bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of cannabinoids content in light cannabis inflorescences sold in France
Authors: Fabresse Nicolas , Faltot Marc , Roux Perrine , Becam Jenny , Doudon Emilie , Lacarelle Bruno , Solas Caroline , Pelissier‐Alicot Anne‐Laure
Published: January 2023

In the last 2 years, the number of shops selling CBD‐rich THC‐deprived cannabis flowers (CrTd) has increased considerably in France as in many European countries. The objective of this study was to determine the actual composition of the samples sold in these stores and to discuss regulatory consequences that may affect users. Samples were provided from shops in the region Provence‐Alpes Cote d'Azur (PACA), France. Pictures of the samples were taken before they were weighed then crushed. Twenty milligrams were diluted in 10 ml heptane ethyl acetate (7:1; v:v) for analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The method was validated according to SWGTOX guidelines for the quantification of cannabidiol (CBD), delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinol (CBN). Thirty‐nine samples obtained between November 2021 and January 2022 in the PACA region were analyzed in this study. Mean content was 0.32% (0.03%–0.77%; STDV = 0.17%; n = 39) for THC, 2.23% (0.01%–5.97%; STDV = 1.29%; n = 39) for CBD and 0.01% (0.004%–0.025%; STDV = 0.01%; n = 19) for CBN. THC content over the threshold defined by the European legislation (>0.3%) was found in 18 of the 39 samples analyzed together with a CBD content <1% in nine samples (23%). None of the products analyzed had health risk messages on the packaging. The consumption of these products may lead to the presence of THC in biological fluids, which can be detected by screening. Users may then find themselves in breach of the law particularly when driving. Consumers should therefore be informed both about the actual composition of these products and about the legal and health risks they run.
The role of reed management and habitat quality on brood parasitism and chick survival of the brood parasitic Common Cuckoo
Authors: Mérő Thomas Oliver , Žuljević Antun , Lengyel Szabolcs
Published: January 2023

Despite efforts on ecosystem restoration and management, biodiversity loss remains one of the major environmental concerns of our time. Beyond the focus on threatened species, animals that indicate regional biodiversity hotspots and population trends, such as brood parasites, should also be targeted by conservation actions. We studied how reed habitat quality and management influence brood parasitism rate and offspring survival in Common Cuckoos Cuculus canorus parasitizing nests of Great Reed Warblers Acrocephalus arundinaceus in six reed habitats in an intensive agricultural landscape. Data collected from 45 sites over 13 years showed that the brood parasitism rate was highest on large canals and was positively influenced by the availability of potential perches (Cuckoo vantage points) and the height where host nests were built. Cuckoo chick survival decreased with water depth and was not affected by other factors. Our results suggest that the habitat‐dependent detectability of host nests was central in brood parasitism rate and that water level was central in Cuckoo chick survival. Our study shows that a maintenance of intermediate water levels is the most optimal for maintaining Cuckoo populations in intensive agricultural landscapes. Because brood parasites are excellent bioindicators as their presence predicts regional hotspots of taxonomic and functional diversity as well as population trends in bird communities, knowledge on their habitat requirements is relevant in management targeting diverse bird communities.
Near‐surface temperatures and potential for frost weathering in blockfields in Norway and Svalbard
Authors: Peter Maria , Andersen Jane Lund , Nixon Francis Chantel , Etzelmüller Bernd , Westermann Sebastian , Fredin Ola
Published: January 2023

Blockfields remain enigmatic regarding their origin, internal structure, surface processes, and glaciological implications. In Scandinavia, blockfields are found on high‐elevation, low‐relief mountains (plateaus) across the Arctic and Subarctic. In this study, we present a 1D numerical model that uses near‐surface temperatures measured between summer 2018 and summer 2020 to calculate frost‐cracking intensities (FCI) within the ground column in three different blockfields in Norway and Svalbard. Eighty‐nine miniature temperature loggers were distributed on Tron Mountain (1650 m a.s.l.) in Alvdal, Gamlemsveten (780 m a.s.l.) near Ålesund in southwestern Norway and on Platåberget (460 m a.s.l.) near Longyearbyen, Svalbard. We modelled FCI by scaling the time spent in the frost cracking window (between −3 and −8°C) with the temperature gradient and a penalty function for distance to available water. At Tron and Gamlemsveten, ground temperatures never reached the frost cracking window at one third of our sites due to insulation by a thick snow cover in depressions and on the lee sides of summits. The highest FCI (0.05–0.4 K m) are obtained where the subsurface consists of boulders and stones in a matrix of relatively fine sediment (sand, silt, gravel). In contrast, very low FCI (0.003–0.02 K m) were modelled for blocky layers with large air‐filled pores because of the low water availability. On Platåberget, all sensors reached the frost‐cracking window during the annual temperature cycle, but FCI are extremely low (0.0004–0.15 K m) as water availability is limited due to (i) permafrost and (ii) near‐surface temperatures remaining below the frost‐cracking window for 3/4 of the year. This indicates that boulder‐rich blockfields with air‐filled hollows are preserved in very cold climates, whereas warmer, maritime settings with higher availability of fine interstitial material place blockfields in the fast lane for frost weathering.
Toxicity of Zinc to Aquatic Life in Tropical Freshwaters of Low Hardness
Authors: Trenfield Melanie A. , Walker Samantha L. , Tanneberger Claudia , Harford Andrew J.
Published: January 2023

