bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of Lkb1 in CD11c+ myeloid cells protects mice from diet-induced obesity while enhancing glucose intolerance and IL-17/IFN-γ imbalance
Authors: Sun Yunyan , Wang Bing , Hu Qianwen , Zhang Haixiao , Lai Xun , Wang Tier , Zhao Chunxiao , Wang Jiali , Zhang Xi , Niu Qing , He Baolin , Jiang Erlie , Shi Mingxia , Feng Xiaoming , Luo Yuechen
Published: February 2023

Adipose tissue CD11c+ myeloid cell is an independent risk factor associated with obesity and metabolic disorders. However, the underlying molecular basis remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that liver kinase B1 (Lkb1), a key bioenergetic sensor, is involved in CD11c+ cell-mediated immune responses in diet-induced obesity. Loss of Lkb1 in CD11c+ cells results in obesity resistance but lower glucose tolerance, which accompanies tissue-specific immune abnormalities. The accumulation and CD80’s expression of Lkb1 deficient adipose-tissue specific dendritic cells but not macrophages is restrained. Additionally, the balance of IL-17A and IFN-γ remarkably tips towards the latter in fat T cells and CD11c− macrophages. Mechanistically, IFN-γ promotes apoptosis of preadipocytes and inhibits their adipogenesis while IL-17A promotes the adipogenesis in vitro, which might account in part for the fat gain resistant phenotype. In summary, these findings reveal that Lkb1 is essential for fat CD11c+ dendritic cells responding to HFD exposure and provides new insights into the IL-17A/IFN-γ balance in HFD-induced obesity.
A continuous in silico learning strategy to identify safety liabilities in compounds used in the leather and textile industry
Authors: March-Vila Eric , Ferretti Giacomo , Terricabras Emma , Ardao Inés , Brea José Manuel , Varela María José , Arana Álvaro , Rubiolo Juan Andrés , Sanz Ferran , Loza María Isabel , Sánchez Laura , Alonso Héctor , Pastor Manuel
Published: February 2023

There is a widely recognized need to reduce human activity's impact on the environment. Many industries of the leather and textile sector (LTI), being aware of producing a significant amount of residues (Keßler et al. 2021; Liu et al. 2021), are adopting measures to reduce the impact of their processes on the environment, starting with a more comprehensive characterization of the chemical risk associated with the substances commonly used in LTI. The present work contributes to these efforts by compiling and toxicologically annotating the substances used in LTI, supporting a continuous learning strategy for characterizing their chemical safety. This strategy combines data collection from public sources, experimental methods and in silico predictions for characterizing four different endpoints: CMR, ED, PBT, and vPvB. We present the results of a prospective validation exercise in which we confirm that in silico methods can produce reasonably good hazard estimations and fill knowledge gaps in the LTI chemical space. The proposed protocol can speed the process and optimize the use of resources including the lives of experimental animals, contributing to identifying potentially harmful substances and their possible replacement by safer alternatives, thus reducing the environmental footprint and impact on human health.
X-ray emission during the ablative processing of biological materials by ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Kraft Sebastian , Schille Jörg , Bonse Jörn , Löschner Udo , Krüger Jörg
Published: February 2023

The ablative laser processing with ultrashort pulsed laser beams may cause secondary emission of hazardous X-rays. While the effect has recently been proven to be considered in working safety regulations when processing technical materials, such as metals, the X-ray emission rates during the ablative processing of biological tissue materials are widely unexplored yet. Therefore, biological materials like water, isotonic saline solution, pig eyes, and human teeth were ablated with ultrashort laser pulses of 1030 nm wavelength, 600 fs pulse duration and 5 kHz pulse repetition rate, aiming to mimic typical surgery situations. Simultaneously,in-situX-ray dose rate measurements were performed at a short distance from the plasma to display potential X-ray emission. For all four studied biological materials, our measurements prove the secondary emission of laser-induced X-rays.
Testing normality of a large number of populations
Authors: Jiménez-Gamero M. D.
Published: February 2023

