bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of External Electric Field in Carrier Mobility of Graphene/ZnO Heterojunction Adsorbed H2O and O2 Molecules
Authors: Jin Yanxin , Ding Jijun , Yang Mingya , Chen Haixia
Published: November 2022

The density functional theory is performed to investigate the energy band structure, effective mass and carrier mobility of Graphene/ZnO (G/ZnO) heterojunction. The intrinsic G/ZnO heterojunction has higher electron mobility (4.323 m2/V⋅s) as compared to Graphene and ZnO. The adsorption of H2O and O2 molecules significantly reduces the carrier mobility of the G/ZnO heterojunction. Then, the number of H2O and O2 molecules is changed from 1 to 4. The results show that electron mobility of the G/ZnO heterojunction increase with increasing number of H2O, but the opposite is true for O2. Therefore, both strain and external electric field (Eext) are used to regulate the electronic properties. The carrier mobility are significantly enhanced under appropriate Eext. In this work, under the strain and Eext, the calculation about the adsorption of H2O and O2 will play an important role in monitoring the stability of G/ZnO heterojunction based microelectronic devices in the external environment.
Cobalt Doped Sulfonated Polyaniline with High Electrocatalytic Activity and Stability for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Vijayarangan Murugan , Mathi Selvam , Gayathri Arunagiri , Jayabarathi Jayaraman , Thanikachalam Venugopal
Published: November 2022

The oxygen (OER) evolution reaction plays a crucial role for storage of renewable energy sources but, active sites of the active electrocatalysis remain in challengeable. In this work, we have developed sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) coordinated with Co sites to investigate the OER process. To improve the electrical conductivity and electrocatalytic efficiency towards OER herein, we report Co@SPANI synthesized by solvothermal method. The different physical characterization (SEM, TEM, XRD, IR, XPS and UV‐DRS) and electrochemical methods (voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and EIS) have been used to characterize Co@SPANI materials and examined the correlation of materials with activity. The cobalt doped SPANI (Co@SPANI‐800) exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity, showing smaller Tafel slope of 167 mV dec−1 with lower overpotential of 312 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 M KOH, which reveal that abundant Co‐metal sites remarkably supporting the OER activity. Co@SPANI‐800 exhibits exceptional OER performances and durability over 200 h with loss of <3.5 % in alkaline medium. At 1.54 V, solar powered water electrolysis confirmed the effectiveness of newborn electrocatalyst in solar energy to hydrogen energy conversion. Therefore, this work offered new path for designing materials as self‐supporting electrode for water splitting and for other potential applications.
Cu(I)‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Synthesis of [1,2,3]Triazolo[5,1‐a] isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐one Derivatives as EGFR‐Targeting Anticancer Agents
Authors: Samala Rajkumar , Kumar Nukala Satheesh , Swamy Thirukovela Narasimha , Reddy Nagavelli Vasudeva , Narsimha Sirassu
Published: November 2022

The CuI promoted one‐pot multi‐component synthesis of new fused [1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinoline derivatives (4 a–4 h, 8 a–8 f & 9 a–9 f) without isolating unsafe azides and their in vitro cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 & MDA‐MB‐231 (breast cancer cells) and A‐549 (alveolar carcinoma) was reported herein. Out of all, compounds 9‐chloro‐1‐(morpholinomethyl)‐[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐one (8 d), 9‐fluoro‐1‐(morpholinomethyl)‐[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐one (8 e), 9‐chloro‐1‐((1,1‐dioxidothiomorpholino)methyl)‐[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐one (9 d), and 1‐((1,1‐dioxidothiomorpholino)methyl)‐9‐fluoro‐[1,2,3]triazolo[5,1‐a]isoquinolin‐6(5H)‐one (9 e) showed superior potency against all the cell lines than the standard drug erlotinib with IC50 values ranging from 2.45 to 7.19 μM. The most active compounds 8 d, 8 e, 9 d, and 9 e were also screened for their efficacy in inhibiting tyrosine kinase EGFR and results revealed that compound 9 d showed comparable activity with standard drug erlotinib, whereas, compounds 8 d, 8 e, and 9 e showed superior activity than the erlotinib. Molecular modeling studies for active compounds on EGFR (PDB‐ID‐4HJO) were also conducted and the obtained free energies were observed to be in agreement with the in vitro activity data. Finally, compounds 8 d, 8 e, 9 d, and 9 e didn't show AMES toxicity and followed the rules of Egan, Ghose, Veber, Lipinski, and Muegge rules without any deviation.
Bioinspired Dual‐Mode Stretchable Strain Sensor Based on Magnetic Nanocomposites for Strain/Magnetic Discrimination
Authors: Guo Xiaohui , Hong Weiqiang , Zhao Yunong , Zhu Tong , Liu Long , Li Hongjin , Wang Ziwei , Wang Dandan , Mai Zhihong , Zhang Tianxu , Yang Jinyang , Zhang Fengzhe , Xia Yun , Hong Qi , Xu Yaohua , Yan Feng , Wang Ming , Xing Guozhong
Published: November 2022

