bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design space determination to optimize DNA complexation and full capsid formation in transient rAAV manufacturing
Authors: Fu Qiang , Lee Yong Suk , Green Erica A. , Wang Yongdan , Park So Young , Polanco Ashli , Lee Kelvin H. , Betenbaugh Michael , McNally David , Yoon Seongkyu
Published: July 2023

Recombinant adeno‐associated virus (rAAV) vectors are a promising platform for in vivo gene therapies. However, cost‐effective, well‐characterized processes necessary to manufacture rAAV therapeutics are challenging to develop without an understanding of how process parameters (PPs) affect rAAV product quality attributes (PQAs). In this work, a central composite orthogonal experimental design was employed to examine the influence of four PPs for transient transfection complex formation (polyethylenimine:DNA [PEI:DNA] ratio, total DNA/cell, cocktail volume, and incubation time) on three rAAV PQAs related to capsid content (vector genome titer, vector genome:capsid particle ratio, and two‐dimensional vector genome titer ratio). A regression model was established for each PQA using partial least squares, and a design space (DS) was defined in which Monte Carlo simulations predicted < 1% probability of failure (POF) to meet predetermined PQA specifications. Of the three PQAs, viral genome titer was most strongly correlated with changes in complexation PPs. The DS and acceptable PP ranges were largest when incubation time and cocktail volume were kept at mid‐high setpoints, and PEI:DNA ratio and total DNA/cell were at low‐mid setpoints. Verification experiments confirmed model predictive capability, and this work establishes a framework for studying other rAAV PPs and their relationship to PQAs.
A Fluorescence‐Based Assay for N5‐Carboxyaminoimidazole Ribonucleotide Mutase
Authors: Sharma Marcella F. , Sharma Shiv K. , Streeter Cale C. , Firestine Steven M.
Published: July 2023

The enzyme N5‐carboxylaminoinidazole ribonucleotide (N5‐CAIR) mutase is found in microbial de novo purine biosynthesis but is absent in humans making it an attractive antimicrobial target. N5‐CAIR mutase catalyzes the synthesis of carboxyaminoimidazole ribonucleotide (CAIR) from N5‐CAIR which is itself prepared from aminoimidazole ribonucleotide (AIR) by the enzyme N5‐CAIR synthetase. During our research on identifying inhibitors of N5‐CAIR mutase, we developed an innovative, fluorescence‐based assay to measure the activity of this enzyme. This assay relies upon our recent serendipitous observation that AIR reversibly reacts with the compound isatin. Reaction of a fluorescently‐tagged isatin with AIR resulted in a large increase in fluorescence intensity allowing a measurement of the concentration of AIR in solution. From this observation, we developed a reproducible, non‐continuous assay that can replicate the known kinetic parameters of the enzyme and can readily detect a recognized inhibitor of the enzyme. This assay should find utility in screening for inhibitors targeting N5‐CAIR mutase.
Investigation of solid particle erosion‐related failures in once‐through steam generators (OTSGs) in oil sands in‐situ production: The limitations of the API RP 14E guideline in OTSG design or operational decision‐making
Authors: Adedeji Oluwaseun Ezekiel , Kumar Anupam , Perdicakis Basil , Sanders R. Sean
Published: July 2023

The required steam for steam‐assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) oil sands operations is generated using a once‐through steam generator (OTSG) that is fed with relatively poor quality process water. Industries have reported possible solid particle erosion‐related failure in the OTSG boiler tubes because of the transport of precipitated dense inorganic particles. However, the presence of other damage mechanisms, e.g. corrosion, flow accelerated corrosion (FAC), often masks the evidence of erosive wear. Also, industries set an upper limit operating velocity for the OTSG using the API RP 14E guideline, which provides no quantitative erosion rates to determine an operating envelope. This study presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of erosion damage in a SAGD OTSG boiler tube. The results revealed that API RP 14E may not be an effective decision‐making tool for operating the OTSG system. For example, a 10% increase in velocity, even at conditions below the API RP 14E threshold, showed a decrease in the failure time of the boiler tubes by 40%–50%.
Color coordination project for the historic shipyard site of La Ciotat: A geopoetic approach to urban color design
Authors: Ollier Xavière
Published: July 2023

The color coordination project focuses on an important industrial heritage site in the Mediterranean—the shipyards of the town of La Ciotat, which is situated in southeastern France. As part of a waterfront requalification project, the company, La Ciotat Shipyards, commissioned a color consulting design agency to collaborate in redeveloping the site and maintaining its unique identity. This article aims to present the color research conducted by the agency Nacarat Color Design in 2018, by putting it into perspective alongside the 1974 work carried out by renowned color designer, Jean‐Philippe Lenclos, on the same industrial site but in a different political, economic, and social context. Applying a geopoetic approach, the color coordination project focuses first on understanding the current identity of the site and its history; second on applying a chromatic field research method; and, third on exploring the narratives brought by the use of color and materials. The complex social history of the shipyards of La Ciotat and its industrial conversion has created new challenges for the town, its inhabitants, and its workers. The conclusions of this study show how color and materials are understood as markers of the site's history, playing not only an important role in the affirmation of historical identity and the creation of a continuity, but also in the construction of a new narrative for a site that reinvents itself.
Goniothalamin prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute lung injury and inflammation via TLR‐4/NF‐κB signaling pathway
Authors: Zou Gongmin , Li Long , Gao LanPing , Zhou YingHong , Ma ZeNan , Hu Zekun
Published: July 2023

