bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theory and Technology of Digital Twin Model for Geotechnical Engineering
Authors: Wu Jiaming , Dai Linfabao , Xue Guangqiao , Chen Jian
Published: April 2022

As an innovative information technology, Digital Twin has greatly promoted the development of intelligent manufacturing in the industry. However, in the field of geotechnical engineering, there are still few researches on this aspect, which is still a “new territory” and “no man's land”. The concept of digital twin coincides with the needs of geotechnical engineering informatization, so the introduction of digital twin technology into the field of geotechnical engineering will help to promote the development process of geotechnical engineering informatization and digitization. This paper puts forward and defines the digital twin model of geotechnical engineering, describes the connotation of the digital twin model, and studies the architecture of the digital twin model of geotechnical engineering. On this basis, the integration and sharing mechanism of geotechnical engineering digital twin data based on BIM technology is proposed. In order to break through the defect that the geotechnical engineering information model has not fully played its role for a long time, an integrated model of geological body and structural body is constructed based on the construction and integration module of geotechnical digital twin model. Furthermore, the geotechnical engineering digital twin simulation analysis module is developed to initially form the geotechnical engineering digital twin model, so as to realize the geotechnical engineering digital design, collaborative construction, visual decision-making and transparent management.
Seismic Performance of a Precast Hollow Insulated Shear Wall
Authors: Chen Zhexian , He Wenfu , Yang Sen , Chang Cheng , Ji Min
Published: April 2022

A new precast hollow insulation shear wall (PHISW) is proposed in this paper. To study the seismic behaviors of the new PHISW, two cast-in-place solid shear wall (CSW) specimens, two precast monolithic hollow insulated shear wall (PMW) specimens, and two precast hollow insulated shear wall (PSW) specimens with vertical seams were produced and subjected to low-cyclic reversed loadings. The seismic indices obtained from low-cyclic reversed tests include the failure pattern, hysteretic curves and energy dissipation. The experiment results indicate that flexural failure is the main failure mode of the specimens, but a noticeable difference is detected in the cracking distribution between the three types of shear walls. The bearing capacity of each characteristic point of PMW and PSW is comparable to that of CSW. The ductility coefficient of the newly proposed precast shear wall is slightly lower than that of CSW.
Study on Surface Deformation Model Induced by Shield Tunneling Based on Random Field Theory
Authors: Li Jianbin , Huang Junguang , Tong Huawei , Zhang Shankai
Published: April 2022

Based on the shield tunnel engineering in weathered granite stratum in Xiamen, Stochastic calculations, by combining the random field theory and the finite difference analysis together with Monte Carlo simulation, are used to carry out the change law of the characteristics of surface deformation curve and surface deformation model. Results show that with the increase of the vertical scales of fluctuation, the decrease of the transverse scales of fluctuation or the increase of the coefficient of variation, the low peak distribution characteristics of the location of the maximum surface settlement induced by shield tunneling become more obvious, and the randomness and chaos of the shape of surface deformation curve gradually increase. The diversity of surface deformation model is affected by parameter correlation and randomness. Under the condition of small transverse scales of fluctuation and large vertical scales of fluctuation, the sensitivity of coefficient of variation to surface deformation mode is limited.
Analysis of Deformation Characteristics of Large Diameter Shield Tunnel with Construction Load
Authors: Zhu Weidong , Zhang Xiwen , Zhang Liangliang
Published: April 2022

With the rapid development of the method of shield tunnel in our country, the shield in the tunnel and the internal structure exist a lot of prefabricated and assembled internal structure can be roughly divided into full cast-in-place, full precast, and precast and cast-in-place structure. However, it has the disadvantages of more internal structural joints, poor waterproof performance, and complex structural stress. Therefore, combined with the actual engineering case, the construction process is simulated by using the finite element analysis software, and the influence of the segmental and internal structure cooperative deformation and joint mechanical performance is considered to further analyze the deformation characteristics of shield tunnel assembly internal structure, which can provide a reference for the construction and design of similar projects.
Analysis of Pile-Soil Interaction of Precast Pile Driven in Coastal Strata
Authors: Xie Hongping , Han Chao , Du Changqing , Wang Bo , Zhang Yuchi , Mo Pinqiang
Published: April 2022

In order to further reveal the pile-soil interaction mechanism during precast pile driving in saturated soft soil in coastal areas, the compaction effect and excess pore pressure response of a single pile and adjacent pile penetration under hammer driven pile construction are analyzed by using the cavity expansion and model test method. The results show that pile driving in saturated soil layer will cause large soil compaction and accumulation of excess pore water pressure. Under the model test conditions, the variation range of soil pressure and excess pore pressure is about 0.7–3.0 times and 0.5–1.5 times of soil mass weight stress. As the driving of adjacent pile, soil pressure at the constructed pile-soil interface increases gradually and fluctuates at the same time, and multi peak phenomenon appears under the influence of different soil layers. At the initial stage of driving, the pile driving force is mainly borne by the pile side friction, and the pile tip resistance will actions as the increase of penetration depth, and the relationship between them is basically linear. These results have certain guiding and reference value for the construction of precast pile driving in saturated soft soil in coastal areas.
Developments of Microseismic Monitoring Technology in Deep Tunnels in China
Authors: Feng Guangliang , Ma Qi , Zhang Xun , Qu Dingjun , Wang Guojun , Liu Jian , Zhu Zongjun
Published: April 2022

