bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maize yields have stagnated in sub‐Sahara Africa: a possible transgenic solution to weed, pathogen and insect constraints
Authors: Gressel Jonathan , Mbogo Peter , Kanampiu Fred , Christou Paul
Published: June 2024

Despite major breeding efforts by various national and international agencies, yields for the ~40 million hectares of maize, the major food crop in sub‐Saharan Africa, have stagnated at <2 tons/ha/year for the past decade, one‐third the global average. Breeders have succeeded in breeding increased yield with a modicum of tolerance to some single‐weed or pathogen stresses. There has been minimal adoption of these varieties because introgressing polygenic yield and tolerance traits into locally adapted material is very challenging. Multiple traits to deal with pests (weeds, pathogens, and insects) are needed for farmer acceptance, because African fields typically encounter multiple pest constraints. Also, maize has no inherent resistance to some of these pest constraints, rendering them intractable to traditional breeding. The proposed solution is to simultaneously engineer multiple traits into one genetic locus. The dominantly inherited multi‐pest resistance trait single locus can be bred simply into locally adapted, elite high‐yielding material, and would be valuable for farmers, vastly increasing maize yields, and allowing for more than regional maize sufficiency. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Sustainable development through religious environmental engagement? Evidence from Switzerland
Authors: Hearn Adam , Buzzi Ann‐Lea , Malin Julius , Koehrsen Jens
Published: June 2024

This article examines the engagement of religious organizations in addressing environment‐related sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Switzerland and its barriers. To this end, it draws upon semi‐structured interviews with church representatives who are actively engaged in environmental sustainability. We use a planetary boundaries framework with five capitals; natural and physical capital, which refer to the environment (e.g., work to increase biodiversity) and buildings/physical structures (e.g., through PV panels/energy retrofitting projects); financial capital (e.g., cost‐effectiveness); social/symbolic capital (e.g., public campaigning) and human capital (e.g., educational campaigns). The results show that substantial steps are being taken to increase engagement. This is largely due to faith‐based organizations such as Oeku and platforms such as Eco‐Eglise. However, approaches remain heterogeneous with significant tensions, particularly concerning legislative and financial issues, staff role ambiguity, and staff and time resource management. This article contributes to academic research on sustainable development by shedding light on the barriers of religious engagement in environment‐related SDGs. At the same time, it highlights the potential of umbrella organizations in augmenting and accelerating religious environmental engagement.
Material expertise: The case of the craft entrepreneur Lucie Rie
Authors: Holt Robin , Wiedner Rene
Published: June 2024

Research Summary

By following the historical case of the world‐renowned potter Luce Rie, we study the relationships between the accrual of material expertise, entrepreneurial actions, and successful craft venture outcomes. Drawing from Sennett's material consciousness framework and Fisher's resource‐based propositions of effective entrepreneurial actions, we enhance understanding of the material drivers of such actions, how material expertise can contribute to self‐imposed constraints, and how these constraints may contribute to positive craft venture outcomes. Our findings thereby contribute to a nuanced understanding of the intimacy between human and material agency in entrepreneurship and reveal a craft approach to managing the tension of novelty and control at the heart of strategic entrepreneurship. Furthermore, our analysis contributes to broader reflection on the definitions of venture success, value generation, and growth.

Managerial Summary

Craft‐based ventures are increasingly recognized as vital to thriving and sustainable economies. However, our understanding of the drivers of entrepreneurial actions that contribute to successful craft venture outcomes remains limited. In this article, drawing from our analysis of the historical case of the world‐renowned potter Lucie Rie using theoretical insights from the craft literature, we focus on the role of material expertise. We thereby identify how a craft entrepreneur's intimate understanding of their materials may help them identify and act upon opportunities, overcome problems, engage a community, and innovate to support the viability of their venture as well as achieve outcomes that motivate the venture in the first place, namely to continually refine their craft and shape audiences' understanding of the value of skilled making.
Digital droplet RT‐LAMP increases speed of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral RNA detection
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Ellis Perry , Tao Ye , Bikos Dimitri A. , Loveday Emma K. , Thomas Mallory M. , Wilking James N. , Chang Connie B. , Ye Fangfu , Weitz David A.
Published: June 2024

Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) remains one of the most reliable methods for pathogen identification. However, conventional bulk NAATs may not be sufficiently fast or sensitive enough for the detection of clinically‐relevant pathogens in point‐of‐care testing. Here, we have developed a digital droplet RT‐LAMP (ddRT‐LAMP) assay that rapidly and quantitatively detects the SARS‐CoV‐2 viral E gene in microfluidic drops. Droplet partitioning using ddRT‐LAMP significantly accelerates detection times across a wide range of template concentrations compared to bulk RT‐LAMP assays. We discover that a reduction in droplet diameter decreases assay times up to a certain size, upon which surface adsorption of the RT‐LAMP polymerase reduces reaction efficiency. Optimization of drop size and polymerase concentration enables rapid, sensitive, and quantitative detection of the SARS‐CoV‐2 E gene in only 8 min. These results highlight the potential of ddRT‐LAMP assays as an excellent platform for quantitative point‐of‐care testing.
A methodology to analyze students' intertwined speech and drawings—Aesthetic experiences in science education
Authors: Caiman Cecilia , Jakobson Britt
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this article is to introduce a methodology for analyzing the complex configurations emerging in students' speech and drawing activities, having consequences for how and what students learn and make meaning of in science. Accordingly, we launch a methodology to unfold the multidimensional communication as to deepen the analysis of the science epistemic discourse. We present an empirical account of students' explorations through different signs to demonstrate the construction of the methodology step‐by‐step. This methodology, a “seven‐concept‐assemblage,” is rooted in Dewey's pragmatism and Deleuze's experimentalism broadening teachers' and researchers' possibility to target students' science explorations and meaning‐making crosscutting different domains. The methodology diminishes the risk of interpretation when grasping unspoken messages and meanings. Empirical data were collected in an elementary school exemplifying the methodology and consist of audio recordings, photographs, fieldnotes, and students' drawings. The result reveals that the methodology in use exposed what and how students explored and learned cognitively and aesthetically. Imagination fertilized the process throughout. Learning then is suggested as a transductive meaning‐making process shaped through oral and pictorial relations—always from a purpose.
CircVCAN promotes glioma progression through the miR‐488‐3p/MEF2C‐JAGGED1 axis
Authors: Yang Shude , Gao Shuo , Dong Zhiqiang
Published: June 2024

Gliomas are the most prevalent primary malignant brain tumors worldwide. Growing evidences indicate that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of biological behavior of tumors. We aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of circVCAN in glioma. RNase R treatment was utilized to assess the cyclic properties of circVCAN. CircVCAN, miR‐488‐3p, and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) levels in glioma tissues and cells were detected by reverse transcription real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and the localization of them in glioma cells was determined with fluorescence in situ hybridization. Furthermore, a variety of biologically functional assessments were used to validate the role of circVCAN in glioma. The regulatory mechanisms of circVCAN, miR‐488‐3p, and MEF2C were further confirmed by double luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down assay, and the binding of MEF2C to JAGGED1 was revealed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Additionally, a xenograft tumor model was constructed to demonstrate the effect of circVCAN on tumor growth in vivo. Our results indicated that circVCAN was more stable than its linear RNA and was significantly upregulated in gliomas. CircVCAN overexpression stimulated glioma cells to proliferate and metastasize, but circVCAN silencing exerted the opposite effect. Meanwhile, silencing circVCAN inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, we found that circVCAN interacted with miR‐488‐3p to regulate MEF2C expression, and miR‐488‐3p inhibition or MEF2C overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect on malignant bio‐behaviors mediated by circVCAN knockdown in glioma cells. MEF2C promoted the transcription of JAGGED1, and circVCAN knockdown reduced the binding between MEF2C and JAGGED1. Collectively, circVCAN is a carcinogenic circRNA in glioma, and the circVCAN/miR‐488‐3p/MEF2C‐JAGGED1 axis could serve as a potential target for the management of glioma.
Genome‐wide identification of bZIP transcription factors in 12 Rosaceae species and modeling of novel mechanisms of EjbZIPs response to salt stress
Authors: Zhu Ling , Zhang Mengjie , Yang Xiuyao , Zi Yinqiang , Yin Tuo , Li Xulin , Wen Ke , Zhao Ke , Wan Jiaqiong , Zhang Huiyun , Luo Xinping , Zhang Hanyao
Published: June 2024

In plantae, basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (TFs) are widespread and regulate a variety of biological processes under abiotic stress. However, it has not been extensively studied in Rosaceae, and the functional effects of bZIP on Eriobotrya japonica under salt stress are still unknown. Therefore, in this study, the bZIP TF family of 12 species of Rosaceae was analyzed by bioinformatics method, and the expression profile and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction of E. japonica under salt stress were analyzed. The results showed that a total of 869 bZIP TFs were identified in 12 species of Rosaceae and divided into nine subfamilies. Differences in promoter cis‐elements between subfamilies vary depending on their role. Species belonging to the same subfamily have a similar number of chromosomes and the number of genes contained on each chromosome. Gene duplication analysis has found segmental duplication to be a prime force in the evolution of Rosaceae species. In addition, nine EjbZIPs were significantly different, including seven up‐regulated and two down‐regulated in E. japonica under salt stress. Especially, EjbZIP13 was involved in the expression of SA‐responsive proteins by binding to the NPR1 gene. EjbZIP27, EjbZIP30, and EjbZIP38 were highly expressed in E. japonica under salt stress, thus improving the salt tolerance capacity of the plants. These results can provide a theoretical basis for exploring the characteristics and functions of the bZIP TF family in more species and breeding salt‐tolerant E. japonica varieties. It also provides a reference for resolving the response mechanism of bZIP TF in 12 Rosaceae species under salt stress.
Genomic‐wide analysis reveals seven in absentia genes regulating grain development in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Chen Tao , Miao Yongping , Jing Fanli , Gao Weidong , Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Long , Zhang Peipei , Guo Lijian , Yang Delong
Published: June 2024

