bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a new HUP+ Phaeodactylum tricornutum strain having improved production of eicosapentaenoic acid
Authors: García Tomás , Castillo Tania , Flores Celia , Galindo Enrique
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5) is an essential fatty acid of the omega‐3 family and its importance for prevention and treatment of several disorders has been documented. Phaeodactylum tricornutum is a prominent candidate as an EPA producer. In several microalgal species the mixotrophic growth allows improvement of cell growth and EPA production, although P. tricornutum does not have glucose transporter proteins, limiting glucose assimilation. In the present study, the growth and EPA production of P. tricornutum UTEX 646 and its transformant T‐HUP*(8), in which the glucose transporter hup1 gene was expressed, was evaluated under mixotrophic cultivation using glucose as carbon source.

RESULTS

Insertion of the gene hup1 in the T‐HUP*(8) strain allowed an increase in the glucose uptake of 4.4‐fold compared to the glucose consumption observed in the wild type strain. In T‐HUP*(8) the lipid content and productivity were 42% and 63% higher than in the wild type; these differences were reflected in the EPA concentration, which was enhanced up to twofold in cultivation of T‐HUP*(8) strain. The improvement observed in lipid and EPA production in the strain T‐HUP*(8) can be explained by increases of 2.97‐, 5.71‐, and 9.44‐fold in the relative expression of the genes acc1, me1, and ptd5, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Increase in glucose consumption in cultivation of the P. tricornutum T‐HUP*(8) strain caused metabolic changes that increased the lipid content and EPA specific concentration, making this strain a good candidate for improved EPA production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Escherichia coli efflux from rangeland ecosystems in the southcentral Great Plains of the United States
Authors: Phillippe Austin J. , Wagner Kevin L. , Will Rodney E. , Zou Chris B.
Published: October 2023

Bacterial contamination of surface water is a public health concern. To quantify the efflux of Escherichia coli into ephemeral and intermittent streams and assess its numbers in relation to secondary body contact standards, we monitored runoff and measured E. coli numbers from 10 experimental watersheds that differed in vegetation cover and cattle access in north‐central Oklahoma. Escherichia coli numbers were not significantly different among the watersheds, with one exception; the grazed prairie watershed (GP1) had greater numbers compared to one ungrazed prairie watershed (UP2). Median E. coli numbers in runoff from ungrazed watersheds ranged from 260 to 1482 MPN/100 mL in comparison with grazed watersheds that ranged from 320 to 8878 MPN/100 mL. In the GP1 watershed, higher cattle stocking rates during pre‐ and post‐calving (February–May) resulted in significantly greater bacterial numbers and event loading compared to periods with lower stocking rates. The lack of significance among watersheds is likely due to the grazed sites being rotationally (and lightly) grazed, data variability, and wildlife contributions. To address wildlife sources, we used camera trap data to assess the usage in the watersheds; however, the average number of animals in a 24‐h period did not correlate with observed median E. coli numbers. Because of its impacts on E. coli numbers in water, grazing management (stocking rate, rotation, and timing) should be considered for improving water quality in streams and reservoirs.
Nourishing the Cognition with Millets: A Comprehensive Review of Their Nutritional Impact and Potential as Cognitive Enhancers
Authors: Premachandran Krishnamanikumar , Wilson Alphonse Carlton Ranjith , Soundharapandiyan Nandhagopal
Published: October 2023

Cognition is the mental processes and abilities involved in acquiring, storing, retrieving and using it for decision making. Cognitive decline due to aging, lifestyle factor, chronic health conditions, genetic, and environmental factors are rising global concern and propose a potential threat to the cognitive health. The nutritional imbalance has led to increase in cognitive disorders around the world. Millets can be a nutritional intervention for promoting cognitive health and preventing cognitive decline. Millets has abundant phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants to protect against oxidative stress‐induced cognitive impairment. Millets exert neuroprotective effects by modulating pathways involved in neuronal‐survival, synaptic‐plasticity, and release of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Millets demonstrates anti‐inflammatory properties by regulating inflammatory‐pathways and suppressing cytokines associated with cognitive impairment. Millets maintain healthy gut microbiota by producing metabolites such as short‐chain fatty acids, which influence brain function and cognition. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and on optimizing the proportion do exploit its potential. Implementing millet‐based dietary strategies through public health initiatives and educational programs can be a practical approach to support cognitive health across populations. Harnessing the potential of millets as a nutritional intervention offers a promising avenue for promoting cognitive health and improving the quality of life.
Performance analysis and material distribution optimization for sound barriers using a semianalytical meshless method
Authors: Liu Hanqing , Wang Fajie , Zhang Chuanzeng
Published: October 2023

