bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive monitoring in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome with the NIH Toolbox®
Authors: Welbel Remi Z. , Rand Casey M. , Zhou Amy , Fadl‐Alla Allaa , Chen Maida Lynn , Weese‐Mayer Debra E. , Zelko Frank A.
Published: May 2022

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare neurocristopathy, caused by mutations in the paired‐like homeobox gene PHOX2B, which alters control of breathing and autonomic nervous system regulation, necessitating artificial ventilation as life‐support. A broad range of neurocognitive performance has been reported in CCHS, including an array of cognitive deficits. We administered the NIH Toolbox® Cognition Battery (NTCB), a novel technology comprised of seven tasks presented via an interactive computer tablet application, to a CCHS cohort and studied its convergent and divergent validity relative to traditional clinical neurocognitive measures. The NTCB was administered to 51 CCHS participants, including a subcohort of 24 who also received traditional clinical neurocognitive testing (Wechsler Intelligence Scales). Age‐corrected NTCB scores from the overall sample and subcohort were compared to population norms. Associations between NTCB indices and Wechsler Intelligence scores were studied to determine the convergent and divergent validity of the NTCB. NTCB test results indicated reduced Fluid Cognition, which measures new learning and speeded information processing (p < 0.001), but intact Crystallized Cognition, which measures past learning, in CCHS relative to population norms. Moderate to strong associations (r > 0.60) were found between age‐corrected NTCB Fluid and Crystallized indices and comparable Wechsler indices, supporting the convergent and discriminant validity of the NTCB. Results reveal deficits of Fluid Cognition in individuals with CCHS and indicate that the NTCB is a valid and sensitive measure of cognitive outcomes in this population. Our findings suggest that the NTCB may play a useful role in tracking neurocognition in CCHS.
Research on Impact‐Induced Reactive Characteristics of Reactive Materials Under Low Air Pressure
Authors: Chen Peng , Sun Xingyun , Li Biaobiao , Quan Jialin , Geng Wanjun , Yuan Baohui
Published: May 2022

Reactive materials (RMs) are usually prepared from metal/non‐metal mixed powders through hot processing. The main feature of the material is that it will react and release energy when impacted. However, the impact‐induced chemical energy release during impact has a complicated mechanism and needs to be further explored. This work investigated the impact‐induced chemical process by split Hopkinson pressure bar and low‐pressure experimental system, different atmospheric pressure environment has been simulated. Moreover, High‐speed photography was used to reveal the macroscopic ignition phenomena. Furthermore, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was used to study the material composition of raw and recovered specimens. The results of the experiments described here clearly show that metal reacts with oxygen and PTFE at atmospheric environment, which reaction produces are metal oxides and metal‐fluoropolymers. However, the material only undergoes fluorination reaction at low pressure, which reaction produces only has metal‐fluoropolymers. Meanwhile, the reactive ratio of the material increases with the pressure increase, furthermore, the maximum reaction ratio of the material in an atmospheric pressure environment is about 29.5 %, which reaction ratio is 4.7 times more than the pressure of 750 Pa.
Operation behaviours of surgical forceps in continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis
Authors: Zheng Yu , Lin Chuang , Guang Chenhan , Han Shaofeng , Ma Ke , Yang Yang
Published: May 2022

Background

Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) is a delicate ophthalmic procedure which may benefit from robot technology. Measuring the behaviours (physiological tremor, operation force) of surgeons provides baseline data to develop assistive CCC robot.

Methods

A forceps with fibre bragg grating and inertial sensors is used to measure the surgeons' behaviours while experts/novices perform CCC on ex‐vivo pig eyes, in‐vivo rabbit eyes and ex‐vivo human lens.

Results

In pig/rabbit tests, the root‐mean‐square (RMS) tremor amplitude is 35.26/59.04 μm (expert/novice, transverse), 13.3/20.55 μm (axial). The RMS voluntary force (VF) and involuntary force (IF) are 8.97/17.16 mN, and 0.66/1.90 mN, respectively. In human lens test, the RMS tremor amplitude is 24.0 μm (transverse, expert only), 9.88 μm (axial). The RMS VF and RMS IF are 9.04 mN (expert only) and 0.17 mN, respectively.

Conclusions

The expert surgeons have better precision and less operation force.
Ultrasonication Assisted α‐Arylation of N‐heteroarenes Employing 1‐Aryltriazenes Promoted by Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid under Aerobic Conditions
Authors: Prabhala Pavankumar , Sutar Suraj M. , Kalkhambkar Rajesh G. , Jeong Yeon T.
Published: May 2022

An efficient and facile methodology for the synthesis of α‐arylated N‐heteroarenes was developed under aerobic conditions by means of ultrasound assistance, as well as conventional heating via a direct α‐arylation protocol employing Imidazolium based ionic liquids serving as both acid promoter and solvent. Structurally diverse N‐heteroarenes and 1‐aryltriazenes were evaluated for this reaction. This methodology has successfully provided a synthetic handle for various electron‐rich and electron‐deficient arylated N‐heteroarenes under metal and/or peroxide free conditions in good to excellent yields. The total synthesis of the known oxoisoaporphine class of alkaloids Menisporphine & Daurioxoisoporphine C was successfully accomplished using the current methodology as a key step in the total synthesis.
Combination of Metal‐Phenolic Network‐Based Immunoactive Nanoparticles and Bipolar Irreversible Electroporation for Effective Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Han Jun‐Hyeok , Shin Ha Eun , Lee Jiyoung , Kang Jeon Min , Park Jung‐Hoon , Park Chun Gwon , Han Dong Keun , Kim Ik‐Hwan , Park Wooram
Published: May 2022

