bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interplay Between Linear Functional Equations and Inequalities
Authors: Szostok Tomasz
Published: January 2024

We study the connections between the equation $$\begin{aligned} \sum _{i=1}^na_if(\alpha _ix+(1-\alpha _i)y)=0 \end{aligned}$$

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and the corresponding inequality. $$\begin{aligned} \sum _{i=1}^na_if(\alpha _ix+(1-\alpha _i)y)\ge 0. \end{aligned}$$

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At present, it is clear that linear functional equations should be solved with the use of the results due to L. Székelyhidi. We show that the simplest and most efficient way of dealing with the (continuous) solutions of linear inequalities of the above form is connected with the use of stochastic orderings tools. It will be shown that, in order to solve the inequality, we need to know the continuous solutions of the corresponding equation. In the last part of the paper, we obtain some simple but unexpected connections in the other direction.
Maxillofacial haemorrhagic symptoms in emergency department patients: impact of antithrombotics
Authors: van der Zaag Pieter Date , Geurts Stephanie , Rozema Romke , Reininga Inge H. F. , van Minnen Baucke ,   REDUCTION study group members
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To investigate the effect of antithrombotics on the occurrence of maxillofacial haemorrhagic symptoms, and to determine if these haemorrhagic symptoms are predictors of maxillofacial fractures.

Method

A prospective cohort study was conducted of consecutive patients with maxillofacial trauma who had been admitted to the emergency department of four hospitals in the Netherlands. This study compared five haemorrhagic symptoms (peri-orbital haematoma, raccoon eyes, epistaxis, subconjunctival ecchymosis, and intra-oral haematoma) between patients not-using (NUA) and using (UA) of antithrombotics, and whether these maxillofacial haemorrhagic symptoms served as predictors for maxillofacial fractures.

Results

Out of the 1005 patients, 812 (81%) belonged to the NUA group, and 193 (19%) to the UA group. UA patients exhibited higher frequencies of peri-orbital hematoma (54% vs. 39%, p < 0.001), raccoon eyes (10% vs. 5%, p = 0.01), and subconjunctival ecchymoses (16% vs. 7%, p < 0.001). In NUA, peri-orbital hematoma (OR = 2.5, p < 0.001), epistaxis (OR = 4.1, p < 0.001), subconjunctival ecchymosis (OR = 2.3, p = 0.02), and intra-oral hematoma (OR = 7.1, p < 0.001) were significant fracture predictors. Among UA, peri-orbital hematoma (OR = 2.2, p = 0.04), epistaxis (OR = 5.4, p < 0.001), subconjunctival ecchymosis (OR = 3.7, p = 0.008), and intra-oral hematoma (OR = 22.0, p < 0.001) were significant fracture predictors.

Conclusion

Maxillofacial haemorrhagic symptoms were observed more frequently in the UA group than in the NUA group. However, in both groups, maxillofacial haemorrhagic symptoms appear to be predictors of maxillofacial fractures. Caution is warranted in attributing these symptoms solely to antithrombotic use during emergency department assessments.
Entwicklungen in der Digitalisierung von Public Health seit 2020
Authors: Zeeb Hajo , Schüz Benjamin , Schultz Tanja , Pigeot Iris
Published: January 2024

Digital Public Health hat in den vergangenen Jahren insbesondere durch die mit der COVID-19-Pandemie verbundenen Anforderungen einen erheblichen Schub erfahren. In diesem Bericht geben wir einen Überblick über die Entwicklungen in der Digitalisierung im Bereich Public Health in Deutschland seit 2020 und illustrieren diese mit Beispielen aus dem Leibniz-WissenschaftsCampus Digital Public Health Bremen (LWC DiPH).

Zentral sind dabei folgende Themen: Wie prägen digitale Erhebungsmethoden sowie digitale Biomarker und Methoden der künstlichen Intelligenz die moderne epidemiologische und Präventionsforschung? Wie steht es um die Digitalisierung im öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst? Welche Ansätze der gesundheitsökonomischen Evaluation von digitalen Public-Health-Interventionen wurden bisher eingesetzt? Wie steht es um die Aus- und Weiterbildung in diesem Bereich?

Auch die Arbeit des LWC DiPH war zunächst stark durch die COVID-19-Pandemie geprägt. Wiederholte populationsbezogene digitale Surveys des LWC DiPH ergaben Hinweise auf eine häufigere Nutzung von Gesundheitsapps in der Bevölkerung in Deutschland, z. B. bei den Anwendungen zur Unterstützung der körperlichen Aktivität. Dass die Digitalisierung von Public Health das Risiko von gezielten Fehl- und Desinformationen mit sich bringt, hat die COVID-19-Pandemie ebenfalls gezeigt.
Development of an adverse outcome pathway network for nephrotoxicity
Authors: Barnes D. A. , Firman J. W. , Belfield S. J. , Cronin M. T. D. , Vinken M. , Janssen M. J. , Masereeuw R.
Published: January 2024

Adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) were introduced in modern toxicology to provide evidence-based representations of the events and processes involved in the progression of toxicological effects across varying levels of the biological organisation to better facilitate the safety assessment of chemicals. AOPs offer an opportunity to address knowledge gaps and help to identify novel therapeutic targets. They also aid in the selection and development of existing and new in vitro and in silico test methods for hazard identification and risk assessment of chemical compounds. However, many toxicological processes are too intricate to be captured in a single, linear AOP. As a result, AOP networks have been developed to aid in the comprehension and placement of associated events underlying the emergence of related forms of toxicity—where complex exposure scenarios and interactions may influence the ultimate adverse outcome. This study utilised established criteria to develop an AOP network that connects thirteen individual AOPs associated with nephrotoxicity (as sourced from the AOP-Wiki) to identify several key events (KEs) linked to various adverse outcomes, including kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. Analysis of the modelled AOP network and its topological features determined mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and tubular necrosis to be the most connected and central KEs. These KEs can provide a logical foundation for guiding the selection and creation of in vitro assays and in silico tools to substitute for animal-based in vivo experiments in the prediction and assessment of chemical-induced nephrotoxicity in human health.
Selecting a preculture strategy for improving biomass and astaxanthin productivity of Chromochloris zofingiensis
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Wang Jia , Yang Shufang , Liang Qingping , Gu Ziqiang , Wang Ying , Mou Haijin , Sun Han
Published: January 2024

Chromochloris zofingiensis is a potential source of natural astaxanthin; however, its rapid growth and astaxanthin enrichment cannot be achieved simultaneously. This study established autotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic preculture patterns to assess their ameliorative effect on the C. zofingiensis heterotrophic growth state. In comparison, mixotrophic preculture (MP) exhibited the best improving effect on heterotrophic biomass concentration of C. zofingiensis (up to 121.5 g L−1) in a 20 L fermenter, reaching the global leading level. The astaxanthin productivity achieved 111 mg L−1 day−1, 7.4-fold higher than the best record. The transcriptome and 13C tracer-based metabolic flux analysis were used for mechanism inquiry. The results revealed that MP promoted carotenoid and lipid synthesis, and supported synthesis preference of low unsaturated fatty acids represented by C18:1 and C16:0. The MP group maintained the best astaxanthin productivity via mastering the balance between increasing glucose metabolism and inhibition of carotenoid synthesis. The MP strategy optimized the physiological state of C. zofingiensis and realized its heterotrophic high-density growth for an excellent astaxanthin yield on a pilot scale. This strategy exhibits great application potential in the microalgae-related industry.

Key points

• Preculture strategies changed carbon flux and gene expression in C. zofingiensis

• C. zofingiensis realized a high-density culture with MP and fed-batch culture (FBC)

• Astaxanthin productivity achieved 0.111 g L−1day−1with MP and FBC

Graphical Abstract
Protein secretion and associated stress in industrially employed filamentous fungi
Authors: Jadhav Reshma , Mach Robert L , Mach-Aigner Astrid R
Published: January 2024

Application of filamentous fungi for the production of commercial enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, or xylanase is on the rise due to the increasing demand to degrade several complex carbohydrates as raw material for biotechnological processes. Also, protein production by fungi for food and feed gains importance. In any case, the protein production involves both cellular synthesis and secretion outside of the cell. Unfortunately, the secretion of proteins or enzymes can be hampered due to accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as a result of too high synthesis of enzymes or (heterologous) protein expression. To cope with this ER stress, the cell generates a response known as unfolded protein response (UPR). Even though this mechanism should re-establish the protein homeostasis equivalent to a cell under non-stress conditions, the enzyme expression might still suffer from repression under secretory stress (RESS). Among eukaryotes, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the only fungus, which is studied quite extensively to unravel the UPR pathway. Several homologs of the proteins involved in this signal transduction cascade are also found in filamentous fungi. Since RESS seems to be absent in S. cerevisiae and was only reported in Trichoderma reesei in the presence of folding and glycosylation inhibitors such as dithiothreitol and tunicamycin, more in-depth study about this mechanism, specifically in filamentous fungi, is the need of the hour. Hence, this review article gives an overview on both, protein secretion and associated stress responses in fungi.

Key points

• Enzymes produced by filamentous fungi are crucial in industrial processes

• UPR mechanism is conserved among many fungi, but mediated by different proteins

• RESS is not fully understood or studied in industrially relevant filamentous fungi
Current concepts in the diagnosis and management of Os Acetabuli
Authors: Yoshitani Junya , Schoyer Benjamin , Shah Anand , Khanduja Vikas
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The aim of this review is to appraise the current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of os acetabuli.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. A systematic search was performed on Medline (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria comprised observational and interventional studies and review articles published in the English language that focused on patients with os acetabuli according to the PRISMA extension of scoping reviews checklist using the terms ‘Os Acetabuli’ or ‘os acetabula’ or ‘acetabular ossicles’. A narrative synthesis of results was undertaken, and the included articles were divided into (i) definition, (ii) aetiology, (iii) diagnosis and imaging and (iv) management of os acetabuli.

