bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of the two-component system GarR/GarS role on antibiotic production in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Cruz-Bautista Rodrigo , Zelarayan-Agüero Augusto , Ruiz-Villafán Beatriz , Escalante-Lozada Adelfo , Rodríguez-Sanoja Romina , Sánchez Sergio
Published: April 2024

The Streptomyces genus comprises Gram-positive bacteria known to produce over two-thirds of the antibiotics used in medical practice. The biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites is highly regulated and influenced by a range of nutrients present in the growth medium. In Streptomyces coelicolor, glucose inhibits the production of actinorhodin (ACT) and undecylprodigiosin (RED) by a process known as carbon catabolite repression (CCR). However, the mechanism mediated by this carbon source still needs to be understood. It has been observed that glucose alters the transcriptomic profile of this actinobacteria, modifying different transcriptional regulators, including some of the one- and two-component systems (TCSs). Under glucose repression, the expression of one of these TCSs SCO6162/SCO6163 was negatively affected. We aimed to study the role of this TCS on secondary metabolite formation to define its influence in this general regulatory process and likely establish its relationship with other transcriptional regulators affecting antibiotic biosynthesis in the Streptomyces genus. In this work, in silico predictions suggested that this TCS can regulate the production of the secondary metabolites ACT and RED by transcriptional regulation and protein–protein interactions of the transcriptional factors (TFs) with other TCSs. These predictions were supported by experimental procedures such as deletion and complementation of the TFs and qPCR experiments. Our results suggest that in the presence of glucose, the TCS SCO6162/SCO6163, named GarR/GarS, is an important negative regulator of the ACT and RED production in S. coelicolor.

Key points

• GarR/GarS is a TCS with domains for signal transduction and response regulation

• GarR/GarS is an essential negative regulator of the ACT and RED production

• GarR/GarS putatively interacts with and regulates activators of ACT and RED
Explainable AI for CHO cell culture media optimization and prediction of critical quality attribute
Authors: Gangwar Neelesh , Balraj Keerthiveena , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: April 2024

Cell culture media play a critical role in cell growth and propagation by providing a substrate; media components can also modulate the critical quality attributes (CQAs). However, the inherent complexity of the cell culture media makes unraveling the impact of the various media components on cell growth and CQAs non-trivial. In this study, we demonstrate an end-to-end machine learning framework for media component selection and prediction of CQAs. The preliminary dataset for feature selection was generated by performing CHO-GS (-/-) cell culture in media formulations with varying metal ion concentrations. Acidic and basic charge variant composition of the innovator product (24.97 ± 0.54% acidic and 11.41 ± 1.44% basic) was chosen as the target variable to evaluate the media formulations. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and random forest-based techniques were used for feature ranking and feature selection for the prediction of acidic and basic charge variants. Furthermore, a global interpretation analysis using SHapley Additive exPlanations was utilized to select optimal features by evaluating the contributions of each feature in the extracted vectors. Finally, the medium combinations were predicted by employing fifteen different regression models and utilizing a grid search and random search cross-validation for hyperparameter optimization. Experimental results demonstrate that Fe and Zn significantly impact the charge variant profile. This study aims to offer insights that are pertinent to both innovators seeking to establish a complete pipeline for media development and optimization and biosimilar-based manufacturers who strive to demonstrate the analytical and functional biosimilarity of their products to the innovator.

Key points

• Developed a framework for optimizing media components and prediction of CQA.

• SHAP enhances global interpretability, aiding informed decision-making.

• Fifteen regression models were employed to predict medium combinations.
Does Prior Breast Irradiation Increase Complications of Subsequent Reduction Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients? A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pappas George , Karantanis William , Ayeni Femi E. , Edirimanne Senarath
Published: April 2024

Background

Reduction mammoplasty and mastopexy are potentially complicated by prior breast irradiation as part of breast conserving therapy. Associated tissue changes with therapeutic irradiation have led to surgeons deciding the risks may outweigh potential benefit for those patients.

A systematic review of the existing literature was performed to explore surgical outcomes of patients undergoing delayed bilateral reduction mammoplasty or mastopexy following unilateral breast irradiation as part of breast conserving therapy.

Methods

Medline, PubMed and EMBASE were searched from 1990 to 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were combined by the generic inverse variance method on the natural logarithms of rate ratios (RR) using a random effect model in Review manager 5.4.1.

Results

Fifteen studies reported outcomes in 188 patients who underwent breast reduction (BR) following unilateral breast conserving surgery and radiotherapy. The median age at BR was 51.5 years (range 39–60), and median time since radiotherapy was 48 months (range 11.7–86). We compared outcomes for irradiated breast (IB) versus non-irradiated breast (NIB). Pooled results showed higher rate of major complications in the IB (RR 2.52, 95%CI 0.96–6.63, p=0.06), but not statistically significant. However, rate of minor complications was significantly higher in the IB (RR 3.97 95%CI 1.86-8.50, p<0.0004). Incidence of fat necrosis as a discrete complication was 2× higher in IB (RR 2.14 95%CI 0.85–5.35, p-value 0.10) compared to the NIB, but not significant.

