bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stilbene derivatives from Gnetum montanum Markgr. with their xanthine oxidase inhibition activity
Authors: Thanh Nguyen Thi Viet , Cuong Ho Duc , Tai Bui Huu , Van Kiem Phan
Published: May 2024

Phytochemical study on the methanol extract of the trunks of Gnetum montanum Markgr. led to the isolation of one new stilbene derivative, (E)‐2′‐methoxy‐3,5,5′‐trihydroxystilbene (1) and six known compounds, lehmbachol (2), gnetulin (3), trans‐shegansu B (4), cis‐shegansu B (5), (+)‐hannokinol (6), and gnetol (7). Their chemical structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses including HR‐ESI‐MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and circular dichroism methods in comparison with the reported data. In addition, compounds 1–5 showed xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 13.6, 35.2, 38.7, 43.4, and 47.7 µm, respectively, compared to the positive control, allopurinol, which showed IC50 value of 2.9 µm.
Successful surgical management of pancreatic torsion in a 3‐month‐old Bernese Mountain dog without evidence of long‐term pancreatic dysfunction
Authors: Moses Ivan A , Hallowell Theresa C
Published: May 2024

To describe the clinical presentation, diagnosis, perioperative management and the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of a dog diagnosed with pancreatic torsion. A 3‐month‐old female intact Bernese Mountain dog presented for an acute onset of vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass effect cranial to the stomach. A pancreatic torsion was diagnosed during exploratory laparotomy and treated with partial pancreatectomy. Histopathology confirmed pancreatic torsion. The patient recovered uneventfully and pancreatic function and inflammation testing that was performed 14 months postoperatively showed no evidence of ongoing dysfunction. This is the first report that demonstrates long‐term follow‐up with pancreatic function testing in a patient who had a partial pancreatectomy due to pancreatic torsion. There was no evidence of long‐term pancreatic dysfunction due to partial pancreatectomy secondary to pancreatic torsion. Additionally, this is the youngest patient with pancreatic torsion to be described in the veterinary literature.
The framework of “role conceptions” and Nigeria's external engagements
Authors: Oshewolo Segun , Oniemola Roseline F. , Azeez Ademola , Opeyeoluwa Rotimi O. , Macaulay Abiodun J.
Published: May 2024

This article relies on the intellectual framework of “national role conceptions” to explain Nigeria's wide‐ranging international obligations. Although Nigeria has a rich foreign policy literature, this framework is rarely directly employed in analyzing the country's many external engagements and the motives behind them. Nigeria has always assumed international roles that are in tandem with its fundamental foreign policy objectives. These roles are inspired by the identities that the country has constructed and projected for itself overtime and the expectations of peers (or other actors). Nigeria's constructive external engagements and role performance notwithstanding, there have been some misalignments. These include the sorry state of Nigeria's foreign missions, domestic contradictions, and the fact that Nigeria has sometimes behaved sluggishly in its role performance. This work recommends that Nigeria's diplomatic missions must be adequately financed, the domestic contradictions leading to disputation over foreign policy roles must be addressed, and Nigeria must overcome its occasional complacencies in Africa.
Detection and modeling of Staphylococcus aureus and fecal bacteria in Hawaiian coastal waters and sands
Authors: Steadmon Maria , Takakusagi Melia , Wiegner Tracy N. , Jones Mikayla , Economy Louise M. , Panelo Jazmine , Morrison Lynn A. , Medeiros Matt C. I. , Frank Kiana L.
Published: May 2024

Microbial pollution of recreational waters leads to millions of skin, respiratory, and gastrointestinal illnesses globally. Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are monitored to assess recreational waters but may not reflect the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, a global leader in bacterial fatalities. Since many community‐acquired S. aureus skin infections are associated with high recreational water usage, this study measured and modeled S. aureus, methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and FIB (Enterococcus spp., Clostridium perfringens) concentrations in seawater and sand at six beaches in Hilo, Hawai‘i, USA, over 37 sample dates from July 2016 to February 2019 using culturing techniques. Generalized linear models predicted bacterial concentrations with physicochemical and environmental data. Beach visitors were also surveyed on their preferred activities. S. aureus and FIB concentrations were roughly 6–78 times higher at beaches with freshwater discharge than at those without. Seawater concentrations of Enterococcus spp. were positively associated with MRSA but not S. aureus. Elevated S. aureus was associated with lower tidal heights, higher freshwater discharge, onsite sewage disposal system density, and turbidity. Regular monitoring of beaches with freshwater input, utilizing real‐time water quality measurements with robust modeling techniques, and raising awareness among recreational water users may mitigate exposure to S. aureus, MRSA, and FIB.

Practitioner Points

Staphylococcus aureus and fecal bacteria concentrations were higher in seawater and sand at beaches with freshwater discharge.

In seawater, Enterococcus spp. positively correlated with MRSA, but not S. aureus.

Freshwater discharge, OSDS density, water turbidity, and tides significantly predicted bacterial concentrations in seawater and sand.

