bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potassium and the kidney: a reciprocal relationship with clinical relevance
Authors: Wieërs Michiel L. A. J. , Mulder Jaap , Rotmans Joris I. , Hoorn Ewout J.
Published: February 2022

By controlling urinary potassium excretion, the kidneys play a key role in maintaining whole-body potassium homeostasis. Conversely, low urinary potassium excretion (as a proxy for insufficient dietary intake) is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for the progression of kidney disease. Thus, there is a reciprocal relationship between potassium and the kidney: the kidney regulates potassium balance but potassium also affects kidney function. This review explores this relationship by discussing new insights into kidney potassium handling derived from recently characterized tubulopathies and studies on sexual dimorphism. These insights reveal a central but non-exclusive role for the distal convoluted tubule in sensing potassium and subsequently modifying the activity of the sodium-chloride cotransporter. This is another example of reciprocity: activation of the sodium-chloride cotransporter not only reduces distal sodium delivery and therefore potassium secretion but also increases salt sensitivity. This mechanism helps explain the well-known relationship between dietary potassium and blood pressure. Remarkably, in children, blood pressure is related to dietary potassium but not sodium intake. To explore how potassium deficiency can cause kidney injury, we review the mechanisms of hypokalemic nephropathy and discuss if these mechanisms may explain the association between low dietary potassium intake and adverse kidney outcomes. We discuss if potassium should be repleted in patients with kidney disease and what role dietary potassium plays in the risk of hyperkalemia. Supported by data and physiology, we reach the conclusion that we should view potassium not only as a potentially dangerous cation but also as a companion in the battle against kidney disease.
Landslide detection in the Himalayas using machine learning algorithms and U-Net
Authors: Meena Sansar Raj , Soares Lucas Pedrosa , Grohmann Carlos H. , van Westen Cees , Bhuyan Kushanav , Singh Ramesh P. , Floris Mario , Catani Filippo
Published: February 2022

Event-based landslide inventories are essential sources to broaden our understanding of the causal relationship between triggering events and the occurring landslides. Moreover, detailed inventories are crucial for the succeeding phases of landslide risk studies like susceptibility and hazard assessment. The openly available inventories differ in the quality and completeness levels. Event-based landslide inventories are created based on manual interpretation, and there can be significant differences in the mapping preferences among interpreters. To address this issue, we used two different datasets to analyze the potential of U-Net and machine learning approaches for automated landslide detection in the Himalayas. Dataset-1 is composed of five optical bands from the RapidEye satellite imagery. Dataset-2 is composed of the RapidEye optical data, and ALOS-PALSAR derived topographical data. We used a small dataset consisting of 239 samples acquired from several training zones and one testing zone to evaluate our models’ performance using the fully convolutional U-Net model, Support Vector Machines (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbor, and the Random Forest (RF). We created thirty-two different maps to evaluate and understand the implications of different sample patch sizes and their effect on the accuracy of landslide detection in the study area. The results were then compared against the manually interpreted inventory compiled using fieldwork and visual interpretation of the RapidEye satellite image. We used accuracy assessment metrics such as F1-score, Precision, Recall, and Mathews Correlation Coefficient (MCC). In the context of the Nepali Himalayas, employing RapidEye images and machine learning models, a viable patch size was investigated. The U-Net model trained with 128 × 128 pixel patch size yields the best MCC results (76.59%) with the dataset-1. The added information from the digital elevation model benefited the overall detection of landslides. However, it does not improve the model’s overall accuracy but helps differentiate human settlement areas and river sand bars. In this study, the U-Net achieved slightly better results than other machine learning approaches. Although it can depend on architecture of the U-Net model and the complexity of the geographical features in the imagery, the U-Net model is still preliminary in the domain of landslide detection. There is very little literature available related to the use of U-Net for landslide detection. This study is one of the first efforts of using U-Net for landslide detection in the Himalayas. Nevertheless, U-Net has the potential to improve further automated landslide detection in the future for varied topographical and geomorphological scenes.
Fifty years of Shannon information theory in assessing the accuracy and agreement of diagnostic tests
Authors: Casagrande Alberto , Fabris Francesco , Girometti Rossano
Published: February 2022

Since 1948, Shannon theoretic methods for modeling information have found a wide range of applications in several areas where information plays a key role, which goes well beyond the original scopes for which they have been conceived, namely data compression and error correction over a noisy channel. Among other uses, these methods have been applied in the broad field of medical diagnostics since the 1970s, to quantify diagnostic information, to evaluate diagnostic test performance, but also to be used as technical tools in image processing and registration. This review illustrates the main contributions in assessing the accuracy of diagnostic tests and the agreement between raters, focusing on diagnostic test performance measurements and paired agreement evaluation. This work also presents a recent unified, coherent, and hopefully, final information-theoretical approach to deal with the flows of information involved among the patient, the diagnostic test performed to appraise the state of disease, and the raters who are checking the test results. The approach is assessed by considering two case studies: the first one is related to evaluating extra-prostatic cancers; the second concerns the quality of rapid tests for COVID-19 detection.
Blockchain in radiology research and clinical practice: current trends and future directions
Authors: Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Campi Cristina , Bianca Bignotti , Bortolotto Chandra , Buccicardi Duccio , Francesca Coppola , Prost Roberto , Rengo Marco , Faggioni Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