To circumvent the limitations of conventional cancer immunotherapy, it is critical to prime antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) to initiate the cancer‐immune cycle. Here, the authors develop a metal‐phenolic network (MPN)‐based immunoactive nanoparticle in combination with irreversible electroporation (IRE) for an effective cancer immunotherapy. The MPN nanoparticles are synthesized by coordinating tannic acid with manganese (Mn) ions, and subsequent coating with CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG‐ODNs) via hydrogen bonding. The CpG‐ODN‐coated Mn‐phenolic network (CMP) nanoparticles are effectively internalized into macrophages, a type of APCs, and successfully trigger M1 polarization to promote release of proinflammatory cytokines. Notably, the CMP nanoparticles demonstrate an extended retention time period than the free CpG‐ODN in the tumor. The tumor microenvironment tailored bipolar IRE, enhances the therapeutic efficacy by significantly broadening the ablation zone, which further increases immunogenic cell death (ICD). Ultimately, the simultaneous CMP nanoparticles and IRE treatment successfully inhibit tumor growth and prolong survival in a mouse tumor model. Thus, CMP nanoparticles are empowered with Mn and CpG‐ODN immunomodulators and the tumor microenvironment tailored bipolar IRE will be a new tool for effective cancer immunotherapy to treat intractable malignancies.
Effect of B Segregation at Prior Austenite Grain Boundaries on Microstructures and Toughness in the Heat‐Affected Zone of Mg‐Deoxidized Shipbuilding Steel Plates
Authors: Pan Xiaoqian , Yang Jian , Zhang Yinhui
Published: May 2022

The effect of B segregation at prior austenite grain boundary (PAGB) on the microstructure and toughness in the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) after high heat input welding at  kJ cm−1 for Mg‐deoxidized shipbuilding steel plates is clarified. With 0.0022 wt.% B addition, B segregation occurs at PAGBs in two forms: solute B and fine Fe23(BC)6 precipitates. B segregation with a concentration of about 4 at.% decreases boundary energy by 0.13 J m−2, which reduces the nucleation density of boundary ferrites by increasing the critical activation energy of ferrite nucleation. Thus, coarse grain boundary ferrites (GBFs) and ferrite side plates (FSPs) are suppressed with film‐like allotriomorphic ferrites formed at PAGBs, and ferrite transformation temperature reduces from 712–543 to 679–541 °C. In B‐free steels, (Fe, Mn)3C particles form at PAGBs with the Mn‐depleted zone (MDZ) at around (Fe, Mn)3C, promoting GBFs and FSPs. However, (Fe, Mn)3C precipitates and MDZ are not observed at PAGBs with B addition, because B segregation delays Mn diffusion to PAGBs. Thus, GBFs and FSPs reduce, and intragranular acicular ferrites (IAFs) increase with B addition, making the dislocation density and high‐angle grain boundary density increase, which improve HAZ toughness at −40 °C from 40 to 141 J.
Increased fracture risk in prostate cancer: causes and consequences
Authors: Anderson Gordon , O'Sullivan Joe
Published: May 2022

Prostate cancer is associated with an increased risk of bone‐related complications, which is made worse by some of the drugs used to manage the cancer. The resulting fractures and spinal cord compression have a significant impact on patients’ physical, functional and emotional wellbeing, so risks need to be assessed and managed.
How do gut microbes influence mental health?
Authors: Dinan Timothy G
Published: May 2022

It is now clear that gut microbes influence brain function. Poor diet leads to an altered microbiota. Accumulating evidence supports the view that gut dysbiosis is associated with depression and that treatments targeting the microbiota can be beneficial to people's mental health.
The role of human factors in improving patient safety
Authors: Brennan Peter A , Oeppen Rachel S
Published: May 2022

To err is human, Alexander Pope famously declared. However, in health care errors can have grave consequences for patients. So, trying to understand the human factors that are the most common causes of error can help reduce them, to the benefit of all.
Journal watch
Authors: Kirby Mike
Published: May 2022

Professor Mike Kirby, Editor of Trends in Urology and Men's Health, picks some interesting recent papers and highlights the ‘take‐home’ messages.
Same soil, different climate: Crop model intercomparison on translocated lysimeters
Authors: Groh Jannis , Diamantopoulos Efstathios , Duan Xiaohong , Ewert Frank , Heinlein Florian , Herbst Michael , Holbak Maja , Kamali Bahareh , Kersebaum Kurt‐Christian , Kuhnert Matthias , Nendel Claas , Priesack Eckart , Steidl Jörg , Sommer Michael , Pütz Thomas , Vanderborght Jan , Vereecken Harry , Wallor Evelyn , Weber Tobias K. D. , Wegehenkel Martin , Weihermüller Lutz , Gerke Horst H.
Published: May 2022

