bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nachbehandlung nach knorpelregenerativen Eingriffen
Authors: Hirschmüller Anja , Schoch Wolfgang , Diemer Frank
Published: June 2024

Die Rehabilitation nach knorpelregenerativen Eingriffen ist maßgeblich für die Qualität des sich entwickelnden Regenerates und das klinische Ergebnis. Allerdings fehlen immer noch qualitativ gute Studien, die dies und die einzelnen sinnvollen Maßnahmen im Rahmen des Rehabilitationsprozesses belegen. Die vorgeschlagenen Rehabilitationsprotokolle basieren in vielen Aspekten auf Expertenmeinungen, angewandter Biomechanik und Grundlagenforschung. Dieser Beitrag fasst die aktuell bestehende Evidenz und Empfehlung der Rehabilitation nach knorpelregenerativen Eingriffen zusammen und kann einen Rahmen geben für die optimale Übungsauswahl und deren Progression, Erwartungshaltung, Motivation der Patientinnen und Patienten und notwendige Anpassungen des Lebensstils und Beachtung möglicher schmerztreibender Faktoren. Besonderer Schwerpunkt des Beitrags liegt auf der zeit-und kriterienbasierten Planung und Steuerung der Nachbehandlung unter Berücksichtigung, der auf die Heilung Einfluss nehmenden individuellen Faktoren.
Integrated systems biology analysis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia: unveiling molecular signatures and drug repurposing opportunities
Authors: Budak Betül , Tükel Ezgi Yağmur , Turanlı Beste , Kiraz Yağmur
Published: June 2024

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematological malignancy characterized by aberrant proliferation and accumulation of lymphoid precursor cells within the bone marrow. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), imatinib mesylate, has played a significant role in the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL (Ph + ALL). However, the achievement of durable and sustained therapeutic success remains a challenge due to the development of TKI resistance during the clinical course.

The primary objective of this investigation is to propose a novel and efficacious treatment approach through drug repositioning, targeting ALL and its Ph + subtype by identifying and addressing differentially expressed genes (DEGs). This study involves a comprehensive analysis of transcriptome datasets pertaining to ALL and Ph + ALL in order to identify DEGs associated with the progression of these diseases to identify possible repurposable drugs that target identified hub proteins.

The outcomes of this research have unveiled 698 disease-related DEGs for ALL and 100 for Ph + ALL. Furthermore, a subset of drugs, specifically glipizide for Ph + ALL, and maytansine and isoprenaline for ALL, have been identified as potential candidates for therapeutic intervention. Subsequently, cytotoxicity assessments were performed to confirm the in vitro cytotoxic effects of these selected drugs on both ALL and Ph + ALL cell lines.

In conclusion, this study offers a promising avenue for the management of ALL and Ph + ALL through drug repurposed drugs. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms underlying cell death, and clinical trials are recommended to validate the promising results obtained through drug repositioning strategies.
An epiQTL underlying asexual seed formation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Pankaj Rishabh , Shoejaeyfar Shiana , Figueiredo Duarte D.
Published: June 2024

Key message

The DNA methylation status at an epigenetic quantitative trait locus in the Arabidopsis chromosome 2 is linked to the formation of apomictic-like endosperms.

Seed development in most angiosperms is coupled to fertilization of the maternal gametes by two sperm cells. However, apomictic species can reproduce asexually via seeds. This trait is of great agricultural interest, as it would fix complex genotypes and allow for pollen-independent seed production. However, engineering full apomixis requires three independent processes: apomeiosis, parthenogenesis and autonomous endosperm development. While the first two have been successfully engineered in some crops, the formation of autonomous endosperms remains a challenge. Although it is known that this trait is under epigenetic control, such as of DNA methylation, the underlying mechanisms remain mostly undiscovered. Here, using epigenetic recombinant inbred lines, we identified an epigenetic quantitative trait locus in the Arabidopsis chromosome 2, which correlates with permissiveness for the formation of asexual seeds: hypomethylation at this genomic region allows the formation of larger autonomous endosperms. Importantly, the methylation at this locus only correlates with asexual seed size, and not to the size of sexual seeds or that of other organs. With this, we aim to show that screening for epialleles is a promising strategy to uncover loci underlying relevant traits and could pave the way to identifying genes necessary for the engineering of apomixis.
Factors Associated with Erectile Dysfunction Among Older Gay Men
Authors: Prieto Lucas R. , Shires Deirdre A. , Xiong Yuan
Published: June 2024

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that aging men encounter, but whether internalized gay ageism (i.e., the internalization of ageist messages within the context of aging as a gay man) is related to ED among older gay men is unknown. A cross-sectional web-based survey explored the relationship between internalized gay ageism, health-related and social factors, and ED among older gay men who resided in the Midwest United States (N = 181). Internalized gay ageism was not significantly associated with ED. However, hierarchical regression analysis found that age (β = .224, t = 2.70, p = .008) and overall health (β = −.247, t = −3.05, p = .003) were significantly associated with ED among older gay men, suggesting that older gay men share similar risk factors for ED as the general male population. Future research should continue to explore other factors that are unique to gay men that may be associated with ED.
Endophytic Beauveria bassiana in sugarcane and associated Eldana saccharina host plants in South Africa
Authors: Memela Nongcebo S. , Rutherford R. Stuart , Schmidt Stefan
Published: June 2024