Conclusion

We found breast reduction to be safe with acceptable risk of major complications. However, the overall complication rate remains higher in IB compared to NIB.

Level of Evidence III

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.
Preparation and application of naringenin imprinted cryogel membranes for selectively separation of naringenin from natural environment
Authors: Demirtaş Emel , Odabaşı Mehmet
Published: April 2024

Naringenin imprinted cryogel membranes (Nar-ICMs) were constructed for the selective separation of naringenin from the natural media. Acrylamide was used as functional monomer, while 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate was used as co-monomer. Nar-ICMs were subjected to some characterization analyses, e.g., contact angle measurement, swelling tests, FTIR and SEM. Selectivity studies of Nar-ICMs were carried out both in aqueous media and natural orange juice. In selectivity studies, gallic and caffeic acid molecules were used as competitor agents due to their structural similarity to naringenin. Some results obtained as follows: Contact angle values for Nar-ICMs and non-imprinted cryogel membranes (non-ICMs) were found to be 58.5° and 71.8°, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities of Nar-ICMs and non-ICMs for naringenin were found to be 66.5 and 14 mg/g, respectively at an initial concentration of 2 mg/mL. The qmax and Kd values of the high-affinity binding sites of the obtained Scatchard plot were found to be 0.126 mmol/g (34.4 mg/g) and 0.16 mM (1.6.10–4 M), respectively. The selectivity of Nar-ICMs for naringenin was found as 1.99 and 2.26 times high when compared to gallic and caffeic acids, respectively. The adsorption of naringenin from natural orange juice with Nar-ICMs was found to be 843 µg/g.
A practical guide to estimating treatment effects in patients with rheumatic diseases using real-world data
Authors: Pripp Are Hugo , Łosińska Katarzyna , Korkosz Mariusz , Haugeberg Glenn
Published: April 2024

Objective

Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in study methodology. However, due to their study design and inclusion criteria, these studies may not capture the heterogeneity of real-world patient populations. In contrast, the lack of randomization and the presence of both measured and unmeasured confounding factors could bias the estimated treatment effect when using observational data. While causal inference methods allow for the estimation of treatment effects, their mathematical complexity may hinder their application in clinical research.

Methods

We present a practical, nontechnical guide using a common statistical package (Stata) and a motivational simulated dataset that mirrors real-world observational data from patients with rheumatic diseases. We demonstrate regression analysis, regression adjustment, inverse-probability weighting, propensity score (PS) matching and two robust estimation methods.

Results

Although the methods applied to control for confounding factors produced similar results, the commonly used one-to-one PS matching method could yield biased results if not thoroughly assessed.

Conclusion

The guide we propose aims to facilitate the use of readily available methods in a common statistical package. It may contribute to robust and transparent epidemiological and statistical methods, thereby enhancing effectiveness research using observational data in rheumatology.
Biparametric MRI in prostate cancer during active surveillance: is it safe?
Authors: Caglic Iztok , Sushentsev Nikita , Syer Tom , Lee Kang-Lung , Barrett Tristan
Published: April 2024

Active surveillance (AS) is the preferred option for patients presenting with low-intermediate-risk prostate cancer. MRI now plays a crucial role for baseline assessment and ongoing monitoring of AS. The Prostate Cancer Radiological Estimation of Change in Sequential Evaluation (PRECISE) recommendations aid radiological assessment of progression; however, current guidelines do not advise on MRI protocols nor on frequency. Biparametric (bp) imaging without contrast administration offers advantages such as reduced costs and increased throughput, with similar outcomes to multiparametric (mp) MRI shown in the biopsy naïve setting. In AS follow-up, the paradigm shifts from MRI lesion detection to assessment of progression, and patients have the further safety net of continuing clinical surveillance. As such, bpMRI may be appropriate in clinically stable patients on routine AS follow-up pathways; however, there is currently limited published evidence for this approach. It should be noted that mpMRI may be mandated in certain patients and potentially offers additional advantages, including improving image quality, new lesion detection, and staging accuracy. Recently developed AI solutions have enabled higher quality and faster scanning protocols, which may help mitigate against disadvantages of bpMRI. In this article, we explore the current role of MRI in AS and address the need for contrast-enhanced sequences.

Clinical relevance statement

Active surveillance is the preferred plan for patients with lower-risk prostate cancer, and MRI plays a crucial role in patient selection and monitoring; however, current guidelines do not currently recommend how or when to perform MRI in follow-up.

Key Points

Noncontrast biparametric MRI has reduced costs and increased throughput and may be appropriate for monitoring stable patients.