With the increase in car ownership, traffic noise pollution has increased considerably and is one of the most severe types of noise pollution that affects living standards. Noise reduction by sound barriers is a common protective measure used in this country and abroad. The acoustic performance of a sound barrier is highly dependent on its shape and material. In this paper, a semianalytical meshless Burton–Miller‐type singular boundary method is proposed to analyze the acoustic performance of various shapes of sound barriers, and the distribution of sound‐absorbing materials on the surface of sound barriers is optimized by combining a solid isotropic material with a penalization method. The acoustic effect of the sound‐absorbing material is simplified as the acoustical impedance boundary condition. The objective of optimization is to minimize the sound pressure in a given reference plane. The volume of the sound‐absorbing material is used as a constraint. The density of the nodes covered with the sound‐absorbing material is used as the design variable. The method of moving asymptotes was used to update the design variables. This model completely avoids the mesh discretization process in the finite element method and requires only boundary nodes. In addition, the approach also does not require the singular integral calculation in the boundary element method. The method is illustrated and validated using numerical examples to demonstrate its accuracy and efficiency.
The effect of fermented feed (FF) on intestinal, surrounding water, and sediment microbiomes of the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Wang Huan , Pan Tingshuang , Jiang He , Duan Guoqing , Ling Jun
Published: October 2023

Objective

Fermented feed (FF) has several significant advantages in aquaculture. However, little is known about the characteristics of intestinal and environmental microbiota in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis.

Methods

This study was conducted to elucidate the relationship between bacterial communities in the intestine of Chinese mitten crabs and the surrounding environment and to compare the bacterial communities in FF and non-FF diet modes by using 16S ribosomal RNA high-throughput sequencing technology.

Result

Fermented feed diets mainly influenced the alpha diversity of intestinal microbiomes but could affect microbial community structures of beta diversity in water and sediment. Compared to water and sediment, crab intestines had the lowest operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness and bacterial community diversity. The OTU richness and Chao richness index values were lower in the intestines of crabs that received FF than in crabs that were given non-FF. No significant differences were observed in the bacterial diversity and OTU richness of water and sediment between the two feeding modes. The bacterial community structures were significantly different among the three environments. Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla in the crab intestine, sediment, and water, respectively. Bacterial functions were also different among the three environments. Proportions of nitrate reduction and fermentation in the crab intestine, proportions of nitrification and sulfate respiration in the sediment, and proportions of chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy in the water were higher for the FF feeding mode than for the non-FF mode.

Conclusion

The bacterial community structures were significantly different among the three environments. The microbiome of the crab intestine was partially shared with that of the ambient environment. Additionally, the FF mainly influenced the alpha diversity of intestinal microbiomes but also affected the community structures of beta diversity in water and sediment. These results will help us to devise dietary strategies to influence the crab intestinal microbiota and provide guidance for sustainable crab culture practices.
Impact of delay of local control in nonmetastatic extremity primary osteosarcoma
Authors: Halalsheh Hadeel , Ismael Taleb , Boheisi Mohammad , Shehadeh Ahmad , Sultan Iyad
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The timing of local control (LC) is not well studied in osteosarcoma. We assessed the impact of the delay of LC on the survival outcome of patients with osteosarcoma.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of children (≤18 years) with nonmetastatic extremity primary osteosarcoma at King Hussein Cancer Center from January 2005 until March 2020. Patients’ demographics, disease characteristics, and outcomes were collected. Events were defined as death, progression, or relapse. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for univariable and multivariable comparisons of different covariates.

Results

Eighty‐two patients were included; 41 (50%) were females; the median age was 12.5 years (range: 5.9–18). Sixty‐four patients (78%) underwent LC by limb‐salvage surgery. Fifteen patients (18%) had a delay of LC greater than or equal to 18 weeks. After a median follow‐up of 54 months (range: 8–188), the 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 55.3% ± 5.8% and 66.6% ± 6%, respectively. On univariable analysis, LC greater than or equal to 18 weeks, progression before LC, amputation, and poor histologic response were associated with worse EFS (p = .007, .007, .006, .002) and OS (p = .01, .001, .006, .004). On multivariable analysis, LC greater than or equal to 18 weeks, progression before LC, and poor histologic response were associated with worse EFS (p < .001, .007, .002); and OS (p < .001, .007, .008). Male gender was associated with worse OS on univariable and multivariable analysis (both p = .02). After exclusion of patients with early progression before Week 11, good histologic response and LC less than 18 weeks were associated with better EFS (p = .04 and .03). While good histologic response was associated with better OS (p = .02), LC less than 18 weeks was not significant (p = .2).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that delay in LC could have an impact on the outcomes in patients with osteosarcoma. However, further investigations involving larger sample sizes and longer follow‐up are necessary to fully comprehend the extent of this influence.
Pediatric arterial thrombosis: A single‐institution cohort study of patient characteristics and thrombosis outcomes
Authors: Abdelghani Eman , Agarwal Shreya , Stanek Joseph , Sankar Amanda , Kerlin Bryce A. , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: October 2023

Background

Arterial thrombosis (AT) is an increasingly recognized complication in pediatrics. Consensus clinical practice guidelines suggest immediate removal of the indwelling arterial catheter and a short course (5‐7 days) of anticoagulation. The optimal duration and modality of antithrombotic therapy in children are yet to be determined.