Eldana saccharina Walker is a problematic sugarcane stalk borer pest in South Africa. Twenty-eight sugarcane genotypes (Saccharum spp. hybrids) and seven different species of host plants of E. saccharina were surveyed for the presence of endophytic Beauveria bassianasensu lato (s.l.). Collectively, 326 plant samples (roots, stems, or leaves) were collected from five locations in sugarcane-producing areas (KwaZulu-Natal; South Africa). Following plant surface disinfection, 128 fungal colonies morphologically resembling Beauveria spp. were isolated from internal plant tissues. The sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region confirmed that 13 representative isolates were B. bassiana.s.l. Eight B. bassiana isolates were recovered from E. saccharina natural host plants, and 120 from different sugarcane stem parts (top node, top internodes, bottom node, and bottom internode). Endophytic B. bassiana isolates were recovered from 22 of 28 sugarcane genotypes surveyed. The number of B. bassiana isolates obtained from different sugarcane parts differed significantly, with more B. bassiana isolates obtained from the top than the bottom internodes. Furthermore, sugarcane genotypes N31 and N41 yielded B. bassiana from all plant parts sampled, while five sugarcane genotypes harbored no B. bassiana isolates. This study demonstrates for the first time the natural occurrence of endophytic B. bassiana strains in sugarcane plants and E. saccharina host plants in South Africa.
Rewetting effects on nitrogen cycling and nutrient export from coastal peatlands to the Baltic Sea
Authors: Breznikar Anne , Pönisch Daniel L. , Lorenz Marvin , Jurasinski Gerald , Rehder Gregor , Voss Maren
Published: June 2024

Coastal nutrient loads from point sources such as rivers are mostly well-monitored. This is not the case for diffuse nutrient inputs from coastal catchments unconnected to rivers, despite the potential for high inputs due to intensive land use. The German Baltic Sea coastline consists of numerous peatlands that have been diked and drained. However, some of the dikes have been removed in order to re-establish the hydrological connection to the Baltic Sea, restore local biodiversity, and promote natural CO2 uptake. Since these peatlands were used for agriculture, their rewetting may release accumulated nutrients, leading to nutrient export into the Baltic Sea and intensified coastal eutrophication. Data on these potential nutrient exports are mostly lacking. Therefore, this study investigated nutrient exports from two former agricultural, coastal peatlands: Drammendorfer Wiesen, rewetted in 2019, and Karrendorfer Wiesen, rewetted in 1993. Nutrients (NO3–, NO2–, NH4+, PO43–), nitrous oxide (N2O), particulate organic matter (POM, comprising POC and PON; δ13C-POC), chlorophyll-a, and nitrification rates were analyzed in surface water and porewater sampled weekly to monthly in 2019 and 2020 to compare the effects of different time scales after rewetting on nutrient cycling and potential exports. NH4+, NO2−, and PO43− concentrations were higher in the porewater than in the overlying water at both sites, while nutrient concentrations were generally higher at the recently rewetted Drammendorfer Wiesen than at the Karrendorfer Wiesen. NO3− concentrations in porewater, however, were lower than in the overlying water, indicating NO3− retention within the peat, likely due to denitrification. Nitrification rates and N2O concentrations were generally low, except for a high N2O peak immediately after rewetting. These results suggest that denitrification was the dominant process of N2O production at the study sites. Both peatlands exported nutrients to their adjacent bays of the Baltic Sea; however, N exports were 75% lower in the longer-rewetted peatland. Compared to major Baltic Sea rivers, both sites exported larger area-normalized nutrient loads. Our study highlights the need to monitor the impact of rewetting measures over time to obtain accurate estimates of nutrient exports, better assess negative effects on coastal waters, and to improve peatland management.
The Youth Anxiety Measure for DSM-5 (YAM-5): An Updated Systematic Review of its Psychometric Properties
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Iván , Muris Peter
Published: June 2024

The Youth Anxiety Measure for DSM-5 (YAM-5) is a self- and parent-report scale specifically developed to assess symptoms of major anxiety disorders (part 1 or YAM-5-I) and specific phobias/agoraphobia (part 2 or YAM-5-II) in children and adolescents in terms of the contemporary psychiatric classification system. Since its introduction, the measure has been increasingly used in research, making it feasible to provide a summary of its psychometric properties. The present article presents a systematic review of 20 studies that employed the YAM-5, involving 5325 young participants. Overall, the results supported the hypothesized factor structure of both parts of the measure, although there were also some studies that could not fully replicate the original five-factor model of YAM-5-I. The internal consistency of the YAM-5 was generally high for the total scores of both parts, while reliability coefficients for the subscales were more variable across studies. Research also obtained evidence for other psychometric properties, such as test–retest reliability, parent–child agreement, convergent/divergent validity, and discriminant validity. Results further revealed that girls tend to show significantly higher anxiety levels on the YAM-5 than boys. Overall, these findings indicate that the YAM-5 is a promising tool for assessing symptoms of anxiety disorders including specific phobias in young people. Some directions for future research with the YAM-5 and recommendations regarding the use of the measure are given.
Morse–Smale complexes on convex polyhedra
Authors: Ludmány Balázs , Lángi Zsolt , Domokos Gábor
Published: June 2024

