bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of restoration of degraded lands on soils physicochemical properties and adaptability of planted woody species in southwestern Niger
Authors: Noma Adamou Salifou , Abdourhamane Touré Amadou , Daoudi Lahcen
Published: July 2022

This study examines the effects of restoration of degraded lands on soils physicochemical properties and adaptability of planted woody species over a period of 4–6 years. It is based on: (1) Physicochemical analyses of soils (granulometry, calcimetry, and organic matter); (2) measures carried out for the dimensioning of anti‐erosion structures; (3) dendrometric measurements on planted woody species on a density from 96 to 625 plants/ha, and the excavations of their root systems. The soils are characterized by low levels of organic matter (<1%), and no calcium carbonate. Soil tillage through deep sub‐soiling resulted in an improvement in soils quality marked by average proportions of clay (28.3%), silt (27.3%) on the anti‐erosion structures, whereas the control sites are dominated by sand particles (64%) on average. The degradation mechanism of anti‐erosion structures is mainly controlled by natural factors including topography, rainfall, and sand content of the soils with strong positive correlations (; ; respectively). Restoration activities have led to the reconstitution of vegetation cover on degraded soils. Eucalyptus camaldulensis groups showed better adaptation as evidenced by their high structural shape parametres including Lorey's mean height (5.16–8.03 m), and mean crown diameter (1.66–3.3 m) with a tracer‐type root system and high root density (74–88 roots) observed at 30 cm from the main stem. This study provides substantial information on the contribution of erosion control measures and their interactions with soil and vegetation resources. It constitutes a scientific tool that is well‐adapted to the Sahelian (Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania and Senegal) context indispensable for the implementation of sustainable development strategies. The results thus obtained can be used as a reference for the choice of woody species to be planted according to the toposequence and the nature of the anti‐erosion structures made, with a good control of their durability while taking into account the productivity of the soils.
Study on the effect of alloying elements Ni, Al, and Si on salt spray corrosion resistance of gray cast iron
Authors: Xu Rongfu , Ma Yihao , Wang Wenhao , Qi Peng , Wang Guangyu
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the effect of elements such as Ni, Al, and Si in gray cast iron on the atmospheric corrosion resistance of gray cast iron was studied by using corrosion weight gain, salt spray test, electrochemistry, and X‐ray diffraction. The results show that the corrosion behavior of gray cast iron can be divided into two stages. The later stage of corrosion resistance of gray cast iron with Ni element is better than the early stage of corrosion resistance, while the reverse is true for gray cast iron with Al element. There is no significant effect of increasing the Si content on the corrosion behavior of gray cast iron. The corrosion products of each specimen are all composed of Fe2O3, α‐FeOOH, γ‐FeOOH, and Fe3O4. After the comparison test, it can be concluded that the Ni element is seen to be conducive to the formation of protective rust layer with higher α‐FeOOH content. In addition, the rust layer of gray cast iron containing Al is loose and scaly, while the rust layer of gray cast iron containing Ni is dense and spongy. The addition of Ni element can make gray cast iron stable to improve the self‐corrosion potential and reduce the self‐corrosion current density, thus reducing the corrosion rate of gray cast iron.
Research on optimization of food supply chain considering product traceability recall and safety investment
Authors: Ma Junhai , Chen Jiecai , Liu Yuxin
Published: July 2022

Strict food regulations, high‐quality product demand, and fierce market competition urge food enterprises to focus on the optimization strategy of product safety and traceability recall in the food chain. To better meet customers' safety and quality expectations and reduce the loss of problematic products that fail to be recalled in time, the paper establishes a two‐level food supply chain consisting of a single manufacturer and supplier, uses the Stackelberg game to explore the interaction between traceability recall and product safety optimization in the food chain, and finds the best food safety investment and product traceability recall strategy. And we consider the case of the former investing in the latter's product safety efforts. The results show that the food safety premium sharing rate determines the optimal decision of manufacturers and suppliers when each member is faced with the difference between the loss cost of unrecalled food per unit and the traceable recall cost coefficient. In addition, the higher safety investment cost factor increases the burden on the entire supply chain and reduces the safety benefits of the food chain. Moreover, higher security investment cost factors increase the burden on the entire supply chain and reduce the safety benefits of the food chain. Interestingly, suppliers can take advantage of the increased cost per unit of unrecalled products to obtain higher safety investments when manufacturers implement recall measures for problematic foods. We also introduced blockchain technology and discovered Pareto optima for food safety. When the supplier bears part of the problem of food loss, food safety, quality, and investment are high. The conclusions show that product traceability recall is beneficial to the overall welfare of the food chain.
A geometric alignment for human temporal bone CT images via lateral semicircular canals segmentation
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Fu Peng , Yin Hongxia , Wang Zhenchang , Zhu Ziyao , Qin Yating , Zhuo Li
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Due to the different posture of the subject and settings of CT scanners, the CT images of the human temporal bone should be geometrically aligned with multiplanar reconstruction to ensure the symmetry of the bilateral anatomical structure. Manual alignment is a time‐consuming task for radiologists and an important preprocessing step for further computer‐aided CT analysis. We propose a fully automatic alignment algorithm for temporal bone CT images via lateral semicircular canals (LSCs) segmentation.