Multiparametric MRI may be mandated in certain patients, and contrast potentially offers additional advantages.

AI solutions enable higher quality, faster scanning protocols, and could mitigate the disadvantages of biparametric imaging.
Reduced Clique Graphs: A Correction to “Chordal Graphs and Their Clique Graphs”
Authors: Mayhew Dillon , Probert Andrew
Published: April 2024

Galinier, Habib, and Paul introduced the reduced clique graph of a chordal graph G. The nodes of the reduced clique graph are the maximal cliques of G, and two nodes are joined by an edge if and only if they form a non-disjoint separating pair of cliques in G. In this case the weight of the edge is the size of the intersection of the two cliques. A clique tree of G is a tree with the maximal cliques of G as its nodes, where for any $$v\in V(G)$$

v
∈
V
(
G
)

, the subgraph induced by the nodes containing v is connected. Galinier et al. prove that a spanning tree of the reduced clique graph is a clique tree if and only if it has maximum weight, but their proof contains an error. We explain and correct this error. In addition, we initiate a study of the structure of reduced clique graphs by proving that they cannot contain any induced cycle of length five (although they may contain induced cycles of length three or any even integer greater than two). We show that no cycle of length four or more is isomorphic to a reduced clique graph. We prove that the class of clique graphs of chordal graphs is not comparable to the class of reduced clique graphs of chordal graphs by providing examples that are in each of these classes without being in the other.
Inoculation and tracking of beneficial microbes reveal they can establish in field-grown potato roots and decrease blemish diseases
Authors: Darbon Geoffrey , Declerck Stéphane , Riot Gaétan , Doubell Marcé , Dupuis Brice
Published: April 2024

In a three-year field study, we inoculated two potato varieties with a selection of four beneficial microbial strains (i.e. Rhizophagus irregularis MUCL41833, Trichoderma asperelloides A, Pseudomonas brassicacearum 3Re2-7 and Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN), alone or in combination. Plants were grown under rainfed or irrigated conditions, and potato yield and development of several diseases were evaluated. The microbial inoculants were traced in the root system at different stages of crop development via molecular markers. Whatever the water supply, the inoculants had no effect on yield. Conversely, some of the inoculants were able to lower the incidence and/or severity of several blemish diseases, namely common scab-associated symptoms (CSAS) and silver scurf/black dot-associated symptoms (SSAS). Microbial consortia were more efficient in decreasing symptoms compared to single strain inoculations. The best control was obtained with the combination of R. irregularis and P. brassicacearum, which reduced the incidence of CSAS by 22% and severity of SSAS by 21%. Root tracking revealed that P. brassicacearum and P. phytofirmans PsJN were able to establish in the root system of the potato, while only P. brassicacearum was detected from emergence until flowering of the plants.
Short-term Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation improves cognitive performance: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study in healthy young adults
Authors: Ahles Sanne , Joris Peter J. , Plat Jogchum
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Evidence on the potential beneficial effects of anthocyanin-rich foods and supplements on cognitive performance is mainly based on acute or long-term studies in older adults. However, short-term studies focusing on a younger population are lacking. Therefore, short-term effects of Aronia melanocarpa extract (AME) supplementation on cognitive performance were investigated in healthy young adults. Potential underlying mechanisms were also addressed.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study was performed involving 35 apparently healthy young adults. Participants consumed AME (180 mg anthocyanins/day) or a placebo for 1 week, separated by at least 2 weeks of wash-out. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Furthermore, arterial stiffness (carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity), retinal microvascular calibers (fundus photography), and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations were measured at baseline and after 1 week.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 25 ± 4 years and an average BMI of 23.4 ± 2.7 kg/m2. Compliance was excellent and the study product was well-tolerated. As compared to placebo, movement time was significantly reduced by 4.8% within the five-choice reaction time test after 1 week of AME supplementation (intervention effect: – 12 ms; p < 0.05). Memory and executive function did however not change. Serum BDNF concentrations were significantly higher after AME supplementation as compared to placebo (+ 5.7%; intervention effect: 1.8 ng/mL; p < 0.05). However, arterial stiffness and retinal microvascular calibers were not affected.

Conclusion

Short-term AME supplementation beneficially affected cognitive performance as attention and psychomotor speed improved. Serum BDNF concentrations were increased, but vascular function markers were not affected.

Clinical trial registration

The study was registered on Clinical Trials under NCT03793777 on January 4th, 2019.
Rituximab in non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy: a single-center experience
Authors: Kohle Felix , Wunderlich Gilbert , Fink Gereon R. , Schroeter Michael , Lehmann Helmar C. , Schneider Christian
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This case series reports clinical features and outcome of four patients with non-systemic vasculitic neuropathy (NSVN) treated with the anti-CD20 agent rituximab.