Crop model intercomparison studies have mostly focused on the assessment of predictive capabilities for crop development using weather and basic soil data from the same location. Still challenging is the model performance when considering complex interrelations between soil and crop dynamics under a changing climate. The objective of this study was to test the agronomic crop and environmental flux‐related performance of a set of crop models. The aim was to predict weighing lysimeter‐based crop (i.e., agronomic) and water‐related flux or state data (i.e., environmental) obtained for the same soil monoliths that were taken from their original environment and translocated to regions with different climatic conditions, after model calibration at the original site. Eleven models were deployed in the study. The lysimeter data (2014–2018) were from the Dedelow (Dd), Bad Lauchstädt (BL), and Selhausen (Se) sites of the TERENO (TERrestrial ENvironmental Observatories) SOILCan network. Soil monoliths from Dd were transferred to the drier and warmer BL site and the wetter and warmer Se site, which allowed a comparison of similar soil and crop under varying climatic conditions. The model parameters were calibrated using an identical set of crop‐ and soil‐related data from Dd. Environmental fluxes and crop growth of Dd soil were predicted for conditions at BL and Se sites using the calibrated models. The comparison of predicted and measured data of Dd lysimeters at BL and Se revealed differences among models. At site BL, the crop models predicted agronomic and environmental components similarly well. Model performance values indicate that the environmental components at site Se were better predicted than agronomic ones. The multi‐model mean was for most observations the better predictor compared with those of individual models. For Se site conditions, crop models failed to predict site‐specific crop development indicating that climatic conditions (i.e., heat stress) were outside the range of variation in the data sets considered for model calibration. For improving predictive ability of crop models (i.e., productivity and fluxes), more attention should be paid to soil‐related data (i.e., water fluxes and system states) when simulating soil–crop–climate interrelations in changing climatic conditions.
The latest role of nerve‐specific splicing factor PTBP1 in the transdifferentiation of glial cells into neurons
Authors: Chen Xing‐Dong , Liu Hui‐Lin , Li Sen , Hu Kai‐Bin , Wu Qing‐Yun , Liao Ping , Wang Hai‐Yan , Long Zai‐Yun , Lu Xiu‐Min , Wang Yong‐Tang
Published: May 2022

Central nervous system injury diseases can cause the loss of many neurons, and it is difficult to regenerate. The field of regenerative medicine believes that supplementing the missing neurons may be an ideal method for nerve injury repair. Recent studies have found that down‐regulation of polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1) expression can make glial cells transdifferentiate into different types of neurons, which is expected to be an alternative therapy to restore neuronal function. This article summarized the research progress on the structure and biological function of the PTBP family, the mutual regulation of PTBP1 and PTBP2, their role in neurogenesis, and the latest research progress in targeting PTBP1 to mediate the transdifferentiation of glial cells into neurons, which may provide some new strategies and new ideas for the future treatment of central nervous system injury and neurodegenerative diseases.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
Beginning the Journeys Towards Intercultural Capability
Authors: East Martin , Tolosa Constanza , Howard Jocelyn , Biebricher Christine , Scott Adèle
Published: May 2022

Chapter 10.1007/978-981-19-0991-7_1 sets the scene for the study that is presented in subsequent chapters. It outlines the significance of the study, and goes on to provide a brief historical overview of how, and to what extent, a cultural/intercultural dimension has been included in the communicative L2 classroom over the years. Challenges for understanding the intercultural in the context of the construct of communicative competence are raised. The site of the present study is described. The chapter concludes by providing an overview of how the journeys of the different stakeholders in the study unfold in the remainder of the book.
Studies on the Intercultural Dimension Across the Globe
Authors: East Martin , Tolosa Constanza , Howard Jocelyn , Biebricher Christine , Scott Adèle
Published: May 2022

Chapter 10.1007/978-981-19-0991-7_2 presents arguments from the international literature on the intercultural dimension, starting with an attempt to synthesise key debates around defining this crucial dimension. The first part locates the concept of interculturality in education, in particular in curricular reforms in different jurisdictions and in the teaching/learning of additional languages. The second part presents a range of empirical studies that have investigated the intercultural dimension as it relates to pedagogy, teachers and learners, with a particular focus on younger (school-aged) language learners.
Erratum to: Comments on all-loop constraints for scattering amplitudes and Feynman integrals
Authors: He Song , Li Zhenjie , Yang Qinglin
Published: May 2022

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP01(2022)073
BPS Algebras in 2D String Theory
Authors: Harrison Sarah M. , Paquette Natalie M. , Persson Daniel , Volpato Roberto
Published: May 2022

We discuss a set of heterotic and type II string theory compactifications to $$1+1$$

1
+
1

dimensions that are characterized by factorized internal worldsheet CFTs of the form $$V_1\otimes \bar{V}_2$$