Seven in absentia proteins, which contain a conserved SINA domain, are involved in regulating various aspects of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth and development, especially in response to environmental stresses. However, it is unclear whether TaSINA family members are involved in regulating grain development until now. In this study, the expression pattern, genomic polymorphism, and relationship with grain‐related traits were analyzed for all TaSINA members. Most of the TaSINA genes identified showed higher expression levels in young wheat spikes or grains than other organs. The genomic polymorphism analysis revealed that at least 62 TaSINA genes had different haplotypes, where the haplotypes of five genes were significantly correlated with grain‐related traits. Kompetitive allele‐specific PCR markers were developed to confirm the single nucleotide polymorphisms in TaSINA101 and TaSINA109 among the five selected genes in a set of 292 wheat accessions. The TaSINA101‐Hap II and TaSINA109‐Hap II haplotypes had higher grain weight and width compared to TaSINA101‐Hap I and TaSINA109‐Hap I in at least three environments, respectively. The qRT‐PCR assays revealed that TaSINA101 was highly expressed in the palea shell, seed coat, and embryo in young wheat grains. The TaSINA101 protein was unevenly distributed in the nucleus when transiently expressed in the protoplast of wheat. Three homozygous TaSINA101 transgenic lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.) showed higher grain weight and size compared to the wild type. These findings provide valuable insight into the biological function and elite haplotype of TaSINA family genes in wheat grain development at a genomic‐wide level.
Heavy metal accumulation of aquatic grasses from mine tailing's wastewater drainage spillway of BCL Cu‐Ni mine in Selebi Phikwe, Botswana
Authors: Ishmael Gorata , Ultra Venecio U. , Rantong Gaolathe , Keitshweditse Ofentse A. , Sefatlhi Katlarelo L.
Published: June 2024

Mining activities introduce countless contaminants into the environment, including toxic levels of heavy metals that accumulate in soil and water, requiring environmental management to prevent detrimental effects. One strategy is to use plants because of their natural ability to adsorb and accumulate different contaminants in their tissues. To develop a rhizofiltration technique for mine wastewater in Botswana, there is a need to identify suitable aquatic plant species which can remove heavy metals from acid mine drainage and associated sediments. Plant species growing in the vicinity of acid mine drainage at the BCL mine were sampled and analyzed for heavy metal concentration in the various plant tissues.

The plants analyzed were: Cyperus papyrus; Phragmites australis; Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani; and Baumea rubiginosa. These plants all accumulated above‐average concentrations of Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in their tissues, especially Cr, Cu, and Ni. C. papyrus accumulates more Cr (up to 6080.86 mg kg−1in shoots and 5047.15 mg kg−1 in roots), Cu (up to 2166.43 mg kg−1 in roots and 1231.12 mg kg−1 in shoots), and Ni (up to 949.97 mg kg−1 in roots and 1163.42 mg kg−1 in shoots). P. australis accumulates more Cu in roots (up to 7416.87 mg kg−1) than in shoots (221.71 mg kg−1). S. tabernaemontani accumulates more Ni than Cu and Cr which it mostly retains in the roots (1015.88 mg kg−1). B. rubiginosa accumulates more Cu than Ni with a concentration up to 927.36 mg kg−1 in shoots and 401.70 mg kg−1 in roots (BAF 35.53; TF 0.90). Among these plants' species, C. papyrus had the ability for multi‐metal accumulation, retaining Cr, Cu, and Ni.
Bioaccumulation of hexavalent chromium in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
Authors: Escudero‐Villa Pedro , Núñez‐Sánchez Jéssica , Núñez‐Sánchez Leslie , Silva‐Merchán Diego , Paredes‐Fierro Jenny
Published: June 2024

The presence of chemical agents in natural systems and crops is alarming for the people's health due to the consumption of vegetables that, in some cases, absorb heavy metals (cadmium, copper, chromium, etc.). Hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) prevails under oxidation conditions and depends on the pH of the solution, being able to form additional species. The toxic characteristics of Cr6+ motivate our interest in evaluating the presence of this heavy metal in two species, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla). Experiments were performed in two phases: the first phase for seed germination and the last for early growth plants. Germination was determined over 120 h and early plant growth was determined in the greenhouse. Chromium accumulation and plant tissue morphology and color were analyzed with a bifactorial analysis of variance for each plant species. Lettuce and Swiss chard germination were 90% and 30%, respectively, at the highest Cr6+ concentration of 8 ppm. However, root length was 41.6% for lettuce and 38% for Swiss chard at 8 ppm, indicating moderate phytotoxicity when compared with previous studies. The bioaccumulation capacity of the two species makes them suitable for bioremediation alternatives for small crops. Additionally, the depigmentation in aerial parts may serve as a guide to identify the potential presence of Cr6+ in the plants in the early stages of growth, preventing consumption.
Respecting the Right to Nationality in International Sport
Authors: Worster William Thomas
Published: June 2024

International sports pledge to eradicate discriminatory practices, yet paradoxically continue to support discrimination on the grounds of nationality. Athletes compete as part of a national team. This requires sporting associations and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to make distinctions among athletes merely on the grounds of nationality. The Olympic Charter does this. Because of this need to make nationality distinctions, those associations must also develop nationality rules. These rules force choices of nationality and place restrictions on the ability to compete for the new national team. When athletes wish to change nationality, they risk falling into a nationality limbo, where they cannot compete, for lack of a sports nationality.