Methods

Clinical, electrophysiological and biopsy data were retrospectively obtained and evaluated. Only patients with pathological definite or probable NSVN were included. Extensive clinical and laboratory work-up excluded systemic vasculitis. Follow-up data for at least 12 months and up to five years is provided. Outcome of the patients was assessed using the MRC-Sum Score, Prineas Score and Neurological Symptom Score.

Results

Two of four patients treated with rituximab achieved disease remission and one patient remained stable under anti-CD20 therapy after a required treatment switch due to toxic side effects of cyclophosphamide. One patient deteriorated under rituximab induction. Rituximab was well tolerated in all patients.

Discussion

Anti-CD20 therapy might be an alternative in NSVN patients requiring further treatment escalation or treatment switch due to side effects of corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide.
Predictive role of systemic immune-inflammation index and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio values in infants with retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Oruz Oğuzhan , Dervişoğulları Mehmet Serdar , Öktem Müzeyyen Ezgi , İncekaş Caner
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To search the relationship between serum neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values with the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and the requirement for laser treatment.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was carried out with 195 preterm infants between 2012 and 2023. The NLR, PLR, LMR, and SII values were calculated on both the first day and at the end of the first month after birth. The association between development of ROP and other risk factors were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of patients, 92 infants were diagnosed with ROP. Laser treatment was administered to 36 infants. The postnatal first-day NLR and SII values were higher in infants with ROP than in infants without ROP (p < 0.001 for both). Postnatal first-month NLR, LMR, and SII values were higher in infants with ROP (p < 0.001, p = 0.007, and p < 0.001, respectively). In multivariate analyses, postnatal first-day NLR and first-month LMR values were regarded as independent risk factors for the development of ROP (OR:8.867 and 1.286, p = 0.002 and p = 0.009, respectively). In multivariate analyses performed for laser treatment requirement, postnatal first-month PLR and SII values were determined as independent risk factors (OR:0.951 and 1.011, respectively, p = 0.004 for both).

Conclusions

Postnatal first-day NLR and first-month LMR values were determined as independent risk factors for the development of ROP. For the requirement of laser treatment, the postnatal first-month PLR and SII values were determined as independent risk factors.
Elastic prolate spheroidal inclusion in an infinite elastic solid—an exact analysis of the inclusion stress by an engineering treatment of the problem based on the corresponding cavity solutions
Authors: Amstutz Hans , Vormwald Michael
Published: April 2024

The paper demonstrates the analysis of the stress and strain states of an inhomogeneous structure with an axial symmetrical spheroidal inclusion in an infinite solid under a remote uniform tension load derived from the conditions of the theory of elasticity. With respect to the inhomogeneous structure, the deformations produce constraints that require a complete 3-dimensional analysis in the z, r-coordinate system. The solution generates the stress state of the inclusion and at the interface of the matrix. Spheroidal inclusions in an uniform outer tension stress field deform self-similarly to a rather elongated spheroid. With respect to the compatibility condition and depending on the different elastic moduli and Poisson’s ratios in the inclusion and matrix, the solution procedure leads to a system of two linear equations with the magnitudes of the two tractions as unknowns. In this way, the solution is shortened to a twofold statically indeterminate system. The analysis performed leads to an exact solution of the general spheroidal problem in a formulation of stress concentration factors considering the different stiffness parameters of inclusion and matrix.
Selection of waste receiving companies for sustainable industrial symbiosis network: an application a case in Ankara for foundry industry waste
Authors: Yazıcı Emre , Alakaş Hacı Mehmet , Eren Tamer
Published: April 2024

In the past twenty years, besides the technological and innovative efforts for production processes, there have been activities for the recovery and quality improvement of waste based on the development of sustainable solutions. These activities bring us closer to zero waste by protecting natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of production facilities. One of the essential approaches in this process is the industrial symbiosis (IS) approach. Efforts to implement the industrial symbiosis approach in an industrial park constitute the motivation of the study. The study aims to identify alternative enterprises that can evaluate the wastes generated in the main production process of the foundry industry with industrial symbiosis and rank them to establish a symbiotic relationship. First, the Pythagorean Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (PF-AHP) model has been developed to evaluate organizational factors, waste-specific factors, and economic and environmental sustainability criteria for establishing an IS network among alternative businesses. Then, alternative businesses were ranked to establish a symbiosis network with the PF-TOPSIS method. The proposed method contributes to the solution of a real-life problem that may arise when there are multiple alternatives to cooperate in the field of industrial symbiosis. By contributing this framework to the literature, the robustness of the results has been demonstrated through sensitivity analysis and comparative analysis. According to the results obtained, it was seen that the importance levels of economic factors came to the fore. Furthermore, among the alternatives, enterprises with high waste exchange potential, such as cement, took first place in the ranking.
Development of a Web-Based Oxygenation Dashboard for Preterm Neonates: A Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Poppe J. A. , Smorenburg R. S. , Goos T. G. , Taal H. R. , Reiss I. K. M. , Simons S. H. P.
Published: April 2024