Goniothalamin (GTN) is a natural compound isolated from Goniothalamus species. It is a potent anti‐inflammatory agent. However, there is a paucity of scientific data about its toxicity. This study investigated GTN's anti‐inflammatory mechanism and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced lung injury in mice. Mice were distributed into four groups and injected with GTN intraperitoneally (Dosage—50 and 100 mg/kg). We analyzed the wet/dry weight ratio, infiltrated inflammatory cell count, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and histopathological changes in the lung tissues of the mice. Results revealed GTN alleviated LPS‐induced inflammation in mice. Western Blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay techniques were used to investigate the effect of GTN on pro‐inflammatory cytokines and proteins involved in the MAPK and nuclear factor‐B (NF‐κB) signaling pathways. Cytokines (macrophage migration inhibitory factor, interleukin [IL]‐13, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β) were inhibited by GTN. However, IL‐10 was upregulated. Western blot analysis indicated that GTN suppressed the phosphorylation of jun N‐terminal kinase, nuclear factor NF‐kappa‐B p65, I‐kappa‐B, extracellular signal‐regulated kinases, NF‐κB, and p38. GTN also suppressed the expression of TLR‐4 protein, thereby, inhibiting MAPK and NF‐κB signaling pathways. Thus, GTN can effectively prevent and cure acute lung injury.
MicroRNA‐145‐5p suppresses cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in upper tract urothelial carcinoma by targeting 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/IMP cyclohydrolase
Authors: Luo Hao‐Lun , Lee Yi‐Chen , Chang Yin‐Lun , Hsu Wei‐Chi , Wu Yen‐Ting , Jhan Jhen‐Hao , Lin Hui‐Hui , Wu Yi‐Ru , Ke Hung‐Lung , Liu Hui‐Ying
Published: July 2023

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), including renal, pelvic, and ureteral carcinoma, has a high incidence rate in Taiwan, which is different from that in Western countries. Therefore, it is imperative to elucidate the mechanisms underlying UTUC growth and metastasis. To explore the function of miR‐145‐5p in UTUC, we transfected the BFTC909 cell line with miR‐145‐5p mimics and analyzed the differences in protein levels by performing two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to analyze 5‐aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/inositol monophosphate cyclohydrolase (ATIC) messenger RNA and protein levels. A dual‐luciferase assay was performed to identify the target of miR‐145‐5p in ATIC. The effects of miR‐145‐5p and ATIC expression by cell transfection on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were also assessed. miR‐145‐5p downregulated ATIC protein expression. High ATIC expression is associated with tumor stage, metastasis, recurrence, and a poor prognosis in patients with UTUC. Cell function assays revealed that ATIC knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasive abilities of UTUC cells. In contrast, miR‐145‐5p affected the proliferation, migration, and invasive abilities of UTUC cells by directly targeting the 3′‐untranslated regions of ATIC. Furthermore, we used RNA sequencing and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis to identify possible downstream genes regulated by ATIC and found that miR‐145‐5p regulated the protein levels of fibronectin 1, Slug, cyclin A2, cyclin B1, P57, and interferon‐induced transmembrane 1 via ATIC. ATIC may be a valuable predictor of prognosis and a potential therapeutic target for UTUC.
TRIM16 E121D variant affects the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Li Shanfeng , Wang Jialin , Chen Haitao , Hou Jia , Shen Ting , Li Jing , Zhou Bin , Zhang Bo , Liu Hui , Jiang De‐Ke
Published: July 2023

TRIM16 has been identified as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aimed to investigate whether there are genetic variants in TRIM16 influencing HCC risk and/or prognosis and explore the mechanisms. We performed a gene‐wide single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mining in TRIM16. The associations of SNPs with both HCC risk and prognosis were assessed through two independent cohorts respectively. Functional experiments were performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. A missense variant rs2074890 (G > T, resulting in an amino acid substitution from glutamate to aspartate at code 121, E121D) of TRIM16 was found to be associated with both HCC risk (odds ratio = 0.806, p = 0.023) and prognosis (hazard ratio = 0.44, p = 0.034). Compared to the rs2074890 G allele (corresponding to TRIM16121E) homozygote carriers, the rs2074890 T allele (corresponding to TRIM16121D) carriers showed lower HCC risk and better overall survival. Mechanistically, TRIM16121D has stronger ability to inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, TRIM16121D could bind to β‐catenin better and mediate K48‐linked ubiquitination to degrade β‐catenin, which leads to inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In conclusion, TRIM16 E121D variant impacts both risk and prognosis of HCC via regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which may lead to better understanding the pathogenesis of HCC.
Compact wideband microstrip antennas using C, H, and W‐shape ground plane for GSM band applications
Authors: Deshmukh Amit A. , Chavali Venkata A. P.
Published: July 2023

