bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathogen spectrum of community acquired pneumonia in people living with HIV (PLWH) in the German CAPNETZ-Cohort
Authors: Schleenvoigt Benjamin T. , Ankert Juliane , Barten-Neiner Grit , Voit Florian , Suttorp Norbert , Boesecke Christoph , Hoffmann Christian , Stolz Daiana , Pletz Mathias W. , Rohde Gernot , Witzenrath Martin , Panning Marcus , Essig Andreas , Rupp Jan , Degen Olaf , Stephan Christoph ,   for the CAPNETZ Study Group, Dreher M. , Cornelissen C. , Knüppel W. , Creutz P. , Mikolajewska A. , le Claire A. , Benzke M. , Bauer T. , Krieger D. , Prediger M. , Schmager S. , Kolditz M. , Schulte-Hubbert B. , Langner S. , Hüfner A. , Welte T. , Freise J. , Nawrocki M. , Fuge I. , Freise J. , Naim J. , Kröner W. , Illig T. , Klopp N. , Kroegel C. , Moeser A. , Bahrs C. , Drömann D. , Parschke P. , Franzen K. , Käding N. , Wouters M. , Walraven K. , Braeken D. , Buschmann H. , Zaruchas A. , Schaberg T. , Hering I. , Albrich W. , Waldeck F. , Rassouli F. , Baldesberger S. , Wallner M.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to identify the pathogen spectrum of community acquired pneumonia in people living with HIV (PLWH), and to compare it with a matched HIV negative group in order to reassess therapeutic strategies for PLWH.

Methods

Seventy-three (n = 73) PLWH (median CD4 3–6 months before CAP: 515/µl; SD 309) with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) were matched with 218 HIV-negative CAP controls in a prospective study design. Pathogen identifications used blood culture, samples from the upper and lower respiratory tract (culture and multiplex PCR) and urinary pneumococcal and legionella antigen test.

Results

Although the vaccination rate among PLWH with CAP was significantly higher (pneumococcal vaccination: 27.4 vs. 8.3%, p < 0.001; influenza vaccination: 34.2 vs. 17.4%, p = 0.009), pneumococci were found most frequently as pathogen among both PLWH (n = 19/21.3%) and controls (n = 34/17.2%; p = 0.410), followed by Haemophilus influenzae (PLWH, n = 12/13.5%, vs. controls, n = 25 / 12.6%; p = 0.850). Staphylococcus aureus was found equally in 20.2 and 19.2% in PLWH and controls, but infection or colonization could not be distinguished. Mortality during 6-month follow-up was significantly higher for PLWH (5/73, or 6.8%) versus controls (3/218, or 1.4%), however with lower case numbers than previously reported. Typical HIV-associated pathogens such as Pneumocystis jirovecii were found only exceptionally.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the persistent clinical burden of CAP for PLWH. From pathogen perspective, empirical antibiotic treatment for CAP in PLWH on antiretroviral therapy should cover pneumococci and Haemophilus influenzae and may be adopted from valid common recommendations.
Beyond Implementation: Mental Health Professionals’ Perspectives on What is Needed to Sustain Providing the Illness Management and Recovery Program
Authors: Ørjasæter Kristin B.
Published: July 2023

Although increasingly more mental health services worldwide have implemented Illness Management and Recovery (IMR), the evidence-based psychosocial program, research has shown the program’s low rate of sustainability over time. Thus, knowledge about what professionals perceive to be important for sustaining IMR program is needed. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of professionals who work at sites that have offered IMR for at least 6 years regarding what they perceive as being crucial for sustaining IMR program. Focus group interviews were conducted with 36 mental health care professionals in Norway who have experience with providing group-based IMR treatment to people with severe mental illness. Data from the interviews were subjected to reflexive thematic analysis. Three factors were determined to be essential to promoting the sustainable practice of IMR: anchoring in the organization, access to training and guidance, and the allocation of time for preparation and reflection. Achieving IMR’s long-term sustainability requires building joint ownership and a shared future vision for the program within the administering organization. To motivate professionals to continue providing IMR treatment, sufficient time and space are needed in order to provide professionals with training, continued guidance and supervision, and time to reflect on their clinical practice. Moreover, engaged leadership is crucial to facilitating professionals’ access to required resources.
On some invariants of cubic fourfolds
Authors: Gounelas Frank , Kouvidakis Alexis
Published: July 2023

For a general cubic fourfold $$X\subset \mathbb {P}^5$$

X
⊂

P

5

with Fano variety F, we compute the Hodge numbers of the locus $$S\subset F$$

S
⊂
F

of lines of second type and the class of the locus $$V\subset F$$

V
⊂
F

of triple lines, using the description of the latter in terms of flag varieties. We also give an upper bound of 6 for the degree of irrationality of the Fano scheme of lines of any smooth cubic hypersurface.
Impact of changes in sea surface temperature due to climate change on hurricane wind and storm surge hazards across US Atlantic and Gulf coast regions
Authors: Salarieh Babak , Ugwu Izuchukwu A. , Salman Abdullahi M.
Published: July 2023

