bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the changes in hepatokine levels and metabolic effects after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in severely obese patients
Authors: Umemura Akira , Sasaki Akira , Takamura Toshinari , Takayama Hiroaki , Takeshita Yumie , Toya Yosuke , Kakisaka Keisuke , Hasegawa Yutaka , Ishigaki Yasushi
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To clarify the relationships between the changes in hepatokines and weight loss, and between these changes and the metabolic effects, and the roles played by these changes, after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG).

Methods

We recruited 25 Japanese patients with severe obesity, who underwent LSG. We measured two hepatokines: selenoprotein P (SeP) and leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), at the baseline, and then 6 months and 1 year after LSG. Finally, we compared the changes in the hepatokines with the parameters of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Results

Changes in LECT2 were correlated with the percentage of total weight loss (ρ = − 0.499, P = 0.024) and the decrease in total fat area (ρ = 0.559, P = 0.003). The changes in SeP were correlated with those in hemoglobin A1c (ρ = 0.526, P = 0.043) and the insulinogenic index (ρ = 0.638, P = 0.010) in T2D patients. In patients with NASH, the LECT2 levels were correlated with liver steatosis (ρ = 0.601).

Conclusions

SeP levels decrease in association with HbA1c reduction, whereas LECT2 levels are associated with reductions in fat mass and NASH scores after LSG. Hepatokines may be involved in the pathology of obesity and its complications.
Anwendungen künstlicher Intelligenz in der Onkologie: Möglichkeiten, Machbarkeit und regulatorische Herausforderungen
Authors: Wenz Frederik , Ebener Stefan
Published: November 2023

Die Integration von künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) in die Onkologie verspricht eine Revolution in Diagnose, Behandlung und Forschung. Es werden verschiedene Anwendungen betrachtet, wobei auf die Belastung und den Burnout von Onkologen eingegangen wird. Die Potenziale werden umfassend erörtert, angefangen bei der Prävention durch Wearables und KI-gestützte Analyse von Gesundheitsdaten bis zur personalisierten Behandlungsplanung und beschleunigten Medikamentenentwicklung. Ein Fokus liegt auf AlphaFold, einer KI-Anwendung für Protein-Folding. Die Verwaltung von Patientendaten und die Erstellung von Befundberichten werden durch KI optimiert, wobei Suchmaschinen und Large Language Models (LLM) eine herausragende Rolle spielen. Die zunehmende Spezialisierung von LLM, etwa in der medizinischen Textgenerierung, verdeutlicht die wachsende Bedeutung. Die Machbarkeit solcher KI-Anwendungen ist gegeben, wobei Ressourcen- und Schulungsbedarf für das medizinische Personal berücksichtigt werden müssen. Kommerzielle Organisationen, wie DeepMind, spielen eine wichtige Rolle in der Umsetzung von KI in die klinische Praxis. Regulatorische Herausforderungen werden diskutiert, einschließlich Datenschutz, Qualitätskontrolle, Haftung und ethische Aspekte. Der European Health Data Space (EHDS) ist eine vielversprechende Initiative für die Förderung des sicheren Datenaustauschs innerhalb der EU. Insgesamt kann KI bedeutende Fortschritte in der Onkologie ermöglichen. Die regulatorischen Herausforderungen erfordern jedoch Sorgfalt und Aufmerksamkeit, um eine ethisch verantwortungsvolle und sichere Implementierung sicherzustellen. KI-Anwendungen können die Krebsversorgung verbessern, die Patientenversorgung revolutionieren und die Arbeitsbelastung für medizinisches Personal reduzieren.
Outcome differences after orthodontic camouflage treatment in hypo- and hyperdivergent patients – A retrospective cephalometric investigation
Authors: Hourfar Jan , Kinzinger Gero Stefan Michael , Frye Linda , Lisson Jörg Alexander
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To compare differences in outcome in skeletal and dental parameters in hypo- and hyperdivergent Class II patients after extraction of upper first premolars and comprehensive orthodontic treatment.

Materials and methods

37 Class-II-patients with dental camouflage treatment were divided into a hypo- (n = 18) or a hyperdivergent (n = 19) group depending on the mandibular plane angle (hypo: < 34° or hyper: ≥ 34°). Lateral cephalograms were available before (T1) and after (T2) treatment and were analyzed with customized measurements. Data from a growth survey served as a control and were used to calculate the actual treatment effect. Data were analyzed by one-sample Student’s t-tests and independent Student’s t-tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The measurements showed similar changes in both groups. The effects were mainly dentoalveolar. Hypodivergent patients showed an almost equal increase in anterior and posterior facial height, while hyperdivergent patients only showed an increase in anterior facial height.

Conclusions

In hyperdivergent patients, the anterior facial height increases despite camouflage treatment. This indicates a tendency towards bite opening and backward rotation of the mandible. Hypodivergent patients do not experience deepening of the bite.

Clinical relevance

In hyperdivergent patients with upper first premolars extraction the anterior facial height increased differently than in hypodivergent patients. This should be considered if a bite opening is a possible contraindication to treatment.
Effects of storage and toothbrush simulation on Martens hardness of CAD/CAM, hand-cast, thermoforming, and 3D-printed splint materials
Authors: Rosentritt Martin , Hickl Verena , Rauch Angelika , Schmidt Michael
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To investigate Martens hardness parameters of splint materials after storage in liquids and toothbrush simulation.