Methods

The LSCs are segmented with our proposed multifeature fusion network as anchors at first. Then, we define a standard 3D coordinate system and propose an alignment procedure.

Results

The experimental results show that our LSC segmentation network achieved a higher segmentation accuracy. The acceptable rate is achieved 85% over 910 raw temporal bone CT sequences. The alignment speed is reduced from 10 min by manual to 60s.

Conclusions

Aiming at the problem of bilateral asymmetry in the raw temporal bone CT images, we propose an automatic geometric alignment method. Our proposed method can help to perform alignment of temporal bone CT images efficiently.
Green biobased P‐N coating: Towards waste‐minimization flame retardant flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: Piao Junxiu , Ren Jinyong , Wang Yaofei , Feng Tingting , Wang Yaxuan , Lu Mingjie , Jiao Chuanmei , Chen Xilei
Published: July 2022

The increasing consumption of flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) has caused two significant threats: fire hazards and environmental pollution. More seriously, while waste FPUFs can cause pollution, using many flame retardants also results in significant environmental hazards. Here, the novel process to realize the full lifecycle sustainable utilization of flame retardant FPUF was proposed. First, the biobased P‐N coating (LFPN) was green synthesized by mechanochemistry, and the FPUF was finished by polyelectrolyte‐assisted deposition technology. The fire performance index of FPUF was improved by 110.6% after being treated via LFPN. Moreover, the compression resistance of FPUF was enhanced without affecting the resilience. In order to extend the service life for FPUF, FPUF@LFPN can be reused as a sewage treatment material to remove metal pollution from water. Ultimately, the FPUF@LFPN absorbed metals can be converted into high‐value products such as metal oxide/carbon composites through the metal catalytic pyrolysis technique. This process can effectively reduce the fire and environmental hazards caused by FPUF and may provide an innovative train of thought for the green and sustainable use of other porous polymer materials.
A thermoplastic polyurethane/rare earth composite film with adjustable fluorescence colors and optimal low‐temperature flexibility
Authors: Zhu Rongli , Pu Zejun , Wang Xu , Hou Hongbo , Li Xianyong , Zhong Jiachun
Published: July 2022

In this study, a unique series of luminous polymeric rare earth (RE) composite films was produced by loading RE ions into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) using solution blending. Compared to RE ions, luminous polymeric RE composites had greater luminescence intensity, indicating that the introduction of polymer polyurethane as the polymer matrix was advantageous for the luminescence intensity and efficiency of RE ions, with the polymer matrix's absorbed energy being transferred to the RE ions. Furthermore, the findings of the optical transmittance, UV–visible absorption and fluorescence emission spectra suggest that TPU‐RE composite films possess exceptional fluorescence luminescence properties and optical transparency. Surprisingly, the fluorescence colors of TPU‐RE fluorescent films could be adjusted between red and green by varying the ratios of Eu3+ and Tb3+ in the films and can be any mixture of red and green hues. In addition, the temperature at 5% weight loss (T5%) for the TPU‐RE composite film composition reached 250 °C. In addition, pure TPU and all TPU‐RE hybrid films demonstrated a glass transition temperature (Tg) of about −30 °C. Simultaneously, the tensile strength of the TPU‐T0E10 film reached its maximum (43.6 MPa). Consequently, the TPU‐RE composite films will be utilized as photoluminescent functional materials. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Flonicamid metabolite 4‐trifluoromethylnicotinamide is a chordotonal organ modulator insecticide†
Authors: Spalthoff Christian , Salgado Vincent L. , Theis Mario , Geurten Bart R. H. , Göpfert Martin C.
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The selective aphicide flonicamid is known to cause symptoms in aphids that are like those of chordotonal organ TRPV channel modulator insecticides such as pymetrozine, pyrifluquinazon and afidopyropen. Flonicamid is classified by the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee as a chordotonal organ modulator with an undefined target site. However, although it has been shown not to act on TRPV channels, flonicamid's action on chordotonal organs has not been documented in the literature.

RESULTS

Flonicamid causes locusts to extend their hindlegs, indicating an action on the femoral chordotonal organ. In fruit flies, it abolishes negative gravitaxis behavior by disrupting transduction and mechanical amplification in antennal chordotonal neurons. Although flonicamid itself only weakly affects locust chordotonal organs, its major animal metabolite 4‐trifluoromethylnicotinamide (TFNA‐AM) potently stimulates both locust and fly chordotonal organs. Like pymetrozine, TFNA‐AM rapidly increases Ca2+ in antennal chordotonal neurons in wild‐type flies, but not iav1 mutants, yet the effect is nonadditive with the TRPV channel agonist.

CONCLUSIONS

Flonicamid is a pro‐insecticide form of TFNA‐AM, a potent chordotonal organ modulator. The functional effects of TFNA‐AM on chordotonal organs of locusts and flies are indistinguishable from those of the TRPV agonists pymetrozine, pyrifluquinazon and afidopyropen. Because our previous results indicate that TFNA‐AM does not act directly on TRPV channels, we conclude that it acts upstream in a pathway that leads to TRPV channel activation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of sperm cryopreservation on sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in mice
Authors: Boersma Auke , Primus Jasmin , Wagner Bettina , Broukal Veronika , Andersen Lill , Pachner Barbara , Dahlhoff Maik , Rülicke Thomas , Auer Kerstin E.
Published: July 2022

Background

The protein proAKAP4 is crucial for sperm motility and has been suggested as an indicator of male fertility. We determined the relationship between proAKAP4 concentration and sperm motility parameters in mice, and investigated the effects of cryopreservation on these variables.