Results

107 articles were screened, with 22 meeting the eligibility criteria. A total of 8836 patients were considered, of which 604 had os acetabuli. The mean age was 32.8 years. The prevalence of os acetabuli ranged from 3.4 to 7.7%, with a higher prevalence in males compared to females. True os acetabuli was defined as an unfused secondary ossification centre along the acetabular rim. The aetiology of os acetabuli is thought to be secondary to acetabular dysplasia and/or femoroacetabular impingement. Standard of care for management of symptomatic os acetabuli is considered to be arthroscopic excision unless the excision results in acetabular undercoverage and/or instability, in which case, fixation is recommended.

Conclusions

Successful management of os acetabuli depends on understanding the pathology and treating the underlying cause rather than treating the os acetabuli in isolation. Future work needs to focus on establishing clear diagnostic criteria, consensus on definition and an evidence-based treatment algorithm.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Chen Qin-Fen , Hu Jiandong , Hu Jie , Nijjar Prabhjot S. , Xu Jiahui , Shi Shanzhen , Liang Dongjie , Liao Hetong , Gao Jiaqi , Lin Wei-Hong , You Shenban , Zhou Xiao-Dong
Published: January 2024

Background

Whether heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is associated with an increased risk of developing systolic dysfunction and a poor prognosis in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients is unknown.

Objective

We aimed to assess risk factors for the development of end-stage (ES) heart failure (HF) (ejection fraction < 50%) and compare the prognosis of different HF phenotypes.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on patients with HCM in China between January 2009 and February 2023. Patients were stratified into three different groups: HCM-non-HF, HCM-HFpEF and HCM-heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HCM-HFrEF). The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including all-cause deaths, HF hospitalization, sudden cardiac death and ventricular tachycardia.

Results

Of 3,620 HCM patients enrolled, 1,553 (42.9%) had non-HF, 1,666 (46.0%) had HFpEF, and 579 patients (11.1%) had HFrEF at baseline. During the median follow-up period of 4.0 years (IQR 1.4–9.4 years), patients with HCM-HFpEF exhibited a higher incidence of ES-HF than those with HCM-non-HF (12.4% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001). HFpEF was an independent risk factor for ES-HF development (HR 3.84, 2.54–5.80, P < 0.001). MACEs occurred in 26.9% with a higher incidence in HCM-HFpEF than HCM-non-HF (36.6% vs 12.2%, P < 0.001). HFpEF was an independent predictor of MACEs (HR 2.13, 1.75–2.59, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

HFpEF is common in HCM. Compared to non-HF, it increases the risk of LVEF decline and poor prognosis. It may aid in risk stratification and need close echocardiography follow-up.

Graphical Abstract

Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction. Abbreviations: ES-HF: end-stage heart failure; HCM: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; HFpEF: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction; MACEs: major adverse clinical events
Distinct tau and alpha-synuclein molecular signatures in Alzheimer’s disease with and without Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease with dementia
Authors: van der Gaag Bram L. , Deshayes Natasja A. C. , Breve John J. P. , Bol John G. J. M. , Jonker Allert J. , Hoozemans Jeroen J. M. , Courade Jean-Philippe , van de Berg Wilma D. J.
Published: January 2024

Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) pathology is present in approximately 50% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cases at autopsy and might impact the age-of-onset and disease progression in AD. Here, we aimed to determine whether tau and aSyn profiles differ between AD cases with Lewy bodies (AD-LB), pure AD and Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD) cases using epitope-, post-translational modification- (PTM) and isoform-specific tau and aSyn antibody panels spanning from the N- to C-terminus. We included the middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and amygdala (AMY) of clinically diagnosed and pathologically confirmed cases and performed dot blotting, western blotting and immunohistochemistry combined with quantitative and morphological analyses. All investigated phospho-tau (pTau) species, except pT181, were upregulated in AD-LB and AD cases compared to PDD and control cases, but no significant differences were observed between AD-LB and AD subjects. In addition, tau antibodies targeting the proline-rich regions and C-terminus showed preferential binding to AD-LB and AD brain homogenates. Antibodies targeting C-terminal aSyn epitopes and pS129 aSyn showed stronger binding to AD-LB and PDD cases compared to AD and control cases. Two pTau species (pS198 and pS396) were specifically detected in the soluble protein fractions of AD-LB and AD subjects, indicative of early involvement of these PTMs in the multimerization process of tau. Other phospho-variants for both tau (pT212/S214, pT231 and pS422) and aSyn (pS129) were only detected in the insoluble protein fraction of AD-LB/AD and AD-LB/PDD cases, respectively. aSyn load was higher in the AMY of AD-LB cases compared to PDD cases, suggesting aggravated aSyn pathology under the presence of AD pathology, while tau load was similar between AD-LB and AD cases. Co-localization of pTau and aSyn could be observed within astrocytes of AD-LB cases within the MTG. These findings highlight a unique pathological signature for AD-LB cases compared to pure AD and PDD cases.
A modular and scalable system for electromagnetic compatibility testing of integrated circuits
Authors: Kircher Daniel , Profanter Simon , Deutschmann Bernd
Published: January 2024