Recently, flexible stretchable sensors have been gaining attention for their excellent adaptability for electronic skin applications. However, the preparation of stretchable strain sensors that achieve dual‐mode sensing while still retaining ultra‐low detection limit of strain, high sensitivity, and low cost is a pressing task. Herein, a high‐performance dual‐mode stretchable strain sensor (DMSSS) based on biomimetic scorpion foot slit microstructures and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/graphene (GR)/silicone rubber (SR)/Fe3O4 nanocomposites is proposed, which can accurately sense strain and magnetic stimuli. The DMSSS exhibits a large strain detection range (≈160%), sensitivity up to 100.56 (130–160%), an ultra‐low detection limit of strain (0.16% strain), and superior durability (9000 cycles of stretch/release). The sensor can accurately recognize sign language movement, as well as realize object proximity information perception and whole process information monitoring. Furthermore, human joint movements and micro‐expressions can be monitored in real‐time. Therefore, the DMSSS of this work opens up promising prospects for applications in sign language pose recognition, non‐contact sensing, human‐computer interaction, and electronic skin.
tRNA‐derived fragments as new players in regulatory processes in yeast
Authors: Tyczewska Agata , Grzywacz Kamilla
Published: November 2022

For a very long time, RNA molecules were treated as transistory molecules, by which the genetic information flows from DNA to proteins; the model proposed in the 1960s accepted that proteins are both the products and the regulators of gene expression. Since then, thousands of reports proved that RNAs should be thought about as the factors that do control gene expression. The pervasive transcription has been reported in many eukaryotic organisms, illustrating a highly interwoven transcriptome organization that includes hundreds of previously unknown noncoding RNAs. The key roles of noncoding RNAs (microRNAs and small interfering RNAs) in gene expression regulation are no longer surprising, as are new classes of noncoding RNAs constantly being discovered. Transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are the second most abundant type of RNAs in the cell. Advances in high‐throughput sequencing technologies exposed the existence of functional, regulatory tRNA‐derived RNA fragments (tRFs), generated from precursor and mature tRNAs. These tRF molecules have been found to play central roles during stress and different pathological conditions. Herein, we present the critical assessment of the discoveries made in the field of tRNA‐derived fragments in the past 15 years in various pathogenic and nonpathogenic yeast species.
Proportionality
Authors: Lackner Martin , Skowron Piotr
Published: November 2022

A key difference among ABC rules is how they treat minorities of voters, i.e., small groups with preferences different from larger groups. Let us illustrate this issue with the following simple example.
The Scientific Study of Positive Emotions and Religion/Spirituality
Authors: Van Cappellen Patty , Zhang Ruixi , Fredrickson Barbara L.
Published: November 2022

This chapter considers the role of positive emotions in religion/spirituality. We begin by reviewing key conceptual frameworks of positive emotions (e.g., Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions) while focusing on self-transcendent positive emotions such as awe, gratitude, love, and compassion. We then review scientific research on the bidirectional relationship between religion/spirituality and positive emotions. First, we examine various pathways through which religion/spirituality promotes the experience of positive emotions. For example, research has shown that religion/spirituality is related to specific valued emotions and particular emotion-regulation strategies. In addition, religious/spiritual (R/S) practices provide the opportunity to experience positive emotions, partly through emotional embodiment. Second, we propose four effects of positive emotions related to religion/spirituality. Positive emotions support R/S beliefs, and when they are felt during R/S practices, they function as promoters of well-being, prosocial intentions and behaviors, and continued R/S practices (the Upward Spiral Theory of Sustained Religious Practice). We close by offering some applications of these findings for mental health practitioners, religious leaders, and religiously/spiritually oriented people.
Integrating Positive Psychology, Religion/Spirituality, and a Virtue Focus Within Culturally Responsive Mental Healthcare
Authors: Captari Laura E. , Sandage Steven J. , Vandiver Richard A. , Jankowski Peter J. , Hook Joshua N.
Published: November 2022

Although both positive psychology and religious/spiritual traditions share a common focus on human strengths and holistic development, in mental healthcare, there has been little systematic integration of these fields. In this chapter, we overview key terms and synthesize meta-analytic evidence for spiritually integrated interventions (SIIs), positive psychology interventions (PPIs), and virtue-based interventions (VBIs). Through the lens of virtue ethics, we propose that growth in virtuousness fosters flourishing, which consists of more than the absence of psychological distress and includes greater well-being, meaning in life, relational maturity, and community contribution. We detail a research prospectus guided by virtue ethics to support the development of an integrated line of applied clinical research. In particular, we call for practice-based studies that attend to diversity and equity considerations and address reductionistic misapplications of virtue (which we call virtue bypass). Finally, we discuss innovative clinical and community applications, including the utility of a dialectical and contextual perspective, the need to consider both individual and communal flourishing, and the potential for communities as intervention sites.
Successive National Policy Models
Authors: Jennissen Roel , Bovens Mark , Engbersen Godfried , Bokhorst Meike
Published: November 2022

