bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracorporeal photopheresis: Is one ounce of blood enough? Case reports
Authors: Kumukova Irina , Kurnikova Elena , Trakhtman Pavel
Published: December 2023

Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) has proven effective in the treatment of several diseases, including acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In its standard version, ECP requires leukapheresis to obtain a fraction of mononuclear cells. The possibility of using leukapheresis is limited by the requirements for vascular access and the somatic status of the patient. We have developed a new ECP method that does not require leukapheresis. This paper presents a description of two clinical cases of severe refractory GVHD treated by micro‐ECP.
Preparation of ionic liquid modified graphene and its effect on enhancing the properties of PA6 composites
Authors: Zhang Jiayu , Hong Xiaodong , Long Jiapeng , Liang Bing
Published: December 2023

In this study, an ionic liquid (IL) with imidazole and amide groups has been prepared, and used to modify graphene (TSG) by ball milling to fabricate ionic liquid functional graphene (TSG‐IL). During the melt blending process, TSG‐IL forms hydrogen bond with the amide group of PA6, which destroys the hydrogen bond of PA6 itself, enhances the interfacial force between TSG‐IL and PA6 matrix, and improves the dispersion of TSG‐IL in PA6 matrix. There has been some improvement in the mechanical and thermal conductivity of PA6 composites. Additionally, the presence of amide groups makes it easy to form hydrogen bonds between TSG‐IL sheets, thus strengthening the connection between TSG‐IL and each other, which is conducive to the construction of thermal conductivity network. The findings indicate that compares to TSG/PA6 composites with the same filler amount, the TSG‐IL/PA6 composites have better heat conductivity and higher mechanical characteristics. 9 wt.% TSG‐IL/PA6 composite has the highest thermal conductivity (0.498 W·m−1·k−1), which is 92.3% and 17.2% greater than that of pure PA6 and 9 wt.% TSG/PA6, and its impact strength (11.12 kJ/m2) is 11.0% and 7% higher, which would be a popular candidate material in the field of thermal conductivity.

Highlights

Imidazole ionic liquids with amide groups was synthesized.

Amide groups were modified onto graphene sheets by ball‐milling.

The dispersion of TSG‐IL in PA6 was studied.

Improved mechanical property and thermal conductivity of TSG‐IL/PA6 composites.
Nylon 6/palygorskite nanocomposites: The influence of clay surface modification and processing parameters on the clay dispersion, mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties
Authors: Uribe‐Calderon Jorge Alonso , Cisneros‐Rosado David , May‐Pat Alejandro , Sanchez‐Valdes Saul
Published: December 2023

The influence of surface modification and some processing parameters on the palygorskite (Pal) dispersion and the mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of the resulting Nylon 6 nanocomposites was investigated. Natural Pal was surface modified with hexadecyl tributyl phosphonium and 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxysilane to produce organoclays with different surface energy values. Nylon 6/Pal nanocomposites were produced by twin screw extrusion and then injection molded, Pal loading was 2 wt. % in all the cases. A screw configuration was designed to impose different level of shear stresses to the nanocomposites during processing, and nanocomposites were extruded at two different screw speeds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations indicated that Pal was dispersed differently depending mainly on the degree of shear stress and surface modification of Pal. The best tensile mechanical properties were achieved with Pal exhibiting the lowest surface energy value dispersed with the screw having high shear configuration. The fatigue life of nylon 6 improved with addition of Pal. The experimental results give some guidelines for producing Nylon 6/Pal nanocomposites with improved properties.
Effect of contextual diversity on word recognition in different semantic contexts
Authors: Mu Zhongchen
Published: December 2023

Efficient word recognition is important to facilitate reading comprehension. Two important factors influence word recognition—word frequency (WF) and contextual diversity (CD)—but studies have not reached consistent conclusions on their role. Based on previous studies, the present study strictly controlled the anticipation of sentence context on target words. In the context of the semantic incongruence of Chinese sentences—that is, when the context is equivalent and low in anticipation of the target noun—CD effects were found on late processing indicators of the eye movement data of parafoveal words, and the CD feature of parafoveal words led to a significant parafoveal‐on‐foveal effect. However, none of these results were found in the semantically reasonable (semantic congruence) context. The results suggested that high CD words are better at adapting to unexposed or learned contexts, which was not the case for high WF words.
Simulation‐based analysis of weld line strength of glass fiber‐reinforced polymer in injection molding
Authors: Kameya Kyoko , Ogata Hiroyuki , Tanohata Naoki
Published: December 2023

The injection molding market is expected to grow with the increasing demand from various industries, such as automotive and furniture. However, weld lines in the injection molded part reduce the structural strength and affects its appearance. This study evaluates the effect of the weld line on the structure by shifting the position of the weld line outside the area where the load is applied by manipulating the opening time of the injection gates. We examined the effect of weld lines on the strength of a chair through coupled resin flow and structural analyses. The analysis revealed that the position of the weld lines is crucial for structural strength if the knockdown factor (KDF) is low. Additionally, controlling the opening time of the gate and shifting the position of the weld line improved the structure's appearance, number of weld line and avoid the lower meeting angle. However, depending on the material, the effect may be weak. For example, when the weld line location did not change much despite changing the gate timing, little change was observed in the number of weld lines. Hence, the improvement strategy of weld line should be considered for material types and strength.

Highlights

Injection molding growth driven by automotive, packaging, furniture demand.

