bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural manganese ores for efficient removal of organic pollutants via catalytic peroxymonosulfate‐based advanced oxidation processes
Authors: Yao Zhengxin , Chen Roufei , Han Ning , Sun Hongqi , Wong Ngie Hing , Ernawati Lusi , Wang Shaobin , Sunarso Jaka , Liu Shaomin
Published: April 2023

Peroxymonosulfate‐based advanced oxidation processes (PMS‐AOPs) for in situ persistent organic pollutant (POP) remediation in aqueous solutions can be a promising technology. However, this technology is constrained by its high toxicity and cost of metal oxide and non‐metal catalysts for PMS activation. Here, we investigated the catalytic performance of a widely available natural mineral, manganese ore (MO), for PMS activation. A series of natural MO samples in an aqueous solution were prepared via the Fenton‐like reaction. The samples' crystalline structure, surface morphology, textural properties, and other surface characteristics of the selected MO were systematically characterized. The effects of PMS concentration and process parameters on the degradation performance of four chosen model pollutants, that is, phenol, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), rhodamine B (RhB), and methylene blue (MB), were evaluated. The experimental results showed that natural MO increased catalytic activity and enhanced the PMS oxidation processes, with 98%, 90%, and 75% removal efficiencies on phenol, TBBPA, and RhB, respectively, within 1.5 h. The reduction in the initial pH solution from 10 to 7 and the increase in temperature from 15 to 45°C enhanced the MB degradation rate (decolorization) by 55 and 46%, respectively, within 2 h. During the PMS activation process, SO4•−, •OH, and 1O2 species were generated, but only SO4•− and •OH radicals with strong oxidative potentials contributed to the catalytic degradation. The dissolved metals from the experiments were found well within the limit of drinking water standards, verifying that the MO + PMS catalytic system is suitable for commercial applications. This work provides insights into the development potential and prospects of using natural minerals for PMS activation and POP degradation, which can accelerate their industrial applications.
Marine protected areas in the southern south‐west Atlantic: Insights from marine top predator communities
Authors: Dellabianca Natalia A. , Torres Mónica A. , Ordoñez Constanza , Fioramonti Nicolás , Raya Rey Andrea
Published: April 2023

The marine ecosystem provides numerous goods and services, dampens the impacts of floods and storms, and provides climate control, through the regulation of carbon fluxes, nutrient cycling, and the bioremediation of human waste and tourism. However, the ocean is vulnerable to anthropogenic threats and has been severely altered by humans.

Seabirds and marine mammals are long lived, highly mobile, easily identifiable, and occupy the upper levels of trophic webs. These ecological features make them suitable as sentinels of the marine ecosystem.

Sighting data collected during eight oceanographic surveys were analysed to describe and compare the biodiversity of the communities of top predators within the marine protected areas (MPAs) of Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank I and II and the surrounding areas in two contrasting seasons (summer and winter). Data were grouped into six zones based on depth and geographic position.

Twenty‐five species of seabirds and 13 species of marine mammals were recorded in 113 days of surveys between 2014 and 2018. Top predator community composition varied seasonally in the different zones.

A suite of indicator species was identified according to their specificity and fidelity to a particular zone. Most of the species identified as potentially useful indicators differed between summer and winter, highlighting the importance of conducting systematic surveys in both periods.

The MPAs Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank I and II are key areas for top predator communities in the region, mainly in summer when the number and abundance of species increase. However, the waters around Isla de los Estados and the channel between Isla de los Estados and Burdwood Bank were also identified as a relevant habitat for many species. This knowledge should be included to create a regional network of areas under special management considerations that connect the established MPAs with other key pelagic and coastal areas (as found in this study) for the conservation of subantarctic marine megafauna.
Homo indifferencus: Effects of unavailable options on preference construction
Authors: Polman Evan , Stough Rusty A.
Published: April 2023

People want what they cannot have. Yet would people still covet a forgone option when they have no initial preference for it? We examined this question in two parts by identifying five unique types of choice indifference and testing what choices people make when they have “no preference” for receiving an endowed good that subsequently becomes unavailable. First, we found that feeling indifferent among options is a common response to making decisions; furthermore, we found that previously established effects are significantly altered when accounting for participants' indifference. Second, when people experience the loss of a would‐be endowed option, we found that they replace it with a similar option, to such an extent that they choose an option that is inferior to other available options. Together, our results demonstrate that the classic endowment effect does not only emerge after people are endowed but beforehand. That is, when people expect to be endowed with a good, they behave like it is already theirs and replace its loss with a similar good even when (1) they are initially indifferent to it and (2) they could choose something better.
Method validation and residue determination of mineral oil Arbofine in apple and soil using gas chromatography–flame ionisation detection under temperate conditions of Kashmir, India
Authors: Jan Ishrat , Sofi Javid A. , Dar Alamgir A. , Mukhtar Malik , Dar Irshad H. , Dar Shahnawaz R.
Published: April 2023

