bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Female black bear home range and resource selection in relation to West Virginia mine lands
Authors: Price Lucas E. , Skelly Brett P. , Morrison Erin E. , Carpenter Colin P. , Ryan Christopher W. , Rota Christopher T.
Published: May 2024

Wildlife space use is a key component to consider when determining effective conservation and management practices. Home range size and resource selection can vary temporally and spatially depending on mortality risks in the area and access to food resources. Lands used for coal mining can contain unique mortality risks and food resources for American black bears (Ursus americanus) relative to surrounding landscapes due to hunting restrictions, vegetation planted as part of the reclamation process, and other anthropogenic food resources. We examined the influence of mining sites on resource selection of female black bears in southern West Virginia, USA, during 2007 and 2008. We estimated home range size with Brownian Bridge movement models and evaluated variation in home range size with mixed‐effects linear regression. We evaluated resource selection with mixed‐effects Poisson point process models. On mine sites, the mean 95% home range for female black bears was 1,996 ha (SD = 2,633) in the autumn and 544 ha (SD = 238) in the spring, and on non‐mine sites the mean 95% home range was 1,926 ha (SD = 1,292) in the autumn and 771 ha (SD = 480) in the spring. Our resource selection model indicated black bears used nonhunting zones associated with mine lands much greater than their availability, and that black bears in mine areas disproportionately used areas in close proximity to anthropogenic structures. Interannual variation in home range size was likely associated with mast conditions, because smaller home ranges were associated with high mast production. Our data suggest black bears may be using non‐hunting zones within mine lands as refugia from hunting and are using anthropogenic food sources available at refuse sites on mine lands, which may increase regional black bear populations in areas with high mining activity.
Transboundary water resources management and food security: An Indonesian perspective
Authors: Asdak Chay , Yulizar Yulizar
Published: May 2024

Transboundary water resource management is one of the key components of ensuring that water is managed appropriately for a number of objectives, including assisting in food production. Inadequate water management may aggravate social conflict in the near future as precipitation patterns change. This study evaluates long‐term government policies, plans, and initiatives based on their responsibility. Strategic environmental assessment is used as an approach to address problems relating to the transboundary flow of water resources. It takes into account the requirements for integrating environmental constraints into government planning and development programs. To make sure that water resources are functioning correctly from upstream to downstream locations, various levels of government are urged to employ spatial planning based on water resource information. This study uses the Cimanuk watershed area in Indonesia to demonstrate this perspective.
Integration of Remote and Social Sensing Data Reveals Uneven Quality of Broadband Connectivity Across World Cities
Authors: Melchiorri Michele , Sulis Patrizia , Proietti Paola , Schiavina Marcello , Siragusa Alice
Published: May 2024

Urbanisation and digitalisation are two of the megatrends characterising contemporary human society. Digital broadband access is an essential enabler, and despite its large growth potential, it can differ across territories. Taking a comparative approach from a global perspective, this chapter studies the relationship between urbanisation and digitalisation by looking at the quality of broadband access in urban centres using geospatial data processing. It is based on a combination of open and free data sourced from earth observation (Copernicus and Landsat programmes) to map and classify human settlements, with social sensing data to assess broadband quality with open data released by Ookla® at the grid level. We analyse the database in a stratified way to identify whether urban centres in high-income countries are better in terms of broadband connectivity compared to those in developing economies; whether urban centre population size is an advantage in the regions of the world where connectivity is low; and whether urban centres that have experienced stronger population growth in recent years display an advantage in terms of digitalisation. This work sheds light on the nature and type of deprivation related to uneven access to infrastructure, especially digital ones. The results indicate significant geographical and income disparities in terms of internet download speeds across the world. The performance of mobile and fixed broadband connectivity is different, and mobile connectivity offers a higher performance alternative to fixed networks in less affluent countries.
Wigner 6j symbols with gluon lines: completing the set of 6j symbols required for color decomposition
Authors: Keppeler Stefan , Plätzer Simon , Sjodahl Malin
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We construct a set of Wigner 6𝑗 symbols with gluon lines (adjoint representations) in closed form, expressed in terms of similar 6𝑗 symbols with quark lines (fundamental representations). Together with these Wigner 6𝑗 symbols with quark lines, this gives a set of 6𝑗 symbols sufficient for treating QCD color structure for any number of external particles, in or beyond perturbation theory. This facilitates a complete treatment of QCD color structure in terms of orthogonal multiplet bases, without the need of ever explicitly constructing the corresponding bases. We thereby open up for a completely representation theory based treatment of SU(N) color structure, with the potential of significantly speeding up the color structure treatment.
Dually Weighted Multi-matrix Models as a Path to Causal Gravity-Matter Systems
Authors: Abranches Juan L. A. , Pereira Antonio D. , Toriumi Reiko
Published: May 2024

We introduce a dually-weighted multi-matrix model that for a suitable choice of weights reproduce two-dimensional Causal Dynamical Triangulations (CDT) coupled to the Ising model. When Ising degrees of freedom are removed, this model corresponds to the CDT-matrix model introduced by Benedetti and Henson (Phys Lett B 678:222, 2009). We present exact as well as approximate results for the Gaussian averages of characters of a Hermitian matrixAand$$A^2$$A2for a given representation and establish the present limitations that prevent us to solve the model analytically. This sets the stage for the formulation of more sophisticated matter models coupled to two-dimensional CDT as dually weighted multi-matrix models providing a complementary view to the standard simplicial formulation of CDT-matter models.
The Power Word Problem in Graph Products
Authors: Lohrey Markus , Stober Florian , Weiß Armin
Published: May 2024