Communities in US coastal regions are threatened by hurricanes more than ever, and the effect of climate change may further aggravate the risk and corresponding losses in the future. This paper investigates the potential impact of changes in sea surface temperature (SST) on hurricane wind and storm surge hazards for the Atlantic and Gulf coast regions. An empirical track model that uses SST as an input is used to account for the effect of temperature variations on hurricane intensity. The storm surge hazard is modeled using Sea, Lake, and Overland Surges from Hurricanes (SLOSH). Four projected future climate conditions based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission scenarios are adopted to capture the effect of changes in SST on future hurricane intensity. The impacts of changes in hurricane frequency and sea-level rise are also considered. The results show that the projected increase in the average SST will lead to more intense hurricanes by the end of the twenty-first century. An increase in wind speed for all the studied sites with varying degrees is observed. The most significant increase in wind speeds is observed on the northeast Atlantic coast, with some areas showing an increase of more than 60% for high return period winds under the most extreme future climate scenario. This is because a higher increase in SST is observed in such areas, which will lead to more intense hurricanes in the future. An increasing trend is also observed for the storm surge for all the study sites in the future. However, the largest increase in predicted surge heights is mainly seen in the Gulf Coast locations.
A cost-effective stereo camera-based system for measuring crack propagation in fibre-reinforced concrete
Authors: Mena-Alonso Álvaro , Latorre-Carmona Pedro , González Dorys C. , Díez-Pastor José F. , Rodríguez Juan J. , Mínguez Jesús , Vicente Miguel A.
Published: July 2023

This paper shows a new low-cost technology for the measurement of crack propagation in quasi-fragile materials based on a stereo pair of cameras and LED light spots. The two cameras record the displacement experienced by a series of LED white lights. For each frame, the X, Y and Z 3D coordinates of all the centroids of the LED points are obtained. From this information, it is possible to determine the variation of the distance between any two of them. In this case, 2 strips of 12 LED lights each were arranged in such a way that the points of both strips coincided in pairs in height. The algorithm made it possible to monitor the increase in distance that occurred between each pair of lights at the same height. The paper shows the mathematical basis of this technological solution. A test has been carried out by installing this system in a concrete cube 150 mm side and subjected to a wedge-splitting test. The results show that it is possible to monitor the crack propagation (position of the crack front) during the test and to know the crack width too. At present, the accuracy of this technique is only limited by the camera resolution and the computer processing capability.
The CELTA Course
Authors: Watkins Peter , Thornbury Scott , Millin Sandy
Published: July 2023

The CELTA Course Trainee Book and Trainer's Manual have been updated to reflect recent changes in the CELTA course, and is the only CELTA preparation course endorsed by Cambridge ESOL. The books provide full coverage of the CELTA syllabus, and are appropriate as a ready-to-use course or as a complete and accessible resource to complement CELTA-course delivery. Comprised of 40 practical units, which come under five user-friendly sections: Learners and teachers, and the teaching and learning context; Language analysis and awareness; Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing; Planning and resources for different teaching contexts and Developing teaching skills and professionalism. The book also provides a guide to teaching practice, observation tasks, a guide to assignments, a glossary and further reading. The Trainer's Manual suggests how to best use the material with trainees, along with advice on how to prepare trainees for teaching practice, lesson observations, written assessment and tutorials.
Emerging Regulations on Content Moderation and Misinformation Policies of Online Media Platforms: Accommodating the Duty of Care into Intermediary Liability Models
Authors: Machado Caio C. V. , Aguiar Thaís Helena
Published: July 2023

Disinformation, hate speech and political polarization are evident problems of the growing relevance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in current societies. To address these issues, decision-makers and regulators worldwide discuss the role of digital platforms in content moderation and in curtailing harmful content produced by third parties. However, intermediary liability rules require a balance that avoids the risks arising from the circulation at scale of harmful content and the risks of censorship if excessive burdens force content providers to adopt a risk-averse posture in content moderation. This piece examines the trend of altering intermediary liability models to include ‘duty of care’ provisions, describing three models in Europe, North America and South America. We discuss how these models are being modified to include greater monitoring and takedown burdens on internet content providers. We conclude with a word of caution regarding this balance between censorship and freedom of expression.
Pflegekompetenz als Entwicklungsaufgabe Pflegelernender in der beruflichen Pflegeausbildung
Authors: Partsch Sebastian , Einig Claudia
Published: July 2023

