bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing cross‐talk of EPO and EGF genes along with evaluating therapeutic potential of Cinnamomum verum in cigarette‐smoke‐induced lung pathophysiology in rat model
Authors: Anwar Haseeb , Navaid Soha , Muzaffar Humaira , Hussain Ghulam , Faisal Muhammad Naeem , Ijaz Muhammad Umar , Riđanović Sanel
Published: January 2023

The integrity of the distal alveolar epithelium is crucial for lung regeneration following an injury. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Cinnamomum verum extract; cross‐talk of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and erythropoietin (EPO) genes in a smoke‐induced lung injury rat model. For experimentation (n = 27), albino rats were divided equally into three groups, i.e., negative control (NC), positive control (PC), and treatment group (TG). Cigarette smoke was exposed to PC and TG (4 CG/day). C. verum was given orally (350 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Decapitation (n = 3) was done on 14th, 18th, and 21st days, respectively. Analyses (hematology, biochemical, high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC], histology, and gene expression) were carried out and results were statistically analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance. HPLC analysis of ethanolic extract of C. verum was done to identify the presence of phenolic constituents which showed high concentrations of quercetin and P‐coumaric acid. Serum oxidative parameters such as total oxidant status, malondialdehyde, and hematological parameters such as red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and white blood cells were significantly (p < .05) elevated in the PC group; however, these parameters were significantly (p < .05) improved in TG. While total antioxidant capacity and serum parameters such as total protein, albumin, and globulin were significantly (p < .05) reduced in the PC group but significantly improved (p < .05) in TG. Histological analysis revealed that smoke exposure resulted in a measurable increase in alveolar septal thickening while ethanolic extract of C. verum greatly ameliorated the histopathological changes in the lung alveoli. The gene expression analysis of EGF and EPO genes showed a significant upregulation (p < .05) of both genes in PC group while in TG, the level of both genes downregulated, in which lung damage was ameliorated due to cytoprotective effects of ethanolic extract of C. verum.
Hospital‐based salient prevention and control measures to counteract the 2022 monkeypox outbreak
Authors: Ahmed Sirwan K. , El‐Kader Rabab G. A. , Lorenzo Jose M. , Chakraborty Chiranjib , Dhama Kuldeep , Mohammed Mona G. , Rehman Mohammad Ebad Ur , Abdulrahman Daria S.
Published: January 2023

Monkeypox (MPX) has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. As of November 4, 2022, 78,000 verified cases from 109 countries and territories, and 40 deaths have been reported due to MPX. The present article highlights salient hospital‐based prevention and control measures to be adopted and their critical role to mitigate the ongoing MPX outbreaks and global public health emergency.
The role of the natural history museum in promoting word learning for young children
Authors: Lester Nicola , Theakston Anna , Twomey Katherine E.
Published: January 2023

Although strong claims have been made about museums being ideal word learning environments, these are yet to be empirically supported. In the current study, 152 four‐ to five‐year‐olds children (81‐M, 71‐F) from minority backgrounds were taught six vocabulary items either in a museum, in their classroom with museum resources, or in their classroom with classroom resources. At test, children taught in their classroom with museum resources produced significantly more correct responses than children taught in the museum or in their classroom with classroom resources. Children were also significantly better at retaining the target vocabulary items than recalling them. These data demonstrate how context can impact word learning and point to the benefits of a collaborative relationship between schools and museums to support children's language development.
Pre‐pragmatic language use in toddlerhood: Developmental antecedents, aetiological factors, and associations to autism
Authors: Rudling Maja , Portugal Ana Maria , Bölte Sven , Falck‐Ytter Terje
Published: January 2023

Background

Pragmatic language is key for adaptive communication, but often compromised in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Decontextualized language—to talk about events and things beyond here and now—develops early in childhood and can be seen as a pre‐pragmatic ability. Little is known about the factors that contribute to decontextualized language use in toddlers and whether these are different from factors contributing to general language development.

Methods

We studied longitudinal associations between parent‐rated core language and non‐verbal socio‐communicative abilities at 14 months of age, and decontextualized language use at 24 months of age in children with typical and elevated likelihood of ASD (total N = 303). Using twin modelling, we also investigated genetic and environmental contributions on decontextualized language and grammar use in two‐year‐old twin pairs (total N = 374).

Results

Core language ability was a strong predictor of later decontextualized language use in both children with and without an elevated likelihood of ASD. In contrast, social communication was only a significant predictor of decontextualized language use for children with low levels of core language. This pattern was specific to decontextualized language, and not replicated in prediction of concurrent grammatical ability. Further, there was a large genetic influence on decontextualized language at 2 years of age, which mostly overlapped with the genetic influences on grammatical ability. Shared environment influences were significant for grammatical ability, but not found on decontextualized language. In children with an elevated likelihood of ASD, decontextualized language use was negatively associated with autistic symptoms.