Aims

Describe treatment patterns and outcomes in pediatric patients with AT and explore predictors for complete thrombus resolution or long‐term complications.

Methods

Single‐institution retrospective study. Patients were identified by ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 codes for the diagnosis of AT or reports of AT on ultrasound from January 1, 2012, to October 1, 2022. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were used.

Results

101 patients were included. The median age was 2.2 months. The most common underlying diagnoses were congenital heart disease (39.6%) and infection (22.8%). A majority of patients had symptomatic thrombosis in an extremity, and 78% were catheter‐associated. 81% of patients received anticoagulation with a median duration of 35 days. Out of the 70 patients who were treated with anticoagulation alone and had a follow‐up imaging, 70% had complete resolution after 90 days of anticoagulation. No clear predictors of complete resolution were identified. Eighteen patients had long‐term sequelae secondary to arterial insufficiency. Those with infection‐associated AT were more likely to have long‐term complications. The major and clinically relevant non‐major bleeding rate was 11%.

Conclusion

Duration of anticoagulation was widely variable, and 70% of patients achieved complete resolution by 90 days of anticoagulation. A significant proportion of patients developed long‐term sequelae secondary to arterial insufficiency. Sepsis/infection at the time of diagnosis with AT was more likely to be associated with long‐term complications.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis of the white gene in an ectoparasitic wasp, Habrobracon hebetor
Authors: Bai Xue , Yu Kaili , Xiong Shijiao , Chen Jin , Yang Yi , Ye Xinhai , Yao Hongwei , Wang Fang , Fang Qi , Song Qisheng , Ye Gongyin
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The ectoparasitic wasp Habrobracon hebetor (Hymenoptera, Braconidae) can parasitize various species of lepidopteran pests. To maximize its potential for biological control, it is necessary to investigate its gene function through genome engineering.

RESULTS

To test the effectiveness of genome engineering system in H. hebetor, we injected the mixture of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) ‐associated (Cas) 9 protein and single guide RNA(s) targeting gene white into embryos. The resulting mutants display a phenotype of eye pigment loss. The phenotype was caused by small indel and is heritable. Then, we compared some biological parameters between wildtype and mutant, and found there were no significant differences in other parameters except for the offspring female rate and adult longevity. In addition, cocoons could be used to extract genomic DNA for genotype during the gene editing process without causing unnecessary harm to H. hebetor.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used for H. hebetor genome editing and it does not adversely affect biological parameters of the parasitoid wasps. We also provide a feasible non‐invasive genotype detection method using genomic DNA extracted from cocoons. Our study introduces a novel tool and method for studying gene function in H. hebetor, and may contribute to better application of H. hebetor in biocontrol. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Current and potential pest threats for canola in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Cornelsen Justine EJ , Ort Nathaniel WW , Gabert R Keith , Epp Ian , Rempel Curtis B
Published: October 2023

Canola/oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) production in Canada has increased to become a foundational crop in the Canadian Prairies and an important economic driver of this region. The increase in seeded area, and by association its reduction in‐crop rotation frequency, has made it easier for pests to overcome current recommended agronomic management practices. The Canola Council of Canada has been successful in involving the entire commodity value chain in promoting and strengthening the Canadian canola industry; however, because of this production increase it is critically important to understand, evaluate and mitigate the potential risks of canola yield losses to current and potential pests. This Perspective provides an overview of what are currently the most damaging insects, pathogens and weeds to canola in the Canadian Prairies, potential future threats and opportunities farmers, agronomists and researchers can take to minimize these risks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantifying the impact of Psylliodes chrysocephala injury on the productivity of oilseed rape
Authors: Coston Duncan J , Clark Suzanne J , Breeze Tom D , Field Linda M , Potts Simon G , Cook Samantha M
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Current European Union and United Kingdom legislation prohibits the use of neonicotinoid insecticidal seed treatments in oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus). This ban, and the reduction in efficacy of pyrethroid insecticide sprays due to resistance, has exacerbated pest pressure from the cabbage stem flea beetle (Psylliodes chrysocephala) in winter OSR. We quantified the direct impact of P. chrysocephala injury on the productivity of OSR. Leaf area was removed from young plants to simulate differing intensities of adult feeding injury alone or in combination with varying larval infestation levels.

RESULTS

OSR can compensate for up to 90% leaf area loss at early growth stages, with no meaningful effect on yield. Significant impacts were observed with high infestations of more than five larvae per plant; plants were shorter, produced fewer flowers and pods, with fewer seeds per pod which had lower oil content and higher glucosinolate content. Such effects were not recorded when five larvae or fewer were present.