Zusammenfassung: Hintergrund: Die Förderung der professionellen Pflegekompetenz ist eine der zentralen Herausforderungen der beruflichen Pflegeausbildung. Um Pflegeauszubildende gezielt in dieser Entwicklung unterstützen zu können, liegen derzeit keine ausreichenden empirischen Erkenntnisse über deren subjektive Bildungsprozesse vor. Methode: Um die Entwicklungsverläufe Pflegeauszubildender rekonstruieren zu können, wurde eine qualitative Panelstudie mit 26 Auszubildenden der dreijährigen Pflegeausbildung in Deutschland durchgeführt. Die Daten wurden am Ende des ersten, zweiten und dritten Ausbildungsjahrs mittels episodischer Interviews erhoben und mit der rekonstruktiv-hermeneutischen Analyse ( Kruse, 2015 ) ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: „Pflegekompetenz entwickeln“ wurde als eine von fünf Entwicklungsaufgaben identifiziert. In der Wahrnehmung der Auszubildenden stehen bei dieser Entwicklungsaufgabe der Erwerb medizinischen Wissens, von Fertigkeiten zur Durchführung von Einzelhandlungen sowie der Fähigkeit zur Organisation von Abläufen im Mittelpunkt. Dabei ignorieren sie die subjektive Perspektive der zu pflegenden Menschen. Schlussfolgerung: Durch die ausbildungsübergreifende Betrachtung ergibt sich, dass es den Auszubildenden nicht gelingt, ein subjektorientiertes Pflegeverständnis zu entwickeln. Zukünftig ist zu prüfen, ob sich die Perspektiven der Pflegeauszubildenden durch die stärkere Prozessorientierung im neuen Pflegeberufegesetz verändern.
Insights on the Interplay of Rifting, Transcrustal Magmatism and Formation of Geothermal Resources in the Central Segment of the Ethiopian Rift Revealed by 3‐D Magnetotelluric Imaging
Authors: Dambly M. L. T. , Samrock F. , Grayver A. V. , Saar M. O.
Published: July 2023

The Main Ethiopian Rift is accompanied by extensive volcanism and the formation of geothermal systems, both having a direct impact on the lives of millions of inhabitants. Although previous studies in the region found evidence that asthenospheric upwelling and associated decompression melting provide melt to magmatic systems that feed the tectono‐magmatic segments in the rift valley, there is a lack of geophysical models imaging these regional and local scale transcrustal structures. To address this challenge, we use the magnetotelluric method and image subsurface electrical conductivity to examine the magmatic roots of Aluto volcano, quantify and interpret the melt distribution in the crust considering established concepts of continental rifting processes and constrain the formed geothermal system. Specifically, we combined regional (maximum 30 × 120 km2) and local (15 × 15 km2) magnetotelluric data sets and obtained the first multi‐scale 3‐D electrical conductivity model of a segment of the central Main Ethiopian Rift. The model unravels a magma ponding zone with up to 7 vol. % melt at the base of the crust (30–35 km b.s.l.) in the western part of the rift and its connection to Aluto volcano via a fault‐aligned transcrustal magma system. Melt accumulates at shallow crustal depths (≥4 km b.s.l.), thereby providing heat for Aluto's geothermal system. Our model suggests that different volcano‐tectonic lineaments in the rift valley share a common melt source. The presented model provides new constraints on the melt distribution below a segment of the rift which is important for future geothermal developments and volcanic hazard assessments in the region.
Cross‐Shelf Exchanges Between the East Greenland Shelf and Interior Seas
Authors: Duyck E. , De Jong M. F.
Published: July 2023

Increasing freshwater fluxes from the Greenland ice sheet and the Arctic to the Subpolar North Atlantic could cause a freshening of deep convection regions and affect the overturning circulation. However, freshwater pathways from the Greenland shelf to interior seas and deep convection regions are not fully understood. We investigate exchanges of liquid freshwater between the east Greenland shelf and neighboring seas using drifter data from five deployments carried out at different latitudes along the east Greenland shelf in 2019, 2020, and 2021, as well as satellite data and an atmospheric reanalysis. We compute Ekman transport from winds and geostrophic velocity from satellite altimetry at the shelfbreak and identify the Blosseville Basin and Cape Farewell as areas favorable to cross‐shelf exchanges. We further investigate exchange processes in these regions using drifter data. In the Blosseville Basin, drifters are brought off‐shelf toward the Iceland Sea and into the interior of the Basin. As they are advected downstream, they re‐enter the shelf and are driven toward the coast. At Cape Farewell, the wind appears to be the main driver, although on one occasion we found evidence of an eddy turning drifters away from the shelf. The drifters brought off‐shelf at Cape Farewell mostly continue around Eirik Ridge, where they re‐enter the West Greenland Current. Overall, the identified export over the east Greenland shelf is limited, small scale, and intermittent, thus unlikely to flux large amount of liquid freshwater into the interior, though exchange processes could enhance mixing in the near‐shelf region.
Characteristics, Origins, and Atmospheric Processes of Amines in Fine Aerosol Particles in Winter in China
Authors: Liu Tang , Xu Yu , Sun Qi‐Bin , Xiao Hong‐Wei , Zhu Ren‐Guo , Li Chen‐Xi , Li Zi‐Yue , Zhang Kai‐Qi , Sun Cheng‐Xing , Xiao Hua‐Yun
Published: July 2023

