bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Kidney Proximal Tubule‐Microvascular Model Facilitates High‐Throughput Analyses of Structural and Functional Effects of Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Shaughnessey Erin M. , Kann Samuel H. , Charest Joseph L. , Vedula Else M.
Published: October 2023

Kidney ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) poses a major global healthcare burden, but effective treatments remain elusive. IRI involves a complex interplay of tissue‐level structural and functional changes caused by interruptions in blood and filtrate flow and reduced oxygenation. Existing in vitro models poorly replicate the in vivo injury environment and lack means of monitoring tissue function during the injury process. Here, a high‐throughput human primary kidney proximal tubule (PT)‐microvascular model is described, which facilitates in‐depth structural and rapid functional characterization of IRI‐induced changes in the tissue barrier. The PREDICT96 (P96) microfluidic platform's user‐controlled fluid flow can mimic the conditions of IR to induce pronounced changes in cell structure that resemble clinical and in vivo phenotypes. High‐throughput trans‐epi/endo‐thelial electrical resistance (TEER) sensing is applied to non‐invasively track functional changes in the PT‐microvascular barrier during the two‐stage injury process and over repeated episodes of injury. Notably, ischemia causes an initial increase in tissue TEER followed by a sudden increase in permeability upon reperfusion, and this biphasic response occurs only with the loss of both fluid flow and oxygenation. This study demonstrates the potential of the P96 kidney IRI model to enhance understanding of IRI and fuel therapeutic development.
Biocompatible Human Placental Extracellular Matrix Derived Hydrogels
Authors: Gujjar Sunil , Tyagi Anurag , Sainger Saloni , Bharti Puja , Nain Vaibhav , Sood Pratibha , Jayabal Prakash , Sharma Jagadish Chandra , Sharma Priyanka , Rajput Sanjay , Pandey Anil Kumar , Pandey Amit Kumar , Abnave Prasad , Mathapati Santosh
Published: October 2023

Solubilizing extracellular matrix (ECM) materials and transforming them into hydrogels has expanded their potential applications both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, hydrogels are prepared by decellularization of human placental tissue using detergent and enzymes and by the subsequent creation of a homogenized acellular placental tissue powder (P‐ECM). A perfusion‐based decellularization approach is employed using detergent and enzymes. The P‐ECM with and without gamma irradiation is then utilized to prepare P‐ECM hydrogels. Physical and biological evaluations are conducted to assess the suitability of the P‐ECM hydrogels for biocompatibility. The decellularized tissue has significantly reduced cellular content and retains the major ECM proteins. Increasing the concentration of P‐ECM leads to improved mechanical properties of the P‐ECM hydrogels. The biocompatibility of the P‐ECM hydrogel is demonstrated through cell proliferation and viability assays. Notably, gamma‐sterilized P‐ECM does not support the formation of a stable hydrogel. Nonetheless, the use of HCl during the digestion process effectively decreases spore growth and bacterial bioburden. The study demonstrates that P‐ECM hydrogels exhibit physical and biological attributes conducive to soft tissue reconstruction. These hydrogels establish a favorable microenvironment for cell growth and the need for investigating innovative sterilization methods.
Regulation of Anti‐Thermal Quenching and Emission Color in Eu2+‐Activated Na‐Beta‐Alumina Phosphors for Full‐Spectrum Illumination
Authors: Chen Mengfang , Liao Shuzhen , Han Yue , Qiu Zhongxian , Lian Shixun , Zhang Jilin
Published: October 2023

Broadband cyan‐emitting phosphors are crucial to close the cyan gap of phosphor‐converted white light‐emitting diodes (pc‐WLEDs) for full‐spectrum illumination. In this work, efficient cyan‐emitting Eu2+‐activated phosphor is achieved through structural modulation, which exhibits anti‐thermal quenching behavior. Redshift from blue (469 nm) to cyan (500 nm) emission and enhancement of emission is achieved by codoping Mg2+ and Ge4+ into Eu2+‐activated Na‐beta‐alumina phosphor. The introduction of Mg2+ ions dominates the redshift, while Ge4+ dominates the enhancement of emission. Furthermore, the introduction of Mg2+ and Ge4+ reduces the content of deep trap levels related to VNa defect, which decreases the degree of anti‐thermal quenching and results in better thermal stability. The prototype pc‐WLED by using the cyan‐emitting phosphor exhibits higher color‐rendering index and potential to close the cyan gap of pc‐WLEDs for full‐spectrum illumination. This work presents a paradigm for exploring phosphors with highly efficient and thermally stable emissions.
Reprogrammable Nonlinear Transmission Controls Using an Information Metasurface
Authors: Ning Yu Ming , Ma Qian , Xiao Qiang , Gu Ze , Cui Tie Jun
Published: October 2023

