bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loadbearing versus non‐loadbearing fire walls
Authors: Loderer Franz
Published: September 2023

In the last decades plenty of fire tests with wall constructions consisting of reinforced AAC elements were executed. Many of the test results have been transferred to European and national technical regulations. Also, theoretical methods to design reinforced AAC elements for fire impact are available. These provide temperature curves for the commonly used dry densities and procedures to calculate and rate the influence of fire stress on the functional capacity of the wall systems.

In the last years additional fire tests took place to show the fulfilment of special requirements for buildings with high demands regarding fire safety. For example, tests with six hours of firing were performed which is highly above the definitions and solutions given in standards.

Xella's R&D Center meanwhile has its own test stand to execute suitability checks for fire walls and is accredited for performing these tests.

In the last years the question about how to rate the performance of fire walls on basis of test results came up, especially regarding load bearing walls. This is the result of different definitions in the relevant national and European standards. Possible approaches for solving this topic shall be presented at the AAC conference.
Measurements of vibration reduction indices path over junctions AAC/CSU
Authors: Schoch Torsten , Imme Manfred
Published: September 2023

If the sound reduction index of a construction between rooms is to be calculated according to the European standard EN 12354‐1:2017‐11 “Airborne sound insulation between rooms,” the so‐called vibration reduction index is an important input variable, which can be determined both simplified according to Annex E of the standard or via measurements on the basis of EN ISO 10848‐1:2018‐02 and EN ISO 10848‐4:2018‐02. The vibration reduction index factor kij characterizes the transmission of a structure‐borne sound power and results from the direction‐averaged junction velocity level difference at the joint. The length and the equivalent absorption area of the components involved at the joint are standardized and thus made formally applicable for different construction situations. According to EN 12354‐1:2017‐11, in the simplified procedure, the vibration reduction index factor kij, which is determined mathematically via the logarithmic mass ratio of the components or via measurements, is included in the calculation of the flanking sound insulation as follows:

To date, only a few measurements have been carried out in sound laboratories to determine the size of kij. In general, the simplified determination of kij according to Annex E of EN 12354:2017‐11 is used. On behalf of Xella Germany, the Xella Technologie‐ und Forschungsgesellschaft measured the values for kij at a total of 8 joints (so‐called T‐joints). These joints are common component connections between AAC and CSU and occur predominantly at the connection between the load‐bearing exterior wall and a load‐bearing CSU interior wall.

The joint insulation dimensions determined by measurement at the T‐joints of CSU and AAC masonry are in part significantly higher than the calculated values determined from the area‐related masses. For the transmission path along the flank (Ff along the walls), the values determined are only slightly above the predicted values at approx. 1–2 dB. On the transmission path from the separating wall to the flank (Df or Fd), the values determined by measurement are in some cases significantly higher (by up to 6 dB) than the values determined by calculation.

The flank insulation of AAC is therefore usually underestimated with the simplified method for determining kij.
Metakaolin as an effective additive in the production of AAC
Authors: Rudchenko Dmitry , Serdyuk Vasyl
Published: September 2023

The paper presents a study of the current state of autoclaved aerated concrete production. Global trends of autoclaved aerated concrete market confirm the tendency to reduce the density of wall blocks from 400–500 kg/m3 to 300–350 kg/m3. At the same time their strength level is required to be maintained. The search for inexpensive and available local effective pozzolanic additives may increase the economic and ecological attractiveness of AAC production.

The performed studies have shown that using metakaolin additive helps to reduce energy consumption for AAC production. As a result of the research it was found that metakaolin can act as an alternative component of binder in aerated concrete mixture and replace gypsum additive. Metakaolin in the low density aerated concrete mixture stabilizes the processes of macrostructure formation of raw AAC. Performing functions of gypsum stone, this additive has a positive effect on the strength of the aerated concrete.

Industrial tests have shown that the efficiency of metakaolin additive increases as the density of the aerated concrete decreases. The greatest effect of use of additive metakaolin is noted in concrete mixtures of low density (130‐150 kg/m3). It is advisable to introduce the additive into the aerated concrete mixture together with other components at the stage of mixture formation.
Color in modern architecture of Olivetti's town
Authors: Giacopelli Enrico , Gualtieri Sabrina , Zerbinatti Marco
Published: September 2023