The power word problem for a group $$\varvec{G}$$

G

asks whether an expression $$\varvec{u_1^{x_1} \cdots u_n^{x_n}}$$

u
1

x
1

⋯

u
n

x
n

, where the $$\varvec{u_i}$$

u
i

are words over a finite set of generators of $$\varvec{G}$$

G

and the $$\varvec{x_i}$$

x
i

binary encoded integers, is equal to the identity of $$\varvec{G}$$

G

. It is a restriction of the compressed word problem, where the input word is represented by a straight-line program (i.e., an algebraic circuit over $$\varvec{G}$$

G

). We start by showing some easy results concerning the power word problem. In particular, the power word problem for a group $$\varvec{G}$$

G

is $$\varvec{\textsf{uNC}^{1}}$$

uNC
1

-many-one reducible to the power word problem for a finite-index subgroup of $$\varvec{G}$$

G

. For our main result, we consider graph products of groups that do not have elements of order two. We show that the power word problem in a fixed such graph product is $$\varvec{\textsf{AC} ^0}$$

AC
0

-Turing-reducible to the word problem for the free group $$\varvec{F_2}$$

F
2

and the power word problems of the base groups. Furthermore, we look into the uniform power word problem in a graph product, where the dependence graph and the base groups are part of the input. Given a class of finitely generated groups $$\varvec{\mathcal {C}}$$

C

without order two elements, the uniform power word problem in a graph product can be solved in $$\varvec{\textsf{AC} ^0[\textsf{C}_=\textsf{L} ^{{{\,\textrm{UPowWP}\,}}(\mathcal {C})}]}$$

AC
0

[

C
=

L

UPowWP

(
C
)

]

, where $$\varvec{{{\,\textrm{UPowWP}\,}}(\mathcal {C})}$$

UPowWP

(
C
)

denotes the uniform power word problem for groups from the class $$\varvec{\mathcal {C}}$$

C

. As a consequence of our results, the uniform knapsack problem in right-angled Artin groups is $$\varvec{\textsf{NP}}$$

NP

-complete. The present paper is a combination of the two conference papers (Lohrey and Weiß 2019b, Stober and Weiß 2022a). In Stober and Weiß (2022a) our results on graph products were wrongly stated without the additional assumption that the base groups do not have elements of order two. In the present work we correct this mistake. While we strongly conjecture that the result as stated in Stober and Weiß (2022a) is true, our proof relies on this additional assumption.
An unexpected role of EasDaf: catalyzing the conversion of chanoclavine aldehyde to chanoclavine acid
Authors: Yu Zhi-Pu , An Chunyan , Yao Yongpeng , Yan Ju-Zhang , Gao Shu-Shan , Gu Yu-Cheng , Wang Chang-Yun , Cui Chengsen
Published: May 2024

Ergot alkaloids (EAs) are a diverse group of indole alkaloids known for their complex structures, significant pharmacological effects, and toxicity to plants. The biosynthesis of these compounds begins with chanoclavine-I aldehyde (CC aldehyde, 2), an important intermediate produced by the enzyme EasDaf or its counterpart FgaDH from chanoclavine-I (CC, 1). However, how CC aldehyde 2 is converted to chanoclavine-I acid (CC acid, 3), first isolated from Ipomoea violacea several decades ago, is still unclear. In this study, we provide in vitro biochemical evidence showing that EasDaf not only converts CC 1 to CC aldehyde 2 but also directly transforms CC 1 into CC acid 3 through two sequential oxidations. Molecular docking and site-directed mutagenesis experiments confirmed the crucial role of two amino acids, Y166 and S153, within the active site, which suggests that Y166 acts as a general base for hydride transfer, while S153 facilitates proton transfer, thereby increasing the acidity of the reaction.

Key points

•EAs possess complicated skeletons and are widely used in several clinical diseases

•EasDafbelongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) and converted CC or CC aldehyde to CC acid

•The catalytic mechanism of EasDaffor dehydrogenation was analyzed by molecular docking and site mutations
Enhanced extracellular production of laccase in Coprinopsis cinerea by silencing chitinase gene
Authors: Yao Dongbang , Ma Yuting , Ran Jie , Wang Jiaxiu , Kües Ursula , Liu Juanjuan , Zhou Danya , Zhang Xuecheng , Fang Zemin , Xiao Yazhong
Published: May 2024