With the increasing demand for infrastructure construction as the global economy progresses, the need for exploration and utilization of deep underground space becomes more crucial. Microseismic (MS) monitoring technology has been widely used in deep underground tunnel projects for safety monitoring in China in recent years. In this paper, four aspects of MS monitoring technology developments, i.e. distribution of projects, environment and system characteristic, purpose, and effect of MS monitoring in deep tunnel projects in China were analyzed and summarized. The results show that the technology was mainly applied in the west of China with a wide range of project types. The maximum buried depth of the tunnels monitored reached 2525 m. The tunnel construction method was mainly drilling and blasting method. The lithologies of the tunnels were mainly marble, granite and basalt. The monitoring purpose was for disaster warning and mechanism understanding. In addition, the future development of MS monitoring technology in deep tunnels in China is prospected. The results will be helpful for a rapid development of MS monitoring technology in deep tunnels in China.
Effects of Hole Locations on the Elastic Global Buckling Loads of Cold-Formed Steel Channel Members with Perforations Under Compression or Bending
Authors: Pham Ngoc Hieu
Published: April 2022

Cold-formed steel members with perforations have been commonly applied to meet the demands for technical installations. The design of the perforated members was regulated in Specification AISI S100-16 using the Direct Strength Method (DSM). This method is based on elastic buckling analyses to predict the capacities of cold-formed steel members. The determination of elastic buckling loads is compulsory for the application of the DSM method in the design and has been presented in the Specification. The specification regulations are only applied for symmetrical and evenly spaced holes. The paper, therefore, investigates the effects of unsymmetrical, unevenly spaced and eccentric holes on the elastic global buckling loads of perforated channel members using finite element analyses. The effect of symmetrical and evenly web holes on the elastic global buckling loads of cold-formed steel channel members in comparison with those of gross section members is also investigated.
Investigation of Sectional Capacities of Cold-Formed Steel SupaCee Sections
Authors: Pham Ngoc Hieu
Published: April 2022

SupaCee section is formed by adding stiffeners in the web of the channel section, and it has been illustrated to be more stable and innovative than the traditional channel section. The member capacity comparisons between such two section members investigated in a companion paper showed that SupaCee was significantly beneficial for small and thin section members, but the reductions of global buckling strengths of SupaCee section members led to the lower capacities for long members compared to those of channel section members. These reductions can be prevented by using full bracing systems to avoid global buckling; this allows member capacities to reach sectional capacities. This paper, therefore, presents a study on sectional capacities of cold-formed steel SupaCee sections under compression or bending in comparison with those of channel sections.
Computerized tomography scan evaluation after fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation of the knee correlates with clinical outcomes
Authors: Gelber Pablo Eduardo , Ramírez-Bermejo Eduard , Grau-Blanes Alex , Gonzalez-Osuna Aránzazu , Fariñas Oscar
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To determine the correlation between the assessment computed tomography osteochondral allograft (ACTOCA) scoring system and clinical outcomes scores. The hypothesis was that the ACTOCA score would show sufficient correlation to support its use in clinical practice.

Methods

We prospectively collected data from all consecutive patients who underwent cartilage restitution with fresh osteochondral allograft (FOCA) transplantation for osteochondral lesions of the knee and had a minimum follow-up of two years. CT scans were performed at three, six and 24 months post-operatively. A musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to the patients’ medical history evaluated the scans using the ACTOCA scoring system. Clinical outcomes collected preoperatively and at three, six and 24 months postoperatively were evaluated using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Kujala, the Western Ontario Meniscal Evaluation Tool (WOMET), and the Tegner Activity Scale.

Results

The mean total ACTOCA score showed a statistically significant correlation with the clinical outcome. The correlation was optimal at 24 months. We found a high negative correlation with the IKDC, Kujala and Tegner (− 0.737; − 0.757, and − 0.781 respectively), and a moderate negative correlation with WOMET (− 0.566) (p < 0.001). IKDC, Kujala, WOMET, and Tegner scores showed a significant continuous improvement in all scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The mean total ACTOCA score showed a linear correlation with clinical results in IKDC, Kujala, WOMET, and Tegner scores, being the highest at 24 months post-surgery. This finding supports the use of ACTOCA to standardize CT scan reports following fresh osteochondral allograft transplantation in the knee.
Long‐term Cure of Primary Hyperparathyroidism After Scan‐Directed Parathyroidectomy: Outcomes From A UK Endocrine Surgery Unit
Authors: Patel Neil , Mihai Radu
Published: April 2022

Background

Two‐decades ago, the advent of sestamibi scintigraphy led to an enthusiastic acceptance of minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) in most surgical centres. More recently, concerns have been raised about the efficacy of limited neck exploration and some surgeons proposed bilateral neck exploration to be (once again) the gold standard operation for primary hyperparathyroidism in 2020s.

Methods

A departmental database was used to identify patients who had MIP after concordant dual localisation with sestamibi scintigraphy and ultrasound scans. Long‐term follow‐up data were obtained from electronic patient records to ascertain any further treatment for recurrent disease and confirm most recent biochemical status. Patients with negative localisation scans and those with familial disease were excluded from analysis.