Ivrea is a small city known throughout the world as the home of the Olivetti company. For many years, the innovative urban and architectural experiment inspired and supported by Adriano Olivetti, financed by his company for a large part of the twentieth century, was less well known internationally. His patronage and his far‐sighted vision for urban society  have produced results of great relevance in the history of Italian industrialization and Modern Architecture. Since 2018, the architectural assets, the archives, cultural heritage and social experiments, have become part of the UNESCO Catalogue of World Heritage Sites (Ivrea, industrial city of the 20th century). Today, many of these heritage buildings, characterized by external surfaces decorated with colored tiles of different types, have several conservation problems, due in many cases to the lack of ordinary maintenance. At the same time, the unavailability of original materials makes the planning of appropriate intervention solutions for maintenance and restoration difficult. This report intends to give an account of this event through two convergent approaches: (i) on the level of method, continually seeking a precise analysis of the materials, trying to refrain from the image of an ‘Olivetti's architecture’ flattened only on rationalist models—chromatically limited—to do justice to a less minimalist vision that has characterized the architectural heritage on matter since its inception; (ii) on the operative level, giving an account of the attempts to recover and restore that “world of colours” that is the Olivetti's city, also with a correct lexical reading of the architectural elements and the finding of materials (an operation declined toward “what can be done today”, given that many original products are unavailable and manufacturers are no longer in activity).
Effect of Omeprazole Administration on the Pharmacokinetics of Oral Extended‐Release Nifedipine in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Zhao Liang , Sun Dajun , Tan Ming‐Liang , Xu Mingjiang , Kinjo Minori , Feng Kairui , Wang Hezhen , Lionberger Robert
Published: September 2023

Oral extended‐release (ER) dosage forms have been used to sustain blood drug levels, reduce adverse events, and improve patient compliance. We investigated potential effects of comedication on pharmacokinetic exposure of nifedipine ER products with different formulation designs and manufacturing processes. A clinical study compared a generic version of nifedipine ER tablet with pH‐dependent dissolution behavior with an osmotic pump product with pH independent drug release under fasting condition. In this study, two nifedipine tablet products were tested with or without short‐term omeprazole comedication in healthy subjects. Seven‐day administration of omeprazole before nifedipine dosing significantly increased the gastric pH, and subsequently increased the geometric least square (LS) means of area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to the last measurable timepoint (AUC0–t) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of nifedipine to 132.6% (90% confidence interval (CI): 120.6–145.7%) and 112.8% (90% CI: 100.8–126.3%) for pH‐dependent ER tablets, and 120.6% (90% CI: 109.7–132.5%) and 122.5% (90% CI: 113.7–131.9%) for the pH‐independent ER tablets, respectively. Similar extent of increase in AUC0–t and Cmax was confirmed in the subpopulations whose gastric pH was ≥ 4 or ≤ 3 in subjects with or without omeprazole administration. Given that similar increases in drug exposures were observed for both pH‐dependent and pH‐independent nifedipine formulations and the geometric LS mean ratios were between 112% and 133% with and without short‐term omeprazole comedication, the gastric pH may have limited effects on omeprazole‐induced nifedipine PK changes on the tested formulations. The inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 activity may play a significant role causing nifedipine exposure changes for both formulations, which would warrant additional assessment.
Arrestin‐3‐Dependent Activation of c‐Jun N‐Terminal Kinases (JNKs)
Authors: Zhan Xuanzhi , Kaoud Tamer S. , Dalby Kevin N. , Gurevich Eugenia V. , Gurevich Vsevolod V.
Published: September 2023

Only 1 out of 4 mammalian arrestin subtypes, arrestin‐3, facilitates the activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) family kinases. Here, we describe two different sets of protocols used for elucidating the mechanisms involved. One is based on reconstitution of signaling modules from the following purified proteins: arrestin‐3, MKK4, MKK7, JNK1, JNK2, and JNK3. The main advantage of this method is that it unambiguously establishes which effects are direct because only intended purified proteins are present in these assays. The key drawback is that the upstream‐most kinases of these cascades, ASK1 or other MAP3Ks, are not available in purified form, limiting reconstitution to incomplete two‐kinase modules. The other approach is used for analyzing the effects of arrestin‐3 on JNK activation in intact cells. In this case, signaling modules include ASK1 and/or other MAP3Ks. However, as every cell expresses thousands of different proteins, their possible effects on the readout cannot be excluded. Nonetheless, the combination of in vitro reconstitution from purified proteins and cell‐based assays makes it possible to elucidate the mechanisms of arrestin‐3‐dependent activation of JNK family kinases. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Construction of arrestin‐3‐scaffolded MKK4/7‐JNK1/2/3 signaling modules in vitro using purified proteins

Alternate Protocol 1: Characterization of arrestin‐3‐mediated JNK1/2 activation by MKK4/7 by measurement of JNK1/2 phosphorylation using immunoblotting with anti‐phospho‐JNK antibody

Support Protocol 1: Expression, purification, and activation of GST‐MKK4

Support Protocol 2: Expression, purification, and activation of GST‐MKK7‐His6

Support Protocol 3: Expression, purification, and activation of tagless JNK1Α1

Support Protocol 4: Expression, purification, and activation of tagless JNK2Α2

Basic Protocol 2: Analysis of the role of arrestin‐3 in ASK1/MKK4/MKK7‐induced JNK activation in intact cells

Alternate Protocol 2: Analysis of the role of arrestin‐3 in MKK4‐induced JNK activation in intact cells