Laccase, a copper-containing polyphenol oxidase, is an important green biocatalyst. In this study, Laccase Lcc5 was homologous recombinantly expressed in Coprinopsis cinerea and a novel strategy of silencing chitinase gene expression was used to enhance recombinant Lcc5 extracellular yield. Two critical chitinase genes, ChiEn1 and ChiE2, were selected by analyzing the transcriptome data of C. cinerea FA2222, and their silent expression was performed by RNA interference (RNAi). It was found that silencing either ChiEn1 or ChiE2 reduced sporulation and growth rate, and increased cell wall sensitivity, but had no significant effect on mycelial branching. Among them, the extracellular laccase activity of the ChiE2-silenced engineered strain Cclcc5-antiChiE2-5 and the control Cclcc5-13 reached the highest values (38.2 and 25.5 U/mL, respectively) at 250 and 150 rpm agitation speeds, corresponding to productivity of 0.35 and 0.19 U/mL·h, respectively, in a 3-L fermenter culture. Moreover, since Cclcc5-antiChiE2-5 could withstand greater shear forces, its extracellular laccase activity was 2.6-fold higher than that of Cclcc5-13 when the agitation speed was all at 250 rpm. To our knowledge, this is the first report of enhanced recombinant laccase production in C. cinerea by silencing the chitinase gene. This study will pave the way for laccase industrial production and accelerate the development of a C. cinerea high-expression system.

Key points

• ChiEn1 and ChiE2 are critical chitinase genes in C. cinerea FA2222 genome.

• Chitinase gene silencing enhanced the tolerance of C. cinerea to shear forces.

• High homologous production of Lcc5 is achieved by fermentation in a 3-L fermenter.
Integrative analysis of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing unveils a machine learning-based pan-cancer major histocompatibility complex-related signature for predicting immunotherapy efficacy
Authors: Feng Jia-Lin , Liang Bo , Zheng Wen-Jie , Xu Le , Zhou Qin-Yi , Chen Jun
Published: May 2024

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) could serve as a potential biomarker for tumor immunotherapy, however, it is not yet known whether MHC could distinguish potential beneficiaries. Single‐cell RNA sequencing datasets derived from patients with immunotherapy were collected to elucidate the association between MHC and immunotherapy response. A novel MHCsig was developed and validated using large‐scale pan‐cancer data, including The Cancer Genome Atlas and immunotherapy cohorts. The therapeutic value of MHCsig was further explored using 17 CRISPR/Cas9 datasets. MHC-related genes were associated with drug resistance and MHCsig was significantly and positively associated with immunotherapy response and total mutational burden. Remarkably, MHCsig significantly enriched 6% top‐ranked genes, which were potential therapeutic targets. Moreover, we generated Hub-MHCsig, which was associated with survival and disease-special survival of pan-cancer, especially low-grade glioma. This result was also confirmed in cell lines and in our own clinical cohort. Later low-grade glioma-related Hub-MHCsig was established and the regulatory network was constructed. We provided conclusive clinical evidence regarding the association between MHCsig and immunotherapy response. We developed MHCsig, which could effectively predict the benefits of immunotherapy for multiple tumors. Further exploration of MHCsig revealed some potential therapeutic targets and regulatory networks.
Friction Velocity Determination Techniques in Turbulent Boundary Layers with Miniature Vortex Generators
Authors: Kong Jiahao , Nugroho Bagus , Bennetts Luke G. , Chan C. I. , Chin R. C.
Published: May 2024

Miniature vortex generators (MVGs) have the potential to control turbulent boundary layers (TBLs). Analyzing the scaled turbulent structure of MVG TBLs in experiments typically requires indirect methods for accurate friction velocity $$U_\tau$$

U
τ

determination. The established methods for $$U_\tau$$

U
τ

determination need to be verified for non-generic TBLs, such as MVG TBLs, especially at near-wake stations. This study compares the performance of the five most common $$U_\tau$$

U
τ

-determination methods when applied to MVG TBLs. The methods are tuned in terms of their free parameters and fitting ranges using direct measurements of $$U_\tau$$

U
τ

from large eddy simulation data, and applied to a corresponding experiment to assess their accuracy. Based on the findings, an “inner” method, which is the Musker function with a drifting buffer layer incorporating a bump function, is recommended for MVG TBLs of the form investigated, as it provides a good estimation of $$U_\tau$$

U
τ

with uncertainty $$<3\%$$

<
3
%

for all streamwise stations. The method is applied to three further experimental tests with different flow conditions to study trends in $$U_\tau$$

U
τ

. The error of the drag variation is $$<6\%$$

<
6
%

, which indicates the method is reliable for MVG TBLs at high Reynolds numbers.
Impaired GABAergic regulation and developmental immaturity in interneurons derived from the medial ganglionic eminence in the tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Scheper Mirte , Sørensen Frederik N. F. , Ruffolo Gabriele , Gaeta Alessandro , Lissner Lilian J. , Anink Jasper J. , Korshunova Irina , Jansen Floor E. , Riney Kate , van Hecke Wim , Mühlebner Angelika , Khodosevich Konstantin , Schubert Dirk , Palma Eleonora , Mills James D. , Aronica Eleonora
Published: May 2024