Motivated by applications in geomorphology, the aim of this paper is to extend Morse–Smale theory from smooth functions to the radial distance function (measured from an internal point), defining a convex polyhedron in 3-dimensional Euclidean space. The resulting polyhedral Morse–Smale complex may be regarded, on one hand, as a generalization of the Morse–Smale complex of the smooth radial distance function defining a smooth, convex body, on the other hand, it could be also regarded as a generalization of the Morse–Smale complex of the piecewise linear parallel distance function (measured from a plane), defining a polyhedral surface. Beyond similarities, our paper also highlights the marked differences between these three problems and it also relates our theory to other methods. Our work includes the design, implementation and testing of an explicit algorithm computing the Morse–Smale complex on a convex polyhedron.
Towards efficient and robust face recognition through attention-integrated multi-level CNN
Authors: Khalifa Aly , Abdelrahman Ahmed A. , Hempel Thorsten , Al-Hamadi Ayoub
Published: June 2024

The rapid advancement of deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) has led to remarkable progress in computer vision, contributing to the development of numerous face verification architectures. However, the inherent complexity of these architectures, often characterized by millions of parameters and substantial computational demands, presents significant challenges for deployment on resource-constrained devices. To address these challenges, we introduce RobFaceNet, a robust and efficient CNN designed explicitly for face recognition (FR). The proposed RobFaceNet optimizes accuracy while preserving computational efficiency, a balance achieved by incorporating multiple features and attention mechanisms. These features include both low-level and high-level attributes extracted from input face images and aggregated from multiple levels. Additionally, the model incorporates a newly developed bottleneck that integrates both channel and spatial attention mechanisms. The combination of multiple features and attention mechanisms enables the network to capture more significant facial features from the images, thereby enhancing its robustness and the quality of facial feature extraction. Experimental results across state-of-the-art FR datasets demonstrate that our RobFaceNet achieves higher recognition performance. For instance, RobFaceNet achieves 95.95% and 92.23% on the CA-LFW and CP-LFW datasets, respectively, compared to 95.45% and 92.08% for very deep ArcFace model. Meanwhile, RobFaceNet exhibits a more lightweight model complexity. In terms of computation cost, RobFaceNet has 337M Floating Point Operations Per Second (FLOPs) compared to ArcFace’s 24211M, with only 3% of the parameters. Consequently, RobFaceNet is well-suited for deployment across various platforms, including robots, embedded systems, and mobile devices.
Topical Solution for Retinal Delivery: Bevacizumab and Ranibizumab Eye Drops in Anti-Aggregation Formula (AAF) in Rabbits
Authors: Giannos Steven A. , Kraft Edward R. , Luisi Jonathan D. , Schmitz-Brown Mary E. , Reffatto Valentina , Merkley Kevin H. , Gupta Praveena K.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a blinding retinal disease. Monthly intravitreal anti-VEGF antibody injections of bevacizumab (off-label) and ranibizumab (FDA approved) are the standard of care. Antibody aggregation may interfere with ocular absorption/distribution. This study assessed topical delivery of dilute antibodies to the posterior segment of rabbit eyes using a novel anti-aggregation formula (AAF).

Methods

Bevacizumab, or biosimilar ranibizumab was diluted to 5 mg/ml in AAF. All rabbits were dosed twice daily. Substudy 1 rabbits (bevacizumab, 100 µl eye drops): Group 1 (bevacizumab/AAF, n = 6); Group 2 (bevacizumab/PBS, n = 7) and Vehicle control (AAF, n = 1). Substudy 2 rabbits (ranibizumab biosimilar/AAF, 50 µl eye drops): (ranibizumab biosimilar/AAF, n = 8). At 14.5 days, serum was drawn from rabbits. Aqueous, vitreous and retina samples were recovered from eyes and placed into AAF aliquots. Tissue analyzed using AAF as diluent.

Results

Bevacizumab in AAF permeated/accumulated in rabbit aqueous, vitreous and retina 10 times more, than when diluted in PBS. AAF/0.1% hyaluronic acid eye drops, dosed twice daily, provided mean tissue concentrations (ng/g) in retina (29.50), aqueous (12.34), vitreous (3.46), and serum (0.28 ng/ml). Additionally, the highest concentration (ng/g) of ranibizumab biosimilar was present in the retina (18.0), followed by aqueous (7.82) and vitreous (1.47). Serum concentration was negligible (< 0.04 ng/ml). No irritation was observed throughout the studies.