Basic Protocol 3: Characterization of the biphasic effect of arrestin‐3 on ASK1/MKK7‐stimulated JNK phosphorylation in cells
Integration of IoT and blockchain for decentralized management and ownership in the metaverse
Authors: Ud Din Ikram , Awan Kamran Ahmad , Almogren Ahmad , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C.
Published: September 2023

This manuscript provides an in‐depth exploration of metaverses, charting their historical development, technological foundations, and potential multifarious applications. It critically assesses the prevailing challenges and explores potential pathways for the evolution of these expansive, virtual environments. In shedding light on the wide‐ranging implications of metaverses, it navigates societal, cultural, regulatory, and economic landscapes. It further elucidates the symbiosis between the Internet of Things (IoT) and metaverses, presenting empirical evidence derived from purpose‐built IoT frameworks for metaverse applications. A series of experiments were conducted to affirm the hypothesis that the integration of IoT into metaverse utilities, including advanced concepts such as smart buildings, the intricate task of power grid management, and the precision‐centric domain of agriculture, can drive significant progress. Quantitative findings provide compelling evidence of marked improvements in energy conservation, cost‐efficiency, and operational effectiveness arising from the incorporation of IoT into metaverse use cases. With observed mean improvements of 25% in energy conservation, 17% in cost reduction, and an impressive 22% increase in operational efficiency, specifically in the realms of smart building applications and power grid management, this study underscores the pressing need for sustained research and development initiatives in this emerging.
UAV‐assisted multi‐hop D2D relaying for communication in large disaster area
Authors: Ghosh Sayanti , Bhowmick Abhijit , Roy Sanjay Dhar , Kundu Sumit
Published: September 2023

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐assisted communication is a promising technique for enabling ground users in a non‐functional area (NFA) or disaster area to communicate. All the base stations in the disaster area may be partially or fully damaged due to the natural calamity. Device‐to‐device (D2D) communication can be a viable solution for immediate connection between users in an NFA. We propose a UAV‐assisted multi‐hop D2D communication following a hybrid power‐time switching (PTS) in this paper. Moreover, a D2D user of a cluster can communicate with another D2D user in a different cluster through UAVs. However, D2D users can harvest energy from their respective ad hoc energy stations and forward the information to the nearby D2D user following a hybrid PTS‐based strategy. We propose a time frame for the same and show a node‐based energy harvesting strategy. The expressions of outage probability, throughput, end‐to‐end energy consumption, and energy efficiency are developed for the Rician and Nakagami‐m faded channel. The impact of several network parameters such as energy harvesting factor, energy harvesting efficiency, and fading parameter on the network performance is also indicated.
Plasma ceramides relate to mild cognitive impairment in middle‐aged men: The Maastricht Study
Authors: van Kruining Daan , Losen Mario , Crivelli Simone M. , de Jong Joost J. A. , Jansen Jacobus F. A. , Backes Walter H. , Monereo‐Sánchez Jennifer , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , Köhler Sebastian , Linden David E. J. , Schram Miranda T. , Mielke Michelle M. , Martinez‐Martinez Pilar
Published: September 2023

Introduction

There is an urgent need for biomarkers identifying individuals at risk of early‐stage cognitive impairment. Using cross‐sectional data from The Maastricht Study, this study included 197 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 200 cognitively unimpaired individuals aged 40 to 75, matched by age, sex, and educational level.

Methods

We assessed the association of plasma sphingolipid and ceramide transfer protein (CERT) levels with MCI and adjusted for potentially confounding risk factors. Furthermore, the relationship of plasma sphingolipids and CERTs with magnetic resonance imaging brain volumes was assessed and age‐ and sex‐stratified analyses were performed.

Results

Associations of plasma ceramide species C18:0 and C24:1 and combined plasma ceramide chain lengths (ceramide risk score) with MCI were moderated by sex, but not by age, and higher levels were associated with MCI in men. No associations were found among women. In addition, higher levels of ceramide C20:0, C22:0, and C24:1, but not the ceramide risk score, were associated with larger volume of the hippocampus after controlling for covariates, independent of MCI. Although higher plasma ceramide C18:0 was related to higher plasma CERT levels, no association of CERT levels was found with MCI or brain volumes.