How can the government manage the arrival of large numbers of very different immigrants? Before addressing this question in the next chapter, here we first analyse how Dutch integration policy has developed since 1960. A number of national policy models have been introduced during this period, but for different reasons none is able to deal adequately with contemporary patterns of migration and integration.
Better Local Reception and Civic Integration
Authors: Jennissen Roel , Bovens Mark , Engbersen Godfried , Bokhorst Meike
Published: November 2022

Each year a wide variety of immigrants arrive in the Netherlands, from all parts of the world. Some move on after a short time, others shuttle back and forth to their homeland and others still stay permanently. All these new residents make a home somewhere in the country. For most labour migrants, that is a free choice. Family migrants usually move in with a partner, and asylum migrants are assigned permanent accommodation in a particular municipality once they have been granted official refugee status. For all, however, the local government is the primary authority charged with helping them find their way in Dutch society.
BBN photodisintegration constraints on gravitationally produced vector bosons
Authors: Fong Chee Sheng , Rahat Moinul Hossain , Saad Shaikh
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Gravitational production of massive particles due to cosmic expansion can be significant during the inflationary and reheating period of the Universe. If the particle also has non-gravitational interactions that do not significantly affect its production, numerous observational probes open up, including cosmological probes. In this work, we focus on the gravitational production of light vector bosons that couple feebly to the Standard Model (SM) particles. Due to the very feeble coupling, the light vector bosons never reach thermal equilibrium, and if the Hubble scale at the end of inflation is above 108 GeV, the gravitational production can overwhelm the thermal production via the freeze-in mechanism by many orders of magnitude. As a result, much stronger constraints from the Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN) can be placed on the lifetime and mass of the vector bosons compared to the scenario where only thermal production is considered. As an example, we study the sub-GeV scale dark photons, which couple to the SM only through kinetic mixing, and derive constraints on the mass and kinetic mixing parameter of the dark photon from the photodisintegration effects on the light element abundances relevant at the end of the BBN when the cosmic age was around 104 s.
Magnetic charges and Wald entropy
Authors: Ortín Tomás , Pereñíguez David
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Using Wald’s formalism, we study the thermodynamics (first laws and Smarr formulae) of asymptotically-flat black holes, rings etc. in a higher-dimensional higher-rank generalization of the Einstein-Maxwell theory. We show how to deal with the electric and magnetic charges of the objects and how the electric-magnetic duality properties of the theory are realized in their thermodynamics.
String junctions suspended between giants
Authors: Berenstein David , Holguin Adolfo
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We construct (p, q) string junction solutions suspended between both sphere and AdS giant gravitons in AdS5 × S5. Our results extend easily to more general half BPS geometries of LLM type. These carry angular momentum in the directions of the worldvolume of the giant gravitons. We argue that these are charged under a central extension of the supersymmetry algebra similar to the one that has appeared in the works of Beisert for the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 spin chain. We also argue that they are BPS with respect to this central extension. We show that apart from some kinematical details, the junctions end up solving the same minimization problem that appears in the Coulomb branch of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 SYM. Their mass and shape is independent of the angular momentum Q that the junction carries.
Holographic solar systems and hydrogen atoms: non-relativistic physics in AdS and its CFT dual
Authors: Maxfield Henry , Zahraee Zahra
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We study a non-relativistic limit of physics in AdS which retains the curvature through a harmonic Newtonian potential. This limit appears in a CFT dual through the spectrum of operators of large dimension and correlation functions of those operators with appropriate kinematics. In an additional flat spacetime limit, the spectrum is determined by scattering phase shifts (proportional to anomalous dimensions), and a CFT correlation function is proportional to the S-matrix. In particular, we describe the effect of resonances on the spectrum and correlation functions. As an example, we discuss the Coulomb potential (describing solar systems and hydrogen atoms in AdS) in detail.
On refined Chern-Simons/topological string duality for classical gauge groups
Authors: Avetisyan M. Y. , Mkrtchyan R. L.
Published: November 2022

Abstract

We present the partition function of the refined Chern-Simons theory on S3 with arbitrary A, B, C, D gauge algebra in terms of multiple sine functions. For B and C cases this representation is novel. It allows us to conjecture duality to some refined and orientifolded versions of the topological string on the resolved conifold, and carry out the detailed identification of different contributions. The free energies for D and C algebras possess the usual halved contribution from the A theory, i.e. orientable surfaces, and contributions of non-orientable surfaces with one cross-cup, with opposite signs, similar as for the non-refined theories. However, in the refined case, both theories possess in addition a non-zero contribution of orientable surfaces with two cross-cups. In particular, we observe a trebling of the Kähler parameter, in the sense of a refinement and world-sheet (i.e. the number of cross-cups) dependent quantum shift. For B algebra the contribution of Klein bottles is zero, as is the case in the non-refined theory, and the one-cross-cup terms differ from the D and C cases. For the (refined) constant maps terms of these theories we suggest a modular-invariant representation, which leads to natural topological string interpretation. We also calculate some non-perturbative corrections.
Inhibition of KDM5A attenuates cisplatin-induced hearing loss via regulation of the MAPK/AKT pathway
Authors: Liu Chang , Zheng Zhiwei , Li Wen , Tang Dongmei , Zhao Liping , He Yingzi , Li Huawei
Published: November 2022