In contrast to international sporting rules and the Olympic Charter, international human rights law takes a different approach to nationality as a human right. Every individual has a right to a nationality. This nationality is often the source of other rights, such as political participation, employment and education. In addition, this right includes the right to change nationality. However, the IOC limits recognizing nationality changes. The result is that athletes who do not satisfy nationality rules can be deemedde factostateless for sport, even though the creation of statelessness is largely prohibited. For these reasons, IOC rules on change of nationality do not live up to the Committee’s own human rights aspirations and the Olympic Charter must be amended to respect the rights to nationality.
Anomaly of subsystem symmetries in exotic and foliated BF theories
Authors: Shimamura Shutaro
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We study the mixed ’t Hooft anomaly of the subsystem symmetries in the exotic BF theory and the foliated BF theory in 2+1 dimensions, both of which are fractonic quantum field theories describing the equivalent physics. In the anomaly inflow mechanism, the ’t Hooft anomaly of the subsystem symmetries can be canceled by combining a subsystem symmetry-protected topological (SSPT) phase in one dimension higher. In this work, we construct the exotic and foliated BF theories with background gauge fields, and the exotic and foliated forms of the SSPT phases using the foliated-exotic duality. In the foliated form, we see that the non-topological defect that describes a fracton can be viewed as a symmetry-like operator. We also newly construct the foliated and exotic SSPT phases with different foliation structures via the foliated-exotic duality. We can show that the SSPT phases with different foliation structures cancel the same anomaly. This may provide a clue to the characterization of the ’t Hooft anomaly of subsystem symmetries.
Thermodynamics of the near-extremal Kerr spacetime
Authors: Rakic Ilija , Rangamani Mukund , Turiaci Gustavo J.
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We examine the thermodynamics of a near-extremal Kerr black hole, and demonstrate that the geometry behaves as an ordinary quantum system with a vanishingly small degeneracy at low temperatures. This is in contrast with the classical analysis, which instead predicts a macroscopic entropy for the extremal Kerr black hole. Our results follow from a careful analysis of the gravitational path integral. Specifically, the low temperature canonical partition function behaves as $$ Z\sim {T}^{\frac{3}{2}}\ {e}^{S_0+c\log {S}_0} $$
Z
∼

T

3
2

e

S
0

+
c
log

S
0

, with S0 the classical degeneracy and c a numerical coefficient we compute. This is in line with the general expectations for non-supersymmetric near-extremal black hole thermodynamics, as has been clarified in the recent past, although cases without spherical symmetry have not yet been fully analyzed until now. We also point out some curious features relating to the rotational zero modes of the near-extremal Kerr black hole background that affects the coefficient c. This raises a puzzle when considering similar black holes in string theory. Our results generalize to other rotating black holes, as we briefly exemplify.
Dynamics, quantum states and Compton scattering in nonlinear gravitational waves
Authors: Audagnotto G. , Di Piazza A.
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The classical dynamics and the construction of quantum states in a plane wave curved spacetime are examined, paying particular attention to the similarities with the case of an electromagnetic plane wave in flat spacetime. A natural map connecting the dynamics of a particle in the Rosen metric and the motion of a charged particle in an electromagnetic plane wave is unveiled. We then discuss how this map can be translated into the quantum description by exploiting the large number of underlying symmetries. We examine the complete analogy between Volkov solutions and fermion states in the Rosen chart and properly extend this to massive vector bosons. We finally report the squared S-matrix element of Compton scattering in a sandwich plane wave spacetime in the form of a two-dimensional integral.
Loop diagrams in the kinetic theory of waves
Authors: Rosenhaus Vladimir , Schubring Daniel , Shuvo Md Shaikot Jahan , Smolkin Michael
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Recent work has given a systematic way for studying the kinetics of classical weakly interacting waves beyond leading order, having analogies with renormalization in quantum field theory. An important context is weak wave turbulence, occurring for waves which are small in magnitude and weakly interacting, such as those on the surface of the ocean. Here we continue the work of perturbatively computing correlation functions and the kinetic equation in this far-from-equilibrium state. In particular, we obtain the next-to-leading-order kinetic equation for waves with a cubic interaction. Our main result is a simple graphical prescription for the terms in the kinetic equation, at any order in the nonlinearity.
Thickness of the hard palate
Authors: Kildal Daniela , Riether Tobias , Blasenbrey Tilmann , Turhani Dritan , Antoch Gerald , Beer Meinrad , Geibel Margrit-Ann
Published: June 2024

Background

We were looking for an osteoporosis screening in computed tomography (CT) exams, simple and without additional examinations. We hypothesized that the criterion of “decreasing cortical thickness”, may have an influence on the hard palate. Therefore, we investigated whether thickness of the hard palate (HPT) may serve as an indicator of osteoporosis for patients imaged for other reasons.

Methods

Patients with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and CT were identified by a radiology information system (RIS)-based, full-text search. Measurement of thickness of hard palate done in existing CT image by radiologist and dentist and compared with available findings and DXA measurements.