Discussion

Our results warrant further analysis of plasma ceramides as potential markers for MCI in middle‐aged men. In contrast to previous studies, no associations of plasma sphingolipids with MCI or brain volumes were found in women, independent of age. These results highlight the importance of accounting for sex‐ and age‐related factors when examining sphingolipid and CERT metabolism related to cognitive function.
Anxiety, aggression, reward sensitivity, and forebrain dopamine receptor expression in a laboratory rat model of early‐life disadvantage
Authors: Lonstein Joseph S. , Vitale Erika M. , Olekanma Doris , McLocklin Andrew , Pence Nathan , Bredewold Remco , Veenema Alexa H. , Johnson Alexander W. , Burt S. Alexandra
Published: September 2023

Despite early‐life disadvantage (ELD) in humans being a highly heterogenous construct, it consistently predicts negative neurobehavioral outcomes. The numerous environmental contributors and neural mechanisms underlying ELD remain unclear, though. We used a laboratory rat model to evaluate the effects of limited resources and/or heavy metal exposure on mothers and their adult male and female offspring. Dams and litters were chronically exposed to restricted (1‐cm deep) or ample (4‐cm deep) home cage bedding postpartum, with or without lead acetate (0.1%) in their drinking water from insemination through 1‐week postweaning. Restricted‐bedding mothers showed more pup‐directed behaviors and behavioral fragmentation, while lead‐exposed mothers showed more nestbuilding. Restricted bedding‐raised male offspring showed higher anxiety and aggression. Either restricted bedding or lead exposure impaired goal‐directed performance in a reinforcer devaluation task in females, whereas restricted bedding alone disrupted it in males. Lead exposure, but not limited bedding, also reduced sucrose reward sensitivity in a progressive ratio task in females. D1 and D2 receptor mRNA in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens (NAc) were each affected by the early‐life treatments and differently between the sexes. Most notably, adult males (but not females) exposed to both early‐life treatments had greatly increased D1 receptor mRNA in the NAc core. These results illuminate neural mechanisms through which ELD threatens neurobehavioral development and highlight forebrain dopamine as a factor.
The successes and pitfalls: Deep‐learning effectiveness in a Chernobyl field camera trap application
Authors: Maile Rachel E. , Duggan Matthew T. , Mousseau Timothy A.
Published: September 2023

Camera traps have become in situ sensors for collecting information on animal abundance and occupancy estimates. When deployed over a large landscape, camera traps have become ideal for measuring the health of ecosystems, particularly in unstable habitats where it can be dangerous or even impossible to observe using conventional methods. However, manual processing of imagery is extremely time and labor intensive. Because of the associated expense, many studies have started to employ machine‐learning tools, such as convolutional neural networks (CNNs). One drawback for the majority of networks is that a large number of images (millions) are necessary to devise an effective identification or classification model. This study examines specific factors pertinent to camera trap placement in the field that may influence the accuracy metrics of a deep‐learning model that has been trained with a small set of images. False negatives and false positives may occur due to a variety of environmental factors that make it difficult for even a human observer to classify, including local weather patterns and daylight. We transfer‐trained a CNN to detect 16 different object classes (14 animal species, humans, and fires) across 9576 images taken from camera traps placed in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. After analyzing wind speed, cloud cover, temperature, image contrast, and precipitation, there was not a significant correlation between CNN success and ambient conditions. However, a possible positive relationship between temperature and CNN success was noted. Furthermore, we found that the model was more successful when images were taken during the day as well as when precipitation was not present. This study suggests that while qualitative site‐specific factors may confuse quantitative classification algorithms such as CNNs, training with a dynamic training set can account for ambient conditions so that they do not have a significant impact on CNN success.
Diet and mitonuclear haplotype interactions affect growth rate in a slime mould
Authors: Nagarajan‐Radha Venkatesh , Cordina Natalie , Beekman Madeleine
Published: September 2023

Trait expression in metazoans is strongly influenced by the balance of macronutrients (i.e. protein, carbohydrate and fat) in the diet. At the same time, an individual's genetic background seems to regulate the magnitude of phenotypic response to a particular diet. It needs to be better understood whether interactions between diet, genetic background and trait expression are found in unicellular eukaryotes. A protist—the slime mould, Physarum polycephalum can choose diets based on protein‐to‐carbohydrate (P:C) content to support optimal growth rate. Yet, the role of genetic background (variation in the mitochondrial and nuclear DNAs) in mediating growth rate response to dietary P:C ratios in the slime mould is unknown. Here, we studied the effects of interactions between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA haplotypes and diet (i.e. G × G × E interactions) on the growth rate of P. polycephalum. A genetic panel of six distinct strains of P. polycephalum that differ in their mitochondrial and nuclear DNA haplotypes was used to measure growth rate across five diets that varied in their P:C ratio and total calories. We first determined the strains' growth rate (total biomass and surface area) when grown on a set menu with access to a particular diet. We then assessed whether the growth rate of strains increased on a buffet menu with access to all diets. Our findings show that the growth rate of P. polycephalum is generally higher on diets containing more carbohydrates than protein and that total calories negatively affect the growth rate. Three‐way interactions between mitochondrial, nuclear haplotypes and dietary P:C ratios affected the strains' surface area of growth but not biomass. Intriguingly, strains did not increase their surface area and biomass when they had access to all diets on the buffet menu. Our findings have broad implications for our understanding of the effect of mitonuclear interactions on trait expression across diverse eukaryotic lineages.
Controllable factors affecting accuracy and precision of human identification of animals from drone imagery
Authors: Jones Landon R. , Elmore Jared A. , Krishnan B. Santhana , Samiappan Sathishkumar , Evans Kristine O. , Pfeiffer Morgan B. , Blackwell Bradley F. , Iglay Raymond B.
Published: September 2023