To bring automotive integrated circuits (ICs) to market, manufacturers must subject their products to numerous electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests such as electromagnetic immunity and emission tests, or electrostatic discharge (ESD) tests. These tests need EMC test boards that meet the requirements of the specific standards. However, the current need to increase the frequency range of EMC tests poses a challenge in designing standard-compliant test boards. In this paper, we address this issue by introducing a modular and reusable IC level EMC test system. We demonstrate the system’s effectiveness with an example of two frequently used and conducted EMC tests: the direct power injection (DPI) immunity test and the $$150\,\mathrm{\Omega}$$

150

Ω

electromagnetic emission measurement. The two test setups are constructed and validated using the presented modules. It is shown how the frequency range can be expanded while minimizing costs and design efforts for the EMC test board design.
Influence of the IC power supply and decoupling capacitor arrangement on the electromagnetic emission
Authors: Deutschmann B. , Juch N.
Published: January 2024

With the advancing development of integrated circuits (ICs), more and more complex functions and higher performance levels can nowadays directly be integrated into a single IC package. In this context, the issue of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is becoming more critical, as the higher the integration density, the higher the electromagnetic emissions tend to be. In this paper, an EMC test IC is used to investigate the influence of different power supply pinouts (arrangement of VDD and GND pins in center and corner configuration) on the electromagnetic emission of the IC. This is done on the basis of the surface-scanning technique described in the IEC 61967‑3 standard for characterizing the magnetic near field at the surface of the IC package, and on the basis of the 150 Ohm measurement method described in IEC 61967‑4 for determining the conducted interference emissions at the power supply pinout of the IC. Both measurement methods show a significant difference in electromagnetic emissions due to the dependence on the arrangement of the power supply pinouts. These results highlight the importance of careful power supply design in the development of electromagnetically compatible ICs.
Comprehensive comparison of modified deep convolutional neural networks for automated detection of external and middle ear conditions
Authors: Akyol Kemal
Published: January 2024

Otitis media disease, a frequent childhood ailment, could have severe repercussions, including mortality. This disease induces permanent hearing loss, commonly seen in developing countries with limited medical resources. It is estimated that approximately 21,000 people worldwide die from reasons related to this disease each year. The main aim of this study is to develop a model capable of detecting external and middle ear conditions. Experiments were conducted to find the most successful model among the modified deep convolutional neural networks within two scenarios. According to the results, the modified EfficientNetB7 model could detect normal, chronic otitis media, earwax, myringosclerosis cases with high accuracy in Scenario 2. This model offers average values of 99.94% accuracy, 99.86% sensitivity, 99.95% specificity, and 99.86% precision. An expert system based on this model is expected to provide a second opinion to doctors in detecting external and middle ear conditions, particularly in primary healthcare institutions and hospitals lacking field specialists.
Corona mortis: clinical evaluation of prevalence, anatomy, and relevance in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum
Authors: Schaible Samuel Friedrich , Hanke Markus Simon , Tinner Christian , Bastian Johannes Dominik , Albers Christoph Emanuel , Keel Marius Johann Baptist
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical prevalence, characteristics, and relevance of the corona mortis (CM) in anterior approaches to the pelvis and acetabulum.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 185 theater reports from patients (73 females; mean age 62.8 ± 17.2 years) who underwent surgeries for pelvic ring injuries, acetabular fractures, or combined injuries using anterior approaches (Modified Stoppa or Pararectus) at our institution between 01/2008 to 12/2022. During procedures, the CM was routinely identified, evaluated, and occluded. Bilateral exposure of the superior pubic branch in 25 cases led to 210 hemipelvises analyzed. Exclusions: CM not mentioned in report and revisions via the initial approach.

Results

In the 210 hemipelvises examined, the prevalence of any CM vessel was 81% (170/210). Venous anastomoses were found in 76% of hemipelvises (159/210), arterial in 22% (47/210). Sole venous anastomoses appeared in 59% (123/210), sole arterial in 5% (11/210). Both types coexisted in 17% (36/210), while 19% (40/210) had none. A single incidental CM injury occurred without significant bleeding. In ten cases, trauma had preoperatively ruptured the CM, but bleeding was readily managed. Females had a significantly higher CM prevalence than males (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings show a CM prevalence aligning more with anatomical studies than prior intraoperative series. Although we observed one incidental and ten trauma-related CM injuries, we did not encounter uncontrollable bleeding. Our data suggest that in anterior pelvic approaches, when the CM is actively identified and occluded, it is not associated with bleeding events, despite its high prevalence.
Cognitive and affective perspective taking amongst adolescent offenders with variants of callous–unemotional traits
Authors: Anderson Stavroola A. S. , Hawes David J. , Snow Pamela C.
Published: January 2024