CONCLUSION

These data confirm the yield‐limiting potential of the larval stages of P. chrysocephala but suggest that the current action thresholds which trigger insecticide application for both adult and larval stages (25% leaf area loss and five larvae/plant, respectively) are potentially too low as they are below the physiological injury level where plants can fully compensate for damage. Further research in field conditions is needed to define physiological thresholds more accurately as disparity may result in insecticide applications that are unnecessary to protect yield and may in turn exacerbate the development and spread of insecticide resistance in P. chrysocephala. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Neighbourhood socioeconomic position, prenatal care and fulfilment of postpartum permanent contraception: Findings from a multisite cohort study
Authors: Berg Kristen A. , Bullington Brooke W. , Gunzler Douglas D. , Miller Emily S. , Boozer Margaret , Serna Tania , Bailit Jennifer L. , Arora Kavita S.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Research suggests neighbourhood socioeconomic vulnerability is negatively associated with women's likelihood of receiving adequate prenatal care and achieving desired postpartum permanent contraception. Receiving adequate prenatal care is linked to a greater likelihood of achieving desired permanent contraception, and access to such care may be critical for women with Medicaid insurance given that the federally mandated Medicaid sterilization consent form must be signed at least 30 days before the procedure. We examined whether adequacy of prenatal care mediates the relationship between neighbourhood socioeconomic position and postpartum permanent contraception fulfilment, and examined moderation of relationships by insurance type.

Methods

This secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study examined 3012 Medicaid or privately insured individuals whose contraceptive plan at postpartum discharge was permanent contraception. Path analysis estimated relationships between neighbourhood socioeconomic position (economic hardship and inequality, financial strength and educational attainment) and permanent contraception fulfilment by hospital discharge, directly and indirectly through adequacy of prenatal care. Multigroup testing examined moderation by insurance type.

Results

After adjusting for age, parity, weeks of gestation at delivery, mode of delivery, race, ethnicity, marital status and body mass index, having adequate prenatal care predicted achieving desired sterilization at discharge (β = 0.065, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.011, 0.117). Living in neighbourhoods with less economic hardship (indirect effect −0.007, 95% CI: −0.015, −0.001), less financial strength (indirect effect −0.016, 95% CI: −0.030, −0.002) and greater educational attainment (indirect effect 0.012, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.023) predicted adequate prenatal care, in turn predicting achievement of permanent contraception by discharge. Insurance status conditioned some of these relationships.

Conclusion

Contact with the healthcare system via prenatal care may be a mechanism by which neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage affects permanent contraception fulfilment, particularly for patients with Medicaid. To promote reproductive autonomy and healthcare equity, future inquiry and policy might closely examine how neighbourhood social and economic characteristics interact with Medicaid mandates.
Effect of Rare‐Earth Oxides Containing Refractories on the Cleanliness of Al‐Killed Steels
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Li Guang qiang , Meng Ze , Zou Yong shun , Huang Ao , Yan Wen , Liu Yu
Published: October 2023

Refractories have a significant impact on the cleanliness of molten steel, especially when utilized as ceramic filters. To explore the feasibility of applying rare‐earth oxides in ceramic filters, the interactions between CeO2/CeAlO3 functional refractories and steels with different Al contents are explored, and compared with the microporous magnesia refractory. In the test of CeO2 refractory, the total oxygen (T.O) content significantly increases, while the dissolved Al content obviously decreases in 38CrMoAl steel (0.876 wt% [Al]). Furthermore, the T.O contents in 38CrMoAl and X70 steel (0.040 wt% [Al]) in the test of CeAlO3 refractory are 22.9% and 70.9% of that in the test of microporous magnesia refractory, respectively. Meanwhile, the loss of dissolved Al in steel caused by the interaction between CeAlO3 refractory and steel is relatively small. Therefore, CeAlO3 is relatively stable after contact with molten steel and promising to be applicated in the ceramic filter for improving the cleanliness of molten steel.
Comparison of entropion outcome with and without intervention in Romane and Ile de France sheep breeds
Authors: Esmaeili Hossein , Alinejad Amir Hossein , Hamedi Mona , Villanueva‐Saz Sergio , de Arcaute Marta Ruiz , Pérez Diana , Ibañez Juan , Lacasta Delia
Published: October 2023

Background

Congenital entropion is the most frequent ocular disorder in newborn lambs of certain sheep breeds, which, if not treated, can result in complete blindness and death due to starvation.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to compare the spontaneous healing of entropion in two breeds and assess the outcome of cases with and without therapeutic intervention.

Methods

A total of 158 entropion cases (119 Ile de France and 39 Romane) were investigated, and swab samples were collected from the cornea and conjunctiva of 73 of the affected lambs for bacteriological investigation. In addition, an ocular intervention was carried out in 123 affected animals.

Results

The Romane breed developed entropion at an average age of 7 days compared to the Ile de France, which developed it at an average age of 1 day. Likewise, significant differences were found between bilateral and unilateral involvement in both breeds. Meanwhile, 22.1% of cases recovered spontaneously, and the highest rate of spontaneous recovery without intervention was observed in the Romane breed (66%). Bacteria isolated from ocular samples included Staphylococcus spp. (42.5%), Bacillus spp. (21.9%), Trueperella pyogenes (13.7%), Corynebacterium spp. (12.3%) and Escherichia coli (9.6%).