This innovative study was carried out to determine the presence of the mineral oil Arbofine in apple and soil at four locations. Arbofine kills the vast majority of dormant insects and mites (mite and asphid eggs, scales and psyllids) on fruit trees (cherry, apple, plum and peach) and thus reduces the plant diseases in summer. In this study, the mineral oil was sprayed at recommended doses of 2.0 and 0.75%, and the doses were doubled to 4.0 and 1.5% in dormant and summer seasons, respectively. The soil samples were taken for observation during the dormant season, whereas both soil and apple samples were taken during the summer season after treatment for 0, 1, 3 and 5 days. The recovery study of all the 11 paraffinic constituents (n‐pentane, n‐hexane, n‐heptane, n‐octane, n‐nonane, n‐decane, n‐undecane, n‐dodecane, n‐tridecane, n‐tetradecane and n‐pentadecane) in soil and apple samples which constitutes 60% of mineral oil in soil and apple was carried out at the fortification level of 1.0 μg/ml, which was found to be between 72.1% and 99.0%. No residue of all the 11 paraffinic compounds of Arbofine mineral oil was detected in soil and apple samples at day 0 after the recommended doses, and the recommended doses were doubled in both seasons at four locations. Therefore, mineral oil can be used on apples without any risk.
RETRACTED: Exploring the sustainable consumption behavior in emerging countries: The role of pro‐environmental self‐identity, attitude, and environmental protection emotion
Authors: Lavuri Rambabu , Akram Umair , Akram Zubair
Published: April 2023

The paper examines the sustainable consumption behavior of two emerging countries, China and India. The conceptual framework incorporates egoistic value, social consumption motivation, altruistic values (stimulus factors), pro‐environmental self‐identity, attitude (mediators and organism factors), sustainable consumption behavior (response factor), and environmental protection emotion as a moderating factor, using stimulus‐organism‐response theory. We collected 658 original survey data from China (n = 337) and Indian (n = 321) customers via convenience and purposive sampling methods and analyzed the data with structural equation modeling. Intriguingly, the results show that (a) stimulus factors such as egoistic and altruistic values and social consumption motivation had a positive influence on pro‐environment self‐identity and attitude and sustainable consumption behavior in both countries, (b) pro‐environment self‐identity had a positive effect on the attitude of both countries' consumers (c) while mediation factors (pro‐environment self‐identity and attitude) had a significantly positive mediation relationship between stimulus and response factors, and (d) environmental protection emotion significantly moderated the relationship between stimulus, organism factors, and response factors of two countries. The study contributes to the current body of knowledge in sustainable marketing by examining the rapidly growing phenomenon of sustainable consumer behavior in two Asian countries.
Experimental assessment of cardiovascular physiology in the chick embryo
Authors: Sukumaran Vijayakumar , Mutlu Onur , Murtaza Mohammad , Alhalbouni Rawia , Dubansky Benjamin , Yalcin Huseyin C.
Published: April 2023

High resolution assessment of cardiac functional parameters is crucial in translational animal research. The chick embryo is a historically well‐used in vivo model for cardiovascular research due to its many practical advantages, and the conserved form and function of the chick and human cardiogenesis programs. This review aims to provide an overview of several different technical approaches for chick embryo cardiac assessment. Doppler echocardiography, optical coherence tomography, micromagnetic resonance imaging, microparticle image velocimetry, real‐time pressure monitoring, and associated issues with the techniques will be discussed. Alongside this discussion, we also highlight recent advances in cardiac function measurements in chick embryos.
Use of copeptin in interpretation of the water deprivation test
Authors: Rowe Matthew , Patel Nishchil , Jeffery Jinny , Flanagan Daniel
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Currently, the water deprivation test remains the standard method for distinguishing primary polydipsia (PP) from cranial diabetes insipidus (cDI) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (nDI). There is increasing interest in a direct estimate of antidiuretic hormone using plasma copeptin as a stable and reliable surrogate marker. We present our experience of measuring copeptin during the water deprivation test.

Methods

Forty‐seven people (17 men) underwent a standard water deprivation test between 2013 and 2021. Plasma copeptin was measured at the start of the test and at the end of the period of water deprivation (maximum osmotic stimulation). Results were classified using prespecified diagnostic criteria. As it is known that a significant proportion of tests will reveal indeterminate results, a final diagnosis was obtained by including relevant pre‐ and post‐test clinical criteria. This diagnosis was then used to plan individual treatment.

Results

Basal and stimulated copeptin were significantly higher in the nephrogenic DI group than other categories (p < .001). There was no significant difference in basal or stimulated copeptin between PP, cDI or partial DI. Nine results were indeterminate where the serum and urine osmolality did not give a unified diagnosis. Stimulated copeptin was helpful in reclassifying these patients into the final diagnostic groups.