Conclusions

This study suggests that decontextualized language is developmentally associated with, yet dissociable from, more general language development measured as grammatical ability. Already at 2 years of age, parental ratings of decontextualized language is associated to clinician‐rated symptoms of ASD.
Level‐set‐based method for designing novel brushed synchronous machines
Authors: Ristagno Baptiste , Devornique Geoffrey , Giraud Dominique , Fontchastagner Julien , Netter Denis , Takorabet Noureddine , Labbe Nicolas
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, research on electromagnetic devices increasingly focuses on multiphysics three‐dimensional complex systems. However, this kind of simulations require huge computational resources and consequently very high CPU time. Ristagno et al. proposed a level‐set based method allowing meshing step savings in any iterative processes (as movement modeling or optimization processes). The level‐set method lies in implicit description of moving fronts as described in the study by Osher et al. (1988). Inspired by Räisänen et al., all physical parameters (material properties, supply or armature movement) are implemented by projection of mathematical functions. In this paper, the authors proposes to study and design a new kind of mechanical commutator for DC machines thanks to this coupled method. Indeed, there is a renewed interest in DC machines because they can be suitable for small mobilities. To be noted, small mobility concerns all kind of vehicles (2 wheels–4 wheels–autonomous vehicles such as drones) that have speeds below 50 km/h. However, specifications for traction applications are difficult to achieve for such a rustic machine and requires some modifications. That is why, inspired by usual synchronous machine, the commutator has been redesigned to obtain expected theoretically signal waveform. Furthermore, numerical coupled simulations have been used to design both machine and supply simultaneously. This work has led to the manufacture of a proof of concept and preliminary results are very promising.
The oncologic efficacy of extended thoracic resections
Authors: Kader Sarah , Watkins Ammara , Servais Elliot L.
Published: January 2023

Locally invasive lung cancers pose unique challenges for management. Surgical resection of these tumors can pose high morbidity due to the invasion into surrounding structures, including the spine, chest wall, and great vessels. With advances in immunotherapy and chemoradiation, the role for radical resection of these malignancies and associated oncologic outcomes is evolving. This article reviews the current literature of extended thoracic resections with a focus on technical approach, functional outcomes, and oncologic efficacy.
Three‐dimensional technologies in chest wall resection and reconstruction
Authors: Young John S. , McAllister Miles , Marshall M. Blair
Published: January 2023

Resection and reconstruction of the chest wall can pose unique challenges given its vital role in the protection of the thoracic viscera and the dynamic part it plays in respiration. A number of new three‐dimensional (3D) technologies may be invaluable in tackling these challenges. Herein we review the use of 3D technologies in preoperative imaging with virtual 3D models, printing of 3D models for preoperative planning, and printing of 3D prostheses when approaching complex chest wall reconstruction.
A dual‐band dual‐sense circularly polarized antenna based on chiral structure
Authors: Wang Yan , Yang Xue‐Xia
Published: January 2023

A millimeter‐wave (MMW) dual‐band dual‐sense (DBDS) circular polarization (CP) antenna based on a chiral structure is presented. An arc parasitic patch is loaded around a circular patch to have chiral characteristics. This structure exhibits bi‐isotropy to the electromagnetic wave. The linear polarization (LP) wave passes through the chiral structure and excites the orthogonal left‐handed (LH) and right‐handed (RH) CP waves. The antenna is fabricated and measured. The LHCP radiation is achieved in the range between 23.75 and 24.25 GHz, and the RHCP radiation is between 27.75 and 28.25 GHz. The realized gains reach 6.9 dBic at 24 GHz and reach 7.1 dBic at 28 GHz. The proposed antenna has a profile of 1.044 mm (0.08 λ) and occupies an area of 0.54 λ × 0.54 λ, λ is the free‐space wavelength at the lower frequency and is convenient for array design.
Real‐time versus retrospective self‐report assessment of loss‐of‐control eating in adults undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea B. , Smith Kathryn E. , Thomas J. Graham , Espel‐Huynh Hallie M. , Jones Daniel B. , Vithiananthan Sivamainthan , Bond Dale S.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Loss‐of‐control (LOC) eating is common in adults undergoing bariatric surgery. Agreement between real‐time and retrospective assessment methods is unclear.

Methods

Adults with severe obesity reported on LOC eating over the preceding 28 days via Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) items and in near real time over 10 days via ecological momentary assessment (EMA; involving daily repeated surveys delivered via smartphone in the natural environment), with both assessment forms completed before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Wilcoxon signed rank tests and generalized linear mixed models were used to compare participants' EDE‐Q and EMA reports of subjectively and objectively large LOC episodes across time points.

Results

Participants reported subjectively large LOC episodes more frequently via EMA than EDE‐Q across time points, although differences did not reach statistical significance (all p > 0.05). Conversely, objectively large LOC episodes were more frequently reported via EDE‐Q than EMA, with differences reaching significance at 6 months post surgery only (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Agreement between real‐time and retrospective assessments of LOC eating varied by episode size and time elapsed in the year following surgery. These findings should be considered when designing assessment batteries for bariatric surgery–seeking adults and when extrapolating research findings across studies with diverging methods of real‐time versus retrospective self‐report assessment of LOC eating in adults undergoing bariatric surgery.
Validation of the Entrainment Signal Regularity Index and associations with children's changes in BMI
Authors: Moreno Jennette P. , Hannay Kevin M. , Goetz Amy R. , Walch Olivia , Cheng Philip
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Objective

This study examined the validity of a novel metric of circadian health, the Entrainment Signal Regularity Index (ESRI), and its relationship to changes in BMI during the school year and summer.