Conclusions

The results of the study showed that the onset time of entropion, bilateral involvement, the severity of the process and the need for re‐treatment were higher in the Ile de France breed than in the Romane breed. Likewise, the Romane breed showed a higher degree of spontaneous recovery of entropion.
Inverse Magnus Effect in a Rarefied Gas
Authors: Taguchi Satoshi , Tsuji Tetsuro
Published: October 2023

The transverse force exerted on a rotating sphere immersed in an otherwise uniform flow of a rarefied gas is investigated based on the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) model of the Boltzmann equation assuming the Maxwell boundary condition on the sphere. In several existing studies, it has been shown that the transverse force acting on the sphere, also known as the Magnus force, has opposite signs in the free molecular and continuum flows. The present study intends to clarify the force’s transition in terms of the Knudsen number (i.e., the reciprocal ratio of the sphere radius to the molecular mean free path) with a particular interest in the impact of the sphere’s surface accommodation. It is found that the threshold of the Knudsen number, at which the transverse force changes the sign, depends only weakly on the accommodation coefficient, suggesting certain robustness in the threshold. The present study is an extension of the previous work [S. Taguchi and T. Tsuji, J. Fluid. Mech. 933, A37 (2022)], in which the case of complete accommodation (diffuse reflection) is exclusively considered.
Behavioral and morphological traits influencing variation in task performance of Camponotus vagus ants
Authors: Trigos-Peral G. , Maák I. E. , Ślipiński P. , Witek M.
Published: October 2023

The colony performance of social insects is supported by an efficient allocation of tasks among workers in the colony. The division of labor among ant workers is linked to age and caste polyethism, however, only a few studies have shown the relationship between workers’ behavioral variation and task performance. In this study, we investigated the task syndrome by testing the relationship between behavioral traits with task performance andlocation switching(switching the performance of tasks from inside to outside the nest) in the same-age workers ofCamponotus vagusants. We also investigated the division of labor in workers with and withoutlocation switchingby checking if each caste is characterized by specific behavioral traits or tasks. Moreover, we checked whether the difference in the worker’s body size and its lifespan can influence task performance. Our results support the existence of task syndrome in ant workers by showing how individuals with specific behavioral traits are more likely to perform specific tasks within the colony. Moreover, the time oflocation switchingwas correlated with the tasks performed by the workers (brood care,selfgroomingandwalking) and their behavioral traits (aggressivenessandtotal distance). In addition, worker size and lifespan are shown to influence task performance by the workers. Altogether, our study underpins the relationship between the behavioral traits and the task allocation and performance of workers within an ant colony.
Grasping AI: experiential exercises for designers
Authors: Murray-Rust Dave , Lupetti Maria Luce , Nicenboim Iohanna , Hoog Wouter van der
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly integrated into the functioning of physical and digital products, creating unprecedented opportunities for interaction and functionality. However, there is a challenge for designers to ideate within this creative landscape, balancing the possibilities of technology with human interactional concerns. We investigate techniques for exploring and reflecting on the interactional affordances, the unique relational possibilities, and the wider social implications of AI systems. We introduced into an interaction design course (n = 100) nine ‘AI exercises’ that draw on more than human design, responsible AI, and speculative enactment to create experiential engagements around AI interaction design. We find that exercises around metaphors and enactments make questions of training and learning, privacy and consent, autonomy and agency more tangible, and thereby help students be more reflective and responsible on how to design with AI and its complex properties in both their design process and outcomes.
Tidal harmonics retrieval using GNSS-R dual-frequency complex observations
Authors: Rajabi Mahmoud , Hoseini Mostafa , Nahavandchi Hossein , Asgarimehr Milad , Semmling Maximilian , Ramatschi Markus , Goli Mehdi , Wickert Jens
Published: October 2023

Tidal analysis and methods for estimation and prediction of ocean tidal constitutes are essential in a large area of scientific disciplines, for example, navigation, onshore and offshore engineering, and production of green energy. Ground-based Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) has been proposed as an alternative method for measuring sea surface height. We use 6 years of GNSS-R observations at In-phase and Quadrature levels from July 2015 to May 2021 obtained from a dedicated receiver and sea-looking left hand circular polarization antenna for estimating sea level (SL). In the first step, the multivariate least-square harmonic estimation (LS-HE) method is applied for SL estimation. Then, final SL time series are generated by combining estimated SL from all satellites at L1 and L2 frequencies in the averaging step. The 6-year root-mean-square error between GNSS-R L12 sea surface heights and a collocated tide gauge (TG) is 5.8 cm with a correlation of 0.948 for a high temporal resolution of 5 min with 15 min averaging window. Afterward, using the univariate LS-HE, we detect tidal harmonics with periods between 30 min to 1 year. The detection results highlight a good match between GNSS-R and TG. Higher harmonics, i.e., the periods shorter than 3 h, show stronger signatures in GNSS-R data. Finally, we estimate the amplitude and phase of standard tidal harmonics from the two datasets. The results show an overall good agreement between the datasets with a few exceptions.
Silver-Mixed Port Reduces Venous Access Port Related Infection Rate Compared to Non-Silver-mixed Port: A Single-center Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Suzuki Takayuki , Michimoto Kenkichi , Hasumi Jun , Kisaki Shunsuke , Hasegawa Yasuaki , Fujimori Ayako , Yoshimatsu Lynn , Ashida Hirokazu , Ojiri Hiroya
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) are increasingly used as safe and convenient central venous access devices. However, several TIVAP-related complications occur, with port/catheter infection being most common. Silver-mixed ports have recently been introduced in anticipation of reducing TIVAP infection. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of this device in reducing port infection by examining groups with and without silver-mixed devices.