Weld lines impact structural strength and appearance.

Shifting weld line position outside load area improves the structural appearance and strength.

Effects of shifting weld line position depended on the material types.

Weld line position is crucial for low knockdown factor and affects strength.
Biological control of wheat powdery mildew disease by the termite‐associated fungus Aspergillus chevalieriBYST01 and potential role of secondary metabolites
Authors: Zhang Shuxiang , Huang Zhongdi , Xu Huanhuan , Liu Qihua , Jiang Zhou , Yin Caiping , Han Guomin , Zhang Wei , Zhang Yinglao
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Wheat powdery mildew, caused by the biotrophic pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) is a serious fungal disease. Natural metabolites produced by microorganisms are beneficial biological control agents to inhibit Bgt. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Aspergillus chevalieri BYST01 on wheat powdery mildew.

RESULTS

A strain isolated from the termite was identified as A. chevalieri BYST01 by morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. The fermentation broth of BYST01 showed good biocontrol effect on the Bgt in vivo with the control efficiencies of 81.59% and 71.34% under the protective and therapeutic tests, respectively. Four known metabolites, including the main compound physcion (30 mg/L), were isolated from the fermentation broth of BYST01 extracted with ethyl acetate. Importantly, under a concentration of 0.1 mM, physcion repressed conidial germination of Bgt with an inhibition rate of 77.04% in vitro and showed important control efficiencies of 80.36% and 74.64% in vivo under the protective and therapeutic tests, respectively. Hence, the BYST01 showed important potential as a microbial cell factory for the high yield of the green natural fungicide physcion. Finally, the biosynthetic gene clusters responsible for physicon production in BYST01 was predicted by analyzing a chromosome‐scale genome obtained using a combination of Illumina, PacBio, and Hi‐C sequencing technologies.

CONCLUSION

Aspergillus chevalieri BYST01 and its main metabolite physcion had a significant control effect on wheat powdery mildew. The biosynthesis pathway of physcion in BYST01 was predicted. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Engineered Living Material Bioreactors with Tunable Mechanical Properties using Vat Photopolymerization
Authors: Altin‐Yavuzarslan Gokce , Sadaba Naroa , Brooks Sierra M. , Alper Hal S. , Nelson Alshakim
Published: December 2023

3D‐printed engineered living materials (ELM) are promising bioproduction platforms for agriculture, biotechnology, sustainable energy, and green technology applications. However, the design of these platforms faces several challenges, such as the processability of these materials into complex form factors and control over their mechanical properties. Herein, ELM are presented as 3D‐printed bioreactors with arbitrary shape geometries and tunable mechanical properties (moduli and toughness). Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) is used as the precursor to create polymer networks that encapsulate the microorganisms during the vat photopolymerization process. A major limitation of PEGDA networks is their propensity to swell and fracture when submerged in water. The authors overcame this issue by adding glycerol to the resin formulation to 3D print mechanically tough ELM hydrogels. While polymer concentration affects the modulus and reduces bioproduction, ELM bioreactors still maintain their metabolic activity regardless of polymer concentration. These ELM bioreactors have the potential to be used in different applications for sustainable architecture, food production, and biomedical devices that require different mechanical properties from soft to stiff.
Ultra‐Stable Ti Vacancies‐Pt Atomic Clusters Structure on Titanium Oxycarbide Supports for High Current Density Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Wang Mingyong , An Jialiang , Shi Haotian , Dai Lei , Jiao Shuqiang
Published: December 2023

Electrocatalysts with low Pt loading mass to achieve high current density (≥1 A cm−2) for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are still extremely challenging due to the limited intrinsic activity and weak stability of catalytic sites. The modulation of the electronic microenvironment of the support‐Pt structure is crucial to enhance the intrinsic activity and stability of catalytic sites. Herein, an innovative titanium oxycarbide (TiVCO) solid solution with Ti vacancies (TiV) is proposed as support to anchor sub‐nanoscale Pt atomic clusters (Pt ACs) and a stable “TiV‐Pt ACs” structure is carefully designed. The electronic microenvironment of “TiV‐Pt ACs” is indirectly optimized by an unsaturated C/O site near TiV. Thanks to this, novel “TiV‐Pt ACs” structure (Pt@TiVCO) with low Pt loading mass (2.44 wt.%) exhibits excellent HER activity in acidic solution and the mass activity is more than ten times that of commercial 20% Pt/C at the overpotentials of 50 and 100 mV. Particularly, Pt@TiVCO shows amazing stability at high and fluctuating current density of 1–2 A cm−2 for 120 h. This work provides a novel and promising method to develop stable and low‐loading Pt‐based catalysts adapting to high current density.
Structural, Thermo‐Functional, and Rheological Properties of Dielectric Modified Underutilized Jicama (Pachyrhizus, spp.) Starch
Authors: Kishore Anand , Singh Anupama , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Pati Kalidas
Published: December 2023