Zinc (Zn) is a metal of potential concern for a uranium mine whose receiving waters are in the World-Heritage listed Kakadu National Park in northern Australia. The chronic toxicity of Zn was assessed using seven tropical species in extremely soft freshwater from a creek upstream of the mine. Sensitivity to Zn was as follows (most sensitive to least sensitive based on 10% effect concentrations [EC10s]): mussel Velesunio angasi > gastropod Amerianna cumingi > fish Mogurnda mogurnda > cladoceran Moinodaphnia macleayi > green hydra Hydra viridissima > green alga Chlorella sp. > duckweed Lemna aequinoctialis, with EC10s (<0.45 µm filtered fraction) ranging from 21 to 320 µg/L Zn and EC50s ranging from 52 to 1867 µg/L Zn. These data were used to inform the risk assessment for the rehabilitation of the mine-site and contribute to the global Zn dataset. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:679–683. © 2023 Commonwealth of Australia. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry © 2023 SETAC.
Technologies of protest in Irish abortion activism
Authors: McCaffrey Brenna
Published: January 2023

In the decades before the historic legalization of abortion in the Republic of Ireland in 2018, activists used creative methods to educate, agitate, and advocate for changes in abortion law and access. In the 2000s, the availability of the “abortion pills,” mifepristone and misoprostol, began to affect patterns of illegal abortion access, as well as the methods of protest used by those advocating for legal abortion. This article examines protest actions orchestrated by Irish abortion activists from 2014 to 2018 that used abortion pills as technologies of protest. I argue that abortion pill protests introduced a new “protest logic” to abortion activism, both in Ireland and around the world (De Zordo, Mishtal, and Anton 2017). By using abortion pills as a central object in public protests, activists repackaged abortion pills from “technologies of access” to “technologies of protest.” These new tactics were not without controversy. I suggest that the conflicts that emerged from abortion pill protests helped shape new activist claims about abortion access and ultimately led to positive social and legislative change. As abortion pill use increases globally in the face of growing restrictions, the use of pills as technologies of protest will continue to affect abortion activism and other social movements.
Identification of volatile and nonvolatile compounds in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride using GC–MS, UPLC‐Q‐Exactive Orbitrap‐MS, and HPLC‐PDA
Authors: Li Jingxuan , Zou Shiqi , Yang Wanling , Peng Mengdie , Chen Baizhong , Deng Jinji , Wei Minyan , Zheng Guodong
Published: January 2023

Gas chromatograph–mass spectrometer (GC–MS), ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatograph‐Q‐Exactive Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐Exactive Orbitrap‐MS), and high‐performance liquid chromatography–photodiode array detection (HPLC–PDA) were used to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the chemical component of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride “Geqingpi” (GQP). First of all, the volatile components of GQP are identified by GC–MS. Totally 56 volatile components were determined, and γ‐Terpinene (33.39%) and D‐Limonene (22.95%) were the main terpenes. Secondly, UHPLC‐Q‐Exactive Orbitrap‐MS was used for identifying nonvolatile compositions and 42 compositions were identified totally, including 23 flavonoids, nine organic acids, three coumarins, two alkaloids compounds, and five other compounds, among which nine of the determined constituents were detected for the first time in GQP. Thirdly, the content of seven main constituents in GQP was quantitatively analyzed via HPLC‐PDA, which were synephrine, hesperidin, limonin, nobiletin, HMF, tangeretin, and 5‐HPMF. Further investigation for quantitative analysis of seven bioactive compounds suggested that the concentration of hesperidin in GQP approximately was 16.0% (160.78 ± 0.95 mg·g−1), which was far higher than the standard for identification and quality control of CRPV in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) that “the content of hesperidin shall not be less than 5.0%.” The phytochemicals of GQP were elucidated in this study, which might be supporting information for identification between GQP and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride “Sihuaqingpi” (SHQP) and provided a scientific basis for the further active ingredient for pharmacological research and development prospects of GQP.
Mechanosensitive channel Piezo1 is an essential regulator in cell cycle progression of optic nerve head astrocytes
Authors: Wan Yue , Wang Haiping , Fan Xiaowei , Bao Jiayu , Wu Shen , Liu Qian , Yan Xuejing , Zhang Jingxue , Jin Zi‐bing , Xiao Bailong , Wang Ningli
Published: January 2023

Optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes provide structural and metabolic support to neuronal axons in developmental, physiological, and pathological progression. Mechanosensitive properties of astrocytes allow them to sense and respond to mechanical cues from the local environment. We confirmed that ONH astrocytes express the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in vivo. By manipulating Piezo1 knockdown or overexpression in vitro, we found that Piezo1 is necessary but insufficient for ONH astrocyte proliferation. Loss of Piezo1 can lead to cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, a possible mechanism involving decreased yes‐associated protein (YAP) nuclear localization and downregulation of YAP‐target cell cycle‐associated factors, including cyclin D1 and c‐Myc. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of differential expression genes from RNA‐seq data indicates that the absence of Piezo1 affects biological processes involving cell division. Our results demonstrate that Piezo1 is an essential regulator in cell cycle progression in ONH astrocytes.
On the solution of games with arbitrary payoffs: An application to an over‐the‐counter financial market
Authors: Kollias Iraklis , Leventides John , Papavassiliou Vassilios G.
Published: January 2023