Conclusions

Bevacizumab and ranibizumab, in an AAF diluent eye drop, can be delivered to the retina, by the twice daily dosing of a low concentration mAb formulation. This may prove to be an adjunct to intravitreal injections.
On the desire to make a difference
Authors: Greaves Hilary , Thomas Teruji , Mogensen Andreas , MacAskill William
Published: June 2024

True benevolence is, most fundamentally, a desire that the world be better. It is natural and common, however, to frame thinking about benevolence indirectly, in terms of a desire to make a difference to how good the world is. This would be an innocuous shift if desires to make a difference were extensionally equivalent to desires that the world be better. This paper shows that at least on some common ways of making a “desire to make a difference” precise, this extensional equivalence fails. Where it fails, “difference-making preferences” run counter to the ideals of benevolence. In particular, in the context of decision making under uncertainty, coupling a “difference-making” framing in a natural way with risk aversion leads to preferences that violate stochastic dominance, and that lead to a strong form of collective defeat, from the point of view of betterness. Difference-making framings and true benevolence are not strictly mutually inconsistent, but agents seeking to implement true benevolence must take care to avoid the various pitfalls that we outline.
Interviews with farmers from the US corn belt highlight opportunity for improved decision support systems and continued structural barriers to farmland diversification
Authors: Nowatzke Matthew , Gao Lijing , Dorneich Michael C. , Heaton Emily A. , VanLoocke Andy
Published: June 2024

Diversifying high-input, monocropped landscapes like the US Corn Belt would provide both economic and ecosystem service benefits to the agricultural landscape. Decision support systems (DSS) and digital agriculture could help farmers decide if diversification is suitable for their operation. However, adoption of DSS by farmers remains low, likely due to lack of farmer engagement before and during the DSS development process. This study aimed to better understand the tasks, tools, and people involved in implementing farmland diversification with the goal to inform design of agricultural DSS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 farmers who had diversified their corn/soybean cropland with government-supported conservation programs (e.g., CRP, wetlands) and alternative crops (e.g., small grains, pasture) in the past four years. Interview data was transcribed and then analyzed using affinity diagramming. Results show farmers needed DSS to layer multiple sources of data and observations over several years to identify field productivity trends and drivers; spatial orientation of practices to fit management and field constraints; matching operation goals to alternative practices; financial planning and market exploration; and information on promising emerging practices like subsidized pollinator habitat. However, the interviews also highlighted structural barriers to diversification that DSS cannot or can only partially address. These included social pressures; market access; crop insurance policy; and quality of relationships with governmental agencies. Results indicate better DSS design can empower individual farmers to diversify cropland, but structural interventions will be needed to successfully diversify the agricultural landscape and support economic and ecosystem health.
German adult population norm values of the short Warwick Edinburgh mental well-being scale (SWEMWBS)
Authors: Peitz Diana , Hoelling Heike , Born Sabine , Rosario Angelika Schaffrath , Cohrdes Caroline
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale represents an internationally established inventory to assess population mental well-being. Particularly the short form (SWEMWBS) is recommended for use in Mental Health Surveillance. In the present study, we present normative data of the SWEMWBS for the German adult population.

Methods

Data from the telephone survey German Health Update (GEDA) in 2022 representative of the German adult population (48.9% women, 18–98 years) was processed to estimate SWEMWBS percentile norm values, T-values, z-values and internationally comparable logit-transformed raw scores for the total sample (N = 5,606) as well as stratified by sex, age group and sex with age group combinations.

Results

The average mental well-being was comparable to that of other European countries at M = 27.3 (SD = 4.0; logit-transformed: M = 24.79, SD = 3.73). To provide a benchmark, the cut off for low well-being was set at the 15th percentile (raw score: 23; logit-transformed: 20.73), for high well-being at the 85th percentile (raw score: 32; logit-transformed: 29.31).

Conclusion

The present study provides SWEMWBS norm values for the German adult population. The normative data can be used for national and international comparisons on a population level to initiate, plan and evaluate mental well-being promotion and prevention measures.
Teacher evaluations of interethnic bullying of an Arab student: The role of perceiving refugees as a threat or benefit
Authors: Kollerová Lenka , Soukup Petr , Strohmeier Dagmar , Caravita Simona C. S. , Killen Melanie
Published: June 2024

Interethnic bullying that targets ethnic minority students has serious consequences for the lives of victimized students. Teachers’ evaluations of the bullying are critical because teacher intervention can stop bullying and improve the adjustment of victimized students. Because the literature has documented partially overlapping biases against people of Arab ethnicity and people with refugee backgrounds, this study investigated whether teachers’ attitudes toward refugees play a role in their evaluations of the interethnic bullying of an Arab student. Teachers (n = 373; 77% female) who participated in the study filled the Threats–Benefits Inventory (TBI) that measured two types of attitudes toward refugees (perceiving refugees as a threat and perceiving refugees as a benefit) and evaluated a hypothetical vignette of interethnic bullying targeted at an Arab student. SEM analysis, controlling for gender, age, and contact with refugees, indicated that teachers’ attitudes toward refugees were not associated with their perceptions of the interethnic bullying as wrong or with their willingness to intervene. However, viewing refugees as a source of high threat or low benefit was consistently associated with lower recognition of the negative outcomes of the interethnic bullying. Moreover, a greater willingness to intervene positively associated with female gender and increasing age. The study suggests that teachers’ attitudes toward refugees may contribute to underestimating negative outcomes of interethnic bullying among students. To foster appropriate evaluations of interethnic bullying, teacher education should aim to promote understanding of different marginalized groups and to reduce biases against people with refugee backgrounds.
A Note on Real Line Bundles with Connection and Real Smooth Deligne Cohomology
Authors: Flydal Peter Marius , Quick Gereon , Svanes Eirik Eik
Published: June 2024

We define a Real version of smooth Deligne cohomology for manifolds with involution which interpolates between equivariant sheaf cohomology and smooth imaginary-valued forms. Our main result is a classification of Real line bundles with Real connection on manifolds with involution.
Prognosis of non-vital incisors after apexification using bioceramics: a retrospective study
Authors: Anjum F. S. , Brusevold I. J. , Wigen T. I.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome of apexification using bioceramics in immature permanent teeth, and to study the factors influencing treatment outcome and frequency of spontaneous cervical root fractures.