Conclusion

Plasma copeptin has additional clinical utility in interpretation of the water deprivation test and may continue to have a place alongside newer stimulation tests.
Validation of a nutria (Myocastor coypus) environmental DNA assay highlights considerations for sampling methodology
Authors: Mangan Anna M. , Kronenberger John A. , Plummer Ian H. , Wilcox Taylor M. , Piaggio Antoinette J.
Published: April 2023

Nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a semiaquatic rodent species that is invasive across multiple regions within the United States. Here, we evaluated a qPCR assay previously described for use in Japan for application across invasive populations in the United States. We also compared two environmental DNA sampling methodologies for this assay: field filtration of large volumes of water passed through filters versus direct sampling of small volumes of water. We validated assay specificity, generality, and sensitivity, compared assay performance between two independent laboratories, and successfully tested the assay in situ on a known wild population. The filtration method required fewer samples for environmental DNA detection than direct sampling, but the choice of methods should be assessed based on specific field conditions and time and budget considerations. Our extensive assay validation and comparison across laboratories suggest that the assay is ready to be applied in environmental DNA monitoring of nutria throughout the United States.
Metagenomic analysis of plant viruses in tropical fresh and wastewater
Authors: Lopez‐Roblero Alexander , Martínez Cano David José , Diego‐García Elia , Guillén‐Navarro Griselda Karina , Iša Pavel , Zarza Eugenia
Published: April 2023

Due to considerable losses in the agricultural sector, phytopathogenic viruses are of significant economic importance. Several phytopathogenic viruses have been detected in water bodies. These can be transmitted to their hosts through water contact. However, relatively few studies concentrate on the presence and impact of plant‐infecting viruses in water environments. In the present study, we used a metagenomic approach to determine viral phytopathogen diversity in wastewater, freshwater, and sludge from the southernmost tropical region in Mexico. We detected 15 different phytopathogenic viruses that belonged to the family Virgaviridae, genus Tobamovirus. Pepper mild mottle virus, tomato brown rugose fruit virus, and tropical soda apple mosaic virus had the highest number of reads. Phylogenetic analysis of the coat protein (CP) amino acid sequence revealed a close relationship between the solanaceous plant‐infecting viruses and the reference sequences found in GenBank. On the other hand, the CP amino acid sequence of Fabaceae and Cucurbitaceae‐infecting viruses did not show such a close relationship when compared with GenBank reference sequences. These results suggested that detected viral sequences could originate from new strains or species of local viruses likely from the consumption of locally cultivated produce, whereas those infecting solanaceous plants might come from consumption of processed or imported food to Mexico. The prevalence of a high diversity of plant viruses in wastewater and rivers and their potential infectivity raise concerns about the use of contaminated freshwater and wastewater in agriculture in Mexico.
Electropatterning—Contemporary developments for selective particle arrangements employing electrokinetics
Authors: Lomeli‐Martin Adrian , Ahamed Nuzhet , Abhyankar Vinay V. , Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H.
Published: April 2023

The selective positioning and arrangement of distinct types of multiscale particles can be used in numerous applications in microfluidics, including integrated circuits, sensors and biochips. Electrokinetic (EK) techniques offer an extensive range of options for label‐free manipulation and patterning of colloidal particles by exploiting the intrinsic electrical properties of the target of interest. EK‐based techniques have been widely implemented in many recent studies, and various methodologies and microfluidic device designs have been developed to achieve patterning two‐ and three‐dimensional (3D) patterned structures. This review provides an overview of the progress in electropatterning research during the last 5 years in the microfluidics arena. This article discusses the advances in the electropatterning of colloids, droplets, synthetic particles, cells, and gels. Each subsection analyzes the manipulation of the particles of interest via EK techniques such as electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis. The conclusions summarize recent advances and provide an outlook on the future of electropatterning in various fields of application, especially those with 3D arrangements as their end goal.
The impact of Disability Insurance reassessment on healthcare use
Authors: Badji Samia , Kavanagh Anne , Petrie Dennis
Published: April 2023

Several Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries have constrained Disability Income Insurance (DI) eligibility and reassessed those on DI to encourage workforce participation. But these policies can also have unintended consequences. While receiving less income can directly worsen physical and mental health, the stress related to reassessment and the possibility of losing DI may also adversely affect mental health. This paper uses Australian population‐wide administrative data to explore how a 2014 policy ‐ where DI recipients under 35 were reassessed under stricter criteria ‐ affected healthcare use. We exploit this age targeting using a difference‐in‐difference regression design and find that the policy increased nervous system drug prescriptions (which includes antidepressants). Our findings suggest that the reassessment of DI recipients, even without income loss, may have had a significant negative impact on their mental health. DI reassessment policies may have the unintended consequence of worsening mental health and this needs be considered when deciding if reassessment is worthwhile.
Oral cavity carcinoma in patients with and without a history of lichen planus: A comparative analysis
Authors: Iocca Oreste , Copelli Chiara , Rubattino Stefano , Sedran Luca , Di Maio Pasquale , Arduino Paolo Giacomo , Ramieri Guglielmo , Garzino‐Demo Paolo
Published: April 2023