Blockchain usage in healthcare, in radiology, in particular, is at its very early infancy. Only a few research applications have been tested, however, blockchain technology is widely known outside healthcare and widely adopted, especially in Finance, since 2009 at least. Learning by history, radiology is a potential ideal scenario to apply this technology. Blockchain could have the potential to increase radiological data value in both clinical and research settings for the patient digital record, radiological reports, privacy control, quantitative image analysis, cybersecurity, radiomics and artificial intelligence.

Up-to-date experiences using blockchain in radiology are still limited, but radiologists should be aware of the emergence of this technology and follow its next developments. We present here the potentials of some applications of blockchain in radiology.
RAY-POS: a LIDAR-based assistance system for intraoperative repositioning of mobile C-arms without external aids
Authors: Bernhard Lukas , Völk Christopher , Völk Dominik , Rothmeyer Florian , Xu Zhencan , Ostler Daniel , Biberthaler Peter , Wilhelm Dirk
Published: February 2022

Purpose

In current clinical practice, intraoperative repositioning of mobile C-arms is challenging due to a lack of visual cues and efficient guiding tools. This can be detrimental to the surgical workflow and lead to additional radiation burdens for both patient and personnel. To overcome this problem, we present our novel approach Lidar-based X-ray Positioning for Mobile C-arms (RAY-POS) for assisting circulating nurses during intraoperative C-arm repositioning without requiring external aids.

Methods

RAY-POS consists of a localization module and a graphical user interface for guiding the user back to a previously recorded C-Arm position. We conducted a systematic comparison of simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithms using different attachment positions of light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors to benchmark localization performance within the operating room (OR). For two promising combinations, we conducted further end-to-end repositioning tests within a realistic OR setup.

Results

SLAM algorithm gmapping with a LIDAR sensor mounted 40 cm above the C-arm’s horizontal unit performed best regarding localization accuracy and long-term stability. The distribution of the repositioning error yielded an effective standard deviation of 7.61 mm.

Conclusion

We conclude that a proof-of-concept for LIDAR-based C-arm repositioning without external aids has been achieved. In future work, we mainly aim at extending the capabilities of our system and evaluating the usability together with clinicians.
Hilfestellung in der Hausaufgabenbetreuung und den Lernzeiten aus der Perspektive von Schüler*innen
Authors: Sauerwein Markus , Rother Pia
Published: February 2022

Im Beitrag wird anhand von Daten der Studien StEG‑S und StEG-Tandem mit einem Mixed Method-Ansatz untersucht, wie Schüler*innen Hilfestellung in der Hausaufgabenbetreuung und Lernzeiten wahrnehmen. Die Forschung zu Hausaufgaben und individuellem Unterricht zeigt, dass Lehrkräfte vor der Herausforderung stehen, Schüler*innen zeitgleich Hilfe zukommen zu lassen, was potenziell eher für leistungsschwächere Schüler*innen ohne familiale Unterstützung relevant wäre. Empirisch zeigen sich jedoch keine Teilnahmeunterschiede an der Hausaufgabenbetreuung nach Leistungen und sozialer Herkunft, wie mithilfe von Daten der beiden Studien analysiert wird. Mittels Latenter Profilanalysen werden drei Profile der wahrgenommenen Hilfe der Schüler*innen auf Basis StEG-Tandem Daten dargestellt – wenig, mittlere und viel Hilfe. Diese Profile unterscheiden sich nicht in ihrer Zusammensetzung hinsichtlich Leistung und sozialer Differenzkategorien. Ferner zeigt die Auswertung der neun Gruppendiskussionen der StEG-Tandem Daten mit je drei bis acht Schüler*innen, dass das Warten auf Hilfe eher kein Problem darstellt und sie bei der Aufgabenbearbeitung nicht zwingend Hilfe benötigen bzw. nicht von allen ‚echte‘ Hilfe erhalten.
Low-Cost Light-Weight Composite Metal Foams for Transportation Applications
Authors: Orbulov Imre Norbert , Szlancsik Attila , Kemény Alexandra , Kincses Domonkos
Published: February 2022