Methods

Forty-six children with 51 non-vital permanent incisors treated with a bioceramic apical plug were included. Mean age at pulp necrosis was 9.8 (SD 2.2) years and mean follow-up time was 3.3 (SD 2.4) years. Data were extracted from dental records and included stage of root development, presence of external root resorptions, clinical signs of infection, size of periapical lesion, type and placement of bioceramic plug, and spontaneous root fracture. Treatment outcome was assessed using periapical index (PAI-score) and presence of clinical symptoms. The statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 28 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). Data were cross-tabulated and tested with chi-square statistic.

Results

Biodentine™ was used as apical plug in 78.4% of the teeth and MTA in 21.6%. Complete healing or signs of healing was reported in 86.3% of the teeth, whilst seven teeth (13.7%) were non-healed. All non-healed teeth had preoperative clinical signs of infection. No difference was found in stage of root development, presence of root resorption, and type and placement of bioceramic plug in healed and non-healed teeth (p > 0.05). Five teeth (9.8%) exhibited root fracture 1–6 years after treatment and all had very immature root development. Type of bioceramic or external root resorption was not associated with spontaneous root fracture.

Conclusion

Apexification using bioceramics showed favourable prognosis in immature permanent teeth. Very immature teeth were at risk of root fracture after apexification with bioceramics.
Endocrinology application of molecular imaging: current role of PET/CT
Authors: Calderoni L. , Giovanella L. , Fanti S.
Published: June 2024

Background

In recent years, nuclear medicine imaging methods have proven to be of paramount importance in a wide variety of diseases, particularly in oncology, where they are crucial for assessing the extent of disease when conventional methods fall short. Moreover, nuclear imaging modalities are able to better characterize lesions using target agents related to specific pathways (e.g. glucose metabolism, cellular proliferation, amino acid transport, lipid metabolism, specific receptor ligands). The clinical presentation of endocrine diseases encompasses a broad spectrum of sign and symptoms. Moreover, endocrine tumors show varying degrees of aggressiveness from well differentiated and indolent to highly aggressive cancers, respectively.

Rationale

With the application of new medicinal radio-compounds and increasingly advanced tomographic imaging technology, the utility of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in the field of endocrine diseases is expanding.

Aim

This review aims to analyze and summarize the primary indications of PET/CT, providing a practical approach for clinicians. A comprehensive literature search on PubMed was conducted to provide an updated overview of the available evidence regarding the use of PET/CT in endocrinology. Within this review, we will discuss the applications of PET/CT, compare different radiopharmaceuticals and highlight the uptake mechanism, excluding neuroendocrine carcinomas from discussion.

Conclusions

PET/CT is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing endocrine disorders due to its capacity to furnish both functional and anatomical information, facilitate early lesion detection, guide treatment decisions, and monitor treatment response. Its non-invasive nature and precision make it an integral component of modern endocrine healthcare. This review aims to provide physicians with a clear perspective on the role of PET/CT imaging, discussing its emerging opportunities and appropriateness of use in endocrinological diseases.
Investigation of the microfracture and damage characteristics of dam during impoundment at Sanhekou hydropower station
Authors: Ma Ke , Li Yu , Liao Zhiyi , Wang Zuorong , Jiang ZhengChun , Wang Rulin
Published: June 2024

Dam stability is one of the most important issues in hydraulic engineering. Microfractures and damage commonly occur during impoundment, which might lead to serious dam problems. In this study, based on the engineering background of the Sanhekou hydropower station, microseismic monitoring and numerical simulation were employed to systematically investigate the microfracture and damage characteristics of the dam body. First, the microseismic monitoring system was established to capture the microfractures inside the dam. The results indicated that the rise in water level elevation has a significant effect on the microfracture and damage characteristics of the dam body, especially during the early stage of impoundment. This can be reflected by the variation in the derived source parameters, i.e., the b value, daily energy release, daily apparent stress and daily apparent volume. In addition, the failure mode of the microfractures could be determined by using the ES/EP value of microseismic events and the moment tensor inversion method. The cracking orientation of the failure surfaces could also be determined by the moment tensor inversion method. Subsequently, numerical simulation was conducted where the initial damage of the dam was considered by integrating the microseismic monitoring data. The simulation results suggested that dam deformation under impoundment considering microseismic feedback agrees well with the real field measured results. The stress level of the dam toe was larger than that of the dam heel, and both the dam toe and dam heel were under compression before impoundment. However, with increasing water level elevation, the stress status of the dam heel area changes from compression to tension. The findings in this study will provide a better understanding of the damage and failure mechanism of dams during impoundment, which might be helpful for the design and support of dams in hydropower stations.
Terminalia catappa leaf extract as a bio-reducing agent to synthesize Cu2O nanoparticles for methylene blue photodegradation
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hoai Phuong , Nguyen Thi Phuong , Nguyen Thi Anh Thu , Nguyen Tien Dung , Chang S. Woong , Nguyen D. Duc , La D. Duong
Published: June 2024