Nonlinearity manipulation based on electromagnetic (EM) metasurfaces has always been a hot topic, which is an important part of communication and radar systems. However, most of the existing transmission metasurfaces are mainly focused on linear processing on the incident EM waves. In this article, a reprogrammable nonlinear transmission metasurface is proposed for spatial waves using active power amplifiers. An ultrathin and compact metasurface is designed, fabricated, and measured, to achieve reprogrammable functions on the nonlinear transmissions. For EM incidence, the metasurface can not only amplify the magnification of small signals, but also control high‐energy signals nonlinearly, whose magnification is determined by different bias voltages. The simulation and experimental results show good consistency, which verifies the feasibility of the proposed method. This work can find potential applications in signal gain compression and construction of nonlinear units of diffractive deep neural networks.
Palladium Catalysis: Dependence of the Efficiency of C−C Bond Formation on Carboxylate Ligand and Alkali Metal Carboxylate or Carboxylic Acid Additive. Part A: the C(sp2)−C(sp2), C(sp2)−C(sp3) and C(sp3)−C(sp3) Bonds
Authors: Le Bras Jean , Muzart Jacques
Published: October 2023

A variety of Pd‐catalyzed reactions are carried out with palladium carboxylates in the presence of carboxylic acids and/or alkali metal carboxylates. This review is Part A of three reviews highlighting the dependence of the efficiency of the formation of the different C−C bonds on the nature of the carboxylate unit. Part A concerns inter‐ and intramolecular reactions leading to the formation of a C(sp2)−C(sp2), C(sp2)−C(sp3) or C(sp3)−C(sp3) bond. The variety of procedures and additives is presented as well as the reaction mechanisms with, as far as possible, personal comments.
Mixed methods in community psychology: A values‐forward synthesis
Authors: Javdani Shabnam , Larsen Sadie E. , Allen Nicole E. , Blackburn Allyson M. , Griffin Breana , Rieger Agnes
Published: October 2023

Mixed methods research (MMR) combines multiple traditions, methods, and worldviews to enrich research design and interpretation of data. In this virtual special issue, we highlight the use of MMR within the field of community psychology. The first MMR studies appeared in flagship community psychology journals over 30 years ago (in 1991). To explore the uses of MMR in the field, we first review existing literature by identifying all papers appearing in either Journal of Community Psychology or American Journal of Community Psychology in which the word “mixed” appeared. A total of 88 publications were identified. Many of these papers illustrate the pragmatic use of MMR to evaluate programs and to answer different research questions using different methods. We coded articles based on Green et al.'s classifications of the purpose of the mixing: triangulation, development, complementarity, expansion, and initiation. Complementarity was the most frequently used purpose (46.6% of articles), and nearly a quarter of articles mixed for multiple purposes (23.86%). We also coded for any community psychology values advanced by the use of mixed methods. We outline three themes here with corresponding exemplars. These articles illustrate how MMR can highlight ecological analysis and reconsider dominant, individual‐level paradigms; center participant and community member experiences; and unpack paradoxes to increase the usefulness of research findings.
Divergent and Selective Light Alkene Cross‐Coupling
Authors: Wang Zi‐Chao , Zhang Jia‐Wen , Koh Ming Joo , Shi Shi‐Liang
Published: October 2023

Light olefins are abundantly manufactured in the petroleum industry and thus represent ideal starting materials for modern chemical synthesis. Selective and divergent transformations of feedstock light olefins to value‐added chemicals are highly sought‐after but remain challenging. Herein we report an exceptionally regioselective carbonickelation of light alkenes followed by in situ trapping with three types of nucleophiles, namely a reductant, base, or Grignard reagent. This protocol enables efficient 1,2‐hydrofunctionalization, dicarbofunctionalization, and branched‐selective Heck‐type cross‐coupling of light alkenes with aryl and alkenyl reagents to streamline access to diverse alkyl arenes and complex alkenes. Harnessing bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands with acenaphthyl backbones for nickel catalysts is crucial to attain high reactivity and selectivity. This strategy provides a rare, modular, and divergent platform for upgrading feedstock alkenes and is expected to find broad applications in medicinal chemistry and industrial processes.
SCADA Master Planning for Water and Wastewater Utilities
Authors: Plumstead Adam , Samson Pete
Published: October 2023

Key Takeaways

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) provides water utilities with data for regulatory compliance, monitoring and alarm management of life safety systems, and protecting public health.

Utilities often make the mistake of taking a passive approach to managing a SCADA system, not giving it the special attention and detailed planning it requires to stay current.

A SCADA master plan can fit any organization's size, complexity, and budget.
Garland, Texas: Finding and Fixing Leaks Using Satellite‐Directed Inspections
Authors: Gagliardo Paul , Baughman Cynthia
Published: October 2023

Key Takeaways

Garland, Texas, wanted to reduce its nonrevenue water (NRW), which had risen sharply between 2015 and 2020.

Using satellite‐directed field leak inspections, the city was able to identify leaking pipes and reduce real water losses.

Garland began a proactive leak detection program in 2021, and NRW has dropped significantly because of these efforts.
Tapping Tomorrow: Houston's Water Prospects for the Next Century
Authors: Kommineni Sunil , Petersen Tina , Bartlett Justin , Turco Michael , Komazin Paula , Greuter Ashley , Swank Kyle
Published: October 2023

Key Takeaways

After long‐term groundwater pumping increased subsidence‐related flood risk in Houston, the Texas legislature created subsidence districts to manage groundwater use.