Predictive bacterial models based upon physicochemical and environmental data developed in this study are readily available for user‐friendly application.
Development and validation of a predictive model for choledocholithiasis
Authors: Huerta‐Reyna Raúl , Guevara‐Torres Lorenzo , Martínez‐Jiménez Mario Aurelio , Armas‐Zarate Francisco , Aguilar‐García Jorge , Waldo‐Hernández Luis Ivan , Martínez‐Martínez Marco Ulises
Published: May 2024

Background

Gallstone‐related conditions affect a significant portion of the population, with varying prevalence among different ethnic groups. Complications such as pancreatitis and cholangitis are associated with the presence of common bile duct (CBD) stones. Existing guidelines for diagnosing choledocholithiasis lack precision, leading to excessive use of invasive procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Methods

A prospective study was conducted at Hospital Central “Dr. Ignacio Morones Prieto,” involving 374 patients in the development cohort and 154 patients in the validation cohort. Patients meeting inclusion criteria underwent biochemical testing and ultrasonography. A predictive scoring system was developed using logistic regression and validated in an independent cohort. Clinical and laboratory variables were collected, and model performance was assessed using receiver‐operator characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

The predictive model incorporated variables such as age, pancreatitis, cholangitis, bilirubin levels, and CBD stone presence on ultrasound. The model demonstrated an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 93.81% in the validation dataset. By adjusting the threshold defining high‐risk probability to 40%, the model improved specificity and sensitivity compared to existing guidelines. Notably, the model reclassified patients, leading to a more accurate risk assessment.

Conclusions

The developed algorithm accurately predicts choledocholithiasis non‐invasively in patients with symptomatic gallstones. This tool has the potential to reduce reliance on costly or invasive procedures like magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and ERCP, offering a more efficient and cost‐effective approach to patient management. The user‐friendly calculator developed in this study could streamline diagnostic procedures, particularly in resource‐limited healthcare settings, ultimately improving patient care.
From “online brains” to “online lives”: understanding the individualized impacts of Internet use across psychological, cognitive and social dimensions
Authors: Firth Joseph , Torous John , López‐Gil José Francisco , Linardon Jake , Milton Alyssa , Lambert Jeffrey , Smith Lee , Jarić Ivan , Fabian Hannah , Vancampfort Davy , Onyeaka Henry , Schuch Felipe B. , Firth Josh A.
Published: May 2024

In response to the mass adoption and extensive usage of Internet‐enabled devices across the world, a major review published in this journal in 2019 examined the impact of Internet on human cognition, discussing the concepts and ideas behind the “online brain”. Since then, the online world has become further entwined with the fabric of society, and the extent to which we use such technologies has continued to grow. Furthermore, the research evidence on the ways in which Internet usage affects the human mind has advanced considerably. In this paper, we sought to draw upon the latest data from large‐scale epidemiological studies and systematic reviews, along with randomized controlled trials and qualitative research recently emerging on this topic, in order to now provide a multi‐dimensional overview of the impacts of Internet usage across psychological, cognitive and societal outcomes. Within this, we detail the empirical evidence on how effects differ according to various factors such as age, gender, and usage types. We also draw from new research examining more experiential aspects of individuals’ online lives, to understand how the specifics of their interactions with the Internet, and the impact on their lifestyle, determine the benefits or drawbacks of online time. Additionally, we explore how the nascent but intriguing areas of culturomics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality are changing our understanding of how the Internet can interact with brain and behavior. Overall, the importance of taking an individualized and multi‐dimensional approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning is clear. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for guidelines, policies and initiatives around Internet usage to make full use of the evidence available from neuroscientific, behavioral and societal levels of research presented herein.
Counting $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 8 black holes as algebraic varieties
Authors: Chowdhury Abhishek , Maji Sourav
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We calculate the helicity trace index B14 for $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 8 pure D-brane black holes using various techniques of computational algebraic geometry and find perfect agreement with the existing results in the literature. For these black holes, microstate counting is equivalent to finding the number of supersymmetric vacua of a multi-variable supersymmetric quantum mechanics which in turn is equivalent to solving a set of multi-variable polynomial equations modulo gauge symmetries. We explore four different techniques to solve a set of polynomial equations, namely Newton Polytopes, Homotopy continuation, Monodromy and Hilbert series. The first three methods rely on a mixture of symbolic and high precision numerics whereas the Hilbert series is symbolic and admit a gauge invariant analysis. Furthermore, exploiting various exchange symmetries, we show that quartic and higher order terms are absent in the potential, which if present would have spoiled the counting. Incorporating recent developments in algebraic geometry focusing on computational algorithms, we have extended the scope of one of the authors previous works [1, 2] and presented a new perspective for the black hole microstate counting problem. This further establishes the pure D-brane system as a consistent model, bringing us a step closer to $$\mathcal{N}$$ = 2 black hole microstate counting.
An observable in Classical Pure AdS3 Gravity: the twist along a geodesic
Authors: Wang Xiao-Shuai , Wu Jie-qiang
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we consider a little-studied observable in classical pure AdS3 gravity: the twist along a geodesic. The motivation is that the twist only supports on the geodesic so may be a candidate element in the center of the algebra in either entanglement wedge associated to the geodesic. We study the properties of the twist and get the following results. First, we get the system’s evolution generated by the twist, which exhibits a relative shift along the geodesic. Second, we show that the twist commutes with the length of the same geodesic, which supports the proposal that the twist is a candidate element in the center.
A note on ideal C$$^*$$-completions and amenability
Authors: Kochanek Tomasz
Published: May 2024