Evidence suggests that associations between antisocial behaviour, callous–unemotional (CU) traits and cognitive empathy (e.g. perspective taking) vary depending on more fine-grained dimensions of these constructs. This study examined associations between adolescent antisocial behaviour and individual differences in cognitive and affective perspective taking ability. Based on current theory regarding distinct variants of CU traits, we further tested whether the correlates of CU traits differed amongst youth with high versus low levels of anxiety. Participants were 130 male adolescents (81 youth offenders; 49 non-offenders) aged 13–20 years, of predominantly Caucasian and Aboriginal Australian ethnicity. Perspective taking skills were indexed using performance-based testing, and self-report data was collected on CU traits and anxiety in a cross-sectional design. Offender status was associated with poorer cognitive and affective perspective taking. In addition, associations between CU traits and perspective taking skills were moderated by anxiety. Specifically, CU traits were associated with poorer skills for second-order cognitive perspective taking amongst high-anxiety youth, whereas CU traits were associated with better cognitive and affective perspective taking skills amongst low-anxiety youth. More fine-grained assessment of such factors stands to enhance understanding of, and effective intervention for, antisocial youth.
The possible influence of third-order shim coils on gradient–magnet interactions: an inter-field and inter-site study
Authors: Boulant Nicolas , Le Ster Caroline , Amadon Alexis , Aubert Guy , Beckett Alexander , Belorgey Jean , Bonnelye Cédric , Bosch Dario , Brunner David Otto , Dilasser Guillaume , Dubois Olivier , Ehses Philipp , Feinberg David , Feizollah Sajjad , Gras Vincent , Gross Simon , Guihard Quentin , Lannou Hervé , Le Bihan Denis , Mauconduit Franck , Molinié Frédéric , Nunio François , Pruessmann Klaas , Quettier Lionel , Scheffler Klaus , Stöcker Tony , Tardif Christine , Ugurbil Kamil , Vignaud Alexandre , Vu An , Wu Xiaoping
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess the possible influence of third-order shim coils on the behavior of the gradient field and in gradient–magnet interactions at 7 T and above.

Materials and methods

Gradient impulse response function measurements were performed at 5 sites spanning field strengths from 7 to 11.7 T, all of them sharing the same exact whole-body gradient coil design. Mechanical fixation and boundary conditions of the gradient coil were altered in several ways at one site to study the impact of mechanical coupling with the magnet on the field perturbations. Vibrations, power deposition in the He bath, and field dynamics were characterized at 11.7 T with the third-order shim coils connected and disconnected inside the Faraday cage.

Results

For the same whole-body gradient coil design, all measurements differed greatly based on the third-order shim coil configuration (connected or not). Vibrations and gradient transfer function peaks could be affected by a factor of 2 or more, depending on the resonances. Disconnecting the third-order shim coils at 11.7 T also suppressed almost completely power deposition peaks at some frequencies.

Discussion

Third-order shim coil configurations can have major impact in gradient–magnet interactions with consequences on potential hardware damage, magnet heating, and image quality going beyond EPI acquisitions.
Characterizing Styrene Monomer and Oligomers by SEC/MALS/VISC/DRI
Authors: Striegel André M.
Published: January 2024

Worldwide polystyrene (PS) production in 2020 was approximately 27 million metric tons, distributed among many nations, making it one of the most heavily imported and exported chemicals. Commercially produced PS usually possesses a broad molar mass distribution, often with a substantial oligomeric component. The latter can significantly affect processing and end-use, in addition to having potentially hazardous health effects and to impacting the polymer’s export classification by regulatory agencies. Quantitation of the oligomeric region of polymers by size-exclusion chromatography with concentration-sensitive and/or static light scattering detection is complicated by the non-constancy of the specific refractive index increment (∂n/∂c) in this region, which affects the calculated amount (mass fraction) of oligomer in a polymer, molar mass averages, and related conclusions regarding macromolecular properties. Here, a multi-detector SEC approach including differential refractometry, multi-angle static light scattering, and differential viscometry has been applied to determining the ∂n/∂c of n-butyl terminated styrene oligomers at each degree of polymerization from monomer to hexamer, and also of a hexadecamer. Large changes in this parameter from one degree of polymerization to the next are observed, including but not restricted to the fact that the ∂n/∂c of the monomer is less than half that of PS polymer at identical experimental conditions. As part of this study, the individual effects of injection volume, flow rate, and temperature on chromatographic resolution were examined. Incorporation of the on-line viscometer allowed for accurate determination of the intrinsic viscosity and viscometric radius of the monomer and oligomers.
Soil microbes from conservation agriculture systems reduce growth of Bt-resistant western corn rootworm larvae
Authors: Paddock Kyle J. , Veum Kristen S. , Finke Deborah L. , Ericsson Aaron C. , Hibbard Bruce E.
Published: January 2024