Results

Between June 2001 and August 2014 a total of 404 patients (108 M:296F, median age 63 years, range 17–90 years) underwent MIP and had normalisation of calcium in first 6 weeks after the operation. Information on electronic patient records were missing in 14 patients; therefore, data on 390 patients were analysed. During median follow‐up of 78 months (IQR: 21.25–111.75 months), 375 patients had normocalcaemia (2.36 mmol/L, IQR: 2.29–2.44 mmol/L) at a median 75 months, (IQR: 20–118 months) after their operation. Overall, 15 (3.85%) patients had biochemical evidence of recurrent disease (2.70 mmol/L IQR: 2.63–2.75 mmol/L) at 92 months (Range: 6–196) after initial operation. Of these, 5 (1.28%) patients underwent a second parathyroid procedure.

Conclusion

Recurrence after scan‐directed unilateral neck exploration occurred in 4% of patients after a long disease‐free interval. Only one patient had recurrent disease within 1‐year of primary surgery. The data suggest that bilateral neck exploration at the time of initial operation, in this selected cohort, is unlikely to have uncovered multi‐gland disease and prevent disease recurrence. Focused parathyroidectomy in patients with convincing localisation studies should continue.
Mechanical complications of hip spacers: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Sambri Andrea , Fiore Michele , Rondinella Claudia , Morante Lorenzo , Paolucci Azzurra , Giannini Claudio , Alfonso Calogero , De Paolis Massimiliano
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Temporary spacers used in the staged revision of a hip prosthetic joint infection (PJI) have been associated with several mechanical complications with very variable reported general complications rates up to 73%. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the mechanical complications associated with hip antibiotic-loaded spacers when treating periprosthetic hip PJI.

Methods

Through an electronic systematic search of PubMed, articles reporting mechanical complications of spacers used in the treatment of hip PJI were reviewed. Dislocations, spacer fracture, femoral fractures, and acetabular lysis rates were evaluated.

Results

Forty studies were included. Standardized molded spacers had a significantly higher weighted mean of total mechanical complication rates (37.2%) when compared to standardized preformed spacers (13.8%, p = 0.039), while no significant difference was found between molded spacers and manually shaped spacers. Spacer dislocation was the most frequent complication. No significant difference in mechanical complication rate was found between spacers with and without any metallic component.

Conclusions

Spacer placement in chronic PJI of the hip with bone and soft-tissue defects is challenging and bears a high risk of mechanical failures and progressive bone loss during the interim period. A careful patient selection for spacer implantation is mandatory.
25-Year experience with adult polytraumatized patients in a European level 1 trauma center: polytrauma between 1995 and 2019. What has changed? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Weihs Valerie , Frenzel Stephan , Dedeyan Michél , Hruska Florian , Staats Kevin , Hajdu Stefan , Negrin Lukas Leopold , Aldrian Silke
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To analyze the changes of the clinical characteristics, injury patterns, and mortality rates of polytraumatized patients within the past 25 years in a European Level I trauma center.

Methods

953 consecutive polytraumatized patients treated at a single-level 1 trauma center between January 1995 and December 2019 were enrolled retrospectively. Polytrauma was defined as AIS ≥ 3 points in at least two different body regions. Retrospective data analysis on changes of clinical characteristics and mortality rates over time.

Results

A significant increase of the average age by 2 years per year of the study could be seen with a significant increase of geriatric patients over time. No changes of the median Injury Severity Score (ISS) could be seen over time, whereas the ISS significantly decreased by patient’s year. The rates of concomitant severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) remained constant over time, and did not increase with rising age of the patients. Although, the mortality rate remained constant over time the relative risk of overall in-hospital mortality increased by 1.7% and the relative risk of late-phase mortality increased by 2.2% per patient’s year.

Conclusion

The number of polytraumatized patients remained constant over the 25-year study period. Also, the mortality rates remained stable over time, although a significant increase of the average age of polytraumatized patients could be seen with stable injury severity scores. Severe TBI and age beyond 65 years remained independent prognostic factors on the late-phase survival of polytraumatized patients.

Trial registration: NCT04723992.

Level of evidence: Prognostic study, level III.
Compartment-specific energy requirements of photosynthetic carbon metabolism in Camelina sativa leaves
Authors: Wieloch Thomas , Sharkey Thomas David
Published: April 2022

Main conclusion

The oxidative pentose phosphate pathway provides cytosolic NADPH yet reduces carbon and energy use efficiency. Repressing this pathway and introducing cytosolic NADPH-dependent malate dehydrogenase may increase crop yields by ≈5%.

