bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of salt dosing for chytrid mitigation on tadpoles of a threatened frog, Litoria aurea
Authors: Callen Alex , Pizzatto Ligia , Stockwell Michelle P. , Clulow Simon , Clulow John , Mahony Michael J.
Published: February 2023

The novel fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (chytrid) is one of the greatest threats to amphibians worldwide. Small increases in water salinity (up to ca. 4 ppt) have been shown to limit chytrid transmission between frogs, potentially providing a way to create environmental refugia to reduce its impact at a landscape scale. However, the effect of increasing water salinity on tadpoles, a life stage confined to water, is highly variable. Increased water salinity can lead to reduced size and altered growth patterns in some species, with flow-on effects to vital rates such as survival and reproduction. It is thus important to assess potential trade-offs caused by increasing salinity as a tool to mitigate chytrid in susceptible frogs. We conducted laboratory experiments to examine the effects of salinity on the survival and development of tadpoles of a threatened frog (Litoria aurea), previously demonstrated as a suitable candidate for trialling landscape manipulations to mitigate chytrid. We exposed tadpoles to salinity ranging from 1 to 6 ppt and measured survival, time to metamorphosis, body mass and locomotor performance of post-metamorphic frogs as a measure of fitness. Survival and time to metamorphosis did not differ between salinity treatments or controls reared in rainwater. Body mass was positively associated with increasing salinity in the first 14 days. Juvenile frogs from three salinity treatments also showed the same or better locomotor performance compared to rainwater controls, confirming that environmental salinity may influence life history traits in the larval stage, potentially as a hormetic response. Our research suggests that salt concentrations in the range previously shown to improve survival of frogs in the presence of chytrid are unlikely to impact larval development of our candidate threatened species. Our study lends support to the idea of manipulating salinity to create environmental refugia from chytrid for at least some salt-tolerant species.
DNA methylation-based age estimation for adults and minors: considering sex-specific differences and non-linear correlations
Authors: Carlsen Laura , Holländer Olivia , Danzer Moritz Fabian , Vennemann Marielle , Augustin Christa
Published: February 2023

DNA methylation patterns change during human lifetime; thus, they can be used to estimate an individual’s age. It is known, however, that correlation between DNA methylation and aging might not be linear and that the sex might influence the methylation status. In this study, we conducted a comparative evaluation of linear and several non-linear regressions, as well as sex-specific versus unisex models. Buccal swab samples from 230 donors aged 1 to 88 years were analyzed using a minisequencing multiplex array. Samples were divided into a training set (n = 161) and a validation set (n = 69). The training set was used for a sequential replacement regression and a simultaneous 10-fold cross-validation. The resulting model was improved by including a cut-off of 20 years, dividing the younger individuals with non-linear from the older individuals with linear dependence between age and methylation status. Sex-specific models were developed and improved prediction accuracy in females but not in males, which might be explained by a small sample set. We finally established a non-linear, unisex model combining the markers EDARADD, KLF14, ELOVL2, FHL2, C1orf132, and TRIM59. While age- and sex-adjustments did not generally improve the performance of our model, we discuss how other models and large cohorts might benefit from such adjustments. Our model showed a cross-validated MAD and RMSE of 4.680 and 6.436 years in the training set and of 4.695 and 6.602 years in the validation set, respectively. We briefly explain how to apply the model for age prediction.
High-performance thin-layer chromatography analysis of industrial bamboo tableware for genotoxins, melamine and formaldehyde
Authors: Meyer Daniel , Morlock Gertrud
Published: February 2023

Bamboo tableware became popular as ecofriendly material. However, industrial tableware products made of bamboo-melamine–formaldehyde resin material are not biodegradable. In addition, harmful compounds were detected if such consumer articles were used with hot drinks or hot food, and risk assessment found that maximum daily dosages of melamine and formaldehyde were exceeded. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) methods for analysis of such samples have not been demonstrated so far, despite available HPTLC methods for the mentioned analytes. In this work, the potential and limitation of HPTLC analysis for bamboo-melamine–formaldehyde resin tableware was studied regarding the extractable presence of melamine, formaldehyde and genotoxins. The bamboo tableware was extracted with a food simulant, i.e. aqueous acetic acid simulating hot beverages, and analyzed neutralized and non-neutralized, directly without sample preparation to ensure sample integrity and to avoid loss of sample components. As a result, melamine was not detected in the acidic food simulant. Unfortunately, the existing formaldehyde method was not applicable due to the acidic milieu of the food simulant. The non-target HPTLC−(S9)-SOS-Umu-C bioassay with and without simulated S9 liver enzyme metabolization found no genotoxic substances in 50 µL food simulant, which volume and thus acidity was the maximum tolerated by the Salmonella cells.
Market prediction using machine learning based on social media specific features
Authors: Sekioka Satoshi , Hatano Ryo , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: February 2023