Surveying animal populations using drones (unoccupied aircraft systems [UAS]) provides numerous advantages; however, few best practices exist to survey animal communities with drones. Among myriad factors that can affect human identification and counts of animals from drone images, we focused on three factors typically controlled in the study design or by the drone pilot: flight altitude, camera angle, and time of day. Identifying interactions and patterns among these three variables represents an important first step to determining best survey practices. We used a drone to survey known numbers of eight animal decoy species, representing a range of body sizes and colors, at four ground sampling distance (GSD) values (0.35, 0.70, 1.06, and 1.41 cm/pixel) representing equivalent flight altitudes (15.2, 30.5, 45.7, and 61.0 m) at two camera angles (45° and 90°) and across a range of times of day (morning to late afternoon). Expert human observers identified and counted animals from drone images to determine how the three controllable factors affected accuracy and precision. Observer precision was high and unaffected by tested factors. However, results for observer accuracy revealed an interaction among all three controllable factors. Increasing flight altitude resulted in decreased accuracy in animal counts overall; however, accuracy was best at midday than during the morning and afternoon, when decoy and structure shadows were present or more pronounced. Surprisingly, the 45° camera enhanced accuracy more than the 90° camera, but only when animals were most difficult to identify and count, such as at higher flight altitudes or during the early morning and late afternoon. We provide recommendations for improving human accuracy in identifying and counting animals from drone images used in monitoring animal populations and communities. These results should be incorporated into drone survey design in addition to considering funding, logistical, and animal behavior constraints.
Characteristics of overlying strata and mechanisms of arch beam failure in shallowly buried thick bedrock coal seams: A case study in western China
Authors: Wang Changxiang , Li Huaibin , Zhang Meng , Liao Changlong , Zhang Shaojie
Published: September 2023

The Yangjiacun coal mine, located in western China, exhibits distinctive characteristics, such as its shallow depth, thick bedrock, thin loose layer, and unique roof strata breaking movement. In this research, a comprehensive analysis of previous exploration data, subsequent mechanical testing, key stratum theory, natural equilibrium arch theory, and simulation tests and numerical simulations has been conducted to investigate the failure behavior of the overlying rock strata in the Yangjiacun Coal Mine. Specifically, the load‐bearing capacity of the key stratum structure in the bedrock and the morphological properties of the arch‐beam structure have been thoroughly examined. A mechanical model of the roof rock arch‐beam structure has been established, and an analytical formula for the limit size and stability criterion of the arch‐beam structure has been derived. The mining‐induced rock arch‐beam structure plays a crucial role in transferring the load of the upper strata to the surrounding goaf, thereby preventing subsidence and deformation of the overlying strata. However, the arch‐beam structure periodically experiences instability during the advancement of the working face, gradually progressing towards the upper layer until the main key stratum is breached and the arch‐beam structure collapses. Based on the characteristics of weathered rock and the arch‐beam failure model in the Yangjiacun Coal Mine, quantitative backfilling mining methods have been proposed to either compensate for the mining void created by coal extraction or limit the size of exposed key strata through strip mining, ensuring the stability of the R6 key stratum. This study represents a significant contribution to understanding the intricate failure behavior of overlying rock strata in coal mines and provides a valuable framework for the responsible and efficient extraction of coal resources in similar environments.
Energy‐efficient power control and altitude planning for UAV‐based vehicular communications in 5G NR‐V2X networks
Authors: Aslani Rojin , Saberinia Ebrahim
Published: September 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly popular in various industries, including telecommunications. In the realm of 5G new radio vehicle‐to‐everything (NR‐V2X) networks, UAVs can be used as mobile base stations (UAV‐BS) to provide vehicular communications. However, effective power control and altitude planning algorithms are required to maximize the energy efficiency (EE) of these UAV‐BS systems. In this article, we propose an energy‐efficient power control and altitude planning algorithm for UAV‐BS in NR‐V2X networks. We formulate the optimization problem of maximizing the system's EE while considering the reliability requirements of vehicular users, the limitations of UAV‐BS hovering altitude, and the feasibility of transmission power levels. The problem is nonconvex, and we address this by reformulating it into a convex problem using the Dinkelbach and alternating optimization methods. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm closely achieves the performance of exhaustive search while it is more computationally efficient. Moreover, our algorithm by jointly optimizing transmission power and hovering altitude performs better than other schemes proposed in the literature, as shown through our simulation results.
Limited‐memory polynomial methods for large‐scale matrix functions
Authors: Güttel Stefan , Kressner Daniel , Lund Kathryn
Published: September 2023