Methods

In a longitudinal observational data set, this study examined the relationship between ESRI score and children's (n = 119, 5‐ to 8‐year‐olds) sleep and physical activity levels during the school year and summer, differences in ESRI score during the school year and summer, and the association of ESRI score during the school year and summer with changes in BMI across those time periods.

Results

The ESRI score was higher during the school year (0.70 ± 0.10) compared with summer (0.63 ± 0.11); t(111) = 5.484, p < 0.001. Whereas the ESRI score at the beginning of the school year did not significantly predict BMI change during the school year (β = 0.05 ± 0.09 SE, p = 0.57), having a higher ESRI score during summer predicted smaller increases in BMI during summer (β = −0.22 ± 0.10 SE, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Overall, children demonstrated higher entrainment regularity during the school year compared with the summer. During summer, having a higher entrainment signal was associated with smaller changes in summertime BMI. This effect was independent of the effects of children's sleep midpoint, sleep regularity, and physical activity on children's BMI.
SERS‐Based Biosensors Combined with Machine Learning for Medical Application**
Authors: Ding Yan , Sun Yang , Liu Cheng , Jiang Qiao‐Yan , Chen Feng , Cao Yue
Published: January 2023

Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has shown strength in non‐invasive, rapid, trace analysis and has been used in many fields in medicine. Machine learning (ML) is an algorithm that can imitate human learning styles and structure existing content with the knowledge to effectively improve learning efficiency. Integrating SERS and ML can have a promising future in the medical field. In this review, we summarize the applications of SERS combined with ML in recent years, such as the recognition of biological molecules, rapid diagnosis of diseases, developing of new immunoassay techniques, and enhancing SERS capabilities in semi‐quantitative measurements. Ultimately, the possible opportunities and challenges of combining SERS with ML are addressed.
New simulation insights on the structural transition mechanism of bovine rhodopsin activation
Authors: Damodaran Kamalesh , Khan Taushif , Bickel David , Jaya Sreeshma , Vranken Wim F. , Sudandiradoss Chinnappan
Published: January 2023

Inactive rhodopsin can absorb photons, which induces different structural transitions that finally activate rhodopsin. We have examined the change in spatial configurations and physicochemical factors that result during the transition mechanism from the inactive to the active rhodopsin state via intermediates. During the activation process, many existing atomic contacts are disrupted, and new ones are formed. This is related to the movement of Helix 5, which tilts away from Helix 3 in the intermediate state in lumirhodopsin and moves closer to Helix 3 again in the active state. Similar patterns of changing atomic contacts are observed between Helices 3 and 5 of the adenosine and neurotensin receptors. In addition, residues 220–238 of rhodopsin, which are disordered in the inactive state, fold in the active state before binding to the Gα, where it catalyzes GDP/GTP exchange on the Gα subunit. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations in the membrane environment revealed that the arrestin binding region adopts a more flexible extended conformation upon phosphorylation, likely promoting arrestin binding and inactivation. In summary, our results provide additional structural understanding of specific rhodopsin activation which might be relevant to other Class A G protein‐coupled receptor proteins.
Kriging‐based reliability analysis for a multi‐output structural system with multiple response Gaussian process
Authors: Qian Hua‐Ming , Wei Jing , Huang Hong‐Zhong , Dong Qingbing , Li Yan‐Feng
Published: January 2023

This paper proposes an active learning Kriging (ALK) based reliability analysis method for a multi‐output structural system by using a multiple response Gaussian process (MRGP) model. Firstly, various failure modes, including their interactions, are involved in a multi‐output structural system. The MRGP model is used to construct the surrogate model directly because it can efficiently characterize the correlation between different failure modes. The particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is integrated into the MRGP model to optimize the hyperparameter. Secondly, similar to ALK‐based reliability method, three improved functions for these common learning functions (e.g., U‐function, EFF‐function, H‐function) are proposed, which consider the distance requirement between the iteration sample point and training samples. Finally, the cross‐validation methodology is employed as the stopping criterion and several numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness.
Strong precious metal–metal oxide interaction for oxygen reduction reaction: A strategy for efficient catalyst design
Authors: Zhang Wei , Chang Jinfa , Yang Yang
Published: January 2023

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is an electrochemical reaction in which dissolved oxygen in an electrolyte is reduced to OH−/H2O when receiving electrons. This reaction plays a crucial role in shaping the efficiency of both metal–air batteries and fuel cells, and precious metals are the dominant catalysts carrying out the ORR in their cathodes. However, how to manipulate the electronic structure of precious metals as active sites to further promote ORR performance and maximize the utilization rate is still under development. Metal oxide serves as suitable and promising support that can strongly interact with precious metals for both activity and durability enhancement. Herein, we present recent research updates on strong precious metal–metal oxide interaction (SPMMOI) utilized in ORR. We start by introducing the background of ORR, the issues to be solved, and its practical applications followed by a thorough discussion of the reaction mechanism and comprehensive evaluation protocols of performance. We then provide a complete understanding of the working principle of SPMMOI and highlight the related advances. Finally, we summarize the merits of the precious metal–metal oxide system and propose the research direction as well as some urgent problems to be addressed in the future.
Hydrogen sulfide removal from fermentative biohydrogen process: Effect of ZSM‐5 zeolite loading
Authors: Asman Muhammad Khairul Adha , Lutpi Nabilah Aminah , Wong Yee‐Shian , Hanif Muhammad Adli , Ong Soon‐An , Dahalan Farrah Aini , Iberahim Nur Izzati , Hamdzah Myzairah
Published: January 2023