This paper is dealing with the production and investigation (structural and mechanical) of composite metal foams (CMFs) with AlSi9MgMn matrix and ~60 vol% of different nominal diameter light expanded clay particles (LECPs) filler. The main aim was to produce a cheap CMF grade for automotive industry. The samples were produced by liquid state low pressure infiltration. Cubic samples were manufactured from the produced CMF blocks for structural (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS)) and for mechanical (compression) investigations and tests. The CMFs were investigated in as-cast and in T6 heat-treated conditions. The macrostructural investigations showed homogenous structure and sufficient quality infiltration. On the microscopic scale, the EDS investigations revealed a complex interface layer affected by chemical reactions between the matrix material and the filler particles. The compressive test proved the classic foam-like mechanical behavior of the CMFs (with long plateau region). A relationship (valid for both the as-cast and T6 heat-treated conditions) was found between the characteristic properties and the nominal diameter of the filler. Based on these results, the LECPs filled CMFs are ideal candidates for automotive applications with tailorable properties.
Easy-Made Setup for High-Temperature (Up to 1100 °C) Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Radtke Mariusz , Hess Christian
Published: February 2022

In the following communication, we report an easy-to-assemble Swagelok-like setup for high-temperature electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with good reproducibility based on robust 1.4114 steel 10M screws joined by non-conductive ceramics-Al2O3. We analyze the sample materials for electrochemical merits (activation energy, charge-carrier density and flatband potential) of well-known standards such as yttria-stabilized zirconia with 8 mol.% Y2O3(8YSZ), CeO2and In2O3. The material‘s data are compared with literature data performed on a standard impedance analyzer within a casual high-temperature commercial cells. The symmetrical cell consists of insulating material (Al2O3screw) and two steel contacts, connected by PtRh wires of thermal resistance tolerating temperatures of 2300 °C. Our high-temperature electrochemical setup is able to withstand temperatures up to 1100 °C and can be easily and mildly cleaned for repetitive usage. In addition, we present a methodology for generation of a high-temperature sintered 8YSZ ceramics and evaluate them with our setup. We analyze the internal resistances within the setup and propose a simplified option for introduction of various gas atmospheres into the sample‘s interior, as well as evaluate the utilization of tube furnace for simplicity. We perform equivalent circuit fitting and present an easy to implement approach for reliable high-temperature electrochemistry.

Graphical abstract
Bridging the gap between coastal engineering and nature conservation?
Authors: Jordan Philipp , Fröhle Peter
Published: February 2022

Under the umbrella term of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) fall measures from a wide range of disciplines. With regard to coastal protection, coastal ecosystems represent possible and promising NbS to coastal threats such as storm surges or erosion. Around the globe, the looming climate change and related developments in the coastal landscapes as well as a paradigm shift in societal views shifted the focus of decision-makers and researchers onto NbS for coastal protection, driving the need for a comprehensive up-to-date review of coastal ecosystems like salt marshes, mangroves, seagrass meadows, beaches, dunes, coral, and shellfish/oyster reefs and their benefits for Water, Nature and People alike. While existing reviews of NbS have mainly focused on the idea of softer coastal protection in general and constraints regarding management and regulations, this study reviews not only the characteristics, features and needs of the coastal ecosystems under consideration but also examines the ecosystems’ potential and related processes for coastal protection, their ecological as well as their societal benefits. This review paper is based on an extensive literature review and analysis of scientific publications, books and book sections, guidelines, reports, policy recommendations and strategies. In order to create a basis for the selection of site-suitable adaptation measures for local coastal challenges and questions, this study compiles the coastal ecosystems’ key features and elaborates the provided ecosystem services for protective, ecological and societal needs. The highlighted diversity of processes within ecosystems that directly cause or support coastal protection, in combination with the multiple ecological services and societal benefits, underlines the great potential of coastal ecosystems to bridge the gap between coastal engineering and nature conservation. In combination with existing coastal protection, coastal ecosystems as NbS can serve both disciplines equally and provide an integral, sustainable element in the adaptation of coastal protection to climate change.
Unlocking the Non-invasive Assessment of Conduit and Reservoir Function in the Aorta
Authors: de Vecchi Adelaide , Faraci Alessandro , Fernandes Joao Filipe , Marlevi David , Bellsham-Revell Hannah , Hussain Tarique , Laji Nidhin , Ruijsink Bram , Wong James , Razavi Reza , Anderson David , Salih Caner , Pushparajah Kuberan , Nordsletten David , Lamata Pablo
Published: February 2022

Aortic surgeries in congenital conditions, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), aim to restore and maintain the conduit and reservoir functions of the aorta. We proposed a method to assess these two functions based on 4D flow MRI, and we applied it to study the aorta in pre-Fontan HLHS. Ten pre-Fontan HLHS patients and six age-matched controls were studied to derive the advective pressure difference and viscous dissipation for conduit function, and pulse wave velocity and elastic modulus for reservoir function. The reconstructed neo-aorta in HLHS subjects achieved a good conduit function at a cost of an impaired reservoir function (69.7% increase of elastic modulus). The native descending HLHS aorta displayed enhanced reservoir (elastic modulus being 18.4% smaller) but impaired conduit function (three-fold increase in peak advection). A non-invasive and comprehensive assessment of aortic conduit and reservoir functions is feasible and has potentially clinical relevance in congenital vascular conditions.