Materials and methods

Ten specimens per material and group were fabricated (hand-cast CAST, thermoformed TF, CAD/CAM-milled CAM, 3D-printed PS, PL, PK, PV), stored in air, water, coffee, red wine, and cleaning tablets and investigated after fabrication, 24 h, 2- and 4-week storage or toothbrushing. Martens hardness (HM), indentation hardness (HIT), indentation modulus (EIT), the elastic part of indentation work (ηIT), and indentation creep (CIT) were calculated (ISO 14577-1). Statistics: ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc test, between-subjects effects, Pearson correlation (α = 0.05).

Results

HM varied between 30.8 N/mm2 for PS (water 4 weeks) and 164.0 N/mm2 for CAM (toothbrush). HIT values between 34.9 N/mm2 for PS (water 4 weeks) and 238.9 N/mm2 for CAM (toothbrush) were found. EIT varied between 4.3 kN/mm2 for CAM (toothbrush) and 1.8 kN/mm2 for PK (water 2 weeks). ηIT was found to vary between 16.9% for PS (water 4 weeks) and 42.8% for PL (toothbrush). CIT varied between 2.5% for PL (toothbrush) and 11.4% for PS (water 4 weeks). The highest impact was identified for the material (p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Storage and toothbrushing influenced Martens parameters. The properties of splints can be influenced by the choice of materials, based on different elastic and viscoelastic parameters. High HM and EIT and low CIT might be beneficial for splint applications.

Clinical relevance

Martens parameters HM, EIT, and CIT might help to evaluate clinically relevant splint properties such as hardness, elasticity, and creep.
Electronic structure and molecular properties of nitisinone and mesotrione in water
Authors: Imrich Richard , Štofko Juraj , Boča Roman , Rajnák Cyril
Published: November 2023

Context

Nitisinone is a medium-sized organic molecule that is used in treating hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT-1). The structurally analogous mesotrione, however, is used as a pesticide/herbicide. What molecular properties are responsible for the similarity/dissimilarity of these molecules is investigated here. The solvent effect reduces the electron affinity to rather negative values and causes the negative electron affinity which manifests itself in a very high positive absolute reduction potential.

Methods

B3LYP method was utilized for a geometry optimization of nitisinone and mesotrione in their neural and ionized (L0, L+, L−) forms of 6 structures. The calculations were conducted in water as a solvent using conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM), nitisinone also in vacuo. The complete vibrational analysis at the true energy minimum allows evaluating the thermodynamic functions with focus to the zero-point energy and overall entropic term. The change of the Gibbs energy on reductions and/or oxidation facilitates evaluating the absolute reduction and absolute oxidation potentials. Also, DLPNO-CCSD(T) method that involves the major part of the correlation energy has been applied to nitisinone and mesotrione and their molecular ions.
Efficacy and safety of mesh non-fixation in patients undergoing laparo-endoscopic repair of groin hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kobayashi F. , Watanabe J. , Koizumi M. , Sata N.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

To examine updated evidence on the efficacy and safety of mesh non-fixation in patients undergoing laparo-endoscopic repair of groin hernias.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Library, Embase, ClinicalTrials. gov, and ICTRP databases to identify randomized controlled trials. The primary outcomes were recurrence, chronic pain, and return to daily life. The certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed by grading recommendations, assessments, developments, and evaluations. We performed a subgroup analysis based on the surgical type. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42022368929).

Results

We included 25 trials with 3,668 patients (4,038 hernias) were included. Mesh non-fixation resulted in little to no difference in hernia recurrence (relative risk [RR]:1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.59–3.31; I2 = 0%; moderate CoE) and chronic pain (RR:0.48, 95% CI:0.13–1.78; I2 = 77%; moderate CoE), but reduced return to daily life (mean difference [MD]: − 1.79 days, 95% CI: − 2.79 to –0.80; I2 = 96%; low CoE). In subgroup analyses, the transabdominal preperitoneal approach (TAPP) (MD: − 2.97 days, 95% CI: − 4.87 to − 1.08; I2 = 97%) reduced return to daily life than total extraperitoneal inguinal approach (MD: − 0.24 days, 95% CI − 0.71 to 0.24; I2 = 61%) (p = 0.006).

Conclusions

Mesh nonfixation improves the return to daily life without increasing the risk of hernia recurrence or chronic pain. Surgeons and patients may discuss mesh nonfixation options to accommodate a patient’s desired return to daily life. Further trials focusing on TAPP are required to confirm these findings.
Characterization of Galileo yaw attitude on tidal loading and range bias in SLR-based orbit validation
Authors: Tseng Tzu-Pang , Tsai Yi-Hsuan , Hsieh Chia-Sheng , Kuo Pei-Jung
Published: November 2023