The study aimed to investigate the potential role of lysine-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. The effect of the KDM5A inhibitor CPI-455 was assessed by apoptosis assay, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, seahorse respirometry assay, and auditory brainstem response test. RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, and CUT&Tag assays were used to explore the mechanism underlying CPI-455-induced protection. Our results demonstrated that the expression of KDM5A was increased in cisplatin-injured cochlear hair cells compared with controls. CPI-455 treatment markedly declined KDM5A and elevated H3K4 trimethylation levels in cisplatin-injured cochlear hair cells. Moreover, CPI-455 effectively prevented the death of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons and increased the number of ribbon synapses in a cisplatin-induced ototoxicity mouse model both in vitro and in vivo. In HEI-OC1 cells, KDM5A knockdown reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation and improved mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative phosphorylation under cisplatin-induced stress. Mechanistically, through transcriptomics and epigenomics analyses, a set of apoptosis-related genes, including Sos1, Sos2, and Map3k3, were regulated by CPI-455. Altogether, our findings indicate that inhibition of KDM5A may represent an effective epigenetic therapeutic target for preventing cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
Favorable long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes with high survivorship after autologous osteochondral transplantation of the talus
Authors: Winkler Philipp W. , Geyer Stephanie , Walzl Daniela , Woertler Klaus , Paul Jochen , Siebenlist Sebastian , Imhoff Andreas B. , Achtnich Andrea
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To evaluate long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of patients undergoing autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) and to perform a correlation analysis between clinical and radiologic outcomes.

Methods

Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 32.2 ± 8.9 years undergoing AOT for OLT between 1997 and 2003 were available for follow-up after an average of 19.1 ± 1.4 years. Demographic, surgical, and injury-related data were collected. After a minimum 18-year follow-up, patient-reported outcome scores (PROs) were collected, including the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), Tegner Activity Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain of the ankle. The Lysholm Score and VAS for pain of the knee were collected to assess donor-site morbidity. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained to conduct an assessment of the replaced cartilage using the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) 2.0 scoring system. Any revision surgery (except symptomatic hardware removal and arthroscopic debridement) was defined as clinical failure.

Results

Favorable clinical and radiologic (MOCART score, 73.7 ± 16.7 points) outcomes without any donor-site morbidities were observed. Twenty-three (65.7%) patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the surgical treatment. Fourteen (40.0%) and 25 (71.4%) patients had no or minor limitations in their athletic and working performance, respectively. A significant correlation between the MOCART and the FAOS Sport and Recreational activities subscale was found (rs, 0.491; p = 0.033). Six (17.1%) patients met the criteria for clinical failure an average of 12.2 ± 6.6 years after AOT. Survival analysis demonstrated a mean estimated time of survival of 21.3 years (95% CI [19.55, 22.96]) and a 20-year survival rate of 77.9%.

Conclusion

Autologous osteochondral transplantation to treat OLT achieves high patient satisfaction and favorable PROs with a 20-year survival rate of almost 80%. Given the high clinical efficacy of AOT, this procedure can be recommended as a safe and promising technique for the long-term therapy of OLT.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Counterexample to the Laptev–Safronov Conjecture
Authors: Bögli Sabine , Cuenin Jean-Claude
Published: November 2022

Laptev and Safronov (Commun Math Phys 292(1):29–54, 2009) conjectured an inequality between the magnitude of eigenvalues of a non-self-adjoint Schrödinger operator on $$\mathbb {R}^d$$

R

d

, $$d\ge 2$$

d
≥
2

, and an $$L^q$$

L
q

norm of the potential, for any $$q\in [d/2,d]$$

q
∈
[
d
/
2
,
d
]

. Frank (Bull Lond Math Soc 43(4):745–750, 2011) proved that the conjecture is true for $$q\in [d/2,(d+1)/2]$$

q
∈
[
d
/
2
,
(
d
+
1
)
/
2
]

. We construct a counterexample that disproves the conjecture in the remaining range $$q\in ((d+1)/2,d]$$

q
∈
(
(
d
+
1
)
/
2
,
d
]

. As a corollary of our main result we show that, for any $$q>(d+1)/2$$

q
>
(
d
+
1
)
/
2

, there is a complex potential in $$L^q\cap L^{\infty }$$

L
q

∩

L
∞

such that the discrete eigenvalues of the corresponding Schrödinger operator accumulate at every point in $$[0,\infty )$$

[
0
,
∞
)

. In some sense, our counterexample is the Schrödinger operator analogue of the ubiquitous Knapp example in Harmonic Analysis. We also show that it is adaptable to a larger class of Schrödinger type (pseudodifferential) operators, and we prove corresponding sharp upper bounds.
Intraorbital findings in giant cell arteritis on black blood MRI
Authors: Guggenberger Konstanze V. , Vogt Marius L. , Song Jae W. , Weng Andreas M. , Fröhlich Matthias , Schmalzing Marc , Venhoff Nils , Hillenkamp Jost , Pham Mirko , Meckel Stephan , Bley Thorsten A.
Published: November 2022

Objective

Blindness is a feared complication of giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, the spectrum of pathologic orbital imaging findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in GCA is not well understood. In this study, we assess inflammatory changes of intraorbital structures on black blood MRI (BB-MRI) in patients with GCA compared to age-matched controls.