Amines affect particle formation, aerosol acidity, nitrogen cycle, and climate change. However, little is known about the temporal and spatial differences in the composition, source, and formation process of amines in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in different regions of China. Seven amines (amine salts) were investigated in PM2.5 collected in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD, Shanghai and Nanjing), Pearl River Delta (PRD, Guangzhou), northern China (Xi'an and Haerbin), and background (Puding) areas in winter 2017–2018. Methylamine was the dominant amine species at the YRD, northern China, and background sites, while diethylamine dominated at the PRD site; moreover, the mass concentration and fraction of diethylamine were the lowest at the background site. These results could be attributed to changes in sources and atmospheric processes. Further, coal combustion and biomass burning were found to be important contributors of amines in northern cities in winter. The contribution of biomass and coal combustion to amines was weakened in other urban sites. In contrast, the amine abundance at the background site was largely controlled by biogenic sources. Acid‐base chemistry and displacement mechanism were tightly associated with the formation of amine salts at all sites. In particular, the atmospheric degradation of amines by hydroxyl radical (•OH) was significant at the Nanjing, Guangzhou, Xi'an, and Haerbin sites. The insignificant photochemical degradation of amines at the Shanghai and background sites can be explained by differentiated amine sources, meteorological conditions, and •OH levels. Overall, our findings deepen the understanding of the origins and atmospheric processes of amines.
Quantum enhanced non-interferometric quantitative phase imaging
Authors: Ortolano Giuseppe , Paniate Alberto , Boucher Pauline , Napoli Carmine , Soman Sarika , Pereira Silvania F. , Ruo-Berchera Ivano , Genovese Marco
Published: July 2023

Quantum entanglement and squeezing have significantly improved phase estimation and imaging in interferometric settings beyond the classical limits. However, for a wide class of non-interferometric phase imaging/retrieval methods vastly used in the classical domain, e.g., ptychography and diffractive imaging, a demonstration of quantum advantage is still missing. Here, we fill this gap by exploiting entanglement to enhance imaging of a pure phase object in a non-interferometric setting, only measuring the phase effect on the free-propagating field. This method, based on the so-called “transport of intensity equation", is quantitative since it provides the absolute value of the phase without prior knowledge of the object and operates in wide-field mode, so it does not need time-consuming raster scanning. Moreover, it does not require spatial and temporal coherence of the incident light. Besides a general improvement of the image quality at a fixed number of photons irradiated through the object, resulting in better discrimination of small details, we demonstrate a clear reduction of the uncertainty in the quantitative phase estimation. Although we provide an experimental demonstration of a specific scheme in the visible spectrum, this research also paves the way for applications at different wavelengths, e.g., X-ray imaging, where reducing the photon dose is of utmost importance.
Long COVID prevalence and impact on quality of life 2 years after acute COVID-19
Authors: Kim Yoonjung , Bae Sohyun , Chang Hyun-Ha , Kim Shin-Woo
Published: July 2023

There has been an increasing interest in the long-term impact of long COVID. However, only a few studies have investigated the clinical manifestations of long COVID 24 months after acute COVID infection. In this study, prospective online surveys were conducted in adults previously diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Korea between February 13 and March 13, 2020, at 6, 12, and 24 months after COVID-19. We investigated self-reported symptoms and the EuroQol-5-dimension index. Among 900 individuals enrolled initially, 150 completed all 3 surveys. After excluding the cases of COVID-19 reinfection, 132 individuals were included in the final analysis. Among the 132 participants, 94 (71.2%) experienced symptoms of long COVID. The most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue (34.8%), amnesia (30.3%), concentration difficulties (24.2%), insomnia (20.5%), and depression (19.7%). Notably, no significant differences were noted in the incidence of long COVID at 24 months in terms of the number of vaccinations received. Although the neuropsychiatric quality of life improved over time, it continued to affect 32.7% of participants. Symptoms of long COVID, particularly neuropsychiatric symptoms, tend to persist over time, and COVID-19 vaccination or the number of vaccinations received may not significantly affect the incidence of long COVID.
A novel study for producing complexed and encapsulated nutrients at nanometric scale to enhance plant growth
Authors: Khaliq Marium , Hanif Muhammad Asif , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Mushtaq Zahid
Published: July 2023