The production and consumption of biohydrogen is growing because it is a “green,” renewable energy that can be obtained in a relatively cost‐effective manner through anaerobic digestion. Biohydrogen produced from biomass is a viable source of renewable energy; nevertheless, the presence of highly toxic and corrosive hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the process can hinder the quality of biohydrogen production and limit its application in energy conversion equipment. Consequently, the goal of the research was to assess the feasibility of using ZSM‐5 zeolite for H2S adsorption that function as activating agent to enhance biohydrogen quality under thermophilic conditions. The effect of ZMS‐5 Zeolite loading (0.2–1.0 g) on biohydrogen production via dark fermentation from mixed fruit waste (MFW) was investigated using anaerobic sludge from a sewage treatment plant. The pH of the broth mixture was adjusted to 6.0, anaerobic conditions were created by purging it with nitrogen gas, and the temperature of the fermentative biohydrogen process was maintained at 60°C. Meanwhile, the H2S adsorption test was run at ambient temperature with flow rates (100 ml/min) and an H2S inlet concentration of 10000 ppm. The results indicate that the Z + H2S exhibit spectral lines corresponding to the S‐H asymmetric stretching vibration of H2S at 2345.97 cm−1. The ideal adsorption capacity is at 0.8 g with yet, increasing the dosage amount of adsorbents, increases the time required for the adsorbent to achieve 90% saturation. The non‐linear curve fitting demonstrated that the adsorption kinetics of all dosages used followed those of the Avrami kinetic model. This approach of using ZSM‐5 zeolite for H2S removal provides an advantage in terms of minimizing environmental pollution and having great potential uses in industrial processes.
Algorithms push forward the application of MALDI–TOF mass fingerprinting in rapid precise diagnosis
Authors: Zhu Yingdi , Girault Hubert H.
Published: January 2023

Macromolecular mass fingerprinting using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry is a quick tool for biochemical analysis. In combination with algorithms for automated data analysis and interpretation, it has wide application potentials in life science, especially for diagnostic purposes. This review aims to illustrate recent advances of this analytical tool, focusing on the improvement of the experimental techniques, the data analysis algorithms, and more importantly the applications in rapid precise diagnosis.
Effect of unripe banana flour as a functional feed ingredient on growth performance, internal organ relative weight and carcass traits of broilers
Authors: Rahmawati Oktafia Munita , Sugiharto Sugiharto , Yudiarti Turrini , Widiastuti Endang , Wahyuni Hanny Indrat , Sartono Tri Agus , Agusetyaningsih Ikania , Ayasan Tugay
Published: January 2023

Background

Following the prohibition of in‐feed antibiotics, poultry nutritionists are increasingly interested in the use of functional feed. Unripe banana flour (UBF) contains significant amounts of oligosaccharides (which may act as prebiotics) and antioxidants, making it a potential functional feed for broilers. However, research on the use of UBF as a functional feed ingredient for broilers is limited.

Objectives

The study investigated the effect of UBF with or without probiotic and multienzyme on growth, internal organ weight and carcass characteristics of broilers.

Methods

A total of 392 broiler chicks were distributed into 4 groups included CONT (chicks receiving control feed), UBF (chicks receiving 5% UBF in feed), UBFPRO (5% UBF plus 0.05% probiotics) and UBFZYM (5% UBF plus 0.05% multienzyme). Data on growth performance were weekly recorded, whereas data on internal organs and carcass were collected on day 38.

Results

Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was lower (p < 0.05) in UBF, UBFPRO and UBFZYM than that in CONT chicks, with no significant difference in body weight, body weight gain and feed intake. There was a tendency that gizzard was higher (p = 0.08) in CONT than in UBF chicks. Also, pancreas tended (p = 0.09) to be lower in UBFZYM than in CONT birds. There was a notable effect (p < 0.05) of dietary treatments on the yellowness (b*) values of thigh meats, in which UBFPRO had lower b* values than that of CONT but did not differ from that of UBF and UBFZYM. There was no difference (p < 0.05) in carcass and commercial proportion of broilers.