This paper defines a variety of game theoretic solution concepts in the language of soft set theory. We begin by defining the Nash equilibrium in pure strategies. We assume that the gains of the players are totally ordered and non‐desirable alternatives are absent. Moreover, we introduce the notions of strong and semi‐strong utility. These two completely new notions, serve as a mechanism for converting non‐ordered gains into totally ordered ones. We define the Nash equilibrium in mixed strategies in a general framework by introducing the notion of an extended game and strategy space. We finally define the Nash solution to cooperative bargaining games within the framework of soft set theory, illustrate a practical application to an over‐the‐counter financial market, and provide a detailed numerical example.
Charting a new path forward for pharmacy residency expansion
Authors: McFarland M. Shawn , Stover Kayla R. , Bhat Shubha , Coon Scott , Cooper Mandelin , DiDomenico Robert , Herbert Sophia , Kessler Sarah , Lee Michelle , Maddox Mary Margaret , Quidley April Miller , Rhoney Denise , Wooten Leslie , Zhou Yi
Published: January 2023

A core component of the vision of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) for the profession is that most pharmacists will provide direct patient care. Residency training programs are considered a prerequisite to meet the standards and competencies required for pharmacists providing direct patient care. Barriers to residency training expansion are numerous and include, but are not limited to, lack of funding, challenges in meeting accreditation standards for residency programs, limited practice sites, and lack of qualified preceptors. The demand for postgraduate year one (PGY1) and postgraduate year two (PGY2) pharmacy residency training has exceeded position availability over the past 10 years. The American Society of Health‐System Pharmacists (ASHP) Foundation Pharmacy Forecast 2021 predicts pharmacy expansion within ambulatory care, population health, specialty pharmacy, and home care. To promote pharmacy residency expansion and maintenance of pharmacy residency quality, this commentary makes four recommendations with specific actions for consideration: develop preceptors and promote board certification, promote and foster innovation in residency training, expand residency training to address health equity with a focus on rural/underserved areas, and expand nontraditional residency training programs.
The effect of solvent on determining highest occupied molecular orbital energies of semiconducting organic molecules: Insight from a combined computational approach
Authors: Kramer Aaron , Pachter Ruth , Hsu Julia W. P. , Vandenberghe William G.
Published: January 2023

Although cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements in solution have been widely used to determine the highest occupied molecular orbital energy (EHOMO) of semiconducting organic molecules, an understanding of the experimentally observed discrepancies due to the solvent used is lacking. To explain these differences, we investigate the solvent effects on EHOMO by combining density functional theory and molecular dynamics calculations for four donor molecules with a common backbone moiety. We compare the experimental EHOMO values to the calculated values obtained from either implicit or first solvation shell theories. We find that the first solvation shell method can capture the EHOMO variation arising from the functional groups in solution, unlike the implicit method. We further applied the first solvation shell method to other semiconducting organic molecules measured in solutions for different solvents. We find that the EHOMO obtained using an implicit method is insensitive to solvent choice. The first solvation shell, however, produces EHOMO values that are sensitive to solvent choices and agrees with published experimental results. The solvent sensitivity arises from a hierarchy of three effects: (1) the solute electronic state within a surrounding dielectric continuum, (2) ambient temperature or solvent atoms changing the solute geometry, and (3) electronic interactions between the solute and solvents. The implicit method, on the other hand, only captures the effect of a dielectric environment. Our findings suggest that EHOMO obtained by CV measurements should account for the influence of solvent when the results are reported, interpreted, or compared to other molecules.
Dynamic loading leads to increased metabolic activity and spatial redistribution of viable cell density in nucleus pulposus tissue
Authors: Salzer Elias , Mouser Vivian H. M. , Bulsink Jurgen A. , Tryfonidou Marianna A. , Ito Keita
Published: January 2023

Background

Nucleus pulposus (NP) cell density is orchestrated by an interplay between nutrient supply and metabolite accumulation. Physiological loading is essential for tissue homeostasis. However, dynamic loading is also believed to increase metabolic activity and could thereby interfere with cell density regulation and regenerative strategies. The aim of this study was to determine whether dynamic loading could reduce the NP cell density by interacting with its energy metabolism.

Methods

Bovine NP explants were cultured in a novel NP bioreactor with and without dynamic loading in milieus mimicking the pathophysiological or physiological NP environment. The extracellular content was evaluated biochemically and by Alcian Blue staining. Metabolic activity was determined by measuring glucose and lactate in tissue and medium supernatants. A lactate‐dehydrogenase staining was performed to determine the viable cell density (VCD) in the peripheral and core regions of the NP.