This paper studies the problem of simultaneously testing that each of k independent samples come from a normal population. The means and variances of those populations may differ. The proposed procedures are based on the BHEP test and they allow k to increase, which can be even larger than the sample sizes.
Association between an oxidative balance score and mortality: a prospective analysis in the SUN cohort
Authors: Talavera-Rodriguez Irene , Fernandez-Lazaro Cesar I. , Hernández-Ruiz Ángela , Hershey Maria S. , Galarregui Cristina , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , de la Fuente-Arrillaga Carmen , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Ruiz-Canela Miguel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

We aimed to prospectively investigate the association of an overall oxidative balance score (OBS) with all-cause death and cause-specific mortality among participants in the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Study, a Mediterranean cohort of Spanish graduates.

Methods

Using baseline information on 12 a priori selected dietary and non-dietary lifestyle pro- and antioxidants exposures—vitamins C and E, β-carotenes, selenium, zinc, heme iron, polyphenols, total antioxidant capacity, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, and physical activity—we constructed an equally weighted OBS categorized into quartiles, with higher scores representing greater antioxidant balance. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to evaluate the association between the OBS and mortality.

Results

A total of 18,561 participants (mean [SD] age, 38.5 [12.4] years; 40.8% males) were included in the analysis. During a median follow-up of 12.2 years (interquartile range 8.3–14.9), 421 deaths were identified, including 80 deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD), 215 from cancer, and 126 from other causes. After adjustment for potential confounders, the hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CIs) between the highest quartile (predominance of antioxidants) vs. the lowest quartile (reference category) were 0.35 (95% CI 0.22–0.54, P-trend < 0.001) for all-cause mortality, 0.18 (95% CI 0.06–0.51, P-trend = 0.001) for CVD mortality, 0.35 (95% CI 0.19–0.65, P-trend = 0.002) for cancer mortality, and 0.45 (95% CI 0.20–1.02, P-trend = 0.054) for other-cause mortality.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a strong inverse association between the OBS and all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Individuals exposed to both antioxidant dietary and lifestyle factors may potentially experience the lowest mortality risk.

Study registry number

Dynamic Mediterranean Prospective Cohort: the SUN Project; NCT02669602. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02669602. https://proyectosun.es
Parachute-like pull-through anastomosis for low rectal cancer: a new method for preservation of anal function
Authors: Wang JianWei , Ye Xun , Zhou Qin , Xu ChengCai , Fan YiQun , Luan Na , Zhu XiaoLing
Published: February 2023

Background

With recent improvements in surgical technique, oncological outcomes of low rectal cancer have improved over time. But the QoL impairment as a result of anal functional disorder cannot be ignored. And the incidence of anastomosis-related complications cannot be ignored. To address these problems, a personal technique for pull-through coloanal anastomosis (parachute-like intussuscept pull-through anastomosis) was introduced and evaluated. This technique can relatively reduce surgical complications, minimize the impact of anal function, and obviate a colostomy creation.

Methods

Between June 2020 and April 2021, 14 consecutive patients with rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic-assisted resection of rectal cancer in our hospital. Parachute-like pull-through anastomosis method was performed in all patients. Anal function, perioperative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The mean (SD) operative time of first stage was 282.1 min (range 220–370) with an average estimated blood loss of 90.3 mL (range 33–200). And the mean (SD) operative time of second was 46 min (range 25–76) with an average estimated blood loss of 16.1 mL (range 5–50). Wexner scores declined significantly during the median follow-up of 18 months. Four postoperative anastomosis-related complications occurred in 14 patients, including perianastomotic abscess: 1 case (7%), anastomotic stricture: 1 case (7%), and colonic ischemia of the exteriorized colonic segment: 2 cases (14%).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the method can facilitate safe and easy completion of coloanal anastomosis, using parachute-like pull-through anastomosis, with acceptable anal function.
Re: Olivero A, et al. Adrenocortical carcinoma with venous tumor invasion: is there a role for mini-invasive surgery?
Authors: Tabbara Marina M. , Gonzalez Javier , Ciancio Gaetano
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The surgical treatment for adrenocortical carcinoma with venous tumor invasion remains a challenge for surgeons. A critical factor in determining the surgical approach is utilizing a classification system that accurately defines the tumor thrombus level.