Methods

In this multicenter case-control study, 106 subjects underwent BB-MRI. Fifty-six patients with clinically or histologically diagnosed GCA and 50 age-matched controls without clinical or laboratory evidence of vasculitis were included. All individuals were imaged on a 3-T MR scanner with a post-contrast compressed-sensing (CS) T1-weighted sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution (SPACE) BB-MRI sequence. Imaging results were correlated with available clinical symptoms.

Results

Eighteen of 56 GCA patients (32%) showed inflammatory changes of at least one of the intraorbital structures. The most common finding was enhancement of at least one of the optic nerve sheaths (N = 13, 72%). Vessel wall enhancement of the ophthalmic artery was unilateral in 8 and bilateral in 3 patients. Enhancement of the optic nerve was observed in one patient. There was no significant correlation between imaging features of inflammation and clinically reported orbital symptoms (p = 0.10). None of the age-matched control patients showed any inflammatory changes of intraorbital structures.

Conclusions

BB-MRI revealed inflammatory findings in the orbits in up to 32% of patients with GCA. Optic nerve sheath enhancement was the most common intraorbital inflammatory change on BB-MRI. MRI findings were independent of clinically reported orbital symptoms.

Key Points

• Up to 32% of GCA patients shows signs of inflammation of intraorbital structures on BB-MRI.

• Enhancement of the optic nerve sheath is the most common intraorbital finding in GCA patients on BB-MRI.

• Features of inflammation of intraorbital structures are independent of clinically reported symptoms.
Organic nitrogen fertilization benefits selected soil fauna in global agroecosystems
Authors: Betancur-Corredor Bibiana , Lang Birgit , Russell David J.
Published: November 2022

Soil fauna plays an essential role in agricultural productivity as it mediates nutrient cycling and soil organic matter dynamics, alters soil physicochemical properties and supports plant growth. Nitrogen fertilization may have a positive or negative influence on soil fauna in a manner that alters ecosystem functioning, but these links have not yet been quantified. We present the results of a global meta-analysis of available literature data on the effects of N fertilization on taxonomic and ecological groups of soil fauna. Our results show that organic N fertilization increases the density of springtails, mites and earthworms, as well as the biomass of earthworms compared to when no fertilizer is applied. The meta-analysis for different nematode feeding groups and ecological categories of springtails and earthworms as well as different mite orders showed that organic fertilization has an overall positive effect on most groups as opposed to inorganic fertilization, which has neutral or negative effects on most groups, alone or in combination with organic fertilizers. Additional meta-analyses showed that the effects of N fertilization on soil fauna depend on the N application rate, on soil texture and on climatic conditions. Our findings suggest that the adoption of less intense farming practices such as organic fertilization combined with site-specific N fertilization regimes is a suitable strategy for protecting and enhancing functional communities of soil fauna.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi in fecal samples from calves and cows in Austria
Authors: Lichtmannsperger Katharina , Harl Josef , Roehl Sarah Rosa , Schoiswohl Julia , Eibl Cassandra , Wittek Thomas , Hinney Barbara , Wiedermann Sandra , Joachim Anja
Published: November 2022

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular pathogen that infects livestock, companion animals, and wildlife and has the potential to cause severe diarrhea especially in immunocompromised humans. In the underlying study, fecal samples from 177 calves with diarrhea and 174 adult cows originating from 70 and 18 farms, respectively, in Austria were examined for the presence of E. bieneusi by polymerase chain reaction targeting the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 (ITS1) region. All positive samples were further sequenced for genotype determination. Overall, sixteen of the 351 (4.6%) samples were positive for E. bieneusi, two of the 174 samples from cows (1.2%) and 14 of the 177 samples from calves (7.9%). In total, four genotypes, J (n = 2), I (n = 12), BEB4 (n = 3), and BEB8 (n = 1), were identified. The uncorrected p-distance between the four ITS1 lineages (344 bp) ranges from 0.3% to 2.9%. The lineages differ by 1 bp (I and J), 2 bp (J and BEB4), and 3 bp (I and BEB4), respectively, and BEB8 differs by 7 to 10 bp from the latter three lineages. Two of the E. bieneusi-positive calves showed an infection with two different genotypes. E. bieneusi occurred significantly more often in calves > 3 weeks (8/59) than in calves ≤ 3 weeks (6/118), respectively (p = 0.049). Calves with a known history of antimicrobial treatment (50 of 177 calves) shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than untreated calves (p = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in E. bieneusi shedding in calves with or without a medical history of antiparasitic treatment (p = 0.881). Calves showing a co-infection with Eimeria spp. shed E. bieneusi significantly more often than uninfected calves (p = 0.003). To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi in cattle in Austria. Cattle should be considered as a reservoir for human infection since potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes were detected.
Region-based evidential deep learning to quantify uncertainty and improve robustness of brain tumor segmentation
Authors: Li Hao , Nan Yang , Del Ser Javier , Yang Guang
Published: November 2022