Results

We identified a “test group”: 57 patients with DXA and CT available out of 449 patient population and we selected further 70 patients without bone diseases as “control groups”. The measurements showed that HPT correlated with age and bone density. The mean HPT was 2.4 mm in normal, 0.9 mm in osteopenia, 0.8 mm in osteoporosis and 5.3 mm in osteopetrosis case. No bone “healthy” patient fell below 1 mm. The relationship between bone density and HPT has not been described previously. HPT was highest in the bone-healthy group and decreased with age, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Osteopetrosis, as a disease with increased bone density showed an increase in HPT.

Conclusions

HPT correlates with bone disease. We propose a new criterion for assessment on CT and digital volume tomography (DVT) or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). A threshold of 1.0 mm when applying a simple measurement of HPT on Head CT or DVT may serve as an indicator for potential osteopenia or osteoporosis as incidental finding without extra imaging further diagnosis and treatment leading to early notice of Osteoporosis.
Prediction of power consumption and its signals in sustainable turning of PH13-8Mo steel with different machine learning models
Authors: Yurtkuran Hakan , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi , Gupta Munish Kumar , Yılmaz Hakan , Günay Mustafa , Vashishtha Govind
Published: June 2024

Due to extensive distribution and huge demand of energy efficient processes, the energy-saving of machining processes draws more and more attention, and a significant variety of methods have evolved to prognosis or optimise the energy consumption in machining operations. Similarly, the estimation of power consumption-cutting conditions relationships is of great importance for optimizing processing costs and for cleaner machining. Compared to traditional methods, machine learning (ML) approach is one of the effective analysis options to model machinability indicators such as cutting force, tool wear, power consumption and surface quality. In this study, PH13-8Mo stainless steel was machined with coated carbide inserts using primarily Dry, MQL, nano-Graphene + MQL, nano-hBN + MQL, Cryo, Cryo + MQL cutting environments. Power consumption and its signals during milling were measured and different machine learning models were applied to estimate the Pc. To develop the Pc model based on the ML algorithm, 70% of the power consumption data is reserved for training and 30% for testing. In all cutting environments, power consumption increased by an average of 3.14% as feed speed increased. The reduction in Pc compared to the dry cutting was calculated as an average of 2.2%, 3.17%, 2.57%, 4.88% and 5.45% for MQL, nano-Graphen + MQL, nano-hBN + MQL, Cryo, Cryo + MQL, respectively. It is seen that the developed prediction model can reflect the power consumption-parameter relationships at high accuracy.
Post-operative shift in pain profile following fusion surgery for adult spinal deformity: a cluster analysis
Authors: Kato So , Ohtomo Nozomu , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Taniguchi Yuki , Takeshita Yujiro , Kodama Hiroyasu , Ono Takashi , Oshina Masahito , Higashikawa Akiro , Hara Nobuhiro , Tachibana Naohiro , Hirai Shima , Masuda Kazuhiro , Tanaka Sakae , Oshima Yasushi ,   The University of Tokyo Spine Group
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Adult spinal deformity (ASD) is associated with a combination of back and leg pain of various intensities. The objective of the present study was to investigate the diverse reaction of pain profiles following ASD surgery as well as post-operative patient satisfaction.

Methods

Multicenter surveillance collected data for patients ≥ 19 years old who underwent primary thoracolumbar fusion surgery at > 5 spinal levels for ASD. Two-step cluster analysis was performed utilizing pre-operative numeric rating scale (NRS) for back and leg pain. Radiologic parameters and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores were also obtained. One-year post-operative outcomes and satisfaction rates were compared among clusters, and influencing factors were analyzed.

Results

Based on cluster analysis, 191 ASD patients were categorized into three groups: ClusterNP, mild pain only (n = 55); ClusterBP, back pain only (n = 68); and ClusterBLP, significant back and leg pain (n = 68). ClusterBLP (mean NRSback 7.6, mean NRSleg 6.9) was the oldest 73.4 years (p < 0.001) and underwent interbody fusion (88%, p < 0.001) and sacral/pelvic fixation (69%, p = 0.001) more commonly than the other groups, for the worst pelvis incidence—lumbar lordosis mismatch (mean 43.7°, p = 0.03) and the greatest sagittal vertical axis (mean 123 mm, p = 0.002). While NRSback, NRSleg and PRO scores were all improved postoperatively in ClustersBP and BLP, ClusterBLP showed the lowest satisfaction rate (80% vs. 80% vs. 63%, p = 0.11), which correlated with post-operative NRSback (rho = −0.357).

Conclusions

Cluster analysis revealed three clusters of ASD patients, and the cluster with the worst pain back and leg pain had the most advanced disease and showed the lowest satisfaction rate, affected by postoperative back pain.
HOW I DO IT: Cushing’s disease—selective adenomectomy via an endoscopic transsphenoidal approach
Authors: Phillips N. , Nix P. , De Santos M.
Published: June 2024

Background

An ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma is the most common cause of excessive endogenous glucocorticoid production resulting in Cushing’s Syndrome. A multidisciplinary approach is paramount. Selective adenomectomy is the treatment of choice.