Results

The histological appearance and tissue composition of NP explants did not change in any of the groups. Glucose levels in the tissue reached critical values for cell survival (≤0.5 mM) in all groups. Lactate released into the medium was increased in the dynamically loaded compared to the unloaded groups. While the VCD was unchanged on Day 2 in all regions, it was significantly reduced in the dynamically loaded groups on Day 7 (p ≤ 0.01) in the NP core, which led to a gradient formation of VCD in the group with degenerated NP milieu and dynamic loading (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

It was demonstrated that dynamic loading in a nutrient deprived environment similar to that during IVD degeneration can increase cell metabolism to the extent that it was associated with changes in cell viability leading to a new equilibrium in the NP core. This should be considered for cell injections and therapies that lead to cell proliferation for treatment of IVD degeneration.
Black bear density and habitat use variation at the Sierra Nevada‐Great Basin Desert transition
Authors: Sultaire Sean M. , Kawai‐Harada Yuki , Kimmel Ashley , Greeson Emily M. , Jackson Patrick J. , Contag Christopher H. , Lackey Carl W. , Beckmann Jon P. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Montgomery Robert A.
Published: January 2023

In the first 2 decades of the twenty‐first century, American black bear (Ursus americanus) populations rebounded with range expansions into areas where the species was previously extirpated. While there are a number of factors that limit range expansion, habitat quality and availability are among the most important. Such factors may be particularly important in western Nevada, USA, at the transition zone of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin Desert. We deployed a multi‐faceted data collection system including motion‐sensitive cameras, noninvasive hair sampling and genotyping, and global positioning system (GPS) tracking. We analyzed data using spatial capture‐recapture to estimate population density and dynamic occupancy models to estimate habitat use. Black bear habitat use and density were substantially higher in the Sierra Nevada than the Great Basin Desert and had strong positive relationships with the presence of conifer land cover in the transition zone. The average black bear density was >4 times higher in the mixed‐conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada (12.4 bears/100 km2) than in desert mountain ranges with piñon (Pinus monophylla)‐juniper (Juniperus spp.) woodland (2.7 bears/100 km2). The low‐elevation shrub and grassland portions of the study area had even lower estimated black bear density (0.6 bears/100 km2) and probability of use (0.03, 95% CI = 0.00–0.09). Across these spatially variable configurations in black bear density, we estimated the population size to be 418 individuals (95% CI = 239–740). Declining density towards the range edge, coupled with a relatively stable range of black bears in Nevada observed since 2000, suggests that further species range expansion into the western Great Basin may be limited by habitat quality and availability.
Responses of root water uptake to soil water dynamics for three revegetation species on the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Chen Guangjie , Meng Tingfang , Wu Wenjie , Zhang Ji‘na , Tao Ze , Wang Naijiang , Si Bingcheng , Li Min , Feng Hao , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: January 2023

In water‐limited ecosystems, soil water regulates root water uptake (RWU) strategies. However, RWU responses to soil water changes under different species are not well‐understood. We assessed RWU responses of three revegetation species [shrub (Hippophae rhamnoides Linn.), coniferous forest [Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco], and broad‐leaved forest (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) during the dry (May to June) and rainy (July to August) seasons in 2020 on the Loess Plateau using stable isotope methods. We sampled soil and xylem for each species at approximately weekly intervals and used the MixSIAR model to quantify RWU contribution with stable water isotopes. The results indicated that soil water in the shallow (0–40 cm) and middle (40–200 cm) soil layers fluctuated more strongly than the deep soil layer (200–300 cm) due to precipitation and evapotranspiration. Before precipitation in the dry season, most of the RWU for H. rhamnoides and R. pseudoacacia (97% and 98%) came from the middle layer under limited soil water. After precipitation in the dry season, the three species had similar RWU responses to soil water changes. After precipitation in the rainy season, the RWU change of H. rhamnoides and R. pseudoacacia with deep soil drying was more sensitive to soil water change than P. orientalis with sufficient deep water on August 3 and 11, while, the RWU of H. rhamnoides was more sensitive to soil water change than R. pseudoacacia on August 11 and 19. Thus, by switching its water‐use strategy, H. rhamnoides adapted better to the soil water environment than P. orientalis and R. pseudoacacia. This finding will help in selecting the optimal revegetation species for water use in a changing climate environment.
Public health reimagined
Authors: Abel Julian , Kellehear Allan
Published: January 2023

This essay offers a critical assessment and reflection on the field of public health based on policy directions and themes gleaned from the historical story of John Snow and the Broad Street pump in 19th century London and recent international responses to Covid‐19. Dominant public health strategies, especially for infectious disease emergencies, demonstrate a persistent tendency towards authoritarian claims about science that marginalise concerns about human rights, showing disregard for interprofessional and partnership working, antipathy toward critical voices and a retreat into old ideas about death and dying as medical failure. There is also neglect of the fundamental importance of social relationships as a primary source of health and well‐being. Recommendations for a more positive approach for the future of public health are made. These include restoration of, and recommitment to, partnership working with communities, experiential literacy, the prioritising of social support and incentives over negative sanctions, and the acknowledgement and support of end‐of‐life experiences as a focus for special and overdue public health attention. These suggestions advocate for the application of ‘new’ public health priorities to address and rebalance the limitations of the old, usual approach.
Evolutionary game of destination brand co‐construction with government involvement
Authors: Sun Yong , Wang Yalin , Liu Baoyin , Sun Zhongrui
Published: January 2023