Conclusions

Feeding of 5% UBF with or without probiotic and multienzyme improved FCR, without negatively affecting the carcass characteristics of broilers.
Rapid vascular uptake of contrast media during retrograde urethrocystography in a dog with pyogranulomatous prostatitis
Authors: Glebocka Magdalena , Jardim Gomes Barbara , Kilpatrick Scott , Leeming Gail , Swales Harry
Published: January 2023

A 6‐year old, male, neutered German shepherd dog, with a bodyweight of 58 kg, was presented for investigation of relapsing dysuria following 2 years of adequate medical control of suspected detrusor urethral dyssynergia. During retrograde contrast urethrocystography, contrast media was visible in the prostatic vessels and caudal vena cava, suggesting rapid vascular uptake. Postmortem histopathological evaluation of the prostate was consistent with pyogranulomatous prostatitis.
A survey of gastrointestinal parasites in dogs illegally entering the UK (2015–2017)
Authors: Fisher Margaret A. , Rees Beth , Capner Colin , Pritchard Susie , Holdsworth Peter A. , Fitzgerald Ronan A.
Published: January 2023

Background

This study involving non‐compliant, seized dogs entering the UK surveyed endoparasites detected in faecal samples. A focus was placed on taeniid infection as the detection of these tapeworms acts as a marker for failure of effective tapeworm treatment.

Methods

Individual faecal samples taken from 65 dogs over a 24‐month period were examined for helminth eggs, for protozoal oocysts and cysts, using a centrifugal flotation technique. Any sample presenting positive results for taeniid eggs had residual faeces examined using polymerase chain reaction to aid speciation of the tapeworm eggs. Additionally, a Baermann technique was used to assess faeces for lungworm larvae.

Results

Patent endoparasite infection was detected in 27.7% of dog faecal samples. No sample was positive for lungworm larvae. Five dogs were co‐infected with Isospora spp. and Toxocara canis. One dog sample was detected with taeniid eggs, identified as Taenia serialis.

Conclusions

The taeniid‐positive dog indicated that appropriate tapeworm treatment may not have occurred, reinforcing the risk to the UK of illegally imported dogs potentially introducing Echinococcus multilocularis infection.
Analytical strategies for herbal Cannabis samples in forensic applications: A comprehensive review
Authors: Slosse Amorn , Van Durme Filip , Eliaerts Joy , Samyn Nele , Mangelings Debby , Heyden Yvan Vander
Published: January 2023

Cannabis sativa L. is undoubtedly the most used recreational drug worldwide because of its desired acute psychotropic effects, like relaxation, euphoria and altered perceptions. In addition, promising medical properties of Cannabis components have gained a lot of attention, resulting in a debate to permit recreational Cannabis use in several countries. In recent years, this controversial plant was increasingly studied and a large number of scientific papers were published. Herbal Cannabis consists of a variable and complex matrix, which makes it challenging to properly seize and prepare the sample for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Moreover, both the adoption of legal cut‐off values in different countries for the Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content in seizures, and the emergence of cannabidiol (CBD) based products, containing generally small but variable amounts of THC, urged the need for sensitive and reliable analytical techniques to accurately identify and quantify the components of interest. This review presents detailed information on the procedure prior to analysis and covers chromatographic and spectroscopic methods developed for the analysis of cannabinoids in seizures for different forensic purposes, that is, identification/quantification, potency testing, drug‐ and fiber‐type differentiation, age estimation, yield determination and Cannabis profiling. Advantages and drawbacks of existing methods, within a specific forensic context, are discussed. The application of chemometrics, which offers a powerful tool in interpreting complex data, is also explained.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology > Cannabis

Toxicology > Drug Analysis

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Presentation and Evaluation of Forensic Science Output
Fecal microbiota transplants modulate the gut microbiome of a two‐toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus)
Authors: Thacher Piper R. , Kendrick Erin L. , Maslanka Michael , Muletz‐Wolz Carly R. , Bornbusch Sally L.
Published: January 2023

The microbes inhabiting an animal's gastrointestinal tracts, collectively known as the gut microbiome, are vital to animal health and wellbeing. For animals experiencing gut distress or infection, modulation of the gut microbiome, for example, via fecal microbiota transplant (FMT), provides a possible disease prevention and treatment method. The beneficial microbes present in the donor's transplanted feces can help combat pathogens, assist in digestion, and rebalance the recipient's microbiota. Investigating the efficacy of FMTs in animal health is a crucial step toward improving management strategies for species under human care. We present a case study of the use of FMTs in a two‐toed sloth experiencing abnormally large, clumped, and frequent stools. We used 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing of fecal samples to (a) compare the microbiomes of the FMT donor, a healthy, cohoused conspecific, and the FMT recipient and (b) assess the influence of multiple rounds of FMTs on the recipient's microbiome and stool consistency and frequency over time. In response to the FMTs, we found that the recipient's microbiome showed trends toward increased diversity, shifted community composition, and altered membership that more resembled the community of the donor. FMT treatment was also associated with marked, yet temporary, alleviation of the recipient's abnormal bowel movements, suggesting a broader impact on gut health. Our results provide valuable preliminary evidence that FMT treatments can augment the recipient's gut microbiome, with potential implications for animal health and management.
Bootstrapping $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 super-Yang-Mills on the conformal manifold
Authors: Chester Shai M. , Dempsey Ross , Pufu Silviu S.
Published: January 2023