Method

Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal approach to the tumour, along with techniques for resection, are demonstrated.

Conclusion

Endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches with its magnified view of the pituitary gland allows precise microsurgical dissection during selective adenomectomy. This technique increases the possibility of proving a gross total resection, leading to clinical and biochemical cure in these patients.
Safety and efficacy of unilateral focused ultrasound pallidotomy on motor complications in Parkinson’s disease (PD): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Abbas Abdallah , Hassan Malak A. , Shaheen Rahma Sameh , Hussein Amna , Moawad Mostafa Hossam El Din , Meshref Mostafa , Raslan Ahmed M.
Published: June 2024

To systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the unilateral focused ultrasound (FUS) pallidotomy on motor complications in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. A comprehensive search strategy was implemented through August 15, 2023, and updated on February 13, 2024, across six databases, identifying studies relevant to unilateral focused ultrasound pallidotomy and PD. Eligibility criteria included observational studies, clinical trials, and case series reporting on the impact of the intervention on motor complications in PD patients. The screening and data extraction were done by two independent reviewers. Risk of bias assessment utilized appropriate tools for different study designs. Statistical analysis involved narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses and leave-one-out analyses were performed. Five studies were included in our study, involving 112 PD patients undergoing FUS pallidotomy. UPDRS-II analysis revealed a significant improvement from baseline (mean difference (MD): -3.205, 95% CI: -4.501, -1.909, P < 0.001). UPDRS-III overall change was significant (MD: -10.177, 95% CI: [-12.748, -7.606], P < 0.001). UPDRS-IV showed a significant change from baseline (MD: -5.069, 95% CI: [-5.915, -4.224], P < 0.001). UDysRS demonstrated a significant overall improvement (MD: -18.895, 95% CI: [-26.973, -10.818], P < 0.001). The effect of FUS pallidotomy on motor complications in PD patients was effective, with a significant decrease in the UPDRS and UDysRS, reflecting improvement. The incidence of adverse events (headaches, pin-site pain, difficulty walking, and sonication-related head pain) of the FUS pallidotomy was not statistically significant, indicating its safety.
Two onset types of achalasia and the long-term course to diagnosis
Authors: Kurosugi Akane , Matsumura Tomoaki , Sonoda Michiko , Kaneko Tatsuya , Takahashi Satsuki , Okimoto Kenichiro , Akizue Naoki , Ohyama Yuhei , Mamiya Yukiyo , Nakazawa Hayato , Horio Ryosuke , Goto Chihiro , Ohta Yuki , Taida Takashi , Kikuchi Atsuko , Fujie Mai , Murakami Kentaro , Uesato Masaya , Ozawa Yoshihito , Kato Jun , Matsubara Hisahiro , Kato Naoya
Published: June 2024

Background

Recently, the incidence of achalasia has been increasing, but its cause remains unknown. This study aimed to examine the initial symptoms and the course of symptoms and to find new insights into the cause and course of the disease.

Methods

Altogether, 136 patients diagnosed with achalasia by high-resolution manometry (HRM) were enrolled. Questionnaires and chart reviews were conducted to investigate the initial symptoms, time from onset to diagnosis, and comorbidities, as well as the relationship between HRM results, time to diagnosis, and symptom severity.

Results

In total, 67 of 136 patients responded to the questionnaire. The median ages of onset and diagnosis were 42 and 58 years, respectively. The median time from onset to diagnosis was 78.6 months, with 25 cases (37.3%) taking > 10 years to be diagnosed. The symptom onset was gradual and sudden in 52 (77.6%) and 11 (16.4%) patients, respectively. Of the 11 patients with acute onset, three (27.3%) developed anhidrosis at the same time. There was no correlation between the time from onset to diagnosis and esophageal dilatation, resting LES pressure, or mean integrated relaxation pressure (IRP). No correlation was also found between the degree of symptoms and resting LES pressure or IRP.

Conclusion

Esophageal achalasia can have acute or insidious onsets. This finding may help to elucidate the cause of achalasia.
Lactate secreted by glycolytic conjunctival melanoma cells attracts and polarizes macrophages to drive angiogenesis in zebrafish xenografts
Authors: Yin Jie , Forn-Cuní Gabriel , Surendran Akshaya Mahalakshmi , Lopes-Bastos Bruno , Pouliopoulou Niki , Jager Martine J. , Le Dévédec Sylvia E , Chen Quanchi , Snaar-Jagalska B. Ewa
Published: June 2024