Satellite laser ranging (SLR) has been widely used for satellite orbit validation. SLR residual is defined as the difference between the satellite-station distance and the SLR ranging measurement. The SLR residual not only indicates the satellite orbit accuracy but also implies the force mis-modeling left from satellite orbit determination. We characterize satellite yaw attitude on the SLR residual of the Galileo orbit in terms of the tidal loading effect and the range bias estimated in the procedure of orbit validation. The attitude characterization is defined as the slope of the SLR residual as a function of the elongation angle, which is formed by the sun elevation with respect to the orbital plane and the difference in the argument of latitude of the satellite with respect to the sun. We find that the yaw attitude is insensitive to the surface deformation caused by the tidal loading due to the slight change in slope from − 0.0106 to − 0.0117 cm/°. However, this is not the case for the range bias estimated in the orbit validation procedure. The slope of the SLR residual is changed from − 0.0106 to − 0.0014 cm/° when the range bias is estimated. This indicates that the range bias is specific to the satellite yaw attitude, in particular for the beta angle less than 20°. In addition, the range bias has a relatively high dependency on the force mis-modeling, as compared to the tidal loading. This suggests that the yaw-related force mis-modeling shall be considered in the estimation of the range bias for the Galileo satellites. This work can serve as a reference for assessing the characterization of satellite yaw attitude on the tidal loading effect and the range bias estimated in the satellite orbit validation using SLR.
On the social welfare interpretation of growth incidence curves
Authors: Berman Yonatan , Bourguignon François
Published: November 2023

The Growth Incidence Curve (GIC), introduced in the poverty measurement literature by Ravallion and Chen (Econ. Lett.78(1), 93–99, 2003), proved to be a valuable and widely used tool to analyze the impact of growth on poverty and its ‘pro-poorness’. Beyond pro-poorness, however, the relationship between the shape of GICs and social welfare is ambiguous. If a declining GIC, together with a positive overall rate of growth, is unambiguously associated with a social welfare gain, such a shape is not the most common and the reciprocal is not necessarily true. This paper analyzes the social welfare properties of GICs, as well as their non-anonymous counterpart (NAGICs), which describe how income growth depends on the initial rank of individuals in the initial income distribution. NAGICs thus account not only for the change in the distribution of income but also for income mobility, and differ conceptually from their anonymous counterpart. However, their social welfare interpretation proves to be very similar.
Percepties van discriminatie en diversiteit op het werk binnen het Amsterdam Public Health research institute
Authors: Anselma Manou , Altenburg Teatske , Motazedi Ehsan , Suurmond Jeanine , Chinapaw Mai
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Inleiding

Het doel van dit onderzoek was om inzicht te krijgen in ervaringen met en percepties over discriminatie en diversiteit binnen het Amsterdam Public Health (APH) research institute in 2021/2022, en verbeterpunten te identificeren voor het creëren van een gelijkwaardig en inclusief onderzoeksinstituut.

Methode

Van de 1.654 APH-leden vulden er 283 een vragenlijst in. Daarnaast zijn met acht leden (groeps)interviews gehouden.

Resultaten

Ongeveer de helft van de respondenten van de vragenlijst had ooit discriminatie ervaren (51%), de meesten op basis van de hiërarchische positie (22%) of gender (17%). Het merendeel van de respondenten toonde belangstelling voor het creëren van meer bewustzijn en het verbeteren van vaardigheden met betrekking tot diversiteit en inclusie, bijvoorbeeld door vrijwillige training (66%) en verankering van beleid gericht op diversiteit en inclusie (73%). Uit de open antwoorden bleek dat sommige respondenten meer aandacht wilden voor diversiteit en inclusie binnen hun afdeling, terwijl anderen dit onnodig vonden.

Conclusie

Dit verkennende onderzoek laat zien dat ervaringen met discriminatie niet ongewoon zijn, met name met betrekking tot gender en hiërarchische positie, en dat een deel van de APH-leden vindt dat meer diversiteit en inclusie een meerwaarde voor het instituut zou zijn. Om dit mogelijk te maken zijn duurzame beleidsmaatregelen en acties nodig, die worden geïmplementeerd en geëvalueerd met (financiële) steun van het hoger management.
Coronapandemie vergrootte ongelijke toegang tot zorg voor chronisch zieken met beperkte gezondheidsvaardigheden
Authors: van Schelven Femke , Scheffer Mariska , Heijmans Monique
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Inleiding

Het Integraal Zorgakkoord benadrukt het belang van gelijke toegang tot zorg, vooral voor kwetsbare groepen. De zorg is echter al jaren minder toegankelijk voor chronisch zieken met beperkte gezondheidsvaardigheden. Tijdens de coronapandemie kwam de toegang tot de zorg onder druk te staan. Mogelijk ervaarden chronisch zieken met beperkte gezondheidsvaardigheden meer nadelige gevolgen van de uit- en afgestelde zorg tijdens de coronapandemie. In dit onderzoek gingen we na op welke manier ervaringen met (gevolgen van) uitgestelde zorg tijdens de coronapandemie samenhangen met gezondheidsvaardigheden.

Methode

Een representatieve steekproef van chronisch zieken (15+ jaar) vulde vragen in over hun ervaringen met (de gevolgen van) uitgestelde zorg tijdens de coronapandemie (N = 1.286). Verschillen tussen mensen met voldoende en beperkte gezondheidsvaardigheden zijn geanalyseerd.

Resultaten

Chronisch zieken met beperkte gezondheidsvaardigheden rapporteerden vaker dat ze te maken hadden met volledig afgezegde zorgafspraken dan chronisch zieken met voldoende gezondheidsvaardigheden. Ook ervaarden ze meer last van de gevolgen van afgezegde of uitgestelde zorgafspraken, zoals een toename van gezondheidsklachten.