Proximity‐fed compact wideband rectangular and circular microstrip antennas by employing H‐shape, C‐shape, and W‐shape ground plane profiles are proposed. Optimum results are obtained in rectangular microstrip antenna using H‐shape ground plane. Against the conventional ground plane, it gives 16% bandwidth improvement, supported by 17.29% and 31% reduction in resonant mode frequency and patch area, respectively. The proposed design exhibits a broadside pattern with a gain of 6.1 dBi and can find applications in GSM 900 band.
Embedding expertise knowledge into inverse treatment planning for low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy of hepatic malignancies
Authors: Zhu Jianjun , Wang Cheng , Teng Sitong , Lu Jian , Lyu Pengju , Zhang Pujun , Xu Jun , Lu Ligong , Teng Gao‐Jun
Published: July 2023

Background

Leveraging the precision of its radiation dose distribution and the minimization of postoperative complications, low‐dose‐rate (LDR) permanent seed brachytherapy is progressively adopted in addressing hepatic malignancies.

Purpose

The present study endeavors to devise a sophisticated treatment planning system (TPS) to optimize LDR brachytherapy for hepatic lesions.

Methods

Our TPS encompasses four integral modules: multi‐organ segmentation, seed distribution initialization, puncture pathway selection, and inverse dose planning. By amalgamating an array of deep learning models, the segmentation module proficiently labels 17 discrete abdominal targets within the images. We introduce a knowledge‐based seed distribution initialization methodology that discerns the most analogous tumor shape in the reference treatment plan from the knowledge base. Subsequently, the seed distribution from the reference plan is transmuted to the current case, thus establishing seed distribution initialization. Furthermore, we parameterize the puncture needles and seeds, while concurrently constraining the puncture needle angle through the employment of a virtual puncture panel to augment planning algorithm efficiency. We also presented a user interface that includes a range of interactive features, seamlessly integrated with the treatment planning generation function.

Results

The multi‐organ segmentation module, which is trained by 50 cases of in‐house CT scans and 694 cases of publicly available CT scans, achieved average Dice of 0.80 and Hausdorff distance of 5.2 mm in testing datasets. The results demonstrate that knowledge‐based initialization exhibits a marked enhancement in expediting the convergence rate. Our TPS also demonstrates a dominant advantage in dose‐volume‐histogram criteria and execution time in comparison to commercial TPS.

Conclusion

The study proposes an innovative treatment planning system for low‐dose‐rate permanent seed brachytherapy for hepatic malignancies. We show that the generated treatment plans meet clinical requirement.
Effects of non‐nutritive sweetened beverages versus water after a 12‐week weight‐loss program: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Harrold Joanne A. , Hill Scott , Radu Cristina , Thomas Paul , Thorp Paula , Hardman Charlotte A. , Christiansen Paul , Halford Jason C. G.
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare non‐nutritive sweetened (NNS) beverages versus water for weight loss after a 12‐week behavioral weight‐management program.

Methods

This is an ongoing, 2‐year, parallel‐group, open‐label, controlled equivalence trial; week‐12 data are reported. Adults with BMI of 27 to 35 kg/m2 who regularly drank cold beverages were randomized 1:1 to intention‐to‐treat water or NNS beverages while undergoing a weekly 12‐week group behavioral weight‐management program. Weight change to week 12 was the primary end point (equivalence: two‐sided p > 0.05); changes in waist and hip circumference, blood pressure, glycemic control markers, fasting lipid profiles, liver function tests, hunger (visual analog scale), sugar and sweetener consumption, and activity levels were secondary end points.

Results

Overall, 493 participants were randomized (water: n = 246; NNS beverages: n = 247); 24.1% were NNS beverage naïve. Weight change was equivalent with water versus NNS beverages (−5.6 vs. −5.8 kg; difference [90% CI]: −0.2 kg [−0.7 to 0.4]). There were no significant differences between groups for secondary end points except reductions in waist circumference (greater with NNS beverages vs. water), glycated hemoglobin, and consumption of any type of sweetener (both greater with water vs. NNS beverages).

Conclusions

Weight loss was equivalent with NNS beverages and water following a 12‐week behavioral weight‐management program.

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Clinical and genetic characteristics of children with cystic fibrosis in Henan China: A single‐center retrospective analysis
Authors: Xu Chunna , Tang Yu , Dong Lili , Shen Yuelin
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite the growing awareness of cystic fibrosis (CF) in China, few cases have been reported in Henan, which is the most populous province in the country. This study aimed to describe the clinical phenotype and genotype of children with CF in Henan.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited 18 Chinese children with CF who presented to Children's Hospital affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2019 to June 2023. The demographic data, imaging examinations, and laboratory tests of the patients were reviewed to clarify the clinical phenotype. Whole exome sequencing was conducted to identify the genotype.

Results

Respiratory diseases were the main clinical manifestation, including recurrent/persistent pneumonia (88.9%), sinusitis (77.8%), bronchiectasis (77.8%). CF‐related liver disease and pancreatic insufficiency were less common. Infant cases had high frequency of pseudo‐Bartter Syndrome (80.0%). Chest computed tomography showed bronchiectasis in older children and air trapping in infant cases. The most common pathogens in the airway were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (72.2%) and Staphylococcus aureus (66.7%). Twenty‐five different cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene variants were detected, including five novel observations (c.1064C>G[p. Pro355Arg], c.1209+1G>C, c.1925C>G[p. Ser642X], c.2810T>G[p. Leu937Arg], and c.3792delA[p. Gly1265GlufsX13]). The most common variant was c.2909G>A(p. Gly970Asp), with a detected rate of 21.9%.