Conjunctival melanoma (CoM) is a rare but potentially lethal cancer of the eye, with limited therapeutic option for metastases. A better understanding how primary CoM disseminate to form metastases is urgently needed in order to develop novel therapies. Previous studies indicated that primary CoM tumors express Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and may recruit pro-tumorigenic M2-like macrophages. However, due to a lack of proper models, the expected role of angiogenesis in the metastatic dissemination of CoM is still unknown. We show that cells derived from two CoM cell lines induce a strong angiogenic response when xenografted in zebrafish larvae. CoM cells are highly glycolytic and secrete lactate, which recruits and polarizes human and zebrafish macrophages towards a M2-like phenotype. These macrophages elevate the levels of proangiogenic factors such as VEGF, TGF-β, and IL-10 in the tumor microenvironment to induce an angiogenic response towards the engrafted CoM cells in vivo. Chemical ablation of zebrafish macrophages or inhibition of glycolysis in CoM cells terminates this response, suggesting that attraction of lactate-dependent macrophages into engrafted CoM cells drives angiogenesis and serves as a possible dissemination mechanism for glycolytic CoM cells.
The repertoire and levels of secondary metabolites in microbial cocultures depend on the inoculation ratio: a case study involving Aspergillus terreus and Streptomyces rimosus
Authors: Boruta Tomasz , Englart Grzegorz , Foryś Martyna , Pawlikowska Weronika
Published: June 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the inoculation volume ratio on the production of secondary metabolites in submerged cocultures of Aspergillus terreus and Streptomyces rimosus.

Results

The shake flask cocultures were initiated by using 23 inoculum variants that included different volumes of A. terreus and S. rimosus precultures. In addition, the axenic controls were propagated in parallel with the cocultures. UPLC‒MS analysis revealed the presence of 15 secondary metabolites, 12 of which were found both in the “A. terreus vs. S. rimosus” cocultures and axenic cultures of either A. terreus or S. rimosus. The production of the remaining 3 molecules was recorded solely in the cocultures. The repertoire and quantity of secondary metabolites were evidently dependent on the inoculation ratio. It was also noted that detecting filamentous structures resembling typical morphological forms of a given species was insufficient to predict the presence of a given metabolite.

Conclusions

The modification of the inoculation ratio is an effective strategy for awakening and enhancing the production of secondary metabolites that are not biosynthesized under axenic conditions.
“Embedded Consumer”: Towards a Constitutional Reframing of the Legal Image of Consumers in EU law
Authors: Ouyang J.
Published: June 2024

Consumer protection is an integral part of the current phase of the European integration project. However, eclipsed by market-building, the image of European consumers is homogeneously defined by individual economic interests against a uniform metric. This article proposes the alternative image of an “embedded consumer” to align with the imaginary of the constitutional person under primary EU law, especially the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. Under the Charter, a constitutional person is fundamentally shaped and significantly enabled by their communities and thus bears “duties and responsibilities” towards the community. This obligation does not always amount to individual legal responsibility as individuals are inevitably vulnerable (when social structures lack fairness) and rely on social institutions to build up their resilience. Accordingly, the embedded consumer is also socially responsible and humanly vulnerable. This entails that a responsible consumer policy should move beyond individual responsibilisation and involve public obligations and corporate responsibilities to create a conducive framework for sustainable and responsible consumption. A responsible framework is a balanced one, on the one hand, which consciously navigates the conflicts between the various rights of the consumer as a person and between the consumer’s rights and the community’s interests. On the other hand, it also takes consumer vulnerability as the starting point for consumer policy. Such an “embedded consumer” is not merely futuristic but represents a transformation underway in the EU. EU consumer law and policy should be informed by the embedded consumer and the collective vision it reflects.
Therapeutic Approaches for the Prevention of Upper Limb Repetitive Strain Injuries in Work-Related Computer Use: A Scoping Review
Authors: de Waal Alita , Killian Amy , Gagela Afika , Baartzes Jada , de Klerk Susan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To explore and describe therapeutic approaches for the prevention of upper limb (UL) repetitive strain injuries (RSI) amongst computer users in the twenty-first century.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using the method described by Arksey and O’Malley, further enhanced by Levac et al. to ensure rigor, validity and reliability during analysis. Key concepts pertaining to the research question have been mapped, following comprehensive searches of relevant electronic databases namely EBSCOHost (Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, eBook Collection, E-Journals, Health Source-Consumer Edition, Health Sources—Nursing/Academic Edition and MEDLINE), PUBMED and Google Scholar. The identified studies have been presented in a descriptive numerical summary to address the research aim.

Results

From the 577 studies initially identified, 58 studies were eligible for inclusion in the scoping review after abstract and full text screening. Strategies for the prevention of UL RSIs in computer users were categorised into overarching types of intervention as well as the factors which contribute towards sustained implementation of prevention strategies. Using ergonomic equipment was the most prevalent approach during intervention, breaks and rest periods were found to be the less common intervention offered to prevent RSIs. The majority of the studies noted personal worksite adjustments, including adjustments of the chair, back rest, lumbar support, handles or any arm support to the individual as a strategy to prevent UL RSIs. In high income countries the use of ergonomic equipment was the most common type of approach during intervention, in middle income countries stretches were the most common therapeutic intervention strategy and in low-income countries there was an even distribution between a number of different therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing RSIs.

