, living and free‐ranging grey seals of the western North Sea, further research is needed to begin to understand the biological significance of these findings.
Managing Forestry in a Sustainable Manner: The Importance of System Analysis
Authors: Stjernquist Ingrid , Schlyter Peter
Published: March 2022

This chapter examines from systems and livelihood perspectives, with Nemoral and Boreal forest zones of the Global North and Sweden as examples, how forestry may meet current and future sustainability challenges both as a traditional resource base and with respect to other ecosystem services. Previous and current forest policy/governance is briefly described against the background that Swedish forestry is based both on huge holdings by few industrial owners as well as on a multitude of small individual, often family owned, forest estates. Successful delivery against environmental objectives will require careful balancing of interests and the active participation of local forest owners. Cumulative effects of old and new societal demands on forestry and their impact on local livelihoods poses in this respect a systemic risk as economic and social sustainability often gets limited consideration. There is a need for a more synoptic and systemic analysis of how forestry is affected by multiple, partly contradictory, demands from an increasing array of stakeholders, in order to enable a move towards a biobased economy. Stakeholder-based group modelling is a potentially powerful analytic and conflict reducing approach that could help improve forestry’s contribution to the acute need to handle the climate change and current sustainability challenges.
Politics, Systems Thinking and Building the Wellbeing Economy: The Example of Wales
Authors: Parker Jenneth
Published: March 2022

This chapter discusses the example of Wales to give insights to how and why a Wellbeing Economy approach has been successfully initiated there, and some idea of its future prospects. The systems aspects of Wellbeing Economy are identified as being inherent in ambitions to develop transitional strategies that can achieve system change through combinations of measures across different aspects of economy, society and ecology. The example of Wales includes the historical, cultural and economic background to help understanding of the bases on which Wellbeing Economy commitments can be supported in a population. The chapter concludes with some general points about the value of systems tools and approaches in helping to really bring Wellbeing Economy topics off the page and into reality. In particular, the complexity of the task of Wellbeing Economy is suited to systems approaches that can help to map coherent relationships between different areas and also aid in moving from loose alliances to more synergies. These tools and approaches can be powerful when combined with the extensive local knowledge and motivation that exists wherever we find communities and individuals working for a better future.
Models of Change: Strategies to Make the Socio-ecological Transformation a Success
Authors: Kristof Kora
Published: March 2022

Climate change and many other problems show us more and more clearly that fundamental change is necessary. However, many good ideas get stuck in implementation. Therefore, the question is how we can change more successfully. We take sports courses or go to music lessons to learn, to get better quickly or to avoid hurting ourselves. Professionals in sport, art and other fields also receive intensive coaching from experts. However, when it comes to making successful progress towards sustainability, people often rely on ‘home recipes’. It is time to become more professional in this area as well. To achieve this, it is important to make targeted use of the findings of transformation research and key success factors as well as to develop transformation literacy. In this chapter, the models of change approach is presented, which focuses on central success factors for social change and shows ways to successful change.
Small Scale, Large Scale—Why Networks are the Cornerstone of Transformations
Authors: Kühn Elisabeth
Published: March 2022

This chapter takes a deep dive into the practice of transformative change. It suggests that transformation literacy needs to incorporate the understanding that achieving the vision of vital and regenerative systems requires actors to drive change that models the future systems aliveness. Only then can they become successful transformation systems. Practical experience gives evidence that the shift to transformative impact happens best in enlivening networks across systems, in what is calledtransformation networks. This chapter shows that a necessary systemic perspective on transformation network means they can and need to be strategically built. It introduces sixtransformation networkenablersthat support such strategic guidance in building networks, that were used in two practical examples of setting up transformation networks. The first example is on the local level and looks at a network of youth civil society for good governance in central Tunisia. The second example is on the other end of the spectrum: it examines a global network of professionals towards a new economic future.
Collective Stewardship Towards Life Economies
Authors: Kuenkel Petra
Published: March 2022