Conclusion

Children with CF in Henan had varied clinical phenotypes by age, with respiratory disease being predominant. The most frequent CFTR gene variant was c.2909G>A(p. Gly970Asp). This study is the first and most comprehensive one on the clinical phenotype and genotype of children with CF in Henan, China. We also reported the first CF case of Mycobacterium abscessus infection in China.
Enhancement Design and Quasi‐Static Crushing Response of Novel Star‐Rhombus Honeycombs
Authors: Wang Shun , Liu Hai-Tao
Published: July 2023

To enhance the load‐bearing capacity and energy absorption capacity of the honeycomb, three kinds of star‐rhombus honeycombs (SRHs) are proposed by adding rhombic parts to the traditional star‐shaped honeycomb (TSH). The quasi‐static crushing responses of SRHs, including deformation mechanism, crushing stress, specific energy absorption (SEA), and Poisson's ratio, are studied based on the finite‐element (FE) method. The introduction of rhombic parts increases the number of plastic hinges, resulting in significantly higher crushing stress and SEA of the SRHs than that of the TSH. Among the SRHs, SRH‐A has the largest energy absorption, and the SEA value of SRH‐A is 98.2% higher than TSH. Then, parametric studies including wall thickness, cell wall angle, and spacing length between the vertices of the star‐shaped part and the rhombic part are carried out. The wall thickness and cell wall angle have the greatest influence on the crushing response of SRHs. Crushing stress and Poisson's ratio of SRHs can be adjusted by changing the wall thickness of the rhombic part. The configurations and geometric parameters of the rhombic part determine the Poisson's ratio of SRHs. This study provides effective guidance for designing star‐shaped honeycombs with enhanced load‐bearing capacity and energy absorption capacity.
Leveraging purposes and values to motivate and negotiate reform
Authors: Lindsay William E. , Otero Valerie K.
Published: July 2023

This study examines the impact of organizational purposes and values on reforming physics instruction to align with a practice‐based instructional approach, in a case of engaging in infrastructuring with a no‐excuses charter network. The network's instruction was guided by organizational purposes of ensuring predictable academic success and collegiate access for all students and was supported by a robust system of instructional infrastructures that were initially incoherent with a practice‐based approach to science education. To manage this incoherence, the network engaged in infrastructuring with a university‐based team of physics education researchers and curriculum developers. Infrastructuring included the redesign of network standards, curricular materials, assessments, instructional coaching routines, and professional development workshops during a 33‐month partnership. Extensive ethnographic data were collected during this process and analyzed using a mixture of inductive and deductive coding that facilitated the production of analytical memos, interpretive vignettes, and cross‐case comparisons. Analysis revealed reform motivations unique to the no‐excuses context and elements of instructional infrastructures that were mutable and immutable to change. During implementation, some redesigned infrastructure elements supported a practice‐based approach to physics instruction, including adaptations to daily instructional materials and valued student learning outcomes. Other infrastructure elements constrained reform efforts, including expectations of standards coverage. Implications for instructional reform programs and working with no‐excuses networks are discussed.
Metal‐Free Hybrid Energetic Composites Based on Donor–Acceptor π‐Conjugated Organic Energetic Catalysts with Enlightening the Laser Ignition Performance of Multi‐Scale Ammonium Perchlorate
Authors: Du Wei , Tang Pengfei , Yang Bo , Yang Lei , Li Xiaodong , Duan Ming , Gou Shaohua , Ma Qing
Published: July 2023

Photosensitive materials, such as energetic complexes, usually have high sensitivity and cause heavy‐metal pollution, whereas others, like carbon black and dye, do not contain energy, which affects energy output and mechanical properties. In this work, donor–acceptor π‐conjugated energetic catalysts, denoted as D‐n, are designed and synthesized. Nonmetallic hybrid energetic composites are prepared by assembling the as‐synthesized catalysts into multiscale ammonium perchlorate (AP). Composites containing catalysts and APs can be successfully ignited without the involvement of metals. The new ignition mechanism is further analyzed using experimental and theoretical analyses such as UV–vis‐near‐infrared (NIR) spectra, electron‐spin resonance spectroscopy, and energy‐gap analysis. The shortest ignition delay time is 56 ms under the experimental condition of a NIR wavelength of 1064 nm and a laser power of 10 W. At the voltage of 1 kV and the electric field of 500 V mm−1, the laser‐ignition delay time of D‐2/AP hybrid composite decreases from 56 to 35 ms because D‐2 also exhibits organic semiconductor‐like properties. D‐2/AP and D‐12/AP can also be used to successfully laser ignite other common energetic materials. This study can guide the development of advanced metal‐free laser‐ignitable energetic composites to address challenges in the field of aerospace engineering.
Potential mechanisms of death in cases of fatal acid attacks
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Behera Chittaranjan , Gupta Sudhir K. , Chauhan Mohit , Kaur Navpreet
Published: July 2023