Conclusie

Een crisis zoals de coronapandemie kan de ongelijke toegang tot zorg vergroten tussen chronisch zieken met beperkte gezondheidsvaardigheden en chronisch zieken met voldoende gezondheidsvaardigheden. Chronisch zieken met beperkte gezondheidsvaardigheden hebben ondersteuning van zorgverleners en toegankelijke (digitale) innovaties nodig om hun ziekte goed te managen.
The C-8-S-isomers of ergot alkaloids — a review of biological and analytical aspects
Authors: Cherewyk Jensen E. , Blakley Barry R. , Al-Dissi Ahmad N.
Published: November 2023

Ergot alkaloids are secondary metabolites that are produced by fungi and contaminate cereal crops and grasses. The ergot alkaloids produced by Claviceps purpurea are the most abundant worldwide. The metabolites exist in two configurations, the C-8-R-isomer (R-epimer) and the C-8-S-isomer (S-epimer). These two configurations can interconvert to one another. Ergot alkaloids cause toxic effects after consumption of ergot-contaminated food and feed at various concentrations. For bioactivity reasons, the C-8-R-isomers have been studied to a greater extent than the C-8-S-isomer since the C-8-S-isomers were considered biologically inactive. However, recent studies suggest the contrary. Analytical assessment of ergot alkaloids now includes the C-8-S-isomers and high concentrations of specific C-8-S-isomers have been identified. The inclusion of the C-8-S-isomer in regulatory standards is reviewed. This review has identified that further research into the C-8-S-isomers of ergot alkaloids is warranted. In addition, the inclusion of the C-8-S-isomers into regulatory recommendations worldwide for food and feed should be implemented. The objectives of this review are to provide an overview of historic and current studies that have assessed the C-8-S-isomers. Specifically, this review will compare the C-8-R-isomers to the C-8-S-isomers with an emphasis on the biological activity and analytical assessment.
Exploring the pore system of carbonate rocks through a multi-analytical approach
Authors: Salvini Silvia , Coletti Chiara , Maritan Lara , Massironi Matteo , Balsamo Fabrizio , Mazzoli Claudio
Published: November 2023

The presence and distribution of pores in natural stones affect their durability and aesthetic value, especially when exposed to weathering agents like salt crystallization and freeze–thaw cycles. In this study, a multi-analytical approach was used to analyse the pore structure of twelve carbonate rocks, including different types of limestone and the Carrara marble. Mercury intrusion porosimetry, digital imaging analysis on backscattered electron images taken at the scanning electron microscope, and micro-computed tomography were used to overcome the limitations of each technique and create a more accurate reconstruction of the pore structure. This approach can aid in predicting the deterioration processes stones in heritage structures.
Polysaccharide extraction optimization, monosaccharide composition, and antioxidant activity analysis of different varieties of Gastrodia elata Bl aerial parts
Authors: Du Chunjiang , Liu Xiangyi , Algadi Hassan , Hou Ying , Fu Xiaona , Li Handong , Fan Jincheng , Singh Man Vir , Li Yunxian , Zhang Xingmao , Xu Juan , Guo Zhanhu
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the optimal extraction conditions, monosaccharide composition, and antioxidant activity analysis of polysaccharides from the aerial parts of three different varietal varieties of Gastrodia (i.e., G. elata Bl. F. elata, G. elata Bl. F. Viridls MaKino, and G. elata Bl. F. Glauca S Chow). The influence of extraction temperature (30–70 °C), extraction time (15–55 min), and liquid-to-solid ratio (25–65 mL/g) on the yield of polysaccharides was analyzed through single-factor experiments. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the extraction process, and a mathematical model was established to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. The response surface experiment was presented as follows: The optimal extraction conditions for polysaccharides were a liquid-to-solid ratio of 59 mL/g, 56 °C, and 36 min. The polysaccharide yield in G. elata. Bl. F. Glauca S Chow aerial parts under these conditions was 10.90%, which was close to the theoretical value calculated by the model (10.64%). Under the optimal conditions, the yields of polysaccharides followed: G. elata Bl. F. elata (11.32%) > G. elata Bl. F. Glauca S Chow (10.90%) > G. elata Bl. F. Viridls MalKino (10.50%). The polysaccharides were mainly composed of 10 monosaccharides, including glucose, rhamnose, mannose, and xylose. However, the content of monosaccharides in polysaccharides of different varieties of Gastrodia elata Bl aerial parts varied greatly, with glucose and rhamnose being the highest, both exceeding 20%. The polysaccharides in different varieties of Gastrodia elata Bl aerial parts had certain in vitro antioxidant activity. The total reducing power and scavenging rates of 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals increased with the increase of polysaccharide concentration. When the polysaccharide concentration was 1.0 mg/mL, the scavenging rates of DPPH and ABTS free radicals were both over 80%. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of Gastrodia elata Bl aerial part resources.