Despite recent advances in the accuracy of brain tumor segmentation, the results still suffer from low reliability and robustness. Uncertainty estimation is an efficient solution to this problem, as it provides a measure of confidence in the segmentation results. The current uncertainty estimation methods based on quantile regression, Bayesian neural network, ensemble, and Monte Carlo dropout are limited by their high computational cost and inconsistency. In order to overcome these challenges, Evidential Deep Learning (EDL) was developed in recent work but primarily for natural image classification and showed inferior segmentation results. In this paper, we proposed a region-based EDL segmentation framework that can generate reliable uncertainty maps and accurate segmentation results, which is robust to noise and image corruption. We used the Theory of Evidence to interpret the output of a neural network as evidence values gathered from input features. Following Subjective Logic, evidence was parameterized as a Dirichlet distribution, and predicted probabilities were treated as subjective opinions. To evaluate the performance of our model on segmentation and uncertainty estimation, we conducted quantitative and qualitative experiments on the BraTS 2020 dataset. The results demonstrated the top performance of the proposed method in quantifying segmentation uncertainty and robustly segmenting tumors. Furthermore, our proposed new framework maintained the advantages of low computational cost and easy implementation and showed the potential for clinical application.
Mid-term efficacy and safety of Escherichia coli-derived rhBMP-2/hydroxyapatite carrier in lumbar posterolateral fusion: a randomized, multicenter study
Authors: Cho Minjoon , You KI-Han , Yeom Jin Sup , Kim Hyoungmin , Lee Kwang Bok , Cho Jae Hwan , Yang Jae Jun , Lee Jae Hyup
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term efficacy and safety of Escherichia coli-derived bone morphogenetic protein-2 (E.BMP-2)/hydroxyapatite (HA) in lumbar posterolateral fusion (PLF).

Methods

This multicenter, evaluator-blinded, observational study utilized prospectively collected clinical data. We enrolled 74 patients who underwent lumbar PLF and had previously participated in the BA06-CP01 clinical study, which compared the short-term outcomes of E.BMP-2 with an auto-iliac bone graft (AIBG). Radiographs and CT scans were analyzed to evaluate fusion grade at 12, 24, and 36 months. Visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores were measured preoperatively and at 36 months after surgery. All adverse events in this study were assessed for its relationship with E.BMP-2.

Results

The fusion grade of the E.BMP-2 group (4.91 ± 0.41) was superior to that of the AIBG group (4.25 ± 1.26) in CT scans at 36 months after surgery (p = 0.007). Non-union cases were 4.3% in the E.BMP-2 and 16.7% in the AIBG. Both groups showed improvement in pain VAS, ODI, and SF-36 scores when compared to the baseline values, and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. No treatment-related serious adverse reactions were observed in either group. No neoplasm-related adverse events occurred in the E.BMP-2 group.

Conclusions

The fusion quality of E.BMP-2/HA was superior to that of AIBG. E.BMP-2/HA showed comparable mid-term outcomes to that of AIBG in terms of efficacy and safety in one-level lumbar PLF surgery.
Smart sharks: a review of chondrichthyan cognition
Authors: Brown Culum , Schluessel Vera
Published: November 2022

450 million years of evolution have given chondrichthyans (sharks, rays and allies) ample time to adapt perfectly to their respective everyday life challenges and cognitive abilities have played an important part in that process. The diversity of niches that sharks and rays occupy corresponds to matching diversity in brains and behaviour, but we have only scratched the surface in terms of investigating cognition in this important group of animals. The handful of species that have been cognitively assessed in some detail over the last decade have provided enough data to safely conclude that sharks and rays are cognitively on par with most other vertebrates, including mammals and birds. Experiments in the lab as well as in the wild pose their own unique challenges, mainly due to the handling and maintenance of these animals as well as controlling environmental conditions and elimination of confounding factors. Nonetheless, significant advancements have been obtained in the fields of spatial and social cognition, discrimination learning, memory retention as well as several others. Most studies have focused on behaviour and the underlying neural substrates involved in cognitive information processing are still largely unknown. Our understanding of shark cognition has multiple practical benefits for welfare and conservation management but there are obvious gaps in our knowledge. Like most marine animals, sharks and rays face multiple threats. The effects of climate change, pollution and resulting ecosystem changes on the cognitive abilities of sharks and stingrays remain poorly investigated and we can only speculate what the likely impacts might be based on research on bony fishes. Lastly, sharks still suffer from their bad reputation as mindless killers and are heavily targeted by commercial fishing operations for their fins. This public relations issue clouds people’s expectations of shark intelligence and is a serious impediment to their conservation. In the light of the fascinating results presented here, it seems obvious that the general perception of sharks and rays as well as their status as sentient, cognitive animals, needs to be urgently revisited.
RNAseq analysis of olfactory neuroepithelium cytological samples in individuals with Down syndrome compared to euploid controls: a pilot study
Authors: Brozzetti Lorenzo , Scambi Ilaria , Bertoldi Loris , Zanini Alice , Malacrida Giorgio , Sacchetto Luca , Baldassa Lucia , Benvenuto Giuseppe , Mariotti Raffaella , Zanusso Gianluigi , Cecchini Maria Paola
Published: November 2022