Graphical abstract
Effect of Ultrasonic Vibration Treatment on Microstructure, Tensile Properties, Hardness and Wear Behaviour of Brass Alloy
Authors: Moussa M. E. , Amin M. , Ibrahim Khaled M.
Published: February 2022

Effect of ultrasonic vibration (USV) treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of brass alloy has been investigated. Microstructure of the investigated brass alloy without USV treatment exhibited stretched and dendritic α-phase within an average length of 165 µm and also interdendritic coarse β-phase. By applying USV treatment, the α-phase is significantly refined that obtained an average length of 21 µm. In addition, USV treatment achieved more homogenized structure of α and β-phases. The refinement of microstructure enhanced of course the mechanical properties of the brass alloy including yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, hardness and wear resistance. Furthermore, fracture surfaces and worn surfaces mechanisms were also discussed.
Worlding Eco-psychology: a Collective Bio-ethnography
Authors: Tironi Elisa , Barrett Dylan , Rayner Damian , Dillane Sarah , Trapolini Tania , Hewitt Ramona , Henry Evelyn , Rhodes Paul
Published: February 2022

In this paper, eight practicing psychologists, a dog (Oscar), white cockatoos, crimson rosellas, blue gums, plum blossoms, the words of theorists of eco-psychology and post-humanism joined together for two days with the mountains of the Darug and Gundungurra peoples, to explore questions about psychology and its capacity to respond to the climate crisis. We designed a series of psychoterratic exercises for this purpose: (1) a bio-graphical definitional ceremony, (2) a series of short lectures and readings set to the poetics of open dialogue, (3) a sympoietic vegetal-thinking exercise, (4) a bush-psychogeography and (5) a final reflection on praxis. We present our findings, written in bricolage, a compost of experiences and ideas both horizontal and vertical, written, drawn and photographic.
Two Sisters with Kallmann Syndrome, Gonadal Dysgenesis, and Multiple Neuromuscular and Endocrine Disorders: Report of Two Cases with Description of an Unusual Association
Authors: Camacho Marta , Castelo-Branco Camil
Published: February 2022

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is an uncommon genetic disorder characterized by isolated congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and anosmia/hyposmia. KS originates from abnormal embryonic migration of olfactory axons and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-synthesizing neurons. It can be challenging to diagnose due to its heterogeneous clinical presentation and genes implied. Herein, we report a rare phenotype of KS in two sisters accompanied by a variety of nonreproductive disorders such as hypoparathyroidism, hypercortisolism, atrophy of the cerebellum, intellectual disability, and remarkably, ovarian dysgenesis. Additionally, both subjects present muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, marked hypotonia and seizures, being suspected, although not fully confirmed, mitochondrial encephalomyopathy. These cases illustrate the heterogeneous clinical presentation and the diagnostic difficulties often found in patients suffering from this condition. These clinical features have never been described before as associated with KS; therefore, we decided to report this novel KS phenotype.
No time for that? An investigation of mindfulness and stress in first-year engineering design
Authors: Nolte Hannah , Huff Jacquelyn , McComb Christopher
Published: February 2022

Engineering design induces mental stress for students and the sources of stress for each stage of design are unique. Therefore, strategies are needed to manage the stress of engineering design that are applicable across the design process. This study investigated the effect of a brief mindfulness-based intervention on first-year students’ cognitive stress during concept generation, concept selection and physical modelling. It was found that the mindfulness-based intervention did increase one aspect of students’ state mindfulness (though the effect was small). While prior work indicates that increased mindfulness can lower perceived stress, the increase in students’ state mindfulness during this study was not found to have an observable impact on students’ stress experience. However, students were receptive to completing a mindfulness-based activity in-class and perceived multiple benefits. Physical modelling was the most stressful of the design tasks while concept generation and concept selection produced similar levels of stress. Students used five reoccurring mechanisms for coping with the stress of design including focusing on the task, minimising the importance of their performance, breathing, taking a break and avoidance/distraction. More research should be conducted with longer duration mindfulness-based interventions to understand their potential as a stress management strategy for engineering design.
Changes in area, flow speed and structure of southwest Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves in the 21st century
Authors: Holt Tom , Glasser Neil F
Published: February 2022

Since the mid-20th century, ice shelves around the Antarctic Peninsula have declined in extent and thickness, and some have shown signs of structural instability. Here, using satellite imagery from 1999/2000 to 2019/20 (Landsat 7 and 8, Sentinel-2 and ASTER), we measure areal changes, calculate surface flow speeds, and quantify structural changes of Bach, Stange and George VI ice shelves, located in the southwest Antarctic Peninsula. We recorded a total area loss of 797.5 km2 from 2009/10 to 2019/20, though spatial and temporal patterns varied at individual ice fronts. Flow speeds remained largely stable over the observation periods, but notable acceleration was calculated for Bach Ice Shelf, and at the northern and southern extents of George VI Ice Shelf. Open fractures widened and lengthened between 2009/10 and 2019/20 on all three ice shelves. We conclude that Stange Ice Shelf is stable, and not under any immediate threat of enhanced recession. Continued ice-mass loss and consequential speed up of George VI South may cause further fracturing and destabilisation in the coming decades. Of more immediate concern are the glaciological changes noted for Bach Ice Shelf and George VI North; substantial areas of stabilising ice have already, or will soon be removed, that may lead to enhanced recession within the next decade.
Tracing wedge-internal deformation by means of strontium isotope systematics of vein carbonates
Authors: Dielforder Armin , Villa Igor M. , Berger Alfons , Herwegh Marco
Published: February 2022