In recent years, unspecified messages posted on social media have significantly affected the price fluctuations of online-traded products, such as stocks and virtual currencies. In this study, we investigate whether information on Twitter and natural language expressions in tweets can be used as features for predicting market information, such as price changes in virtual currencies and sudden price changes. Our method is based on features created using Sentence-BERT for tweet data. These features were used to train the light-gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), a variant of the gradient boosting ensemble framework that uses tree-based machine learning models, with the target variable being a sudden change in closing price (sudden drop, sudden rise, or no sudden change). We set up a classification task with three labels using the features created by the proposed method for prediction. We compared the prediction results with and without these new features and discussed the advantages of linguistic features for predicting changes in cryptocurrency trends.
On the properties of the exceptional set for the randomized Euler and Runge-Kutta schemes
Authors: Bochacik Tomasz
Published: February 2023

We show that the probability of the exceptional set decays exponentially for a broad class of randomized algorithms approximating solutions of ODEs, admitting a certain error decomposition. This class includes randomized explicit and implicit Euler schemes, and the randomized two-stage Runge-Kutta scheme (under inexact information). We design a confidence interval for the exact solution of an IVP and perform numerical experiments to illustrate the theoretical results.
Identifying Patterns of Discontinuing and Recommencing Pre-exposure Prophylaxis in the Context of Sexual Behavior Among Gay and Bisexual Men in Australia
Authors: Philpot Steven P. , Murphy Dean , Chan Curtis , Haire Bridget , Wells Nathanael , Fraser Doug , Grulich Andrew E. , Bavinton Benjamin R.
Published: February 2023

We mapped gay and bisexual men’s (GBM) patterns of using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) over time and explored sexual behavior as PrEP use changed. We conducted semi-structured interviews between June 2020 and February 2021 with 40 GBM living in Australia who had changed their PrEP use since initiating. There was considerable diversity in patterns of discontinuation, suspension, and recommencement of PrEP. Reasons for changing PrEP use mostly centered on accurate perceived changes to HIV risk. Twelve participants reported condomless anal intercourse with casual or fuckbuddy partners after discontinuing PrEP. These sex events were unanticipated, condoms were not a preferred option, and other risk reduction strategies were applied inconsistently. Service delivery and health promotion can support safer sex among GBM when PrEP use fluctuates by promoting event-driven PrEP and/or non-condom-based risk reduction methods during periods off daily PrEP, and guiding GBM to better recognize changing circumstances of risk and when to recommence PrEP.
Typological fragility analysis of masonry buildings in Emilia Romagna region (Italy)
Authors: Ferretti Francesca , Simoni Elena , Buratti Nicola , Mazzotti Claudio
Published: February 2023

UnReinforced Masonry (URM) buildings constitute the majority of the Italian building stock and represent one of the most vulnerable construction typologies, as emerged during the seismic events occurred in the last decades. The objective of the present work is the proposal of a methodology for the seismic vulnerability and fragility assessment of different typologies of URM buildings. Through the statistical analysis of post-earthquake damage survey forms and of census data, the most prevalent structural typologies were identified in the Emilia Romagna region (Italy), leading to the definition of two reference masonry buildings, built at the beginning of the XX century and representative of the building stock of the study area. These buildings were modeled according to the equivalent frame method and their seismic performance was studied by means of nonlinear static analyses, considering uncertainties on the mechanical properties of masonry, on the intensity of the seismic action and on the displacement demand calculation method. Through the definition of Response Surfaces, analytical fragility curves relative to the investigated structural typologies were determined for the different damage states.
Diversifying modelling techniques to disentangle the complex patterns of species richness and diversity in the protected afromontane grasslands
Authors: Mashiane Katlego K. , Ramoelo Abel , Adelabu Samuel
Published: February 2023

Ecological research has focused on the importance of environmental factors on spatial biodiversity variations and organisation. This is important because of scant conservation resources. We used stepwise backward selection and random feature selection (RFE) to identify a parsimonious model that can predict species richness and diversity metrics in response to three models; biotic, abiotic, and topo-edaphic. Our results show that both metrics are good predictors of one another, mainly because species diversity is a combination of species richness and abundance, and further highlights the importance of biotic variables in predicting species distribution. The two modelling techniques selected soil texture and its interactions with topographic variables as the most important variables. However, random forest performed worse than multiple linear regression in the prediction of diversity metrics. This research highlights the importance of topographically controlled edaphic factors as drivers of species richness and diversity in mountainous grasslands where topography inherently controls the geomorphic, hydrological, and, as a result, ecological processes.
A two-time-level model for mission and flight planning of an inhomogeneous fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles
Authors: Schmidt Johannes , Fügenschuh Armin
Published: February 2023