Complexation of micronutrients with complexing agents reduce undesirable reactions of fertilizers in soil water system. In the form of complex structure nutrients remain available to plants in the useable form. Nanoform fertilizer enhances the surface area of particles and less amount of fertilizer contact with large area of plant roots which reduce fertilizer cost. Controlling release of fertilizer using polymeric material like sodium alginate makes agriculture practices more efficient and cost effective. Several fertilizers and nutrients are used at a large scale to improve crop yields globally and almost more than half goes to waste. Therefore, there is a dire need to improve plant-available nutrients in soil, using feasible, environmentally friendly technologies. In the present research, complexed micronutrients were successfully encapsulated using a novel technique at nanometric scale. The nutrients were complexed with proline and encapsulated using sodium alginate (polymer). Sweet basil was subjected to seven treatments over three months in a moderately controlled environment (25 °C of temperature and 57% of humidity) to study the effects of synthesized complexed micronutrient nano fertilizers. The structural modifications of the complexed micronutrient nanoforms of fertilizers were examined, through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The size of manufactured fertilizers was between 1 and 200 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy stretching vibration peaks at 1600.9 cm−1 (C=O), 3336 cm−1 (N–H) and at 1090.2 cm−1 (N–H in a twisting and rocking) corresponds to the pyrrolidine ring. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to analyze the chemical makeup of the essential oil of the basil plants. Essential oil yield of basil plants increased from 0.0035 to 0.1226% after treatments. The findings of the present research show that complexation and encapsulation improve crop quality, essential oil yield, and antioxidant potential of basil.
Biocontrol agent of root-knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and root-rot fungi, Fusarium solani in okra morphological, anatomical characteristics and productivity under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Ali Waleed M. , Abdel-Mageed M. A. , Hegazy M. G. A. , Abou-Shlell M. K. , Sultan Sadoun M. E. , Salama Ehab A. A. , Yousef Ahmed Fathy
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of some fungal culture filtrate, as biocontrol agents against okra wilt caused by Fusariumsolani. and Meloidogynejavanica. In the present study, fungal culture filtrates (FCFs) of Aspergillusterreus (1), Aspergillusterreus (2), Penicilliumchrysogenum, and Trichoderma spp. were tested against M.javanica in vitro. The effects of P.chrysogenum and Trichoderma spp. (FCFs) in controlling root-rot fungi and root-knot nematode disease complex on okra plants were studied under greenhouse conditions (In vivo). In vitro experiment, the results revealed cumulative rate of J2s mortality of M.javanica reached to 97.67 and 95% by P.chrysogenum and Trichoderma spp., respectively, after 72 h. incubation. Additionally, Trichoderma spp exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity against the pathogen's radial growth, with a percentage of 68%. P.chrysogenum ranked second with 53.88%, while A.terreus (2) demonstrated the weakest inhibitory effect of 24.11%. T6 [Nematode infection (M.javanica) + Fungus infection (F.solani) + Overflowed with fungal culture filtrate (P.chrysogenum)] and T8 [Nematode infection (M.javanica) + Fungus infection (F.solani) + spray with fungal culture filtrate (P.chrysogenum)] had the greatest effects on nematode galling indices on okra roots and substantially reduced the reproductive factors in the greenhouse (In vivo experiment). T6 was the best treatment to decrease disease severity, as reached (28%) relatively. On the other hand, T12 [(Fungus infection (F.solani) + (Dovex 50% fungicide with irrigation water)] recorded the lowest disease severity reaching (8%) relatively. The results showed that nematode infection or fungus infection or both decreased all studied anatomical characteristics of okra root, stem, and leaves. We concluded from this study that root-knot nematode and root-rot fungi were reduced by using fungal culture filtrates and could improve plant growth.
Mechanosensitive traction force generation is regulated by the neutrophil activation state
Authors: Witt Hadley , Yan Zicheng , Henann David , Franck Christian , Reichner Jonathan
Published: July 2023

The generation of traction forces by neutrophils regulates many crucial effector functions responsible for host defense, such as attachment, spreading, migration, phagocytosis, and NETosis. The activation state of the cell is a strong determinant of the functional efficacy of the neutrophil; however, the effect of activation on traction force production has not yet been determined experimentally. Previously, the mapping of cellular-generated forces produced by human neutrophils via a Traction Force Microscopy (TFM) method has required a three-dimensional imaging modality to capture out-of-plane forces, such as confocal or multiphoton techniques. A method newly developed in our laboratories can capture out-of-plane forces using only a two-dimensional imaging modality. This novel technique—combined with a topology-based single particle tracking algorithm and finite element method calculations—can construct high spatial frequency three-dimensional traction fields, allowing for traction forces in-plane and out-of-plane to the substrate to now be differentially visualized and quantified with a standard epifluorescence microscope. Here we apply this technology to determine the effect of neutrophil activation on force generation. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response that causes dysregulated neutrophil activation in vivo. We found that neutrophils from septic patients produced greater total forces than neutrophils from healthy donors and that the majority of this dysregulation occurred in-plane to the substrate. Ex vivo activation of neutrophils from healthy donors showed differential consequences depending on activation stimuli with mechanosensitive force decreases observed in some cases. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of epifluorescence-based microscopy in mapping traction forces to ask biologically significant questions regarding neutrophil function.
Assessment of soil heavy metal pollution and associated ecological risk of agriculture dominated mid-channel bars in a subtropical river basin
Authors: Hoque Md. Mofizul , Islam Aznarul , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Pal Subodh Chandra , Mahammad Sadik , Alam Edris
Published: July 2023

The elevated concentrations of heavy metals in soil considerably threaten ecological and human health. To this end, the present study assesses metals pollution and its threat to ecology from the mid-channel bar’s (char) agricultural soil in the Damodar River basin, India. For this, the contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution index, and ecological risk index (RI) were measured on 60 soil samples at 30 stations (2 from each station, i.e., surface and sub-surface) in different parts of the mid-channel bar. The CF and EF indicate that both levels of char soil have low contamination and hence portray a higher potential for future enrichment by heavy metals. Moreover, Igeo portrays that soil samples are uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. Further, pollution indices indicate that all the samples (both levels) are unpolluted with a mean of 0.062 for surface soils and 0.048 for sub-surface soils. Both levels of the char have a low potentiality for ecological risk with an average RI of 0.20 for the surface soils and 0.19 for the sub-surface soils. Moreover, Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) indicates that the sub-surface soils have lower pollution than the surface soils. The geostatistical modeling reveals that the simple kriging technique was estimated as the most appropriate interpolation model. The present investigation exhibits that reduced heavy metal pollution is due to the sandy nature of soils and frequent flooding. However, the limited pollution is revealed due to the intensive agricultural practices on riverine chars. Therefore, this would be helpful to regional planners, agricultural engineers, and stakeholders in a basin area.
ZNF143 facilitates the growth and migration of glioma cells by regulating KPNA2-mediated Hippo signalling
Authors: Chen Yan , Li Jitao , Ma Jiangchun , Bao Yizhong
Published: July 2023