Detailed knowledge about plant energy metabolism may aid crop improvements. Using published estimates of flux through central carbon metabolism, we phenotype energy metabolism in illuminated Camelina sativa leaves (grown at 22 °C, 500 µmol photons m−2 s−1) and report several findings. First, the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) transfers 3.3% of the NADPH consumed in the Calvin–Benson cycle to the cytosol. NADPH supply proceeds at about 10% of the rate of net carbon assimilation. However, concomitantly respired CO2 accounts for 4.8% of total rubisco activity. Hence, 4.8% of the flux through the Calvin–Benson cycle and photorespiration is spent on supplying cytosolic NADPH, a significant investment. Associated energy requirements exceed the energy output of the OPPP. Thus, autotrophic carbon metabolism is not simply optimised for flux into carbon sinks but sacrifices carbon and energy use efficiency to support cytosolic energy metabolism. To reduce these costs, we suggest bioengineering plants with a repressed cytosolic OPPP, and an inserted cytosolic NADPH-dependent malate dehydrogenase tuned to compensate for the loss in OPPP activity (if required). Second, sucrose cycling is a minor investment in overall leaf energy metabolism but a significant investment in cytosolic energy metabolism. Third, leaf energy balancing strictly requires oxidative phosphorylation, cofactor export from chloroplasts, and peroxisomal NADH import. Fourth, mitochondria are energetically self-sufficient. Fifth, carbon metabolism has an ATP/NADPH demand ratio of 1.52 which is met if ≤ 21.7% of whole electron flux is cyclic. Sixth, electron transport has a photon use efficiency of ≥ 62%. Last, we discuss interactions between the OPPP and the cytosolic oxidation–reduction cycle in supplying leaf cytosolic NADPH.
The Influential Role of Powder Factor vs. Delay in Full-Scale Blasting: A Perspective Through the Fragment Size-Energy Fan
Authors: Sanchidrián José A. , Segarra Pablo , Ouchterlony Finn , Gómez Santiago
Published: April 2022

The fragmentation of 12 full-scale one-row blasts has been measured by sieving a large portion of the muckpiles. The procedure followed, the difficulties encountered and the solutions adopted to construct the fragment size distribution curves are described in detail; 11 curves were finally constructed as production constraints prevented the required measurements on one of the blasts. The blasts covered a powder factor range between 0.42 and 0.88 kg/m3, and were initiated with two significantly different delays, 4 and 23 ms between holes, to assess the influence of both powder factor and delay on fragmentation. The size distributions are well represented by the Swebrec function, which strongly suggests that the dependence of fragmentation with the powder factor can be analyzed by the fragmentation-energy fan. The result is excellent, and the frag-energy fan model in its simplest form (a four-parameter function) is able to predict sizes between percentage passings 92 to 8% with a mean error of 14.4% and a determination coefficient R2 as high as 0.976. The powder factor above grade has been used, in its energy form obtained as the product of the mass powder factor by the explosive energy per unit mass. The incorporation of six more fragment size distributions, also obtained by sieving in a previous blasting project in the same rock mass, but with different layouts, explosives, delay and blast direction, only reduces R2 to 0.968 and increases the mean error to 15.3%. A strength dependence with the size of the blasted block (burden, bench height, etc.) has been tested for inclusion in the fan formulation, with minor improvement compared with the powder factor alone, as the variation in size of the blasts was very limited. Some size descriptors as in-situ block size and fracture intensity have also been tested, though variations were also limited as all blasts were carried out in the same quarry site, not improving the prediction errors when other blast dimensions (e.g., burden) are used. Incorporating the effect of delay in the fragmentation-energy fan model has been attempted with a cooperation function modifying the powder factor, increasing from instantaneous to an optimum delay value, then decreasing as the delay further increases. The effect of such a function is noticeable in terms of improved prediction; the data analyzed, however, do not allow for a definitive statement on an optimum delay value as calculations with different fan characteristics and data result in different optimum values. The effect of the delay on the fragment size varies with the percentile, from about 10–15% for the high percentiles to somewhat more than 30% for the lower percentiles.
Structural diversity using amino acid “Customizable Units”: conversion of hydroxyproline (Hyp) into nitrogen heterocycles
Authors: Hernández Dácil , Porras Marina , Boto Alicia
Published: April 2022

The ability of amino acid “customizable units” to generate structural diversity is illustrated by the conversion of 4-hydroxyproline (Hyp) units into a variety of nitrogen heterocycles. After a first common step, where the unit underwent a one-pot decarboxylation–alkylation reaction to afford 2-alkylpyrrolidines with high stereoselectivity, a divergent step was carried out. Thus, the deprotected 4-hydroxy group was used either to initiate a radical scission that afforded aliphatic β-amino aldehydes, or to carry out an elimination reaction, to give 2-alkyl-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrroles. In the first case, the amines underwent a tandem reductive amination–cyclization to afford β-amino-δ-lactams, an efficient rigidifying unit in peptides. Different lactam N-substituents, such as alkylamines, peptides, and alkenyl chains suitable for olefin metathesis were introduced this way. In the second case, the pyrrole derivatives were efficiently converted into alkaloid and iminosugar derivatives in good global yields and with excellent stereoselectivity.
High-performance thin-layer chromatography–direct bioautography combined with chemometrics for the distinction of goldenrod species
Authors: Móricz Á. M. , Ott P. G. , Krüzselyi D. , Baglyas M. , Morlock G. E.
Published: April 2022