Methods

Computer‐assisted sperm analysis and ELISA were applied to determine sperm motility and proAKAP4 concentration in fresh and frozen‐thawed epididymal sperm of SWISS, B6D2F1, C57BL/6N, and BALB/c mice.

Results

ProAKAP4 levels ranged between 12 and 89 ng/ml and did not differ between fresh and frozen‐thawed samples, or between strains. We found a negative relationship between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Sperm traits differed between strains, and cryopreservation negatively affected sperm velocity but not sperm direction parameters.

Conclusion

ProAKAP4 levels in epididymal mouse spermatozoa were unaffected by cryopreservation, highlighting the robustness of this parameter as a potentially time‐independent marker for sperm motility and fertility. The high individual variation in proAKAP4 levels supports the potential role of proAKAP4 as a marker for sperm quality, though we found no positive, and even negative relationships between proAKAP4 levels and some sperm motility parameters. Future studies have to investigate the significance of proAKAP4 as an indicator for fertility in mice.
Validity and reliability of a novel 3D ultrasound approach to assess static lengths and the lengthening behavior of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle and the Achilles tendon in vivo
Authors: Habersack Andreas , Zussner Thomas , Thaller Sigrid , Tilp Markus , Svehlik Martin , Kruse Annika
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Human muscle–tendon units (MTUs) are highly plastic and undergo changes in response to specific diseases and disorders. To investigate the pathological changes and the effects of therapeutic treatments, the use of valid and reliable examination methods is of crucial importance. Therefore, in this study, a simple 3D ultrasound approach was developed and evaluated with regard to: (1) its validity in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the assessment of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) MTU, muscle belly, and Achilles tendon lengths; and (2) its reliability for static and dynamic length measurements.

Methods

Sixteen participants were included in the study. To evaluate the validity and reliability of the novel 3D ultrasound approach, two ultrasound measurement sessions and one MRI assessment were performed. By combining 2D ultrasound and 3D motion capture, the tissue lengths were assessed at a fixed ankle joint position and compared to the MRI measurements using Bland–Altman plots. The intra-rater and inter-rater reliability for the static and dynamic length assessments was determined using the coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable change (MDC95), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

The 3D ultrasound approach slightly underestimated the length when compared with MRI by 0.7%, 1.5%, and 1.1% for the GM muscle belly, Achilles tendon, and MTU, respectively. The approach showed excellent intra-rater as well as inter-rater reliability, with high ICC (≥ 0.94), small SEM (≤ 1.3 mm), and good MDC95 (≤ 3.6 mm) values, with even better reliability found for the static length measurements.

Conclusion

The proposed 3D ultrasound approach was found to be valid and reliable for the assessment of the GM MTU, muscle belly, and Achilles tendon lengths, as well as the tissue lengthening behavior, confirming its potential as a useful tool for investigating the effects of training interventions or therapeutic treatments (e.g., surgery or conservative treatments such as stretching and orthotics).

Level of evidence

Level II.
Welche Kriterien liegen der Beauftragung gerichtlicher Leichenöffnungen zugrunde, und welche Rückschlüsse ergeben sich für die rechtsmedizinische Praxis?
Authors: Schwarz Clara-Sophie , Germerott Tanja , Walz Cleo
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund

Die Entscheidung, ob in einem Todesermittlungsverfahren eine Obduktion veranlasst wird, basiert nicht auf einheitlichen Kriterien. Die Erfahrung zeigt, dass ähnliche Fallkonstellationen je nach SachbearbeiterIn zu unterschiedlichen Entscheidungen führen können. Um ein einheitlicheres Vorgehen rechtsmedizinisch unterstützen zu können, ist ein besseres Verständnis der Entscheidungsprozesse in den Ermittlungsbehörden notwendig.

Ziel der Arbeit

Die vorliegende Studie widmet sich primär den folgenden Fragen: Welche Faktoren liegen bei den Auftraggebern der Entscheidung über eine Obduktion zugrunde? Fühlen sich die Akteure ausreichend informiert, um fundierte Empfehlungen abzugeben bzw. Entscheidungen zu treffen? Im zweiten Schritt sollen Möglichkeiten abgeleitet werden, die Zusammenarbeit zwischen Ermittlungsbehörden und Rechtsmedizin zu verbessern.