Sustainable agricultural management practices aimed at improving soil health can alter the soil microbiome, which can influence plant health and defenses against insects. The western corn rootworm (WCR), Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is a major belowground pest of corn. Pest management relies heavily on the planting of transgenic crops expressing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins. In this study, we ask how corn-WCR interactions via the soil microbiome are affected by a conservation management system (extended corn-soybean-wheat rotation with cover crops under no-till) compared with a conventional management system (corn-soybean rotation under mulch tillage and no cover crops) when combined with transgenic Bt corn. To do this, we applied soil microbes from the conservation and conventional management systems to two corn lines, one producing Bt and one non-Bt. We then reared Bt-resistant and Bt-susceptible WCR on inoculated seedlings to examine plant and insect changes in fitness. We found that Bt was effective against susceptible larvae in both soil treatments. Bt-resistant larvae were ~ 20% smaller when reared in the presence of soil microbes from the conservation management system. Thus, control of Bt-resistant WCR may be improved in a conservation system without sacrificing Bt effectiveness in susceptible insects. Comparing the microbial communities using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that management practices influenced the microbiomes associated with the soil and the plant rhizosphere, but not WCR. Our findings suggest value for growers in utilizing conservation management practices, such as no-till and cover crops, in agricultural systems through bottom-up changes to plant–insect interactions via the soil microbiome.
Extracellular DNA induces resistance against Frankliniella occidentalis through callose accumulation
Authors: Rassizadeh Leila , Cañadas Estela , Cervero Raquel , Flors Victor , Gamir Jordi
Published: January 2024

The plant immune system has evolved to sense and respond to potential threats. When an insect attacks a plant, endogenous molecules called damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are released into the apoplast, triggering a cascade of intracellular signals. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) is a DAMP signal which activates the plant’s immune responses. However, our understanding of whether the detection of eDNA can lessen the damage caused by herbivores is still restricted. Here, we demonstrate that eDNA treatment in Arabidopsis leaves induced plant resistance against the herbivorous insect Frankliniella occidentalis without compromising the plant’s growth. The number of leaves, rosette diameter, fresh weight, and other growth-related parameters in eDNA-treated plants was comparable to water-treated plants. Besides, eDNA treatment reduced the feeding symptoms of F. occidentalis on Arabidopsis leaves. We further found that enhanced resistance in eDNA-treated plants was accompanied by callose accumulation in the affected area, and using the callose-deficient mutant pmr4-1, we demonstrated the positive role of callose in eDNA-induced resistance (eDNA-IR). Additionally, the induction in the jasmonic acid (JA)-signaling marker genes LOX2 and AOS, and the higher accumulation of Jasmonyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) and JA revealed the role of jasmonates in eDNA-IR. Finally, we demonstrated that the JA signaling mediates callose deposition in eDNA-treated plants by using the JA response mutant jar1-1. These results advance our knowledge of the ability of eDNA to trigger plant resistance and the underlying mechanisms involved in eDNA-IR.
Goodwill Hunting: Why and When Ultimate Controlling Owners Affect Their Firms’ Corporate Social Responsibility Performance
Authors: Dong Yusen , Ma Pengcheng , Sun Lanzhu , Chng Daniel Han Ming
Published: January 2024

Researchers have long been interested in how owners affect firms’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. However, owners face diverging ethical preferences between funding and potentially benefiting from their firms’ CSR performance. To better understand owners’ influence on firms’ CSR performance, we focus on ultimate controlling owners with the highest control rights over their firms. We theorize that ultimate controlling owners with more control rights have stronger motivations and greater decision-making power to promote firms’ CSR performance to demonstrate that they are responsible owners and gain legitimacy and goodwill from their stakeholders. Moreover, we explore how this positive relationship is strengthened when ultimate controlling owners and their firms share similar corporate names and receive increased financial analyst coverage, as these conditions increase the likelihood of gaining legitimacy and goodwill through their firms’ improved CSR performance. We test our theory using a sample of 852 publicly listed Chinese firms from 2008 to 2017. Our findings support our theoretical predictions and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of how differences in ownership structure and owner type associated with ultimate controlling owners shape their motives and power to affect CSR performance in their firms.
Association between apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio and quantities of tissue prolapse on optical coherence tomography examination in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Du Yao , Zhu Binbin , Liu Yahui , Du Zhou , Zhang Jianhong , Yang Wei , Li Huiping , Gao Chuanyu
Published: January 2024