Thirteen root extract samples of four goldenrod (Solidago) species present in Europe were investigated by hyphenated high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Only S. virgaurea is native, whereas S. gigantea, S. canadensis, and S. graminifolia have been introduced from North America. The bioactive zones in the Aliivibrio fischeri bioautogram were identified as polyacetylenes, labdane diterpenes, or clerodane diterpenes by HPTLC coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry, exploiting the two interfaces, heated electrospray ionization, and direct analysis in real time. Principal component analysis of the obtained bioprofiles enabled the discrimination of the Solidago species. Furthermore, chemometrics pointed to the discriminative components, the main bioactive markers of the species: Z,Z-matricaria ester from S. virgaurea, solidagenone from S. canadensis, solidagoic acid A, and a dialdehyde clerodane diterpene from S. gigantea, and Z-dehydromatricaria ester from S. graminifolia.
Determination of Total Radiochemical Purity of [18F]FDG and [18F]FET by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Avoiding TLC Method
Authors: Jószai István , Balogh Cintia A. , Hámori Csaba , Molnár Dorottya , Forgács Viktória , Rubleczky Béla , Trencsényi György
Published: April 2022

The goal of this work was to present two high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method that could be applied for the determination of the total radioactive purity of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) and O-(2-[18F]fluoroethyl)-L-tyrosine ([18F]FET). The separation of [18F]fluoride ions, [18F]FET and [18F]FET intermediate was accomplished on LiChrosper RP-18, 250 × 4 mm, 5 µm (Merck) analytical column. For mobile phase 10 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer at pH7 (A) and acetonitrile (B) was used: 0–2 min: 15% B; 2–12 min: 85% B; 12–15 min: 15% B, respectively. Analysis of [18F]FDG was performed using LiChrosper 100 NH2, 250 × 4.5 mm, 5 µm (Merck) analytical column. The initial mobile phase composition was 10 mM KH2PO4 buffer (pH7) and acetonitrile (15:85, v/v) and the acetonitrile ratio was decreased to 15% at 2 min after the sample injection and held for 5 min. Complete elution of [18F]fluoride ions from stationary phases could be achieved by adding 10 mg/mL K[19F]F to radioactive samples in a ratio 1:1 during the sample preparation. Recovery of [18F]fluoride ions ranged from 99.5 to 100.6%. The validation of the developed methods showed good results for linearity (r2 = 0.9981–0.9996), specificity (RS = 3.7–10.2), repeatability (%Area RSD% = 1.2–4.3%) and limit of quantitation (LOQ = 1.6–4.5 kBq). During the cross-validation similar radiochemical purity values were obtained by the novel HPLC methods and thin layer chromatography performed according to the recommendations of the Ph. Eur. monographs.
Questioned Virginity Has No Definite Reply
Authors: Zayed Abeer Ahmed , Elbendary Reham Nafad , Moawad Asmaa Mohammad
Published: April 2022

Virginity is the nullity of sexual experience in females. However, the use of virginity testing as proof of previous involvement in sexual relations is dependent on having an intact hymen, which refers to a hymen with no signs of previous penetrating injury. Although the quality of this evidence in questioned virginity is extremely poor and considered a violation of human rights, it still constitutes a major facet in medicolegal investigations of sexual assaults. This work evaluates virginity testing as currently practiced in many countries, including Egypt, in terms of medical and legal considerations.
Emotion Regulation Deficits in Adolescent Girls with Major Depression, Anorexia Nervosa and Comorbid Major Depression and Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Zsigo Carolin , Sfärlea Anca , Lingl Carolin , Piechaczek Charlotte , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Feldmann Lisa , Greimel Ellen
Published: April 2022

In adolescence, both major depression (MD) and anorexia nervosa (AN) are associated with deficits in emotion regulation (ER). However, studies have yet to compare ER profiles within the disorders and the effect of comorbid MD+AN is unclear. This study examined the habitual use of ER in 229 girls, aged 12–18 years, with MD (n = 84), AN (n = 37), comorbid MD+AN (n = 25), and healthy girls (n = 83). Girls with MD, AN and MD+AN reported more maladaptive and less adaptive ER strategies than healthy girls. MD and MD+AN groups showed more frequent use of maladaptive ER compared to only AN, with no differences between only MD and MD+AN. This suggests that MD+AN is not necessarily associated with higher ER deficits, rather, an additional diagnosis of MD exacerbates impairments in AN. Identifying specific ER profiles can provide important targets in prevention and treatment for AN, MD and AN+MD.
The radiosensitizing effect of β-Thujaplicin, a tropolone derivative inducing S-phase cell cycle arrest, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma-derived cell lines
Authors: Haas Markus , Lenz Teresa , Kadletz-Wanke Lorenz , Heiduschka Gregor , Jank Bernhard J
Published: April 2022

Background

Resistance to radiotherapy is a common cause of treatment failure in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). ß-Thujaplicin, a natural tropolone derivative, acts as an anti-cancer agent and has recently been shown to radiosensitize non-HNSCC cancer cells. However, no data is currently available on its radiosensitizing potential in HNSCC.

Methods

To investigate the effect of ß-Thujaplicin and irradiation in HNSCC cell lines CAL27 and FADU, we performed a cell viability assay, colony forming assay, flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis and a wound healing assay. Drug-irradiation interaction was analyzed using a zero-interaction potency model.