The large tree species Terminalia catappa is a member of the Combretaceae family and is mainly found in tropical climates. They are commonly cultivated for shade because they have huge, dense foliage. Numerous polyphenols, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phytosterols, are present in the leaves. In this study, the green chemical method was used to extract polyphenols from dried green almond leaves. They were employed in the synthesis of Cu2O nanoparticles as a reducing agent. FTIR and UV–Vis were used to describe the leaf extract of Terminalia catappa after the chlorophyll was removed. Copper salt was used to create Cu2O nanoparticles via a reduction process. The extract's potential for photocatalytic dye degradation has also been explored. The obtained Cu2O had a spherical shape with dimensions of 50–100 nm, and its band gap energy reached 1.945 eV to remove methylene blue from aqueous media under visible light irradiation conditions. At an initial MB concentration of 10 ppm, the decomposition efficiency reached 71.99% after only 2 h of exposure to simulated sunlight. The decomposition process occurred according to a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a rate constant of 0.0084 min−1.
Were post-colonial cities US imperial cities?
Authors: Schayegh Cyrus
Published: June 2024

This exploratory text proposes a US imperial ‘research perspective’ on post-war post-colonial cities – cities that the United States did not colonially occupy, i.e. not cities like Manila, 1898–1946. US imperial actors and interests helped shape such cities, and in turn were shaped by their people and structures. Importantly, the US case seems to strengthen the general recent view, also regarding formal empires, that it makes little sense to posit the existence of an imperial city type, and more sense to use ‘the imperial urban’ as a research perspective.
‘To Explore the World of Sound’: Music, silence and nation-building in Bing Bang Boom (1969)
Authors: Magee Gayle
Published: June 2024

The National Film Board documentary Bing Bang Boom (1969) depicts Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer (1933–2021) teaching seventh-grade students in a suburban public school in Scarborough, Ontario. A close study of the film informs the larger trajectory of the composer’s previous and later writings and compositions over the next several decades, while a deeper dive into archival materials and concurrent productions from Canada’s National Film Board (NFB) illuminates the organisation’s strategy of nation-building at a crucial moment in the country’s history. Together, Schafer and the NFB illuminate Canada’s problematic relationship to Indigenous peoples, places and sounds.
Simulation of Regional Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation From Monocyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using a Near‐Explicit Chemical Mechanism Constrained by Chamber Experiments
Authors: Lu Hutao , Huang Qi , Li Jingyi , Ying Qi , Wang Hongli , Guo Song , Qin Momei , Hu Jianlin
Published: June 2024

The formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) is inextricably linked to the photo‐oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons. However, models still exhibit biases in representing SOA mass and chemical composition. We implemented a box model coupled with a near‐explicit photochemical mechanism, the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCMv3.3.1), to simulate a series of chamber studies and assess model biases in simulating SOA from representative monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, that is, toluene and three xylene isomers (TX SOA). The box model underpredicted SOA yields of toluene and xylenes by 4.7%–100%, which could be improved by adjusting the saturation vapor pressure (SVP) of their oxidation products. After updating the SVP values, the mass concentration of TX SOA in the Yangtze River Delta region during summer doubled, and there was also an approximate 3% enhancement in the total SOA. Compared to a lumped mechanism used for simulating TX SOA, MCM predicted comparable mass concentrations but exhibited different volatility distributions and oxidation states.
Reconstruction of Cenozoic δ11Bsw Using a Gaussian Process
Authors: Whiteford Ross , Heaton Timothy J. , Henehan Michael J. , Anagnostou Eleni , Jurikova Hana , Foster Gavin L. , Rae James W. B.
Published: June 2024

The boron isotope ratio of seawater (δ11Bsw) is a parameter which must be known to reconstruct palaeo pH and CO2 from boron isotope measurements of marine carbonates. Beyond a few million years ago, δ11Bsw is likely to have been different to modern. Palaeo δ11Bsw can be estimated by simultaneously constraining the vertical gradients in foraminiferal δ11B (Δδ11B) and pH (ΔpH). A number of subtly different techniques have been used to estimate ΔpH in the past, all broadly based on assumptions about vertical gradients in oxygen, and/or carbon, or other carbonate system constraints. In this work we pull together existing data from previous studies, alongside a constraint on the rate of change of δ11Bsw from modeling. We combine this information in an overarching statistical framework called a Gaussian Process. The Gaussian Process technique allows us to bring together data and constraints on the rate of change in δ11Bsw to generate random plausible evolutions of δ11Bsw. We reconstruct δ11Bsw, and by extension palaeo pH, across the last 65Myr using this novel methodology. Reconstructed δ11Bsw is compared to other seawater isotope ratios, namely , , and δ7Li, which we also reconstruct with Gaussian Processes. Our method provides a template for incorporation of future δ11Bsw constraints, and a mechanism for propagation of uncertainty in δ11Bsw into future studies.
Structural Inheritance in the Eastern Cordillera, NW Argentina: Low‐Temperature Thermochronology of the Cianzo Basin
Authors: van Kooten Willemijn S. M. T. , Vallati Michele , Sobel Edward R. , del Papa Cecilia E. , Payrola Patricio , Starck Daniel , Bande Alejandro , Wayar Córdoba Maria F. , Lapiana Ayelén T. , Glodny Johannes
Published: June 2024