V
1

⊗

V

¯

2

, where $$V_1, V_2$$

V
1

,

V
2

are self-dual (super) vertex operator algebras. In the cases with spacetime supersymmetry, we show that the BPS states form a module for a Borcherds–Kac–Moody (BKM) (super)algebra, and we prove that for each model the BKM (super)algebra is a symmetry of genus zero BPS string amplitudes. We compute the supersymmetric indices of these models using both Hamiltonian and path integral formalisms. The path integrals are manifestly automorphic forms closely related to the Borcherds–Weyl–Kac denominator. Along the way, we comment on various subtleties inherent to these low-dimensional string compactifications.
Hydrology influences carbon flux through metabolic pathways in the hypolimnion of a Mediterranean reservoir
Authors: Montes-Pérez J. J. , Marcé R. , Obrador B. , Conejo-Orosa T. , Díez J. L. , Escot C. , Reyes I. , Moreno-Ostos E.
Published: May 2022

Global change is modifying meteorological and hydrological factors that influence the thermal regime of water bodies. These modifications can lead to longer stratification periods with enlarged hypolimnetic anoxic periods, which can promote heterotrophic anaerobic processes and alter reservoir carbon cycling. Here, we quantified aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophic processes (aerobic respiration, denitrification, iron and manganese reduction, sulfate reduction, and methanogenesis) on dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) production in the hypolimnion of a Mediterranean reservoir (El Gergal, Spain) under two contrasting hydrological conditions: a wet year with heavy direct rainfall and frequent water inputs from upstream reservoirs, and a dry year with scarce rainfall and negligible water inputs. During the wet year, water inputs and rainfall induced low water column thermal stability and earlier turnover. By contrast, thermal stratification was longer and more stable during the dry year. During wet conditions, we observed lower DIC accumulation in the hypolimnion, mainly due to weaker sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. By contrast, longer stratification during the dry year promoted higher hypolimnetic DIC accumulation, resulting from enhanced methanogenesis and sulfate reduction, thus increasing methane emissions and impairing reservoir water quality. Aerobic respiration, denitrification and metal reduction produced a similar amount of DIC in the hypolimnion during the two studied years. All in all, biological and geochemical (calcite dissolution) processes explained most of hypolimnetic DIC accumulation during stratification regardless of the hydrological conditions, but there is still ~ 30% of hypolimnetic DIC production that cannot be explained by the processes contemplated in this study and the assumptions made.
Plasmatic coagulation profile after major traumatic injury: a prospective observational study
Authors: Caspers Michael , Schäfer Nadine , Bouillon Bertil , Schaeben Victoria , Ciorba Monica Christine , Maegele Marc , Müller Jens , Pötzsch Bernd
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Uncontrolled hemorrhage is still the major cause of preventable death after trauma and is aggravated by trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC). The underlying pathophysiology of TIC is still elusive, but several key effectors such as the thrombin-generation capacity, the protein C (PC) pathway, and the fibrinolytic activity could be identified. The aim of this prospective observational study was to investigate plasma coagulation markers attributed to reflect the course of TIC and to identify the mechanisms being responsible for the coagulopathy after major trauma.

Methods

Seventy-three consecutive patients after major trauma and admission to a level-1-trauma unit were included to the study. During early trauma management, extended coagulation testing including the measurement of circulating thrombin markers and activated PC (APC) was performed and correlated with standard shock parameters and the patients’ clinical course and outcome.

Results

In contrast to standard coagulation parameters, thrombin markers and APC were found to be increased in correlation with injury severity. Even in patients with lower impact mechanisms, early endogenous accumulation of thrombin markers and APC (ISS < 16: 0.5 ng/ml; ISS ≥ 16–26: 1.5 ng/ml; ISS > 26: 4.1 ng/ml) were observed. Furthermore, APC showed ISS- and injury-dependent patterns while ROC curve analysis revealed that especially APC plasma levels were predictive for coagulopathy and general patient outcome.

Conclusion

Increased levels of APC and thrombin markers in patients after major trauma were positively correlated with injury severity. APC showed an ISS- and injury-dependent kinetic and might serve as candidate biomarker to identify patients at risk for developing TIC.
Interaction mechanisms and damage formation in laser cutting of CFRP laminates obtained by recycled carbon fibre
Authors: Leone Claudio , Mingione Emanuele , Genna Silvio
Published: May 2022

The increase in the use of composite materials poses the problem of their disposal/recycling after the End of Life (EOL). Different strategies were developed to recycle composite material, resulting in the availability of new raw materials, characterised by overall good mechanical properties and significantly low cost. However, the applicability of these materials to industrial production also depends on the possibility of producing and processing them with likewise available technologies. Among the production and processing technologies that can be adopted for recycled composite materials, resin infusion under flexible tooling (RIFT) and laser machining, respectively, stand out above all due to the high production/machining speed compared to the cost. This paper investigates the possibility to apply both these technologies to carbon fibre–reinforced polymer laminates obtained by adopting recycled carbon fibres. Recycled CFRP plates of about 2.7 mm in thickness were produced by RIFT and characterised in tensile and flexural tests. After mechanical characterisation, cutting tests were performed by using a 450 W QCW fibre laser, varying the pulse power, the pulse length, and the pulse overlap. The kerf geometries and the HAZ extension were measured at the upper and bottom parts as well as in the section. Analysis of variance was adopted to define which and how the process parameters affect the kerf dimension and HAZ extension. Results showed that it is possible to cut the composite at a cutting speed up to 2000 mm/s, obtaining, in the best conditions, narrow kerf, limited HAZ, and taper angle of about 0°.