Results

Treatment with ß-Thujaplicin led to a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability and enhanced the effect of irradiation. Clonogenic survival was inhibited with synergistic drug-irradiation interaction. ß-Thujaplicin further led to S-phase arrest and increased the sub-G1 population. Moreover, combined ß-Thujaplicin and irradiation treatment had a higher anti-migratory effect compared to irradiation alone.

Conclusions

ß-Thujaplicin acts as a radiosensitizer in HNSCC cell lines. Further evaluation of its use in HNSCC therapy is warranted.
Potential and limitations of applying the mean temperature approach to fossil otolith assemblages
Authors: Agiadi Konstantina , Nawrot Rafał , Albano Paolo G. , Koskeridou Efterpi , Zuschin Martin
Published: April 2022

Evaluation of the impact of climatic changes on the composition of fish assemblages requires quantitative measures that can be compared across space and time. In this respect, the mean temperature of the catch (MTC) approach has been proven to be a very useful tool for monitoring the effect of climate change on fisheries catch. Lack of baseline data and deep-time analogues, however, prevent a more comprehensive evaluation. In this study, we explore the applicability of the mean temperature approach to fossil fish faunas by using otolith assemblage data from the eastern Mediterranean and the northern Adriatic coastal environments corresponding to the last 8000 years (Holocene) and the interval 2.58–1.80 Ma B. P. (Early Pleistocene). The calculated mean temperatures of the otolith assemblage (MTO) range from 13.5 to 17.3 °C. This case study shows that the MTO can successfully capture compositional shifts in marine fish faunas based on variations in their climatic affinity driven by regional climate differences. However, the index is sensitive to methodological choices and thus requires standardized sampling. Even though theoretical and methodological issues prevent direct comparisons between MTO and MTC values, the MTO offers a useful quantitative proxy for reconstructing spatial and temporal trends in the biogeographic affinity of fossil otolith assemblages.
Virulence evolution during a naturally occurring parasite outbreak
Authors: Gowler Camden D. , Essington Haley , O’Brien Bruce , Shaw Clara L. , Bilich Rebecca W. , Clay Patrick A. , Duffy Meghan A.
Published: April 2022

Virulence, the degree to which a pathogen harms its host, is an important but poorly understood aspect of host-pathogen interactions. Virulence is not static, instead depending on ecological context and potentially evolving rapidly. For instance, at the start of an epidemic, when susceptible hosts are plentiful, pathogens may evolve increased virulence if this maximizes their intrinsic growth rate. However, if host density declines during an epidemic, theory predicts evolution of reduced virulence. Although well-studied theoretically, there is still little empirical evidence for virulence evolution in epidemics, especially in natural settings with native host and pathogen species. Here, we used a combination of field observations and lab assays in the Daphnia-Pasteuria model system to look for evidence of virulence evolution in nature. We monitored a large, naturally occurring outbreak of Pasteuria ramosa in Daphnia dentifera, where infection prevalence peaked at ~ 40% of the population infected and host density declined precipitously during the outbreak. In controlled infections in the lab, lifespan and reproduction of infected hosts was lower than that of unexposed control hosts and of hosts that were exposed but not infected. We did not detect any significant changes in host resistance or parasite infectivity, nor did we find evidence for shifts in parasite virulence (quantified by host lifespan and number of clutches produced by hosts). However, over the epidemic, the parasite evolved to produce significantly fewer spores in infected hosts. While this finding was unexpected, it might reflect previously quantified tradeoffs: parasites in high mortality (e.g., high predation) environments shift from vegetative growth to spore production sooner in infections, reducing spore yield. Future studies that track evolution of parasite spore yield in more populations, and that link those changes with genetic changes and with predation rates, will yield better insight into the drivers of parasite evolution in the wild.
Cometary science with CUBES
Authors: Opitom Cyrielle , Snodgrass Colin , Forgia Fiorangela La , Evans Chris , Cambianica Pamela , Cremonese Gabriele , Fitzsimmons Alan , Lazzarin Monica , Migliorini Alessandra
Published: April 2022

The proposed CUBES spectrograph for ESO’s Very Large Telescope will be an exceptionally powerful instrument for the study of comets. The gas coma of a comet contains a large number of emission features in the near-UV range covered by CUBES (305-400 nm), which are diagnostic of the composition of the ices in its nucleus and the chemistry in the coma. Production rates and relative ratios between different species reveal how much ice is present and inform models of the conditions in the early solar system. In particular, CUBES will lead to advances in detection of water from very faint comets, revealing how much ice may be hidden in the main asteroid belt, and in measuring isotopic and molecular composition ratios in a much wider range of comets than currently possible, provide constraints on their formation temperatures. CUBES will also be sensitive to emissions from gaseous metals (e.g., FeI and NiI), which have recently been identified in comets and offer an entirely new area of investigation to understand these enigmatic objects.
Emoji Identification and Emoji Effects on Sentence Emotionality in ASD-Diagnosed Adults and Neurotypical Controls
Authors: Hand Christopher J. , Kennedy Ashley , Filik Ruth , Pitchford Melanie , Robus Christopher M.
Published: April 2022