GABAergic interneurons play a critical role in maintaining neural circuit balance, excitation–inhibition regulation, and cognitive function modulation. In tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), GABAergic neuron dysfunction contributes to disrupted network activity and associated neurological symptoms, assumingly in a cell type-specific manner. This GABAergic centric study focuses on identifying specific interneuron subpopulations within TSC, emphasizing the unique characteristics of medial ganglionic eminence (MGE)- and caudal ganglionic eminence (CGE)-derived interneurons. Using single-nuclei RNA sequencing in TSC patient material, we identify somatostatin-expressing (SST+) interneurons as a unique and immature subpopulation in TSC. The disrupted maturation of SST+ interneurons may undergo an incomplete switch from excitatory to inhibitory GABAergic signaling during development, resulting in reduced inhibitory properties. Notably, this study reveals markers of immaturity specifically in SST+ interneurons, including an abnormal NKCC1/KCC2 ratio, indicating an imbalance in chloride homeostasis crucial for the postsynaptic consequences of GABAergic signaling as well as the downregulation of GABAA receptor subunits, GABRA1, and upregulation of GABRA2. Further exploration of SST+ interneurons revealed altered localization patterns of SST+ interneurons in TSC brain tissue, concentrated in deeper cortical layers, possibly linked to cortical dyslamination. In the epilepsy context, our research underscores the diverse cell type-specific roles of GABAergic interneurons in shaping seizures, advocating for precise therapeutic considerations. Moreover, this study illuminates the potential contribution of SST+ interneurons to TSC pathophysiology, offering insights for targeted therapeutic interventions.
Association between BMI and oncologic outcomes in epithelial ovarian cancer: a predictors-matched case-control study
Authors: Levin Gabriel , Brezinov Yoav , Tzur Yossi , Bar-Noy Tomer , Brodeur Melica Nourmoussavi , Salvador Shannon , Lau Susie , Gotlieb Walter
Published: May 2024

Objective

We aimed to study the association between obesity and survival in ovarian cancer (OC) patients, accounting for confounders as disease stage, histology, and comorbidities.

Methods

Retrospective matched case-control study of consecutive patients, with epithelial OC. Obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 35 kg m−2) patients were matched in a 1:4 ratio with patients having lower BMIs (BMI < 35 kg m−2) based on disease stage, cytoreduction state, tumor histology and ASA score. We compared the 3-year and total recurrence-free survival and overall survival through Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards.

Results

Overall, 153 consecutive patients were included, of whom 32 (20.9%) had a BMI ≥ 35. and 121 a BMI < 35. The median follow-up time was 39 months (interquartile range 18–67). Both study groups were similar in multiple prognostic factors, including American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, completion of cytoreduction, histology and stage of disease (p = 0.981, p = 0.992, p = 0.740 and p = 0.984, respectively). Ninety-five (62.1%) patients underwent robotic surgery and conversion rate from robotic to laparotomy was similar in both groups 2 (6.3%) in obese group vs. 6 (5.0%) in lower BMI patients, p = 0.673. During the follow-up time, the rate of recurrence was similar in both groups; 21 (65.6%) in obese group vs. 68 (57.1%), p = 0.387 and the rate of death events was similar; 16 (50.0%) in obese group vs. 49 (40.5%), p = 0.333). The 3-year OS was higher in the obese group (log rank p = 0.042) but the 3-year RFS was similar in both groups (log rank p = 0.556). Median total OS was similar in both groups 62 months (95% confidence interval 25–98 months) in obese vs. 67 months (95% confidence interval 15–118) in the lower BMI group, log rank p = 0.822. Median RFS was similar in both groups; 61 months (95% confidence interval 47–74) in obese, vs. 54 (95% confidence interval 43–64), log rank p = 0.842. In Cox regression analysis for OS, including obesity, age, laparotomy and neoadjuvant treatment – only neoadjuvant treatment was independently associated with longer OS: odds ratio 1.82 (95% confidence interval 1.09–3.05) and longer RFS: odds ratio 2.16 (95% confidence interval 1.37–3.41).

Conclusions

In the present study on consecutive cases of ovarian cancer, obesity did not seem to be associated with outcome, except for an apparent improved 3-year survival that faded away thereafter.
Conformal thyroidectomy is a feasible option in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a retrospective cohort study with 10-year follow-up results
Authors: Li Chen , Cao Jian , Chen Guo-Shuai , Yang Xiao-Dong , Jiang Ke-Wei , Ye Ying-Jiang
Published: May 2024

Background

In recent years, there has been an increasing prevalence of patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) without lymph node involvement in medical centers worldwide. For patients who are unable to undergo active surveillance (AS) and are afraid of postoperative complications, conformal thyroidectomy may be a suitable option to ensure both preservation of function and complete removal of the tumor.

Methods

The patients in the cohort during 2010 to 2015 were retrospectively enrolled strictly following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The observation and control groups were defined based on the surgical approach, with patients in the observation group undergoing conformal thyroidectomy and patients in the control group undergoing lobectomy. Event-free survival (EFS), the interval from initial surgery to the detection of recurrent or metastatic disease, was defined as the primary observation endpoint.

Results

A total of 319 patients were included in the study, with 124 patients undergoing conformal thyroidectomy and 195 patients undergoing lobectomy. When compared to lobectomy, conformal thyroidectomy demonstrated reduced hospital stays, shorter operative times, and lower rates of vocal cord paralysis and hypoparathyroidism. Furthermore, the mean bleeding volume during the operation and the rate of permanent hypothyroidism were also lower in the conformal thyroidectomy group than in the lobectomy group. However, there was no statistically significant difference observed in the 5- and 10-year EFS between the two groups.