Graphical Abstract

Using ultrasound-assisted extraction and response surface methodology to optimize the extraction of polysaccharides from the aerial parts of Gastrodia elata, polysaccharide yields of three different G. elata varieties were all above 10%, and the extracted polysaccharides were composed of 10 monosaccharides, including glucose and galactose, and exhibited good in vitro antioxidant activity.
Middellangetermijnoverleving na open versus robotgeassisteerde radicale cystectomie in Nederland: resultaten van de ‘SNAPSHOT’ cystectomie
Authors: van Ginkel Noor , Vis André N. , Boormans Joost L. , van der Poel Henk G. , van der Schoot Deric K. E. , Aben Katja K. H. , Hermans Tom J. N. , Meijer Dennie , Voortman Jens , Arends Tom J. H. , Ausems Peter J. , Baselmans Dorine , Berger Christian P. A. M. , Berrens Anne-Claire , Bickerstaffe Henry , Bos Siebe D. , Braam Marlene , Buddingh K. Tim , Claus Sebastiaan , Dekker Karen , van Doeveren Thomas , Einerhand Sarah M. H. , Fossion Laurent M. C. Laurent , Hinsenveld Florentien J. , van Gennep Erik J. , Grondhuis Palacios Lorena A. , Hobijn Mandy M. , van Huystee Suzanne H. , Jaspers-Valentijn Martinique , Klaver O. Sjoerd , Koldewijn Evert L. , Korsten Linn , Lenting Anne , Lentjes Koen J. , Luiting Henk B. , van der Meer Saskia , Mertens Laura , Nieuwenhuijzen Jakko A. , Noordzij M. Arjen , Nooter Ronald I. , Notenboom Marije , Oomen Robert J. A. , van Roermund Joep G. H. , de Rooij Judith , Roshani Hossain , Schrier Bart P. , van der Slot Michelle A. , Somford D. M. Rik , Stelwagen Piter-Jan , Stroux Aukje M. A. , van der West Alwine , Wijsman Bart P. , Windt Willemijn A. K. M. , van Zanten Paul , van Beek Sytse C.
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Er is onvoldoende bekend over de middellangetermijnoverleving van niet-gemetastaseerd spierinvasieve blaaskanker (SIBC) na open (ORC) versus robotgeassisteerde (RARC) cystectomie, met of zonder neoadjuvante chemotherapie (NAC). Om de vijfjaarsoverleving na beide interventies en de invloed van NAC te onderzoeken, is een retrospectieve studie verricht in 19 Nederlandse ziekenhuizen tussen 2012 en 2015. Van de totaal 1.534 cT1-4N0-1-patiënten ondergingen 1.086 patiënten een ORC en 389 een RARC. De vijfjaarsoverleving was 51% na ORC (95%-BI 47–53) versus 58% na RARC (95%-BI 52–63); de hazard ratio na multivariabele correctie was 1,00 (95%-BI 0,84–1,20). 226 van de 965 cT2-4aN0-patiënten werden behandeld met NAC. Na case-control matching bleek (y)pT0 vaker voor te komen na NAC dan zonder NAC (31 vs. 15%; p < 0,01). De beste vijfjaarsoverleving trad op bij patiënten met ypT0 na NAC, namelijk 89% (95%-BI 81–97). Concluderend laat deze deze studie bij patiënten met SIBC vergelijkbare vijfjaarsoverleving zien na ORC of na RARC. De beste overleving was bij patiënten die waren behandeld met NAC voorafgaand aan cystectomie.
A recent update on development, synthesis methods, properties and application of natural products derived carbon dots
Authors: Sahana Soumitra , Gautam Anupam , Singh Rajveer , Chandel Shivani
Published: November 2023

Natural resources are practically infinitely abundant in nature, which stimulates scientists to create new materials with inventive uses and minimal environmental impact. Due to the various benefits of natural carbon dots (NCDs) from them has received a lot of attention recently. Natural products-derived carbon dots have recently emerged as a highly promising class of nanomaterials, showcasing exceptional properties and eco-friendly nature, which make them appealing for diverse applications in various fields such as biomedical, environmental sensing and monitoring, energy storage and conversion, optoelectronics and photonics, agriculture, quantum computing, nanomedicine and cancer therapy. Characterization techniques such as Photoinduced electron transfer, Aggregation-Induced-Emission (AIE), Absorbance, Fluorescence in UV–Vis and NIR Regions play crucial roles in understanding the structural and optical properties of Carbon dots (CDs). The exceptional photoluminescence properties exhibited by CDs derived from natural products have paved the way for applications in tissue engineering, cancer treatment, bioimaging, sensing, drug delivery, photocatalysis, and promising remarkable advancements in these fields. In this review, we summarized the various synthesis methods, physical and optical properties, applications, challenges, future prospects of natural products-derived carbon dots etc. In this expanding sector, the difficulties and prospects for NCD-based materials research will also be explored.
Forestry in the Face of Global Change: Results of a Global Survey of Professionals
Authors: Himes Austin , Bauhus Jürgen , Adhikari Shankar , Barik Saroj Kanta , Brown Hugh , Brunner Andreas , Burton Philip J. , Coll Lluís , D’Amato Anthony W. , Diaci Jurij , Dorji Yonten , Foli Ernest G. , Ganz David J. , Hall Jefferson S. , Keenan Rodney , Lu Yuanchang , Messier Christian , Munanura Ian , Piotto Daniel , Seifert Thomas , Sheil Douglas , Shorohova Ekaterina , Sisay Kibruyesfa , Soto Daniel , Tanaka Hiroshi , Umunay Peter , Velázquez-Martínez Alejandro , Puettmann Klaus J.
Published: November 2023

Purpose of Review

Forests support most global terrestrial biodiversity and contribute to the livelihood of billions of people, but these and other benefits are in jeopardy due to global change. This leads to questions, such as how to address the challenges of global change in forest management, given the lack of knowledge and deep uncertainty about future developments. In addition, many of the impediments to implement adaptation strategies are unknown.