Materials and Methods

From April 2017 to July 2022, silver-mixed ports (S group) and non-silver-mixed port group (NS group) were reviewed at our institution. The incidence of TIVAP-related infections, patient characteristics, and bacteriological data were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for TIVAP-related infection.

Results

A total of 607 patients (S group, n = 203; NS group, n = 404) were enrolled. The rates of TIVAP-related infection were 3.0% (n = 6) and 7.7% (n = 31) in the S and NS groups, respectively. The incidence of total infection per 1000 catheter-days were 0.114 and 0.214 the S and NS groups, respectively. In the entire group, the rates of infection were 6.1% (n = 37) and the incidence of total infection per 1000 catheter-days was 0.187. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed a significantly lower TIVAP-related infection rate in S group than NS group (p = 0.0216, odds ratio = 2.88 confidence interval: 1.17–7.08). No gram-negative rods were detected in the S group as port infection.

Conclusion

Silver-mixed port may be feasible in preventing port infection.

Level of evidence.

Level 3, Local non-random sample.
Ventricular arrhythmia burden in ICD patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rath Benjamin , Doldi Florian , Willy Kevin , Ellermann Christian , Köbe Julia , Güner Fatih , Reinke Florian , Lange Philipp Sebastian , Frommeyer Gerrit , Eckardt Lars
Published: October 2023

Aim

COVID-19 has been associated with cardiovascular complications including ventricular arrhythmias (VA) and an increased number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Nevertheless, several authors described a decrease of VA burden in patients with an implantable defibrillator (ICD) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine if these observations could be transferred to later periods of the pandemic as well.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 1674 patients with an ICD presenting in our outpatient clinic during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and during a control period for the occurrence of VA requiring ICD interventions.

Results

Seven hundred ninety-five patients with an ICD had a device interrogation in our ambulatory clinic during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to eight hundred seventy-nine patients in the control period. There was significant higher amount of adequate ICD therapies in the course of the COVID-19 period. Thirty-six patients (4.5%) received in total eighty-five appropriate ICD interventions during COVID-19, whereas only sixteen patients (1.8%) had sustained VA in the control period (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

In contrast to the first wave of COVID-19, which was characterized by a decrease or least stable number of ICD therapies in several centers, we found a significant increase of VA in ICD patients during the second wave of COVID-19. Possible explanations for this observation include higher infectious rates, potential cardiac side effects of the vaccination as well as personal behavioral changes, or reduced utilization of medical services.
Emergency exit layout planning using optimization and agent-based simulation
Authors: Barth Maren S. , Palm Katharina , Andersson Henrik , Granberg Tobias A. , Gullhav Anders N. , Krüger Andreas
Published: October 2023

Evacuation preparedness includes ensuring proper infrastructure, resources and planning for moving people from a dangerous area to safety. This is especially important and challenging during mass gatherings, such as large concerts. In this paper, we present the Emergency Exit Layout Problem (EELP) which is the problem of locating a given number of emergency exits and deciding their width such that the time it takes to evacuate the crowd from an arena is minimized. The EELP takes into account the geography of the arena and its surroundings, as well as the number of pedestrians in the crowd and the distribution of these within the arena. The EELP is formulated as a two-stage stochastic mixed integer linear program to handle the uncertainty related to the location of the possible incidents and the distribution of the pedestrians. Two cases are studied, a large concert planned at the Leangen trotting track in Trondheim and a smaller indoor arena. For each case, the EELP is solved for different scenarios, and the suggested layouts are evaluated using an agent-based simulation model. In particular, the potential of incorporating detailed assessment regarding the location and probability of specific incidents and the distribution of pedestrians are investigated. The computational study shows that making a more detailed risk assessment has little effect on the large concert, but a significant impact on the location of the emergency exits for the smaller indoor case. The results also indicate that it is more important to consider the location and probability of specific incidents rather than the pedestrian distribution.
Stochastic Modeling of Partially Stirred Reactor (PaSR) for the Investigation of the Turbulence-Chemistry Interaction for the Ammonia-Air Combustion
Authors: Yu Chunkan , Cai Liming , Chen Jyh-Yuan
Published: October 2023