In this study, underutilized jicama starch (JS) is treated in dielectric‐heating at different power (300, 450, 600 W) and time (1, 3, 5 min), and the change in structural, thermo‐functional, and rheological properties is observed. The dielectric modification increases the water absorption (0.81–2.88 g g−1), whereas the oil absorption capacity (1.02–0.83 g g−1) and bulk density (0.52–0.39 g mL−1) are reduced as compared to native starch. Lightness (95.46–96.26) of JS non‐significantly varies with dielectric‐heating, whereas a significant effect is observed in redness (0.01–0.06) and yellowness (3.74–4.24). The apparent viscosity of all treated samples shows shear thinning behavior. All the pasting properties other than the setback and pasting temperature of dielectric treated samples are significantly (p < 0.05) decreased at higher power than control. The onset (46.50–81.67 °C), peak (64–99.23 °C), and end temperature (68.27–100.77 °C) of gelatinization transition increased, which shows better thermal stability as compared to control. The strong‐peak for the control and treated sample is observed at around 1000 cm−1 wavenumber in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The structural changes have been observed by X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and scanning electron micrographs (SEM) shows shrinkage and deformation at each power and time.
Use of bee venom in preventive medicine: An experimental hepatic encephalopathy study in rats
Authors: Bayraktar Mustafa , Hacımüftüoğlu Ahmet , Okkay Ufuk , Koçak Mehmet Nuri , Kösedağ Murat , Tekin Erdal , Çelik Muhammet , Okkay Irmak Ferah , Bayram Cemil , Ertuğrul Muhammet Sait , Sezen Selma
Published: December 2023

Objectives

Bee venom is used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of neurological and liver diseases, but its use as a primary health care approach for preventive purposes requires further exploration. The aim of this study was to provide the first investigation into the possible protective effects of bee venom against hepatic encephalopathy, a serious neurodegenerative disease.

Materials and Methods

An experimental animal study was conducted in which healthy albino Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: healthy, control and bee venom groups. All rats were tested for locomotor activity at the beginning and end of the study. No intervention was made in the healthy group, whereas hepatic encephalopathy was induced in the control and bee venom groups by the administration of thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg/day). The bee venom group also received bee venom (5 mg/kg/day) subcutaneously every day for 14 days prior to the TAA administration.

Results

The results for the final locomotor activity tests were statistically better in the bee venom group than in the control group, supporting a beneficial effect of prophylactic bee venom application. Blood ammonia levels and liver weights, determined as indicators of inflammation, were lower in the bee venom group than in the control group and were close to levels in the healthy group, but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Bee venom administration has protective effects against the development of hepatic encephalopathy and offers a promising therapeutic opportunity in preventive medicine.
Mutation Breeding for Resistance to Striga Hermonthica in Sorghum and Rice for Sustainable Food Production in Sudan
Authors: Awad Ayman Abdel Maged
Published: December 2023

Striga is the most limiting biotic constraint to sorghum and rice production in much of Sudan. This chapter describes protocols used to screen for Striga resistance among gamma irradiated elite sorghum and rice cultivars adapted to Sudanese agroecologies. The original cultivars show high yield potential but are Striga susceptible. The physical mutagenesis attempted to create genetic variants among these Sudanese cultivars with improved Striga resistance. Methods for collecting, cleaning, storing and testing germination of S. hermonthica seeds suitable for resistance screening are also described.
Identification of Closely Related Polymorphisms with Striga Resistance Using Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Cui Songkui , Ghanim Abdelbagi M. A. , Yoshida Satoko
Published: December 2023

Molecular markers are powerful tools to enhance speed of breeding. Recent advances of sequencing technology allow us to identify most polymorphisms in a genome. Whole genome resequencing of an F2 segregating population can identify those polymorphisms that co-segregate with a mutant phenotype, which theoretically include the gene responsible for Striga resistance gained through mutagenesis. This protocol explains the isolation of high-quality genomic DNA for sequencing and step-by-step procedures for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification from bulked F2 sequences.
Symptomatic Non-stenotic Carotid Disease in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Marko Martha , Singh Nishita , Ospel Johanna M. , Uchida Kazutaka , Almekhlafi Mohammed A. , Demchuk Andrew M. , Nogueira Raul G. , McTaggart Ryan A. , Poppe Alexandre Y. , Rempel Jeremy L. , Tymianski Michael , Hill Michael D. , Goyal Mayank , Menon Bijoy K. ,   the ESCAPE-NA1 Investigators
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Non-stenotic (< 50%) carotid disease may play an important etiological role in ischemic stroke classified as embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). We aimed to assess the prevalence of non-stenotic carotid disease and its association with ipsilateral ischemic stroke.

Methods

Data are from ESCAPE-NA1, a randomized controlled trial investigating the neuroprotectant nerinetide in patients with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO). The degree of stenosis of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and high-risk plaque features were assessed on baseline computed tomography (CT) angiography. We evaluated the association of non-stenotic carotid disease and ipsilateral stroke by age-adjusted and sex-adjusted logistic regression and calculated the attributable risk of ipsilateral stroke caused by non-stenotic carotid disease.

Results

After excluding patients with non-assessable imaging, symptomatic > 50% carotid stenosis and extracranial dissection, 799/1105 (72.1%) patients enrolled in ESCAPE-NA1 remained for this analysis. Of these, 127 (15.9%) were classified as ESUS. Non-stenotic carotid disease occurred in 34/127 ESUS patients (26.8%) and was associated with the presence of ipsilateral ischemic stroke (odds ratio, OR 1.6, 95% confidence interval, CI 1.0–2.6, p = 0.049). The risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke attributable to non-stenotic carotid disease in ESUS was estimated to be 19.7% (95% CI −5.7% to 39%), the population attributable risk was calculated as 4.3%. Imaging features such as plaque thickness, plaque irregularity or plaque ulceration were not different between non-stenotic carotids with vs. without ipsilateral stroke.