Acid attacks refer to assaults where caustic substances such as an acid are thrown onto a victim. The usual purpose is to maim and disfigure and cause lifelong health and societal issues. Deaths uncommonly occur. Three cases are described involving females who were aged 14, 20 and 35 years respectively, who survived for some time after the attacks but later died. Postmortem findings confirmed that the deaths were due to septicemia and multiorgan failure. After an acid attack, death may be caused by a range of immediate, early and delayed complications. Hypovolemic shock may occur from loss of fluid exuding from the sites of deep burns. If the caustic agent has been inhaled or swallowed there may be mucosal, submucosal or deeper tissue injuries associated with mucosal edema and sloughing of pseudomembranes resulting in critical narrowing of the airways. Inhalation of fumes may also result in diffuse alveolar damage as a significant pathological finding. Further complications include acute renal failure, septicemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiorgan failure. The prognosis of such injuries depends on the extent of the body surface that has been burned, the presence and extent of inhalation injuries, concomitant comorbid conditions and the age of the victim.
Assessing the water conservation potential of optimized surface irrigation management in Northern Italy
Authors: Masseroni Daniele , Gangi Fabiola , Ghilardelli Francesca , Gallo Antonio , Kisekka Isaya , Gandolfi Claudio
Published: July 2023

The effects of climate change on water availability affect the performance of surface irrigation, which is the oldest and most common method of water application to row crops worldwide. A paradigm shift towards strategies aimed at increasing flexibility of irrigation scheduling and improving the design and management of field layouts and irrigation practices should be explored to promote water conservation at the farm scale. In this study, we investigate how by adopting a more flexible irrigation scheduling and optimizing irrigation management variables and field layout it is possible to increase the efficiency of border irrigation and thus achieve water conservations and improve quality of crop production. The analysis of the actual performance of border irrigation was carried out on two maize fields located in the Padana Plain (Northern Italy) in 2 years characterized by different rainfall patterns (i.e. 2021 and 2022). Based on this information, continuous monitoring of soil moisture status combined with the AquaCrop-OS agro-hydrological model was used to manage flexible irrigation scheduling over the experimental fields, while the optimization of irrigation management (flowrate per unit width and cutoff time) and field geometries (border width and slope) was studied using WinSRFR 5.1 USDA software, which was properly calibrated by measures of waterfront advance and recession. The results show that with flexible irrigation scheduling and proper irrigation management and field layout, significant water conservation can be achieved. Specifically, in the case study, seasonal water conservation of about 10% was obtained just by scheduling irrigation based on actual crop water needs in a very dry agricultural season, while water conservation reached up to 60% in a wetter season. On average, an additional 7% of water conservation was achieved over the agricultural season when the irrigation duration was correctly applied to each border of the experimental plots, while approximately 20% of water was conserved when the border width was correctly designed based on inflow availability. These results provide useful information for improving the management of border irrigation in practice, both under current conditions and in prospective of  increasing freshwater scarcity in the future.
Drinking on the wing: water collection in polarotactic horseflies
Authors: Cerkvenik Uroš , Belušič Gregor
Published: July 2023

Many insects detect water bodies by observing the linearly polarised light which is reflected from the water surface. Polarotactic horseflies exhibit acrobatic manoeuvres above the water and are able to plunge on its surface, collect a droplet and fly away. This behaviour is extremely fast and has not yet been analysed. We recorded the flight patterns and kinematics of drinking horseflies using a pair of high-speed cameras. The animals of both sexes are attracted to water puddles where they make short, millisecond pitstops to collect a droplet of water that is then presumably drank “on the wing”. Before the collection, the flies perform several low-altitude flybys above the puddle. After a few passes, the fly suddenly reverses its body orientation, decelerates, briefly touches the water surface and immediately flies away, usually with a droplet carried between its front legs. During the approach flight, the horseflies fly low but do not show any angular preference. Thus, they view the reflections from the sky, sun, or vegetation with a wide band of ventral ommatidia. Polarotaxis in drinking horseflies is a very robust visually guided behaviour, which operates at a broad range of intensities and various spectral compositions of reflected light.
Discrete-to-Continuous Extensions: Lovász Extension and Morse Theory
Authors: Jost Jürgen , Zhang Dong
Published: July 2023

This is the first of a series of papers that develop a systematic bridge between constructions in discrete mathematics and the corresponding continuous analogs. In this paper, we establish an equivalence between Forman’s discrete Morse theory on a simplicial complex and the continuous Morse theory (in the sense of any known non-smooth Morse theory) on the associated order complex via the Lovász extension. Furthermore, we propose a new version of the Lusternik–Schnirelman category on abstract simplicial complexes to bridge the classical Lusternik–Schnirelman theorem and its discrete analog on finite complexes. More generally, we can suggest a discrete Morse theory on hypergraphs by employing piecewise-linear (PL) Morse theory and Lovász extension, hoping to provide new tools for exploring the structure of hypergraphs.
Spontaneous lesser omental herniation resolved by laparoscopic surgery: case report and systematic literature review
Authors: Alves André S. , Balaphas Alexandre , Zuo Katie , Hauser Philipp , Neroladaki Angeliki , Raffoul Toni
Published: July 2023

Background

Despite its extremely low incidence, intra-abdominal herniation through the lesser omentum is associated with a high mortality rate and must be recognized early and treated urgently. To overcome a lack of data on the management of this condition, we collected and reviewed all the reported cases of operated lesser omental hernia and presented the case of a patient treated by laparoscopy for an isolated lesser omental hernia.