The present‐day deformation style of the Eastern Cordillera in NW Argentina is strongly influenced by the inversion of pre‐existing Paleozoic and Mesozoic structures. In particular, the extensional faults and lithological contrasts resulting from the Cretaceous–Paleogene Salta Rift phase form heterogeneities that were preferentially reactivated during the Andean orogeny. Constraining the timing and characteristics of reactivation is a key to understanding the interplay between tectonics and inherited crustal anisotropies. In this study, we combine structural and sedimentological field data with a low‐temperature thermochronology data set from the area surrounding the fault‐bounded Cianzo basin. The southeastern boundary is formed by the inverted Hornocal fault, which was the basin‐bounding normal fault of the Lomas de Olmedo sub‐basin (Salta Rift basin). Lacustrine deposits of the Yacoraite Formation overspill on the footwall of this fault and mark tectonic quiescence during the post‐rift phase of the Salta Rift. Apatite (U‐Th‐Sm)/He and fission track ages in the Hornocal fault hanging wall show an onset of rapid cooling interpreted to be concomitant with fault inversion between the latest Oligocene and middle Miocene (∼24–15 Ma). Low‐temperature thermochronology data also constrain the timing of major folding in the eastern limb of the Cianzo syncline to pre‐10 Ma, whereas the western limb started tilting post‐10 Ma. Characterization of exhumation patterns related to fault activity surrounding the Cianzo basin emphasizes the influence of the pre‐existing structural framework on deformation in fold‐and‐thrust belts.
Satellites Reveal Spatial Heterogeneity in Dryland Photovoltaic Plants' Effects on Vegetation Dynamics
Authors: Xia Zilong , Li Yingjie , Guo Shanchuan , Chen Ruishan , Zhang Wei , Guo Xiaona , Zhang Xingang , Du Peijun
Published: June 2024

Large‐scale photovoltaic (PV) plants are growing rapidly in drylands because of the rich solar radiation and vast unutilized land. The transformation of landscapes in dryland has threatened local fragile vegetation. Existing studies have investigated the issue by field observations and satellite data, yet the spatial differences in vegetation changes due to dryland PV plants deployment and underlying driving mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, Landsat Normalized Difference Vegetation Index data were used to assess the vegetation changes disturbed by PV plants in China's drylands. We further identified environmental factors affecting vegetation changes based on random forest regression model. Our findings reveal the spatial heterogeneity in the impact of PV plants on vegetation dynamics—PV plant deployment promoted the growth of vegetation in the vast majority of arid and hyper‐arid drylands, while it tends to cause vegetation decline in the sub‐humid and semi‐arid drylands. The impact of PV plants on vegetation dynamics depends on local environmental conditions. We found that deploying PV plants in areas with sparse vegetation, low humidity, and long sunshine duration is more likely to promote vegetation restoration. The findings and data maps with highly detailed information can help guide solar energy operators in siting and ecological restoration to enhance techno–ecological synergies in the future.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST): British Sarcoma Group clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Judson Ian , Jones Robin L. , Wong Newton A. C. S. , Dileo Palma , Bulusu Ramesh , Smith Myles , Almond Max
Published: June 2024

Background

British Sarcoma Group guidelines for the management of GIST were initially informed by those published by the European Society of Clinical Oncology. This update was written by a group of experts to includes a discussion of the highlight improvements in our knowledge of the disease and recent treatment developments. The guidelines include sections on Incidence, Aetiology, Diagnosis, including risk assessment, Treatment and Follow-up.

Methods

A careful review of the literature was performed to ensure that wherever possible recommendations are supported by the results of clinical trials or substantive retrospective reports. Areas of uncertainty are indicated appropriately.

Conclusion

Guidelines represent a consensus view of current best clinical practice. Where appropriate, key recommendations are given and the levels of evidence and strength of recommendation gradings are those used by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO).
A nationwide study of breast reconstruction after mastectomy in patients with breast cancer receiving postmastectomy radiotherapy: comparison of complications according to radiotherapy fractionation and reconstruction procedures
Authors: Ryu Hyejo , Shin Kyung Hwan , Chang Ji Hyun , Jang Bum-Sup
Published: June 2024

Background

We examined the patterns of breast reconstruction postmastectomy in breast cancer patients undergoing postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) and compared complications based on radiotherapy fractionation and reconstruction procedures.

Methods

Using National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data (2015–2020), we analysed 4669 breast cancer patients with PMRT and reconstruction. Using propensity matching, cohorts for hypofractionated fractionation (HF) and conventional fractionation (CF) were created, adjusting for relevant factors and identifying grade ≥3 complications.