For a discrete group G, we consider certain ideals $$\mathcal {I}\subset c_0(G)$$

I
⊂

c
0

(
G
)

of sequences with prescribed rate of convergence to zero. We show that the equality between the full group C$$^*$$

∗

-algebra of G and the C$$^*$$

∗

-completion $$\textrm{C}^*_{\mathcal {I}}(G)$$

C
I
∗

(
G
)

in the sense of Brown and Guentner (Bull. London Math. Soc. 45:1181–1193, 2013) implies that G is amenable.
Swirl flow stability: thermodynamic analysis and experiments
Authors: Maršík František , Trávníček Zdeněk , Weigand Bernhard , Seibold Florian , Antošová Zuzana
Published: May 2024

The current paper presents a theoretical analysis of swirl flow stability, both inside a tube (vortex tube) and in a free annular swirl flow. The starting concept is the study of the evolution of velocity and temperature fluctuations. Methods of non-equilibrium thermodynamics are used to describe the magnitude of fluctuations and their properties. The important role of the total enthalpy follows from a variational analysis. Moreover, the thermodynamic criterion of the stability is formulated using the total enthalpy, and compared with experiments, numerical results and classical Rayleigh theory support its applicability. It was shown that the solid body vortex is at the margin of stability, which is experimentally observed. Analogously, the potential vortex is by the thermodynamic criterion stable; however, by the Rayleigh criteria it is on the onset of stability. The classical Taylor experiment of flow between two rotating cylinders is analysed from the point of view of this criterion. These results are underlined by swirl tube experiments at the Institute of Aerospace Thermodynamics at Stuttgart University and the annular nozzle experiments performed in the Institute of Thermomechanics CAS in Prague. Both independent experiments confirm the transformation of the initial annular vortex into a stable potential-type vortex. The results of this theory can also be used to explain the exceptional stability of tropical cyclones.
Taxonomic characterization of Sphaerotilus microaerophilus sp. nov., a sheath-forming microaerophilic bacterium of activated sludge origin
Authors: Narihara Shiori , Chida Shun , Matsunaga Naoki , Akimoto Ryosuke , Akimoto Mizuki , Hagio Aoi , Mori Tomomi , Nittami Tadashi , Sato Michio , Mun Sehui , Kang Hyeonjin , Back Ji Hwan , Takeda Minoru
Published: May 2024

A microaerophilic Gram-stain-negative bacilliform bacterial strain, FB-5 T, was isolated from activated sludge in Yokohama, Japan, that exhibited filamentous growth and formed a microtube (sheath). Cells were motile using a single polar flagellum. The optimum growth temperature and pH were 30 °C and 7.5, respectively. Strain FB-5 T was catalase-negative. Peptides and amino acids were utilized as energy and carbon sources. Sugars and organic acids were not utilized. Vitamin B12 enhanced the growth of strain FB-5 T. Sulfur-dependent lithotrophic growth was possible. Major respiratory quinone was UQ-8. Major fatty acids were C16:1ω7 and C16:0. The genomic DNA G + C content was 69.16%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene suggested that strain FB-5 T belongs to the genus Sphaerotilus. The close relatives were S. natans subsup. sulfidivorans and S. natans subsup. natans with 98.0% and 97.8% similarity based on the 16S rRNA gene analysis, respectively. The genome size (6.06 Mbp) was larger than that (4.39–5.07 Mbp) of the Sphaerotilus strains. The AAI values against the related strains ranged from 71.0 to 72.5%. The range of ANI values was 81.7 − 82.5%. In addition to these distinguishable features of the genome, the core genome and dDDH analyses suggested that this strain is a novel member of the genus Sphaerotilus. Based on its physiological properties and genomic features, strain FB-5 T is considered as a novel species of the genus Sphaerotilus, for which the name S. microaerophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FB-5 T (= JCM 35424 T = KACC 23146 T).
The effect of e-cigarettes on cognitive function: a scoping review
Authors: Novak Marissa L. , Wang Grace Y.
Published: May 2024

Aim

Much research has been conducted on the acute effects of nicotine on human cognitive performance, demonstrating both enhancing and impairing cognitive effects. With the relatively recent introduction of electronic cigarettes (‘e-cigarettes’) as a smoking cessation device, little is known about the cognitive effects of e-cigarettes specifically, either as a nicotine replacement device or in the absence of nicotine. The purpose of this review was to present an overview of evidence from empirical studies on the effect of e-cigarettes on cognitive function.

Approach

Guided by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines (PRISMA-ScR), SCOPUS, PubMed, and EBSCOhost were searched from 2006, the year e-cigarettes were introduced, to June 2023 for relevant papers, along with reference lists checked for additional papers.

Key findings

Seven experimental and four cross-sectional survey studies were identified and included. The majority of the studies only include regular and current cigarette smokers and primarily assessed the acute cognitive effect of e-cigarettes relative to nicotine. While the findings primarily suggest either no or positive effect of e-cigarettes on cognition in cigarette smokers, associations between e-cigarettes and cognitive impairments in memory, concentration and decision making were reported in both cigarette smokers and never-smokers.