Background

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) are associated with the risk of malignant transformation (MT) into oral cavity carcinoma (OCC). Oral lichen planus (OLP) is one of the most common OPMDs in western countries. Although there is a substantial amount of research on progression to cancer, a specific analysis of the clinical characteristics and prognosis of cancer developed in patients with a history of OLP versus patients without a history of OLP has not been investigated so far.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of 82 patients treated for OCC with a known history of OLP compared to a representative sample of 82 patients treated for OCC without a known history of LP. Comparative analyses were performed on age at presentation, sex, TNM staging, clinical characteristics, pathology characteristics, 2‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS), and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

It was shown that patients with a history of LP were significantly younger at first presentation than patients without a history of LP (mean age difference 6.7 years, 95% CI 3.1–10.3, p < 0.05). Also, patients with a history of OLP were in higher proportion females. The main pathological stage at presentation was significantly lower in the OLP group (p < 0.05). The 2‐year survival analysis showed that DFS and OS were significantly lower in patients without a known history of OLP, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 3.1 (95% CI 1.4–6.8) and HR of 2.6 (95% CI 1.3–5.3), respectively. The 5‐year survival analysis showed that DFS and OS were significantly lower in patients without a known history of OLP, with a hazard ratio of 3.1 (95% CI 1.6–6.2) and of 2.9 (95% CI 1.5–5.6), respectively.

Conclusions

Cancer arising from OLP has peculiar characteristics compared to cancer in naïve patients. It most commonly affects younger patients, women, and nonsmokers. It is usually diagnosed at earlier stages and appears to have less aggressive behavior at presentation. Moreover, when 2‐ and 5‐year survival is analyzed, it appears that patients in OLP group have an overall and a disease‐free survival advantage. These results suggest that cancer from OLP is less aggressive and thus has a potential biological difference with cancer arising in non‐OLP patients. Further clinical and basic investigations are needed to confirm the results of this study.
Four‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography and fragmented QRS in detection of early left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism
Authors: Karaca Yücel , Karasu Mehdi , Taşolar Hakan , Evren Bahri
Published: April 2023

Background

Thyroid disorders are associated with many cardiovascular risk factors. The importance of thyroid hormones in the pathophysiology of heart failure is underlined by the European guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. However, the role of subclinical hyperthyroidism (SCH) in subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is not entirely clear.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 56 SCH patients and 40 healthy volunteers. The 56 SCH group was divided into two subgroups depending on the presence of fragmented QRS (fQRS). In both groups, left ventricular global area strain (LV‐GAS), global radial strain (GRS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global circumferential strain (GCS) were obtained with four‐dimensional (4D) echocardiography.

Results

GAS, GRS, GLS, and GCS values were significantly different in SCH patients and in healthy volunteers. GLS and GAS values were lower in the fQRS+ than in the fQRS− group (−17.06 ± 1.00 vs. −19.08 ± 1.71, p < .001, and −26.61 ± 2.38 vs. −30.61 ± 2.57, p < .001, respectively). ProBNP was positively correlated with LV‐GLS (r = 0.278, p = .006) and LV‐GAS (r = 0.357, p < .001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that fQRS was an independent predictor of LV‐GAS.

Conclusions

4D strain echocardiography may be helpful for the prediction of early cardiac dysfunction in patients with SCH. The presence of fQRS may be an indicator of subclinical LV dysfunction in SCH.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of high winds in Jilin Province during 1982–2021
Authors: Wei Xiao , Li Kaiwei , Zhao Yunmeng , Yang Yueting , Rong Guangzhi , Guo Ying , Zhang Jiquan
Published: April 2023

High winds are a type of catastrophic weather characterized by wind speeds over 10.8 m·s−1, occurring in all seasons, and have become more frequent, impacting crop growth, agricultural production and quality of life. It is crucial to understand the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of high winds, as well as their speed and other characteristics, for logical planning of agricultural production and the creation of disaster resilience measures. This study applied the climate tendency, accumulative anomalies, theory of run, Mann–Kendall trend and Theil–Sen median to analyse the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of the average wind speed and high wind days in Jilin Province, the probability of occurrence of high winds of various magnitudes in different eras, and the gale concentration degree (GCD) throughout Jilin Province for a total of 40 years from 1982 to 2021. The average wind speed and number of high wind days in Jilin Province have decreased over the past 40 years, and this trend has slowed over time. The average GCD in Jilin Province has shown an increasing trend over the last 40 years, with the average GCD being highest in Liouhe and lowest in Linjiang. In general, level six high winds were the main wind hazard level in Jilin Province, with the highest frequency occurring in different seasons and decades. In addition, the occurrence of high wind days is affected by global climate change and different underlying surfaces, which leads to maize and yield reduction. Research on the spatiotemporal distribution of high winds can provide important suggestions for the prevention and management of high wind disasters.
TiO2‐graphene dispersed sulfonated polyphenylenesulfide sulfone nanocomposites for medium temperaturePEMFCs
Authors: Theerthagiri Senthil , Krishnan Srinivasan , Deivanayagam Paradesi , Muthiah Chandran , Kannaiyan Dinakaran
Published: April 2023