Methoden

Insgesamt 58 StaatsanwältInnen und mit Todesermittlungsverfahren betraute PolizistInnen in Rheinland-Pfalz wurden im Frühjahr bzw. im Sommer 2021 mittels selbstentwickeltem Online-Fragebogen zu ihrer Vorgehensweise hinsichtlich der Empfehlung bzw. Beantragung einer Obduktion befragt. Es folgten die deskriptive Auswertung und Bewertung im Hinblick auf die Fragestellung.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt konnten die Antworten von 24 StaatsanwältInnen und 34 PolizistInnen ausgewertet werden. Als wichtigstes Umfrageergebnis ist festzuhalten, dass bei StaatsanwältInnen und PolizistInnen Unsicherheiten im Hinblick auf Möglichkeiten und Grenzen gerichtlicher Obduktionen bestehen, insbesondere bei besonderen Fallkonstellationen (z. B. bei Organexplantation). Die Beantragung einer Obduktion fällt den Befragten jedoch grundsätzlich leicht; die Fallaufklärung steht im Vordergrund, während die Kostenfrage eine untergeordnete Rolle spielt.

Diskussion

Aus den Umfrageergebnissen lässt sich die Notwendigkeit eines intensivierten Austauschs mit den Auftraggebern in Form von anlassbezogenen Beratungen und allgemeinen Fortbildungen über Indikationen und Möglichkeiten rechtsmedizinischer Untersuchungen ableiten.
Influence of dilution on arterial-phase artifacts and signal intensity on gadoxetic acid–enhanced liver MRI
Authors: Poetter-Lang Sarah , Dovjak Gregor O. , Messner Alina , Ambros Raphael , Polanec Stephan H. , Baltzer Pascal A. T. , Kristic Antonia , Herold Alexander , Hodge Jacqueline C. , Weber Michael , Bastati Nina , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To investigate the effect of saline-diluted gadoxetic acid, done for arterial-phase (AP) artifact reduction, on signal intensity (SI), and hence focal lesion conspicuity on MR imaging.

Methods

We retrospectively examined 112 patients who each had at least two serial gadoxetic acid–enhanced liver MRIs performed at 1 ml/s, first with non-diluted (ND), then with 1:1 saline-diluted (D) contrast. Two blinded readers independently analyzed the artifacts and graded dynamic images using a 5-point scale. The absolute SI of liver parenchyma, focal liver lesions (if present), aorta, and portal vein at the level of the celiac trunk and the SI of the paraspinal muscle were measured in all phases. The signal-to-norm (SINorm) of the vascular structures, hepatic parenchyma and focal lesions, and the contrast-to-norm (CNorm) of focal liver lesions were calculated.

Results

AP artifacts were significantly reduced with dilution. Mean absolute contrast-enhanced liver SI was significantly higher on the D exams compared to the ND exams. Likewise, SINorm of liver parenchyma was significantly higher in all contrast-enhanced phases except transitional phase on the D exams. SINorm values in the AP for the aorta and in the PVP for portal vein were significantly higher on the diluted exams. The CNorm was not significantly different between ND and D exams for lesions in any imaging phase. The interclass correlation coefficient was excellent (0.89).

Conclusion

Gadoxetic acid dilution injected at 1ml/s produces images with significantly fewer AP artifacts but no significant loss in SINorm or CNorm compared to standard non-diluted images.

Key Points

• Diluted gadoxetic acid at slow injection (1 ml/s) yielded images with higher SINormof the liver parenchyma and preservedCNormfor focal liver lesions.

• Gadoxetic acid–enhanced MRI injected at 1 ml/s is associated with arterial-phase (AP) artifacts in 31% of exams, which maydegrade image quality and limits focal liver lesion detection.

• Saline dilution of gadoxetic acid 1:1 combined with a slow injection rate of 1 ml/s significantly reduced AP artifacts from 31 to 9% and non-diagnostic AP artifacts from 16 to 1%.
Workplace mistreatment and insomnia: a prospective study of child welfare workers
Authors: Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Parveen Sana , Finne Live Bakke
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study examines how workplace mistreatment relates to insomnia among child welfare workers. The main aim was to determine the impact of three different forms of mistreatment, namely client perpetrated violence, cyber harassment, and colleague perpetrated bullying, on changes in levels of insomnia over time. A secondary aim was to examine whether these three forms of mistreatment represent overlapping or distinct and unique phenomena.

Methods

The study was based on a probability sampled prospective survey of 424 Norwegian child welfare workers. Time lag between baseline and follow-up was six months. A confirmatory factor analysis determined the dimensionality of the indicators of mistreatment. TwoStep cluster analysis was used to examine patterns of exposure. Between and within group changes in insomnia was determined with linear regression analyses and repeated measures ANOVA. Dominance analysis was used to investigate the relative impact the predictor variables had on insomnia.

Results

Client perpetrated violence and colleague perpetrated bullying were associated with increased levels of insomnia over time. Exposure to bullying was established as the most prominent predictor. Client perpetrated violence, cyber harassment, and colleague perpetrated bullying represent unique and distinct constructs. Child welfare workers mainly report exposure to one form of mistreatment rather than a combination of different types.