Graphical abstract
Highly stable peptide adducts from hard keratins as biomarkers to verify local sulfur mustard exposure of hair by high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Schmeißer Wolfgang , Siegert Markus , Thiermann Horst , Rein Theo , John Harald
Published: May 2022

In the recent past, the blister agent sulfur mustard (SM) deployed by the terroristic group Islamic State has caused a huge number of civilian and military casualties in armed conflicts in the Middle East. The vaporized or aerolized agent might be inhaled and have direct contact to skin and hair. Reaction products of SM with plasma proteins (adducts) represent well-established systemic targets for the bioanalytical verification of exposure. The SM-derived hydroxyethylthioethyl (HETE)-moiety is attached to nucleophilic amino acid side chains and allows unambiguous adduct detection. For shipping of common blood and plasma samples, extensive packaging rules are to be followed as these matrices are considered as potentially infectious material. In contrast, hair is considered as non-infectious thus making its handling and transportation much less complicated. Therefore, we addressed this matrix to develop a procedure for bioanalytical verification. Following optimized lysis of SM-treated human scalp hair and pepsin-catalyzed proteolysis of adducts of keratin type I and II, microbore liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization high-resolution tandem-mass spectrometry (µLC–ESI MS/HR MS) was used to detect three alkylated keratin-derived biomarker peptides: AE(-HETE)IRSDL, FKTIE(-HETE)EL, and LE(-HETE)TKLQF simultaneously. All bear the HETE-moiety bound to a glutamic acid residue. Protein adducts were stable for at least 14 weeks at ambient temperature and contact to air, and were not affected by washing the hair with shampoo. The biomarker peptides were also obtained from beard, armpit, abdominal, and pubic hair. This is the first report introducing stable local peptide adduct biomarkers from hair, that is easily accessible by a non-invasive sampling process.
Current Strategies for Prevention of Infection After Uterine Artery Embolisation
Authors: Lukies Matthew , Clements Warren
Published: May 2022

Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a safe and effective procedure for symptomatic uterine fibroids with an estimated rate of post-operative intra-uterine infection of 0.9–2.5%. While rates of infection have remained low over the past two decades, there is variation in infection prevention practices. Intra-uterine infection after UAE may occur via access site haematogenous spread or ascension of vaginal flora through the cervical canal. Although the evidence base is immature, risk factors for infection including previous pelvic infection, hydrosalpinx, endocervical incompetence, diabetes, smoking, obesity, respiratory disease, and immunosuppression should be assessed during the pre-operative consultation with the interventional radiologist to tailor a plan for minimising infection, which may include optimisation of any modifiable risk facts and prophylactic antibiotics.
Associations between physical work environment, workplace support for health, and presenteeism: a COVID-19 context
Authors: Danquah Emelia , Asiamah Nestor
Published: May 2022

Objective

Presenteeism has, in a larger sense, been viewed as a negative behaviour, although a limited body of studies suggests and reports its positive implications in an organizational context. This study assessed the association between the physical work environment (PWE) and presenteeism as well as the moderating influence of workplace support for health (WSH) on this relationship.

Methods

This study adopted the cross-sectional design alongside a sensitivity analysis and techniques against common methods bias. The study population was employees of private and public organizations in Accra, Ghana. A total of 590 employees participated in the study and hierarchical linear regression was used to present the results.

Results

PWE had a positive relationship with presenteeism (β = 0.15; t = 3.04; p < 0.05), which means that higher presenteeism was associated with larger PWE scores. WSH positively moderated the relationship between PWE and presenteeism (β = 0.23; t = 4.84; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Organizations with more satisfactory work environments may serve as preferred protective places for employees during a pandemic, more so within organizations with higher WSH. Interventions rolled out to improve PWE and to provide WSH can attenuate the potential negative influences of presenteeism on individual health and organizational productivity.
The term CAKUT has outlived its usefulness: the case for the prosecution
Authors: Woolf Adrian S.
Published: May 2022

CAKUT stands for Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract, and the acronym first appeared in a review article published in 1998. Since then, CAKUT has become a familiar term encountered in the medical literature, especially in nephrology journals. I reason that the term CAKUT was conceived as not a simple description of various diseases, but more as shorthand for a bold conceptual package that linked the occurrence of diverse types of anatomical malformations with insights from genetic and developmental biology research. Moreover, the angiotensin II receptor type 2 was seen as a paradigmatic molecule in the pathobiology of CAKUT. I contend that the acronym, while appearing as an intellectually good idea at the time it was conceived, has outlived its usefulness. To reach these conclusions, I focus on the complex of research observations that led to the theory behind CAKUT, and then question whether these scientific foundations still stand firm. In addition, it is noted that not all clinicians have adopted the acronym, and I speculate why this is the case. I proceed to demonstrate that there is an incompatibility between the semantic meaning of CAKUT and the diseases for which the term was originally conceived. Instead, I suggest the acronym UTM, standing for Urinary Tract Malformation, is a simpler and less ambiguous one to use. Finally, I contend that the continued use of the acronym is a regressive step for the disciplines of nephrology and urology, taking us back two centuries when all kidney diseases were simply called Bright’s disease.
Accelerated butterfly counting with vertex priority on bipartite graphs
Authors: Wang Kai , Lin Xuemin , Qin Lu , Zhang Wenjie , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2022