We investigated ASD-diagnosed adults’ and neurotypical (NT) controls’ processing of emoji and emoji influence on the emotionality of otherwise-neutral sentences. Study 1 participants categorised emoji representing the six basic emotions using a fixed-set of emotional adjectives. Results showed that ASD-diagnosed participants’ classifications of fearful, sad, and surprised emoji were more diverse and less ‘typical’ than NT controls’ responses. Study 2 participants read emotionally-neutral sentences; half paired with sentence-final happy emoji, half with sad emoji. Participants rated sentence + emoji stimuli for emotional valence. ASD-diagnosed and NT participants rated sentences + happy emoji as equally-positive, however, ASD-diagnosed participants rated sentences + sad emoji as more-negative than NT participants. We must acknowledge differential perceptions and effects of emoji, and emoji-text inter-relationships, when working with neurodiverse stakeholders.
A mobile app for improving the compliance with remote management of patients with cardiac implantable devices: a multicenter evaluation in clinical practice
Authors: Lavalle Carlo , Magnocavallo Michele , Bernardini Alessia , Vetta Giampaolo , Bianchi Valter , Mattera Agostino , Mariani Marco Valerio , Ammendola Ernesto , Busacca Giuseppe , Piro Agostino , Adduci Carmen , Calò Leonardo , Panchetti Luca , Viani Stefano , Rapacciuolo Antonio , Sanna Giampaolo , Molon Giulio , Quartieri Fabio , Di Rosa Rita , Campari Monica , Valsecchi Sergio , D’Onofrio Antonio
Published: April 2022

Background

The remote device management (RM) is recommended for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). RM underutilization is frequently driven by the lack of correct system activation. The MyLATITUDE Patient App (Boston Scientific) has been developed to encourage patient compliance with RM by providing information on communicator setup, troubleshooting, and connection status of the communicator.

Methods

At 14 centers, patients with CIEDs were invited to download and install the App on a mobile device. After 3 months, patients were asked to complete an ad hoc questionnaire to evaluate their experience.

Results

The App was proposed to 242 consecutive patients: 81 before RM activation, and 161 during follow-up. The App was successfully installed by 177 (73%) patients. The time required for activation of the communicator and the need for additional support were similar between patients who followed the indications provided by the App and those who underwent standard in-clinic training. During follow-up, notifications of lack of connection were received by 20 (11%) patients and missed transmission by 22 (12%). The median time from notification to resolution was 2 days. After 3 months, 175 (99%) communicators of the 177 patients who installed the App were in “Monitored” status versus 113 (94%) of 120 patients without the App installed (p=0.033). The use of the app made 84% of patients feel reassured.

Conclusions

The App was well accepted by CIED patients and offered support for communicator management and installation. Its use enabled patients to remain connected with greater continuity during follow-up.
Potential Impact of Reduced Graphene Oxide Incorporated Metal Oxide Nanocomposites as Antimicrobial, and Antibiofilm Agents Against Pathogenic Microbes: Bacterial Protein Leakage Reaction Mechanism
Authors: Elbasuney Sherif , Yehia M. , Ismael Shukri , Al-Hazmi Nawal E. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Tantawy Hesham
Published: April 2022

In the current study, nanocomposites-based reduced graphene oxide (RGO) and metal oxides (AgO, NiO, and ZnO) were fabricated. The starting precursor and RGO were characterized by XRD, Raman, SEM, and HRTEM, while SEM and EDX mapping validated the synthesized nanocomposites. In addition, ZOI, MIC, antibiofilm, and growth curve were tested. The antimicrobial reaction mechanism was investigated by protein leakage assay and SEM imaging. Results revealed that all synthesized nanocomposites (RGO-AgO, RGO-NiO, and RGO-ZnO) have outstanding antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and unicellular fungi. Moreover, RGO-AgO, RGO-NiO, and RGO-ZnO nanocomposites exhibited an antibiofilm activity percentage against Staphylococcus aureus(91.72%),Candida albicans (91.17%), and Escherichia coli (90.36%). The SEM analysis of S. aureus after RGO-AgO treatment indicated morphological differences, including the whole lysis of the outer surface supported by deformations of the bacterial cells. It was observed that the quantity of cellular protein leakage from S. aureus is directly proportional to the concentration of RGO-AgO, RGO-NiO, and RGO-ZnO nanocomposites and found to be 260.25 µg/mL, 110.55 µg/mL, and 99.90 µg/mL, respectively. The prepared nanocomposites promise to treat resistant microbes as a new strategy for managing infectious diseases.
“Being tied to experience”: towards a subjective account of the phenomenology of the event
Authors: Neumann Daniel
Published: April 2022

In this text, Heidegger's notion of the event is understood as a rupture on an ontological level. From this follows the aporia of whether the event concerns the coming about of being itself, or of beings. To address the ontological as well as the ontic aspect of the event, the article suggests to understand the event in a subjective framework, in line with transcendental conditions of experience, specifically as a "receptivity" to the event. The main part of the article considers existing phenomenological approaches to the event and the possibility or impossibility of a receptivity to the event expressed therein. In conclusion, the article suggests that the subjective event can be conceived as a rupture within subjective experience, as being tied to the necessary coming about of experience.
Genome-wide association studies dissect the G × E interaction for agronomic traits in a worldwide collection of safflowers (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: Zhao Huanhuan , Savin Keith W. , Li Yongjun , Breen Edmond J. , Maharjan Pankaj , Tibbits Josquin F. , Kant Surya , Hayden Matthew J. , Daetwyler Hans D.
Published: April 2022