Reducing groundwater pumping requires alternative water supplies (AWSs) to meet current and future water demands.

An assessment of AWS options in the Houston area determined that potential supplies should be more than ample to meet anticipated growth and demand.
Pharmamedia and pectinase production by Bacillus subtilis Mz‐12P
Authors: Alajlani Muaaz Mutaz
Published: October 2023

Bacterial isolates collected from the environment were screened for pectinolytic activity, and a strain with the highest activity was selected and identified as Bacillus subtilis Mz‐12. The presence of pectin hydrolase, lyase, and esterase activities was confirmed. Pectinase was purified and characterized. Enzyme production was optimized with respect to temperature, pH, and growth medium. Enzyme stability and activity were characterized under different temperatures and pH values. The results showed that this strain was capable of producing high yields of pectinase in commercial medium (Pharmamedia) 24.6 U/mL compared to other media. The purified pectinase of 22.3 kDa produced was constitutive in nature. The isolated enzyme from this strain displayed a wide range of temperature and pH stability, with the optimal activity observed at pH 9.0 and 50°C. These results indicate that the B. subtilis Mz‐12 strain is a favorable candidate for industrial enzyme production. The use of Pharmamedia is reported for first time for pectinase production.
Amino acid uptake by Saccharomyces cerevisiae during ethanol production
Authors: Johnston David B. , Stoklosa Ryan J.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Fuel ethanol produced from corn requires proper yeast nutrition. Corn without supplementation provides inadequate nitrogen at high solids levels. Inorganic nitrogen is typically added; however, organic nitrogen could also be added. To evaluate the impact of supplemental nitrogen and compare it with protease addition, we developed a solids‐free corn media to study and compare fermentations.

Findings

Amino acid concentrations showed uptake occurred rapidly as fermentation started and reached near zero levels for most amino acids. After sugar utilization was complete, amino acids were released by the yeast into the media. Protease addition without supplemental nitrogen reached rates and yields equivalent to supplemented media.

Conclusions

Free amino acids decrease significantly at the beginning of fermentation but, under some conditions, are released again. Protease addition increased certain amino acids and reached equivalent ethanol yields without the addition of urea. Urea allowed the yeast to produce significantly more amino acids during fermentation that were released into the media after all the available sugar was consumed.

Significance and Novelty

Amino acid uptake and release in corn fermentations has not been previously reported with this detail, and the improved understanding could lead to performance benefits.
Unraveling Structural and Acidic Properties of Al‐SBA‐15‐supported Metal Phosphates: Assessment for Glucose Dehydration
Authors: Rakngam Issaraporn , Khemthong Pongtanawat , Osakoo Nattawut , Rungnim Chompoonut , Youngjan Saran , Thongratkaew Sutarat , Pengsawang Aniwat , Rungtaweevoranit Bunyarat , Faungnawakij Kajornsak , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Chanlek Narong , Khunphonoi Rattabal , Loiha Sirinuch , Prasitnok Khongvit , Wittayakun Jatuporn
Published: October 2023

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) synthesized through glucose conversion requires Lewis acid (L) site for isomerization and Brønsted acid (B) site for dehydration. The objective of this work is to investigate the influence of the metal type of Al‐SBA‐15‐supported phosphates of Cr, Zr, Nb, Sr, and Sn on glucose conversion to 5‐HMF in a NaCl‐H2O/n‐butanol biphasic solvent system. The structural and acid property of all supported metal phosphate samples were fully verified by several spectroscopic methods. Among those catalysts, CrPO/Al‐SBA‐15 provided the best performance with the highest glucose conversion and 5‐HMF yield, corresponding to the highest total acidity of 0.65 mmol/g and optimal L/B ratio of 1.88. For CrPO/Al‐SBA‐15, another critical parameter is the phosphate‐to‐chromium ratio. Moreover, DFT simulation of glucose conversion to 5‐HMF on the surface of the optimized chromium phosphate structure reveals three steps of fructose dehydration on the Brønsted acid site. Finally, the optimum reaction condition, reusability, and leaching test of the best catalyst were determined. CrPO/Al‐SBA‐15 is a promising catalyst for glucose conversion to high‐value‐added chemicals in future biorefinery production.
Effect of poling on electrochemical properties of Ag/Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 composites
Authors: Alfryyan Nada , Singh V. P. , Elqahtani Zainab Mufarreh , Alrowaili Z. A. , Kebaili Imen , Boukhris Imed , Al‐Buriahi M. S.
Published: October 2023

Ba0.85Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 (BCT‐BZT) was produced via solid state reaction route at 1200. It was further fabricated into composites with silver. Phase formation was confirmed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructures were captured using electron microscopy. Inclusion of silver creates more efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Further, these powder sample were exposed to corona poling with electric field of 4 kV/mm. These was clear improvement in electrochemical properties of poled sliver‐BCT‐BZT composites than that of unpoled samples.
Mass movement evaluation in deformed clastic rock with InSAR technique
Authors: Bayik Caglar , Abdikan Saygin , Gül Murat
Published: October 2023