We consider the mission and flight planning problem for an inhomogeneous fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Therein, the mission planning problem of assigning targets to a fleet of UAVs and the flight planning problem of finding optimal flight trajectories between a given set of waypoints are combined into one model and solved simultaneously. Thus, trajectories of an inhomogeneous fleet of UAVs have to be specified such that the sum of waypoint-related scores is maximized, considering technical and environmental constraints. Several aspects of an existing basic model are expanded to achieve a more detailed solution. A two-level time grid approach is presented to smooth the computed trajectories. The three-dimensional mission area can contain convex-shaped restricted airspaces and convex subareas where wind affects the flight trajectories. Furthermore, the flight dynamics are related to the mass change, due to fuel consumption, and the operating range of every UAV is altitude-dependent. A class of benchmark instances for collision avoidance is adapted and expanded to fit our model and we prove an upper bound on its objective value. Finally, the presented features and results are tested and discussed on several test instances using GUROBI as a state-of-the-art numerical solver.
One-Dimensional Failure Modes for Bodies with Non-convex Plastic Energies
Authors: Del Piero Gianpietro , Lancioni Giovanni , March Riccardo
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a complete picture of the different plastic failure modes that can be predicted by the strain gradient plasticity model proposed in Del Piero et al. (J. Mech. Mater. Struct. 8:109–151, 2013) is drawn. The evolution problem of the elasto-plastic strain is formulated in Del Piero et al. (J. Mech. Mater. Struct. 8:109–151, 2013) as an incremental minimization problem acting on an energy functional which includes a local plastic term and a non-local gradient contribution. Here, an approximate analytical solution of the evolution problem is determined in the one-dimensional case of a tensile bar. Different solutions are found describing specific plastic strain processes, and correlations between the different evolution modes and the convexity/concavity properties of the plastic energy density are established.

The variety of solutions demonstrates the large versatility of the model in describing many failure mechanisms, ranging from brittle to ductile. Indeed, for a convex plastic energy, the plastic strain diffuses in the body, while, for a concave plastic energy, it localizes in regions whose amplitude depends on the internal length parameter included into the non-local energy term, and, depending on the convexity properties of the first derivative of the plastic energy, the localization band expands or contracts. Complex failure processes combining different modes can be reproduced by assuming plastic energy functionals with specific convex and concave branches.

The quasi-brittle failure of geomaterials in simple tension tests was reproduced by assuming a convex-concave plastic energy, and the accuracy of the analytical predictions was checked by comparing them with the numerical results of finite element simulations.
Generalized Logarithmic Species-Area Relationship Resolves the Arrhenius-Gleason Debate
Authors: Carey Mark , Boland John , Keppel Gunnar
Published: February 2023

The species-area relationship (SAR) is widely applied in ecology. Mathematically, it is usually expressed as either a semi-log or power-law relationship, with the former being introduced by Gleason and the latter by Arrhenius. We here resolve the dispute about which form of the SAR to prefer by introducing a novel model that smoothly transforms between the Gleason semi-log (GSL) and Arrhenius power law (APL) forms. The model introduced has the form of lnq (S) = a + z ln A, with lnq being a generalized logarithmic function, which is a linear map (y = x) for q = 0 and a logarithmic map (y = ln x) for q = 1 and q can take any intermediate value between 0 and 1. We applied this model to 100 datasets (mostly islands), linking species richness to island area. The APL was the preferred model in 68% of head-to-head comparisons with the GSL. Both models were supported in 40% of cases. In just under half (44%) of the cases, an intermediate model best explained the data. The results demonstrate the utility of a simple intermediate SAR model. Visualizing the profile of the range of model fits for all q ∈ [0, 1] (a q chart) allows us to gain extra insight into SARs not yielded by head-to-head comparisons of GSL and APL. The mathematics related to the generalized logarithmic function introduced here should have applications to other areas of ecological modelling.
Drivers of niche partitioning in a community of mid-trophic level epipelagic species in the North Atlantic
Authors: Ceia Filipe R. , Cherel Yves , Silva Andreia V. , Garrido Susana , Angélico Maria M. , da Silva Joana M. , Laranjeiro Maria I. , Ramos Jaime A.
Published: February 2023

According to the principles of community ecology, sympatric species may suffer a selective pressure to decrease their niche overlap through mechanisms of niche partitioning. However, there is still a gap in knowledge of the main drivers influencing niche differentiation, particularly in communities composed by small-sized and inconspicuous species. The coastal epipelagic community structure of mid-trophic level species in the Northeast Atlantic was examined using stable isotope analysis to (1) decipher intrinsic and extrinsic factors promoting niche partitioning and (2) examine species divergence in the use of resources. A total of 474 individuals from a guild of 11 species were sampled during three years, and the influence of potential drivers of isotopic divergence was assessed. The niche partitioning was mainly determined by the taxonomic group in accordance with the fundamental principles of niche theory, which was consistent for both δ13C (i.e. habitat) and δ15N (i.e. prey). Body size was highly important in driving niche partitioning within species. Our results show that the predominant species in the guild were the most generalist, when compared with more specialised species with which they coexist. This study reveals that the intrinsic factors are determinant to decrease inter- and intra-specific niche overlap at the community level.
Control and Manipulation of Microwave Polarization and Power of a Frequency-Agile 198 GHz Gyrotron for Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Millen Marthe , Pagonakis Ioannis Gr. , Björgvinsdóttir Snædís , Alaniva Nicholas , Barnes Alexander B.
Published: February 2023