Bipartite graphs are of great importance in many real-world applications. Butterfly, which is a complete$$2 \times 2$$2×2biclique, plays a key role in bipartite graphs. In this paper, we investigate the problem of efficient counting the number of butterflies. The most advanced techniques are based on enumerating wedges which is the dominant cost of counting butterflies. Nevertheless, the existing algorithms cannot efficiently handle large-scale bipartite graphs. This becomes a bottleneck in large-scale applications. In this paper, instead of the existing layer-priority-based techniques, we propose a vertex-priority-based paradigm$${\mathsf {BFC}}$$BFC-$${\mathsf {VP}}$$VPto enumerate much fewer wedges; this leads to a significant improvement of the time complexity of the state-of-the-art algorithms. In addition, we present cache-aware strategies to further improve the time efficiency while theoretically retaining the time complexity of$${\mathsf {BFC}}$$BFC-$${\mathsf {VP}}$$VP. We also show that our proposed techniques can work efficiently in external and parallel contexts. Moreover, we study the butterfly counting problem on batch-dynamic graphs. Specifically, given a bipartite graphGand a batch-update of edgesB, we aim to maintain the number of butterflies inG. To tackle this problem, fast vertex-priority-based algorithms are proposed with optimizations for reducing the computation of existing wedges inG. Our extensive empirical studies demonstrate that the proposed techniques significantly outperform the baseline solutions on real datasets.
Shortened Fire Intervals Stimulate Carbon Losses from Heterotrophic Respiration and Reduce Understorey Plant Productivity in Boreal Forests
Authors: Shabaga Jason A. , Bracho Rosvel , Klockow Paul A. , Lucash Melissa S. , Vogel Jason G.
Published: May 2022

Fire frequency is increasing with climate warming in the boreal regions of interior Alaska, with short fire return intervals (< 50 years) becoming more common. Recent studies suggest these “reburns” will reduce the insulating surface organic layer (SOL) and seedbanks, inhibiting black spruce regeneration and increasing deciduous cover. These changes are projected to amplify soil warming, increasing mineral soil organic carbon (SOC) decomposition rates, and impair re-establishment of understorey vegetation and the SOL. We examined how reburns changed soil temperature, heterotrophic soil respiration (RH), and understorey gross primary production (GPP), and related these to shifts in vegetation composition and SOL depths. Two distinct burn complexes previously covered by spruce were measured; both included areas burned 1x, 2x, and 3x over 60 years and mature (≈ 90 year old) spruce forests underlain by permafrost. A 2.7 °C increase in annual near-surface soil temperatures from 1x to 3x burns was correlated with a decrease in SOL depths and a 1.9 Mg C ha−1 increase in annual RH efflux. However, near-surface soil warming accounted for ≤ 23% of higher RH efflux; increases in deciduous overstorey vegetation and root biomass with reburning better correlated with RH than soil temperature. Reburning also warmed deeper soils and reduced the biomass and GPP of understory plants, lessening their potential to offset elevated RH and contribute to SOL development. This suggests that reburning led to losses of mineral SOC previously stored in permafrost due to warming soils and changes in vegetation composition, illustrating how burn frequency creates pathways for accelerated regional C loss.
Contribution of the Immune Response in the Ileum to the Development of Diarrhoea caused by Helminth Infection: Studies with the Sheep Model
Authors: Hassan Shamshad Ul , Chua Eng Guan , Kaur Parwinder , Paz Erwin A. , Tay Chin Yen , Greeff Johan C. , Liu Shimin , Martin Graeme B.
Published: May 2022

Gastrointestinal helminths are a global health issue, for humans as well as domestic animals. Most studies focus on the tissues that are infected with the parasite, but here we studied the ileum, a tissue that is rarely infected by helminths. We tested whether inflammation in the ileum contributes to the development and severity of diarrhoea, by comparing sheep that are susceptible (n = 4) or resistant (n = 4) to the disease. We analyzed the ileum transcriptome using RNASeq sequencing approach and various bioinformatics tools including FastQC, STAR, featureCounts, DESeq2, DAVID, clusterProfiler, Cytoscape (ClusterONE) and EnrichR. We identified 243 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), of which 118 were up-regulated and 125 were down-regulated DEGs in the diarrhoea-susceptible animals compared to the diarrhoea-resistant animals. The resulting DEGs were functionally enriched for biological processes, pathways and gene set enrichment analysis. The up-regulated DEGs suggested that an inflammatory immune response was coupled with genes involved in ‘Th2 immune response’ and ‘anti-inflammatory response’. The down-regulated DEGs were related to ion transport, muscle contraction and pathways preventing inflammation. We conclude that i) susceptibility to helminth-induced diarrhoea involves an inflammatory response at a non-infectious site; ii) down-regulation of pathways preventing inflammation can contribute to the severity of diarrhoea; and iii) genes involved in anti-inflammatory responses can reduce the inflammation and diarrhoea.
Stereotype threat in learning situations? An investigation among language minority students
Authors: König Sabrina , Stang-Rabrig Justine , Hannover Bettina , Zander Lysann , McElvany Nele
Published: May 2022