Abstract

We combine supersymmetric localization results with numerical bootstrap techniques to compute upper bounds on the low-lying CFT data of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills theory as a function of the complexified gauge coupling τ. In particular, from the stress tensor multiplet four-point function, we extract the scaling dimension of the lowest-lying unprotected scalar operator and its OPE coefficient. While our method can be applied in principle to any gauge group G, we focus on G = SU(2) and SU(3) for simplicity. At weak coupling, the upper bounds we find are very close to the corresponding four-loop results. We also give preliminary evidence that these upper bounds become small islands under reasonable assumptions.
Laboratory Life Instead of Nuclear Weapons: A New Perspective on the German Uranium Club
Authors: Forstner Christian
Published: January 2023

Why did German physicists not build an atomic bomb during the Second World War? This question has long been controversial. This essay provides a new perspective through a focus on the everyday practice of the physicists in their laboratories. The study of everyday research work has long been obscured by the question of the bomb. To this end, the research of the Viennese group in the GermanUranverein, or “Uranium Club,” will be analyzed in detail. What breaks and continuities were there in everyday laboratory practice? Were the physicists able to acquire new resources? Did they at least come close to the scale of Big Science or did their research remain tied to the academic laboratory?
Einsatz vollkontinuierlicher Modelle zur biostatistischen Bewertung forensischer DNA-analytischer Befunde
Authors: Templin Michael , Zimmermann Peter , Kranz Sebastian , Eckert Martin , Leuker Christoph , Razbin Sven , Wächter Andrea , Weirich Volker , Anslinger Katja , Fimmers Rolf , Grethe Stefanie , Oppelt Claus , Vennemann Marielle , Schneider Peter M. , Hahn Meinhard
Published: January 2023

Die biostatistische Bewertung DNA-analytischer Befunde unterstützt Gerichte bei der Einschätzung des Beweiswertes einer Spur. In der Praxis werden dabei zunehmend Spuren mit minimaler DNA-Menge und möglichen „Drop-in“- und „Drop-out“-Ereignissen sowie komplexe Mischspuren analysiert. Solche Spuren sind mit einer klassischen „binären“ Berechnung biostatistisch häufig nicht oder nur eingeschränkt bewertbar.

Die Entwicklung vollkontinuierlicher Modelle (VKM) macht eine Vielzahl dieser bisher nicht berechenbaren Spuren einer biostatistischen Bewertung zugänglich. Dabei werden nahezu sämtliche verfügbaren Informationen einer DNA-Spur in die Berechnung einbezogen. Während diese probabilistischen Verfahren international bereits vielfach zum Einsatz kommen, liegen hierzu im deutschsprachigen Raum nur wenige Erfahrungen vor.

Um Funktionsweise, Möglichkeiten und Grenzen von VKM-Berechnungen zu erfassen, wurden Mischspuren bekannter Zusammensetzung mit 4 aktuell verfügbaren VKM-Programmen vergleichend analysiert. Bei der Auswertung wurden zentrale Aspekte betrachtet, wie beispielsweise die Konkordanz von Berechnungsergebnissen, der Einfluss von Drop-in- und Drop-out-Ereignissen auf die berechneten vollkontinuierlichen LR-Werte (LRfc) sowie die Ableitung recherchefähiger DNA-Profile mithilfe wahrscheinlichkeitsbasierter Prognosen (Deconvolution).

Die im Rahmen dieser Arbeit gewonnenen Erfahrungen bilden, zusammen mit weiteren bereits international publizierten Studien, eine Basis für Empfehlungen zum Einsatz von VKM-basierter Software bei der biostatistischen Bewertung DNA-analytischer Befunde.
Incidence of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis in population-based studies in Northern Savo, Finland, during 1980–2020
Authors: Elfving Pia , Kononoff Aulikki , Huhtakangas Johanna , Kautiainen Hannu , Savolainen Elina , Arstila Leena , Barantseva Julia , Rannio Tuomas , Niinisalo Helena , Puolitaival Antti , Soininen Kati , Kariniemi Simo , Oksaranta Minni , Kaipiainen-Seppänen Oili
Published: January 2023

The objective is to evaluate the incidence of seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 40-year period in Northern Savo, Finland. Data on new seropositive RA patients according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 1987 classification criteria were collected in 2020–2021. In 2020 data on tobacco exposure, patient-reported dental health and living in residences with fluoridated tap water were gathered. Incidence rates were estimated and age- and gender-adjusted to Northern Savo population. The results were compared with data acquired in studies from 1980, 1990, 2000, and 2010. In 2020, 46 seropositive RA patients (21 females and 25 males) were recorded. The crude incidence of seropositive RA fulfilling the ACR 87 criteria in 2020 was 22.3 (95% CI 16.3 to 29.8)/100 000 and age and gender-adjusted 22.3 (95% CI 15.9 to 28.8)/100 000. Tobacco exposure > 5 pack years occurred 18% of females and 56% of males. Only 16% of males were full dentate. A total of 242 incident seropositive RA (age ≥ 16 years, 55% females) were identified in all study years. No differences in the gender-specific incidence rates in each cohort or in incidence between the studies every 10 years were recorded. The incidence of seropositive RA decreased in the age group < 55 years, p = 0.003. There was no change in the incidence of seropositive RA between genders or the study years. A declining trend for occurrence of seropositive RA in the young and early middle-aged population may reflect change in risk factors.
Klimarelevanz des Abwassersektors
Authors: Tauber Joseph , Krampe Jörg , Parravicini Vanessa
Published: January 2023