Conclusion

Non-stenotic carotid disease frequently occurs in patients classified as ESUS and is associated with ipsilateral ischemic stroke. Our findings support the role of non-stenotic carotid disease as stroke etiology in ESUS, but further prospective research is needed to prove a causal relationship.
Häufung von Komplikationen der akuten Otitis media und Sinusitis bei Kindern 2022/2023
Authors: Voß Noemi , Sadok Nadia , Goretzki Sarah , Dohna-Schwake Christian , Meyer Moritz F. , Mattheis Stefan , Lang Stephan , Stähr Kerstin
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund

Akute Mastoiditiden und orbitale Komplikationen der akuten Rhinosinusitis gehören zu den häufigsten Komplikationen pädiatrischer Infektionen in der Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Häufigkeit von akuter Mastoiditis und orbitalen Komplikationen der akuten Rhinosinusitis bei Kindern nach Aufhebung der COVID-19-Sozialdistanzierung im Vergleich zu vor Beginn der Pandemie zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden

In die Studie eingeschlossen wurden alle Kinder mit akuter Mastoiditis und orbitalen Komplikationen bei akuter Sinusitis im Zeitraum von April 2017 bis März 2023, die am untersuchten Universitätsklinikum stationär behandelt wurden. Die drei Zeiträume von April 2017 bis März 2020 (vor der Pandemie in Deutschland), April 2020 bis März 2022 (während der Kontaktbeschränkungen in der Pandemie) und April 2022 bis März 2023 (nach Aufhebung der Kontaktbeschränkungen) wurden mittels deskriptiver Statistik miteinander verglichen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 102 Kinder (43 mit akuter Mastoiditis, 42 %, und 59 mit orbitalen Komplikationen einer akuten Sinusitis, 58 %) eingeschlossen. Im Zeitraum 2022/2023 wurden mehr als doppelt so viele Kinder mit akuter Mastoiditis und circa dreimal so viele Kinder mit orbitalen Komplikationen einer akuten Rhinosinusitis stationär behandelt im Vergleich zum Durchschnitt der Zeiträume 2017/2018, 2018/2019 und 2019/2020. Im Zeitraum 2020/2021 lag die Anzahl dieser Patient:innen unter dem Durchschnitt der vorangegangenen Jahre.

Schlussfolgerung

Die diesjährige saisonale Häufung von Infekten der oberen Atemwege geht einher mit einem überdurchschnittlichen Auftreten von orbitalen Komplikationen und Mastoiditiden.
Perpetual American Options with Asset-Dependent Discounting
Authors: Al-Hadad Jonas , Palmowski Zbigniew
Published: December 2023

In this paper we consider the following optimal stopping problem $$\begin{aligned} V^{\omega }_{\text {A}}(s) = \sup _{\tau \in {\mathcal {T}}} {\mathbb {E}}_{s}[e^{-\int _0^\tau \omega (S_w) dw} g(S_\tau )], \end{aligned}$$

V
A
ω

(
s
)

=

sup

τ
∈
T

E
s

[

e

-

∫
0
τ

ω

(

S
w

)

d
w

g

(

S
τ

)

]

,

where the process $$S_t$$

S
t

is a jump-diffusion process, $${\mathcal {T}}$$
T
is a family of stopping times while g and $$\omega $$
ω
are fixed payoff function and discount function, respectively. In a financial market context, if $$g(s)=(K-s)^+$$

g

(
s
)

=

(
K
-
s
)

+

or $$g(s)=(s-K)^+$$

g

(
s
)

=

(
s
-
K
)

+

and $${\mathbb {E}}$$
E
is the expectation taken with respect to a martingale measure, $$V^{\omega }_{\text {A}}(s)$$

V
A
ω

(
s
)

describes the price of a perpetual American option with a discount rate depending on the value of the asset process $$S_t$$

S
t

. If $$\omega $$
ω
is a constant, the above problem produces the standard case of pricing perpetual American options. In the first part of this paper we find sufficient conditions for the convexity of the value function $$V^{\omega }_{\text {A}}(s)$$

V
A
ω

(
s
)

. This allows us to determine the stopping region as a certain interval and hence we are able to identify the form of $$V^{\omega }_{\text {A}}(s)$$

V
A
ω

(
s
)

. We also present a put-call symmetry for American options with asset-dependent discounting. In the case when $$S_t$$

S
t

is a spectrally negative geometric Lévy process we give exact expressions using the so-called omega scale functions introduced in [30]. We show that the analysed value function satisfies the HJB equation and we give sufficient conditions for the smooth fit property as well. Finally, we present a few examples for which we obtain the analytical form of the value function $${V}^{\omega }_{\text {A}}(s)$$

V

A
ω

(
s
)

.
Deep Cliques in Point Sets
Authors: Langerman Stefan , Mydlarz Marcelo , Welzl Emo
Published: December 2023