Implications and conclusions

The acute cognitive effect of e-cigarettes on regular cigarette smokers appears minimal. However, long-term cognitive effect and their effects on never-smokers are unclear. Given that the increased numbers of e-cigarette users are non-smokers and/or adolescents, research with those naïve to nicotine and a developmentally vulnerable adolescent population on its long-term effect is needed.
Nile red staining for rapid screening of plastic-suspect particles in edible seafood tissues
Authors: Süssmann Julia , Fischer Elke Kerstin , Hildebrandt Lars , Walz Elke , Greiner Ralf , Rohn Sascha , Fritsche Jan
Published: May 2024

Concerns regarding microplastic (MP) contamination in aquatic ecosystems and its impact on seafood require a better understanding of human dietary MP exposure including extensive monitoring. While conventional techniques for MP analysis like infrared or Raman microspectroscopy provide detailed particle information, they are limited by low sample throughput, particularly when dealing with high particle numbers in seafood due to matrix-related residues. Consequently, more rapid techniques need to be developed to meet the requirements of large-scale monitoring. This study focused on semi-automated fluorescence imaging analysis after Nile red staining for rapid MP screening in seafood. By implementing RGB-based fluorescence threshold values, the need for high operator expertise to prevent misclassification was addressed. Food-relevant MP was identified with over 95% probability and differentiated from natural polymers with a 1% error rate. Comparison with laser direct infrared imaging (LDIR), a state-of-the-art method for rapid MP analysis, showed similar particle counts, indicating plausible results. However, highly variable recovery rates attributed to inhomogeneous particle spiking experiments highlight the need for future development of certified reference material including sample preparation. The proposed method demonstrated suitability of high throughput analysis for seafood samples, requiring 0.02–0.06 h/cm2 filter surface compared to 4.5–14.7 h/cm with LDIR analysis. Overall, the method holds promise as a screening tool for more accurate yet resource-intensive MP analysis methods such as spectroscopic or thermoanalytical techniques.

Graphical Abstract
Single-cell sequencing of tumour infiltrating T cells efficiently identifies tumour-specific T cell receptors based on the T cell activation score
Authors: Zhang Chaoting , Li Shance , Shen Luyan , Teng Xia , Xiao Yefei , Yang Wenjun , Lu Zheming
Published: May 2024

Adoptively transferred T cell receptor-engineered T cells are a promising cancer treatment strategy, and the identification of tumour-specific TCRs is essential. Previous studies reported that tumour-reactive T cells and TCRs could be isolated based on the expression of activation markers. However, since T cells with different cell states could not respond uniformly to activation but show a heterogeneous expression profile of activation and effector molecules, isolation of tumour-reactive T cells based on single activation or effector molecules could result in the absence of tumour-reactive T cells; thus, combinations of multiple activation and effector molecules could improve the efficiency of isolating tumour-specific TCRs. We enrolled two patients with lung adenocarcinoma and obtained their tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and autologous tumour cells (ATCs). TILs were cocultured with the corresponding ATCs for 12 h and subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing. First, we identified three TCRs with the highest expression levels of IFNG and TNFRSF9 mRNA for each patient, yet only the top one or two recognized the corresponding ATCs in each patient. Next, we defined the activation score based on normalized expression levels of IFNG, IL2, TNF, IL2RA, CD69, TNFRSF9, GZMB, GZMA, GZMK, and PRF1 mRNA for each T cell and then identified three TCRs with the highest activation score for each patient. We found that all three TCRs in each patient could specifically identify corresponding ATCs. In conclusion, we established an efficient approach to isolate tumour-reactive TCRs based on combinations of multiple activation and effector molecules through single-cell RNA sequencing.
Longitudinal ultrasound-based AI model predicts axillary lymph node response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: a multicenter study
Authors: Fu Ying , Lei Yu-Tao , Huang Yu-Hong , Mei Fang , Wang Song , Yan Kun , Wang Yi-Hua , Ma Yi-Han , Cui Li-Gang
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Developing a deep learning radiomics model from longitudinal breast ultrasound and sonographer’s axillary ultrasound diagnosis for predicting axillary lymph node (ALN) response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in breast cancer.

Methods

Breast cancer patients undergoing NAC followed by surgery were recruited from three centers between November 2016 and December 2022. We collected ultrasound images for extracting tumor-derived radiomics and deep learning features, selecting quantitative features through various methods. Two machine learning models based on random forest were developed using pre-NAC and post-NAC features. A support vector machine integrated these data into a fusion model, evaluated via the area under the curve (AUC), decision curve analysis, and calibration curves. We compared the fusion model’s performance against sonographer’s diagnosis from pre-NAC and post-NAC axillary ultrasonography, referencing histological outcomes from sentinel lymph node biopsy or axillary lymph node dissection.