Conclusions

Client perpetrated violence and colleague perpetrated bullying were established as risk factors for insomnia among child welfare workers. Employers and human resource personnel should prioritize developing effective primary, secondary, and tertiary strategies to prevent and handle these hazards and thereby reduce the risk of insomnia among workers.
Application of the prenatal BACs-on-Beads™ assay for rapid prenatal detection of sex chromosome mosaicism
Authors: Zhang Min , Chen LingJi , Chen Meihuan , Wang Yan , Liang Bin , Lin Na , Wu Xiaoqing , Wang Linshuo , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong
Published: July 2022

The prenatal BACs-on-Beads™ (BoBs) assay was introduced for rapid detection of abnormalities of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y and specific nine significant microdeletion syndromes. The ability of prenatal BoBs to detect mosaicism ranged from 20 to 40%. However, there have been no prenatal studies of sex chromosome mosaicism in prenatal BoBs. Therefore, the present study was performed with an aim to uncover the detection level of sex chromosome mosaicism that application of prenatal BoBs assay, and then to assess the sensitivity of prenatal BoBs assay, thereby improving the prenatal diagnostic accuracy. A total of 31 samples of amniotic fluid (AF) and umbilical cord blood (UCB) for prenatal diagnosis were collected, and the results were confirmed through karyotyping, single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP-array) and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq). 23 cases of sex chromosome mosaicism were prompted abnormal by prenatal BoBs, the minimum detection level of mosaicism was about 6% as detected by karyotype. The overall sensitivity of prenatal BoBs in the detection of sex chromosome mosaicism was 74.2% (23/31). This study evaluated the effectiveness of prenatal BoBs for detecting sex chromosome mosaicism in prenatal diagnosis, and the results will provide valuable information for genetic counseling.
Oral health status among 60-year-old individuals born in 1941–1943 and 1954–1955 and 81-year-old individuals born in 1922–1924 and 1933–1934, respectively: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Critén Sladjana , Andersson Pia , Renvert Stefan , Götrick Bengt , Berglund Johan Sanmartin , Bengtsson Viveca Wallin
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the oral health status of four different birth cohorts: two cohorts of 60-year-olds born in 1941–1943 and 1954–1955 and 2 cohorts of 81-year-olds born in 1920–1922 and 1933–1934.

Material and methods

The study was based on data from an ongoing longitudinal population project, The Swedish National Study on Aging and Care (SNAC). Oral health status was repeatedly examined clinically and radiographically in 2001–2003 and 2014–2015, including 60- and 81-year-olds, in total 412 individuals. Statistical analyses were performed using independent-samples t test and Pearson’s χ2 test.

Results

More individuals were dentate in 2014–2015 compared to 2001–2003 in the two age groups: 60 and 81 years (p < 0.001 for both). The mean number of teeth increased in the 60-year-olds from 24.2 to 27.0 and in the 81-year-olds from 14.3 to 20.2. The numbers of at least one intact tooth increased for both age groups (p < 0.001 and p < 0.004, respectively). In the age groups 81 years, there was an increase in having at least one PPD ≥ 6 mm (p < 0.016) and bone loss ≥ 5 mm (p < 0.029) between the two examinations. No such differences were found in the age groups of 60 years.

Conclusion

Over 13 years, oral health improved for both 60- and 81-year-old age groups. The most significant changes were in the 81-year-olds where oral health had improved except for periodontal status.

Clinical relevance

More natural teeth and impaired periodontal status potentially impact oral health and should increase focus on preventive and supportive dental care in older individuals.
Knowledge systems approaches for enhancing project impacts in complex settings: community fire management and peatland restoration in Indonesia
Authors: Robins Lisa , van Kerkhoff Lorrae , Rochmayanto Yanto , Sakuntaladewi Niken , Agrawal Sumali
Published: July 2022

Knowledge systems approaches for enhancing the impact of research are well established and tend to focus on the ways in which researchers can adapt their engagement with stakeholders to achieve a better “fit” between research and action agendas. Yet, these approaches are often based on explicit or implicit assumptions of a skilled and willing research team, and stable and well-defined stakeholders, who have consistent and reasonably well-defined needs. This paper discusses how knowledge systems approaches were developed and deployed in the first phase of the Gambut Kita (Our Peatland) project on community fire management and peatland restoration in Indonesia (2017–2021). This was a complex project with a large multi-disciplinary team situated across dynamic institutions in Indonesia and Australia, and addressing a politically controversial topic. To capture the diverse experience of the researchers, and to focus on the needs of stakeholders, we developed a sequence of whole-of-project approaches comprising the following: (i) stakeholder mapping exercises at three nested scales combining stakeholder analysis, knowledge systems mapping and impact pathways analysis; (ii) a project coordinating committee of high-level Indonesian policy-makers and policy-influencers; (iii) a stakeholder engagement forum and (iv) online policy dialogues. We demonstrate its effects through the case of developing an Indonesian Peat Fire Danger Rating System (Peat FDRS), as a core project deliverable. Over 4 years, these structured stakeholder engagement processes gave rise to a Peat FDRS Stakeholder Engagement Network (a multi-institutional working group), which is making significant progress in navigating the complexity inherent in realising an accurate Indonesian Peat FDRS.
Heterogeneity and evolution of tumour immune microenvironment in metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Wei , Ye Liu-Fang , Bao Hua , Hu Ming-Tao , Han Ming , Tang Hai-Meng , Ren Chao , Wu Xue , Shao Yang , Wang Feng-Hua , Zhou Zhi-Wei , Li Yu-Hong , Xu Rui-Hua , Wang De-Shen
Published: July 2022

Background

Tumour immune microenvironment heterogeneity is prevalent in numerous cancers and can negatively impact immunotherapy response. Immune heterogeneity and evolution in gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) have not been studied in the past.