Conclusions

Conformal thyroidectomy had advantages in perioperative management and short-term complication rates, with an EFS that was not inferior to that of lobectomy. Thus, conformal thyroidectomy is a feasible option for low-risk PTMC patients.
The role of tumor-associated macrophages in tumor immune evasion
Authors: Huang Ruizhe , Kang Ting , Chen Siyu
Published: May 2024

Background

Tumor growth is closely linked to the activities of various cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly immune cells. During tumor progression, circulating monocytes and macrophages are recruited, altering the TME and accelerating growth. These macrophages adjust their functions in response to signals from tumor and stromal cells. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), similar to M2 macrophages, are key regulators in the TME.

Methods

We review the origins, characteristics, and functions of TAMs within the TME. This analysis includes the mechanisms through which TAMs facilitate immune evasion and promote tumor metastasis. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies that target TAMs.

Results

TAMs are instrumental in mediating tumor immune evasion and malignant behaviors. They release cytokines that inhibit effector immune cells and attract additional immunosuppressive cells to the TME. TAMs primarily target effector T cells, inducing exhaustion directly, influencing activity indirectly through cellular interactions, or suppressing through immune checkpoints. Additionally, TAMs are directly involved in tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis.

Developing innovative tumor-targeted therapies and immunotherapeutic strategies is currently a promising focus in oncology. Given the pivotal role of TAMs in immune evasion, several therapeutic approaches have been devised to target them. These include leveraging epigenetics, metabolic reprogramming, and cellular engineering to repolarize TAMs, inhibiting their recruitment and activity, and using TAMs as drug delivery vehicles. Although some of these strategies remain distant from clinical application, we believe that future therapies targeting TAMs will offer significant benefits to cancer patients.
Low-Energy Dipole Strength in $$^8$$He
Authors: Bonaiti Francesca , Bacca Sonia
Published: May 2024

In this work, we present new ab initio coupled-cluster calculations of dipole-excited state properties of $$^8$$

8

He based on the chiral effective field theory interaction 1.8/2.0 (EM). We focus on the dipole polarizability, and compare the results to our previous study [Phys. Rev. C 105, 034313 (2022)] and subsequent theoretical work. With the aim of connecting the presence of low-lying dipole strength to structure properties of $$^8$$

8

He, we compute the point-neutron radius, finding excellent agreement with available experimental data, and investigate its correlation with the dipole polarizability.
Structured abstract generator (SAG) model: analysis of IMRAD structure of articles and its effect on extractive summarization
Authors: Özkan Çelik Ayşe Esra , Al Umut
Published: May 2024

An abstract is the most crucial element that may convince readers to read the complete text of a scientific publication. However, studies show that in terms of organization, readability, and style, abstracts are also among the most troublesome parts of the pertinent manuscript. The ultimate goal of this article is to produce better understandable abstracts with automatic methods that will contribute to scientific communication in Turkish. We propose a summarization system based on extractive techniques combining general features that have been shown to be beneficial for Turkish. To construct the data set for this aim, a sample of 421 peer-reviewed Turkish articles in the field of librarianship and information science was developed. First, the structure of the full-texts, and their readability in comparison with author abstracts, were examined for text quality evaluation. A content-based evaluation of the system outputs was then carried out. System outputs, in cases of using and ignoring structural features of full-texts, were compared. Structured outputs outperformed classical outputs in terms of content and text quality. Each output group has better readability levels than their original abstracts. Additionally, it was discovered that higher-quality outputs are correlated with more structured full-texts, highlighting the importance of structural writing. Finally, it was determined that our system can facilitate the scholarly communication process as an auxiliary tool for authors and editors. Findings also indicate the significance of structural writing for better scholarly communication.
Chemical bonding and electronic properties along Group 13 metal oxides
Authors: Kapse Samadhan , Voccia Maria , Viñes Francesc , Illas Francesc
Published: May 2024

Context

The present work provides a systematic theoretical analysis of the nature of the chemical bond in Al2O3, Ga2O3, and In2O3 group 13 cubic crystal structure metal oxides. The influence of the functional in the resulting band gap is assessed. The topological analysis of the electron density provides unambiguous information about the degree of ionicity along the group which is linearly correlated with the band gap values and with the cost of forming a single oxygen vacancy. Overall, this study offers a comprehensive insight into the electronic structure of metal oxides and their interrelations. This will help researchers to harness information effectively, boosting the development of novel metal oxide catalysts or innovative methodologies for their preparation.

Methods

Periodic density functional theory was used to predict the atomic structure of the materials of interest. Structure optimization was carried out using the PBE functional, using a plane wave basis set and the PAW representation of the atomic cores, using the VASP code. Next, the electronic properties were computed by carrying out single point calculations employing PBE, PBE + U functionals using VASP and also with PBE and the hybrid HSE06 functionals using the FHI-AIMS software. For the hybrid HSE06, the impact of the screening parameter, ω, and mixing parameter, α, on the calculated band gap has also been assessed.
CPL-01, an investigational long-acting ropivacaine, demonstrates safety and efficacy in open inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Xu H. T. , Zimmerman J. , Bertoch T. , Chen L. , Chen P. J. , Onel E.
Published: May 2024

Background

There is an unmet medical need for effective nonopioid analgesics that can decrease pain while reducing systemic opioid use. CPL-01, an extended-release injectable formulation of ropivacaine, is designed to safely provide analgesia and reduce or eliminate opioid use in the postoperative period.