To gain a competitive advantage in tourism, more and more regions are adopting destination branding as their necessary strategy, but destination branding is a quasi‐public good that is prone to market failure. It is very necessary to formulate appropriate incentive policies. To design appropriate incentives and optimise the mechanism of destination brand co‐construction, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model, considering local governments, tourist attractions operating enterprises and tourism service enterprises. The results show that brand co‐building cost has a negative impact and brand premium has a positive impact on tourism enterprise cooperation. The cooperation reward of local government has a positive impact, and the punishment of noncooperation has a positive impact on tourism enterprise cooperation, and the restraint effect of punishment measures is more significant. This paper discusses the incentives to promote destination brand co‐construction, which can provide enlightenment for policy formulation.
Minigene splicing assays reveal new insights into exonic variants of the SLC12A3 gene in Gitelman syndrome
Authors: Shi Xiaomeng , Wang Hong , Zhang Ruixiao , Liu Zhiying , Guo Wencong , Wang Sai , Liu Xuyan , Lang Yanhua , Bottillo Irene , Dong Bingzi , Shao Leping
Published: January 2023

Background

Gitelman syndrome (GS) is a type of salt‐losing tubular disease, most of which is caused by SLC12A3 gene variants, and missense variants account for the majority. Recently, the phenomenon of exon skipping, in which variants disrupt normal pre‐mRNA splicing, has been related to a variety of diseases. Therefore, we hypothesize that a certain proportion of SLC12A3 variants can result in disease via interfering with the normal splicing process.

Methods

We analyzed 342 previously presumed SLC12A3 missense variants using bioinformatics programs and identified candidate variants that may alter the splicing of pre‐mRNA through minigene assays.

Results

Our study revealed that, among ten candidate variants, six variants (c.602G>A, c.602G>T, c.1667C>T, c.1925G>A, c.2548G>C, and c.2549G>C) led to complete or incomplete exon skipping by affecting exonic splicing regulatory elements and/or disturbing canonical splice sites.

Conclusion

It is worth mentioning that this is the largest study on pre‐mRNA splicing of SLC12A3 exonic variants. In addition, our study emphasizes the importance of detecting splicing function at the mRNA level in GS and indicates that minigene analysis is a valuable tool for splicing functional assays of variants in vitro.
Nonlinear dynamic and stability of a small size moving beam under thermal conditions
Authors: Ali Sajid
Published: January 2023

Nonlinear transverse vibration of a micro‐size moving beam like structure under the influence of thermal conditions is studied. Hamilton principle is used to derive the nonlinear equation of motion. The derived equation of transverse motion is discretized using the Galerkin technique. The vibration attributes of the moving beam, such as frequencies of the transverse response, time response, and stability analysis, are investigated at different temperatures. For stability analysis, bifurcation diagrams are presented under the influence of temperature, length‐scale parameter, and excitation frequencies at various axial speeds of the beam.
Considerations for hyperpolarized 13C MR at reduced field: Comparing 1.5T versus 3T
Authors: Traechtler Julia , Fuetterer Maximilian , Albannay Mohammed M. , Hoh Tobias , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Purpose

In contrast to conventional MR, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is not linearly dependent on field strength in hyperpolarized MR, as polarization is generated outside the MR system. Moreover, field inhomogeneity‐induced artifacts and other practical limitations associated with field strengths 3T are alleviated at lower fields. The potential of hyperpolarized C spectroscopy and imaging at 1.5T versus 3T is demonstrated in silico, in vitro, and in vivo for applications on clinical MR systems.

Theory and Methods

Theoretical noise and SNR behavior at different field strengths are investigated based on simulations. A thorough field comparison between 1.5T and 3T is performed using thermal and hyperpolarized C spectroscopy and imaging. Cardiac in vivo data is obtained in pigs using hyperpolarized [1‐C]pyruvate spectroscopy and imaging at 1.5T and 3T.

Results

Based on theoretical considerations and simulations, the SNR of hyperpolarized MR at identical acquisition bandwidths is independent of the field strength for typical coil setups, while adaptively changing the acquisition bandwidth proportional to the static magnetic field allows for net SNR gains of up to 40% at 1.5T compared to 3T. In vitro C data verified these considerations with less than 7% deviation. In vivo feasibility of hyperpolarized [1‐C]pyruvate dynamic metabolic spectroscopy and imaging at 1.5T is demonstrated in the pig heart with comparable SNR between 1.5T and 3T while B artifacts are noticeably reduced at 1.5T.

Conclusion

Hyperpolarized C MR at lower field strengths is favorable in terms of SNR and off‐resonance effects, which makes 1.5T a promising alternative to 3T, especially for clinical cardiac metabolic imaging.
A two‐grid discontinuous Galerkin method for an incompressible miscible displacement problem
Authors: Yang Jiming , Zhou Jing , Su Yifan
Published: January 2023

An incompressible miscible displacement problem in porous media is studied. A two‐grid algorithm based on an interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin method is proposed. With this algorithm, solving a nonlinear system on the discontinuous finite element space is reduced to solving a nonlinear problem on a coarse grid and a linear problem on a fine grid. The error estimate for the concentration in H1‐norm and the error estimate for the velocity in L2‐norm are obtained. The numerical experiments are provided to confirm our theoretical analysis.
Superconvergence analysis of a conservative mixed finite element method for the nonlinear Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger equations
Authors: Shi Dongyang , Zhang Houchao
Published: January 2023