Recent Findings

Here, we present an overview of results from a global survey of 754 forestry professionals (370 researchers and educators, 227 practicing foresters, 37 policymakers, 64 administrators, and 56 with other or unspecified roles) from 61 countries across 6 continents who were interested in global change issues. These professionals were asked about their opinion regarding three different adaptation strategies: resist, adapt, and transform. Most respondents agreed that the majority of global change factors will negatively influence the ability of forests to provide desired ecosystem services. Similarly, they agreed about major challenges when implementing adaptation strategies and specifically whether our current knowledge base is sufficient. These concerns were not limited to ecological aspects, but respondents also highlighted the need for a better appreciation of social/political and economic barriers, especially regarding transformation strategies. In addition, the response patterns, including differences due to economic status, highlight the importance of developing and evaluating adaptation strategies in a local social–ecological context.

Our study demonstrates a widespread perception on the part of forestry professionals around the world, especially among researchers and practitioners, that many global change factors will affect sustainable forest management negatively, resulting in the need for active silvicultural adaption. The results also suggest potential barriers to different adaptation strategies, particularly a relative lack of information and social acceptance for transform strategies. Further, this study highlights the importance of social and political factors and the need to understand the general public’s values regarding adaptation strategies as well as how the influence of public opinion is perceived by forest managers.
The effects of lifetime work experience on incidence and severity of elderly poverty in Korea
Authors: Chae Seyoung , Heshmati Almas
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the characteristics that contribute to elderly poverty, mainly focusing on individuals’ lifetime work experience. It adopts the heterogeneous relative poverty line. It calculates the work experience and obtains demographic variables using the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study’s survey data for 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015. The objective is to estimate poverty among elderly and explain its variations in relation to individual characteristics and lifetime work experience. Poverty is measured in terms of the head count, poverty gap and the poverty severity indices based on monetary dimensions, namely income and consumption. The methodology used in this study is a logit model to explain the incidence of poverty and a sample selection model to analyze the depth and severity of poverty. The results show that an increase in the total work years and a decrease in the gap years between jobs reduce incidence and depth of poverty.
The Association Between Selfishness, Animal-Oriented Empathy, Three Meat Reduction Motivations (Animal, Health, and Environment), Gender, and Meat Consumption
Authors: Dillon-Murray Angela , Ward Aletha , Soar Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

This study examined how the level of meat consumption was related to two psychological factors, selfishness and animal-oriented empathy, and three motivations related to animal, health, and environmental issues. A sample of Australian adults between 18 and 80 (N = 497) was surveyed online via the Zoho Survey platform. Structural equation modelling was applied to the data, and the resulting models revealed that higher selfishness and lower empathy were associated with higher meat consumption for males but there was no association between psychological factors and meat consumption for females. All three motivations were associated with both higher empathy and selfishness for males. For females, higher empathy was associated with higher health and animal motivations, while higher selfishness was associated with higher environmental motivation. Lastly, none of the three motivations were related to meat consumption for either gender. Thus, the results only partially supported the hypotheses that selfishness and empathy would influence meat consumption and motivations. Nevertheless, this study contributes to research on personality factors in relation to meat consumption and the link between masculinity and meat consumption.
Confronting and agonistic: what democracy requires of curricula
Authors: Webster R. S.
Published: November 2023

This paper draws upon the philosophical reconstruction of John Dewey to examine the demise of democracy by neoliberal elites as described by the likes of Noam Chomsky, who like Dewey, identifies that a key weakness of democracy is that the ontology or being of people has become largely apathetic. We consequently find ourselves living in a period of “post-democracy” as theorised by Crouch, Mouffe, and Rancière, who identify that imposed consensus by politicians and the media discourages people from dissenting and being agonistic. A major consequence of this is that the masses are diverted from challenging the hegemony of neoliberalism and instead focus upon much lesser issues related to cosmopolitanism. From this analysis, it is identified that what democracy requires of curricula—if they are to offer educational experiences—is that students should embody agonism as a way of thinking. According to Dewey, the method of democracy is to bring conflicts into the open rather than pretend they do not exist, and that the most important conflict is between the super wealthy and the working poor. Therefore, curricula ought to be designed to habituate students to grow in an agonistic way of being in order to challenge the presumed “consensus democracy” that is being used to marginalise the very real conflict the public has with neoliberal hegemony.
Estimation with infinite-dimensional exponential family and Fisher divergence
Authors: Fukumizu Kenji
Published: November 2023

Infinite dimensional exponential families have been theoretically studied, but their practical applications are still limited because empirical estimation is not straightforward. This paper first gives a brief survey of studies on the estimation method for infinite-dimensional exponential families. The method uses score matching, which is based on the Fisher divergence. The second topic is to investigate the Fisher divergence as a member of an extended family of divergences, which employ operators in defining divergences.
Mapping Interpersonal Emotion Regulation in Everyday Life
Authors: Tran Anh , Greenaway Katharine H. , Kostopoulos Joanne , O’Brien Sarah T. , Kalokerinos Elise K.
Published: November 2023

The growing literature on interpersonal emotion regulation has largely focused on the strategies people use to regulate. As such, researchers have little understanding of how often people regulate in the first place, what emotion regulation goals they have when they regulate, and how much effort they invest in regulation. To better characterize features of the regulation process, we conducted two studies using daily diary (N = 171) and experience sampling methods (N = 239), exploring interpersonal emotion regulation in the context of everyday social interactions. We found people regulated others’ emotions nearly twice a day, regulated their own emotions through others around once a day, and regulated both their own and others’ emotions in the same interaction roughly every other day. Furthermore, not only did people regulate others’ emotions more often than regulating their own emotions through others, but they also put in more effort to do so. The goals of regulation were primarily to make themselves or others feel better, most often through increasing positive emotions, rather than decreasing negative emotions. Together, these findings provide a foundational picture of the interpersonal emotion regulation landscape, and lay the groundwork for future exploration into this emerging subfield of affective science.
Divergent effects of biochar amendment and replacing mineral fertilizer with manure on soil respiration in a subtropical tea plantation
Authors: Han Zhaoqiang , Xu Pinshang , Li Zhutao , Guo Shumin , Li Shuqing , Liu Shuwei , Wu Shuang , Wang Jinyang , Zou Jianwen
Published: November 2023