The measurement and manipulation of the microwave polarization emitted from a frequency-agile 198 GHz gyrotron for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) are demonstrated. In general, gyrotrons emit linearly polarized radiation, yet in this case elliptical polarization is observed from the 198 GHz gyrotron window. Indeed, half of the microwave power is circularly polarized while the other half is linearly polarized with a polarization of 60∘ with respect to the horizontal plane. For optimal use of microwave power for DNP experiments, the elliptical polarization from the gyrotron is converted into circular polarization with a Martin-Puplett interferometer (MPI). The dependence of the DNP enhancement on the microwave polarization was investigated by modifying the microwave polarization with the MPI. In addition, the MPI can generate a linearly polarized beam, which holds promise for future development of induction-mode electron spin detected experiments.
Libyan Healthcare Professionals’, Patients’ and Caregivers’ Perceptions and Religious Beliefs about Cancer Pain and its Management: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Makhlouf Salim M. , Ahmed Shenaz , Bennett Michael I.
Published: February 2023

Cancer pain remains a significant problem worldwide. It is often undertreated and presents in about half of cancer patients. Although several guidelines and pharmacological interventions for cancer pain management (CPM) exist, inadequate assessment and undertreatment of cancer pain are well-documented globally, especially in developing countries, including Libya. Perceptions, cultural and religious beliefs of healthcare professionals (HCP), patients, and caregivers about cancer pain and opioids are reported as barriers to CPM globally. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore Libyan HCPs’, patients’, and caregivers’ views and religious beliefs about CPM and involved semi-structured interviews with 36 participants: 18 Libyan cancer patients, 6 caregivers, and 12 Libyan HCPs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Patients, caregivers, and newly qualified HCPs were concerned about poor tolerance and drug addiction. HCPs perceived a lack of policies and guidelines, pain rating scales, and professional education and training as CPM barriers. Some patients were unable to pay for medicines if they faced financial difficulties. Instead, patients and caregivers emphasised religious and cultural beliefs for managing cancer pain, including the use of the Qur’an and cautery. Our results suggest that religious and cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge and training in CPM among HCPs, and economic and Libyan healthcare system-related factors negatively affect CPM in Libya.
In Search of Safe Spaces: An Exploratory Study of the Anticipated Help-Seeking Needs and Preferences of Protestant Christian Women in Singapore with Respect to a Hypothetical Abortion Scenario
Authors: Teoh S. J. Y. , Low P. K. , Ramsay J. E.
Published: February 2023

Research suggests that religious beliefs may contribute to abortion stigma, resulting in increased secrecy, reduced social support and help-seeking as well as poor coping and negative emotional consequences such as shame and guilt. This study sought to explore the anticipated help-seeking preferences and difficulties of Protestant Christian women in Singapore with regard to a hypothetical abortion scenario. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 self-identified Christian women recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The sample was largely Singaporean and all participants were ethnically Chinese females of a similar age range (late twenties to mid-thirties). All willing participants were recruited regardless of denomination. All participants anticipated experiences of felt, enacted and internalized stigma. These were affected by their perceptions of God (e.g., how they see abortion), their personal definitions of “life” and their perceptions of their religio-social environment (e.g., perceived social safety and fears). These concerns contributed to participants choosing both faith-based and secular formal support sources with caveats, despite a primary preference for faith-based informal support and secondary preference for faith-based formal support. All participants anticipated negative post-abortion emotional outcomes, coping difficulties and short-term decision dissatisfaction. However, participants who reported more accepting views of abortion also anticipated an increase in decision satisfaction and well-being in the longer term.
Time Evolution of Typical Pure States from a Macroscopic Hilbert Subspace
Authors: Teufel Stefan , Tumulka Roderich , Vogel Cornelia
Published: February 2023

We consider a macroscopic quantum system with unitarily evolving pure state $$\psi _t\in \mathcal {H}$$

ψ
t

∈
H

and take it for granted that different macro states correspond to mutually orthogonal, high-dimensional subspaces $$\mathcal {H}_\nu $$

H
ν

(macro spaces) of $$\mathcal {H}$$
H
. Let $$P_\nu $$

P
ν

denote the projection to $$\mathcal {H}_\nu $$

H
ν

. We prove two facts about the evolution of the superposition weights $$\Vert P_\nu \psi _t\Vert ^2$$

‖

P
ν

ψ
t

‖

2

: First, given any $$T>0$$

T
>
0

, for most initial states $$\psi _0$$

ψ
0

from any particular macro space $$\mathcal {H}_\mu $$

H
μ

(possibly far from thermal equilibrium), the curve $$t\mapsto \Vert P_\nu \psi _t\Vert ^2$$

t
↦
‖

P
ν

ψ
t

‖

2

is approximately the same (i.e., nearly independent of $$\psi _0$$

ψ
0

) on the time interval [0, T]. And second, for most $$\psi _0$$

ψ
0

from $$\mathcal {H}_\mu $$

H
μ

and most $$t\in [0,\infty )$$

t
∈
[
0
,
∞
)