In this paper, a linearized mass and energy conservative mixed finite element method (MFEM) is proposed for solving the nonlinear Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger equations. Optimal error estimates without grid‐ratio condition are derived by some rigorous analysis and an error splitting technique, that is, one is the temporal error which is only τ‐dependent and the other is the spatial error which is only h‐dependent. Furthermore, the superclose results are obtained by using the idea of combination of interpolation and projection. Besides, a so‐called “lifting” approach also play an important role to obtain the superclose results. With the above achievements, the global superconvergent properties are deduced through the interpolated post processing operators. Finally, three numerical examples are given to validate the convergence order, unconditional stability, mass, and energy conservation.
Phytosynthesized Cu‐Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Application
Authors: Norbert Aleena , Alappatt Surya Mary , John Sareen Sarah , Shaji Sadasivan , Remillard Stephen K. , Deshpande Uday P. , Reena Philip Rachel
Published: January 2023

Herein, phytosynthesized copper doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized and their application potential in antibacterial activity is investigated. The compensative effect of Cu2+ occupying Ce4+/Ce3+ site and redox conversion of Ce4+ to Ce3+ are found to facilitate the antibacterial activity of the doped NPs. The preliminary characterizations are done using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and energy‐dispersive analysis of X‐ray spectroscopy. The particle size distribution curves from field‐emission scanning data give the mean particle sizes to be ≈20.4, 19.9, and 18.8 nm, respectively, for pure, lightly doped, and heavily doped NPs. The transmission electron microscopy manifests tetra‐ and hexa‐shaped particles, indicating the presence of Ce2O3/Ce1−x
Cu
x
O2 along with ceria in pure and lightly doped and an additional presence of CuO in the heavily doped. The X‐ray photoelectron spectra of Ce 3d deconvolute to 10 peaks corresponding to Ce3+ and Ce4+ yielding Ce3+/Ce4+ % ratio <1 and Cu 2p and O 1s spectra are fitted to assess variation in Cu% and oxygen vacancies with doping. The Cu‐doped CeO2 samples show a commendable improvement over pure ceria, in the antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus.
Robust exponential stabilization of stochastic coupled T‐S fuzzy complex networks subject to state‐dependent impulsive control
Authors: Cao Zhengran , Li Chuandong , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yang Xujun
Published: January 2023

The problem of robust exponential stabilization for T‐S fuzzy stochastic dynamical networks (T‐S FSDNs) based on the state‐dependent impulsive controller is investigated in the paper. Using B‐equivalence approach, some sufficient conditions are provided such that every solution of considered systems intersects each impulsive surface exactly once. Then, combining with the inequality technique and comparison principle, some meaningful sufficient criteria are obtained to ensure the mean square stability of T‐S fuzzy stochastic dynamical networks. Compared to related results, the results obtained in the paper are low conservatism and easy to verify. Finally, two numerical simulations based on Rssler's system and Lorenz system show the effectiveness of the obtained theoretical results.
Investigation on physical properties of nanobubbled water using gas water circulation method: Environmental perspective
Authors: Joy Nivin , Senthilkumar Gnanamani , Logesh Periya Gurusamy , Hariharan Ravi
Published: January 2023

The objective of this present study is to examine the effect of nanobubbles on the physical properties improvement in the chosen water sample. So far, the research outcomes stated that the physical properties could be enhanced by addition of nanoparticles, but very few studies were performed with nanobubbles. The unique properties of nanobubbles (70–120 nanometers) explain their use in a wide range of engineering fields. Simple method for producing nanobubbles in a variety of aqueous solutions along with examples of their use is outlined in this work. Global environmental issues, including the deterioration and depletion of water supply are driving today's need for water treatment technology. As a solution, the use of micro‐ and nano‐bubble (MNB) technologies in wastewater treatment has evolved. This page discuss the fundamentals of water treatment research, including their stability of bubbles, manufacturing processes, and chemical and physical features.
Essential trace elements in the African spider plant (Cleome gynandra). A case study in Molo Ward, Nakuru, Kenya
Authors: Rotich Nelson K. , Gatari Michael J. , Kareru Patrick , Boman Johan
Published: January 2023

In Kenya, cases of malnutrition and nutritionally related ailments have been on the rise. This calls for the search for food crops with vital trace elements. The aim of the current study was to use energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (EDXRF) to determine the concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn in the stems and leaves of the African spider plant (Cleome gynandra) in the context of nutrition. Stems and leaves of the African spider plant grown in the highland and in the lowland of Molo Ward, Nakuru, Kenya, were found to contain total available Zn in the range of 140 ± 50 to 230 ± 60 mg/kg, Fe in the range of 2200 ± 700 to 3900 ± 1700 mg/kg, Cu at 13 ± 3 to 16 ± 5 mg/kg, and Mn at 380 ± 120 to 400 ± 140 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in the average concentrations of the trace elements in the leaves and stems of the African spider plant from the lowland and highland regions of Molo Ward (p > 0.05). The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu, and Mn in the African spider plants is high enough to make it a nutritious traditional vegetable. Therefore, farmers should be encouraged and empowered to grow more vegetables.
Emotional Expression in Children’s Drawings of God
Authors: Jolley Richard P. , Dessart Grégory
Published: January 2023