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) continues to be a major health concern globally. Apolipoprotein (Apo) B/A1 ratio is a reliable predictor of ASCVD and an important factor in assessing the risk of myocardial infarction. Tissue prolapse (TP) is defined as the tissue extrusion into the lumen through the stent struts after implantation, which is a significant factor for poor short-term outcomes such as acute and subacute thrombosis, severe myocardial necrosis, and vulnerable plaque. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Apo B/A1, plaque vulnerability, and tissue prolapse on optical coherence tomography (OCT). This study enrolled 199 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Both pre- and post-procedural optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations were conducted to assess TP volume and plaque morphology. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for tissue prolapse volume. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to evaluate the value of the Apo B/A1 ratio for tissue prolapse volume. The high Apo B/A1 ratio group showed a larger TP volume (P = 0.001) and a higher percentage of plaque rupture and erosion in comparison to the low Apo B/A1 ratio group (P = 0.022 and P = 0.008). The high Apo B/A1 ratio group and the high TP volume group also had a higher proportion of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) (P = 0.046, P = 0.021). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that both Apo B/A1 ratio (odds ratio [OR]: 1.041, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007–1.076; P = 0.019) and TCFA (OR: 3.199, 95%CI 1.133–9.031; 0.028) were significantly related to high TP volume. Furthermore, the area under the curve (AUC) for predictive value of TP volume was 0.635 for Apo B/A1 (95% CI 0.554–0.717, P = 0.002) compared to 0.615 for low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (95% CI 0.533–0.697, P = 0.008). The Apo B/A1 ratio is an independent predictor of TP volume on OCT and is related to plaque vulnerability.
Duration of osteoporosis treatment to reduce the risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture and all-cause mortality in elderly hip fracture patients in a Korean real-world study
Authors: Lee Soong Joon , Cho Minjoon , Lee Hojoon , Lim Hyuna , Lee Jae Hyup
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the association between treatment duration of osteoporosis medications and clinical outcomes of patients with hip fracture. We found that the risk of subsequent osteoporotic fractures and all-cause mortality showed a decreasing trend as the treatment duration of osteoporosis medications increased.

Purpose

To assess the risk of subsequent osteoporotic fracture (SOF) and all-cause mortality (ACM) in elderly patients with hip fracture in South Korea and to evaluate the potential reduction in the risk of SOF and ACM with varying durations of osteoporosis treatment.

Methods

Newly diagnosed patients with hip fracture (age ≥ 60 years) who initiated osteoporosis medication within 3 months after the hip fracture from 2003–2014 were identified from the National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort. The risk of SOF and ACM was estimated after the 1-year exposure-measurement period. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) were calculated for treatment duration of osteoporosis medications categorized as short-term treatment (ST, < 3 months), early discontinuation (ED, ≥ 3– < 6 months), late discontinuation (LD, ≥ 6– < 12 months), and treatment continuation (TC, ≥ 12 months).

Results

A total of 4,421 patients were included in the analysis. The 3-year cumulative incidence of SOF was 22.4%, 22.0%, 23.9%, and 21.6%, and that of 3-year ACM was 29.8%, 27.0%, 19.7%, and 18.9% in the ST, ED, LD, and TC groups, respectively. Compared with the ST group, the risk of SOF showed a decreasing trend in the TC group (aHR [95% CI], 0.77 [0.58–1.00]). The risk of ACM was significantly reduced in the LD (aHR 0.68 [0.57–0.82]) and TC (aHR 0.65 [0.50–0.84]) groups.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of early and continuous osteoporosis treatment for elderly patients with hip fracture to improve health outcomes. The benefits of long-term osteoporosis treatment should be discussed in clinical practice to improve overall health outcomes.
Depression among older adults before and during the pandemic: Follow-up assessment of a three-wave longitudinal observation
Authors: Zhu Alex Yue Feng , Chou Kee Lee
Published: January 2024

Previous studies have documented the average impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on depressive symptoms among the older population. However, discerning specific individuals at a higher risk and developing targeted support based on the significant average effect has proven challenging. In response to this gap, this study explored the influence of personal histories, encompassing pre-existing depression and personal depression trajectories, as well as personal experiences such as pandemic-related financial and health impacts, on deviations in individual depression curves during the pandemic. The results of the study indicated that individuals with pre-existing depressive symptoms or those affected by pandemic-related financial and health challenges experienced an upward deviation from their original depression trajectory, signifying a more severe level of depression during the pandemic. Interestingly, individuals who demonstrated a steeper growth in depression prior to the pandemic exhibited less severe depressive symptoms during this period, showcasing a downward deviation in their personal depression trajectory. These findings contribute valuable insights into the diverse personal factors driving depression during the pandemic. They also provide guidance on prioritizing the allocation of social support resources to effectively manage depression among the older population.
The efficacy of employee strengths interventions on desirable workplace outcomes
Authors: Bratty Alexandra J. , Dennis Nicole C.
Published: January 2024