, $$\Vert P_\nu \psi _t\Vert ^2$$

‖

P
ν

ψ
t

‖

2

is close to a value $$M_{\mu \nu }$$

M

μ
ν

that is independent of both t and $$\psi _0$$

ψ
0

. The first is an instance of the phenomenon of dynamical typicality observed by Bartsch, Gemmer, and Reimann, and the second modifies, extends, and in a way simplifies the concept, introduced by von Neumann, now known as normal typicality.
The Mediating Role of Mindful Parenting in the Relationship Between Parental Anxiety and Youth’s Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties
Authors: Larrucea-Iruretagoyena Maite , Orue Izaskun
Published: February 2023

One of the central questions in the theory of the intergenerational transmission of psychological symptoms is to identify whether parenting practices explain the transmission of psychological symptoms from parents to youth. This study examined the mediating mechanism of mindful parenting in the relationship between parental anxiety and youth’s emotional and behavioral difficulties. In three waves separated by six months, longitudinal data were collected from 692 Spanish youth (54% girls) aged between 9 and 15 years (Mage = 12.84 years, SD = 1.22 years at Wave 1) and their parents. Path analysis showed that maternal mindful parenting mediated the relationship between maternal anxiety and the youth’s emotional and behavioral difficulties. No mediating effect was found concerning fathers; however, marginal bidirectional relationships were obtained between paternal mindful parenting and youth’s emotional and behavioral difficulties. This study addresses one of the main concerns about the theory of intergenerational transmission using a multi-informant and longitudinal study design, concluding that maternal anxiety predicts less mindful parenting practices and these in turn predict youth’s emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Preliminary evaluation of a 64Cu-labeled DNA aptamer for PET imaging of glioblastoma
Authors: Li Pinghui , Wang Chunmei , Wang Wenrui , Duan Xiaoyan , Li Jianbo
Published: February 2023

To develop a DNA aptamer-based PET tracer for imaging of glioblastoma. 5 mM of NOTA-AS1411, 60-min, and 37 °C were selected as the optimal condition for 64Cu radiolabeling of AS1411. 64Cu-NOTA-AS1411 remained stable in PBS and 100% mouse serum for at least six hours. From the PET images, 64Cu-NOTA-AS1411 tended to be excreted out through the kidneys and there was high tracer accumulation in the bladder. There was a higher tumor uptake in the AS1411 group than that in the control group. 64Cu-NOTA-AS1411 is a suitable potential PET tracer for imaging murine glioblastoma.
A semantics of face emoji in discourse
Authors: Grosz Patrick Georg , Greenberg Gabriel , De Leon Christian , Kaiser Elsi
Published: February 2023

This paper presents an analysis of face emoji (disc-shaped pictograms with stylized facial expressions) that accompany written text. We propose that there is a use of face emoji in which they comment on a target proposition expressed by the accompanying text, as opposed to making an independent contribution to discourse. Focusing on positively valenced and negatively valenced emoji (which we gloss ashappyandunhappy, respectively), we argue that the emoji comment on how the target proposition bears on a contextually provided discourse value endorsed by the author. Discourse values embody what an author desires, aspires to, wishes for, or hopes for. Our analysis derives a range of non-trivial generalizations, including (i) ordering restrictions with regards to the placement of emoji and text, (ii) cases of apparent mixed emotions, and (iii) cases where the lexical content of the accompanying text influences the acceptability of a face emoji.
Inverse learning in Hilbert scales
Authors: Rastogi Abhishake , Mathé Peter
Published: February 2023

We study linear ill-posed inverse problems with noisy data in the framework of statistical learning. The corresponding linear operator equation is assumed to fit a given Hilbert scale, generated by some unbounded self-adjoint operator. Approximate reconstructions from random noisy data are obtained with general regularization schemes in such a way that these belong to the domain of the generator. The analysis has thus to distinguish two cases, the regular one, when the true solution also belongs to the domain of the generator, and the ‘oversmoothing’ one, when this is not the case. Rates of convergence for the regularized solutions will be expressed in terms of certain distance functions. For solutions with smoothness given in terms of source conditions with respect to the scale generating operator, then the error bounds can then be made explicit in terms of the sample size.
Optimization of the closed-loop controller of a discontinuous capsule drive using a neural network
Authors: Zarychta Sandra , Balcerzak Marek , Denysenko Volodymyr , Stefański Andrzej , Dąbrowski Artur , Lenci Stefano
Published: February 2023

In this paper the construction of a neural-network based closed-loop control of a discontinuous capsule drive is analyzed. The foundation of the designed controller is an optimized open-loop control function. A neural network is used to determine the dependence between the output of the open-loop controller and the state of the system. Robustness of the neural controller with respect to variation of parameters of the controlled system is analyzed and compared with the original optimized open-loop control. It is expected that the presented method can facilitate the construction of closed-loop controllers for which alternative methods are not effective, such as non-smooth or discontinuous ones.
β-lapachone-mediated WST1 Reduction as Indicator for the Cytosolic Redox Metabolism of Cultured Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Watermann Patrick , Dringen Ralf
Published: February 2023