This study uses multitemporal InSAR images to assess different types of mass movements occurring in the Seydikemer (Muğla, SW Türkiye) district. A major highway connecting the Fethiye district and Antalya province and numerous small settlements of various sizes are found in the study area. In terms of summer tourism, they are Türkiye's most well‐known locations. Since the 1960s, at least according to official records, mass movements in this area have been known to negatively impact human life. Some areas have even been declared disaster zones for this reason. However, the movement's size, type, and susceptibility to landslides have all been studied in the last 10–15 years. With satellite images and field studies, distinctive lobate‐shaped movements were classified as inactive and active. During fieldwork, characteristic features such as rough topography and bending trees were easily observed and indicated extremely slow and large‐scale movement. In this study, it was found that movement less than 7–8 mm/year could be classified as ‘extremely slow’ mass movement like a ‘creep’, and moving up to 43 mm/year was evaluated as ‘very slow’ movement and ‘earth slide’ on a rigid surface. The examined moving masses with lobate geometry are activated by natural factors such as valley slope direction, stream bed flow direction, erosion of the toe of the river valleys, earthquakes, excessive precipitation, or human activities such as road opening.
Insight into light‐ and static‐electric‐field‐induced polarization on polaron‐pair dynamics in neat P3HT device: A transient‐absorption‐spectroscopy‐based study
Authors: Rana Debkumar , Materny Arnulf
Published: October 2023

We have investigated the polaron‐pair dynamics following the excitation of vibrationally hot exciton states in organic semiconductor‐based optoelectronic devices to better understand the photophysical properties, which can help to improve the device performance. In our earlier work, published at ‘Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2019,21, 21236‐21248’, we have investigated the role of the static electric internal and external fields on the polaron‐pair dynamics in a neat poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) based device. From this, we have concluded that the polaron‐pair dissociates into charge carriers due to the internal field present inside the device and the dissociation process accelerates when an external electric field is also applied in reverse bias. Apart from the electric‐field‐induced dissociation process, we now have also been interested in the light‐ and electric‐field‐induced polarization effect on the polaron‐pair dynamics. For this, in the present study, we have used femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy to investigate the polaron‐pair dynamics in a neat P3HT‐based device for different angles of incidence of the light with an additional variation of the static electric field. It is well‐known that thin‐film photovoltaics can be designed for improved angle‐dependent responsivity at specific angles and the photon harvesting efficiency depends on the incident angle of light. Internal electric fields together with the electric field of the incident light both influence the charge generation efficiency of the device, which is determined by the photophysical processes happening between electronic excitation and the formation of charge. The change of reflectivity due to the variation of incident angle and the effect of the electric‐field induced polarization make an overall impact on the polaron‐pair dynamics as demonstrated by our investigations.
Changes in phenological events and long‐term seasonality in response to climate change and the ecological restoration in China's Loess Plateau
Authors: Li Xiaoting , Guo Wei , He Hao , Li Shuheng , Liu Tong
Published: October 2023

Phenology is highly responsive to environmental changes, particularly in ecologically vulnerable regions that have undergone significant anthropogenic management and rapid climate change. While previous research has mainly focused on interannual variations of specific phenological events such as the start (SOS), peak (POS), and end (EOS) of growing season, little attention has been given to abrupt shifts in long‐term phenological seasonality resulting from land management. In this study, we utilized full temporal details of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer‐derived normalized difference vegetation index to investigate how phenological metrics and seasonality have changed within the Loess Plateau. Our results indicated an earlier initial phase (SOS‐POS) and a prolonged POS‐EOS phenophase. Earlier spring onset was dominated by increasing water availability from the previous autumn, and earlier SOS led to an earlier POS but no significant carryover effect on EOS. In addition, spring onset of grassland was sensitive to precipitation while forest community was strongly influenced by temperature. We also reported significant changes in phenological seasonality across the plateau, and this shift in long‐term seasonality was mainly controlled by growing season precipitation. Moreover, land use/land cover change also played a role with increasing importance after the abrupt change in seasonality. In sum, our findings highlight the importance of water availability in shaping phenological patterns across this semiarid plateau and illuminate shifts in phenological seasonality that are indispensable to a comprehensive understanding of phenology dynamics.
Effect of moisture absorption on the flexural strength of phenolic matrix composites reinforced with glass fibers and aluminum oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Dehghanian Hossein , Farrash Seyyed Mahdi Hosseini , Jafari Mohammad
Published: October 2023

In this research, the effect of adding aluminum oxide nanoparticles on the flexural strength of glass/phenolic composites that were exposed to water environment was experimentally investigated. To make glass/phenolic composites, IL‐800 phenolic resin, H002 hardener, T400 bidirectional glass fibers and Al2O3 nanoparticles were used. Four‐layer composite plates were made by hand layup method. Beam‐shaped samples were extracted from the plates with the help of laser cutting method. Rectangular composite beams made of glass/phenolic and Al2O3/glass/phenolic were subjected to three‐point flexural test. The moisture absorption test was continued until the amount of water absorption reached a constant level. Bending test was performed on the samples before and after immersion in water. Based on the results, the average flexural strength of the samples after water absorption shows a decrease of about 15%. This parameter is equal to 118.96 MPa for glass/phenolic composite samples immersed in water, and by adding 0.25 wt% of Al2O3 nanoparticles into the matrix material of glass/phenolic composite samples, the flexural strength reaches 142.54 MPa, which shows an increase of 19.82% compared to samples without nanoparticles. Furthermore, the amount of flexural modulus decreases after water absorption, and the addition of nanoparticles in the base material can compensate this reduction. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrate that the addition of Al2O3 nanoparticles into the phenolic resin can enhance the strength of matrix material and improve the adhesion of glass fibers to the resin.