Sulfonated polyphenylene sulphide sulfone (sPPSS) loaded with titania‐graphene (TiO2‐GNS) was synthesized by the polycondensation method and studied their suitability towards proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications. The structural, morphological, and physic‐chemical properties of sPPSS nanocomposites containing varying amounts of (1%, 2%, 3%, and 5%) TiO2‐GNS was investigated by Fourier transform infrared, H1‐NMR, P‐XRD, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, Raman spectrum, swelling ratio (SR), water uptake, thermal analysis, oxidative stability (OS) and proton conductivity. Further, the obtained TiO2‐GNS dispersed polymer membrane exhibits greatly reduced water absorption 4.44% and a less volume SR (15.6%). The 5 wt% TiO2‐GNS dispersed sPPSS nanocomposites exhibited a PC value around 2.03 × 10−2 S/cm at 110°C. The sPPSS nanocomposites membrane confirmed admirable OS with a maximum degradation of 39.15% during immersed in the Fenton reagent for 6 h at 80°C.
Formononetin improves the inflammatory response and bone destruction in knee joint lesions by regulating the NF‐kB and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Ni Kai‐nan , Ye Lin , Zhang Ye‐jin , Fang Jia‐wei , Yang Tao , Pan Wen‐zheng , Hu Xing‐yu , Lai He‐huan , Pan Bin , Lou Chao , He Deng‐wei
Published: April 2023

Formononetin (FMN) is a phytoestrogen that belongs to the isoflavone family. It has antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, as well as, many other biological activities. Existing evidence has aroused interest in its ability to protect against osteoarthritis (OA) and promote bone remodeling. To date, research on this topic has not been thorough and many issues remain controversial. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore the protective effect of FMN against knee injury and clarify the possible molecular mechanisms. We found that FMN inhibited osteoclast formation induced by receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). Inhibition of the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of p65 in the NF‐κB signaling pathway plays a role in this effect. Similarly, during the inflammatory response of primary knee cartilage cells activated by IL‐1β, FMN inhibited the NF‐κB signaling pathway and the phosphorylation of the ERK and JNK proteins in the MAPK signaling pathway to suppress the inflammatory response. In addition, in vivo experiments showed that both low‐ and high‐dose FMN had a clear protective effect against knee injury in the DMM (destabilization of the medial meniscus) model, and the therapeutic effect of high‐dose FMN was stronger. In conclusion, these studies provide evidence of the protective effect of FMN against knee injury.
Bestandssicherung Luegbrücke – Absicherungsbauwerk unter altersschwacher Bestandsbrücke
Authors: Flatz Martin , Kirchmair Martin , Michl Thomas , Lechner Martin
Published: April 2023

Die Luegbrücke ist mit einer Gesamtlänge von 1804 m die längste Brücke der Brennerautobahn A13. Sie wurde in den Jahren 1966–1968 erbaut und weist vier Tragwerkshauptfugen zwischen fünf konstruktiven Rahmentragwerken auf. Die Bauteile an den Fugen sind in einem schlechten Erhaltungszustand und nicht mehr sanierbar. Um die Verkehrssicherheit bis zur Inbetriebnahme des Ersatzneubaus sicherstellen zu können, wurden Absicherungskonstruktionen unter allen Tragwerksteilen realisiert, die an den vier Fugen liegen. Diese werden Bestandssicherung Luegbrücke genannt. Sie bestehen im Wesentlichen aus Stahlstützen und daraufliegenden Fachwerken, die unter den Bestand gebaut werden. Aufgrund der Steilheit und Unzugänglichkeit des Geländes wurden die Arbeiten soweit wie möglich von oben durchgeführt. Die 8,5 m hohen und 35 m langen Fachwerke wurden stehend mittels Sondertransport auf der Autobahn antransportiert und anschließend mittels Tandemhub auf den bereits vorbereiteten Stahlstützen und Querverschubbahnen abgelegt. Anschließend wurden die Fachwerke unter die Hauptträger der Bestandsbrücke gezogen und ausgesteift. Bei einem eventuellen Versagen der Spannbeton‐Bestandsbrücke legen sich das gesamte Eigengewicht und die gesamte Nutzlast auf die Bestandssicherungskonstruktion. Da der Spalt max. 20 mm beträgt, besteht zu keinem Zeitpunkt ein Absturzrisiko. Nach entsprechenden Anpassungsarbeiten kann die Luegbrücke voraussichtlich wieder eingeschränkt genutzt werden.
A Semiautomated Analysis of Displacement‐To‐Length Scaling of the Grabens Affecting Lunar Floor‐Fractured Craters
Authors: Luzzi Erica , Nodjoumi Giacomo , Massironi Matteo , Pozzobon Riccardo , Rossi Angelo Pio
Published: April 2023