Abwasserkanäle und Abwasserreinigungsanlagen können relevante Quellen von Kohlendioxid, Lachgas und Methan sein. Direkte Kohlendioxidemissionen sind klimaneutral, da die organischen Bestandteile im Abwasser überwiegend aus biologischen Quellen stammen. Dagegen haben direkte Methan- und Lachgas-Emissionen einen signifikanten Einfluss auf das Klima. Der derzeit vorliegende Entwurf der EU-Richtlinie für kommunales Abwasser 91/271/EWG (Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive) greift erstmals Treibhausgasemissionen aus Abwasserkanälen und Kläranlagen auf und zielt auf deren Monitoring, Reporting und Reduktion ab. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit den direkten Gasemissionen von Methan und Lachgas aus Abwasserkanälen und Kläranlagen und deren Produktions- und Reduktionspfaden. Die Hauptemissionsquellen werden überblicksartig dargestellt und die Bedeutung dieser Emissionen wird auf nationaler Ebene eingeordnet. Potenziale und Maßnahmen zur Reduktion von Methan- und Lachgasemissionen aus dem Sektor Abwasser werden beleuchtet. Indirekte Treibhausgasemissionen aus dem Bezug von Strom sowie aus vorgelagerten Prozessen, wie z. B. aus der Herstellung und Transport von Fällmitteln, stellen auch wesentliche Emissionspfade dar. Die Relevanz der unterschiedlichen Treibhausgas-Emissionspfade der Abwasserentsorgung werden am Beispiel des CO2-Fußabdrucks von zwei Kläranlagen, einer mit simultaner aerober Schlammstabilisierung (SASS) und einer mit anaerober Stabilisierung (Schlammfaulung) diskutiert.
Canine perspective-taking
Authors: Huber Ludwig , Lonardo Lucrezia
Published: January 2023

An important question in the study of canine cognition is how dogs understand humans, given that they show impressive abilities for interacting and communicating with us. In this review, we describe and discuss studies that have investigated dogs’ perspective-taking abilities. There is solid evidence that dogs are not only sensitive to the gaze of others, but also their attention. We specifically address the question whether dogs have the ability to take the perspective of others and thus come to understand what others can or cannot perceive. From the latter, they may then infer what others know and use this representation to anticipate what others do next. Still, dogs might simply rely on directly observable cues and on what they themselves can perceive when they assess what others can perceive. And instead of making inferences from representations of others' mental states, they may have just learned that certain behaviours of ours lead to certain outcomes. However, recent research seems to challenge this low-level explanation. Dogs have solved several perspective-taking tasks instantly and reliably across a large number of variations, including geometrical gaze-following, stealing in the dark, concealing information from others, and Guesser/Knower differentiation. In the latter studies, dogs' choices between two human informants were strongly influenced by cues related to the humans’ visual access to the food, even when the two informants behaved identically. And finally, we review a recent study that found dogs reacting differently to misleading suggestions of human informants that have either a true or false belief about the location of food. We discuss this surprising result in terms of the comprehension of reality-incongruent mental states, which is considered as a hallmark of Theory of Mind acquisition in human development. Especially on the basis of the latter findings, we conclude that pet dogs might be sensitive to what others see, know, intend, and believe. Therefore, this ability seems to have evolved not just in the corvid and primate lineages, but also in dogs.
Space-time error estimates for deep neural network approximations for differential equations
Authors: Grohs Philipp , Hornung Fabian , Jentzen Arnulf , Zimmermann Philipp
Published: January 2023

Over the last few years deep artificial neural networks (ANNs) have very successfully been used in numerical simulations for a wide variety of computational problems including computer vision, image classification, speech recognition, natural language processing, as well as computational advertisement. In addition, it has recently been proposed to approximate solutions of high-dimensional partial differential equations (PDEs) by means of stochastic learning problems involving deep ANNs. There are now also a few rigorous mathematical results in the scientific literature which provide error estimates for such deep learning based approximation methods for PDEs. All of these articles provide spatial error estimates for ANN approximations for PDEs but do not provide error estimates for the entire space-time error for the considered ANN approximations. It is the subject of the main result of this article to provide space-time error estimates for deep ANN approximations of Euler approximations of certain perturbed differential equations. Our proof of this result is based (i) on a certain ANN calculus and (ii) on ANN approximation results for products of the form $[0,T]\times \mathbb {R}^{d}\ni (t,x){\kern -.5pt}\mapsto {\kern -.5pt} tx{\kern -.5pt}\in {\kern -.5pt} \mathbb {R}^{d}$
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Schools as Drivers of Capitalist Accumulation Conditional Socialized Reproduction in Shenzhen
Authors: Trémon Anne-Christine
Published: January 2023