Methods

Together with a multi-region sampling of normal, primary and metastatic tissues, we performed whole exome sequencing, TCR sequencing as well as immune cell infiltration estimation through deconvolution of gene expression signals.

Results

We discovered high TCR repertoire and immune cell infiltration heterogeneity among metastatic sites, while they were homogeneous among primary and normal samples. Metastatic sites shared high levels of abundant TCR clonotypes with blood, indicating immune surveillance via blood. Metastatic sites also had low levels of tumour-eliminating immune cells and were undergoing heavy immunomodulation compared to normal and primary tumour tissues. There was co-evolution of neo-antigen and TCR repertoire, but only in patients with late diverging mutational evolution. Co-evolution of TCR repertoire and immune cell infiltration was seen in all except one patient.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed immune heterogeneity and co-evolution in GEA, which may inform immunotherapy decision-making.
TCMI: a non-parametric mutual-dependence estimator for multivariate continuous distributions
Authors: Regler Benjamin , Scheffler Matthias , Ghiringhelli Luca M.
Published: July 2022

The identification of relevant features, i.e., the driving variables that determine a process or the properties of a system, is an essential part of the analysis of data sets with a large number of variables. A mathematical rigorous approach to quantifying the relevance of these features is mutual information. Mutual information determines the relevance of features in terms of their joint mutual dependence to the property of interest. However, mutual information requires as input probability distributions, which cannot be reliably estimated from continuous distributions such as physical quantities like lengths or energies. Here, we introduce total cumulative mutual information (TCMI), a measure of the relevance of mutual dependences that extends mutual information to random variables of continuous distribution based on cumulative probability distributions. TCMI is a non-parametric, robust, and deterministic measure that facilitates comparisons and rankings between feature sets with different cardinality. The ranking induced by TCMI allows for feature selection, i.e., the identification of variable sets that are nonlinear statistically related to a property of interest, taking into account the number of data samples as well as the cardinality of the set of variables. We evaluate the performance of our measure with simulated data, compare its performance with similar multivariate-dependence measures, and demonstrate the effectiveness of our feature-selection method on a set of standard data sets and a typical scenario in materials science.
The BCS Energy Gap at High Density
Authors: Henheik Joscha , Lauritsen Asbjørn Bækgaard
Published: July 2022

We study the BCS energy gap $$\Xi $$
Ξ
in the high–density limit and derive an asymptotic formula, which strongly depends on the strength of the interaction potential V on the Fermi surface. In combination with the recent result by one of us (Math. Phys. Anal. Geom. 25, 3, 2022) on the critical temperature $$T_c$$

T
c

at high densities, we prove the universality of the ratio of the energy gap and the critical temperature.
The Development of a Team-Based, Hybrid Inter-university Graduate Certificate Program Focused on Maternal Child Health Professionals
Authors: Tollestrup K. , Thomas T. , Stone N. , Chambers S. , Sedillo P. , Perry F. , Forster-Cox S.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Pregnancy, childbirth, and child well-being are identified by Healthy People 2030 as priority topics for improving the health of all Americans. New Mexico is the fifth largest state geographically with most of the state’s 33 counties considered rural or frontier. Accessing health care services is challenging in this resource-poor environment. The need to provide maternal and child health (MCH) education in the state was the impetus for developing a graduate certificate in maternal and child public health.

Methods

The hybrid MCH graduate certificate engaged professionals in formal training that included a public health approach to addressing MCH issues in the state’s diverse communities. Grant funds paid for the tuition, books and travel for students providing an opportunity to individuals who otherwise could not have pursued graduate education and professional development.

Results

Over a 4-year period, two cohorts were recruited, educated, and evaluated. The evaluations reflected an increase in competency knowledge scores for all students.

Discussion

This model of MCH education was successful at delivering public health graduate education to MCH practitioners and increasing their knowledge and skills. Listening to students and communities as to what their MCH public health needs are and responding with a flexible educational model provided individuals with information and tools that could be used to improve maternal and child health and reduce health disparities in rural, tribal, and underserved communities.
MicroRNA-193a-5p Rescues Ischemic Cerebral Injury by Restoring N2-Like Neutrophil Subsets
Authors: Han Ziping , Li Lingzhi , Zhao Haiping , Wang Rongliang , Yan Feng , Tao Zhen , Fan Junfen , Zheng Yangmin , Zhao Fangfang , Huang Yuyou , Tian Yue , Li Guangwen , Luo Yumin
Published: July 2022