Results

In the validation cohort, the fusion model outperformed both pre-NAC (AUC: 0.899 vs. 0.786, p < 0.001) and post-NAC models (AUC: 0.899 vs. 0.853, p = 0.014), as well as the sonographer’s diagnosis of ALN status on pre-NAC and post-NAC axillary ultrasonography (AUC: 0.899 vs. 0.719, p < 0.001). Decision curve analysis revealed patient benefits from the fusion model across threshold probabilities from 0.02 to 0.98. The model also enhanced sonographer’s diagnostic ability, increasing accuracy from 71.9% to 79.2%.

Conclusion

The deep learning radiomics model accurately predicted the ALN response to NAC in breast cancer. Furthermore, the model will assist sonographers to improve their diagnostic ability on ALN status before surgery.

Clinical relevance statement

Our AI model based on pre- and post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy ultrasound can accurately predict axillary lymph node metastasis and assist sonographer’s axillary diagnosis.

Key Points

Axillary lymph node metastasis status affects the choice of surgical treatment, and currently relies on subjective ultrasound.

Our AI model outperformed sonographer’s visual diagnosis on axillary ultrasound.

Our deep learning radiomics model can improve sonographers’ diagnosis and might assist in surgical decision-making.
An assessment of effective slope as a parameter for turbulent drag prediction over multi-scaled roughness
Authors: Ramani A. , Schilt L. , Nugroho B. , Busse A. , Jelly T. O. , Monty J. P. , Hutchins N.
Published: May 2024

The streamwise effective slope ($${\rm ES}_x$$

ES
x

), which is the mean absolute streamwise gradient of the roughness, is considered to be a key parameter in predicting the drag penalty of rough-wall turbulent boundary-layers. However, many real-world rough surfaces are multi-scaled. For such surfaces, $${\rm ES}_x$$

ES
x

can be unbounded and its value can be dominated by scales of the topography that are invisible to the flow. To illustrate this, a campaign of drag balance measurements was conducted with a set of machined surfaces. A baseline surface is prepared with fine machining parameters. By coarsening the machining precision, artefacts called ‘scallops’ are introduced which increases the ‘measured’ $${\rm ES}_x$$

ES
x

without changing other geometrical statistics. The drag of the ‘scalloped’ surfaces is higher than the baseline surface, with the relative drag increase scaling with the viscous scaled scallop height, but only when their height exceeds $$2\sim 3$$

2
∼
3

times the viscous length scale. Further, the drag of one of the ‘scalloped’ cases, even when the scallop height is $$\mathcal {O}(10)$$

O
(
10
)

viscous units, is seen to be much lower ($$\sim 28$$

∼
28

%) than a case with matched $${\rm ES}_x$$

ES
x

, but where the $${\rm ES}_x$$

ES
x

results from larger scale features. These findings confirm that for multi-scaled surfaces, $${\rm ES}_x$$

ES
x

may be a misleading topographical metric for drag (or $$k_s$$

k
s

) prediction and one must consider which scales contribute to the average slope of a surface.
Critical Subgraphs of Schrijver Graphs for the Fractional Chromatic Number
Authors: Gujgiczer Anna , Simonyi Gábor
Published: May 2024

Schrijver graphs are vertex-color-critical subgraphs of Kneser graphs having the same chromatic number. They also share the value of their fractional chromatic number but Schrijver graphs are not critical for that. Here we present an induced subgraph of every Schrijver graph that is vertex-critical with respect to the fractional chromatic number. These subgraphs turn out to be isomorphic with certain circular complete graphs. We also characterize the critical edges within this subgraph.
Escalation of tropical cyclone impacts on the northwestern Bay of Bengal over the past decade
Authors: Wu Dijia , Ju Xia , Sun Jia , Hu Xiaomin , Xiong Xuejun
Published: May 2024

Tropical cyclones have resulted in casualties and economic losses in the areas surrounding the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Thus, a comprehensive investigation of these tropical cyclones holds vital implications for disaster preparedness and mitigation. This paper compares the occurrence of storms in the last two decades, i.e., 2002–2011 and 2012–2021, and results reveal that such storms exhibited predominantly a northwesterly track towards the northwestern BoB, with a severer intensity but equal total storm frequencies. Over the past decade, a southeast-northwest pathway (SNP) was identified, demonstrating a higher incidence of severe tropical cyclones (STC, with lifetime maximum intensity ≥ 64 knots) over the BoB. Further analysis of the changes in the environmental conditions between these two decades indicates that a southeasterly anomaly in the steering flow contributed to the formation of the SNP. During the same period, the more favorable oceanic conditions during the last decade, including higher sea surface temperatures, a greater upper ocean heat content, a thicker warm water layer, and a thicker barrier layer beneath the SNP, favored the development of these storms by providing more heat energy to the storms. The atmospheric conditions, including increased air-sea heat fluxes, moisture, and instability within the lower troposphere, as well as reduced vertical wind shear, facilitated the development of convection within these storm systems. These favorable conditions improved the potential for storm development into STCs and elevated the risk of the northwestern BoB being impacted by more destructive storms.
Experiments and numerical modelling of secondary flows of blood and shear-thinning blood analogue fluids in rotating domains
Authors: Kelly Nathaniel S. , Gill Harinderjit S. , Cookson Andrew N. , Fraser Katharine H.
Published: May 2024