Experimental psychological research on the expressive aspects of children’s drawings has grown considerably in the last 40 years. It has reported consistently that children use the same expressive techniques as artists, despite varying opinions on how expressive drawing develops in childhood (e.g., U-shaped curve or age incremental patterns). The developmental findings have largely derived from drawing tasks that explicitly ask children to draw an emotion or mood (e.g. happy, sad, angry). Nevertheless, the pervasiveness of expression in children’s drawings is such that we might expect children to spontaneously communicate expressively in drawing tasks that do not specifically request mood. “Drawing God” is such an example due to the potential emotive aspects of the subject, both in terms of the “God Figure” and the potential representation of other subject matter in the drawing. With this in mind, this chapter sets forth two sets of analyses of over 500 children’s drawings from Switzerland, obtained from a sample of 6- to 16-year-olds. First, we report findings from a quantitative study based on artist ratings that the intensity (strength) and valence (negative to positive) of the emotional expression in the drawings varies according to gender and religiosity. Age was not a significant predictor of intensity and only weakly predicted valence. Second, we describe narrative themes derived from our own observations of the dataset, in which all themes consistently indicated the same expressive techniques reported in the psychological experimental literature. Furthermore, despite being asked only to “draw God”, the drawings displayed a wide variety of themes which can be presented as a narrative story of the Christian Gospel.
Natural and Supernatural Agents: Children’s Representations of Gods and Dead Entities
Authors: Tau Ramiro
Published: January 2023

When children face the task of having to draw something related to human death, their drawings are based on imaginary, figurative and schematic resources. These representations usually reveal children’s resolution of two fundamental problems regarding the comprehension of death; (a) which type of entity dies with death? (b) what are the characteristics of the space of the dead? From child’s perspective, what dies with death, and the place of the dead, are regulated by a specific legality, different from the one prevailing in his daily life. The physical, biological and psychological principles that children recognize as necessary in everyday experience are cancelled, inverted or alternated with death. This subversion becomes evident in drawings and is analogous to the one found in children’s representations of deities, supernatural agents, and divine spaces. The cognitive and figurative correspondence between the attributes children confer to the dead, the gods and the spaces they inhabit are analysed and discussed using data from two exploratory studies conducted in Argentina, with children from agnostic, atheist and Christian families. We address three broad axes:what,whereandhowchildren draw dead and supernatural entities, highlighting the te Luoreda Lamas, 2001; ndency towards anthropomorphization, the inaccessibility of the places inhabited by these beings and the attribution of non-normal capacities.
Postinjury multiple organ failure in polytrauma: more frequent and potentially less deadly with less crystalloid
Authors: King Kate L. , Dewar David C. , Briggs Gabrielle D. , Jones Mark , Balogh Zsolt J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Recently, retrospective registry-based studies have reported the decreasing incidence and increasing mortality of postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF). We aimed to describe the current epidemiology of MOF following the introduction of haemostatic resuscitation.

Methods

A 10-year prospective cohort study was undertaken at a Level-1 Trauma Centre-based ending in December 2015. Inclusion criteria age ≥ 16 years, Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) Head < 3 and survived > 48 h. Demographics, physiological and shock resuscitation parameters were collected. The primary outcome was MOF defined by a Denver Score > 3. Secondary outcomes: intensive care unit length of stay (ICU LOS), ventilation days and mortality.

Results

Three hundred and forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria (age 48 ± 20; ISS 30 ± 11, 248 (71%) were males and 23 (6.6%) patients died. The 74 (21%) MOF patients (maximum Denver Score: 5.5 ± 1.8; Duration; 5.6 ± 5.8 days) had higher ISS (32 ± 11 versus 29 ± 11) and were older (54 ± 19 versus 46 ± 20 years) than non-MOF patients. Mean daily Denver scores adjusted for age, sex, MOF and ISS did not change over time. Crystalloid usage decreased over the 10-year period (p value < 0.01) and PRBC increased (p value < 0.01). Baseline cumulative incidence of MOF at 28 days was 9% and competing risk analyses showed that incidence of MOF increased over time (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.14, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.23, p value < 0.01). Mortality risk showed no temporal change. ICU LOS increased over time (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.95, 95% CI 0.92 to 0.98, p value < 0.01). Ventilator days increased over time (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.94, 95% CI 0.9 to 0.97, p value < 0.01).

Conclusion

The epidemiology of MOF continues to evolve. Our prospective cohort suggests an ageing population with increasing incidence of MOF, particularly in males, with little changes in injury or shock parameters, who are being resuscitated with less crystalloids, stay longer on ICU without improvement in survival.
The use of an individualized intraoperative video shows no impact on the early postoperative clinical outcome after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Sadoghi Patrick , Listl Christoph , Lewis Jan , Reinbacher Patrick , Leithner Andreas , Hauer Georg
Published: January 2023

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the potential of an intraoperatively recorded video shown to patients immediately postoperatively on early outcome after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The hypothesis was that there is a beneficial outcome concerning range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcome due to enhanced trust into the artificial joint.