Highlights

Addition of nano Al2O3 reduces water absorption of glass/phenolic composites.

Nano Al2O3 improves composite flexural strength after water absorption.

Addition of nano Al2O3 increases the adhesion between the layers of the specimens.
Imaging and outcomes of fetal adrenal hemorrhage: A systematic review
Authors: Pham Amelie , Biswas Sonia , Levy Ariel , Spiliopoulos Michail , McLaren Rodney , Makhamreh Mona M. , Al‐Kouatly Huda B.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To describe prenatal and postnatal imaging findings of fetal adrenal hemorrhage (FAH) and its associated perinatal outcomes, including frequency of postnatal surgical intervention.

Method

A systematic literature review of seven electronic databases was conducted from inception until January 2022, with 2008 articles identified reporting prenatally identified fetal adrenal masses. Studies with confirmed FAH diagnosis were included. Quality and risk assessment were evaluated.

Results

Thirty‐five studies, including 102 FAH cases, were analyzed. FAH was commonly described as cystic (28/90, 31%), anechoic (25/90, 28%), or mixed echogenic (14/90, 16%) on ultrasound. Outcome data were available for 65 cases (64%) of FAH: 9% (6/65) resolved prenatally, 35% (23/65) resolved postnatally, 34% (22/65) regressed in size after birth, and 22% (14/65) persisted postnatally. Overall, 25% (16/65) of cases underwent postnatal surgical intervention. Neuroblastoma was suspected in all 16 surgical cases. Only one case (1/16, 6%) confirmed a cystic hematoma with microscopic islets of neuroblastoma in situ on pathology.

Conclusion

Prenatal diagnosis of FAH is challenging due to the significant heterogeneity of ultrasound findings. Final pathology did not support the need for surgical intervention. Persistent postnatal FAH warrants shared decision making for further management based on the clinical presentation.
Mind the (identification) gap: Foci in multiteam systems and their impact on innovative work behaviours
Authors: Cremers Erik Eduard , Curșeu Petru Lucian
Published: October 2023

The paper presents a longitudinal exploration of identification with teams and multiteam systems (MTSs) in an organizational context that started using MTSs. Data were collected in five waves during the first 2 years in which the organization started the implementation of MTSs in order to aggregate teams in value streams as organizational units. The results show that there is a clear and distinct gap between team and MTS identification. This gap is greater in larger MTSs than smaller MTSs. This gap decreases in time mostly due to a rise in MTS identification in combination with a stable team identification across time. Additionally, our research showed that MTS identification is hindered when negative relations are present in the MTS. Finally, we show that identification with the team fosters innovative team performance and the identification with MTS moderates this positive association in a compensatory manner. The findings show important implications for the management of MTSs in modern organizations.
Differential Microstructure and Properties of Boron Steel Plates Obtained by Water Impinging Jet Quenching Technique
Authors: Romanov Pavel , Jahedi Arvid , Bäckström Anders , Moshfegh Bahram , Kuběna Ivo , Calmunger Mattias
Published: October 2023

Soil‐working tools in agriculture are made of boron‐containing steels with high wear resistance and hardenability. Nevertheless, these tools are subject to high impacts, abrasive wear, and fatigue and are therefore prone to failure. To combine varying levels of properties within one component in as‐quenched condition can be beneficial for such products. To obtain this property variation, a component must undergo a complex and controllable cooling. Therefore, the aim of this work is to obtain a microstructure gradient along two 15 mm‐thick steel plates in a newly developed test rig by water jet impingement technique to confirm its controllability and flexibility. Furthermore, a quenching simulation model is created for hardness prediction using phase transformation data from a machine learning tool. Microstructure variation is observed using light optical microscopy and the electron backscatter diffraction technique. Mechanical properties are studied through tensile tests and hardness measurements and are also compared with simulation results. The 0.27 mass% C steel sample is obtained in almost fully martensitic state transitioning to a softer ferritic/bainitic condition, while the 0.38 mass% C steel sample results predominantly into a fully hardened martensitic state and slightly shows ferritic and bainitic features along the sample. The quenching simulation model shows promising hardness prediction for both steels.
Complexation of Flavonoids: Spectral Phenomena, Regioselectivity, Interplay with Charge and Proton Transfer
Authors: Roshal Alexander D.
Published: October 2023