Radiogenic strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) of vein carbonates play a central role in the tectonometamorphic study of fold-and-thrust belts and accretionary wedges and have been used to document fluid sources and fluxes, for example, along major fault zones. In addition, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios of vein carbonates can trace the diagenetic to metamorphic evolution of pore fluids in accreted sediments. Here we present 87Sr/86Sr ratios of vein carbonates from the Infrahelvetic flysch units of the central European Alps (Glarus Alps, Switzerland), which were accreted to the North Alpine fold-and-thrust belt during the early stages of continental collision. We show that the vein carbonates trace the Sr isotopic evolution of pore fluids from an initial seawater-like signature towards the Sr isotopic composition of the host rock with increasing metamorphic grade. This relationship reflects the progressive equilibration of the pore fluid with the host rock and allows us to constrain the diagenetic to low-grade metamorphic conditions of deformation events, including bedding-parallel shearing, imbricate thrusting, folding, cleavage development, tectonic mélange formation and extension. The strontium isotope systematics of vein carbonates provides new insights into the prograde to early retrograde tectonic evolution of the Alpine fold-and-thrust belt and helps to understand the relative timing of deformation events.
Sexual violence and self-reported sexually transmitted infections among women in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Aboagye Richard Gyan , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Frimpong James Boadu , Yaya Sanni
Published: February 2022

Sexual violence has proven to be associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We examined the association between sexual violence and self-reported STIs (SR-STIs) among women in sexual unions in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. This was a cross-sectional study involving the analysis of data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 15 countries in SSA. A total sample of 65,392 women in sexual unions were included in the final analysis. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was carried out and the results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Women who experienced sexual violence in the last 12 months were more likely to self-report STIs compared to those who did not experience sexual violence [aOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.59-1.94]. Compared to women in Angola, those who were in Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Liberia were more likely to self-report STIs while those in Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were less likely to self-report STIs. The study has revealed variations in the country level regarding the prevalence of sexual violence and SR-STI in the last 12 months among women in sexual unions in the selected countries. This study has demostrated that sexual violence in the last 12 months is associated with SR-STIs among women in sexual unions. Moreover, factors that predict SR-STIs were observed in this study. Policymakers and agencies that matter could consider the factors identified in this study when designing policies or strengthening existing ones to tackle STIs among women in SSA. To accelerate the progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, its imperative efforts and interventions must be intensified in SSA to reduce sexual violence which will go a long way to reduce SR-STIs among women.
A meta-analysis of genetic parameter estimates for milk and serum minerals in dairy cows
Authors: Ghavi Hossein-Zadeh Navid
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis based on a random-effects model to combine different published heritability estimates and genetic correlations for milk and serum minerals in dairy cows. In total, 59 heritability and 25 genetic correlation estimates from 12 articles published between 2009 and 2021 were used. The heritability estimates for milk macro-minerals were moderate to high and ranged from 0.311 (for Na) to 0.420 (for Ca). On the other hand, milk micro-minerals had lower heritabilities with a range from 0.013 (for Fe) to 0.373 (for Zn). The heritability estimates for serum macro-minerals were generally low and varied from 0.126 (for K) to 0.206 (for Mg). The estimates of genetic correlation between milk macro-minerals varied from −0.024 (between Na and K) to 0.625 (between Mg and P). The genetic correlations of milk Ca and P with milk yield were −0.171 and −0.211, respectively. The estimates of genetic parameters reported in this meta-analysis study are appropriate to utilize in breeding plans when valid estimates are not available for milk minerals in dairy cow populations.
Growing Up Indio during the Mexican Miracle: Childhood, Race and the Politics of Memory
Authors: Schaefer Timo
Published: February 2022

This article explores the childhood of a Mexican Indigenous activist, Raúl Javier Gatica Bautista, who was born in 1963 in the Oaxacan market town of Tlaxiaco. Growing up in poor circumstances, Gatica would become a leader in the social movements that between the 1980s and early 2000s pushed Mexico toward gradual democratic reform. The article seeks to describe what it was like to grow up poor and Indigenous at a time (later dubbed the Mexican Miracle) of impressive social and economic advances. Paying special attention to the experience of racial abuse, the article also asks how Gatica's childhood came to inform his political militancy. While other historians have linked the phenomenon of political radicalism in twentieth-century Latin America to particular social conditions, or to the influence and adaptation of global ideologies, this article seeks the origins of Gatica's radicalism in the experience of a racialised childhood.
Building green urban expertise: politicians, agronomists, gardeners and engineers at Lisbon City Council (1840–1900)
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Duarte
Published: February 2022