Down syndrome is a common genetic disorder caused by partial or complete triplication of chromosome 21. This syndrome shows an overall and progressive impairment of olfactory function, detected early in adulthood. The olfactory neuronal cells are located in the nasal olfactory mucosa and represent the first sensory neurons of the olfactory pathway. Herein, we applied the olfactory swabbing procedure to allow a gentle collection of olfactory epithelial cells in seven individuals with Down syndrome and in ten euploid controls. The aim of this research was to investigate the peripheral gene expression pattern in olfactory epithelial cells through RNAseq analysis. Validated tests (Sniffin’ Sticks Extended test) were used to assess olfactory function. Olfactory scores were correlated with RNAseq results and cognitive scores (Vineland II and Leiter scales). All Down syndrome individuals showed both olfactory deficit and intellectual disability. Down syndrome individuals and euploid controls exhibited clear expression differences in genes located in and outside the chromosome 21. In addition, a significant correlation was found between olfactory test scores and gene expression, while a non-significant correlation emerged between olfactory and cognitive scores. This first preliminary step gives new insights into the Down syndrome olfactory system research, starting from the olfactory neuroepithelium, the first cellular step on the olfactory way.

Graphical Abstract
FIRES—Pathophysiology, therapeutical approach, and outcome
Authors: Reppucci Diana , Datta Alexandre N.
Published: November 2022

Background

The acronym FIRES stands for febrile infection-related epileptic syndrome, which is a rare epileptic syndrome in the pediatric population. The initial presentation of FIRES is similar to febrile seizures (FS). Both start after a febrile episode; however, in FIRES the epileptic seizure evolves into a super refractory status epilepticus within days despite appropriate treatment. FIRES needs to be diagnosed early and treated by a multidisciplinary team to control the status epilepticus (SE) as fast as possible. Limiting the duration of the SE is paramount for the prevention of catastrophic sequelae such as severe neurologic disabilities or even death.

Objective/Conclusion

We describe possible pathophysiological mechanisms and summarize important clinical features of FIRES. The aim of this review is to raise awareness, foster early recognition and improve neurologic long-term outcomes. Moreover, we propose a diagnostic approach and list therapeutic options providing an algorithm.
Traditional oases in Northern Africa as multifunctional agroforestry systems: a systematic literature review of the provided Ecosystem Services and of the main vulnerabilities
Authors: Santoro Antonio
Published: November 2022

Traditional oases represent unique forms of adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, developed through the centuries by local farmers to support their livelihood, combining different crops (date palms, fruit trees, vegetables and fodder) with livestock breeding. Despite their social, economic and cultural importance, these agroforestry systems are currently facing multiple socio-environmental threats. The aim of the paper is to investigate the variety of Ecosystem Services (ES) and the main threats related to traditional oases in Northern Africa through a systematic literature review. The search returned 257 relevant papers published from 2005 to March 2022, mostly focusing on Tunisian oases (37%), followed by Algerian (23%), Moroccan (19%), Egyptian (17%), and Libyan (4%). Provisioning Services, in particular Genetic diversity, agrobiodiversity and biodiversity, are the most cited ES (36% of the papers) followed by Cultural Services, mainly represented by Traditional knowledge systems, cultural heritage and sense of place (17%), while Regulating Services are less considered. Results highlighted that water related issues (desertification, drought, salinization or overexploitation) represent the main threat, followed by decrease of agrobiodiversity, primarily due to the spread of monocultures of commercial date varieties, and by social transformations (depopulation, traditional knowledge and cultural heritage loss). The literature review proved that traditional oases are still crucial for the livelihood of local communities since they still provide many ES. Local experiences related to sustainable development and tourism, or innovative solutions to valorize local products and byproducts, could be important for replication in other traditional oases to contribute to the wellbeing of local communities and to the preservation of these agroecosystems.
Peer Workers in Co-production and Co-creation in Mental Health and Substance Use Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Åkerblom Kristina Bakke , Ness Ottar
Published: November 2022

People with lived experience of mental health challenges are extensively employed as peer workers within mental health and substance use services worldwide. Research shows that peer workers benefit individuals using such services and can have essential roles in developing recovery-oriented services. However, understanding how peer workers’ contributions, by their role, functions, and input can be better used remains a critical challenge. Research on public sector innovation has focused on relevant actors collaborating to tackle complex demands. Co-production and co-creation are concepts used to describe this collaboration. Co-production refers to the collaboration between providers and users at the point of service delivery, whereas co-creation refers to collaboration starting in the early service cycle phases (e.g., in commissioning or design), including solution implementation. We overviewed research literature describing peer workers’ involvement in mental health and substance use services. The research question is as follows: How are peer workers involved in co-production and co-creation in mental health and substance use services, and what are the described outcomes? A literature search was performed in 10 different databases, and 13,178 articles were screened, of which 172 research articles describing peer workers’ roles or activities were included. The findings show that peer workers are involved in co-production and function as providers of pre-determined services or, most often, as providers of peer support. However, they are rarely engaged as partners in co-creation. We conclude that the identified peer worker roles have different potential to generate input and affect service delivery and development.
The gill epithelial cell lines RTgill-W1, from Rainbow trout and ASG-10, from Atlantic salmon, exert different toxicity profiles towards rotenone
Authors: Solhaug Anita , Gjessing Mona , Sandvik Morten , Eriksen Gunnar Sundstøl
Published: November 2022