Matrix functions are a central topic of linear algebra, and problems requiring their numerical approximation appear increasingly often in scientific computing. We review various limited‐memory methods for the approximation of the action of a large‐scale matrix function on a vector. Emphasis is put on polynomial methods, whose memory requirements are known or prescribed a priori. Methods based on explicit polynomial approximation or interpolation, as well as restarted Arnoldi methods, are treated in detail. An overview of existing software is also given, as well as a discussion of challenging open problems.
Ganglioside GD3 regulates neural stem cell quiescence and controls postnatal neurogenesis
Authors: Fuchigami Takahiro , Itokazu Yutaka , Yu Robert K.
Published: September 2023

The postnatal neural stem cell (NSC) pool hosts quiescent and activated radial glia‐like NSCs contributing to neurogenesis throughout adulthood. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism during the transition from quiescent NSCs to activated NSCs in the postnatal NSC niche is not fully understood. Lipid metabolism and lipid composition play important roles in regulating NSC fate determination. Biological lipid membranes define the individual cellular shape and help maintain cellular organization and are highly heterogeneous in structure and there exist diverse microdomains (also known as lipid rafts), which are enriched with sugar molecules, such as glycosphingolipids. An often overlooked but key aspect is that the functional activities of proteins and genes are highly dependent on their molecular environments. We previously reported that ganglioside GD3 is the predominant species in NSCs and that the reduced postnatal NSC pools are observed in global GD3‐synthase knockout (GD3S‐KO) mouse brains. The specific roles of GD3 in determining the stage and cell‐lineage determination of NSCs remain unclear, since global GD3S‐KO mice cannot distinguish if GD3 regulates postnatal neurogenesis or developmental impacts. Here, we show that inducible GD3 deletion in postnatal radial glia‐like NSCs promotes NSC activation, resulting in the loss of the long‐term maintenance of the adult NSC pools. The reduced neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of GD3S‐conditional‐knockout mice led to the impaired olfactory and memory functions. Thus, our results provide convincing evidence that postnatal GD3 maintains the quiescent state of radial glia‐like NSCs in the adult NSC niche.
ApoE4 expression disrupts tau uptake, trafficking, and clearance in astrocytes
Authors: Eisenbaum Maxwell , Pearson Andrew , Ortiz Camila , Mullan Michael , Crawford Fiona , Ojo Joseph , Bachmeier Corbin
Published: September 2023

Tauopathies are a collection of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of pathogenic aggregates of the microtubule‐associated protein tau. Despite the prevalence and diversity of tau astrogliopathy in tauopathies, the interactions between astrocytes and tau in the brain, and the influence of neurodegenerative genetic risk factors like the apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) isoform, are largely unknown. Here, we leveraged primary and immortalized astrocytes expressing humanized apoE isoforms to characterize the mechanisms by which astrocytes interact with and eliminate extracellular tau, and the influence of apoE genotype on these processes. Our work indicates that astrocytes rapidly internalize, process, and release tau via an exosomal secretory mechanism under physiological conditions. However, we found that apoE4 disrupted these processes in comparison to apoE3, resulting in an astrocytic phenotype prone to intracellular tau accumulation. Furthermore, exposure to repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries exacerbated the apoE4‐induced impairments in tau processing and elimination by astrocytes in apoE4 targeted‐replacement mice. The diminished ability of apoE4 astrocytes to eliminate extracellular tau can lead to an accumulation of pathogenic tau, which induces mitochondrial dysfunction, as demonstrated by our studies. In total, our findings suggest that the apoE4 isoform lowers the threshold of astrocytic resilience to pathogenic tau, rendering them susceptible to bioenergetic deficits in the early stages of neurodegenerative diseases such as traumatic brain injury, potentially contributing to neurological decline.
Unsupervised contrastive graph learning for resting‐state functional MRI analysis and brain disorder detection
Authors: Wang Xiaochuan , Chu Ying , Wang Qianqian , Cao Liang , Qiao Lishan , Zhang Limei , Liu Mingxia
Published: September 2023

Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) helps characterize regional interactions that occur in the human brain at a resting state. Existing research often attempts to explore fMRI biomarkers that best predict brain disease progression using machine/deep learning techniques. Previous fMRI studies have shown that learning‐based methods usually require a large amount of labeled training data, limiting their utility in clinical practice where annotating data is often time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. To this end, we propose an unsupervised contrastive graph learning (UCGL) framework for fMRI‐based brain disease analysis, in which a pretext model is designed to generate informative fMRI representations using unlabeled training data, followed by model fine‐tuning to perform downstream disease identification tasks. Specifically, in the pretext model, we first design a bi‐level fMRI augmentation strategy to increase the sample size by augmenting blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals, and then employ two parallel graph convolutional networks for fMRI feature extraction in an unsupervised contrastive learning manner. This pretext model can be optimized on large‐scale fMRI datasets, without requiring labeled training data. This model is further fine‐tuned on to‐be‐analyzed fMRI data for downstream disease detection in a task‐oriented learning manner. We evaluate the proposed method on three rs‐fMRI datasets for cross‐site and cross‐dataset learning tasks. Experimental results suggest that the UCGL outperforms several state‐of‐the‐art approaches in automated diagnosis of three brain diseases (i.e., major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and Alzheimer's disease) with rs‐fMRI data.
Identification of karst spring hydrographs using laboratory and numerical simulations considering combined discrete‐continuum approaches
Authors: Chen Yuan , Shu Longcang , Lian Yanqing , Li Hu , Li Gang
Published: September 2023