The review compiles information on the spectral classification of flavonoids, the changes in their electronic structure upon complex formation, and the manifestation of these changes in the absorption and emission spectra. Part of the review is devoted to the regioselectivity of the complex formation process, including types of complexation sites, the structure of chelates and ′open′ complexes, and the correlation between the structure of complexes and their spectral properties. The interplay between complex formation and other processes occurring in flavonoids during electronic excitation is also considered, such as intramolecular inter‐fragment charge transfer (ICT) and intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). The review also contains systematic data on the study of regioselectivity and spectral properties of flavone complexes, obtained by the author and their colleagues over the past decades.
Pandemic Thoughts: Life in the Times of COVID-19
Authors: Ari Esra , Atar Ozlem
Published: October 2023

“Pandemic Thoughts” comprises five parts. In the first part, section editors Esra Ari and Ozlem Atar discuss the significance of storytelling as an empowering process. They assess immigrants’ acts of writing their stories as a part of the decolonization process in migration studies. In this part, the authors also engage in a process of reflexivity and share their statement of positionality, which shapes the rest of the chapter. They express where they stand individually in relation to creative scholars whose reflexive writings have inspired them and the StOries Project participants with whom they have collaborated. The second part surveys the differential impacts of the recent pandemic on various groups, with a specific focus on migrants and racialized groups. The third section elaborates on autoethnography as a method of inquiry. The fourth section highlights key themes in individual contributions. Considering thematically related entries together, the editors make references to relevant extant research. The final section presents the pandemic stories of the StOries Project in the order discussed by the editors.
Führung im Gesundheitswesen – Herausfordernde Führungssituationen in einer digitalen Lernwelt erproben und reflektieren
Authors: de la Barré Jeanette , Sorge Mareike , Kalayci Elif , Mayer Christina , Schirmer Marisa , Schöner Judith , Willmer Katrin , Appel Alina , Jansen Kelly , Krobb Claudia , Kummer Robert , Kyrion Tobias , Landgraf Ben , Mütze-Niewöhner Susanne , Nemeth Daniel , Yavari Aresch , Rudolph Peter
Published: October 2023

Die Anforderungen an Führungskräfte steigen heute ständig. Die LUTZ-Lernwelt will Führungskräfte im Gesundheitswesen motivieren und unterstützen, das eigene Führungsverhalten zu reflektieren und wirksamer zu handeln.
3D printing of a wood-based furniture element with liquid deposition modeling
Authors: Bodenschatz Uwe , Rosenthal Michael
Published: October 2023

Liquid deposition modeling is an energy-efficient, additive manufacturing process for pasty materials. Physical material properties were determined for a water-based paste consisting of the binder carboxymethyl cellulose and wood flour. A continuously operating dual screw extruder was developed, which was used to manufacture a table frame with a height of 18 cm.
An insertability constraint for shape optimization
Authors: Garner Eric , Wu Jun , Zadpoor Amir A.
Published: October 2023

Patient-specific implants offer a host of benefits over their generic counterparts. Nonetheless, the design and optimization of these components present several technical challenges, among them being the need to ensure their insertability into the host bone tissue. This presents a significant challenge due to the tight-fitting nature of the bone-implant interface. This paper presents a novel insertability metric designed to efficiently assess whether a rigid body can be inserted into a tight-fitting cavity, without interference. In contrast to existing solutions, the metric is fully differentiable and can be incorporated as a design constraint into shape optimization routines. By exploiting the tight-fitting condition, the problem of planning an interference-free insertion path is reformulated as the search for a single interference-free movement, starting from the inserted configuration. We prove that if there exists any outward movement for which no interference is indicated, then the body can be fully extracted from or, equivalently, inserted into the cavity. This formulation is extremely efficient and highly robust with respect to the complexity of the geometry. We demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our method by applying it to the optimization of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) designs for insertability, subject to various design requirements. We then incorporate the proposed metric into the optimization of an acetabular cup used in total hip replacement (THR) surgery where geometric and structural requirements are considered.
Quantification of thaumatin-like proteins in white wine using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
Authors: Rašková Michaela , Perutka Zdeněk , Marchetti-Deschmann Martina , Šebela Marek
Published: October 2023

The main soluble proteins in bottled wine are pathogenesis-related proteins. Their concentration is influenced by the harvesting technique used, the time of the juice exposition to grape skins and possible microbial infection of grapes. The most typical are namely chitinases and thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs), which accumulate in grapes on ripening. They show a low molecular weight of 20–35 kDa and are resistant to proteolysis as well as the acidic pH of wine. Chitinases are considered the primary cause of heat-induced haze formation because of their irreversible denaturation and aggregation. This process can additionally be affected by the non-protein wine components. We focused on the development of a fast quantification method for wine TLPs using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry. White wine samples were analyzed directly, after dialysis or they were subjected to protein concentrating procedures before the measurements. MS-based quantification was achieved by comparing the peak areas of an internal standard (cytochrome c, thaumatin or myoglobin) and TLPs in the acquired mass spectra. The content of TLPs in commercial wines was determined at milligrams per liter. Chitinases could not be quantified in this way because of a low concentration in the analyzed bentonite-fined wines resulting in missing spectral signals. Anyway, this procedure becomes an alternative to common quantification methods based on liquid chromatography.
Surgical treatment options for spasticity in children and adolescents with hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: van de Pol Laura A. , Burgert Nina , van Schie Petra E. M. , Slot K. Mariam , Gouw Alida A. , Buizer Annemieke I.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To provide an overview of outcome and complications of selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) and intrathecal baclofen pump implantation (ITB) for spasticity treatment in children with hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP).