Methods

Subjects undergoing open inguinal hernia with mesh were prospectively randomized to 1 of 3 doses of CPL-01 (10, 20, or 30 ml of 2% CPL-01, n = 14, 12, and 14, respectively), Naropin (150 mg, n = 40), or saline placebo (n = 13) infiltrated into the surgical site prior to closure. Pain and rescue medication usage was assessed, and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores were adjusted for opioid usage using windowed worst observation carried forward (wWOCF) imputation. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean area under the curve (AUC) of the NRS pain intensity scores with activity.

Results

Ninety-three subjects were treated, and 91 subjects completed 72 h of post-operative monitoring. Subjects who received the highest dose of CPL-01 in Cohort 3 showed a clinically meaningful reduction in postoperative pain intensity scores, which was the lowest value for any treatment in all cohorts, showing a trend towards statistical significance as compared to the pooled placebo group (p = 0.08), and numerically better than the 40 subjects who received Naropin. Opioid use through 72 h in subjects who received CPL-01 in Cohort 3 was approximately half of that shown in the placebo and Naropin groups; approximately 2/3 of the CPL-01 subjects (9/14) required no opioids at all through the first 72 h after the operation. More CPL-01 subjects avoided severe pain and were ready for discharge earlier than other groups. CPL-01 was safe and well-tolerated, with no clinically meaningful safety signals, and showed predictable and consistent extended-release pharmacokinetics.

Conclusion

Results suggest that CPL-01 may be the first long-acting ropivacaine to address postoperative pain while reducing the need for opioids.
The impact of food production on ecological footprint in Turkey: an analysis across agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture
Authors: Aktürk Ergün , Gültekin Sena
Published: May 2024

The ecological footprint (ECF), which has been frequently examined recently, offers a comprehensive analysis of the environment and has started to be used in Turkey. However, although it is a significant area of study in the world, food production, that raise the ECF the most, has not been the subject of much research in Turkey. In the present analysis, food production’s impacts on the ECF in Turkey are analyzed with yearly statistics for the period 1961–2018. Within the frame of this analysis, both food production as a whole and agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture production, which are the components of food, were analyzed individually. In this context, four different models were constructed, and the Autoregressive Distributed Lag method was used to analyze. According to the outcomes of the analysis, food, agriculture, and livestock production raise the ECF while aquaculture production diminishes. The largest coefficient among the three sub-sectors belongs to the agriculture sector. In addition, while the use of fertilizers, agricultural land, GDP, population, and life expectancy at birth increases the ECF, the age dependency ratio decreases, and the effect of rural population differs in the models.
Partiality and Meaning
Authors: Lange Benjamin
Published: May 2024

Why do relationships of friendship and love support partiality, but not relationships of hatred or commitments of racism? Where does partiality end and why? I take the intuitive starting point that important cases of partiality are meaningful. I develop a view whereby meaning is understood in terms of transcending self-limitations in order to connect with things of external value. I then show how this view can be used to distinguish central cases of legitimate partiality from cases of illegitimate partiality and how it puts pressure on the traditional way of thinking about partiality.
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Non-metallic Inclusions in Steel Using Ionoluminescence
Authors: Imashuku Susumu
Published: May 2024

Obtaining information on the morphology, size, distribution, and chemical composition of non-metallic inclusions in steel helps control the steel production process and the quality of the steel products. Two-dimensional analysis is commonly used to acquire this information; however, more accurate data can be obtained through three-dimensional analysis, leading to a better control of the quality of steel products and their production process. Currently, several techniques are proposed for the three-dimensional analysis of non-metallic inclusions; however, they are time consuming. Herein, the author presented a method to rapidly obtain three-dimensional images of non-metallic inclusions in steel using ionoluminescence (IL). A three-dimensional image of MgO·Al2O3 spinel inclusions was constructed based on two-dimensional IL images obtained every 10 min during argon–ion bombardment. The proposed IL imaging can cover an oval-shaped area of 1.17 mm × 0.26 mm on the semi-major and in the semi-minor axes, respectively, at a single measurement. Three-dimension images of MgO·Al2O3 spinel inclusions with sizes more than 20 μm can be obtained within 4 hours. Therefore, the IL imaging proposed here can provide a precise and rapid account of the effects of non-metallic inclusions on steel products and the steel production process.
ECPELLA as a bridge-to-decision in refractory cardiogenic shock: a single-centre experience
Authors: Balder Jan-Willem , Szymanski Mariusz K. , van Laake Linda W. , van der Harst Pim , Meuwese Christiaan L. , Ramjankhan Faiz Z. , van der Meer Manon G. , Hermens Jeannine A. J. M. , Voskuil Michiel , de Waal Eric E. C. , Donker Dirk W. , Oerlemans Marish I. F. J. , Kraaijeveld Adriaan O.
Published: May 2024

Background

In refractory cardiogenic shock, temporary mechanical support (tMCS) may be crucial for maintaining tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. tMCS can serve as a bridge-to-decision to assess eligibility for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation or heart transplantation, or as a bridge-to-recovery. ECPELLA is a novel tMCS configuration combining venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with Impella. The present study presents the clinical parameters, outcomes, and complications of patients supported with ECPELLA.