Methods

Olivero and colleagues report their experience regarding the feasibility of mini-invasive surgery for adrenocortical carcinoma with venous tumor invasion. They studied the outcome of 20 patients from 4 international referral center databases.

Results

They describe a classification for adrenal tumor with tumor thrombus into four levels: (1) adrenal vein invasion; (2) renal vein invasion; (3) infra-hepatic inferior vena cava (IVC); and (4) retro-hepatic IVC.

Conclusions

We congratulate the authors for their work and patient outcomes; however, in efforts to avoid confusion in the surgical community, we believe their classification system requires modification compared to our classification system developed in 2004.
“I do not hear you!”: hearing-impaired cancer patients report their communication experiences
Authors: Keck Maximilian , Hübner Jutta , Büntzel Jens
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Hearing impairment has a high impact on communication between cancer patients and their oncologists. What is the patient’s perspective on this problem and how can physicians draw lessons from it?

Methods

Together with otorhinolaryngologists and hearing-impaired patients, we developed a questionnaire including the sections: WHO (Five) Well-Being Index (5 items), Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) as established self-estimation of hearing function (24 items), use of hearing aid (4 items) as well as patients’ experiences (15 items), difficulties (9 items) and wishes (7 items) regarding the communication with physicians. The experiences, difficulties, wishes, and life satisfaction of cancer patients were analyzed between groups based on participants' APHAB scores, well-being and use of hearing aids. A total of 104 cancer survivors (median age 76.5 years, range 32–90 years) were included.

Results

Between the groups of subjectively hearing-impaired and normal hearing participants, we registered a significant difference in difficulties in conversation, wishes for physician–patient communication and psychological well-being. Depending on participants’ well-being, wishes and difficulties differed. Differences were also found between participants with and without hearing aids in terms of difficulties in conversation, but not in terms of their wishes and well-being. A large proportion of participants classified as subjectively hearing-impaired according to APHAB already had a hearing aid.

Conclusions

Cancer patients with hearing loss are very restricted in their understanding of given information and hearing aid use cannot completely compensate for this. Consequently, communication guidelines should be considered and specific educational tools need to be developed for these groups.
The role of PLVAP in endothelial cells
Authors: Denzer Lea , Muranyi Walter , Schroten Horst , Schwerk Christian
Published: February 2023

Endothelial cells play a major part in the regulation of vascular permeability and angiogenesis. According to their duty to fit the needs of the underlying tissue, endothelial cells developed different subtypes with specific endothelial microdomains as caveolae, fenestrae and transendothelial channels which regulate nutrient exchange, leukocyte migration, and permeability. These microdomains can exhibit diaphragms that are formed by the endothelial cell-specific protein plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP), the only known protein component of these diaphragms. Several studies displayed an involvement of PLVAP in diseases as cancer, traumatic spinal cord injury, acute ischemic brain disease, transplant glomerulopathy, Norrie disease and diabetic retinopathy. Besides an upregulation of PLVAP expression within these diseases, pro-angiogenic or pro-inflammatory responses were observed. On the other hand, loss of PLVAP in knockout mice leads to premature mortality due to disrupted homeostasis. Generally, PLVAP is considered as a major factor influencing the permeability of endothelial cells and, finally, to be involved in the regulation of vascular permeability. Following these observations, PLVAP is debated as a novel therapeutic target with respect to the different vascular beds and tissues. In this review, we highlight the structure and functions of PLVAP in different endothelial types in health and disease.
Tidal continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis in children
Authors: Butani Lavjay , Haddad Maha , Joseph Mark
Published: February 2023