Applying biochar amendment and manure in tea plantation ecosystems can diminish soil acidification and degradation. However, the impact of these practices on soil respiration and associated mechanisms remains unclear. In this study, we combined a two-year field experiment and laboratory analyses based on soil properties, functional genes, and microbial co-occurrence networks to explore the determinants of soil respiration intensity in a subtropical tea plantation with biochar amendment and manure application. The results showed that the effect of biochar amendment on soil respiration was unconspicuous. Although biochar amendment increased bacterial richness and Shannon index, biochar amendment did not alter the abundance of species associated with C-cycling functional genes. Besides directly adding recalcitrant C to the soil, biochar also indirectly enhanced C sequestration by weakly increasing soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, replacing mineral fertilizer with manure significantly stimulated soil respiration in the tea plantation, resulting in a 36% increase in CO2 emissions over two years. The increase in CO2 emissions under the manure treatment was mainly attributed to the increased soil labile C pool, the activity of hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., cellobiohydrolase and acetylglucosaminidase), and the relative abundance of functional genes associated with the C-cycle. This may also be related to the application of manure that increased the abundance of Gemmatimonadetes and altered ecological clusters in bacterial co-occurrence networks. Our correlation network analysis suggested that Gemmatimonadetes might be the potential hosts for C-cycling genes due to their strong positive correlation with the abundance of C-cycling genes. Overall, these findings provide new insights into soil respiration under biochar amendment and manure application in tea plantations and broaden the options for carbon sequestration in soils.

Graphical Abstract
A Central Scheme for Two Coupled Hyperbolic Systems
Authors: Herty Michael , Kolbe Niklas , Müller Siegfried
Published: November 2023

A novel numerical scheme to solve two coupled systems of conservation laws is introduced. The scheme is derived based on a relaxation approach and does not require information on the Lax curves of the coupled systems, which simplifies the computation of suitable coupling data. The coupling condition for the underlying relaxation system plays a crucial role as it determines the behaviour of the scheme in the zero relaxation limit. The role of this condition is discussed, a consistency concept with respect to the original problem is introduced, the well-posedness is analyzed and explicit, nodal Riemann solvers are provided. Based on a case study considering the p-system of gas dynamics, a strategy for the design of the relaxation coupling condition within the new scheme is provided.
Nicotinamide Riboside, an NAD + Precursor, Protects Against Cardiac Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Fetal Guinea Pigs Exposed to Gestational Hypoxia
Authors: Thompson Loren P. , Song Hong , Hartnett Jamie
Published: November 2023

Gestational hypoxia inhibits mitochondrial function in the fetal heart and placenta contributing to fetal growth restriction and organ dysfunction. NAD + deficiency may contribute to a metabolic deficit by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis. We tested the effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR), an NAD + precursor, as a treatment for reversing known mitochondrial dysfunction in hypoxic fetal hearts. Pregnant guinea pigs were housed in room air (normoxia) or placed in a hypoxic chamber (10.5%O2) for the last 14 days of gestation (term = 65 days) and administered either water or NR (1.6 mg/ml) in the drinking bottle. Fetuses were excised at term, and NAD + levels of maternal liver, placenta, and fetal heart ventricles were measured. Indices of mitochondrial function (complex IV activity, sirtuin 3 activity, protein acetylation) and ATP synthesis were measured in fetal heart ventricles of NR-treated/untreated normoxic and hypoxic animals. Hypoxia reduced fetal body weight in both sexes (p = 0.01), which was prevented by NR. Hypoxia had no effect on maternal liver NAD + levels but decreased (p = 0.04) placenta NAD + levels, the latter normalized with NR treatment. Hypoxia had no effect on fetal heart NAD + but decreased (p < 0.05) mitochondrial complex IV and sirtuin 3 activities, ATP content, and increased mitochondrial acetylation, which were all normalized with maternal NR. Hypoxia increased (p < 0.05) mitochondrial acetylation in female fetal hearts but had no effect on other mitochondrial indices. We conclude that maternal NR is an effective treatment for normalizing mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP synthesis in the hypoxic fetal heart.
The Politics of Deep Time
Authors: Hanusch Frederic
Published: November 2023

Human societies increasingly interact with processes on a geological or even cosmic timescale. Despite this recognition, we still lack a basic understanding of these interconnections and how they translate into politics. This Element provides an exploration and systematization of 'the politics of deep time' as a novel lens of planetary politics in three steps. First, it demonstrates why deep-time interactions render the politics of deep time essential; second, it asks how deep time should be politicized and third, it explicates the politics of deep time by examining representative cases. The Element also formulates a conceptual framework to open up possibilities for alliances that seek to better understand and realize the politics of deep time, pioneering a debate on how planetary temporalities can be politically institutionalized. This title is also available as Open Access on Cambridge Core.
Against the Entitlement Model of Obligation
Authors: Attie-Picker Mario
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this paper is to reject what I call the entitlement model of directed obligation: the view that we can conclude from X is obligated to Y that therefore Y has an entitlement against X. I argue that rejecting the model clears up many otherwise puzzling aspects of ordinary moral interaction. The main goal is not to offer a new theory of obligation and entitlement. It is rather to show that, contrary to what most philosophers have assumed, directed obligation and entitlement are not the same normative concept seen from two different perspectives. They are two very different concepts, and much is gained by keeping them distinct.
Segmental Reflex, Long Latency Reflex, and Mixed Nerve Silent Period in Dystonia
Authors: Gündüz Ayşegül , Çetinkaya Tezer Damla , Türk Bengi Gül , E. Kızıltan Meral
Published: November 2023