Methods

Seventy-three patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to two study groups in which they were either shown a video of their own postoperative range of motion or they were not. Clinically, the New Knee Society Score (nKSS) and ROM were evaluated and compared between the groups 6 weeks after surgery. Chi-square exact test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Mann–Whitney U test, and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used. Inter- and intra-class correlations were calculated for measurements of ROM.

Results

No clinically relevant differences were observed preoperatively and 6 weeks postoperatively between both groups in range of motion (ROM). All patients were showing a significantly improved clinical outcome 6 weeks after the procedure. Clinical scores showed statistically significant differences with respect to preoperative nKSS for satisfaction and statistically significant differences with respect to postoperative nKSS for function.

Conclusion

Showing a video filmed immediately after implantation of primary TKA had no significant effect on ROM and clinical outcome at 6 weeks. We believe that face-to-face verbal communication in combination with video-assisted education ensures that patients understand their artificial joint in the best possible way and will continue to use intraoperatively filmed videos to enhance patient engagement during postoperative rehabilitation.

Level of evidence

I.
Crystal structure and optical absorption spectra of LiCo(SO4)OH and its remarkable relationship to the Zn-Mn-silicate hodgkinsonite
Authors: Wildner Manfred , Giester Gerald
Published: January 2023

Crystals of the compound LiCo(SO4)OH were synthesised at low-hydrothermal conditions, and the crystal structure was determined and refined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. LiCo(SO4)OH crystallises monoclinic, space group P21/c, Z = 4, a = 9.586(2), b = 5.425(1), c = 7.317(1) Å, β = 109.65(1)°, V = 358.3 Å3, wR2 = 0.0485 (2215 unique reflections, 78 variables). The structure is built from chains of edge-sharing, quite strongly bond-length and -angle distorted Co(OH)3O3 octahedra (< Co–O > = 2.126 Å), which are further linked by common corners, hydrogen bonds, and by properly shaped SO4 tetrahedra (< S–O > = 1.476 Å) to sheets parallel (100). These sheets are connected to a three-dimensional framework by sharing corners with distorted LiO4 polyhedra (< Li–O > = 1.956 Å). Apart from the isotypic sulfates of Mn2+ and Fe2+, only the molybdate LiCd(MoO4)OH crystallises isostructural with LiCo(SO4)OH. However, a very close structural relationship exists with the rare mineral hodgkinsonite, Zn2Mn(SiO4)(OH)2, yielding crystal chemically very uncommon topological equivalents of Zn2+ ≡ S6+ and Si4+ ≡ Li+, aside from the expectable substitution Mn2+ ≡ Co2+. Polarised optical absorption spectra of LiCo(SO4)OH reveal that the dominating spin-allowed 4T1(P) band system of Co2+ (d7 configuration) is strongly split up and covers a prominent part (~ 15,500–24,500 cm−1) of the visible spectral range, in accordance with the significant distortion of the Co(OH)3O3 polyhedron. The spectra are interpreted in terms of the Superposition Model of crystal fields, yielding a new set of intrinsic and interelectronic repulsion parameters for Co2+.
Die Riesenzellangiitis des zentralen Nervensystems
Authors: Simader Elisabeth , Klotz Sigrid , Höftberger Romana , Bobacz Klaus
Published: January 2023

Die Vaskulitis des zentralen Nervensystems (ZNS) ist eine schwierig zu diagnostizierende Erkrankung, die sich oft hinter unspezifischen Symptomen versteckt. Biomarker können bei der Diagnosefindung hilfreich sein, schließen aber bei Fehlen die Erkrankung nicht aus. Wir berichten über einen 36-jährigen Patienten, der sich klinisch mit Schwindel und langsam aggravierenden Kopfschmerzen präsentierte. Nach einem Sturz über eine Treppe wurde eine Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) des Schädels durchgeführt, die eine Raumforderung (RF) parietookzipital und eine Kontrastmittelanreicherung der Gefäße zeigte. Da zunächst der Verdacht einer malignen Erkrankung im Raum stand, wurde eine Gehirnbiopsie durchgeführt, die eine Einwanderung von Entzündungszellen in die Gefäßwände mit Formierung von Riesenzellen ergab. Zunächst erhielt der Patient neben Glukokortikoiden eine Therapie mit Cyclophosphamid und konsekutiv Mycophenolat mofetil als Erhaltungstherapie. Darunter kam es anfänglich zu einer klinischen Verbesserung und Regredienz der Vaskulitiszeichen im MRT. Im weiteren Verlauf kam es jedoch zu einem flare-up, sodass eine Therapieumstellung auf einen Interleukin-6-Inhibitor erfolgte, wobei die Riesenzellinfiltrate die Grundlage für die Therapieentscheidung waren. Unglücklicherweise führte diese Medikation zu keiner Verbesserung der Symptomatik, weswegen der Patient letztlich eine Therapie mit einem Tumornekrosefaktor-α-Inhibitor (TNF-Inhibitor) erhielt. Damit besserten sich die Beschwerden des Patienten und die RF imponierte im Schädel-MRT regredient. Dieser Fall zeigt, dass bei jungen Patient:innen mit unspezifischen neurologischen Symptomen eine Vaskulitis differenzialdiagnostisch stets in Betracht gezogen werden muss.