The quantitative analysis of karst spring hydrographs aids in characterizing the hydrodynamic properties of aquifer systems. However, the relationships between spring hydrographs and hydrologic functions of different media lack in‐depth research. This study detected the rainfall‐discharge processes of covered karst systems using two combined discrete‐continuum models (a coupled continuum‐pipe model and a hybrid model) developed based on laboratory experiments. An improved exponential function was used to decompose spring recession hydrographs with a great performance, and the results indicate that the slow drainage controlled by the porous medium dominates the whole recession process. There is a shift in the contribution of the matrix to karst discharge systems with the increase of its hydraulic conductivity. Although spring hydrographs have a great dependency on the hydraulic process of fracture networks, the variation in permeability of the matrix significantly changes the storage capacity of fractured rocks and spring discharge behaviours. The changing process of water storage rate of the matrix and fractures with spring hydrographs reveals three stages: a period of steep rise and fall, a period with slight fluctuations, and a gentle descent stage. The parameter sensitivity analysis in both models shows that the covering porous layer has a strong effect on the patterns of karst spring hydrographs, and the specific yield is more sensitive than hydraulic conductivity. While these simulations were conducted at the laboratory scale, the findings provide insights into practical applications of spring protection and water resources management.
Insolvency courts: General principles for systems design
Authors: Casey Anthony J. , Macey Joshua C.
Published: September 2023

This article sets out general principles for designing the role of corporate insolvency courts. The authors identify four general considerations relevant to that design: (a) the sophistication and development of the relevant private markets and private law, (b) the applicable background corporate law principles, (c) the competence—in terms of experience and sophistication, capacity and resources, efficiency, and neutrality and lack of corruption—of the courts in question, and (d) the availability of alternative systems through forum and venue shopping or other forms of exit. Having identified these considerations, the article then explores how each affects the role that insolvency courts should play and the level of discretion courts should exercise. The authors also discuss the extent to which other procedural or insolvency provisions can substitute for judicial oversight and discretion.
A case of ipsilateral three simultaneous renal cell carcinomas with different histologic types
Authors: Tanaka Satoki , Goto Yusuke , Fujimoto Ayumi , Arai Takayuki , Sato Hiroaki , Sazuka Tomokazu , Imamura Yusuke , Sakamoto Shinichi , Ikeda Jun‐Ichiro , Ichikawa Tomohiko
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Few reports have presented sporadic multifocal renal cell carcinomas of different histologic types occurring simultaneously in a single kidney. Here, we present a case of three ipsilateral renal cell carcinomas with three histologic types.

Case presentation

A 44‐year‐old man with end‐stage renal disease due to nephrosclerosis was referred to our hospital for an incidental renal tumor. Following the introduction of hemodialysis, enhanced computed tomography revealed a renal tumor suggestive of clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma with a cystic component. With a preoperative diagnosis of one renal tumor, he underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. However, pathological examination revealed three renal cell carcinomas with three histological diagnoses: clear‐cell, papillary, and clear‐cell papillary renal cell carcinomas.

Conclusion

Preoperative imaging may not detect all synchronous ipsilateral multifocal renal cell carcinomas. Patients with severe renal function impairment may have synchronous multifocal renal cell carcinomas.
Development of a novel PLDLA/β‐TCP composite‐based biodegradable anterior cervical plate and screw system
Authors: Kwon Younghoon , Hossain Mosharraf , Lee Minsu , Jeong Je Hoon
Published: September 2023