About 10% of all home peritoneal dialysis regimens in children with chronic kidney disease stage 5 are reported to involve some form of a tidal peritoneal dialysis (TPD) prescription. Despite this, there remain several gaps in how pediatric nephrologists approach the use of TPD. This stems from a combination of factors such as the confusing technical terminology pertaining to TPD, seemingly conflicting data on the risks, benefits, and indications for TPD, and lastly, limited published guidelines on the practical aspects of how to write a TPD prescription, based on the indication, in children. Our educational review, using evidence-based data, attempts to bridge this gap and provide an easy-to-use guide on the key practical aspects of TPD in children.
Neuromorphic processor-oriented hybrid Q-format multiplication with adaptive quantization for tiny YOLO3
Authors: Li Tao , Ma Yitao , Endoh Tetsuo
Published: February 2023

Deep neural networks (DNNs) have delivered unprecedented achievements in the modern Internet of Everything society, encompassing autonomous driving, expert diagnosis, unmanned supermarkets, etc. It continues to be challenging for researchers and engineers to develop a high-performance neuromorphic processor for deployment in edge devices or embedded hardware. DNNs’ superpower derives from their enormous and complex network architecture, which is computation-intensive, time-consuming, and energy-heavy. Due to the limited perceptual capacity of humans, accurate processing results from DNNs require a substantial amount of computing time, making them redundant in some applications. Utilizing adaptive quantization technology to compress the DNN model with sufficient accuracy is crucial for facilitating the deployment of neuromorphic processors in emerging edge applications. This study proposes a method to boost the development of neuromorphic processors by conducting fixed-point multiplication in a hybrid Q-format using an adaptive quantization technique on the convolution of tiny YOLO3. In particular, this work integrates the sign-bit check and bit roundoff techniques into the arithmetic of fixed-point multiplications to address overflow and roundoff issues within the convolution’s adding and multiplying operations. In addition, a hybrid Q-format multiplication module is developed to assess the proposed method from a hardware perspective. The experimental results prove that the hybrid multiplication with adaptive quantization on the tiny YOLO3’s weights and feature maps possesses a lower error rate than alternative fixed-point representation formats while sustaining the same object detection accuracy. Moreover, the fixed-point numbers represented by Q(6.9) have a suboptimal error rate, which can be utilized as an alternative representation form for the tiny YOLO3 algorithm-based neuromorphic processor design. In addition, the 8-bit hybrid Q-format multiplication module exhibits low power consumption and low latency in contrast to benchmark multipliers.
Does a free maternity policy in Kenya work? Impact and cost–benefit consideration based on demographic health survey data
Authors: Oyugi Boniface , Nizalova Olena , Kendall Sally , Peckham Stephen
Published: February 2023

This paper evaluates the overall effect of the Kenyan free maternity policy (FMP) on the main outcomes (early neonatal and neonatal deaths) and intermediate outcomes (delivery through Caesarean Section (CS), skilled birth attendance (SBA), birth in a public hospital and low birth weight (LBW)) using the 2014 Demographic Health Survey. We applied the difference-in-difference (DID) approach to compare births (to the same mothers) happening before and after the start of the policy (June 2013) and a limited cost–benefit analysis (CBA) to assess the net social benefit of the FMP. The probabilities of birth resulting in early neonatal and neonatal mortality are significantly reduced by 17–21% and 19–20%, respectively, after the FMP introduction. The probability of birth happening through CS reduced by 1.7% after implementing the FMP, while that of LBW birth is increased by 3.7% though not statistically significant. SBA and birth in a public facility did not moderate the policy’s effects on early neonatal mortality, neonatal mortality, and delivery through CS. They were not significant determinants of the policy effects on the outcomes. There is a significant causal impact of the FMP in reducing the probability of early neonatal and neonatal mortality, but not the delivery through CS. The FMP cost-to-benefit ratio was 21.22, and there were on average 4015 fewer neonatal deaths in 2013/2014 due to the FMP. The net benefits are higher than the costs; thus, there is a need to expand and sustainably fund the FMP to avert more neonatal deaths potentially.
Gauss maps of harmonic and minimal great circle fibrations
Authors: Fourtzis Ioannis , Markellos Michael , Savas-Halilaj Andreas
Published: February 2023

We investigate Gauss maps associated to great circle fibrations of the euclidean unit 3-sphere $$\mathbb {S}^3$$