Methods

According to PRISMA guidelines and using PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, a systematic literature review of cases of lesser omental hernia treated by surgery was performed on February 12, 2023.

Results

Of 482 articles, 30 were included for analysis and only 9 articles presented an isolated hernia through the lesser omentum. Among these, 4 patients were female and the median age was 38. Upper abdominal pain and vomiting were reported in 7 out of 9 patients. The small bowel was responsible for 78% (7/9) of all lesser omental herniations. All of them were treated by laparotomy. In addition, we describe the case of a 65-year-old woman without prior surgical history who was treated by laparoscopy for a spontaneous closed loop hernia through the lesser omentum without any other associated hernias.

Conclusion

Mostly associated with prior surgery or trauma, this type of herniation could sometimes occur spontaneously without any sign of peritonitis. Due to the high mortality rate, internal abdominal hernias should always be ruled out with a CT scan in front of patients presenting with persisting acute abdominal pain and no alternative diagnosis.
The anterolateral triangle as window on the foramen lacerum from transorbital corridor: anatomical study and technical nuances
Authors: Corvino Sergio , Armocida Daniele , Offi Martina , Pennisi Giovanni , Burattini Benedetta , Mondragon Andres Villareal , Esposito Felice , Cavallo Luigi Maria , de Notaris Matteo
Published: July 2023

Objective

Neurosurgical indications for the superior eyelid transorbital endoscopic approach (SETOA) are rapidly expanding over the last years. Nevertheless, as any new technique, a detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the surgical target area, the operative corridor, and the specific surgical landmark from this different perspective is required for a safest and successful surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide, through anatomical dissections, a detailed investigation of the surgical anatomy revealed by SETOA via anterolateral triangle of the middle cranial fossa. We also sought to define the relevant surgical landmarks of this operative corridor.

Methods

Eight embalmed and injected adult cadaveric specimens (16 sides) underwent dissection and exposure of the cavernous sinus and middle cranial fossa via superior eyelid endoscopic transorbital approach. The anterolateral triangle was opened and its content exposed. An extended endoscopic endonasal trans-clival approach (EEEA) with exposure of the cavernous sinus content and skeletonization of the paraclival and parasellar segments of the internal carotid artery (ICA) was also performed, and the anterolateral triangle was exposed. Measurements of the surface area of this triangle from both surgical corridors were calculated in three head specimens using coordinates of its borders under image-guide navigation.

Results

The drilling of the anterolateral triangle via SETOA unfolds a space that can be divided by the course of the vidian nerve into two windows, a wider “supravidian” and a narrower “infravidian,” which reveal different anatomical corridors: a “medial supravidian” and a “lateral supravidian,” divided by the lacerum segment of the ICA, leading to the lower clivus, and to the medial aspect of the Meckel’s cave and terminal part of the horizontal petrous ICA, respectively. The infravidian corridor leads medially into the sphenoid sinus. The arithmetic means of the accessible surface area of the anterolateral triangle were 45.48 ± 3.31 and 42.32 ± 2.17 mm2 through transorbital approach and endonasal approach, respectively.

Conclusion

SETOA can be considered a minimally invasive route complementary to the extended endoscopic endonasal approach to the anteromedial aspect of the Meckel’s cave and the foramen lacerum. The lateral loop of the trigeminal nerve represents a reliable surgical landmark to localize the lacerum segment of the ICA from this corridor. Nevertheless, as any new technique, a learning curve is needed, and the clinical feasibility should be proven.
Mapping inundation from sea level rise and its interaction with land cover in the Sundarbans mangrove forest
Authors: Kanan Akbar Hossain , Pirotti Francesco , Masiero Mauro , Rahman Md Masudur
Published: July 2023

The sea level rise (SLR) in the Sundarbans areas is higher than the global-average rate of sea rise, and many studies assume that most of the dry land of the Sundarbans will be inundated by the end of the twenty-first century. This study aims to analyze the amount of dry land that can potentially be inundated by SLR in Sundarbans and the impact under different land cover conditions. Four SLR scenarios, a digital elevation data grid, and net subsidence data are used to map areas that will be potentially inundated by 2100. Results for the low (35 cm), mid (52 cm), high (70 cm), and extreme (147 cm) SLR scenarios indicate that the Sundarbans landmass area will be flooded up to 40 km2 (1%), 72 km2 (1.8%), 136 km2 (3.4%), and 918 km2 (23%), respectively, under the current net subsidence rate of −2.4 mm/year by 2100. Except for the extreme scenarios, the low, mid, and high SLR will result in riverbank and beach areas to be covered by water. The potential inundation areas of different vegetation cover classes that already exist today (2020) will be nominal for the low, mid, and high SLR scenarios. We also analyzed the sensitivity of the results through station-based SLR data, which fits with the low (35 cm) SLR scenarios under the −2.4 mm/year subsidence rate. This study concluded that the inundation aspect of SLR will not directly affect the Sundarbans; however, indirectly related threats and anthropogenic disturbances can be major drivers of the Sundarbans’ degradation by the end of the twenty-first century. This work discusses reasonable inundation scenarios integrating SLR and subsidence with a custom land-cover map that includes three forest-density categories. The study’s findings contribute to forest management planning and support the UN goals of the Bangladesh Delta Plan.
Players Don’t Die, They Respawn: a Situational Analysis of Toxic Encounters Arising from Death Events in League of Legends
Authors: Nexø Louise Anker , Kristiansen Søren
Published: July 2023