The Partially Stirred Reactor (PaSR) model is carried out for the ammonia-air combustion system by means of stochastic modeling, namely by solving the transport equation for the joint Probability Density Function (PDF). The turbulent mixing is accounted for by the Linear Mean-Square Estimation (LMSE) mixing model. Notwithstanding the simplified nature of the PaSR modeling, the transported-PDF method enables capturing the effect of mixing frequency on the combustion system, especially the NOx emission. Since the chemical source term is in a closed form in the transported-PDF method, it allows us to apply different chemical mechanisms to explore, whether the set of elementary reactions that are identified as important for the prediction of NOx in the PaSR model is sensitive to the choice of chemical mechanisms. Furthermore, the effect of the residence time in the PaSR model has also been studied, and compared with those in the Perfectly Stirred Reactor (PSR) model (infinite large mixing frequency). Moreover, since the ammonia under oxygen enrichment shows some similar combustion behaviors in terms of e.g. laminar burning velocity as the ammonia under hydrogen enrichment, how large the difference of thermo-kinetic states (e.g. temperature and NOx emission) predicted by PaSR models and in laminar premixed flame configuration is also investigated. A further discussion focuses on the effect of thermal radiation, where the radiative heat loss roles in the prediction of NOx for the turbulent simulation is examined. By using the optically thin approximation model, it is shown that the thermal radiation exhibits little effect on the considered combustion systems within a typical turbulent time-scale.
Multi-robot geometric task-and-motion planning for collaborative manipulation tasks
Authors: Zhang Hejia , Chan Shao-Hung , Zhong Jie , Li Jiaoyang , Kolapo Peter , Koenig Sven , Agioutantis Zach , Schafrik Steven , Nikolaidis Stefanos
Published: October 2023

We address multi-robot geometric task-and-motion planning (MR-GTAMP) problems in synchronous, monotone setups. The goal of the MR-GTAMP problem is to move objects with multiple robots to goal regions in the presence of other movable objects. We focus on collaborative manipulation tasks where the robots have to adopt intelligent collaboration strategies to be successful and effective, i.e., decide which robot should move which objects to which positions, and perform collaborative actions, such as handovers. To endow robots with these collaboration capabilities, we propose to first collect occlusion and reachability information for each robot by calling motion-planning algorithms. We then propose a method that uses the collected information to build a graph structure which captures the precedence of the manipulations of different objects and supports the implementation of a mixed-integer program to guide the search for highly effective collaborative task-and-motion plans. The search process for collaborative task-and-motion plans is based on a Monte-Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) exploration strategy to achieve exploration-exploitation balance. We evaluate our framework in two challenging MR-GTAMP domains and show that it outperforms two state-of-the-art baselines with respect to the planning time, the resulting plan length and the number of objects moved. We also show that our framework can be applied to underground mining operations where a robotic arm needs to coordinate with an autonomous roof bolter. We demonstrate plan execution in two roof-bolting scenarios both in simulation and on robots.
From the forest to the city: the persistence of dragonflies and damselflies in the urban jungle
Authors: Suárez-Tovar Catalina M. , Rocha-Ortega Maya , Juen Leandro , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex
Published: October 2023

Urbanization has driven one of the most substantial transformations in water bodies exposing groups such as aquatic insects to new challenging conditions. Some odonate (dragonflies and damselflies) species persist in these transformed environments, but it remains unclear which morphological or behavioral traits allow them to survive. Through a bibliographical review we identified 88 urbanization-tolerant and 87 urbanization-sensitive odonate species worldwide. We searched morphological and behavioral traits and used phylogenetic path analysis for Anisoptera and Zygoptera to test which traits make species more sensitive to urban environments. Our results show that habitat preference was not linked with the sensitivity to urbanization whereas larger species with weak sexual dimorphism stood out as consistently associated with sensitivity to urban environments. For dragonflies, species with yellow to red colorations tend to be less sensitive to urban areas while for damselflies, territorial species tend to be less sensitive to urban areas. We discuss the underlying mechanisms linked to such urban-surviving ability as well as how we can use such information for conservation purposes.
The Independence of Judges and Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Miao Senlin , Tian Gary Gang , Wen Fenghua , Xiao Jinli
Published: October 2023

Limited research has focused on the influence of judge independence on firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR), despite extensive literature examining the impact of the legal environment on CSR. To address this gap, we analyze the staggered adoption of judicial delocalization reform in China. This reform aimed to enhance local judges' independence and our analysis shows that firms have exhibited higher CSR scores since its implementation. Our channel analysis reveals an increase in lawsuits and monetary claims against firms due to the reform, indicating that firms engage in CSR activities to mitigate the negative effects of legal proceedings. The impact of the reform on CSR is stronger for high-litigation-risk firms and weaker for politically connected firms. Moreover, the positive relationship between the reform and CSR is more pronounced in regions with higher levels of government interference with judges before the reform. In summary, our findings highlight the important role of a supportive legal environment in fostering CSR, emphasizing the influence of judge independence.
LOC102549726/miR-760-3p network is involved in the progression of ISO-induced pathological cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Chen Bangsheng , Tan Lian , Wang Ying , Yang Lei , Liu Jiequan , Chen Danqi , Huang Shuaishuai , Mao Feiyan , Lian Jiangfang
Published: October 2023