The disordered expression of ZNF143 is closely related to the malignant progression of tumours. However, the basic control mechanism of ZNF143 in glioma has not yet been clarified. Therefore, we tried to find a new pathway to illustrate the function of ZNF143 in glioma. To explore the function of KPNA2 in the development of glioma, we used survival analysis by the Kaplan‒Meier method to assess the overall survival (OS) of patients with low and high KPNA2 expression in the TCGA and CGGA cohorts. Western blotting assays and RT‒PCR assays were utilized to determine the expression level of KPNA2 in glioma cells. The interaction between ZNF143 and KPNA2 was confirmed by ChIP assays. Proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assays, and migration was evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry, and the expression level of YAP/TAZ was visualized using an immunofluorescence assay. The expression levels of LATS1, LATS2, YAP1, and p-YAP1 were determined. Patients with low KPNA2 expression showed a better prognosis than those with high KPNA2 expression. KPNA2 was found to be upregulated in human glioma cells. ZNF143 can bind to the promoter region of KPNA2. Downregulation of ZNF143 and KPNA2 can activate the Hippo signalling pathway and reduce YAP/TAZ expression in human glioma cells, thus inducing apoptosis of human glioma cells and weakening their proliferation, migration and invasion. In conclusion, ZNF143 mediates the Hippo/YAP signalling pathway and inhibits the growth and migration of glioma cells by regulating KPNA2.
Dual spin max pooling convolutional neural network for solar cell crack detection
Authors: Hassan Sharmarke , Dhimish Mahmoud
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a solar cell crack detection system for use in photovoltaic (PV) assembly units. The system utilizes four different Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures with varying validation accuracy to detect cracks, microcracks, Potential Induced Degradations (PIDs), and shaded areas. The system examines the electroluminescence (EL) image of a solar cell and determines its acceptance or rejection status based on the presence and size of the crack. The proposed system was tested on various solar cells and achieved a high degree of accuracy, with an acceptance rate of up to 99.5%. The system was validated with thermal testing using real-world cases, such as shaded areas and microcracks, which were accurately predicted by the system. The results show that the proposed system is a valuable tool for evaluating the condition of PV cells and can lead to improved efficiency. The study also shows that the proposed CNN model outperforms previous studies and can have significant implications for the PV industry by reducing the number of defective cells and improving the overall efficiency of PV assembly units.
Impact of text contrast polarity on the retinal activity in myopes and emmetropes using modified pattern ERG
Authors: Wagner Sandra , Strasser Torsten
Published: July 2023

Environmental factors favoring myopia development are still being studied and there is accumulating evidence for a significant role of nearwork. Recently, reading standard black-on-white text was found to activate the retinal OFF pathway and induce choroidal thinning, which is associated with myopia onset. Contrarily, reading white-on-black text led to thicker choroids, being protective against myopia. Respective effects on retinal processing are yet unknown. Here, we exploratively assessed the impact of contrast polarity on the retinal activity and possible interactions with eccentricity and refractive error. We recorded pattern electroretinograms in myopic and emmetropic adults while presenting a dead leaves stimulus (DLS), overlaid by masks of different size in ring or circle shape, either filled with uniform gray or text of inverted or standard contrast. In myopes, retinal responses for DLS with standard and inverted contrast were larger when the perifovea was stimulated (6–12 deg), however, including the fovea resulted in smaller amplitudes for inverted contrast than in emmetropes. The retina of emmetropes was more sensitive to inverted contrast than to standard and gray within 12 deg, but most sensitive for gray in the perifovea. This demonstrates that the refractive error influences the sensitivity to text contrast polarity, with a special role of the peripheral retina, which is in line with previous studies about blur sensitivity. Defining whether the differences derive from retinal processing or anatomical features of a myopic eye requires further investigation. Our approach might be a first step to explain how nearwork promotes the eye’s elongation.
Discovery and optimized extraction of the anti-osteoclastic agent epicatechin-7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside from Ulmus macrocarpa Hance bark
Authors: Jeong Chanhyeok , Cho Yeon-Jin , Lee Yongjin , Wang Weihong , Park Kyu-Hyung , Roh Eun , Lee Chang Hyung , Son Young-Jin , Park Jung Han Yoon , Kang Heonjoong , Lee Ki Won
Published: July 2023