Stereotype threat (ST) is a potential explanation for inequalities in language competencies observed between students from different language backgrounds. Language competencies are an important prerequisite for educational success, wherefore the significance for investigation arises. While ST effects on achievement are empirically well documented, little is known about whether ST also impairs learning. Thus, we investigated vocabulary learning in language minority elementary school students, also searching for potential moderators. In a pre-post design, 240 fourth-grade students in Germany who were on average 10 years old (MAge = 9.92, SD = 0.64; 49.8% female) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental conditions: implicit ST, explicit ST without threat removal before posttest, explicit ST with threat removal before posttest, and a control group. Results showed that learning difficult vocabulary from reading two narrative texts was unaffected by ST. Neither students’ identification with their culture of residence and culture of origin nor stereotyped domain of reading were moderators. The findings are discussed with regard to content and methodological aspects such that a motivation effect might have undermined a possible ST effect. Implications for future research include examining the question at what age children become susceptible to ST and whether students have internalized negative stereotypes about their own group, which could increase the likelihood of ST effects occurring.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of malachite green dye by highly stable visible-light-responsive Fe-based tri-composite photocatalysts
Authors: Mostafa Eman M. , Amdeha Enas
Published: May 2022

A novel visible-light-sensitive ZnVFeO4 photocatalyst has been fabricated by the precipitation method at different pH values for the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of malachite green (MG) dye as a representative pollutant under visible light irradiation at neutral pH conditions. The structure and optical characteristics of the prepared photocatalysts were investigated by XRD, FTIR, N2 adsorption–desorption, TEM, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) analyses. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of ZnVFeO4 photocatalysts superior the efficiency to be more than that of the mono and bi-metal oxides of iron and iron zinc oxides, respectively. The best sample, ZnVFeO4 at pH 3, significantly enhances the degradation rate under visible light to be 12.7 × 10−3 min−1 and can retain a stable photodegradation efficiency of 90.1% after five cycles. The effect of the catalyst dose and the initial dye concentration on the photodegradation process were studied. This promising behavior under visible light may be attributed to the low bandgap and the decreased electron–hole recombination rate of the ZnVFeO4 heterostructures. The scavenger experiment confirmed that the hydroxyl radicals induced the MG photodegradation process effectively. Hence, the ZnVFeO4 is a reliable visible-light-responsive heterostructure photocatalyst with excellent potential for the photodegradation of organic pollutants in wastewater treatment.
Wie offen sind „offene“ Online-Gemeinschaften? Inklusion, Exklusion und die Ambivalenz von Schließungen
Authors: Dobusch Laura , Dobusch Leonhard
Published: May 2022

Nach anfänglichem Fokus auf die vermeintlich grenzenlose Offenheit des Internets sowie von onlinebasierten Gemeinschaften im Speziellen sind mittlerweile exkludierende Effekte von „offenen“ Online-Plattformen stärker ins Zentrum soziologischer Aufmerksamkeit gerückt. So zeigt sich auch in als dezidiert offen markierten Online-Gemeinschaften, wie im Bereich der Open-Source-Software oder im Kontext der Online-Enzyklopädie Wikipedia, ein Mangel an Diversität hinsichtlich der Beitragenden wie auch der Beiträge. Mithilfe einer konstitutiven Perspektive auf Offenheit und Geschlossenheit, die diese nicht als jeweilige Endpunkte eines Kontinuums betrachtet, sondern als sich wechselseitig bedingend, entwickelt dieser Beitrag eine Typologie von Offenheit-Geschlossenheit-Konfigurationen charakteristisch für „offene“ Online-Gemeinschaften. Im Ergebnis folgt daraus die Abkehr von der Annahme einer generalisierbaren Offenheit an sich, hin zu spezifischer Offenheit, die mit bestimmten Schließungen einhergeht oder auf diese sogar angewiesen ist.
Analysis of the correlations between insomnia and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Huang Ying , Fietze Ingo , Penzel Thomas
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study evaluates correlations between insomnia and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany.

Methods

The internet-based International COVID-19 Sleep Study (ICOSS) questionnaire including sociodemographic questions as well as sleep- and emotion-related scales was distributed in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic from May 1 to September 30, 2020. Insomnia and mental state were assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2), and visual analogue scale. Qualitative analyses of demographic characteristics were performed and correlation analyses of the variables calculated.