Circulating neutrophils are activated shortly after stroke and in turn affect the fate of ischemic brain tissue, and microRNAs (miRNA) participate in regulating neuroinflammation. We probed the role of neutrophilic miRNA in ischemic stroke. miR-193a-5p was decreased in circulating neutrophils of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients and healthy controls. In another set of AIS patients treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, higher neutrophilic miR-193a-5p levels were associated with favorable outcomes at 3 months and non-symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. An experimental stroke model and human neutrophil-like HL-60 cells were further transfected with agomiR-193a-5p/antagomiR-193a-5p or ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme V2 (UBE2V2)-siRNA prior to model induction for in vivo and in vitro studies. Results of 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining and neurological function evaluations at post-experimental stroke showed that intravenous agomiR-193a-5p transfusion protected against ischemic cerebral injury in the acute stage and promoted neurological recovery in the subacute stage. This protective role was suggested to correlate with neutrophil N2 transformation based on the N2-like neutrophil proportions in the bone marrow, peripheral blood, and spleen of the experimental stroke model and the measurement of neutrophil phenotype-associated molecule levels. Mechanistically, analyses indicated that UBE2V2 might be a target of miR-193a-5p. Cerebral injury and neuroinflammation aggravated by miR-193a-5p inhibition were reversed by UBE2V2 silencing. In conclusion, miR-193a-5p protects against cerebral ischemic injury by restoring neutrophil N2 phenotype-associated neuroinflammation suppression, likely, in part, via UBE2V2 induction.
Sleep apnea predicts cardiovascular death in patients with Marfan syndrome: a cohort study
Authors: Gessler Nele , Wohlmuth Peter , Anwar Omar , Debus Eike Sebastian , Eickholt Christian , Gunawardene Melanie A , Hakmi Samer , Heitmann Kathrin , Rybczynski Meike , Schueler Helke , Sheikhzadeh Sara , Tigges Eike , Wiest Gunther H , Willems Stephan , Adam Ekaterina , von Kodolitsch Yskert
Published: July 2022

Background

Surgical replacement of the aortic root is the only intervention that can prevent aortic dissection and cardiovascular death in Marfan syndrome (MFS). However, in some individuals, MFS also causes sleep apnea. If sleep apnea predicts cardiovascular death, a new target for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) may emerge for those individuals with MFS who have sleep apnea.

Methods

This is an investigator-initiated study with long-term follow-up data of 105 individuals with MFS. All individuals were screened for sleep apnea regardless of symptoms. Cardiovascular death served as a primary endpoint, and aortic events as a secondary outcome.

Results

Sleep apnea with an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) > 5/h was observed in 21.0% (22/105) with mild sleep apnea in 13% (14/105) and moderate to severe sleep apnea in 7.6% (8/105). After a median follow-up of 7.76 years (interquartile range: 6.84, 8.41), 10% (10/105) had died, with cardiovascular cause of death in 80% (8/10). After adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), the AHI score emerged as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 1.712, 95% confidence interval [1.061–2.761], p = 0.0276). The secondary outcome of aortic events occurred in 33% (35/105). There was no effect of the AHI score on aortic events after adjusting for age and BMI (hazard ratio 0.965, 95% confidence interval [0.617–1.509]), possibly due to a high number of patients with prior aortic surgery.

Interpretation

Sleep apnea is emerging as an independent predictor of cardiovascular death in MFS. It seems mandatory to screen all individuals with MFS for sleep apnea and to include these individuals, with both MFS and sleep apnea, in further studies to evaluate the impact of preventive measures with regard to cardiovascular death.
Dynamic simulation of lead(II) metal adsorption from water on activated carbons in a packed-bed column
Authors: Hameed Areeba , Hameed Bassim H. , Almomani Fares A. , Usman Muhammad , Ba-Abbad Muneer M. , Khraisheh Majeda
Published: July 2022

In this work, lead(II) adsorption on activated carbons, tire-derived activated carbon (TAC), and commercial activated carbon (CAC), in a packed-bed column, was simulated using the Aspen Adsorption® V11 flowsheet simulator. The simulator was used to model the fixed-bed adsorption column and to establish the breakthrough curves by varying the initial concentration of lead(II) ions (500 mg/L, 1000 mg/L, 2000 mg/L, and 3000 mg/L), the bed height (0.2 m, 0.3 m, 0.4 m, 0.5 m, and 0.6 m), and the flow rate (9.88 × 10−4 m3/s, 1.98 × 10−3 m3/s, 2.96 × 10−3 m3/s, 3.95 × 10−3 m3/s, and 4.94 × 10−3 m3/s), at constant temperature and pressure of 25 °C and 3 bar, respectively. At the optimum conditions of 500 mg/L lead(II) concentration, 0.6 m bed height, and 9.88 × 10−4 m3/s flow rate, the breakthrough times were 488 s and 23 s for TAC and CAC, respectively. Under the same conditions, the adsorption capacity obtained at t0.5 was 114.26 mg/g for TAC and 7.72 mg/g for CAC. The simulation results indicate the potential of TAC for the adsorption of lead(II) in comparison to CAC.
Zinc and Iron Biofortification and Accumulation of Health-Promoting Compounds in Mycorrhizal Cichorium intybus L.
Authors: Pepe Alessandra , Di Baccio Daniela , Magnani Ermenegildo , Giovannetti Manuela , Sbrana Cristiana
Published: July 2022