This chapter explores how different actors, who drive an urgently needed economic systems change, can become part of a more coherent transformation system by focusing on a unifying future narrative: creating economiesin service to life. The understanding of what gives life to systems is an overarching guiding force of the manifold transformative efforts that already exist. Based on an extensive literature review of new economic approaches, the chapter introduces a combination of guiding principles for new economies that would safeguard planetary and human integrity, while allowing for different interpretations and manifestations. It shows that for most principles, implementation strategies already exist. However, the so urgent systems transformations require combined efforts and an approach of collective stewardship by multiple actors, across societal sectors, cultures and institutions. The chapter elaborates how the adoption of a systems aliveness approach informs collective stewardship. The conscious choice of a constellation of strategic drivers, if applied together, increases the leverage of transformative efforts. The chapter concludes with deliberations on how to use the guiding principles and strategic drivers as an entry point for creating pathways towards regenerative civilizations, in which planetary life-support systems are as much valued as the dignity of people.
Global existence in reaction–diffusion systems with mass control under relaxed assumptions merely referring to cross-absorptive effects
Authors: Lankeit Johannes , Winkler Michael
Published: March 2022

We introduce a generalized concept of solutions for reaction–diffusion systems and prove their global existence. The only restriction on the reaction function beyond regularity, quasipositivity and mass control is special in that it merely controls the growth of cross-absorptive terms. The result covers nonlinear diffusion and does not rely on an entropy estimate.
The effect of migration on unionization in Austria
Authors: Antón José-Ignacio , Böheim René , Winter-Ebmer Rudolf
Published: March 2022

We analyze how native employees’ union membership rates change in response to foreign employees using Austrian administrative data for the period 2002 to 2012. Using an instrumental variables approach, our results indicate a negative effect of immigrant employees on native employees’ unionization rates at the firm level. The negative effect is the result of a greater—mostly voluntary—turnover of unionized native employees in firms with a larger share of migrants, but it is not caused by native employees leaving unions or firms’ reduced hiring of native union members.
Wheat amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATIs): occurrence, function and health aspects
Authors: Geisslitz Sabrina , Weegels Peter , Shewry Peter , Zevallos Victor , Masci Stefania , Sorrells Mark , Gregorini Armando , Colomba Mariastella , Jonkers Daisy , Huang Xin , De Giorgio Roberto , Caio Giacomo P. , D’Amico Stefano , Larré Colette , Brouns Fred
Published: March 2022

Amylase/trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) are widely consumed in cereal-based foods and have been implicated in adverse reactions to wheat exposure, such as respiratory and food allergy, and intestinal responses associated with coeliac disease and non-coeliac wheat sensitivity. ATIs occur in multiple isoforms which differ in the amounts present in different types of wheat (including ancient and modern ones). Measuring ATIs and their isoforms is an analytical challenge as is their isolation for use in studies addressing their potential effects on the human body. ATI isoforms differ in their spectrum of bioactive effects in the human gastrointestinal (GI), which may include enzyme inhibition, inflammation and immune responses and of which much is not known. Similarly, although modifications during food processing (exposure to heat, moisture, salt, acid, fermentation) may affect their structure and activity as shown in vitro, it is important to relate these changes to effects that may present in the GI tract. Finally, much of our knowledge of their potential biological effects is based on studies in vitro and in animal models. Validation by human studies using processed foods as commonly consumed is warranted. We conclude that more detailed understanding of these factors may allow the effects of ATIs on human health to be better understood and when possible, to be ameliorated, for example by innovative food processing. We therefore review in short our current knowledge of these proteins, focusing on features which relate to their biological activity and identifying gaps in our knowledge and research priorities.
Development and characterization of anti-fibrotic natural compound similars with improved effectivity
Authors: Kreutzer Fabian Philipp , Meinecke Anna , Mitzka Saskia , Hunkler Hannah Jill , Hobuß Lisa , Abbas Naisam , Geffers Robert , Weusthoff Jan , Xiao Ke , Jonigk Danny David , Fiedler Jan , Thum Thomas
Published: March 2022