Background: Preterm neonates are extensively monitored to require strict oxygen target attainment for optimal outcomes. In daily practice, detailed oxygenation data are hardly used and crucial patterns may be missed due to the snapshot presentations and subjective observations. This study aimed to develop a web-based dashboard with both detailed and summarized oxygenation data in real-time and to test its feasibility to support clinical decision making. Methods: Data from pulse oximeters and ventilators were synchronized and stored to enable real-time and retrospective trend visualizations in a web-based viewer. The dashboard was designed based on interviews with clinicians. A preliminary version was evaluated during daily clinical rounds. The routine evaluation of the respiratory condition of neonates (gestational age < 32 weeks) with respiratory support at the NICU was compared to an assessment with the assistance of the dashboard. Results: The web-based dashboard included data on the oxygen saturation (SpO2), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), SpO2/FiO2 ratio, and area < 80% and > 95% SpO2 curve during time intervals that could be varied. The distribution of SpO2 values was visualized as histograms. In 65% of the patient evaluations (n = 86) the level of hypoxia was assessed differently with the use of the dashboard. In 75% of the patients the dashboard was judged to provide added value for the clinicians in supporting clinical decisions. Conclusions: A web-based customized oxygenation dashboard for preterm neonates at the NICU was developed and found feasible during evaluation. More clear and objective information was found supportive for clinicians during the daily rounds in tailoring treatment strategies.
Building semi-supervised decision trees with semi-cart algorithm
Authors: Abedinia Aydin , Seydi Vahid
Published: April 2024

Decision trees are a fundamental statistical learning tool for addressing classification and regression problems through a recursive partitioning approach that effectively accommodates numerical and categorical data [1, 2]. The Classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm underlies modern Boosting methodologies such as Gradient boosting machine (GBM), Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and Light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM). However, the standard CART algorithm may require improvement due to its inability to learn from unlabeled data. This study proposes several modifications to incorporate test data into the training phase. Specifically, we introduce a method based on Graph-based semi-supervised learning called “Distance-based Weighting,” which calculates and removes irrelevant records from the training set to accelerate the training process and improve performance. We present Semi-supervised classification and regression tree (Semi-Cart), a new implementation of CART that constructs a decision tree using weighted training data. We evaluated its performance on thirteen datasets from various domains. Our results demonstrate that Semi-Cart outperforms standard CART methods and contributes to statistical learning.
Image-based microscale rock typing and its application
Authors: Wang Yuzhu
Published: April 2024

Rock typing plays a crucial role in describing the heterogeneity of the reservoir. Most of the conventional rock typing methods are implemented to classify the target reservoir into various rock types based on various petrophysical properties (e.g., porosity and permeability), but fail to provide more critical information that significantly affects the final performance of the reservoir characterization including: (1) the porosity and permeability contribution of each rock type and (2) the geological genesis of each rock type. Along with the universal application of various imaging devices, the image-based microscale rock typing (IMRT) can be directly conducted based on the observed pore structures which fundamentally determine the rock types. The IMRT belongs to the computer vision field which can be divided into pattern recognition-related rock typing (PRRT) and texture segmentation-related rock typing (TSRT). The PRRT is mainly used to identify the category (e.g., lithofacies, reservoir zone, or Dunham textures) of a given rock sample. The TSRT aims to classify a single image into several areas where each area denotes a relatively homogeneous porous structure. In this paper, the popular IMRT methods and their applications are reviewed thoroughly. Many successful applications proved that IMRT is an effective way to quantitatively estimate the porosity and permeability contributions of each rock type in a heterogeneous rock sample with the help of numerical flow simulation. Besides, the IMRT results also can be used to reveal the geological genesis of each rock type when its texture is determined by a special geological process.
A Novel Repair Technique of Pre-damaged T-Beams Failing in Shear Using Eco-Friendly Steel Fibre-Reinforced Geopolymer Concrete
Authors: Khalifa Ashraf J. , El-Thakeb Abo El-Wafa M. , El-Sebai Ahmed M. , Elmannaey Ahmed S.
Published: April 2024

Repair of reinforced concrete structures is required to preserve the adequate performance of these structures throughout their service life. One of the credible techniques is using fibrous concrete as a repair material. In this paper, the performance of steel fibre-reinforced geopolymer concrete (SFRGPC) in the repair of pre-damaged reinforced concrete T-beams (pre-loaded up to 50% of their shear capacity) failing in shear was investigated. Five T-beam series and a four-point loading test were adopted: one reference beam, three beams were repaired with different fibrous ratios of 1, 2, and 3%, and one was repaired with 2% steel fibre and additional U-steel stirrups. The key test results include crack propagation, crack width, initial stiffness, load deflection, peak loads, and strain associated with web stirrups. A clear enhancement was noticed in the performance of the repaired T-beams; their shear capacity was boosted by as much as 45% compared to the control beam. It was also deduced that the beam went from a brittle to a ductile failure mode at 3% SFRGPC and at 2% SFRGPC with U-stirrups. Finally, an analytical model prediction was proposed to predict the shear capacity of repaired T-beams with the SFRGPC. The model showed a satisfactory correlation with experimental results, with an average ratio of 0.995 and a standard deviation of 0.035.
Scutellarin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy via TGF-β1 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Bangrui , Han Rui , Tan Hong , Zhu Wenzhuo , Li Yang , Jiang Fakun , Xie Chun , Ren Zundan , Shi Rou
Published: April 2024