Genome-wide association studies were conducted using a globally diverse safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Genebank collection for grain yield (YP), days to flowering (DF), plant height (PH), 500 seed weight (SW), seed oil content (OL), and crude protein content (PR) in four environments (sites) that differed in water availability. Phenotypic variation was observed for all traits. YP exhibited low overall genetic correlations (rGoverall) across sites, while SW and OL had high rGoverall and high pairwise genetic correlations (rGij) across all pairwise sites. In total, 92 marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified using three methods, single locus genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using a mixed linear model (MLM), the Bayesian multi-locus method (BayesR), and meta-GWAS. MTAs with large effects across all sites were detected for OL, SW, and PR, and MTAs specific for the different water stress sites were identified for all traits. Five MTAs were associated with multiple traits; 4 of 5 MTAs were variously associated with the three traits of SW, OL, and PR. This study provided insights into the phenotypic variability and genetic architecture of important safflower agronomic traits under different environments.
Virtual reality for ambulance simulation environment
Authors: Halabi Osama , Salahuddin Tooba , Karkar Abdel Ghani , Alinier Guillaume
Published: April 2022

Simulations are beneficial in evaluating clinicians’ empirical competencies through practical skills, prioritizing, and decision-making as part of patient care scenarios generally run in a full-scale physical context. However, such simulations require physical space, manufacturing, and replacement of damaged or used equipment. On the other hand, virtual reality (VR) computerized simulators are comparatively modern instruments for use in practical training. VR can be employed to simulate real-world situations without the actual need for physical devices. This work presents an ambulance patient compartment VR simulation that can be used by emergency medical services (EMS) staff to customize the configuration of the ambulance patient compartment according to their preference as well as for vehicle orientation or training purposes. The proposed simulation can be used repeatedly enabling the paramedics to access equipment in a fully immersive and safe environment. The user studies have demonstrated the usability and perceived effectiveness of the proposed simulation.
A Novel Approach to Uncertainty Quantification in Groundwater Table Modeling by Automated Predictive Deep Learning
Authors: Abbaszadeh Shahri Abbas , Shan Chunling , Larsson Stefan
Published: April 2022

Uncertainty quantification (UQ) is an important benchmark to assess the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) and particularly deep learning ensembled-based models. However, the ability for UQ using current AI-based methods is not only limited in terms of computational resources but it also requires changes to topology and optimization processes, as well as multiple performances to monitor model instabilities. From both geo-engineering and societal perspectives, a predictive groundwater table (GWT) model presents an important challenge, where a lack of UQ limits the validity of findings and may undermine science-based decisions. To overcome and address these limitations, a novel ensemble, an automated random deactivating connective weights approach (ARDCW), is presented and applied to retrieved geographical locations of GWT data from a geo-engineering project in Stockholm, Sweden. In this approach, the UQ was achieved via a combination of several derived ensembles from a fixed optimum topology subjected to randomly switched off weights, which allow predictability with one forward pass. The process was developed and programmed to provide trackable performance in a specific task and access to a wide variety of different internal characteristics and libraries. A comparison of performance with Monte Carlo dropout and quantile regression using computer vision and control task metrics showed significant progress in the ARDCW. This approach does not require changes in the optimization process and can be applied to already trained topologies in a way that outperforms other models.
Inhomogeneity in the Local ISM and Its Relation to the Heliosphere
Authors: Linsky Jeffrey , Redfield Seth , Ryder Diana , Moebius Eberhard
Published: April 2022

This paper reviews past research and new studies underway of the local interstellar environment and its changing influence on the heliosphere. The size, shape, and physical properties of the heliosphere outside of the heliopause are determined by the surrounding environment – now the outer region of the Local Interstellar Cloud (LIC). The temperature, turbulence, and velocity vector of neutral atoms and ions in the LIC and other partially ionized interstellar clouds are measured from high-resolution spectra of interstellar absorption lines observed with the STIS instrument on theHST. Analysis of such spectra led to a kinematic model with many interstellar clouds defined by velocity vectors derived from radial velocity measurements. This analysis identified fifteen clouds located within about 10 pc of the Sun and their mean temperatures, turbulence, and velocity vectors. With the increasing number of sight lines now being analyzed, we find that temperatures and turbulent velocities have spatial variations within the LIC and other nearby clouds much larger than measurement uncertainties, and that these spatial variations appear to be randomly distributed and can be fit by Gaussians. The inhomogeneous length scale is less than 4,000 AU, a distance that the heliosphere will traverse in less than 600 years. The temperatures and turbulent velocities do not show significant trends with stellar distance or angle from the LIC center. If/when the Sun enters an inter-cloud medium, the physical properties of the future heliosphere will be very different from the present. For the heliosheath and the very local interstellar medium (VLISM) just outside of the heliopause, the total pressures are approximately equal to the gravitational pressure of overlying material in the Galaxy. The internal pressure in the LIC is far below that in the VLISM, but there is an uncertain ram pressure term produced by the flow of the LIC with respect to its environment.