Focusing on Lisbon's green urban renewal under the liberal regime between 1840 and 1900, this article shows how the construction of green urban infrastructure became a part of the liberal agenda for modernizing the capital. The history of Lisbon's nineteenth-century public gardens and parks and tree-lined avenues has received scant attention, but this article reveals the pioneering role played by Lisbon City Council Department of Gardens and Green Grounds and the subsequent creative adaptation of Parisian green urban renewal programmes to Lisbon. These two phases corresponded to the leadership of different professional groups – gardeners and engineers, whose authority derived not only from their expertise but from their role in the making of scientific authority. Finally, this article highlights how the value ascribed to engineering as being more ‘techno-scientific’ than gardening dictated the outcome of the rivalry between gardeners and engineers with the eventual demise of the Department of Gardens and Green Grounds.
Crossed pulmonary arteries and DiGeorge syndrome: case reports and literature review
Authors: Cairello Francesca , Gagliardi Marta , Magrassi Silvia A. , Secco Andrea , Strozzi Maria C. , Felici Enrico
Published: February 2022

DiGeorge syndrome has heterogeneous clinical presentation, and for this reason, its diagnosis can be challenging and may be missed. Since CHDs are very common in this patients, they can be considered pillars of clinical diagnosis of the syndrome. Therefore, accurate echocardiography is needed to detect even minor cardiac anomalies, as some specific malformation like crossed pulmonary arteries can be associated with 22q11 syndrome. We report two cases of newborns where the diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome was suspected after finding crossed pulmonary arteries on echocardiography. In order to reach a timely diagnosis of DiGeorge syndrome, we suggest a careful echocardiographic examination of the pulmonary arteries position in all patients and genetic analysis for 22q11.2 microdeletion in patients in whom malposition has been detected.
Early optimized pharmacological treatment in patients with depression and chronic pain
Authors: Oluboka Oloruntoba J. , Katzman Martin A. , Habert Jeffrey , Khullar Atul , Oakander Margaret A. , McIntosh Diane , McIntyre Roger S. , Soares Claudio N. , Lam Raymond W. , Klassen Larry J. , Tanguay Robert
Published: February 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Patients with MDD have high rates of comorbidity with mental and physical conditions, one of which is chronic pain. Chronic pain conditions themselves are also associated with significant disability, and the large number of patients with MDD who have chronic pain drives high levels of disability and compounds healthcare burden. The management of depression in patients who also have chronic pain can be particularly challenging due to underlying mechanisms that are common to both conditions, and because many patients with these conditions are already taking multiple medications. For these reasons, healthcare providers may be reluctant to treat such patients. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT) guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of MDD and comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions such as anxiety, substance use disorder, and cardiovascular disease; however, comorbid chronic pain is not addressed. In this article, we provide an overview of the pathophysiological and clinical overlap between depression and chronic pain and review evidence-based pharmacological recommendations in current treatment guidelines for MDD and for chronic pain. Based on clinical experience with MDD patients with comorbid pain, we recommend rapidly and aggressively treating depression according to CANMAT treatment guidelines, using antidepressant medications with analgesic properties, while addressing pain with first-line pharmacotherapy as treatment for depression is optimized. We review options for treating pain symptoms that remain after response to antidepressant treatment is achieved.
Solitary Waves Impinging on an Isolated Tropical Reef: Arrival Patterns and Wave Transformation Under Shoaling
Authors: Ramp S. R. , Yang Y.‐J. , Jan S. , Chang M.‐H. , Davis K. A. , Sinnett G. , Bahr F. L. , Reeder D. B. , Ko D. S. , Pawlak G.
Published: February 2022

Large nonlinear internal solitary waves (NLIWs) are known to transit west northwest across the northeastern South China Sea from generation sites around the two‐ridge system in the Luzon Strait. The waves are important because their energy flux and dissipation are several orders of magnitude larger than the surrounding ocean. The wave transit has been well studied up to about the 100 m isobath but observations in shallower water have been scarce. Using oceanographic moorings and an innovative distributed temperature sensing optical cable, the NLIW transformations were observed from 2000 to 2 m on the flanks of Dongsha Atoll (Pratas Reef). Possible outcomes included reflection, refraction around the island, wave breaking, and penetration into shallow water. Upslope penetration depended on incident wave amplitude and direction as well as the local stratification.
Cryo-EM advances in RNA structure determination
Authors: Ma Haiyun , Jia Xinyu , Zhang Kaiming , Su Zhaoming
Published: February 2022