In order to ensure the proper use and interpretation of results from laboratory test systems, it is important to know the characteristics of your test system. Here we compare mitochondria and the handling of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in two gill epithelial cell lines, the well-known RTgill-W1 cell line from Rainbow trout and the newly established ASG-10 cell line from Atlantic salmon. Rotenone was used to trigger ROS production. Rotenone reduced metabolic activity and induced cell death in both cell lines, with RTgill-W1 far more sensitive than ASG-10. In untreated cells, the mitochondria appear to be more fragmented in RTgill-W1 cells compared to ASG-10 cells. Furthermore, rotenone induced mitochondrial fragmentation, reduced mitochondria membrane potential (Δψm) and increased ROS generation in both cell lines. Glutathione (GSH) and catalase is important to maintain the cellular oxidative balance by eliminating hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In response to rotenone, both GSH and catalase depletion were observed in the RTgill-W1 cells. In contrast, no changes were found in the GSH levels in ASG-10, while the catalase activity was increased. In summary, the two salmonid gill cell lines have different tolerance towards ROS, probably caused by differences in mitochondrial status as well as in GSH and catalase activities. This should be taken into consideration with the selection of experimental model and interpretation of results.

Graphical abstract
Determinants of higher education teachers’ intention to use technology-based exams
Authors: Fink Aron , Spoden Christian , Frey Andreas
Published: November 2022

The replacement of existing technology or the introduction of novel technology into the day-to-day routines of higher education institutions is not a trivial task. Currently, many higher education institutions are faced with the challenge of replacing existing procedures for administering written exams with e-exams. To guide this process, this paper proposes the novel technology-based exams acceptance model (TEAM) and empirically evaluates its model structure and usefulness from the perspective of higher education teachers. The model can be used to guide the transition from paper-based exams to e-exams and the implementation of innovative (e.g., adaptive) e-exam formats. The model includes perceived usefulness, computer self-efficacy, computer anxiety, prior experience, facilitating conditions, and subjective norm as predictors of the behavioral intention to use e-exams. To test the model empirically, the responses of 992 teachers at 63 German universities to a standardized online questionnaire were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The model fit was acceptable. With 77% (conventional e-exams) and 82% (adaptive e-exams), a large proportion of the variance of the intention to use these types of exams was explained. With TEAM, a highly predictive model for explaining the behavioral intention to use e-exams is now available. It offers a theoretical basis that can be used for the successful implementation of e-exams in higher education.
Statistical and clustering validation analysis of primary students' learning outcomes and self-awareness of information and technical online security problems at a post-pandemic time
Authors: Panskyi Taras , Korzeniewska Ewa
Published: November 2022

The authors decided to investigate the impact of the pandemic period and the resulting limitations in Polish primary school online security education. The first part of the study investigates the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students’ educational learning outcomes in information and Internet security. The study has been performed via a student-oriented survey of 20 questions. The statistical analysis confirms the significant difference before and after the pandemic in several questions at most. Nevertheless, this justifies the statement that pandemics had a positive impact on post-pandemic Internet-related security education. The second part of the study has been focused on students' perception and self-awareness of cyberspace problems. For this purpose, the authors used novel majority-based decision fusion clustering validation methods. The revealed results illustrate the positive tendency toward the students' self-awareness and self-confidence of online security problems and e-threats before, during and after the challenging pandemic period. Moreover, the presented validation methods show the appealing performance in educational data analysis, and therefore, the authors recommended these methods as a preprocessing step that helps to explore the intrinsic data structures or students' behaviors and as a postprocessing step to predict learning outcomes in different educational environments.
The “Great Lockdown” and cultural consumption in the UK
Authors: Bakhshi Hasan , Di Novo Salvatore , Fazio Giorgio
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we exploit a unique weekly longitudinal survey of adults in the UK purposefully collected to study consumption choices with respect to cultural content types during the first Covid-19 national lockdown (the “Great Lockdown”). We look for changes in the probability of consuming different cultural and creative types of content (Music, Movies, TV, Games, Books, Magazines and Audiobooks), as well as changes in the overall variety of consumption. We find that changes in consumption depend on the type of content. In particular, other things being equal, the likelihood of listening to Music and playing Games went up and the likelihood of reading Books went down. We find little statistically significant evidence of changes in the probability of consumption of the other types of content. We find that, while on average individuals increased the variety of their consumption, the statistical significance of this increase varied depending on the socio-demographic and economic characteristic of interest. In particular, we find evidence of an increase in the variety of consumption for those at the bottom of the distribution of socio-economic status, which speaks to the importance of access to culture and creativity during lockdown for this specific social class.