Cardiac fibroblasts constitute the major cell type of the murine and human heart. Once activated, they contribute to an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) leading to cardiac fibrosis and subsequently organ dysfunction. With the exception of the pulmonary drugs, nintedanib and pirfenidone, drugs specifically targeting anti-fibrotic pathways are scarce. We recently performed large library screenings of natural occurring compounds and identified first lead structures with anti-fibrotic properties in vitro and in vivo. In line, we now aimed to improve efficacy of these anti-fibrotic lead structures by combining in vitro validation studies and in silico prediction. Next to this combined approach, we performed large OMICs-multi-panel-based mechanistic studies. Applying human cardiac fibroblasts (HCF), we analysed 26 similars of the initially identified anti-fibrotic lead molecules bufalin and lycorine and determined anti-proliferative activity and potential toxicity in an array of in vitro and ex vivo studies. Of note, even at lower concentrations, certain similars were more effective at inhibiting HCF proliferation than nintedanib and pirfenidone. Additionally, selected similars showed low cytotoxicity on human iPS-derived cardiomyocytes and anti-fibrotic gene regulation in human ex vivo living myocardial slices. Further, array and RNA sequencing studies of coding and non-coding RNAs in treated HCFs revealed strong anti-fibrotic properties, especially with the lycorine similar lyco-s (also known as homoharringtonine), that led to a nearly complete shutdown of ECM production at concentrations 100-fold lower than the previously identified anti-fibrotic compound lycorine without inducing cellular toxicity. We thus identified a new natural compound similar with strong anti-fibrotic properties in human cardiac fibroblasts and human living heart tissue potentially opening new anti-fibrotic treatment strategies.
Seizures and risks for recurrence in critically ill patients: an observational cohort study
Authors: Wagner Anna S. , Semmlack Saskia , Frei Anja , Rüegg Stephan , Marsch Stephan , Sutter Raoul
Published: March 2022

Background

To assess the frequency and clinical characteristics of seizures in adult critically ill patients, to identify predictors of recurrent seizures not transforming into status epilepticus and to characterize their effects on course and outcome.

Methods

ICU patients at a Swiss academic medical center with seizures not transforming into status epilepticus from 2015 to 2020 were included. Recurrent seizures and associated clinical characteristics were primary, death, and return to premorbid neurologic function were secondary outcomes.

Results

Two hundred of 26,370 patients (0.8%) with a median age of 65 years had seizures during ICU stay. Seizure semiology was described in 82% (49% generalized; 33% focal) with impaired consciousness during seizures in 80% and motor symptoms in 62%. Recurrent seizures were reported in 71% (36% on EEG) and associated with longer mechanical ventilation (p = 0.031), higher consultation rate by neurologists (p < 0.001), and increased use of EEG (p < 0.001) when compared to single seizures. The use of EEG was not associated with secondary outcomes. Acidosis at seizure onset and prior emergency operations were associated with decreased odds for seizure recurrence (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.20–0.94 and OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.24–0.97). Epilepsy had increased odds for seizure recurrence (OR 3.56; 95% CI 1.14–11.16).

Conclusions

Seizures in ICU patients are infrequent, but mostly recurrent, and associated with higher resource utilization. Whenever seizures are observed, clinicians should be vigilant about the increased risk of seizures recurrence and the need for antiseizure treatment must be carefully discussed. While known epilepsy seems to promote recurrent seizures, our results suggest that both acidosis and previous emergency surgery seem to have protective/antiseizure effects.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (No. NCT03860467).
Up-regulated serum levels of soluble CD25 and soluble CD163 in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Mostafa Gehan Ahmed , Ibrahim Hanan Mohamed , Al Sayed Shehab Abeer , Gendy Yasmin Gamal El , Aly Dina Medhat Mohamed , Shousha Ghada Abdel Haleem
Published: March 2022

Similar to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), some patients with SARS-CoV-2 have cytokine storm. Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) and soluble CD163 (sCD163) are potential diagnostic biomarkers for HLH that help in guiding its treatment. This study was the first to investigate serum sCD25 and sCD163 levels in SARS-CoV-2. Serum sCD25 and sCD163 were measured by ELISA in 29 patients with SARS-CoV-2, aged between 2 months and 16 years (13 had COVID-19 and 16 had multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)), in comparison to 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control children and 10 patients with HLH. Levels of these markers were re-measured in 21 patients with SARS-CoV-2 who were followed up 3 months after recovery. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 had significantly higher serum sCD25 and sCD163 than healthy control children (P < 0.001). SARS-CoV-2 patients had significantly higher sCD25 than patients with HLH (P < 0.05). Serum sCD25 was a good differentiating marker between patients with SARS-CoV-2 and HLH. Although there was a significant decrease of serum sCD25 and sCD163 of the 21 SARS-CoV-2 patients who were followed up, these levels were still significantly higher than the healthy controls levels (P < 0.001).