Electron cycler-mediated extracellular reduction of the water-soluble tetrazolium salt 1 (WST1) is frequently used as tool for the determination of cell viability. We have adapted this method to monitor by determining the extracellular WST1 formazan accumulation the cellular redox metabolism of cultured primary astrocytes via the NAD(P)H-dependent reduction of the electron cycler β-lapachone by cytosolic NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Cultured astrocytes that had been exposed to β-lapachone in concentrations of up to 3 µM remained viable and showed an almost linear extracellular accumulation of WST1 formazan for the first 60 min, while higher concentrations of β-lapachone caused oxidative stress and impaired cell metabolism. β-lapachone-mediated WST1 reduction was inhibited by the NQO1 inhibitors ES936 and dicoumarol in a concentration-dependent manner, with half-maximal inhibition observed at inhibitor concentrations of about 0.3 µM. β-lapachone-mediated WST1 reduction depended strongly on glucose availability, while mitochondrial substrates such as lactate, pyruvate or ketone bodies allowed only residual β-lapachone-mediated WST1 reduction. Accordingly, the mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors antimycin A and rotenone hardly affected astrocytic WST1 reduction. Both NADH and NADPH are known to supply electrons for reactions catalysed by cytosolic NQO1. Around 60% of the glucose-dependent β-lapachone-mediated WST1 reduction was prevented by the presence of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor G6PDi-1, while the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase inhibitor iodoacetate had only little inhibitory potential. These data suggest that pentose phosphate pathway-generated NADPH, and not glycolysis-derived NADH, is the preferred electron source for cytosolic NQO1-catalysed reductions in cultured astrocytes.
How not to write a constitution: lessons from Chile
Authors: Larrain Guillermo , Negretto Gabriel , Voigt Stefan
Published: February 2023

On September 4, 2022, Chilean voters massively turned down a constitutional proposal that responded to widely shared criticisms of the 1980 constitution and emerged from a consensual and participatory process. This result is paradoxical because ex ante, the odds seemed largely in favor of changing the status quo. We argue that three factors, which derived from the interaction between rules and political contingency, explain the outcome: a Convention under the control of party-less independents, the exceptional underrepresentation of the political right, and a highly decentralized and public writing process. We extract some lessons from the failed experience that can be useful for countries seeking to deepen democratization through constitutional change and for a future constitution-making process in Chile.
Economics as moral exchange: James Buchanan meets Martin Buber
Authors: Brough Tyler J. , Simmons Randy T
Published: February 2023

In this article, we examine the methodological writings of James M. Buchanan and relate them to those of the moral philosopher, Martin Buber. We analyze Buchanan’s views, both explicit and implicit in his writings, on the morality of the exchange relationship between individuals. We imagine a hypothetical meeting between Buchanan and Buber and conclude that Buchanan would have agreed with Buber’s dialogical philosophy of human interaction as a foundation for his catallactic point of view.
On the readability of texts presented in sentence-by-sentence segments to beginner readers: Evidence from self-paced reading and eye tracking
Authors: Koornneef Arnout
Published: February 2023

Many digital reading applications have built-in features to control the presentation flow of texts by segmenting those texts into smaller linguistic units. Whether and how these segmentation techniques affect the readability of texts is largely unknown. With this background, the current study examined a recent proposal that a sentence-by-sentence presentation mode of texts improves reading comprehension of beginning readers because this presentation mode encourages them to engage in more effortful sentence wrap-up processing. In a series of self-paced reading and eye-tracking experiments with primary school pupils as participants (6–9 years old; n = 134), reading speed and text comprehension were assessed in a full-page control condition—i.e., texts were presented in their entirety—and in an experimental condition in which texts were presented in sentence-by-sentence segments. The results showed that text comprehension scores were higher for segmented texts than for full-page texts. Furthermore, in the final word-regions of the sentences in the texts, the segmented layout induced longer reading times than the full-page layout did. However, mediation analyses revealed that these inflated reading times had no, or even a disruptive influence on text comprehension. This indicates that the observed comprehension advantage for segmented texts cannot be attributed to more effortful sentence wrap-up. A more general implication of these findings is that the segmentation features of reading applications should be used with caution (e.g., in educational or professional settings) because it is unclear how they affect the perceptual and cognitive mechanisms that underlie reading.
Analysis of Geoeffective Impulsive Events on the Sun During the First Half of Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Gil Agnieszka , Berendt-Marchel Monika , Modzelewska Renata , Siluszyk Agnieszka , Siluszyk Marek , Wawrzaszek Anna , Wawrzynczak Anna
Published: February 2023

A coronal mass ejection (CME) is an impulsive event that emerges rapidly from the Sun. We observed a quiet Sun without many spectacular episodes during the last decade. Although some fast halo and partial halo CMEs had taken place, among them was the backside CME on 23 July 2012. In this work, we verify the link between the variability of solar-wind, heliospheric and geomagnetic parameters and the transmission grid failures registered in southern Poland during 2010 – 2014 when many geomagnetic storms appeared, caused by halo and partial halo CMEs. We aim to apply three machine learning methods: Principal Components Analysis, Self-Organizing Maps, and Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering to analyze sources on the Sun and the impacts of the intense geomagnetic storms in the first half of Solar Cycle 24. The conducted analyzes underline the importance of solar-wind proton temperature and point out other solar-wind and geomagnetic parameters independently indicated by all the methods used in this study.
The Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) Mission: Final Calibrations and Data Products
Authors: Woods Thomas N. , Leibacher John W.
Published: February 2023

The Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) was a NASA mission that operated from 2003 to 2020 to provide key climate-monitoring measurements of total solar irradiance (TSI) and solar spectral irradiance (SSI). This topical collection provides an overview of some of the key SORCE science results, an overview of mission operations and how anomalies impacted the science observations, a detailed description of the updated algorithms used in producing the final data products of TSI and SSI from the four SORCE instruments, and results from an underflight calibration-rocket experiment flown in June 2018. The 17-year-long SORCE mission has made many contributions to the climate records of TSI and SSI that date back to the 1970s, and, fortunately, similar observations from the Total and Spectral Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS-1) are able to continue these Sun-climate records after SORCE without a gap.
Context-Driven Detection of Invertebrate Species in Deep-Sea Video
Authors: McEver R. Austin , Zhang Bowen , Levenson Connor , Iftekhar A S M , Manjunath B. S.
Published: February 2023

Each year, underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) collect thousands of hours of video of unexplored ocean habitats revealing a plethora of information regarding biodiversity on Earth. However, fully utilizing this information remains a challenge as proper annotations and analysis require trained scientists’ time, which is both limited and costly. To this end, we present a Dataset for Underwater Substrate and Invertebrate Analysis (DUSIA), a benchmark suite and growing large-scale dataset to train, validate, and test methods for temporally localizing four underwater substrates as well as temporally and spatially localizing 59 underwater invertebrate species. DUSIA currently includes over ten hours of footage across 25 videos captured in 1080p at 30 fps by an ROV following pre-planned transects across the ocean floor near the Channel Islands of California. Each video includes annotations indicating the start and end times of substrates across the video in addition to counts of species of interest. Some frames are annotated with precise bounding box locations for invertebrate species of interest, as seen in Fig. 1. To our knowledge, DUSIA is the first dataset of its kind for deep sea exploration, with video from a moving camera, that includes substrate annotations and invertebrate species that are present at significant depths where sunlight does not penetrate. Additionally, we present the novel context-driven object detector (CDD) where we use explicit substrate classification to influence an object detection network to simultaneously predict a substrate and species class influenced by that substrate. We also present a method for improving training on partially annotated bounding box frames. Finally, we offer a baseline method for automating the counting of invertebrate species of interest.
Novel development of zinc oxide–coated carbon nanoparticles from pineapple leaves using sol gel method for optimal adsorption of Cu2+ and reuse in latent fingerprint application
Authors: Fouda-Mbanga Bienvenu-Gael , Pillay Kriveshini , Tywabi-Ngeva Zikhona
Published: February 2023

This study underlines a latest approach of preparing nitrogen carbon nanoparticles fused on zinc oxide nanoparticle nanocomposite (N-CNPs/ZnONP nanocomposite) for the uptake of copper ions (Cu2+) from wastewater using a sol gel method. The metal loaded adsorbent was then applied in the latent fingerprint application. N-CNPs/ZnONP nanocomposite proved to be a good sorbent for the optimal adsorption of Cu2+ at pH 8 and 1.0 g/L dosage. Langmuir isotherm best fitted the process with the maximum adsorption capacity of 285.71 mg/g that was superior to most values reported in other studies for the removal of Cu2+. At 25 °C, the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. Furthermore, Cu2+-N-CNPs/ZnONP nanocomposite revealed to be sensitive and selective for latent fingerprint (LFP) identification on a variety of porous surfaces. As a result, it is an excellent identifying chemical for latent fingerprint recognition in forensic science.

Graphical Abstract
Efficacy and safety of IL-23 inhibitors in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis: a meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
Authors: Huang Xiaojing , Shentu Haojie , He Yujing , Lai Haijia , Xu Chen , Chen Meiling , Zhu Haowei
Published: February 2023

In recent years, the use of interleukin (IL) 23 inhibitors in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has been the subject of much research. By specifically binding to the p19 subunit of IL-23, IL-23 inhibitors block downstream signaling pathways and inhibit inflammatory responses. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of IL-23 inhibitors in the treatment of PsA. PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE databases were searched from the time of conception to June 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the use of IL-23 in PsA therapy. The main outcome of interest was the American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR20) response rate at week 24. We included six RCTs (3 studies on guselkumab, 2 on risankizumab, and 1 on tildrakizumab) with a total of 2971 PsA patients in our meta-analysis. We found that the IL-23 inhibitor group showed a significantly higher ACR20 response rate compared to the placebo group (relative risk = 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.57–1.92; P < 0.001; I2 = 40%). There was no statistical difference in the risk of adverse events (P = 0.07) and serious adverse events (P = 0.20) between the IL-23 inhibitor and placebo groups. Notably, the rate of elevated transaminases in the IL-23 inhibitor group was higher than the placebo group (relative risk = 1.69; 95%CI 1.29–2.23; P < 0.001; I2 = 24%). In the treatment of PsA, IL-23 inhibitors significantly outperform placebo intervention while maintaining a favorable safety profile.
Talking About Audio: Analysing Book Industry Trade Talk on Audiobooks and Streaming in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Colbjørnsen Terje , Tallerås Kim , Steiner Ann
Published: February 2023