Breviscapine, a natural flavonoid mixture derived from the traditional Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand-Mazz, has demonstrated a promising potential in improving diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the specific active constituent(s) responsible for its therapeutic effects and the underlying pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of scutellarin, a constituent of breviscapine, on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy and elucidate its pharmacological mechanism(s). Our findings demonstrate that scutellarin effectively ameliorates various features of DN in vivo, including proteinuria, glomerular expansion, mesangial matrix accumulation, renal fibrosis, and podocyte injury. Mechanistically, scutellarin appears to exert its beneficial effects through modulation of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling pathway, as well as its interaction with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.

Graphical Abstract
Unterstützungssysteme im einzelschulischen Entwicklungsprozess
Authors: Dedering Kathrin
Published: April 2024

Vor dem Hintergrund veränderter Vorstellungen über die Steuerung von Bildungssystemen sind staatliche Unterstützungssysteme für Schulentwicklung (u. a. Beratungen, interschulische Netzwerke und Inspektionen) in den letzten Jahren in der Schulpraxis eingeführt und in der empirischen Forschung bezüglich ihrer Wirkungen untersucht worden.

Der Beitrag intendiert, den diesbezüglichen Erkenntnisstand weiter auszudifferenzieren, und geht dazu der übergeordneten Fragestellung nach, inwiefern Unterstützungssysteme in die Entwicklungsarbeit von Schulen einbezogen werden. Mit seinem Fokus auf den einzelschulischen Entwicklungsprozess (der die gleichzeitige Betrachtung mehrerer Unterstützungssysteme ermöglicht) und seinem Rekurs auf das Konzept von Schulentwicklung als Regulationsprozess (das eine systematischere Verortung der Unterstützungssysteme in den einzelschulischen Entwicklungsprozess erlaubt) unterscheidet er sich in zweifacher Hinsicht von bisherigen empirischen Arbeiten zur Thematik. Die Befunde aus 16 inhaltsanalytisch ausgewerteten Interviews mit Schulleitungen deuten darauf hin, dass insbesondere Schulentwicklungsberatungen herangezogen werden, um an „neuralgischen Punkten“ im Entwicklungsprozess bei schulextern oder schulintern herausfordernden Situationen umfänglichere Aufgaben der Schulentwicklung zu bewältigen. Sie werden bei Regulationen in allen Bereichen, bei allen Schritten und auf allen Ebenen herangezogen und umfassen ein sehr breites Spektrum spezifischer Leistungen. Auch alle anderen Unterstützungssysteme werden bei Regulationen im Bereich der (meta-)kognitiven Dispositionen, auf der interpersonalen Ebene und (mit Ausnahme der Vergleichsarbeiten) beim Schritt der Adaptation bemüht. Über diese Gemeinsamkeiten hinaus finden sich – wie aufgrund konzeptioneller Ausrichtungen erwartbar – systemspezifische Differenzen bezüglich der Einsatzstellen im schulischen Entwicklungsprozess.
Innovative Strategies for Enhanced Concrete Durability: A Comparative Analysis of Autogenous and Autonomous Self-healing Mechanisms
Authors: Ghazy Ahmed H. , Emara Mohamed R. , Abdellah Ahmed M. , Attia Mohamed I. EL-Sharkawi.
Published: April 2024

This study explores incorporating self-healing mechanisms into concrete to address cracks compromising structural integrity. Two self-healing techniques, autogenous and autonomous, are compared. Specimens with excessive cement were created to investigate the impact of cement content on autogenous healing. The autonomous technique used Bacillus subtilis bacteria with a constant concentration, using two insertion methods: direct and immobilization. Crumb rubber was used to immobilize bacteria, assessing its effect in preserving them over long periods. Calcium lactate was used as a source of calcium in some of the autonomous mixtures. Healing techniques were evaluated using compression tests, chloride permeability, visible crack inspection, and microscopic investigation. The test results showed a reduction of 32% in compressive strength at 7 days when using calcium lactate with bacteria. However, after 28 days, the strength was enhanced by about 15% compared to the control mix. Despite the strength reduction, the crack healing ability exceeded the control mix in 7- and 28-day cracked specimens. The best results were achieved using bacteria immobilized in rubber without calcium lactate by healing 2mm cracks with a 71% compressive strength increase and 89% strength recovery. The immobilization method outperformed the direct method in preserving bacteria, as confirmed by scanning electron microscope images revealing bacterial presence after 100 days, accompanied by a substantially reduced chloride permeability to very low levels. For the autogenous mixture, adding excess cement enhanced the crack healing efficiency by 67%, healing a 0.5mm crack width. SEM results showed calcite precipitation in both autogenous and autonomous mixtures. However, autonomous mixtures exhibited denser and sharper crystal morphology, confirmed by energy dispersive spectrometer results since the bacterial concrete achieved a calcium weight of 36.52% compared to its control mixture of 8.69%.
Stellar flares
Authors: Kowalski Adam F.
Published: April 2024