Results

A total of 1103 individuals participated and 858 valid questionnaires (70.61% females) were obtained. Mean age and body mass index were 41.97 ± 12.9 years and 26 ± 5.9 kg/m2, respectively. Most participants were married (n = 486, 56.6%), living in the city (n = 646, 75.3%), and white (n = 442, 51.5%). The prevalence of insomnia, anxiety, and depression was 19.5% (ISI > 7), 6.6% (GAD-2 > 3), and 4.8% (PHQ-2 > 3), respectively. Compared to the insomnia group, the mean and median ISI, PHQ‑4, PHQ‑2, and GAD‑2 scores of the non-insomnia group were lower, while their mean and median quality of life and quality of health scores were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the ISI and PHQ‑2 (r = 0.521, P < 0.001), GAD‑2 (r = 0.483, P < 0.001), and PHQ‑4 scores (r = 0.562, P < 0.001); however, the ISI score negatively correlated with the quality of life (r = −0.490, P < 0.001) and quality of health scores (r = −0.437, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Insomnia, anxiety, and depression were very prevalent during the pandemic. Anxiety and depression were more severe in the insomnia than in the non-insomnia group, and insomnia and mental health are closely related.
New insights into workplace chaplaincy
Authors: Wolf Tanja , Feldbauer-Durstmüller Birgit
Published: May 2022

Workplace chaplaincy, a concrete manifestation of workplace spirituality, is defined as pastoral care serving the specific needs of people in workplaces. While scientific publications have so far emphasized its beneficial implications, scrutiny of the possible instrumentalization of workplace chaplaincy by the management has been neglected. Workplace chaplaincy can signify a real integration of spirituality implying a debate on the meaning of life and work, as well as a critical analysis of organizational structures and management (critical workplace spirituality). Just as well, it can be instrumentalized as a management technique to impel employees to achieve improved organizational results (positive workplace spirituality).

This paper contributes to the management literature by elaborating decisive characteristics of a critical and positive workplace spirituality and discussing those characteristics that pertain to workplace chaplaincy. Furthermore, we provide a qualitative study on workplace chaplaincy illustrating a critical thought-provoking model facing different challenges, allegiances and logics in the secular working world. The elaborated characteristics and the qualitative study extend our understanding of workplace spirituality and chaplaincy as they provide a view beyond traditional management perspectives. Moreover, this paper contributes to the discussion what kind of spirituality and chaplaincy we are referring to in management theory and practice.
Lighting Up Neural Circuits by Viral Tracing
Authors: Qiu Liyao , Zhang Bin , Gao Zhihua
Published: May 2022

Neurons are highly interwoven to form intricate neural circuits that underlie the diverse functions of the brain. Dissecting the anatomical organization of neural circuits is key to deciphering how the brain processes information, produces thoughts, and instructs behaviors. Over the past decades, recombinant viral vectors have become the most commonly used tracing tools to define circuit architecture. In this review, we introduce the current categories of viral tools and their proper application in circuit tracing. We further discuss some advances in viral tracing strategy and prospective innovations of viral tools for future study.
Watershed delineation in South Bengal Ganges Delta Region of Bangladesh using satellite imagery and digital elevation model
Authors: Karmaker Sourav , Sheikh Shahjahan , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Nisha Rifat Sharmin
Published: May 2022

Coastal Bangladesh has experienced large scale changes in erosion and deposition in the Meghna Estuary and the big islands due to the Ganges–Brahmaputra-Meghna stream background. Also, the coastal area is prone to natural disasters almost in every year which creates a change in the ground water level, increases the surface water infiltration, soil salinity, and flood level. Considering these facts of the coastal area of Bangladesh, watershed delineation can contribute to proper planning and management of watershed to mitigate the surface and groundwater problems. Therefore, in this paper GIS and remote sensing techniques were used to identify the exact water course using spatial data to know the current watershed condition of the South Ganges Delta Region of Bangladesh. Here, Hydrology Toolset was utilized to analyze and identify correct watershed flow direction, network density, and confluence thresholds using digital elevation model (DEM) of the study area. The well-known D8 algorithm deployed to calculate the stream flow from each cell to its downslope neighbor and 100–1500 thresholds to determine the flow directions and transform the streams into line features for watershed network density measurement. The results showed that the length and density of the networks were proportional to the threshold. In consequence, the density of the stream network increased dramatically with the soaring of thresholds. Therefore, the results also revealed that when the convergence threshold set to 900, the extracted stream network appeared the closest to the exact water flow in the research area. It showed various sharp flows of the stream network, their length and density, as well as the convergence threshold. The findings of this study can help to quantify the watershed basin and river flow watercourses that can contribute to plan and manage future flood forecasting method of the study region.
Cancer vaccines: past, present and future; a review article
Authors: Grimmett Eddie , Al-Share Bayan , Alkassab Mohamad Basem , Zhou Ryan Weng , Desai Advait , Rahim Mir Munir A. , Woldie Indryas
Published: May 2022

Immunotherapy and vaccines have revolutionized disease treatment and prevention. Vaccines against infectious diseases have been in use for several decades. In contrast, only few cancer vaccines have been approved for human use. These include preventative vaccines against infectious agents associated with cancers, and therapeutic vaccines used as immunotherapy agents to treat cancers. Challenges in developing cancer vaccines include heterogeneity within and between cancer types, screening and identification of appropriate tumour-specific antigens, and the choice of vaccine delivery platforms. Recent advances in all of these areas and the lessons learnt from COVID-19 vaccines have significantly boosted interest in cancer vaccines. Further advances in these areas are expected to facilitate development of effective novel cancer vaccines. In this review, we aim to discuss the past, the present, and the future of cancer vaccines.