Methods

All patients supported with ECPELLA at University Medical Centre Utrecht between December 2020 and August 2023 were included. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality, and secondary outcomes were LVAD implantation/heart transplantation and safety outcomes.

Results

Twenty patients with an average age of 51 years, and of whom 70% were males, were included. Causes of cardiogenic shock were acute heart failure (due to acute coronary syndrome, myocarditis, or after cardiac surgery) or chronic heart failure, respectively 70 and 30% of cases. The median duration of ECPELLA support was 164 h (interquartile range 98–210). In 50% of cases, a permanent LVAD was implanted. Cardiac recovery within 30 days was seen in 30% of cases and 30-day mortality rate was 20%. ECPELLA support was associated with major bleeding (40%), haemolysis (25%), vascular complications (30%), kidney failure requiring replacement therapy (50%), and Impella failure requiring extraction (15%).

Conclusion

ECPELLA can be successfully used as a bridge to LVAD implantation or as a bridge-to-recovery in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. Despite a significant number of complications, 30-day mortality was lower than observed in previous cohorts.
Design of Novel Saposin-like Bacteriocins Using a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Oftedal Thomas F. , Diep Dzung B. , Kjos Morten
Published: May 2024

A multitude of approaches will be required to respond to the threat posed by the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistant pathogens. Bacteriocins have gained increasing attention as a possible alternative to antibiotics, as such peptide antimicrobials have mechanisms of action different from antibiotics and are therefore equally potent against antibiotic resistant bacteria as their susceptible counterparts. A group of bacteriocins known as saposin-like bacteriocins is believed to act directly on the bacterial membrane. Based on seven saposin-like leaderless bacteriocins, we have constructed a library of hybrid peptides containing all combinations of the N- and C-terminal halves of the native bacteriocins. All hybrid peptides were synthesized using in vitro protein expression and assayed for antimicrobial activity towards several pathogens. Of the 42 hybrid peptides, antimicrobial activity was confirmed for 11 novel hybrid peptides. Furthermore, several of the hybrid peptides exhibited altered antimicrobial spectra and apparent increase in potency compared to the peptides from which they were derived. The most promising hybrid, termed ISP26, was then obtained synthetically and shown to inhibit most of the Gram-positive species tested, including opportunistic pathogens and food spoilage bacteria. Additionally, ISP26 was shown to inhibit Acinetobacter, a species of Gram-negative bacteria frequently isolated from nosocomial infections. The activity of the hybrid library provides valuable insights into the design and screening of new active bacteriocins.
The regulation of hypoxia-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xuejing , Wang Xiaojun
Published: May 2024

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still a public health disease with its high prevalence and morbidity. Short of early diagnosis biomarkers and effective therapy, the treatment of HCC patients hasn’t achieved ideal effect. Hypoxia is a hallmark of HCC, which is mainly induced by imbalance of tumor cell proliferation and insufficient supply of oxygen. Recently, amounting evidence suggested lncRNAs, especially hypoxia-related lncRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating HCC. Hypoxia-related lncRNAs are involved in altering glucose metabolism, maintaining of cancer stem cell-like properties (CSCs), cell apotosis, proliferation and immune escape, which all contribute to the poor prognosis of HCC patients. The novel identified hypoxia-related lncRNAs could be the potential target or biomarkers of HCC, which are beneficial to the clinical treatment. Herein, we summarized currently reported hypoxia-related lncRNAs and their related mechanisms, providing potential application and future perspective of hypoxia-related lncRNAs as a potential therapeutic target.
A snapshot on current approaches to lymphadenectomy in liver resection for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: results from an international survey
Authors: Sposito Carlo , Maspero Marianna , Cucchetti Alessandro , Mazzaferro Vincenzo
Published: May 2024

The use of lymphadenectomy (LND) during resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is still debated, leading to differing practices in different centers and countries. The aim of this study was to assess such differences. A survey on LND for ICC was distributed to the members of the International Hepato-PancreatoBiliary Association (IHPBA) and the Italian Chapter of IHPBA (AICEP). Two-hundred thirty-four surgeons completed the survey (88% males; median age 46 years). Preoperative nodal staging was deemed mandatory/very important by 65%. Adequate LND was defined as hepatoduodenal ligament LND by 33%, LND at specific nodal stations by 28% and retrieval of > 5 nodes by 28%. The decision to perform LND was influenced by comorbidities (48%), chronic liver disease (38%) and satellitosis (32%). Most participants modify perioperative management in case of clinically positive nodes, 50% stating they would give neoadjuvant therapy. The role of LND in clinically node negative disease was adequate staging for 88%, survival benefit for 50.5% and clinical trials eligibility for 18.5%. Our survey confirms heterogeneity in the evaluation of role and extent of LND for ICC, how this relates to subjective perception of importance of LND, and need of a systematic approach in this area.
A comprehensive study on the effect of small rates of walnut shell and talc fillers on the thermal,mechanical, and morphological properties of epoxy hybrid composites
Authors: Karagöz İdris , Mutlu Derya , Çavuşoğlu Aysu , Çelebi Mithat , Ceylan Özgür
Published: May 2024