Lunar floor‐fractured craters are characterized by the occurrence of radial and concentric grabens, and while their formation mechanism was broadly studied in literature, the relationships between displacement and length of the faults, together with the fault growth, were never examined. We produced a semiautomated Python‐based script able to analyze all the parameters required for this study: displacement, length, width of the grabens, and power law relationship between displacement and length. The results of our investigation, carried on in Komarov, Humboldt, and Atlas craters, showed a sublinear fault growth, suggesting that for some reason the increase in displacement is not linear with respect to length. This can result from the interplay of mechanical discontinuities related to the stratigraphy (which cause a vertical fault restriction, preventing the displacement from developing in depth), and to linkage phenomena. The Dmax/L ratios that resulted from our analyses are higher than previously predicted for the Moon and appear more similar to the values observed on Earth. The slip distribution revealed different stages of fault interaction within the same crater, while the overall maturity of the grabens seems to be significantly high based on the observed symmetry of the grabens. Moreover, our code (public and accessible) can facilitate future works that aim to widen our knowledge about the lunar faults' growth, with all the implications that can improve our understanding of the faults' behavior.
Deep-Sea Sand and Where to Find It
Authors: Shepherd Emily
Published: April 2023

Ancient underwater avalanches carried sand into the ocean’s abyss during a time when some least expected it.
The Vanishing Scholar: Indigenous Erasure in Funding Data
Authors: Steen McKalee
Published: April 2023

Nonreporting of funding data and exclusion of communities from research harm Indigenous Peoples and contribute to their invisibility in science and society. We can and must do better.
Godzilla Gets a Forever Home on the Ocean Floor
Authors: Hornyak Tim
Published: April 2023

The world’s largest oceanic core complex is named after the reptilian monster from Japanese science fiction. Parts of the seabed feature were recently christened with the beast’s anatomy.
Physicists as reparations?
Authors: Hagmann Johannes-Geert
Published: April 2023

In addition to recruiting more well-known rocket scientists, the US government brought from Europe thousands of other scientists who helped to advance numerous research fields during the Cold War.
More machine than human?
Authors: Beichman Charles
Published: April 2023

The End of Astronauts: Why Robots Are the Future of Exploration, Donald Goldsmith and Martin Rees, Harvard U. Press, 2022, $25.95
Impact of sex on prognosis in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Nemoto Yuki , Ishihara Hiroki , Nakamura Kazutaka , Tachibana Hidekazu , Fukuda Hironori , Yoshida Kazuhiko , Kobayashi Hirohito , Iizuka Junpei , Shimmura Hiroaki , Hashimoto Yasunobu , Kondo Tsunenori , Takagi Toshio
Published: April 2023

Background

Prognostic impact of sex in patients with malignancies treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors has been intensively discussed but remains unclear, especially in advanced renal cell carcinoma.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated a total of 184 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma treated with either nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined treatment as first-line therapy (n = 73) or nivolumab as later-line therapy (n = 111) at our affiliated institutions. Progression-free survival, overall survival and objective response rate as well as adverse event profile were compared between sexes.

Results

Of the total 184 patients, 48 (26%) were female. Female patients had a significantly shorter progression-free survival than male patients (median: 3.8 vs. 8.3 months, P = 0.0005), but overall survival (median: 39.2 vs. 45.1 months, P = 0.283) and objective response rate (29% vs. 42%, P = 0.119) were not different between them. Similar findings were observed when analyzing within each treatment; in both patient groups treated with nivolumab plus ipilimumab combined therapy and nivolumab monotherapy, progression-free survival was significantly shorter in female than in male patients (P = 0.007, P = 0.017), but overall survival (P = 0.914, P = 0.117) and objective response rate (P = 0.109, P = 0.465) were comparable between them. Moreover, in a more restricted cohort consisting of patients with clear-cell renal cell carcinoma, a shorter progression-free survival in female patients was also observed (3.8 vs. 11.0 months, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This retrospective study showed that immune checkpoint inhibitors-based treatment for renal cell carcinoma exhibited less marked effects in female than in male patients. Thus, sex may be an important factor for decision-making on systemic therapy as renal cell carcinoma treatment, although further studies are required to validate the present findings.
RESUSCITATIVE RECTAL BALLOON COMPRESSION COMBINED WITH PELVIC BINDER EFFICIENTLY CONTROLLED FATAL VENOUS HEMORRHAGE IN A HEMODYNAMICALLY UNSTABLE PELVIC FRACTURE CANINE MODEL
Authors: Chu Qinjun , Jin Xiaogao , Bing Hailong , Zhang Chenxi , Bai Jingyue , Li Fang , Lou Junge , Sun Liwei , Lin Lin , Li Liumei , Wang Haibo , Zhou Zhanfeng , Lian Hongkai
Published: April 2023