Conclusions

The review provides an overview of approaches and a comprehensive baseline for identifying further research required to generate prevention approaches. The information within the review may be used to impact company practice, policy and decision making in terms of developing prevention strategies.
Youths’ Investigations of Critical Urban Forestry Through Multimodal Sensemaking
Authors: Smith Blaine E. , Carlone Heidi B. , Ziegler Hannah , Janumyan Yelena , Conley Zachary , Chen Jingyi , Jen Tessaly
Published: June 2024

A growing body of research suggests that digital multimodal composing can provide students multiple points of entry for making sense of local climate change issues and sharing their voices through digital activism. Building upon this scholarship, this study examined the processes of 32 small groups (n = 55) of 7th- and 8th-grade students as they co-created a wide range of multimodal projects (e.g., videos, podcasts, infographics, posters, and cartoons) that explored the environmental, ecological, and sociopolitical impacts of inequitable access to urban tree canopy and greenspace in their city. In particular, scholarship on onto-epistemic heterogeneity, critical place-based learning, and multimodality were integrated to gain an interdisciplinary understanding of how digital multimodal composing mediated students’ sensemaking about urban forestry impacts on community health and ecological well-being. Data sources consisted of field notes, audio and video recordings, survey data, student interviews, and students’ final multimodal projects. Through qualitative and multimodal data analysis, five main themes emerged for how multiple modes mediated students’ sensemaking about critical urban forestry: (1) embracing tree equity for compelling stories, (2) engaging authentic audiences through storytelling, (3) perspective-taking through multiple modes, (4) exploring affective dimensions of urban heat islands, and (5) developing solutions for critical urban forestry issues. These findings contribute new insights into how digital multimodal storytelling can provide a productive way for students to make sense of climate justice issues and gain agency by experiencing multiple ways of knowing.
Microstructure, martensitic transformation kinetics, and magnetic properties of (Ni50Mn40In10)100−xCox melt-spun ribbons
Authors: Bekhouche Ahlem , Alleg Safia , Dadda Karima , Daoudi Mourad Ibrahim , Saurina Joan , Suñol Joan-Josep
Published: June 2024

The effect of Co-doping on the structure, microstructure, martensitic phase transformation kinetics, and magnetic properties of the melt-spun (Ni50Mn40In10)1−xCox (x = 1, 2, and 3) Heusler ribbons, named hereafter Co1 (x = 1), Co2 (x = 2), and Co3 (x = 3), was assessed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, differential scanning calorimetry, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The XRD results reveal the formation of a 14M martensite structure alongside the face-centered-cubic (fcc) γ phase. The crystallite size ranges between 50 and 98 nm for the 14M martensite and from 9 to 16 nm for the γ phase. The mass fraction of the γ phase lies between 36.4 and 44.2%. Co-doping affects the lattice parameters and the characteristic temperatures (martensite start, martensite finish, austenite start, and austenite finish). The calculated activation energy values for the non-isothermal martensitic transformation kinetics are 257 kJ mol−1 and 135.6 kJ mol−1 for the Co1 and Co2, respectively. The produced ribbons show a paramagnetic behavior. The variation in the coercivity can be related to the crystallite size and mass fraction of the γ phase. The produced ribbons exhibit an exchange bias at room temperature that decreases with increasing the Co content.
Research on the supply point mechanism of Shanghai during the closure of COVID-19 in 2022 from the perspective of urban resilience
Authors: Wang Jun , Ran Wei
Published: June 2024

In the context of significant public emergencies, the capacity of cities to withstand shocks assumes paramount importance, serving as a key indicator of urban resilience. This study focuses on the supply points established during the lockdown period of Shanghai in 2022 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this investigation, the actual distribution of the population is depicted using a thermodynamic map generated from cell phone usage data, while the per capita supply capacity and the intensity of supply coverage are assessed using an official list. Furthermore, the efficacy of the supply point is evaluated through a public survey. Through these combined analyses, the level of "Supply Resilience" is assessed and categorized for each district of Shanghai. The findings indicate a high level of supply resilience in the central city, with varying degrees of divergence observed in the near suburban districts and generally lower resilience in the remote suburban districts. Based on these observations, this research identifies and discusses the supply challenges exposed during the epidemic lockdown in Shanghai and proposes strategies to enhance the urban resilience in the future. Leveraging both data analysis and public survey, this study aims to offer approaches and methodologies for evaluating urban resilience under major public emergencies.
Understanding user intent modeling for conversational recommender systems: a systematic literature review
Authors: Farshidi Siamak , Rezaee Kiyan , Mazaheri Sara , Rahimi Amir Hossein , Dadashzadeh Ali , Ziabakhsh Morteza , Eskandari Sadegh , Jansen Slinger
Published: June 2024

User intent modeling in natural language processing deciphers user requests to allow for personalized responses. The substantial volume of research (exceeding 13,000 publications in the last decade) underscores the significance of understanding prevalent models in AI systems, with a focus on conversational recommender systems. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify models frequently employed for intent modeling in conversational recommender systems. From the collected data, we developed a decision model to assist researchers in selecting the most suitable models for their systems. Furthermore, we conducted two case studies to assess the utility of our proposed decision model in guiding research modelers in selecting user intent modeling models for developing their conversational recommender systems. Our study analyzed 59 distinct models and identified 74 commonly used features. We provided insights into potential model combinations, trends in model selection, quality concerns, evaluation measures, and frequently used datasets for training and evaluating these models. The study offers practical insights into the domain of user intent modeling, specifically enhancing the development of conversational recommender systems. The introduced decision model provides a structured framework, enabling researchers to navigate the selection of the most apt intent modeling methods for conversational recommender systems.