The transition from concentric primary flow to non-tangential secondary flow of blood was investigated using experimental steady shear rheometry and numerical modelling. The aims were to: assess the difference in secondary flow in a Newtonian versus shear-thinning blood analogue; and measure the secondary flow in the blood. Both experiments and numerical modelling showed that the transition from primary to secondary flow was the same in a Newtonian fluid and a shear-thinning blood analogue. Experiments showed whole blood transitioned to secondary flow at lower modified Reynolds numbers than the Newtonian fluid; and transition was haematocrit dependent with higher RBC concentrations transitioning at lower modified Reynolds numbers. These results indicate that modelling blood as a purely shear-thinning fluid does not predict the correct secondary flow fields in whole blood; non-Newtonian effects beyond shear-thinning behaviour are influential, and incorporating effects such as multiphase contributions and viscoelasticity, yield stress and thixotropy is necessary.
Prevalence of vestibular disease in France: analysis of prescription data from a national health insurance database
Authors: Grill Eva , Darrouzet Vincent , Mansmann Ulrich , Chabbert Christian
Published: May 2024

Vestibular problems are frequent reasons for primary care consultations. However, there is considerable uncertainty about the prevalence and cost of vestibular disorders. Despite ambiguous effectiveness data, the histamine analogue betahistine is widely and almost exclusively used for treatment of vertigo. Prescription of betahistine can, therefore, be used as a proxy estimate for prevalence. We used openly available claims data from the French health insurance data warehouse, defining annual prevalence of vestibular disease as the number of people who received at least one betahistine prescription that year. Dosage and pack size of each prescribed formulation were extracted to calculate the sum of betahistine in mg and the Defined Daily Dose (DDD) for age and sex strata and in total. To estimate the relative impact of one landmark trial, the BEMED study, we compared prescriptions from the years 2014/2015 to prescriptions in 2019/2022. A total of 735,121 (2014), 694,705 (2015), 614,431 (2019), and 562,476 (2022) persons filled in a prescription of betahistine. Patients were predominantly older and female. Average amount dispensed per year and per person increased from 4422.54 mg during the pre-BEMED period to 4736.90 mg during the post-BEMED period. DDD decreased from 130 Mio per year in 2014/2015 to 116 Mio per year in 2019/2022. Total costs for betahistine decreased by 42% from 21,615,037 Euro in 2014 to 12,894,249 Euro in 2022. Vestibular disease is frequent in France and has a relevant impact on population health. Despite conflicting clinical evidence, betahistine continues to be prescribed widely in medical practice.
Quantitative analysis of intestinal perfusion with indocyanine green (ICG) and methylene blue (MB) using a single clinically approved fluorescence imaging system: a demonstration in a porcine model
Authors: Heuvelings Danique J. I. , Scheepers Max H. M. C. , Al-Difaie Zaid , Okamoto Nariaki , Diana Michele , Stassen Laurents P. S. , Bouvy Nicole D. , Al-Taher Mahdi
Published: May 2024

Background

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) angiography with intraoperative administration of indocyanine green (ICG) has rapidly disseminated in clinical practice. Another clinically approved, and widely available dye, methylene blue (MB), has up to now not been used for this purpose. Recently, we demonstrated promising results for the real-time evaluation of intestinal perfusion using this dye. The primary aim of this study was to perform a quantitative analysis of bowel perfusion assessment for both ICG and MB.

Methods

Four mature female Landrace pigs underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia. An ischemic bowel loop with five regions of interest (ROIs) with varying levels of perfusion was created in each animal. An intravenous (IV) injection of 0.25 mg/kg–0.50 mg/kg MB was administered after 10 min, followed by NIRF imaging in MB mode and measurement of local lactate levels in all corresponding ROIs. This procedure was repeated in ICG mode (IV dose of 0.2 mg/kg) after 60 min. The quest spectrum fluorescence camera (Quest Medical Imaging, Middenmeer, The Netherlands) was used for NIRF imaging of both MB and ICG.

Results

Intraoperative NIRF imaging of bowel perfusion assessment with MB and ICG was successful in all studied animals. Ingress (i/s) levels were calculated and correlated with local lactate levels. Both MB and ICG ingress values showed a significant negative correlation (r = − 0.7709; p =  < 0.001; r = − 0.5367, p = 0.015, respectively) with local lactate levels. This correlation was stronger for MB compared to ICG, although ICG analysis showed higher absolute ingress values.