We investigated the effectiveness and safety of a new composite‐based biodegradable anterior cervical plate/screw (ACPS) system for the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) fixation. A biocomposite in combination with 30 wt% β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP; a biodegradable ceramic having osteoconductive ability) and 70 wt% poly‐l/d‐lactide copolymer (PLDLA; a biodegradable polymer) was developed and used in the ACPS device, comprising one plate and four screws for fixation. Based on a literature review, a clinically required period of performance maintenance was set as 16 weeks, and to verify the performance for a period of 16 weeks or more, the test was conducted for 26 weeks. Following ISO 13781:2017 testing protocols, an in vitro degradation test was performed to verify the performance and evaluate the decomposition characteristics of the biodegradable ACPS system. Using an animal model as a preclinical investigation, the prepared ACPS device was implanted into five mongrel dogs weighing over 30 kg to evaluate the detachment prevention effect of the ACPS system on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) cage after ACDF. By week 26, the molecular weight was decreased by 45.35% for the plate and 52.56% for the screw; the bending strength of the plate was decreased by approximately 26.2% when compared with the initial stage. The torsional yield strength and pullout strength of the screw was increased by 52.31% and 5.3%, respectively by week 2 and then subsequently decreased until week 26. No detachment or dislocation of the inserted PEEK cage was observed for 26 weeks in vivo study. These findings recommend that the ACPS system might be a promising biodegradable tool for the fixation of interbody implants and supporting the fusion in an ACDF model. Furthermore, additional clinical trials are planned for the future.
Plant‐mediated fabrication of cobalt oxide nanoparticles and evaluation of their catalytic effects on electro‐oxidation of formaldehyde
Authors: Rigi Fatemeh , Yavari Zahra , Kaedi Fariba
Published: September 2023

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co3O4‐NPs) were synthesized by aqueous extract of Artemisia vulgaris plant at 50°C. The biosynthesized extract mediated Co3O4‐NPs were characterized through different methods containing FT‐IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDS (Energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy), and XRD (x‐ray diffraction). Co3O4‐NPs as an efficient and practical catalyst was employed for the electrochemical oxidation of formaldehyde; which was an irreversible charge transfer controlled by mass transfer. The coefficients of electron transfer and diffusion were 0.87 and 0.122 cm2/s for formaldehyde oxidation on Co3O4 electrode, respectively. The formation of the CoOOH species during potential sweeping appears to be involved in the catalytic activity of the Co3O4 toward formaldehyde oxidation.
Product‐facilitated conversations: When does starting a conversation by mentioning a product lead to better conversational outcomes?
Authors: Wiener Hillary J. D. , Bettman James R. , Luce Mary Frances
Published: September 2023

This paper examines product‐facilitated conversations. In three studies, we show that the products consumers publicly display influence how other consumers start conversations with them and how enjoyable and self‐disclosing these conversations are. Study 1 is an experiment in the field that shows that product‐facilitated conversations are deeper and more enjoyable than non‐product‐facilitated ones. Study 2 examines the characteristics of products that, when mentioned, lead to good conversations and identifies uniqueness and commonality as key characteristics. Study 3 is an additional experiment in the field that tests these characteristics and shows that products with those characteristics are better conversation starters than the weather. Overall, these studies show novel social benefits to talking about products and generate new ideas about how talking about products can help consumers meet new people, smooth awkward social situations, and build relationships.
Helicobacter pylori infection—A risk factor for lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase over‐activity: A cross‐sectional study among patients with dyspepsia in Cameroon
Authors: Faujo Nintewoue Ghislaine Florice , Tali Nguefak Lionel Danny , Ngatcha Ghislaine , Tagni Sartre Michele , Talla Paul , Menzy Moungo‐Ndjole Carole Marlyse , Kouitcheu Mabeku Laure Brigitte
Published: September 2023

Background and Aim

There is an intimate relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to gastritis in almost all the hosts. So, we hypothesize that gastritis in H. pylori infection may be described as the accumulation of continuous oxidative damage.

Methods

The study was conducted from October 2020 to October 2021 at three reference health facilities in Cameroon. A total of 266 participants (131 males and 135 females) ranging from 15 to 88 years old with 48.28 ± 17.29 years as mean age were enrolled. Each participant gave a written informed consent and ethical committees approved the protocol. Biopsies samples were collected for H. pylori detection using histological examination and rapid urease test. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) content, and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated in serum as biomarkers of oxidative stress.

Results

Helicobacter pylori was detected in 71.80% of our sample population. Low income level was associated with higher GSH level (P = 0.0249) and having family history of gastric cancer to higher SOD activity (P = 0.0156). A significant higher MDA content (P < 0.0001) and SOD activity (P = 0.0235) was recorded among infected individuals compared with noninfected ones. A significantly higher MDA content and SOD activity was recorded among smokers (P = 0.0461) and participants older than 50 years old (P = 0.0491) with H. pylori positivity.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that H. pylori infection is associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress. The presence of this pathogen in elderly individuals or in smokers increased their risk for oxidative stress.
Chinese aid and corruption in African local governments
Authors: Cha Sujin
Published: September 2023

Does foreign aid reshape citizen views on governments? How does Chinese aid relate to corruption perception in African local governments? Studying 33 African countries from 2000 to 2014 (175 590 respondents), Chinese aid heightens perceived corruption in local councillors and officials. Corruption scandals likely contribute to negative views of both China and local governance. Control variables like World Bank aid and Confucius Institutes disprove alternate theories. Heterogeneous effects demonstrate that China's aid is unwelcome among low‐skilled individuals who feel threatened by its expansion, magnifying corruption perception. This suggests that Chinese aid's unfavourable image fosters scepticism among African citizens and undermines collaborating local governments.