Streaming services are creating significant shifts in Scandinavia, with audiobooks distributed through subscription-based services accounting for about a quarter of sales in the Swedish and Norwegian book markets. In this study we ask: What are the common and diverging themes of trade talk on audiobooks and streaming services in Sweden and Norway? Our findings indicate that trade talk in the two countries differs distinctively. The differences suggest that discussions over audiobooks and streaming form two quite distinct discourses: A business and innovation discourse which is dominant in Sweden and a cultural policy discourse which is dominant in Norway.
Iatrogenic Duodenal Perforation After Surgery: a Systematic Review
Authors: Reddavid Rossella , Ballauri E. , Aguilar Hogla Aridai Resendiz , Cardile Mathieu , Marchiori Giulia , Sbuelz Francesca , Degiuli Maurizio
Published: February 2023

Duodenal perforation consequent to prior surgery is a rare but severe complication carrying serious consequences if not promptly managed. This study aims to identify the best treatment pathway available to date. This is a systematic review registered to PROSPERO. The literature research was conducted on Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane up to February 2022 to identify all papers reporting surgical-related duodenal perforations. Twelve articles were included. Most of these studies were case reports or case series. The most common cause of perforation was laparoscopic cholecystectomy (72.7%). The median time to symptom appearance was 2 days. Most of these perforations were severe injuries located in the first portion of the duodenum. Only one patient was treated with a non-interventional conservative management, which failed. Five patients were managed with interventional non-surgical treatments: 4 with endoscopy (50% failure) and one with a percutaneous occluder. Different surgical treatments were reported: direct suture (100% failure), direct suture and T-tube duodenostomy (75% failure), simple abdominal drainage, and suture with pyloric exclusion. Further extensive surgeries were also reported. The overall mortality rate was 13.6%, with a median hospital stay of 38.5 days. This review shows a wide spectrum of managements for patients with duodenal perforation related to prior surgery. The decision on which treatment to adopt must consider patient’s clinical setting and duodenal defect characteristics (size, site, and time to diagnosis). A tentative treatment flowchart is provided, although larger sample size studies are needed to obtain a treatment pathway based on evidence.
Diffusion dynamics and characterization of attogram masses in optically trapped single nanoparticles using laser-induced plasma imaging
Authors: Purohit Pablo , Fortes Francisco J. , Laserna Javier
Published: February 2023

In the present work, a wavelength-selected plasma imaging analysis system is presented and used to track photons emitted from single-trapped nanoparticles in air at atmospheric pressure. The isolated nanoentities were atomized and excited into plasma state using single nanosecond laser pulses. The use of appropriate wavelength filters alongside time-optimized acquisition settings enabled the detection of molecular and atomic emissions in the plasma. The photon detection efficiency of the imaging line resulted in a signal > 400 times larger than the simultaneously-acquired dispersive spectroscopy data. The increase in sensitivity outlined the evolution of diverse physicochemical processes at the single particle scale which included heat and momentum transfer from the plasma into the particle as wells as chemical reactions. The imaging detection of excited fragments evidenced different diffusion kinetics and time frames for atoms and molecules and their influence upon both the spectroscopic emission readout and fabrication processes using the plasma as a reactor. Moreover, the origin of molecular species, whether naturally-occurring or derived from a chemical reaction in the plasma, could also be studied on the basis of compositional gradients found on the images. Limits of detection for the inspected species ranged from tens to hundreds attograms, thus leading to an exceptional sensing principle for single nanoentities that may impact several areas of science and technology.
Cybersicherheit für Staat, Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft
Authors: Möller Tobias Alexander
Published: February 2023

Der Beitrag fokussiert sich auf die unterschiedlichen Bedrohungen für Deutschland im Cyberraum und die Abwehr dieser Gefahren. Er thematisiert die gegenwärtige Bedrohungslage im Cyberraum durch eine praxisnahe Betrachtung von Akteuren und Methoden sowie die Entwicklungen in den Bereichen Ransomware und Advanced Persistent Threat. Zudem beleuchtet der Beitrag das Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik als zentralen Akteur in der deutschen Cybersicherheit.
Luteolin promotes KAT6A gene expression
Authors: Brun P. , Dettin M. , Vettor R.
Published: February 2023

De novo, rare, and genomic variants in the KAT6A gene have been associated with cases of intellectual disability with speech/language impairment. The pathogenic variants of KAT6A gene can produce the KAT6A enzyme inefficiently, faulty, or in inappropriate quantity. In order to search for compounds able to modulate the KAT6A gene expression, we treated primary human osteoblasts with molecules structurally similar to bisphenol A, a potentially toxic compound known as an upregulator of KAT6A gene expression. We further demonstrated that much safer compounds, such as luteolin and 17 α hydroxyprogesterone, could induce the upregulation of KAT6A gene in human osteoblasts.