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as an unprecedented tool to resolve protein structures at atomic resolution. Structural insights of biological samples not accessible by conventional X-ray crystallography and NMR can be explored with cryo-EM because measurements are carried out under near-native crystal-free conditions, and large protein complexes with conformational and compositional heterogeneity are readily resolved. RNA has remained underexplored in cryo-EM, despite its essential role in various biological processes. This review highlights current challenges and recent progress in using cryo-EM single-particle analysis to determine protein-free RNA structures, enabled by improvement in sample preparation and integration of multiple structural and biochemical methods.
Thrombin induces ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Tuo Qing-zhang , Liu Yu , Xiang Zheng , Yan Hong-Fa , Zou Ting , Shu Yang , Ding Xu-long , Zou Jin-jun , Xu Shuo , Tang Fei , Gong Yan-qiu , Li Xiao-lan , Guo Yu-jie , Zheng Zhao-yue , Deng Ai-ping , Yang Zhang-zhong , Li Wen-jing , Zhang Shu-ting , Ayton Scott , Bush Ashley I. , Xu Heng , Dai Lunzhi , Dong Biao , Lei Peng
Published: February 2022

Ischemic stroke represents a significant danger to human beings, especially the elderly. Interventions are only available to remove the clot, and the mechanism of neuronal death during ischemic stroke is still in debate. Ferroptosis is increasingly appreciated as a mechanism of cell death after ischemia in various organs. Here we report that the serine protease, thrombin, instigates ferroptotic signaling by promoting arachidonic acid mobilization and subsequent esterification by the ferroptotic gene, acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4). An unbiased multi-omics approach identified thrombin and ACSL4 genes/proteins, and their pro-ferroptotic phosphatidylethanolamine lipid products, as prominently altered upon the middle cerebral artery occlusion in rodents. Genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting multiple points in this pathway attenuated outcomes of models of ischemia in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, the thrombin-ACSL4 axis may be a key therapeutic target to ameliorate ferroptotic neuronal injury during ischemic stroke.
Animal studies for the evaluation of in situ tissue-engineered vascular grafts — a systematic review, evidence map, and meta-analysis
Authors: Koch Suzanne E. , de Kort Bente J. , Holshuijsen Noud , Brouwer Hannah F. M. , van der Valk Dewy C. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. , van Luijk Judith A. K. R. , Hooijmans Carlijn R. , de Vries Rob B. M. , Bouten Carlijn V. C. , Smits Anthal I. P. M.
Published: February 2022

Vascular in situ tissue engineering (TE) is an approach that uses bioresorbable grafts to induce endogenous regeneration of damaged blood vessels. The evaluation of newly developed in situ TE vascular grafts heavily relies on animal experiments. However, no standard for in vivo models or study design has been defined, hampering inter-study comparisons and translational efficiency. To provide input for formulating such standard, the goal of this study was to map all animal experiments for vascular in situ TE using off-the-shelf available, resorbable synthetic vascular grafts. A literature search (PubMed, Embase) yielded 15,896 studies, of which 182 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 5,101 animals). The reports displayed a wide variety of study designs, animal models, and biomaterials. Meta-analysis on graft patency with subgroup analysis for species, age, sex, implantation site, and follow-up time demonstrated model-specific variations. This study identifies possibilities for improved design and reporting of animal experiments to increase translational value.
Effects of microRNA-298 on APP and BACE1 translation differ according to cell type and 3′-UTR variation
Authors: Wang Ruizhi , Lahiri Debomoy K.
Published: February 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is marked by neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques composed of amyloid β (Aβ) peptides. However, specific contributions of different cell types to Aβ deposition remain unknown. Non-coding microRNAs (miRNA) play important roles in AD by regulating translation of major associated proteins, such as Aβ precursor protein (APP) and β-site APP-cleaving enzyme (BACE1), two key proteins associated with Aβ biogenesis. MiRNAs typically silence protein expression via binding specific sites in mRNAs’ 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTR). MiRNAs regulate protein levels in a cell-type specific manner; however, mechanisms of the variation of miRNA activity remain unknown. We report that miR-298 treatment reduced native APP and BACE1 protein levels in an astrocytic but not in a neuron-like cell line. From miR-298’s effects on APP-3′-UTR activity and native protein levels, we infer that differences in APP 3′-UTR length could explain differential miR-298 activity. Such varied or truncated, but natural, 3′-UTR specific to a given cell type provides an opportunity to regulate native protein levels by particular miRNA. Thus, miRNA’s effect tailoring to a specific cell type, bypassing another undesired cell type with a truncated 3′-UTR would potentially advance clinically-relevant translational research.
New paradigm for configurational entropy in glass-forming systems
Authors: Drozd-Rzoska Aleksandra , Rzoska Sylwester J. , Starzonek Szymon
Published: February 2022

We show that on cooling towards glass transition configurational entropy exhibits more significant changes than predicted by classic relation. A universal formula according to Kauzmann temperature $${T}_{K}$$

T
K

is given: $$S={S}_{0}{t}^{n}$$

S
=

S
0

t

n

, where $$t=\left(T-{T}_{K}\right)/T$$

t
=

T
-

T
K

/
T

. The exponent $$n$$
n
is hypothetically linked to dominated local symmetry. Such a behaviour is coupled to previtreous evolution of heat capacity $$\Delta {C}_{P}^{config.}\left(T\right)=\left(nC/T\right){\left(1-{T}_{K}/T\right)}^{n-1}$$

Δ

C

P

c
o
n
f
i
g
.