Magnetic storms on stars manifest as remarkable, randomly occurring changes of the luminosity over durations that are tiny in comparison to the normal evolution of stars. These stellar flares are bursts of electromagnetic radiation from X-ray to radio wavelengths, and they occur on most stars with outer convection zones. They are analogous to the events on the Sun known as solar flares, which impact our everyday life and modern technological society. Stellar flares, however, can attain much greater energies than those on the Sun. Despite this, we think that these phenomena are rather similar in origin to solar flares, which result from a catastrophic conversion of latent magnetic field energy into atmospheric heating within a region that is relatively small in comparison to normal stellar sizes. We review the last several decades of stellar flare research. We summarize multi-wavelength observational results and the associated thermal and nonthermal processes in flaring stellar atmospheres. Static and hydrodynamic models are reviewed with an emphasis on recent progress in radiation-hydrodynamics and the physical diagnostics in flare spectra. Thanks to their effects on the space weather of exoplanetary systems (and thus in our search for life elsewhere in the universe) and their preponderance in Kepler mission data, white-light stellar flares have re-emerged in the last decade as a widely-impactful area of study within astrophysics. Yet, there is still much we do not understand, both empirically and theoretically, about the spectrum of flare radiation, its origin, and its time evolution. We conclude with several big-picture questions that are fundamental in our pursuit toward a greater understanding of these enigmatic stellar phenomena and, by extension, those on the Sun.
Carbon aerogel supported Ni–Fe catalysts for superior oxygen evolution reaction activity
Authors: Asim Muhammad , Hussain Akbar , Samancı Meryem , Janjua Naveed Kausar , Bayrakçeken Ayşe
Published: April 2024

Electrochemical water splitting presents an optimal approach for generating hydrogen (H2), a highly promising alternative energy source. Nevertheless, the slow kinetics of the electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the exorbitant cost, limited availability, and susceptibility to oxidation of noble metal-based electrocatalysts have compelled scientists to investigate cost-effective and efficient electrocatalysts. Bimetallic nanostructured materials have been demonstrated to exhibit improved catalytic performances for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, we report carbon aerogel (CA) decorated with different molar ratios of Fe and Ni with enhanced OER activity. Microwave irradiation was involved as a novel strategy during the synthesis process. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX spectra and EDAX mapping), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HR-TEM), and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) were used for physical characterizations of as-prepared material. Electrochemical potential towards OER was examined through cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The FeNi/CA with optimized molar ratios exhibits low overpotential 377 mV at 10 mAcm−2, smaller Tafel slope (94.5 mV dec−1), and high turnover frequency (1.09 s−1 at 300 mV). Other electrocatalytic parameters were also calculated and compared with previously reported OER catalysts. Additionally, chronoamperometric studies confirmed excellent electrochemical stability, as the OER activity shows minimal change even after a stability test lasting 3600 s. Moreover, the bimetallic (Fe and Ni) carbon aerogel exhibits faster catalytic kinetics and higher conductivity than the monometallic (Fe), which was observed through EIS investigation. This research opens up possibilities for utilizing bi- or multi-metallic anchored carbon aerogel with high conductivities and exceptional electrocatalytic performances in electrochemical energy conversion.
Livelihood adaptation to changes in River Ekulu depth, channel width and riverbank vegetation cover type by household breadwinners in selected communities in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Eneh Onyenekenwa Cyprian
Published: April 2024