Ulmus macrocarpa Hance bark (UmHb) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine in East Asia for bone concern diseases for a long time. To find a suitable solvent, we, in this study, compared the efficacy of UmHb water extract and ethanol extract which can inhibit osteoclast differentiation. Compared with two ethanol extracts (70% and 100% respectively), hydrothermal extracts of UmHb more effectively inhibited receptor activators of nuclear factor κB ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. We identified for the first time that (2R,3R)-epicatechin-7-O-β-D-apiofuranoside (E7A) is a specific active compound in UmHb hydrothermal extracts through using LC/MS, HPLC, and NMR techniques. In addition, we confirmed through TRAP assay, pit assay, and PCR assay that E7A is a key compound in inhibiting osteoclast differentiation. The optimized condition to obtain E7A-rich UmHb extract was 100 mL/g, 90 °C, pH 5, and 97 min. At this condition, the content of E7A was 26.05 ± 0.96 mg/g extract. Based on TRAP assay, pit assay, PCR, and western blot, the optimized extract of E7A-rich UmHb demonstrated a greater inhibition of osteoclast differentiation compared to unoptimized. These results suggest that E7A would be a good candidate for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis-related diseases.
The NephroCheck bedside system for detecting stage 3 acute kidney injury after open thoracoabdominal aortic repair
Authors: Doukas Panagiotis , Frese Jan Paul , Eierhoff Thorsten , Hellfritsch Gabriel , Raude Ben , Jacobs Michael J. , Greiner Andreas , Oberhuber Alexander , Gombert Alexander
Published: July 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after complex aortic procedures and it is associated with relevant mortality and morbidity. Biomarkers for early and specific AKI detection are lacking. The aim of this work is to investigate the reliability of the NephroCheck bedside system for diagnosing stage 3 AKI following open aortic surgery. In this prospective, multicenter, observational study,—https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04087161—we included 45 patients undergoing open thoracoabdominal aortic repair. AKI risk (AKIRisk-Index) was calculated from urine samples at 5 timepoints: baseline, immediately postoperatively and at 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post-surgery. AKIs were classified according to the KDIGO criteria. Contributing factors were identified in univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Predictive ability was assessed with the area under the receiver operator curve (ROCAUC). Among 31 patients (68.8%) that developed AKIs, 21 (44.9%) developed stage-3 AKIs, which required dialysis. AKIs were correlated with increased in-hospital mortality (p = .006), respiratory complications (p < .001), sepsis (p < .001), and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (p < .001). The AKIRisk-Index showed reliable diagnostic accuracy starting at 24 h post-surgery (ROCAUC: .8056, p = .001). In conclusion, starting at 24 h after open aortic repair, the NephroCheck system showed adequate diagnostic accuracy for detecting the patients at risk for stage 3 AKIs.
Significantly improved energy storage performances of K0.5Na0.5NbO3 lead-free ceramics via a composition optimization strategy
Authors: Wang Minquan , Lin Ying , Yuan Qibin , Zhang Miao , Yu Yiwen , Yan Fei , Yang Haibo
Published: July 2023

Ceramic dielectric materials for energy storage have been widely investigated because of the superior advantages of a rapid charge/discharge speed and ultra-high power density.
Comparative studies of upconversion luminescence and optical temperature sensing in Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped LaVO4 and GdVO4 phosphors
Authors: Upadhyay Madan M. , Shwetabh Kumar , Kumar Kaushal
Published: July 2023

Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped LaVO4 and GdVO4 phosphors are successfully synthesized using solid state reaction methods and then upconversion emission studies are performed.
Cardiac organoid: multiple construction approaches and potential applications
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Zhang Yajie , Wang Jine , Yin Jingbo , Wang Zheng , Pei Renjun
Published: July 2023

This review summarizes the current classification and construction methods of cardiac organoid, and describes its potential applications.
Solvatochromic sensors detect proteome aggregation in stressed liver tissues with hepatic cancer and cirrhosis
Authors: Jing Biao , Li Junpeng , Guo Kun , Zeng Lianggang , Sui Jidong , Zhang Zhenduo , Wang Zhiming , Jin Hao , Sun Jialu , Xue Zhao , Zhao Qi , Wan Wang , Dong Xuepeng
Published: July 2023

Solvatochromic crystal induced emission sensors visualize and quantify proteomeaggregation in buffer, cell lines and clinic tissues.
Deep data hiding‐based channel state information feedback within audio signals
Authors: Hu Yun , Zhang Ronghui
Published: July 2023

Deep learning‐based channel state information (CSI) hiding within images has been introduced to eliminate the downlink CSI feedback overhead in frequency division duplexing systems. In this letter, a deep data hiding‐based CSI feedback framework (named Au_EliCsiNet), which hides/superimposes downlink CSI within the transmitted audio signals, is proposed. Convolution neural networks are adopted to extract CSI features, hide CSI within audio signals, and reconstruct CSI from the audio signals. Simulation results show that the proposed Au_EliCsiNet can feed back downlink CSI accurately with no (or fewer) effects on the original audio transmission.
Ultra‐wideband frequency selective surface based tightly coupled dipole array with integrated balun
Authors: Wang Qingping , Ye Yuan , Wang Shaozhi , Zhang Ximeng , Yuan Naichang
Published: July 2023

An ultra‐wideband and wide‐scan tightly coupled dipoles array based on frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed, and the traditional wide‐angle scan impedance matching dielectric layer is replaced by FSS with printed metal strips to achieve the tuning of the scanning impedance of the array. Additionally, the metal strip FSS, dipole radiating elements and feeding structure are all printed on the same printed circuit board, and the whole design is highly integrated. Finally, a low‐cost lightweight single‐polarization tightly coupled antenna array with ultra‐wide band and wide scan performance is presented. Subject to the criterion of active Voltage standing Wave ratio(VSWR) < 3, beam scanning coverage of ±45° along E plane, H plane and D plane can be accomplished within the frequency band range across 0.4–2 GHz. An array prototype was produced and tested, and the results showed that the effectiveness of the design was well validated.
A novel curvature‐correction technique insensitive to process variations
Authors: Tao Linzhi , Zhuang Haoyu , Chen Leiting , Li Yizhan , Li Qiang
Published: July 2023