Online death events constitute integral parts of many competitive online multiplayer games. Nonetheless, research has identified death events as frequently involved in the proceedings of toxic behaviors (Märtens et al., 2015). While much existing research has been attentive towards providing a range of explanations for the emergence of toxic behaviors in online games (see for example Kordyaka et al. in Internet Research, 30(4), 1081–1102, 2020; Kou, 2020; Kowert in Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 2020), research exploring the micro sociological mechanisms involved is currently limited. By applying a micro sociological situational approach to a sample of screen-recorded video data from an observational study of online toxic behaviors in League of Legends, we find that patterns of interactional rituals and situational properties play an important role in whether a death event, in which one or more players are killed, escalates into a toxic encounter. These preliminary results suggest a micro-situational understanding to be explored and refined in future empirical research. From the preliminary findings, a range of potential interventions to mitigate toxic behavior and promote social inclusion in online gaming are suggested. Among these, two types of social-norm interventions, targeting social referents and weakening social norms, align well with the main findings.
Gradient boosting for extreme quantile regression
Authors: Velthoen Jasper , Dombry Clément , Cai Juan-Juan , Engelke Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Extreme quantile regression provides estimates of conditional quantiles outside the range of the data. Classical quantile regression performs poorly in such cases since data in the tail region are too scarce. Extreme value theory is used for extrapolation beyond the range of observed values and estimation of conditional extreme quantiles. Based on the peaks-over-threshold approach, the conditional distribution above a high threshold is approximated by a generalized Pareto distribution with covariate dependent parameters. We propose a gradient boosting procedure to estimate a conditional generalized Pareto distribution by minimizing its deviance. Cross-validation is used for the choice of tuning parameters such as the number of trees and the tree depths. We discuss diagnostic plots such as variable importance and partial dependence plots, which help to interpret the fitted models. In simulation studies we show that our gradient boosting procedure outperforms classical methods from quantile regression and extreme value theory, especially for high-dimensional predictor spaces and complex parameter response surfaces. An application to statistical post-processing of weather forecasts with precipitation data in the Netherlands is proposed.
Fatal toxoplasmosis in a captive squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) in Portugal
Authors: Salas-Fajardo Martha Ynés , Benavides Julio , Azevedo Alexandre , Figueiras Paulo , Monteiro Madalena , Orge Leonor , Mendonça Paula , Carvalho Paulo , Waap Helga , Ortega-Mora Luis Miguel , Calero-Bernal Rafael
Published: July 2023

New World monkeys are especially vulnerable to develop severe clinical manifestations and succumb to acute toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to describe the histopathological findings and genotypic characterization of the Toxoplasma gondii strain involved in a lethal case occurring in a zoo-housed black-capped squirrel monkey (Saimiri boliviensis) in Portugal. Cyst-like structures suggestive of Sarcocystidae parasites and acute injuries in liver and brain were observed by light microscopy examination. By immunohistochemistry, calprotectin, T. gondii antigen and Iba1 antigen had a positive signaling in lung, liver and brain tissues. Toxoplasma gondii B1, ITS1 and 529 repetitive element fragments amplifications together with the genotyping of 13 microsatellite markers confirmed a systemic T. gondii infection linked to a non-clonal type II strain. This description is consistent to the majority T. gondii strains circulating in Europe.
The race of ecological vehicles: consumer behavior and generation impact in the Portuguese market
Authors: Campino José , Mendes Francisca Pereira , Rosa Álvaro
Published: July 2023

The impacts of climate change are becoming increasingly severe and noticeable. Consumers are becoming more cognizant of the environmental challenges that affect the planet. A major contributor to carbon emissions and the resulting warming climate and pollution is transportation. As a result, the selection of environmentally friendly options in this industry is becoming a pressing matter. This study aims to examine the reasons that motivate consumers to choose eco-friendly vehicles. The study specifically aims to understand what factors drive consumers to purchase such vehicles. A questionnaire was administered to the Portuguese population to determine which factors influence the decision to purchase eco-friendly vehicles, and what type of vehicles are preferred. The study includes all types of eco-friendly vehicles, including early-stage solutions such as fuel cell vehicles. Furthermore, the study examines whether there is any difference in purchasing habits between generations. The study is based on several theories, including the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Diffusion of Innovation (DOI), Norm Activation Model (NAM), and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Our research concludes that attitude (influenced by the advantages, compatibility, and non-complexity) and personal norms (influenced by the efficiency) are the two factors that affect positively and significantly the intention of purchase. The preferred eco-friendly vehicle among participants was found to be the hybrid electric vehicle, and the hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle was also considered. The study did not find a significant impact of generation on purchasing decisions, but different generations were found to value different factors when making a vehicle purchase.
Estimating agriculture technologies’ impact on maize yield in rural South Africa
Authors: Boakye Alex
Published: July 2023