Methods

Retrospective study including children with HSP and SDR or ITB. Gross motor function measure (GMFM-66) scores and level of spasticity were assessed.

Results

Ten patients were included (most had mutations in ATL1 (n = 4) or SPAST (n = 3) genes). Four walked without and two with walking aids, four were non-walking children. Six patients underwent SDR, three patients ITB, and one both. Mean age at surgery was 8.9 ± 4.5 years with a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 2.2 years. Five of the SDR patients were walking. Postoperatively spasticity in the legs was reduced in all patients. The change in GMFM-66 score was + 8.0 (0–19.7 min–max). The three ITB patients treated (SPAST (n = 2) and PNPLA6 (n = 1) gene mutation) were children with a progressive disease course. No complications of surgery occurred.

Conclusions

SDR is a feasible treatment option in carefully selected children with HSP, especially in walking patients. The majority of patients benefit with respect to gross motor function, complication risk is low. ITB was used in children with severe and progressive disease.
Mitochondrial genome amplification of avian haemosporidian parasites from single-infected wildlife samples using a novel nested PCR approach
Authors: Musa Sandrine
Published: October 2023

Haemosporidian parasites that infect birds (Apicomplexa: Haemosporida) are blood parasites that require an invertebrate host (vector) and a vertebrate host for their lifecycle and cause malaria-like diseases. This group of parasites has provided valuable insights into host specificity, virulence, and parasite dispersal. Additionally, they have played a significant role in reshaping our understanding of the evolutionary history of apicomplexans. In order to accurately identify species and to address phylogenetic questions such as the timing of the haemosporidian radiation, the use of a sufficiently large genetic data set is crucial. However, acquiring this genetic data poses significant challenges. In this research, a sensitive nested PCR assay was developed. This assay allows for the easy amplification of complete mitochondrial genomes of haemosporidian parasites in birds, even during the chronic stage of infection. The effectiveness of this new nested PCR assay was evaluated using blood and tissue samples of birds with verified single parasite infections from previous studies. The approach involves amplifying four overlapping fragments of the mitochondrial genome and requires DNA extracts from single-infected samples. This method successfully amplified the complete mitochondrial genomes of 24 distinct haemosporidian parasite lineages found in various bird species. This data is invaluable for conducting phylogenetic analyses and accurately defining species. Furthermore, this study proposes the existence of at least 15 new haemosporidian parasite species based on the genetic information obtained. Data regarding pGRW04, previously categorized as Plasmodium relictum like pSGS1 and pGRW11, indicates that the pGRW04 lineage is actually a separate, hidden Plasmodium species.
Lateral edifice collapse and volcanic debris avalanches: a post-1980 Mount St. Helens perspective
Authors: Siebert Lee , Reid Mark E.
Published: October 2023

The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens was instrumental in advancing understanding of how volcanoes work. Lateral edifice collapses and the generation of volcanic debris avalanches were not widely recognized prior to that eruption, making assessment of their hazards and risks challenging. The proliferation of studies since 1980 on resulting deposits and evaluation of processes leading to their generation has built on the insights from the 1980 eruption. Volcano-related destabilizing phenomena, such as strength reduction by hydrothermal alteration, deformation and structural modifications from shallow magma intrusion, and thermal pressurization of pore fluids supplement those factors also affecting nonvolcanic slopes and can lead to larger failures. Remote and ground-based monitoring techniques can aid in detecting potentially destabilizing dynamic processes and in forecasting the size and location of future large lateral collapses, although forecasting remains a topic of investigation. More than a thousand large lateral collapse events likely ≥ 0.01 km3in volume have now been identified from deposits or inferred from source area morphology, leading to a recognition of their importance in the evolution of volcanoes and the hazards they pose. Criteria for recognition of debris-avalanche deposits include morphological factors and textural characteristics from outcrop to microscopic scale, allowing discrimination from other volcaniclastic deposits. Lateral edifice failure impacts a broad spectrum of volcanic structures in diverse tectonic settings and can occur multiple times during the evolution of individual volcanoes. Globally, collapses ≥ 0.1 km3in volume have been documented 5–6 times per century since 1500 CE, with about one per century having a volume ≥ 1 km3. Smaller events < 0.1 km3are underrepresented in the earlier record but also have high hazard impact.
Bayesian Convolutional Neural Networks in Medical Imaging Classification: A Promising Solution for Deep Learning Limits in Data Scarcity Scenarios
Authors: Bargagna Filippo , De Santi Lisa Anita , Martini Nicola , Genovesi Dario , Favilli Brunella , Vergaro Giuseppe , Emdin Michele , Giorgetti Assuero , Positano Vincenzo , Santarelli Maria Filomena
Published: October 2023