  Conclusion: Serum sCD25 and sCD163 levels were up-regulated in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Serum sCD25 was a good differentiating marker between SARS-CoV-2 and HLH. This initial report requires further studies, on large scales, to investigate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and both sCD25 and sCD163, including the disease severity and outcome. The therapeutic role of sCD25 and sCD163 antagonists should also be studied in SARS-CoV-2 patients.

What is Known:• Similar to hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), some patients with COVID-19 have cytokine storm due to excessive pro-inflammatory host response.• Serum soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) and soluble CD163 (sCD163) are potential diagnostic biomarkers for HLH. Monitoring of serum sCD25 and sCD163 levels can also help in guiding the treatment.

What is New:• Serum sCD25 and sCD163 levels are up-regulated in patients with COVID-19, including patients presenting with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).• Serum sCD25 is a good differentiating marker between SARS-CoV-2 and HLH.
Analysis of the 2020 Taal Volcano tephra fall deposits from crowdsourced information and field data
Authors: Balangue-Tarriela M. I. R. , Lagmay A. M. F. , Sarmiento D. M. , Vasquez J. , Baldago M. C. , Ybañez R. , Ybañez A. A. , Trinidad J. R. , Thivet S. , Gurioli L. , de Vries B. Van Wyk , Aurelio M. , Rafael D. J. , Bermas A. , Escudero J. A.
Published: March 2022

After 43 years of dormancy, Taal Volcano violently erupted in January 2020 forming a towering eruption plume. The fall deposits covered an area of 8605 km2, which includes Metro Manila of the National Capital Region of the Philippines. The tephra fall caused damage to crops, traffic congestion, roof collapse, and changes in air quality in the affected areas. In a tropical region where heavy rains are frequent, immediate collection of data is crucial in order to preserve the tephra fall deposit record, which is readily washed away by surface water runoff and prevailing winds. Crowdsourcing, field surveys, and laboratory analysis of the tephra fall deposits were conducted to document and characterize the tephra fall deposits of the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption and their impacts. Results show that the tephra fall deposit thins downwind exponentially with a thickness half distance of about 1.40 km and 9.49 km for the proximal and distal exponential segments, respectively. The total calculated volume of erupted fallout deposit is 0.057 km3, 0.042 km3, or 0.090 km3 using the exponential, power-law, and Weibull models, respectively, and all translate to a VEI of 3. However, using a probabilistic approach (Weibull method) with 90% confidence interval, the volume estimate is as high as 0.097 km3. With the addition of the base surge deposits amounting to 0.019 km3, the volume translates to a VEI of 4, consistent with the classification for the observed height and umbrella radius of the 2020 main eruption plume. VEI 4 is also consistent with the calculated median eruption plume height of 17.8 km and sub-plinian classification based on combined analysis of isopleth and isopach data. Phreatomagmatic activity originated from a vent located in Taal Volcano’s Main Crater Lake (MCL), which contained 42 million m3 of water. This eruptive style is further supported by the characteristics of the ash grain components of the distal 12 January 2020 tephra fall deposits, consisting dominantly of andesitic vitric fragments (83–90%). Other components of the fall deposits are lithic (7–11%) and crystal (less than 6%) grains. Further textural and geochemical analysis of these tephra fall deposits contributes to better understand the volcanic processes that occurred at Taal Volcano, one of the 16 Decade Volcanoes identified by the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI) because of its destructive nature and proximity to densely populated areas. The crowdsourcing initiative provided a significant portion of the data used for this study while at the same time educating and empowering the community to build resilience.
Influence of wettability and surface design on the adhesion of terrestrial cyanobacteria to additive manufactured biocarriers
Authors: Scherer Kai , Soerjawinata Winda , Schaefer Susanne , Kockler Isabelle , Ulber Roland , Lakatos Michael , Bröckel Ulrich , Kampeis Percy , Wahl Michael
Published: March 2022