This paper proposes a novel curvature‐correction technique insensitive to process variations, which can be used in not only the bandgap reference (BGR) circuit but also the Zener reference circuit. By using two BJT transistors to form a differential pair structure, the current difference between the differential pair generates a compensation current, which compensates for the non‐linearity in the reference voltage. Unlike the classic curvature‐correction technique which can only be used in the BGR circuit, this novel technique can be used in the Zener reference circuit as well. What is more, the proposed curvature‐correction technique is insensitive to process variations, which greatly increases the reliability of commercial products. Finally, simulation results verify the validity of the proposed technique.
Self‐decoupling coupled‐fed patch antennas for 5G multiple‐input multiple‐output applications
Authors: Ge Lei , Lin Huawei , Ji Yuan , Tam Kam‐Weng , Zhao Yue
Published: July 2023

Self‐decoupling coupled‐fed patch antennas are designed in this letter. The self‐decoupling mechanism is based on the weak‐field region formed by the T‐shaped probe feed and the radiating patch of the antenna element itself. When another identical antenna element is placed in the weak‐field region, high isolation between the two elements can be achieved without adding extra decoupling structures. To validate the decoupling mechanism, a dual‐element antenna array is initially built and an isolation level of better than 30 dB is achieved over the impedance band of 3.3–3.66 GHz with an element spacing of 0.53λ0. Next, a four‐element multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) linear antenna array is presented to further verify the decoupling method and good isolation performance is also obtained, which demonstrates that the proposed designs are good candidates for 5G MIMO applications.
Doherty power amplifier with simplified out‐of‐phase power splitter for 5G applications
Authors: Chen Jianqiang , Zhang Zhihao , Li Jiajin , Guan Yuhan , Tang Weilong , Zhang Gary
Published: July 2023

This letter presents the architecture and characterization of a Doherty power amplifier (DPA) with a simplified out‐of‐phase power splitter (SOPPS) for fifth‐generation (5G) small‐cell applications. The proposed SOPPS consists of two passive components, which is conducive to chip miniaturization. Additionally, a stable DPA architecture is employed to avoid oscillation caused by out‐of‐phase ports imbalance. A DPA based on gallium arsenide (GaAs) heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) technology is fabricated, achieving high gain of 32 dB over 2.5 to 2.7 GHz. Using a continuous‐wave signal, the DPA exhibits a saturation output power of 36 dBm, with a peak power‐added efficiency (PAE) of 42.3% and 37% at saturation and 6‐dB power‐back‐off, respectively, across the operating band.
Gaussian process regression‐based load forecasting model
Authors: Yadav Anamika , Bareth Rashmi , Kochar Matushree , Pazoki Mohammad , Sehiemy Ragab A. El
Published: July 2023

In this paper, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR)‐based models which use the Bayesian approach to regression analysis problem such as load forecasting (LF) are proposed. The GPR is a non‐parametric kernel‐based learning method having the ability to provide correct predictions with uncertainty in measurements. The proposed model provides an hourly and monthly load forecast for an Australian city and four Indian cities in the Maharashtra state. Twelve GPR models are trained with historical datasets including hourly load and environmental data. To evaluate the trained model, the actual and predicted load demand curve is plotted and mean average percentage error (MAPE) is calculated corresponding to different kernel functions of the GPR model. To the best of the author's knowledge, the prediction of load demand using GPR for Indian cities of Maharashtra state has been made for the first time. The calculated MAPE in LF is 0.15% for Australia and 0.002%, 0.209%, 0.077%, and 0.140% for Indian cities viz. Nasik, Bhusawal, Kolhapur, and Aurangabad, respectively. The test results illustrate that minimum MAPE in load prediction is obtained using the proposed model that is GPR with ‘Exponential’ kernel functions. Furthermore, the comparative analysis with the existing approaches confirms the dominance of the proposed model.
A chitosan‐based hydrogel containing zinc oxide nanoparticles as a carrier for improving antibacterial activity and controlling the release of antibiotics
Authors: Rastegari Ali , Hasanshakir Fatemeh , Mohammadi Zohreh , Saadatpour Fatemeh , Faghihi Homa , Moraffah Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

Microbial infections are considered one of the most important concerns of the world community. Developing drug delivery systems based on formulation of nanoparticles (NPs) with antimicrobial agents has shown beneficial effectiveness against microbial infections and related antimicrobial resistance. In this study, the authors prepared and characterized a chitosan‐based hydrogel loaded with zinc oxide NPs for controlling the release of vancomycin and also improving its antibacterial effect. Characterization studies demonstrated that the developed biopolymeric hydrogel was able to sustain and control the release of vancomycin in response to acidic media for 96 h. Furthermore, antimicrobial studies showed significant and efficient antibacterial activity of prepared hydrogel against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the prepared chitosan hydrogel (CH) containing zinc oixde (ZnO) NPs has a desirable activity for controlling the release of vancomycin and improving its antibacterial properties.