Let $$n \in \mathbb {N}$$

n
∈
N

and $$k \in \mathbb {N}_0$$

k
∈

N
0

. Given a set P of n points in the plane, a pair $$\{p,q\}$$

{
p
,
q
}

of points in P is called k-deep, if there are at least k points from P strictly on each side of the line spanned by p and q. A k-deep clique is a subset of P with all its pairs k-deep. We show that if P is in general position (i.e., no three points on a line), there is a k-deep clique of size at least $$ \max \{1,\lfloor \frac{n}{k+1} \rfloor \}$$

max
{
1
,

⌊

n

k
+
1

⌋

}

; this is tight, for example in convex position. A k-deep clique in any set P of n points cannot have size exceeding $$n-\lceil \frac{3k}{2} \rceil $$

n
-
⌈

3
k

2

⌉

; this is tight for $$k \le \frac{n}{3}$$

k
≤

n
3

. Moreover, for $$k \le \lfloor \frac{n}{2} \rfloor - 1$$

k
≤
⌊

n
2

⌋
-
1

, a k-deep clique cannot have size exceeding $$2\sqrt{n(\lfloor \frac{n}{2} \rfloor -k)}$$

2

n
(

⌊

n
2

⌋

-
k
)

; this is tight within a constant factor. We also pay special attention to $$(\frac{n}{2}-1)$$

(

n
2

-
1
)

-deep cliques (for n even), which are called halving cliques. These have been considered in the literature by Khovanova and Yang, 2012, and they play a role in the latter bound above. Every set P in general position with a halving clique Q of size m must have at least $$\lfloor \frac{(m-1)(m+3)}{2}\rfloor $$

⌊

(
m
-
1
)
(
m
+
3
)

2

⌋

points. If Q is in convex position, the set P must have size at least $$m(m-1)$$

m
(
m
-
1
)

. This is tight, i.e., there are sets $$Q_m$$

Q
m

of m points in convex position which can be extended to a set of $$m(m-1)$$

m
(
m
-
1
)

points where $$Q_m$$

Q
m

is a halving clique. Interestingly, this is not the case for all sets Q in convex position (even if parallel connecting lines among point pairs in Q are excluded).
Six Decades of Changes in Pool Characteristics on a Concentric-Patterned Raised Bog
Authors: Colson Daniel W. , Morris Paul J. , Smith Mark W. , Rydin Håkan , Granath Gustaf , Quincey Duncan J.
Published: December 2023

Raised bogs are wetland ecosystems which, under the right climatic conditions, feature patterns of pool hollows and hummock ridges. The relative cover and the spatial arrangement of pool and ridge microforms are thought to be influential on peatland atmosphere carbon gas fluxes and plant biodiversity. The mechanisms responsible for the formation and maintenance of pools, and the stability of these features in response to warming climates, remain topics of ongoing research. We employed historical aerial imagery, combined with a contemporary uncrewed aerial vehicle survey, to study 61 years of changes in pools at a patterned raised bog in central Sweden. We used a pool inheritance method to track individual pools between image acquisition dates throughout the time series. These data show a rapid loss of open-water pool area during the study period, primarily due to overgrowth of open-water pools by Sphagnum. We postulate that these changes are driven by ongoing climate warming that is accelerating Sphagnum colonisation. Open-water pool area declined by 26.8% during the study period, equivalent to a loss of 1001 m2 y−1 across the 150-hectare site. This is contradictory to an existing theory that states pools are highly stable, once formed, and can only convert to a terrestrial state through catastrophic drainage. The pool inheritance analysis shows that smaller pools are liable to become completely terrestrialised and expire. Our findings form part of a growing body of evidence for the loss of open-water habitats in peatlands across the boreal and elsewhere.
Intersecting and dense restrictions of clutters in polynomial time
Authors: Drees Martin
Published: December 2023

A clutter is a family of sets, called members, such that no member contains another. It is called intersecting if every two members intersect, but not all members have a common element. Dense clutters additionally do not have a fractional packing of value 2. We are looking at certain substructures of clutters, namely minors and restrictions. For a family of clutters we introduce a general sufficient condition such that for every clutter we can decide whether the clutter has a restriction in that set in polynomial time. It is known that the sets of intersecting and dense clutters satisfy this condition. For intersecting clutters we generalize the statement to k-wise intersecting clutters using a much simpler proof. We also give a simplified proof that a dense clutter with no proper dense minor is either a delta or the blocker of an extended odd hole. This simplification reduces the running time of the algorithm for finding a delta or the blocker of an extended odd hole minor from previously $${\mathscr {O}}(n^4)$$

O
(

n
4

)

to $${\mathscr {O}}(n^3)$$

O
(

n
3

)

filter oracle calls.
Sketches of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hoo’s: vowels by any other name?
Authors: Ekström Axel G. , Edlund Jens
Published: December 2023

In human speech, the close back rounded vowel /u/ (the vowel in “boot”) is articulated with the tongue arched toward the dorsal boundary of the hard palate, with the pharyngeal cavity open. Acoustic and perceptual properties of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) hoo’s are similar to those of the human vowel /u/. However, the vocal tract morphology of chimpanzees likely limits their phonetic capabilities, so that it is unlikely, or even impossible, that their articulation is comparable to that of a human. To determine how qualities of the vowel /u/ may be achieved given the chimpanzee vocal tract, we calculated transfer functions of the vocal tract area for tube models of vocal tract configurations in which vocal tract length, length and area of a laryngeal air sac simulacrum, length of lip protrusion, and area of lip opening were systematically varied. The method described is principally acoustic; we make no claim as to the actual shape of the chimpanzee vocal tract during call production. Nonetheless, we demonstrate that it may be possible to achieve the acoustic and perceptual qualities of back vowels without a reconfigured human vocal tract. The results, while tentative, suggest that the production of hoo’s by chimpanzees, while achieving comparable vowel-like qualities to the human /u/, may involve articulatory gestures that are beyond the range of the human articulators. The purpose of this study was to (1) stimulate further simulation research on great ape articulation, and (2) show that apparently vowel-like phenomena in nature are not necessarily indicative of evolutionary continuity per se.
The protective efficacy of dual dietary rosemary plus cinnamon mix against lead nitrate-induced immune suppression, genotoxicity, and oxidant/antioxidant status in Nile tilapia fingerlings
Authors: Abdel-Tawwab Mohsen , Elabd Hiam , Mahboub Heba H. , Assayed Mohamed Ezzat M. , Hamed Heba S. , Elsayyad Asmaa , Mohamed Engy M. M.
Published: December 2023