Conclusion

Our fluorescence quantification analysis validates the potential to use MB for bowel perfusion assessment besides the well-known and widely used ICG. Further human studies are necessary to translate our findings to clinical applications.
Detection and classification of human respiration under building debris model using VHF/UHF waves
Authors: Niyaz Özden , Tüylü Tolgahan , Mahouti Peyman , Erkmen Burcu , Türker Tokan Nurhan
Published: May 2024

Detecting live humans in buildings that have collapsed due to disasters and identifying their condition of health is of great importance for search and rescue operations. Although various methods have been used for this purpose, there are still critical challenges to ensure accurate and rapid life-saving operations. Immediate detection of the presence of living humans under debris combined with the assessment of their vital signs is a crucial factor. This research endeavors to introduce a previously unexplored method: the use of artificial neural network-based techniques to detect human respiration under building debris by generating novel simulation-derived electromagnetic data. To achieve this, a realistic three-dimensional debris model was integrated into an electromagnetic simulation program and complemented by a phantom simulating anterior–posterior body movements indicative of respiration. Measurements of magnitude and phase between 150 and 650 MHz were performed under different conditions. Using surrogate models based on artificial neural networks, noise with different signal-to-noise ratios within the selected frequencies was introduced. These models were used to perform two different steps. Firstly, the presence of respiration of living humans trapped under debris was successfully detected with a success rate of 99.97%. Secondly, the difficult task of classifying the respiration patterns of the human was accomplished with an impressive accuracy of 99.69%, providing a solid basis for proof of concept.
On a theorem by Schlenk
Authors: Bähni Yannis
Published: May 2024

In this paper we prove a generalisation of Schlenk’s theorem about the existence of contractible periodic Reeb orbits on stable, displaceable hypersurfaces in symplectically aspherical, geometrically bounded, symplectic manifolds, to a forcing result for contractible twisted periodic Reeb orbits. We make use of holomorphic curve techniques for a suitable generalisation of the Rabinowitz action functional in the stable case in order to prove the forcing result. As in Schlenk’s theorem, we derive a lower bound for the displacement energy of the displaceable hypersurface in terms of the action value of such periodic orbits. The main application is a forcing result for noncontractible periodic Reeb orbits on quotients of certain symmetric star-shaped hypersurfaces. In this case, the lower bound for the displacement energy is explicitly given by the difference of the two periods. This theorem can be applied to many physical systems including the Hénon–Heiles Hamiltonian and Stark–Zeeman systems. Further applications include a new proof of the well-known fact that the displacement energy is a relative symplectic capacity on $${\mathbb {R}}^{2n}$$

R

2
n

and that the Hofer metric is indeed a metric.
Revisiting the bicontinental allopolyploid origin of Australasian Lepidium species with amplicon sequencing of 15 nuclear genes
Authors: Smissen Rob D. , Walker Susan , Heenan Peter B.
Published: May 2024

New Zealand is home to 16 endemic species of Lepidium (Brassicaceae), including two species considered to have become extinct since European colonisation and an additional species shared with Australia. Previous meiotic chromosome counts suggest at least some are high polyploids. A hybrid origin has been proposed for several of them, with African and American species implicated as parents. We generated amplicon sequence data for 15 genes derived from targeted enrichment data from a selection of species endemic to New Zealand, and of African, American, and Australian origin naturalised in New Zealand. These were analysed, along with publicly available genomic data from other Lepidium species. Our results are consistent with earlier work in supporting two main groups of endemic New Zealand Lepidium, corresponding to different dominant nrDNA sequences. Our data suggest that these two groups differ in ploidy (one octoploid, the ploidy of the other uncertain). The octoploid species combine four distinguishable subgenomes and the other species may be the products of allopolyploidisation between octoploid species and a diploid species closely related to, if not, L. africanum. Previously proposed links to American Lepidium are also supported, with at least two Australasian Lepidium subgenomes related to subgenomes present in American polyploid species. The affinities of two further subgenomes present in Australasian Lepidium remain to be determined, but they may also be of American origin. One New Zealand endemic species, L. naufragorum, displays sequences broadly consistent with it being the octodecaploid product of hybridisation between octoploid and decaploid New Zealand groups.
The impact of changing climate on the spread of the widely expanding species Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Slovakia
Authors: Hrabovský Michal , Kubalová Silvia , Kanka Róbert
Published: May 2024

The invasion of common ragweed in Slovakia was analysed based on 1635 collected records. More than 70 years have passed since the first record was sampled in 1949. Since then, it has spread in two waves, first in the lowlands, next to farmland and human settlements, and later in the mountains, on the roadsides. In the present, it is probably expanded in half of the territory of Slovakia. It is changing habitat preferences and adapting to new environments. Using eleven environmental and geographical variables, the species distribution modelling was performed to obtain probability of occurrence in high resolution (30 s) in Slovakia. Four predictions were calculated based on two models. The first prediction was based on the first model trained on ragweed records before the start of the second expansion wave in 2000. The second prediction is based on the first model and predicts the present distribution according to current climatic conditions, which have changed in twenty years. The third prediction was based on the second model, trained on all 1635 collected records from 1949 to 2022. The fourth prediction based on the second model shows the potential distribution in 2040–2061. Comparing the predictions, the climatic changes explain current expansion of common ragweed in mountains since the air temperature is the main factor shaping distribution of common ragweed in Slovakia.
Comparison of stochastic stability boundaries for parametrically forced systems with application to ship rolling motion
Authors: Maki Atsuo , Maruyama Yuuki , Liu Yaliu , Dostal Leo
Published: May 2024