Result

Of 4,669 patients, 30.6% underwent HF and 69.4% CF. The use of HF has increased from 19.4% in 2015 to 41.0% in 2020. Immediate autologous (32.9%) and delayed two-stage implant reconstruction (33.9%) were common. Complication rates for immediate (N = 1286) and delayed two-stage (N = 784) reconstruction were similar between HF and CF groups (5.1% vs. 5.4%, P = 0.803, and 10.5% vs. 10.7%, P = 0.856, respectively) with median follow-ups of 2.5 and 2.6 years. HF showed no increased risk of complications across reconstruction methods.

Conclusion

A nationwide cohort study revealed no significant difference in complication rates between the HF and CF groups, indicating HF for reconstructed breasts is comparable to CF. However, consultation regarding the fractionation for reconstructed breast cancer patients may still be necessary.
Integrating system biology and intratumor gene therapy by trans-complementing the appropriate co-stimulatory molecule as payload in oncolytic herpes virus
Authors: Finizio A. , Pagano P. , Napolano A. , Froechlich G. , Infante L. , De Chiara A. , Amiranda S. , Vitiello E. , Totaro S. , Capasso C. , Raia M. , D’Alise A. M. , de Candia P. , Zambrano N. , Sasso E.
Published: June 2024

Systems biology has been applied at the multi-scale level within the cancer field, improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and enabling precision medicine approaches. While systems biology can expand the knowledge and skills for oncological treatment, it also represents a challenging expedition due to cancer complexity, heterogeneity and diversity not only between different cancer indications, but also in its evolution process through space and time. Here, by characterizing the transcriptional perturbations of the tumor microenvironment induced by oncolytic, we aimed to rationally design a novel armed oncolytic herpes virus. We found that intratumor oncovirotherapy with HSV-1 induces T-cell activation signatures and transcriptionally activates several costimulatory molecules. We identified differentially expressed costimulatory receptors and binding partners, where inducible co-stimulators (ICOS) resulted in the potentially most beneficial targeted therapy. Through an ex-vivo transcriptomic analysis, we explored the potential of arming an oncolytic virus as a combination therapy strategy; in particular, we engineered a targeted herpes virus encoding ICOSL (THV_ICOSL), which resulted in a significant improvement in tumor size control compared to unarmed parental virus. Also, combination with a PD-1 inhibitor enhanced antitumor efficacy as predictable by upregulation of PD-1 and ligands pair (PD-L1/PD-L2) upon oncolytic virus injection. Generation of the human version of this virus encoding hICOSL orthologue effectively and specifically activated human T cells by triggering the ICOS pathway. Our data support the data-driven generation of armed oncolytic viruses as combination immunotherapeutic with checkpoint inhibitors.
TL1A and IL-18 synergy promotes GM-CSF-dependent thymic granulopoiesis in mice
Authors: Ruiz Pérez Mario , Maueröder Christian , Steels Wolf , Verstraeten Bruno , Lameire Sahine , Xie Wei , Wyckaert Laura , Huysentruyt Jelle , Divert Tatyana , Roelandt Ria , Gonçalves Amanda , De Rycke Riet , Ravichandran Kodi , Lambrecht Bart N. , Taghon Tom , Leclercq Georges , Vandenabeele Peter , Tougaard Peter
Published: June 2024

Acute systemic inflammation critically alters the function of the immune system, often promoting myelopoiesis at the expense of lymphopoiesis. In the thymus, systemic inflammation results in acute thymic atrophy and, consequently, impaired T-lymphopoiesis. The mechanism by which systemic inflammation impacts the thymus beyond suppressing T-cell development is still unclear. Here, we describe how the synergism between TL1A and IL-18 suppresses T-lymphopoiesis to promote thymic myelopoiesis. The protein levels of these two cytokines were elevated in the thymus during viral-induced thymus atrophy infection with murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) or pneumonia virus of mice (PVM). In vivo administration of TL1A and IL-18 induced acute thymic atrophy, while thymic neutrophils expanded. Fate mapping with Ms4a3-Cre mice demonstrated that thymic neutrophils emerge from thymic granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs), while Rag1-Cre fate mapping revealed a common developmental path with lymphocytes. These effects could be modeled ex vivo using neonatal thymic organ cultures (NTOCs), where TL1A and IL-18 synergistically enhanced neutrophil production and egress. NOTCH blockade by the LY411575 inhibitor increased the number of neutrophils in the culture, indicating that NOTCH restricted steady-state thymic granulopoiesis. To promote myelopoiesis, TL1A, and IL-18 synergistically increased GM-CSF levels in the NTOC, which was mainly produced by thymic ILC1s. In support, TL1A- and IL-18-induced granulopoiesis was completely prevented in NTOCs derived from Csf2rb-/- mice and by GM-CSFR antibody blockade, revealing that GM-CSF is the essential factor driving thymic granulopoiesis. Taken together, our findings reveal that TL1A and IL-18 synergism induce acute thymus atrophy while  promoting extramedullary thymic granulopoiesis in a NOTCH and GM-CSF-controlled manner.