Lead (Pb) is a common heavy metal, which negatively influences the health and performance of aquatic organisms. The aquatic pollution with Pb is increasing day after day due to the increase in human activities, agricultural, and mining activities among others. Lead was regarded as oxidative stressor causing mutagenic and physiological disorders in aquatic animals. Hence, the current perspective assessed the promoting effects of dietary mixture of rosemary plus cinnamon (R + C) intervention on growth, hemato-biochemical, and hepatic oxidative biomarkers in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to a sub-lethal dose of lead nitrate (7.94 mg Pb/L) for 60 days. Fish were distributed into four equal groups; T1 was kept as a control group, T2 was fed on 10 g R + C/kg feed, and T3 and T4 were fed on the control diet and 10 g R + C/kg feed, respectively, along with lead nitrate exposure. Findings of the present study indicated that, upon exposure to Pb (T3), growth, hemato-biochemical, and immune indices in Nile tilapia were notably reduced compared with that of the control group (T1). Meanwhile, stress (blood glucose, cortisol, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase), hepatic oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) biomarkers, and DNA fragmentation percentage were significantly augmented in T3 vs T1. Additionally, exposing fish to lead nitrate caused immune suppression compared with the control group (T3 vs T1). On the other hand, the dietary supplementation of R + C mix to Nile tilapia (T2) enhanced its growth performance, antioxidant, and immune status. Feeding Pb-intoxicated Nile tilapia on R + C mix (T4) mitigated the oxidative damage and immune suppression induced by lead nitrate exposure compared with T3. Based on the present study outcomes, we opine that feeding Nile tilapia with rosemary plus cinnamon mixture (10 g/kg feed) has protective effects against lead nitrate-induced stress, physiological alterations, and oxidative damage.
PCSK9: an emerging player in cardiometabolic aging and its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker
Authors: Csiszar Anna , Tarantini Stefano , Yabluchanskiy Andriy , Ungvari Zoltan
Published: December 2023

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), renowned for its pivotal role in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) regulation, has emerged as a compelling regulator of cardiometabolic aging. Beyond its well-established involvement in cholesterol metabolism, PCSK9’s multifaceted influence on the aging processes of the cardiovascular and metabolic systems is garnering increasing attention. This review delves into the evolving landscape of PCSK9 in the context of cardiometabolic aging, offering fresh insights into its potential implications. Drawing inspiration from pioneering research conducted by the Pacher laboratory (Arif et al., Geroscience, 2023, PMID: 37726433), we delve into the intricate interplay of PCSK9 within the aging heart and liver, shedding light on its newfound significance. Recent studies underscore PCSK9’s pivotal role in liver aging, suggesting intriguing connections between hepatic aging, lipid metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, we explore the therapeutic potential of PCSK9 as both a target and a biomarker, within the context of age-related cardiovascular disease.
Determination of 3- and 4-chloromethcathinone interactions with plasma proteins: study involving analytical and theoretical methods
Authors: Holowinski Piotr , Dybowski Michal P.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to determine 3- and 4-chloromethcathinone (3- and 4-CMC) binding degree and possible binding interaction modes with human serum albumin (HSA) using analytical and theoretical methods.

Methods

Experimental determination of 3- and 4-CMC binding degree with HSA was performed using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry preceded by the equilibrium dialysis (ED) and ultrafiltration (UF). Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to determine 3- and 4-CMC epitope-binding maps and possible binding sites in HSA. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics were employed to obtain detailed information about binding modes of 3- and 4-CMC enantiomers in HSA.

Results

As follows from the presented data, the degree of binding of 3- and 4-CMC is at a similar level of approx. 80%. This indicates a relatively strong binding of CMC to plasma proteins. The model studies employing the NMR spectroscopy and molecular simulations indicate that both CMCs bind to HSA. The whole 3- and 4-CMC molecules are embedded in the binding sites, with aromatic moieties being in the closest contact with the HSA residues. Moreover, conducted experiments show that  Sudlow site II is the main binding center for 3- and 4-CMC and  Sudlow site I acts as the secondary binding site.