Epoxy-based composites, valued for their cost-effectiveness and remarkable mechanical properties, attract considerable attention from researchers in academia and industry. This study explores the impact of low concentrations (1% to 3%) of walnut shell (WS) and talc additives on the density, water absorption, and mechanical (tensile, three-point bending, impact, hardness) as well as thermal (TGA, DSC) properties of epoxy composites. While prior research has extensively covered epoxy composites with high concentrations of walnut shell and talc, their utilization in lower concentrations remains underexplored. Findings highlight the substantial influence of incorporating low percentages of walnut shell and talc on the Tg temperatures of epoxy composites, with talc reducing Tg temperature and WS elevating it. TGA tests reveal that both WS and talc contribute to increased Tmax temperature and residue content compared to pure epoxy. Mechanical properties exhibit variations based on filler type and amount, with walnut shell enhancing the elastic modulus and talc decreasing it compared to pure epoxy. Impact resistance sees significant reductions related to particle size. Talc boosts density, while WS has a more pronounced effect on hardness. Water absorption tests demonstrate higher water absorption in WS-containing epoxy composites. Glossiness and surface roughness undergo changes, with talc increasing roughness and decreasing glossiness. In conclusion, even minor filler percentages noticeably impact epoxy composite properties compared to pure epoxy, providing avenues for customized modifications, particularly with challenging or costly fillers, offering viable alternatives for researchers in diverse fields.
Topology optimization of AISI 4140 steel with surface texture filled by multi-solid lubricants for enhancing tribological properties
Authors: Huang Qipeng , Wu Chaohua , Shi Xiaoliang , Zhang Kaipeng
Published: May 2024

Wind power gears will be excessively worn due to lubrication failure during operation. Herein, the tribological properties of rubbing pairs are improved by filling solid lubricants into surface texture. In texture design, three types of topological textures (Circle (C), Hexagon (H) and Circle/Hexagon (CH)) were obtained by cell topology optimization, and then three cases with 20%, 30%, and 40% density were designed for each texture. Next, SnAgCu and TiC were deposited in texture of AISI 4140 steel (AS) to obtain 9 kinds of self-lubricating surfaces. Among them, AS with 30% CH density (AS-CH30) exhibits excellent mechanical and tribological properties. Compared with AS-C and AS-H, the maximum equivalent stress of AS-CH was decreased by 10.86% and 5.37%, respectively. Friction coefficient and wear rate of AS-CH30 were 79.68% and 78% lower than those of AS. The excellent tribological performances of AS-CH30 can be attributed to the synergistic effect of topological surface and solid lubricants. Topological surface can not only reduce fluctuation of equivalent stress, but also promote the stored lubricants to be easily transferred at the contact interface to form a 200 nm lubricating film containing solid lubricants (mainly), oxides and wear debris.
A Latent Profile Analysis of COVID-19 and Influenza Vaccine Hesitancy among Economically Marginalized Hispanic Mothers of Children under Five Years of Age in the US
Authors: Park Yea Won , Bragard Elise , Madhivanan Purnima , Fisher Celia B.
Published: May 2024

Rates of COVID-19 and influenza vaccine coverage among Hispanic young children continue to be low in comparison to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. This study utilized a person-centered approach to understand COVID-19 and influenza vaccination hesitancy for young children under the age of five among 309 economically marginalized Hispanic mothers. Drawing on the cultural health belief model, in 2022, following FDA approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for young children, a latent profile analysis was conducted from which three profiles emerged. The Low Acculturation group (Profile 1), was notable for lower acculturation, moderate cultural medical mistrust, lower access to vaccines, and higher financial security. Compared to Profile 1, the two remaining profiles had higher acculturation and lower levels of financial security, but differed in that the High Acculturation group (Profile 2) had higher vaccine accessibility and the Moderate Acculturation group (Profile 3) had higher cultural medical mistrust. Relative to other profiles, Low Acculturation mothers were more likely to plan to vaccinate their child against current and seasonal COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, report that their child’s health provider recommended the COVID-19 shot and reported lower COVID-19 and influenza vaccine mistrust. However, they also reported lower vaccine accessibility and moderate levels of cultural medical mistrust. The study highlights the importance of developing person-centered public health strategies that draw on Hispanic cultural values and consider diversity within lower income Hispanic populations to increase future pediatric COVID-19 and flu vaccination coverage among young Hispanic children.
The German guideline on medical clinical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure: key messages
Authors: Hurraß Julia , Wiesmüller Gerhard A.
Published: May 2024

The AWMF S2k guideline “Medical clinical diagnostics for indoor mold exposure” was introduced in 2016. The guideline is based on a standardized procedure of the AWMF including a systematic literature search involving several medical disciplines. The expert group has updated this guideline in accordance with AWMF specifications. For this purpose, a new Medline search was carried out for the current version of the guideline up to June 2022 with additional search terms. The search results were evaluated and further narrowed down by means of abstract screening and, where applicable, evidence-based evaluation of the full texts. Medical guidelines on related topics were also taken into account. The updated guideline is available since October 2023. This is intended to close the existing knowledge gap for rational and efficient medical diagnostics for indoor mold contamination and provides 26 core statements and recommendations, which are presented in detail.