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have already impacted the field of medicine in data analysis, classification, and image processing. Unfortunately, their performance is drastically reduced when datasets are scarce in nature (e.g., rare diseases or early-research data). In such scenarios, DNNs display poor capacity for generalization and often lead to highly biased estimates and silent failures. Moreover, deterministic systems cannot provide epistemic uncertainty, a key component to asserting the model’s reliability. In this work, we developed a probabilistic system for classification as a framework for addressing the aforementioned criticalities. Specifically, we implemented a Bayesian convolutional neural network (BCNN) for the classification of cardiac amyloidosis (CA) subtypes. We prepared four different CNNs: base-deterministic, dropout-deterministic, dropout-Bayesian, and Bayesian. We then trained them on a dataset of 1107 PET images from 47 CA and control patients (data scarcity scenario). The Bayesian model achieved performances (78.28 (1.99) % test accuracy) comparable to the base-deterministic, dropout-deterministic, and dropout-Bayesian ones, while showing strongly increased “Out of Distribution” input detection (validation-test accuracy mismatch reduction). Additionally, both the dropout-Bayesian and the Bayesian models enriched the classification through confidence estimates, while reducing the criticalities of the dropout-deterministic and base-deterministic approaches. This in turn increased the model’s reliability, also providing much needed insights into the network’s estimates. The obtained results suggest that a Bayesian CNN can be a promising solution for addressing the challenges posed by data scarcity in medical imaging classification tasks.
Correction to: Transformational supervisor synthesis for evolving systems
Authors: Thuijsman Sander , Reniers Michel
Published: October 2023

The paper mentioned in the title used an incorrect implementation of the algorithms to produce the experimental results. The mistake significantly impacts the computational efficiency of the algorithms, on which they are evaluated. In this correction we explain the mistake, present the new results, and update our conclusions based on the new results.
Polymorphisms in genes of melatonin biosynthesis and signaling support the light-at-night hypothesis for breast cancer
Authors: Wichert Katharina , Hoppe Reiner , Ickstadt Katja , Behrens Thomas , Winter Stefan , Herold Robert , Terschüren Claudia , Lo Wing-Yee , Guénel Pascal , Truong Thérèse , Bolla Manjeet K. , Wang Qin , Dennis Joe , Michailidou Kyriaki , Lush Michael , Andrulis Irene L. , Brenner Hermann , Chang-Claude Jenny , Cox Angela , Cross Simon S. , Czene Kamila , Eriksson Mikael , Figueroa Jonine D. , García-Closas Montserrat , Goldberg Mark S. , Hamann Ute , He Wei , Holleczek Bernd , Hopper John L. , Jakubowska Anna , Ko Yon-Dschun , Lubiński Jan , Mulligan Anna Marie , Obi Nadia , Rhenius Valerie , Shah Mitul , Shu Xiao-Ou , Simard Jacques , Southey Melissa C. , Zheng Wei , Dunning Alison M. , Pharoah Paul D. P. , Hall Per , Easton Douglas F. , Brüning Thomas , Brauch Hiltrud , Harth Volker , Rabstein Sylvia
Published: October 2023

Light-at-night triggers the decline of pineal gland melatonin biosynthesis and secretion and is an IARC-classified probable breast-cancer risk factor. We applied a large-scale molecular epidemiology approach to shed light on the putative role of melatonin in breast cancer. We investigated associations between breast-cancer risk and polymorphisms at genes of melatonin biosynthesis/signaling using a study population of 44,405 women from the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (22,992 cases, 21,413 population-based controls). Genotype data of 97 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 18 defined gene regions were investigated for breast-cancer risk effects. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) by logistic regression for the main-effect analysis as well as stratified analyses by estrogen- and progesterone-receptor (ER, PR) status. SNP-SNP interactions were analyzed via a two-step procedure based on logic regression. The Bayesian false-discovery probability (BFDP) was used for all analyses to account for multiple testing. Noteworthy associations (BFDP < 0.8) included 10 linked SNPs in tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) (e.g. rs1386492: OR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.12), and a SNP in the mitogen-activated protein kinase 8 (MAPK8) (rs10857561: OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04–1.18). The SNP-SNP interaction analysis revealed noteworthy interaction terms with TPH2- and MAPK-related SNPs (e.g. rs1386483R ∧ rs1473473D ∧ rs3729931D: OR = 1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.32). In line with the light-at-night hypothesis that links shift work with elevated breast-cancer risks our results point to SNPs in TPH2 and MAPK-genes that may impact the intricate network of circadian regulation.
Slow data public health
Authors: Chiolero Arnaud , Tancredi Stefano , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: October 2023

Surveillance and research data, despite their massive production, often fail to inform evidence-based and rigorous data-driven health decision-making. In the age of infodemic, as revealed by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing useful information for decision-making requires more than getting more data. Data of dubious quality and reliability waste resources and create data-genic public health damages. We call therefore for a slow data public health, which means focusing, first, on the identification of specific information needs and, second, on the dissemination of information in a way that informs decision-making, rather than devoting massive resources to data collection and analysis. A slow data public health prioritizes better data, ideally population-based, over more data and aims to be timely rather than deceptively fast. Applied by independent institutions with expertise in epidemiology and surveillance methods, it allows a thoughtful and timely public health response, based on high-quality data fostering trustworthiness.