Nigeria and most other developing countries need to explore using socio-ecological approaches to address some ecosystem challenges. Changes in river depth, channel width and riverbank vegetation cover type of River Ekulu in Enugu, Nigeria, their causes and effects on biodiversity and livelihood adaptation by household breadwinners, who depended on the river for livelihood activities, were investigated. Snowball sampling technique was adopted. Causes of changes in the river depth, channel width and riverbank vegetation cover type and their effects on biodiversity and livelihood adaptation were obtained from literature with Google Forms administered to purposively selected experts. Factor component analysis was used to select the significant ones. Aerial images of the river were captured with a drone. Questionnaire was used to elicit information from the target household breadwinners to corroborate the images or otherwise, the causes and the effects of the changes on biodiversity and livelihood adaptation. Data were analyzed to test seven null hypotheses bordering on the objectives of the study. Results showed that the observed changes led to adverse effect on biodiversity and the attendant imperative livelihood adaptation. Factors causing the changes in the river depth, width and riverbank vegetation cover type were climate change (factor weight, fw, 0.44–0.54) and increase in population density (fw 0.46–0.63). Recommendations include conscientisation of government and riverine neighbourhood dwellers on the observed ecological changes, their causes and effects, and ways-forward on policies and practices.
Current Status of Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, Progress and Challenges
Authors: Li Jiahuan , Docile Haragakiza Jean , Fisher David , Pronyuk Khrystyna , Zhao Lei
Published: April 2024

The African continent carries the greatest malaria burden in the world. Falciparum malaria especially has long been the leading cause of death in Africa. Climate, economic factors, geographical location, human intervention and unstable security are factors influencing malaria transmission. Due to repeated infections and early interventions, the proportion of clinically atypical malaria or asymptomatic plasmodium carriers has increased significantly, which easily lead to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. African countries have made certain progress in malaria control and elimination, including rapid diagnosis of malaria, promotion of mosquito nets and insecticides, intermittent prophylactic treatment in high-risk groups, artemisinin based combination therapies, and the development of vaccines. Between 2000 and 2022, there has been a 40% decrease in malaria incidence and a 60% reduction in mortality rate in the WHO African Region. However, many challenges are emerging in the fight against malaria in Africa, such as climate change, poverty, substandard health services and coverage, increased outdoor transmission and the emergence of new vectors, and the growing threat of resistance to antimalarial drugs and insecticides. Joint prevention and treatment, identifying molecular determinants of resistance, new drug development, expanding seasonal malaria chemo-prevention intervention population, and promoting the vaccination of RTS, S/AS01 and R21/Matrix-M may help to solve the dilemma. China’s experience in eliminating malaria is conducive to Africa’s malaria prevention and control, and China-Africa cooperation needs to be constantly deepened and advanced. Our review aims to help the global public develop a comprehensive understanding of malaria in Africa, thereby contributing to malaria control and elimination.
Context counts: an exploration of the situational correlates of meat consumption in three Western European countries
Authors: Laffan Kate
Published: April 2024

A reduction in the demand for meat and particularly red meat has the potential to significantly enhance the sustainability and health of many people's diets. In the current work, I examine situational predictors of meat consumption in nationally representative nutrition surveys from three Western European countries: Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. More specifically, I examine whether the situational factors – the meal type, the day of the week and the location of the food consumption occasion – are predictive of whether meat and red meat are consumed. The results indicate that all three factors are linked to meat and red meat consumption with the patterns varying substantially across the different case study countries and in some cases also the gender of the consumer. The results emphasise the value of mapping situational correlates to inform situated interventions aimed at influencing meat consumption, while also highlighting important differences across both cultures and people.
Catcalls and Unwanted Conversations
Authors: Cousens Chris
Published: April 2024

Catcalls have been said to insult, intimidate, and silence their targets. The harms that catcalls inflict on individuals are reason enough to condemn them. This paper argues that they also inflict a type of structural harm by subordinating their targets. Catcalling initiates an unwanted conversation where none should exist. This brings the rules and norms governing conversations to bear in such a way that the catcall assigns their target a “subordinate discourse role.” This not only constrains the behavior of the target here and now, but also influences the norms governing future conversations. Catcalls are then not only bad because of the effects on their target, but also because of their pernicious contribution to the wider normative landscape.
Power, Connection, and the Endless Present
Authors: Irwin Ryan
Published: April 2024

Published more than a decade ago, Paul Kramer's “Power and Connection: Imperial Histories of the United States in the World” is arguably the most important intervention in the field of U.S. and the World history. This roundtable affirms its standing among modern American historians. Yet the essay's exact influence is hard to characterize. Classic state-of-the-field essays—like Charles Maier's broadside against U.S. diplomatic history or Jacquelyn Dowd Hall's invocation of a long civil rights movement—spurred field-wide reckonings. Kramer's impact was subtler. Recently, Daniel Bessner and Fredrik Logevall cited the essay to say that the field should revisit U.S. policy making, using “Power and Connection” as a foil to discuss the limits of the international and transnational turns. However, boosters of those turns—Erez Manela and Naoko Shibusawa, among others—ignore “Power and Connection,” even as they advance claims about globalization and imperialism that touch on the article's arguments. This impasse is as fascinating—as worthy of exposition—as Kramer’s original claims, partly because it invites us to historicize the decade just past. Rather than handling the essay with antiquarian gloves, I’d like to dig into this dirt to consider three questions: What did “Power and Connection” displace? What did it do? And how does the essay resonate in our present?