The positive impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbionts on plant growth and health has been reported for many species, and supports their use as biofertilizers and bioenhancers. Here, the potential role of the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiontFunneliformis mosseaein the improvement of chicory (Cichorium intybusL.) nutritional value, in terms of nutrient uptake and accumulation of health-promoting compounds, was studied using an in vivo whole-plant system, allowing both plant and fungal tissue collection. Biomass and nutrient distribution were determined in plant and extraradical mycelium, and photosynthetic pigments and fructooligosaccharide concentrations were evaluated in chicory shoots and roots. Zinc shoot concentration of mycorrhizal chicory was significantly increased, as well as the whole-plant Fe uptake, while root Cu concentration was decreased, compared with uninoculated controls.F. mosseaeextraradical mycelium accumulated Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe at high concentrations, compared with those of the host plant tissues, suggesting that it plays a double functional “scavenging-filtering” role, by its ability to balance the uptake of microelements or to limit their translocation depending on plant-soil concentrations. The higher Zn and Fe uptake by mycorrhizal plants was significantly correlated with higher carotenoid, inulin, and fructose levels, suggesting a relationship among the modulation of micronutrient uptake by mycorrhizal symbionts and the biosynthesis of health-promoting molecules by the host. Overall, data from this work may boost the implementation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal inoculation aimed at inducing plant biofortification and enhancement of nutritional value of plant-derived food.
Designing Indicators for a Plural Legal World
Authors: de Souza Siddharth Peter
Published: July 2022

Designing Indicators for a Plural Legal World engages with the role of quantification in law, and its impact on law and development and judicial reform. It seeks to examine how different institutions shape and influence the making and use of legal indicators globally. This book sheds light on the limitations of existing quantification tools, which measure rule of law due to their lack of engagement with contexts and countries in the Global South. It offers an alternative framework for measurement, which moves away from an institutional look at rule of law, to a bottom up, user centered approach that places importance on the lives that people lead, and the challenges that they face. In doing so, it offers a way of thinking about access to justice in terms of human capabilities.
An Uneasy Hegemony
Authors: Jayasundara-Smits Shyamika
Published: July 2022

Sri Lanka has been regarded as a model democracy among former British colonies. It was lauded for its impressive achievement in terms of human development indicators. However, Sri Lanka's modern history can also be read as a tragic story of inter-ethnic inequalities and tensions, resulting in years of violent conflicts. Two long spells of anti-state youth uprisings were followed by nearly three decades of civil war, and most recently a renewed upsurge of events are examples of the on-going uneasy project of state-building. This book discusses that state-building in Sri Lanka is centred on the struggle for hegemony amidst a kind of politics that rejects individual and group equality, opposes the social integration of marginalised groups and appeals to narrow, fearful and xenophobic tendencies among the majority population and minorities alike. It answers the pressing questions of - How do the dynamics of intra-Sinhalese class relations and Sinhalese politics influence the trajectories of post-colonial state-building? What tensions emerge over time, between Sinhalese hegemony-building and wider state-building? How did these tensions manifest in majority and minority relationships?
Against NGOs
Authors: Srinivas Nidhi
Published: July 2022

What would development look like if its practitioners and scholars were 'against NGOs,' challenging common sense about them? This book presents a critical perspective on NGOs, describing how they emerged as key agents of development over time. Through an interpretative history based on Gramscian concepts it shows how civil society organizations were gradually enlisted in development as non-state technocratic actors. The book argues that management studies and development studies emerged as commonsensical explanations for capitalist crises. Each offered complementary solutions to balance the needs of capital and society, in particular historical circumstances. These solutions also situated civil society as agents of development and vectors of management. Against NGOs fills a gap within the literature of management and development studies through its original discussion of their historical interconnections and shared themes. The book raises provocative questions on what forms of knowledge-politics can respond productively to the crises of our contemporary moment.
“Our job is to break that chain of infection”: Challenges environmental management services (EMS) staff face in accomplishing their critical role in infection prevention
Authors: Goedken Cassie Cunningham , McKinley Linda , Balkenende Erin , Hockett Sherlock Stacey , Knobloch Mary Jo , Perencevich Eli N. , Safdar Nasia , Reisinger Heather Schacht
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

Contaminated surfaces in healthcare settings contribute to the transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Adequate environmental cleaning is important for preventing the transmission of important pathogens and reducing healthcare-associated infections. However, effective cleaning practices vary considerably. We examined environmental management services (EMS) staff experiences and perceptions surrounding environmental cleaning to describe perceived challenges and ideas to promote an effective environmental services program.

Design:

Qualitative study.

Participants:

Frontline EMS staff.

Methods:

From January to June 2019, we conducted individual semistructured interviews with key stakeholders (ie, EMS staff) at 3 facilities within the Veterans’ Affairs Healthcare System. We used the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework (ie, people, environment, organization, tasks, tools) to guide this study. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for thematic content.

Results:

In total, 13 EMS staff and supervisors were interviewed. A predominant theme that emerged were the challenges EMS staff saw as hindering their ability to be effective at their jobs. EMS staff interviewed felt they understand their job requirements and are dedicated to their work; however, they described challenges related to feeling undervalued and staffing issues.

Conclusions:

EMS staff play a critical role in infection prevention in healthcare settings. However, some do not believe their role is recognized or valued by the larger healthcare team and leadership. EMS staff provided ideas for improving feelings of value and job satisfaction, including higher pay, opportunities for certifications and advancement, as well as collaboration or integration with the larger healthcare team. Healthcare organizations should focus on utilizing these suggestions to improve the EMS work climate.