We hypothesized that “long latency reflexes” (LLRs), associated segmental reflex (SR), and mixed nerve silent periods (MnSPs) recorded on the distal upper extremity muscles would behave differently in patients with cervical dystonia and focal hand dystonia. We enrolled patients with cervical dystonia, generalized dystonia, focal hand dystonia, and healthy individuals. We recorded SR, LLRs, and MnSPs. The mean amplitude of SR on the affected side of focal hand dystonia was significantly lower (p = 0.010). The parameters related to LLRs and MnSPs were not different between groups. We suggest, using SR, LLRs, and MnSPs, we could not show an electrophysiological signature specific to dystonia.
Energy enhancement of laser-driven ions by radiation reaction and Breit–Wheeler pair production in the ultra-relativistic transparency regime
Authors: Bhadoria Shikha , Marklund Mattias , Keitel Christoph H.
Published: November 2023

The impact of radiation reaction and Breit–Wheeler pair production on the acceleration of fully ionized carbon ions driven by an intense linearly polarized laser pulse has been investigated in the ultra-relativistic transparency regime. Against initial expectations, the radiation reaction and pair production at ultra-high laser intensities are found to enhance the energy gained by the ions. The electrons lose most of their transverse momentum, and the additionally produced pair plasma of Breit–Wheeler electrons and positrons co-streams in the forward direction as opposed to the existing electrons streaming at an angle above zero degree. We discuss how these observations could be explained by the changes in the phase velocity of the Buneman instability, which is known to aid ion acceleration in the breakout afterburner regime, by tapping the free energy in the relative electron and ion streams. We present evidence that these non-classical effects can further improve the highest carbon ion energies in this transparency regime.
A GHz chirped amplitude-modulated laser for high-contrast plasma gratings
Authors: Valdman Michael , Hen Amir , Marcus Gilad
Published: November 2023

The generation and control of large amplitude plasma gratings and other plasma structures is of paramount importance for the realization of plasma photonics. Autoresonant excitation of such structures by means of chirped amplitude-modulated lasers has been recently discussed and analyzed theoretically. Here we discuss the parameter space for the realization of such a scheme and describe the laser system that was built towards this goal. We also expand our earlier theoretical study to account for the more realistic case of a moderately focused laser beam, instead of the simplified plane wave approximation.
Hierarchy of coherent vortices in turbulence behind a cylinder
Authors: Fujino Jun , Motoori Yutaro , Goto Susumu
Published: November 2023

To draw concrete pictures of the hierarchy of multiscale coherent vortices in turbulence behind a cylinder and to reveal their sustaining mechanism, we conduct direct numerical simulations of the turbulence at the Reynolds number, which is defined by the uniform inflow velocity and the cylinder diameter,

$5000$

. The turbulence consists of three kinds of hierarchies of coherent vortices in three distinct regions: namely, the downstream region, the recirculation region just behind the cylinder and the separate shear layers. By tracking the temporal evolution of multiscale vortices in each of these regions, we demonstrate that, in all the three regions, smaller coherent vortices tend to align in the direction perpendicular to larger ones. This implies that smaller vortices are stretched and amplified in the strain-rate fields around larger ones. We also show the relevance of this observation to the energy cascade. Smaller-scale vortices receive the kinetic energy in the regions where they are stretched by larger-scale vortices; and, at the same time, they tend to compress larger ones, thus reducing larger-scale kinetic energy.
EXPERIMENTAL OBSERVATIONS ON PROCESSING LEATHER, SKIN, AND PARCHMENT FOR RADIOCARBON DATING
Authors: Davis Margaret A , Culleton Brendan J , Rosencrance Richard L , Jazwa Christopher S
Published: November 2023

Skin-based samples (leather, skin, and parchment) in archaeological, historic and museum settings are among the most challenging materials to radiocarbon (14C) date in terms of removing exogenous carbon sources—comparable to bone collagen in many respects but with much less empirical study to guide pretreatment approaches. In the case of leather, the 14C content of materials used in manufacturing the leather can vary greatly. The presence of leather manufacturing chemicals before pretreatment and their absence afterward is difficult to demonstrate, and the accuracy of dates depends upon isolating the original animal proteins and removing exogenous carbon. Parchments differ in production technique from leather but include similar unknowns. It is not clear that lessons learned in the treatment of one are always salient for treating the other. We measured the 14C content of variously pretreated leather, parchment, skin samples, and extracts, producing apparent ages that varied by hundreds or occasionally thousands of years depending upon sample pretreatment. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and C:N ratios provided insight into the chemical composition of carbon reservoirs contributing to age differences. The results of these analyses demonstrated that XAD column chromatography resulted in the most accurate 14C dates for leather and samples of unknown tannage, and FTIR allowed for the detection of contamination that might have otherwise been overlooked.