Based on fieldwork in an urbanized village of Shenzhen, this paper analyzes the place of schools in the reproduction of Chinese state capitalism. It retraces the circuit of socialized capital that allows for the social reproduction of the native elite and the exclusion of many migrant workers in the context of Shenzhen’s development as a special economic zone and its efforts to upgrade the economy. The native villagers, now forming an urban upper-class of rentiers, have capitalized on their overseas connections and capital accumulation to finance their school, allowing for their elite’s upward social mobility after, but also already under Mao. After China’s transition to capitalism, this school has served as an asset in generating value in the context of redevelopment and the real estate-driven upgrading of Shenzhen’s economy. Property ownership is now a major criterion in points-based systems for accessing school places. I make two interrelated arguments. First, there is a closer relationship between the secondary circuit of socialized capital and the larger circuit of capital than what the literature on social reproduction implies. Second, the conditionality of quality education upon value generation amounts to separating the population deemed worthy of socialized reproduction and the surplus population that is left out. The paper connects diverse strands of social reproduction theory, Althusser’s interpellation and ideological state apparatuses, feminist agentive social reproduction theories, and Bourdieu’s capital conversion recuperated within a Marxian framework, to provide an integrated approach to social reproduction within capitalism.
Seasonal variation and risks of potentially toxic elements in agricultural lowlands of central Cameroon
Authors: Nana Annie Stephanie , Falkenberg Timo , Rechenburg Andrea , Ntajal Joshua , Kamau Juliet Wanjiku , Ayo Anne , Borgemeister Christian
Published: January 2023

Intensive urban agriculture is expanding in Cameroon, which increases the risks of environmental pollution, particularly in the lowlands. This study assessed the seasonal characteristics of some potentially toxic elements and their ecological risks during the dry and wet seasons in urban agricultural soils in four lowlands in Yaoundé. The area and seasonal variation of some potentially toxic elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, and Ni) were evaluated using mixed-effects modeling. The pollution status of these elements in the soil was evaluated and interpreted using parameters such as the single pollution (SPI) and Nemerow composite pollution (NCPI) indices. In addition, the effect of these metals in the environment was assessed using the potential ecological risk index (PERI). The distribution of all the studied elements showed an area effect, while a seasonal effect was only noticeable for Cu. The concentration of Cu, Pb, and Zn was higher than the recommended threshold values in one of the areas sampled, while Cr exceeded these threshold values in all areas during both seasons. Cr exhibited the highest SPI among all studied elements during the dry and wet seasons in all areas. Except for the NCPI in one area, where grade V (strong) soil pollution was recorded during the wet season, the soil from all the study areas exhibited a slight pollution level (grade III) with a mean NCPI between 1 and 2. The PERI value of all areas was below the reference values during both seasons, suggesting an overall low potential contamination risk of the soil biota. The results indicate that preventive action to limit the heavy metal contamination in the lowlands of Yaoundé needs to be taken, for instance, through the promotion of more sustainable use of agrochemicals like pesticides and mineral fertilizers.
From self-interest to cooperation: extra-pair mating as a driver of relaxed territorial aggression in social neighbourhoods
Authors: Rumińska Agnieszka , Jørgensen Christian , Eliassen Sigrunn
Published: January 2023

In socially monogamous bird species, males and females tailor their reproductive strategies to that of the other. Interactions are complex, and have elements of both conflict and cooperation. Breeding process is further complicated with the occurrence of matings outside the pair bond, which is a frequent phenomenon in these species. Extra-pair mating has clear benefits for males, but cuckolded males may withdraw care and resources at a cost to females, which produces an unbalanced costs-to-benefits ratios within the mating pair. We used an individual-based model with social networks approach, to study how female extra-pair mating strategies may affect male investment in offspring care and territorial defence. In our model, extra-pair copulation rate is a female-driven strategy; we use two adjustable male traits—care and territorial defence—that co-evolve with that strategy and control the number of extra-pair copulations initiated by a social female. The model utilises very simple rules of behaviours between individuals that lead to the emergence of evolved changes in mating strategies on a large scale. We show how extra-pair copulations initiated by females in their neighbourhood can reduce territorial defence and wasteful aggression between the males across the whole population. We propose that female mating behaviour and male responses are flexible traits that might serve as potential drivers of the evolution of cooperation.
L-lactic and 2-ketoglutaric Acids, Odors from Human Skin, Govern Attraction and Landing in Host-Seeking Female Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
Authors: Sumner Benjamin D. , Amos Brogan , Bello Jan , Cardé Ring T.
Published: January 2023

Aedesaegypti, presented with a source of L-lactic and 2-ketoglutaric acid in a wind-tunnel bioassay, takeoff, fly upwind, and land on the odorant substrate at rates comparable to those exhibited by mosquitoes presented with a skin-odor stimulus. Addition of carbon dioxide decreased takeoff latency but was not required to elicit upwind flight nor landings. Ketoglutaric acid, a recently identified component of human skin odor, combined with lactic acid elicits the full repertoire of mosquito host-seeking behaviors.
Efficient Approaches for Verifying the Existence and Bound of Inverse of Linear Operators in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Watanabe Yoshitaka , Kinoshita Takehiko , Nakao Mitsuhiro T.
Published: January 2023

This paper describes some numerical verification procedures to prove the invertibility of a linear operator in Hilbert spaces and to compute a bound on the norm of its inverse. These approaches improve on previous procedures that use an orthogonal projection of the Hilbert space and its a priori error estimations. Several verified examples which confirm the effectiveness of the new procedures are presented.