Recent data suggest that only about one-third of employees thrive at work, while most are disengaged. This lack of employee productivity costs U.S. companies billions of dollars annually. Consequently, there is great interest in workplace interventions designed to increase employee performance and engagement. Strengths interventions are one such approach because there is evidence that when employees can identify, use, and develop their strengths at work, it is associated with a range of desirable outcomes. Still, there is a need for experimental research that facilitates causal analysis and the development of reliable strengths interventions that can be applied in organizations. Two longitudinal studies examined the impact of different strengths interventions. The first study tested a 2-week intervention measuring the impact on strengths use, job performance, and flourishing at work. Only job performance improved significantly over time. The second study deployed a 4-week intervention measuring the impact on strengths use, job performance, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and engagement, with significant increases in all variables over time. Post hoc analyses indicated that results might have been influenced by the extent to which strengths use changed. If strengths use declined, there were no significant outcomes. However, when strengths use increased, there was a significant improvement in job performance with a large effect size and OCB and engagement with very large effect sizes. These findings suggest strengths interventions can lead to favorable workplace outcomes, though levels of strengths use might impact results. Limitations and future areas of research are discussed.
DInSAR–SBAS satellite monitoring of infrastructures: how temperature affects the “Ponte della Musica” case study
Authors: Ponzo Felice Carlo , Auletta Gianluca , Ielpo Paolo , Ditommaso Rocco
Published: January 2024

Continuous monitoring of the structural health of strategic structures and transport infrastructures plays a crucial role in providing an effective assessment of the safety conditions and in timely planning of the ordinary and extraordinary maintenance programme. Deformation monitoring and dynamic characteristic identification are some commonly used strategies for this purpose. One of the main challenges of recent years in the field of structural health monitoring is the use of data deriving from satellite interferometry, capable of providing information on structural deformations at a local and territorial scale. Despite the solidity and dependability of satellite-based methods for assessing ground deformation over time, when it comes to structural surveillance, there are certain circumstances under which satellites are incapable of accurately assessing displacements. This is particularly true for structures that are sensitive to temperature variations. The paper uses the “Ponte della Musica–Armando Trovajoli” in Rome as a case study to explore these aspects in more depth. This bridge has a steel arch structure with a prestressed concrete deck below it. It represents an example in which satellite differential interferometry does not allow obtaining useful information on displacement, at least for the most deformable portion of the deck, and therefore also on any pathological movements. This work proposes a 3D digital twin of the bridge, appropriately calibrated through experimental measurements of the environmental vibrations performed on the bridge. This will allow to evaluate the role played by thermal deformations related to air temperature variations and thus better understand the connection between physiological deformations and satellite limits.
Production and Characterization of an Economical 1100 MPa Advanced High-Strength Silicon-Containing Steel
Authors: Halfa Hossam , Amer Amer Eid , Eissa Mamdouh
Published: January 2024

In this investigation, an attempt has been made to identify the metallurgical properties with the change of silicon contents, either theoretically by utilizing Thermo-Calc (the Scheil–Gulliver model implemented in the Thermo-Calc software) or JMatPro software, as a computational prediction technique, in addition to experimental examinations by dilatometer. Microstructures of investigated steels were evaluated optically at low magnification using optical microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the observed microstructure at high magnification. ASTM standard specification E-8 was utilized for measuring the tensile property values, while fracture surfaces of the tensile samples were inspected by EDS (point-analyzer) employed in scanning electron microscopy. The investigated steel’s as-polished surface was studied using the experimental results, which revealed that the steel microstructure ranged from full-bainitic to full-pearlitic structures according to the variation of silicon contents. The count of non-metallic inclusions decreased and vice versa by the area occupied by non-metallic inclusions with the rising silicon content. The steel containing silicon of 0.87 wt.% has the best toughness combined with high tensile strength and hardness incomparable with conventional steel. Elongation (16.2%) combined with an ultimate tensile strength (1113 MPa) was achieved for the steel containing 0.87 wt.% Si.
Ionomic analysis of Prosopis laevigata response to heavy metals: phytoremediation potential determined by wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence
Authors: Ramírez V. , Lopez D. , Quintero-Hernandez V. , López P. , Juárez G. , Martínez J. , Munive J. A. , Baez A.
Published: January 2024

Prosopis laevigata (mesquite) plants can tolerate drought, thermal stress, alkalinity, salinity, and toxicity of heavy metals, making them attractive for phytoremediation. Nonetheless, most of these features have been studied under controlled laboratory conditions. In this work, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in a free-living population of P. laevigata trees growing in a heavily metal-contaminated site (aluminum, chromium, iron, titanium, copper, and zinc) was analyzed. Furthermore, crystal phases of mineral nutrients and trace elements found in P. laevigata tissues were determined by X-ray diffraction. P. laevigata trees accumulated 705 (± 17), 47,064 (± 1459), 14,800 (± 401) and 30,000 (± 1719) mg/kg of Cu, Zn, Fe and Al, confirming the potential of these plants to hyper-accumulate metals. The X-ray diffraction analysis showed that P. laevigata trees can chelate Al3+ with phosphates to form orthorhombic crystals of aluminum phosphate (AlPO4) in the tissues. This aluminum chelation was probably a mechanism of tolerance used by the plant. The inoculation of seedlings with the endophytic Bacillus cereus MH778713 did not prevent Cr-accumulation in the plant but increased metal tolerance and seedling development. These results highlight the use of P. laevigata and B. cereus MH778713 together as tools for heavy metal bioremediation, particularly on arid and semiarid soils.