Conclusions

Although many studies describe pharmacological and toxicological properties of synthetic cathinones (SC), the data taking SCs binding in plasma into consideration are scarce. To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting comprehensive experimental and theoretical characterization of 3- and 4-CMC binding with plasma proteins.
Dynamics of a Mosquito Egg-Larvae Model with Seasonality
Authors: Bellver-Arnau Jesús , Margheri Alessandro , Rebelo Carlota
Published: December 2023

We propose a two stages mosquito egg-larvae model with seasonality as a simplification of a four stages one. For the simplified model we characterize the dynamics in terms of the vectorial reproduction number, $$R_0$$

R
0

, obtaining extinction if $$R_0\le 1$$

R
0

≤
1

and convergence to a unique positive periodic orbit if $$R_0>1$$

R
0

>
1

. We illustrate each case with an example, by providing general conditions on the periodic coefficients for its occurrence. These examples are further developed using numerical simulations where the periodic parameters satisfy the conditions obtained. In the $$R_0>1$$

R
0

>
1

case, real climatic data is used for inferring the parameter behaviour. For the four stage system, using alternative oviposition rate functions, we present a result which generalizes others given for models with delays and even with diffusion to the case in which competition between the larvae is introduced. The analytical study of our initial four stages system when $$R_0\ge 1$$

R
0

≥
1

remains open, since we were not able to prove that in this case the system is dissipative.
On the Mechanisms of the Cardiotoxic Effect of Lead Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Minigaliyeva Ilzira A. , Klinova Svetlana V. , Sutunkova Marina P. , Ryabova Yuliya V. , Valamina Irene E. , Shelomentsev Ivan G. , Shtin Tatiana N. , Bushueva Tatiana V. , Protsenko Yuri L. , Balakin Alexander A. , Lisin Ruslan V. , Kuznetsov Daniil A. , Katsnelson Boris A. , Toropova Liubov V.
Published: December 2023

Lead compounds are one of the most common pollutants of the workplace air and the environment. In the occupational setting, the sources of their emission, including in nanoscale form, are various technological processes associated with lead smelting and handling of non-ferrous metals and their alloys, the production of copper and batteries. Both lead poisoning and lead exposure without obvious signs of poisoning have a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanisms of the cardiotoxic effect of lead oxide nanoparticles (PbO NPs). The toxicological experiment involved male albino rats subchronically exposed to PbO NPs (49.6 ± 16.0 nm in size) instilled intraperitoneally in a suspension. We then assessed post-exposure hematological and biochemical parameters of blood and urine, histological and ultrastructural changes in cardiomyocytes, and non-invasively recorded electrocardiograms and blood pressure parameters in the rodents. Myocardial contractility was studied on isolated preparations of cardiac muscles. We established that PbO NPs induced oxidative stress and damage to the ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes, and decreased efficiency of the contractile function of the myocardium and blood pressure parameters. We also revealed such specific changes in the organism of the exposed rats as anemia, hypoxia, and hypocalcemia.

Graphical Abstract
Preclinical Proof-of-Concept of a Minimally Invasive Direct Cardiac Compression Device for Pediatric Heart Support
Authors: Hord Erica C. , Hager Melanie P. , Bolch Christina M. , Bonugli Katherine , Guo Lee-Jae , Tuzun Egemen , Criscione John C.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

For pediatric patients, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) remains the predominant mechanical circulatory support (MCS) modality for heart failure (HF) although survival to discharge rates remain between 50 and 60% for these patients. The device-blood interface and disruption of physiologic hemodynamics are significant contributors to poor outcomes.

Methods

In this study, we evaluate the preclinical feasibility of a minimally invasive, non-blood-contacting pediatric DCC prototype for temporary MCS. Proof-of-concept is demonstrated in vivo in an animal model of HF. Hemodynamic pressures and flows were examined.

Results

Minimally invasive deployment on the beating heart was successful without cardiopulmonary bypass or anticoagulation. During HF, device operation resulted in an immediate 43% increase in cardiac output while maintaining pulsatile hemodynamics. Compared to the pre-HF baseline, the device recovered up to 95% of ventricular stroke volume. At the conclusion of the study, the device was easily removed from the beating heart.

Conclusions

This preclinical proof-of-concept study demonstrated the feasibility of a DCC device on a pediatric scale that is minimally invasive and non-blood contacting, with promising hemodynamic support and durability for the initial intended duration of use. The ability of DCC to maintain pulsatile MCS without blood contact represents an opportunity to mitigate the mortality and morbidity observed in non-pulsatile, blood-contacting MCS.
Computational Comparison of the Mechanical Behavior of Aortic Stent-Grafts Derived from Auxetic Unit Cells
Authors: Vellaparambil Rahul , Han Woo-Suck , Di Giovanni Pierluigi , Avril Stéphane
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Inappropriate stent-graft (SG) flexibility has been frequently associated with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) complications such as endoleaks, kinks, and SG migration, especially in tortuous arteries. Stents derived from auxetic unit cells have shown some potential to address these issues as they offer an optimum trade-off between radial stiffness and bending flexibility.

Methods

In this study, we utilized an established finite element (FE)-based approach to replicate the mechanical response of a SG iliac limb derived from auxetic unit cells in a virtual tortuous iliac aneurysm using a combination of a 180° U-bend and intraluminal pressurization. This study aimed to compare the mechanical performance (flexibility and durability) of SG limbs derived from auxetic unit cells and two commercial SG limbs (Z-stented SG and circular-stented SG models) in a virtual tortuous iliac aneurysm. Maximal graft strain and maximum stress in stents were employed as criteria to estimate the durability of SGs, whereas the maximal luminal reduction rate and the bending stiffness were used to assess the flexibility of the SGs.

Results

SG limbs derived from auxetic unit cells demonstrated low luminal reduction (range 4–12%) with no kink, in contrast to Z-stented SG, which had a kink in its central area alongside a high luminal reduction (44%).