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is featured by myocyte enlargement and cardiac malfunction. Multiple signaling pathways have been implicated in diverse pathological and physiological processes in CH. However, the function of LOC102549726/miR-760-3p network in CH remains unclear. Here, we characterize the functional role of LOC102549726/miR-760-3p network in CH and delineate the underlying mechanism. The expression of LncRNA LOC102549726 and hypertrophic markers was significantly increased compared to the control, while the level of miR-760-3p was decreased. Next, we examined ER stress response in a hypertrophic cardiomyocyte model. The expression of ER stress markers was greatly enhanced after incubation with ISO. The hypertrophic reaction, ER stress response, and increased potassium and calcium ion channels were alleviated by genetic downregulation of LOC102549726. It has been demonstrated that LOC102549726 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) of miR-760-3p. Overexpression of miR-760-3p decreased cell surface area and substantially mitigated ER stress response; protein levels of potassium and calcium channels were also significantly up-regulated compared to the NC control. In contrast, miR-760-3p inhibition increased cell size, aggravated CH and ER stress responses, and reduced ion channels. Collectively, in this study we demonstrated that the LOC102549726/miR-760-3p network was a crucial regulator of CH development. Ion channels mediate the ER stress response and may be a downstream sensor of the LOC102549726/miR-760-3p network. Therefore, these findings advance our understanding of pathological CH and provide new insights into therapeutic targets for cardiac remodeling.
Management of ulcerative colitis by dichloroacetate: Impact on NFATC1/NLRP3/IL1B signaling based on bioinformatics analysis combined with in vivo experimental verification
Authors: Abdel-Razek Esraa Abdel-Nassir , Mahmoud Heba M. , Azouz Amany A.
Published: October 2023

The inflammatory response in ulcerative colitis (UC) could be relieved by the conventional immunomodulatory agents; 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroids, or azathioprine. However, the low remission rates and the intolerance to these agents necessitate investigation of gene expression signature in UC that could influence the therapeutic efficacy of drugs, as well as the interference with persistence genes by novel therapeutic option. Three microarray datasets (GSE66407, GSE38713 and GSE14580) from the NCBI-GEO database were utilized. Differentially expressed genes between samples of patients with UC and healthy ones were analyzed using R software. In addition, in vivo study using oxazolone-induced UC in BALB/c mice was carried out to investigate the proposed therapeutic efficacy of dichloroacetate (DCA). The bioinformatics analysis revealed the persistence of NLRP3, NFATC1, and IL1B in UC despite treatment with common therapeutic agents. DCA administration to oxazolone-treated mice showed remarkable interference with those persistence genes. Western blotting analysis for NLRP3, NFATC1, nuclear/total NF-κB, and cleaved caspase-1 revealed the ability of DCA to reduce the expression levels of these proteins in oxazolone-treated mice. Additionally, the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-13 were reduced in colonic tissue by DCA treatment. The therapeutic efficacy of DCA was further confirmed by the apparent reduction in histopathological scoring, disease activity index, and the normalization of colon length. Therefore, DCA could be suggested as a novel and promising therapeutic option in UC based on its ability to interfere with the persistence of NFATC1/NLRP3/IL1B signaling. That merits further safety/toxicological pre-clinical assessment and update of bioavailability/metabolism data prior to clinical investigation.
Development and Preliminary Analysis of a Scale to Assess Client Characteristics that Influence Clinical Decision-Making
Authors: Faustino Bruno , Vasco António Branco
Published: October 2023

Understanding client variables relevant to clinical decision-making is a core feature of psychotherapy. The previous meta-analysis emphasized variables related to stages of psychotherapy, motivational stages of change, alliance, reactance, coping, attachment styles, and emotional stability in psychotherapy outcomes. However, a clinical measure that captures these empirically based clinical variances is missing. The present study describes the development and preliminary analysis of the Clinical Decision-Making Inventory (CDMI) in a sample of individuals engaged in a psychotherapeutic process. One hundred and twenty-three participants (M = 20.28, SD = 5.80) engaged in a psychotherapy process, were assessed in a cross-sectional design. On one hand, the stages of psychotherapy, motivational stages of change, reactance, coping, attachment styles, and emotional stability were negatively correlated with symptomatology, cognitive fusion, interpersonal problems, coping mechanisms, and expressive suppression. On the other hand, correlated positively with metacognition and cognitive reappraisal. Attachment style and emotional stability predicted symptomatology. The CDMI showed promising results; however, more research is required to deepen the psychometric analysis.