New technologies and digital infrastructures are enabling smart farming with high productivity levels across countries. Yet, there is dearth of evidence on how they are enabling smallholder farmers in Africa to increase their farm produce. By focussing on smallholder maize crop producers in South Africa and relying on a panel data for the period 2011–2021, this study applied a stochastic production frontier framework and Cobb–Douglas production function to estimate the relationship between variance of yield increase in relation to aggregate modern technologies adopted. The stochastic production frontier model was estimated using simple ordinary least square, maximum likelihood estimation and probit regressions. The analysis adopted a three-stage procedure which began with the specification of regression model, the calculation of least residuals squares of the explanatory variables and finally the estimation of the variances in the functional forms of output levels. The results revealed a positive relation between the application of digital agriculture technologies and increased crop performance for rural maize cultivators in South Africa. The policy inference from this study is that accelerating investment in digital agriculture infrastructure offers the promise of a quadruple return for South Africa’s agriculture sector.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the role of Zelda in the regulation of embryonic and wing development ofTribolium castaneum
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Xue Shuang , Gao Tian , Lu Ruixue , Zhang Xinyi , Zhang Yonglei , Zhang Kunpeng , Li Ruimin
Published: July 2023

Zinc finger protein (Zelda) ofTribolium castaneum(TcZelda) has been showed to play pivotal roles in embryonic development and metamorphosis. However, the regulatory mechanism ofTcZeldaassociated with these physiology processes is unclear. Herein, the developmental expression profile showed thatZeldaofT. castaneumwas highly expressed in early eggs. Tissue expression profiling revealed thatTcZeldawas mainly expressed in the larval head and adult ovary of late adults and late larvae.TcZeldaknockdown led to a 95% mortality rate in adults. These results suggested thatTcZeldais related to the activation of the zygote genome in early embryonic development. Furthermore, 592 differentially expressed genes were identified from the dsZeldatreated group. Compared with the control group,altered disjunction(ALD) andAGAP005368-PA(GAP) in the dsZeldagroup were significantly down-regulated, whileTGF-beta, propeptide(TGF) was significantly up-regulated, suggesting thatTcZeldamay be involved in insect embryonic development. In addition, the expression ofUbx ultrabithorax(UBX),Cx cephalothorax(CX),En engrailed(EN), and twoEndocuticle structural glycoprotein sgabd(ABD) genes were significantly down-regulated, suggesting that they may cooperate withTcZeldato regulate the development of insect wings. Additionally,Elongation(ELO),fatty acid synthase(FAS), andfatty acyl-CoA desaturase(FAD) expression was inhibited in dsZeldainsects, which could disturb the lipase signaling pathways, thus, disrupting the insect reproductive system and pheromone synthesis. These results may help reveal the function ofTcZeldain insects and the role of certain genes in the gene regulatory network and provide new ideas for the prevention and control ofT. castaneum.
Looting and learning: Teaching about the illicit antiquities trade and professional responsibilities in higher education
Authors: Lundén Staffan
Published: July 2023

The illicit antiquities trade relies on various academic experts for its operations and legitimization. To counter this involvement, academics need to be made aware of how their services might support the trade. A suitable venue for future generations of professionals to obtain this knowledge is their university education. Hence, it is of interest to ask what is taught in university programs in relevant disciplines about the illicit antiquities trade and the forms of academic entanglement within it. This article focuses on course literature in university programs for conservators. It looks at both the official curriculum (explicit and intended teaching) and the hidden curriculum (implicit and unintended teaching) concerning illicit antiquities trade and conservators’ responsibilitiesvis-à-visthis trade. It finds that the coverage is limited and partly outdated. Further, textbooks might signal that it is acceptable to undertake the treatment of unprovenanced archaeological objects. The study suggests that it is relevant to ask not only if, but also how, the topic of professional responsibility is taught, and it argues that higher education, apart from teaching how to keep clear of activities that promote the trade, should provide the knowledge and skills to actively oppose it.
Cumulative exposure to fast speech conditions duration of content words in English
Authors: Brown Earl Kjar
Published: July 2023

This paper tests the idea that the speech rate with which surrounding words are spoken affects the mental representation of words and conditions production of words. This possibility is operationalized by measuring a word's ratio of occurrence in speaker-relative fast speech. Other variables shown in the literature to influence speech rate are controlled for in a 10,000-iteration bootstrapping procedure of a mixed-effect linear regression model. The results of the analysis of 39,397 tokens of content words from 1,232 word types in English display a significant effect for a word's ratio of conditioning in speaker-relative fast speech, although the effect size is small or very small. Other variables shown in the literature to condition speech rate also significantly condition speech rate here. This paper suggests that in addition to other aspects of the context of use of words, contextual speech rate also influences the mental representation of words.