Objective: This study evaluated the feasibility of a combination of pelvic binder and rectal balloon compression in managing fatal venous hemorrhage in a canine model of pelvic fracture. Methods: Rectums from humans (rectal cancer patients), swine, and canines were retrieved to determine their elasticity by measuring their stress and strain. Canines were selected as the animal model in this study because their rectum demonstrated more reversible strain than swine rectum. Doppler ultrasound was used to assess the effect of rectal balloon volume on the blood flow of pelvic iliac blood vessels in three canines. A rectal balloon of 250 mL was chosen to control pelvic venous bleeding as it could provide a peak effect in reducing the blood flow of bilateral internal iliac veins. Then, the open-book pelvic fracture with fatal bleeding of both internal iliac veins animal model was built. The animals were divided into four groups after the modeled surgery to undergo no treatment, pelvic binder, rectal balloon compression, or a combination of pelvic binder and rectal balloon compression. The treatment efficacy was evaluated based on their survival time, survival rate, blood loss, bleeding rate, infusion rate, blood pH, lactate concentration, the stability of hemodynamics, blood loss, and fluid infusion volume. Results: Our results showed that after the reproducible injuries in both internal iliac veins, the combination of pelvic binder and rectal balloon compression was associated with the best survival rate and survival time compared with the other treatment groups. In addition, the combination of pelvic binder and rectal balloon compression exhibited more stable hemodynamics than the pelvic binder or rectal balloon compression treatment alone. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential feasibility of using pelvic binder combined with rectal balloon compression to manage the fatal venous bleeding in pelvic fractures.
Parvalbumin-expressing basal forebrain neurons mediate learning from negative experience
Authors: Hegedüs Panna , Lyakhova Victoria , Velencei Anna , Mayer Márton I. , Zelenak Zsofia , Nyiri Gábor , Hangya Balázs
Published: April 2023

Parvalbumin (PV)-expressing GABAergic neurons of the basal forebrain (BFPVNs) were proposed to serve as a rapid and transient arousal system. While they have a well-documented role in the regulation of sleep-wake states, whether and how BFPVNs participate in mediating awake behaviors is not known. To address this, we performed bulk calcium imaging and recorded single neuronal activity from the horizontal band of the diagonal band of Broca (HDB) while mice were performing an associative learning task. Genetically identified BFPVNs of the HDB responded with a distinctive, phasic activation to punishment. In contrast, reward only elicited slow and delayed responses, while stimuli predicting behavioral reinforcement (reward or punishment) were followed by a gradual increase of HDB BFPVN firing rates. Optogenetic inhibition of HDB BFPVNs during punishment impaired the formation of cue-outcome associations, suggesting a causal role of these neurons in associative learning. Mapping the input-output connectivity of HDB BFPVNs by anterograde and mono-transsynaptic retrograde tracing experiments showed that these neurons received strong inputs from the hypothalamus, the septal complex and the median raphe region, while they synapsed on diverse cell types in key structures of the limbic system including the medial septum, the retrosplenial cortex and the hippocampus. Bulk calcium imaging performed in these termination regions indicated that HDB BFPVNs broadcast information about aversive stimuli to multiple downstream targets. We propose that the arousing effect of BFPVNs is recruited by aversive stimuli to serve crucial associative learning functions during awake behaviors.
The contemporary football industry: a value-based analysis of social, business structural and organisational stakeholders
Authors: Yiapanas George , Thrassou Alkis , Vrontis Demetris
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Football exists and evolves in a dynamic ecosystem, displaying a massive and multidimensional influence on most contemporary societies, and football has grown into a significant industry with a plethora of stakeholders. This research is the first to comprehensively identify the key industry stakeholders and their distinct value, from the individual club perspective, and to conceptualise and test their interrelationship toward the development of a corresponding framework of club benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied a multilevel approach to collect and verify qualitative data. It initially developed a preliminary conceptual framework, which was first validated by an expert panel and was subsequently extensively tested in the Cyprus-specific context, which offered fertile ground for such a study. The empirical stage rested on 41 semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with very high-ranking individuals from the top nine football clubs, as well as with key industry stakeholders.

Findings

Though the examined industry is partly in line with international norms, it is also highly affected by unique characteristics that alter the various stakeholders' role, producing (even negative) value of varied typologies that is directly linked with the industry's financial, sporting, cultural and social conditions.

Research limitations/implications

The research ultimately presents scholars, practitioners and policymakers with a systemic and comprehensive understanding of the individual club stakeholder value offerings, delivers a tested framework as a tool for social and business management and prescribes future avenues for research, governance and practice.

Originality/value

Extant studies on the subject are either partial or focus on individual stakeholders and evidently lack requisite scientific comprehensiveness. The current research bridges this significant gap in knowledge by exhaustively identifying the key industry stakeholders, explicating their relative social, economic or other value in the individual club perspective and developing a value-based stakeholder framework.
Perceptions and implications of implicit gender bias in the hotel sector in Aruba
Authors: Jadnanansing Madhu S. , DiPietro Robin B. , De Droog Mieke
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to collect data on the perception of top executive women in the Aruban hotel sector regarding implicit gender bias.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study on the metacognitive processes of awareness, evaluation and autocorrection was utilized. Through purposive sampling women in the top two leadership levels in Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) member-hotels were selected.

Findings

Results showed that a third of the top female executives experienced implicit gender bias career barriers. Different types of bias were identified such as: judgments regarding pregnancy, unequal pay and obstructions by the male general manager. How the women dealt with this bias depended on the type of bias and their personality. The identification of bias and its effects on the career trajectory were also influenced by characteristics of the work setting such as the size of the hotel and functional area.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations include the chosen scope, the impediment of the generalizability of the findings due to the nature of the study, self-perceived data and possible researcher and respondent bias.