Productive biofilms are gaining growing interest in research due to their potential of producing valuable compounds and bioactive substances such as antibiotics. This is supported by recent developments in biofilm photobioreactors that established the controlled phototrophic cultivation of algae and cyanobacteria. Cultivation of biofilms can be challenging due to the need of surfaces for biofilm adhesion. The total production of biomass, and thus production of e.g. bioactive substances, within the bioreactor volume highly depends on the available cultivation surface. To achieve an enlargement of surface area for biofilm photobioreactors, biocarriers can be implemented in the cultivation. Thereby, material properties and design of the biocarriers are important for initial biofilm formation and growth of cyanobacteria. In this study, special biocarriers were designed and additively manufactured to investigate different polymeric materials and surface designs regarding biofilm adhesion of the terrestrial cyanobacteriumNostoc flagelliforme(CCAP 1453/33). Properties of 3D-printed materials were characterized by determination of wettability, surface roughness, and density. To evaluate the influence of wettability on biofilm formation, material properties were specifically modified by gas-phase fluorination and biofilm formation was analyzed on biocarriers with basic and optimized geometry in shaking flask cultivation. We found that different polymeric materials revealed no significant differences in wettability and with identical surface design no significant effect on biomass adhesion was observed. However, materials treated with fluorination as well as optimized biocarrier design showed improved wettability and an increase in biomass adhesion per biocarrier surface.
A comparison of herbarium and citizen science phenology datasets for detecting response of flowering time to climate change in Denmark
Authors: Iwanycki Ahlstrand Natalie , Primack Richard B. , Tøttrup Anders P.
Published: March 2022

Phenology has emerged as a key metric to measure how species respond to changes in climate. Innovative means have been developed to extend the temporal and spatial range of phenological data by obtaining data from herbarium specimens, citizen science programs, and biodiversity data repositories. These different data types have seldom been compared for their effectiveness in detecting environmental impacts on phenology. To address this, we compare three separate phenology datasets from Denmark: (i) herbarium specimen data spanning 145 years, (ii) data collected from a citizen science phenology program over a single year observing first flowering, and (iii) data derived from incidental biodiversity observations in iNaturalist over a single year. Each dataset includes flowering day of year observed for three common spring-flowering plant species: Allium ursinum (ramsons), Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut), and Sambucus nigra (black elderberry). The incidental iNaturalist dataset provided the most extensive geographic coverage across Denmark and the largest sample size and recorded peak flowering in a way comparable to herbarium specimens. The directed citizen science dataset recorded much earlier flowering dates because the program objective was to report the first flowering, and so was less compared to the other two datasets. Herbarium data demonstrated the strongest effect of spring temperature on flowering in Denmark, possibly because it was the only dataset measuring temporal variation in phenology, while the other datasets measured spatial variation. Herbarium data predicted the mean flowering day of year recorded in our iNaturalist dataset for all three species. Combining herbarium data with iNaturalist data provides an even more effective method for detecting climatic effects on phenology. Phenology observations from directed and incidental citizen science initiatives will increase in value for climate change research in the coming years with the addition of data capturing the inter-annual variation in phenology.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the flow in a cylindrical cavity with an unsteady rotating lid
Authors: David J. S. , Vernet A. , Grau F. X. , Pallares J.
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we analyse the flow in a cylindrical cavity of aspect ratioH/R= 2, with a top lid rotating with a sinusoidal time-varying speed. The Reynolds numbers, based on the time-averaged rotating speed and the radius of the cavity (Re =$$ \Omega _0 R^2/\nu $$Ω0R2/ν) are 2800, 3500 and 4100. Particle Image velocimetry measurements and numerical simulations are performed to determine the effect on the flow of different imposed frequencies on the rotating lid. The acceleration and deceleration of the lid produce a marked pulsatile flow behaviour. It is found that at low Reynolds numbers the frequencies measured in the flow coincide with the frequency imposed on the rotating lid, while at the largest Re considered the flow frequencies are significantly lower, especially when the frequency of the disk is large. The fluctuations induced in the vertical velocity component are about 100% of the instantaneous values while for the angular component the fluctuations are of the same order as the instantaneous values.
Is clindamycin effective in preventing infectious complications after oral surgery? Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Arteagoitia Iciar , Sánchez Fabio Rodríguez , Figueras Amaia , Arroyo-Lamas Nagore
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the effect of clindamycin in the prevention of infection after oral surgery.

Material and Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA statement, the PICO-framework and included only randomized controlled clinical trials. In all studies clindamycin was administered to prevent infections in patients who underwent oral surgery. Two independent researchers conducted the search, data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Included studies were classified by the type of oral surgery. Besides, data of patients, procedures and outcome variables were collected. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by using Mantel–Haenszel model and the number needed to treat (NNT). Finally, any potential sources of heterogeneity were estimated.