T

=

n
C
/
T

1
-

T
K

/
T

n
-
1

associated with finite temperature singularity. These lead to generalised VFT relation, for which the basic equation is retrieved. For many glass-formers, basic VFT equation may have only an effective meaning. A universal-like reliability of the Stickel operator analysis for detecting dynamic crossover phenomenon is also questioned. Notably, distortions-sensitive and derivative-based analysis focused on previtreous changes of configurational entropy and heat capacity for glycerol, ethanol and liquid crystal is applied.
Introducing and applying Newtonian blurring: an augmented dataset of 126,000 human connectomes at braingraph.org
Authors: Keresztes László , Szögi Evelin , Varga Bálint , Grolmusz Vince
Published: February 2022

Gaussian blurring is a well-established method for image data augmentation: it may generate a large set of images from a small set of pictures for training and testing purposes for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. When we apply AI for non-imagelike biological data, hardly any related method exists. Here we introduce the “Newtonian blurring” in human braingraph (or connectome) augmentation: Started from a dataset of 1053 subjects from the public release of the Human Connectome Project, we first repeat a probabilistic weighted braingraph construction algorithm 10 times for describing the connections of distinct cerebral areas, then for every possible set of 7 of these graphs, delete the lower and upper extremes, and average the remaining 7 − 2 = 5 edge-weights for the data of each subject. This way we augment the 1053 graph-set to 120 $$\times $$
×
1053 = 126,360 graphs. In augmentation techniques, it is an important requirement that no artificial additions should be introduced into the dataset. Gaussian blurring and also this Newtonian blurring satisfy this goal. The resulting dataset of 126,360 graphs, each in 5 resolutions (i.e., 631,800 graphs in total), is freely available at the site https://braingraph.org/cms/download-pit-group-connectomes/. Augmenting with Newtonian blurring may also be applicable in other non-image-related fields, where probabilistic processing and data averaging are implemented.
Endothelial cell ferroptosis mediates monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension in rats by modulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Xie Shan-Shan , Deng Yan , Guo Sheng-lan , Li Jia-quan , Zhou Ying-chuan , Liao Juan , Wu Dan-dan , Lan Wei-Fang
Published: February 2022

Inflammation triggers pulmonary vascular remodelling. Ferroptosis, a nonapoptotic form of cell death that is triggered by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and contributes to the pathogenesis of several inflammation-related diseases, but its role in pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not been studied. We examined endothelial cell ferroptosis in PH and the potential mechanisms. Pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs) and lung tissues from monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH rats were analysed for ferroptosis markers, including lipid peroxidation, the labile iron pool (LIP) and the protein expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) and NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4). The effects of the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) on endothelial cell ferroptosis and pulmonary vascular remodelling in MCT-induced rats were studied in vitro and in vivo. Ferroptosis was observed in PAECs from MCT-induced PH rats in vitro and in vivo and was characterized by a decline in cell viability accompanied by increases in the LIP and lipid peroxidation, the downregulation of GPX4 and FTH1 expression and the upregulation of NOX4 expression. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signalling was measured by western blotting. These changes were significantly blocked by Fer-1 administration in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that Fer-1 plays a role in inhibiting ferroptosis-mediated PAEC loss during the progression of PH. The ferroptosis-induced inflammatory response depended on the activation of HMGB1/TLR4 signalling, which activated the NLRP3 inflammasome in vivo. We are the first to suggest that pulmonary artery endothelial ferroptosis triggers inflammatory responses via the HMGB1/TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome signalling pathway in MCT-induced rats. Treating PH with a ferroptosis inhibitor and exploring new treatments based on ferroptosis regulation might be promising therapeutic strategies for PH.
Electric-field induced modulation of amorphous protein aggregates: polarization, deformation, and reorientation
Authors: Kang Kyongok , Platten Florian
Published: February 2022

Proteins in their native state are only marginally stable and tend to aggregate. However, protein misfolding and condensation are often associated with undesired processes, such as pathogenesis, or unwanted properties, such as reduced biological activity, immunogenicity, or uncontrolled materials properties. Therefore, controlling protein aggregation is very important, but still a major challenge in various fields, including medicine, pharmacology, food processing, and materials science. Here, flexible, amorphous, micron-sized protein aggregates composed of lysozyme molecules reduced by dithiothreitol are used as a model system. The preformed amorphous protein aggregates are exposed to a weak alternating current electric field. Their field response is followed in situ by time-resolved polarized optical microscopy, revealing field-induced deformation, reorientation and enhanced polarization as well as the disintegration of large clusters of aggregates. Small-angle dynamic light scattering was applied to probe the collective microscopic dynamics of amorphous aggregate suspensions. Field-enhanced local oscillations of the intensity auto-correlation function are observed and related to two distinguishable elastic moduli. Our results validate the prospects of electric fields for controlling protein aggregation processes.