Practical implications

This study added to the existing body of leadership development literature with a focus on the effects of implicit bias on female leadership advancement. Some specific theoretical concepts that were combined in this study are organizational leadership, metacognition and the unconscious mind. The important role of personality was also confirmed in this study however one element that stood out in the current study was the effect of resilience in overcoming perceived barriers and attaining personal career goals. Suggestions and directions for future research are provided.

Originality/value

Despite the fact that gender bias was not observed in an explicit form, participants advised to be aware of the existence and effects of the implicit form and to seek education and guidance from female mentors and to remain goal oriented when confronted with this bias. Since female under-representation in senior leadership positions in other economic sectors is not observed this advice serves as a significant practical implication for the development of female leadership in this important sector in Aruba.
Elevated serum IgE levels are not associated with poor treatment outcome in psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Roh Won Seok , Oh Jongwook , Lee Min‐Geol , Kim Tae‐Gyun
Published: April 2023

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder which is associated with impaired skin barrier function. In this context, it was shown that serum IgE level was elevated in significant proportion of psoriasis patients. However, whether serum IgE levels are associated with treatment outcomes of psoriasis has not been understood. We retrospectively analyzed psoriasis patients who visited our clinics through electromedical records. Patients with history of atopic dermatitis were excluded. Total of 483 patients clinically or pathologically diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris were included for analyses. Initial mean serum IgE level was 226 ± 490.3 KU/L and patients with IgE higher than upper limit normal value were 42.0% (n = 203). Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 achievement rate according to IgE elevation was analyzed and no statistically meaningful difference was shown. In addition, logistic regression analysis to find out relationship between PASI 75 achievement and IgE titer also failed to show statistically significant relationship. In conclusion, serum IgE level was elevated in significant proportion in the patients with psoriasis, but its elevated level was not associated with treatment outcome.
A model industrial workhorse: Bacillus subtilis strain 168 and its genome after a quarter of a century
Authors: Bremer Erhard , Calteau Alexandra , Danchin Antoine , Harwood Colin , Helmann John D. , Médigue Claudine , Palsson Bernhard O. , Sekowska Agnieszka , Vallenet David , Zuniga Abril , Zuniga Cristal
Published: April 2023

The vast majority of genomic sequences are automatically annotated using various software programs. The accuracy of these annotations depends heavily on the very few manual annotation efforts that combine verified experimental data with genomic sequences from model organisms. Here, we summarize the updated functional annotation of Bacillus subtilis strain 168, a quarter century after its genome sequence was first made public. Since the last such effort 5 years ago, 1168 genetic functions have been updated, allowing the construction of a new metabolic model of this organism of environmental and industrial interest. The emphasis in this review is on new metabolic insights, the role of metals in metabolism and macromolecule biosynthesis, functions involved in biofilm formation, features controlling cell growth, and finally, protein agents that allow class discrimination, thus allowing maintenance management, and accuracy of all cell processes. New ‘genomic objects’ and an extensive updated literature review have been included for the sequence, now available at the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC: AccNum AL009126.4).
CRISPR‐Cas9 enrichment, a new strategy in microbial metagenomics to investigate complex genomic regions: The case of an environmental integron
Authors: Sandoval‐Quintana Eva , Stangl Christina , Huang Lionel , Renkens Ivo , Duran Robert , van Haaften Gijs , Monroe Glen , Lauga Béatrice , Cagnon Christine
Published: April 2023

Environmental integrons are ubiquitous in natural microbial communities, but they are mostly uncharacterized and their role remains elusive. Thus far, research has been hindered by methodological limitations. Here, we successfully used an innovative approach combining CRISPR‐Cas9 enrichment with long‐read nanopore sequencing to target, in a complex microbial community, a putative adaptive environmental integron, InOPS, and to unravel its complete structure and genetic context. A contig of 20 kb was recovered containing the complete integron from the microbial metagenome of oil‐contaminated coastal sediments. InOPS exhibited typical integron features. The integrase, closely related to integrases of marine Desulfobacterota, possessed all the elements of a functional integron integrase. The gene cassettes harboured mostly unknown functions hampering inferences about their ecological importance. Moreover, the putative InOPS host, likely a hydrocarbonoclastic marine bacteria, raises questions as to the adaptive potential of InOPS in response to oil contamination. Finally, several mobile genetic elements were intertwined with InOPS highlighting likely genomic plasticity, and providing a source of genetic novelty. This case study showed the power of CRISPR‐Cas9 enrichment to elucidate the structure and context of specific DNA regions for which only a short sequence is known. This method is a new tool for environmental microbiologists working with complex microbial communities to target low abundant, large or repetitive genetic structures that are difficult to obtain by classical metagenomics. More precisely, here, it offers new perspectives to comprehensively assess the eco‐evolutionary significance of environmental integrons.