Numerous accidents caused by parametric rolling have been reported on container ships and pure car carriers (PCCs). Considering this dangerous phenomenon, the parametric rolling in irregular seas is examined in this paper based on the stability of the systems origin, which corresponds to the upright condition of the vessel. It provides a novel theoretical explanation of the instability mechanism for two cases: white-noise parametric excitation and colored-noise parametric excitation. Moreover, the authors confirm the usefulness of the previously provided formulae by Roberts and Dostal by means of numerical examples.
Sex ratio and sex-specific chick mortality in a species with moderate sexual size dimorphism and female brood desertion
Authors: Banach Agata , Flis Adam , Kusal Bartłomiej , Łożyńska Halszka , Ledwoń Mateusz
Published: May 2024

An equal sex ratio at the population level is the usual, evolutionarily stable condition. However, at the individual level, it may be adaptive for parents to manipulate the sex of their offspring, especially in species with sexual size dimorphism (SSD) when the costs and benefits of producing sons and daughters can vary. In this study, we investigated the hatching sex ratio (HSR) and fledging sex ratio (FSR) in the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida). Despite the fact that SSD exists in Whiskered Terns already at the chick stage, HSR and FSR did not deviate from parity at the population level. We tested the dependence of HSR, FSR and the survival probability of males and females on the individual hatching date, average egg volume (in a clutch) and the number of nestlings. None of these factors influenced HSR. Survival probability was negatively correlated with the number of hatchlings. The proportion of females among the fledglings was positively correlated with the average egg volume per clutch. To better explore the effect of egg volume on the sex ratio, we tested the relationship between exact egg volume and hatchling sex or hatching success at the individual level; but despite the quite large sample size, our analyses failed to reveal any relationship. The sex ratio was equal among chicks that were found dead in a nest, mostly due to starvation, but more female than male chicks disappeared from nests (mostly due to predation), primarily in the first week of life. This indicates that females may be easier to predate, very likely by frogs hunting small chicks.
Sitwe 23, a Complex ESA/MSA Locality in the Northern Luangwa Valley, Zambia
Authors: Bisson Michael S. , Burke Ariane , Schilt Flora , Aleman Julie , Peros Matthew C. , Drapeau Michelle , Katongo Maggie , Kayuni Martha Nchimunya , Museba Joseph Mutale , Tolan Steve
Published: May 2024

This paper describes the lithic aggregates from Sitwe 23 (SW23), a Stone Age locality in a previously unstudied region of the northern Luangwa Valley, Zambia. This area yielded two surface lithic scatters containing abundant artifacts derived from Pleistocene sediments on uplifted terrain and exposed by recent erosion on two adjacent terraces. The scatters are time-averaged palimpsests formed by deflation, but most of the lithics lack evidence of significant fluvial transport or post-depositional damage, indicating minimal horizontal displacement. Typological and attribute analyses of samples from both spurs reveal predominantly simple and expedient core and flake technologies, as well as sophisticated biface manufacture and Levallois technique producing flakes and points that are differentially distributed between the terraces. The artifacts identified in this analysis include types conventionally considered diagnostic of the Acheulean, Sangoan, and Middle Stone Age, suggesting that the collections may document one or more temporal windows during the Chibanian age (770–126 ka). Whether artifacts in these samples were originally deposited sequentially or concurrently is not yet known and alternative hypotheses are presented and discussed. The collections are compared to sites in Zambia and the northern Lake Malawi basin and found to be similar technologically but typologically different. Given the paucity of previously known Ston Age archaeological sites in the region, our work now demonstrates that northern Luangwa has significant archaeological potential and deserves further study.
Comparative study and characterization of water-treated bacterial cellulose produced by solid or liquid inoculum of Komagateibacter sucrofermentans
Authors: Drosos Athanasios , Kordopati Golfo G. , Anastasopoulos Charalampos , Zafeiropoulos John , Koutinas Athanasios A. , Kanellaki Maria
Published: May 2024

Structural and physicochemical properties of two types of bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by Komagateibacter sucrofermentans strain DSM 15973T after 7 days through either immobilized bacteria (solid inoculum) forming BCS7 or free bacteria (liquid inoculum) forming BCL7, followed by a water-based purification as a chem-free alternative treatment, were investigated in this study. SEM verifies the effectiveness of the water-based purification on BC network and reveals the insufficient interfibrillar space of BCS7 compared to BCL7. BCL7 was generally proved to be superior to BCS7 regarding degree of purification, BC yield, overall higher porosity, water swell ability, and water holding capacity (WHC), exhibiting higher hydrophilicity. However, thermally resistant BCS7 reveals a 35% residual up to 800 ºC compared to BCL7 (15%) and prevailed in terms of water retention rate. Both water-treated BC7 were proved to be Iα-rich cellulose type and exhibited a typical type IV(a) isotherm with an H3 type of hysteresis loop, a similar pore distribution, crystallinity index (~77%), crystallite size (~7.5 cm), same levels of moisture content (~98%) and the same poor levels of rehydration after the freeze-drying process. During BCL kinetics in 20 mL of HS medium over 7 days, K. sucrofermentans, 2D pellicle formation was observed until day 3 and then 3D. The highest WHC was obtained on day 4 (116 g water/g cellulose), while the lowest on day 1 (19 g water/g cellulose). Overall, we discussed the preparation and characterization of two different BCs water-treated for purification as an eco-friendly alternative method towards functional, and sustainable application.

Graphical Abstract