Conclusions

SG limbs derived from auxetic unit cells show great promise for EVAR applications even at high angulations such as 180°, with acceptable levels of durability and flexibility.
Beharrlich, strategisch, integriert. Zur Vorhersage akademischer Studienadaptation von Lehramtsstudierenden durch Beharrlichkeit und den Einsatz von Lernstrategien
Authors: Malai Dumitru , Vogel Sebastian , Lipowsky Frank
Published: December 2023

Studienadaption als Anpassungsprozess an das universitäre Umfeld ist im Studium von großer Bedeutung, da eine mangelnde soziale oder akademische Adaption zum Studienabbruch führen kann. Der Zusammenhang der akademischen Studienadaption mit Aspekten strategischen Lernverhaltens, wie etwa der Nutzung von Lernstrategien und der Beharrlichkeit als Aspekt der Leistungsmotivation, wurde bisher nur unzureichend untersucht. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, welche Lernstrategien in Kombination mit Beharrlichkeit die akademische Studienadaption vorhersagen.

Die Untersuchung basiert auf einer Kohorte Lehramtsstudierender, die zu zwei Messzeitpunkten – zu Beginn (N = 333) und in der Mitte des Studiums (N = 298) – befragt wurden.

Die Ergebnisse der multiplen linearen Regressionen und Mediatoranalysen zeigen, dass die akademische Adaption sowohl zu Studienbeginn als auch in der Mitte des Studiums vor allem durch Beharrlichkeit, interne ressourcenbezogene Lernstrategien (z. B. Management von Aufmerksamkeit, Anstrengung und Zeit) und externe ressourcenbezogene Strategien (z. B. gemeinsames Lernen mit Kommiliton*innen, Gebrauch von Fachliteratur und Lernraumgestaltung) vorhergesagt wird.
Evaluating Longevity as a Farm Animal Welfare Indicator
Authors: Mann Stefan
Published: December 2023

In assessing the welfare of dairy cows and laying hens, longevity has recently been introduced as an indicator. This paper presents recent attempts to transfer the normative power of longevity to non-human animals and evaluates this choice systematically. It first shows that the normative power of longevity can be justified by utilitarianism but not by rights-based approaches. The case of the ban to kill day-old chicks in Germany is then used to show that public opinion leans neither to the utilitarian approach nor to the rights-based one but draws a firm line between killing animals before and after reaching an adult age. This may be not so much a desire for longevity among farmed animals but a first sign of empathy that may transform our relationship with farmed animals.
Development of quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) relations for dual-polarization radars based on raindrop size distribution measurements in Metro Manila, Philippines
Authors: Ibañez Marco Polo A. , Martirez Samuel C. , Pura Alvin G. , Sajulga Ramjun A. , Cayanan Esperanza O. , Jou Ben Jong-Dao , Chang Wei-Yu
Published: December 2023

Quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) can be further improved using estimation algorithms derived from localized raindrop size distribution (DSD) observations. In this study, DSD measurements from two disdrometer stations within Metro Manila during the Southwest monsoon (SWM) period were used to investigate the microphysical properties of rainfall and develop localized dual-polarimetric relations for different radar bands and rainfall types. Observations show that the DSD in Metro Manila is more distributed to larger diameters compared to Southern Luzon and neighboring countries and regions in the Western Pacific. This is reflected by the relatively higher mass-weighted mean diameter (Dm) and smaller shape (μ) and slope (Λ) parameters measured in the region. The average values of Dm and normalized intercept parameter (Nw) in convective rain samples also suggest that convective rains in Metro Manila are highly influenced by both continental and oceanic convective processes. Dual-polarimetric variables simulated using the T-matrix scattering method showed good agreement with disdrometer-derived reflectivity (ZH) values. The 0.5 dB and 0.3° km−1 thresholds for the differential reflectivity (ZDR) and specific differential phase (KDP) based on the blended algorithm of Cifelli (J Atmos Ocean Technol 28:352-364, 2011) and Thompson et al. (2017) are proven to be useful since the utility of the dual-polarimetric variables as rainfall estimators are shown to have dependencies on the radar band and rainfall type. Evaluation of the QPE products with respect to the C-band shows that R (KDP, ZDR) has the best performance among the dual-pol relations and statistically outperformed the conventional Marshall & Palmer relation [R(ZMP)]. The results show that dual-polarimetric variables such as ZDR and KDP can better represent the DSD properties compared to one-dimensional Z, hence providing more accurate QPE products than the conventional R(Z) relations.
Mechanical properties of straw basalt fiber reinforced concrete composites
Authors: Elbashiry Elsafi Mohamed Adam , Osman Bashir H.
Published: December 2023

One of the biggest problems responsible of the nonrenewable resources depletion and environmental issues is the construction industries, which generates large amounts of mineral waste and harmful emitted gases. Therefore, these problems generated the necessity to search for alternative natural building materials based on renewable resources. To study the mechanical characteristics and microstructural behavior of the concrete reinforced by raw wheat straw basalt fiber composite (RWSBFc), and treated rice straw basalt fiber composite (TRSBFc), a number of experimental tests were carried out with different composites ratios. Concrete compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength tests were considered as main parameters. The results showed that the RWSBFC has a positive effect on concrete flexural strength by increasing of 12.58%, compared with control samples. Also, it showed good enhancement in concrete flexibility and ductility. In contrast, both RWSBFc and TRSBFc showed uneven deterioration in concrete compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. To avoid the deterioration in compressive strengths of the various composites types, some improvement methods such as processors for the used straw, and adding some additives were recommended.