Results

Seven trials of 540 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Four articles assessing the effect of oral clindamycin in third molar surgery were quantitatively analyzed. The overall RR was 0.66 (95% CI = 0.38–1.16), being non-statistically significant (p = 0.15). There was no heterogeneity between the studies I2 = 0, p = 0.44. The NNT was 29 (95% CI = 12- -57).

Conclusions

The effectiveness of clindamycin could not be evaluated except in third molar extraction. Oral clindamycin is ineffective in preventing infection in third molar surgery.

Clinical Relevance

There is a lack of high-quality evidence supporting the prescription of clindamycin to prevent infections after oral surgery, despite being frequently prescribed as an alternative for penicillin-allergic patients. Oral clindamycin has not been shown to be effective after third molar extractions.
Pain and suicidality in children and adolescents: a longitudinal population-based study
Authors: Hinze Verena , Karl Anke , Ford Tamsin , Gjelsvik Bergljot
Published: March 2022

Suicidality is a common public health concern in young people. Previous research has highlighted pain as a key correlate of suicidality in young people. However, the long-term experience of pain may vary between individuals, and the relationship between distinct pain trajectories and suicidality is poorly understood. This study aims to describe the number and nature of distinct pain trajectories, their demographic and clinical correlates, including baseline suicidality, and whether identified pain trajectories may predict future suicidality. Secondary data analyses were performed, using longitudinal data from the British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Survey (N = 7977), collected at five timepoints between 2004 and 2007 on a population-based sample of UK youth (5–16 years). Data were collected from up to three respondents (parents, teachers, and 11 + year-olds). Latent Class Growth Analysis was used to identify distinct pain trajectories, explore predictors of these trajectories, and establish whether trajectories predicted future suicidality. We identified the following four pain trajectories: increasing (33.6%), decreasing (4.5%), persistent/recurrent probability of pain (15.7%), and no pain (46.2%). Pain trajectories were associated with unique demographic and clinical correlates. Only the persistent/recurrent (vs. no-pain) trajectory was predicted by baseline suicidality (aOR = 2.24; 95% bootstrap-CI = 1.59–3.26). Furthermore, the persistent/recurrent trajectory predicted future suicidality (aOR = 1.03, 95% bootstrap-CI = 1.01–1.06), after controlling for baseline suicidality, psychiatric disorder, age, and gender. Findings provide a better understanding of correlates associated with distinct pain trajectories and long-term risk of suicidality in young people, suggesting a bidirectional pain–suicidality association and emphasising the need of targeted support for young people with persistent/recurrent pain.
Parental personality disorder symptoms and children’s social skills: a prospective community study
Authors: Wichstrøm Lars , Borgen Anna Emilie , Steinsbekk Silje
Published: March 2022

Acquiring age-appropriate social skills, arguably a major prerequisite for favorable psychosocial development in children, is targeted in a range of interventions. Hence, identifying factors that limit this acquisition may inform preventative and treatment efforts. Personality disorders are characterized by pervasive and enduring dysfunctional interpersonal functioning, including parenting, and could thus entail risk for offspring in not developing adaptive interpersonal skills. However, no study has tested this possibility. A representative sample drawn from two birth cohorts of Norwegian 4-year-olds (n = 956) and their parents was followed up at ages 6, 8, and 10 years. Parents’ personality disorder symptoms were measured dimensionally with the DSM-IV and ICD-10 Personality Questionnaire, and children’s social skills were evaluated by the Social Skills Rating System. A difference-in-difference approach was applied to adjust for all unmeasured time-invariant confounders, and parental symptoms of depression and anxiety were entered as covariates. Increased Cluster B symptoms in parents of children aged 4 to 6 years predicted decreased social skill development in offspring (B = −0.97, 95% CI −1.58, −0.37,p = 0.002). On a more granular level, increased symptoms of borderline (B = −0.39, CI −0.65, −0.12,p = 0.004), histrionic (B = −0.55, CI −0.99, −0.11,p = 0.018), and avoidant (B = −0.46, CI−0.79, −0.13,p = 0.006) personality disorders in parents predicted decreased social skill development in offspring. Subclinical levels of borderline, histrionic and avoidant personality disorders in parents may impair the development of social skills in offspring. Successfully treating these personality problems or considering them when providing services to children may facilitate children’s acquisition of social skills.