S

3

. We show that the associated Gauss map to such a fibration is harmonic, respectively minimal, if and only if the unit vector field generating the great circle foliation is harmonic, respectively minimal. These results can be viewed as analogues of the classical theorem of Ruh and Vilms about the harmonicity of the Gauss map of a minimal submanifold in the euclidean space. Moreover, we prove that a harmonic or minimal unit vector field on $$\mathbb {S}^3$$

S

3

, whose integral curves are great circles, is a Hopf vector field.
On the order reduction of approximations of fractional derivatives: an explanation and a cure
Authors: Jacobs Byron A. , Laurén Fredrik , Nordström Jan
Published: February 2023

Finite-difference based approaches are common for approximating the Caputo fractional derivative. Often, these methods lead to a reduction of the convergence rate that depends on the fractional order. In this note, we approximate the expressions in the fractional derivative components using a separate quadrature rule for the integral and a separate discretization of the derivative in the integrand. By this approach, the error terms from the Newton–Cotes quadrature and the differentiation are isolated and it is possible to conclude that the order dependent error is inevitable when the end points of the interval are included in the quadrature. Furthermore, we show experimentally that the theoretical findings carries over to quadrature rules without the end points included. Finally we show how to increase accuracy for smooth functions, and compensate for the order dependent loss.
Lifestyles and Quality of Life of People with Mental Illness During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tripoli Giada , Lo Duca Sofia , Ferraro Laura , Zahid Uzma , Mineo Raffaella , Seminerio Fabio , Bruno Alessandra , Di Giorgio Vanessa , Maniaci Giuseppe , Marrazzo Giovanna , Sartorio Crocettarachele , Scaglione Alessandra , La Barbera Daniele , La Cascia Caterina
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the quality of life (QoL), daily lifestyle, and mental health of people suffering from a mental disorder. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the prolongation of the COVID-19 emergency on QoL and lifestyles in a sample of 100 outpatients at the Psychiatry Unit in Palermo University Hospital, Italy. QoL was measured through the 12-item Short Form Survey and the COV19-Impact on Quality of Life. Lifestyle changes during the pandemic were measured through the lifestyle change questionnaire. The majority of participants reported a great impact of COVID-19 on the QoL, and almost half reported worsened lifestyles. Worsened lifestyles were predictive of both poor mental and physical health related QoL. These results suggest that people with mental illness need interventions targeting lifestyles, and the mental health service in Italy should adjust to the ongoing pandemic, developing virtual treatments.
Age validation of Black Rockfish, Copper Rockfish, and Cabezon using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to elucidate seasonal patterns in otolith stable oxygen isotopes
Authors: Terwilliger Mark R. , Rasmuson Leif K. , Stern Richard A.
Published: February 2023

Stock assessors commonly use models that incorporate biological data such as fish length and age to determine the status of fish stocks and how different management scenarios affect stock size. Ages used in assessment models need to be accurate and precise because ageing error can affect many model inputs and potentially result in stock mismanagement. Despite the requirement for sound age data, few studies have investigated accuracy of ages for groundfish captured in coastal nearshore waters off Oregon, USA. In this study, we validate otolith ages for Black Rockfish (Sebastes melanops), Copper Rockfish (Sebastes caurinus) and Cabezon (Scorpaenichthys marmoratus), three species with recreational and commercial importance to Oregon. Ages obtained by traditional break-and-burn methods were validated using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) to examine otolith stable oxygen isotope ratios (δ18O) over a fish’s lifetime. This technique relies on the inverse relationship that exists between otolith δ18O and ambient water temperature, and independent counts of δ18O maxima should be comparable to ages obtained by visual counts of otolith growth marks laid down during cold water periods. Locations of δ18O maxima in otolith chronologies matched well with locations of visual growth marks in otoliths of all three species, maxima counts were strongly positively correlated with age, and variation in otolith δ18O decreased with age. However, significant variability in the δ18O chronologies caused by variability in intra-seasonal upwelling and resulting water temperature variations made maxima counts difficult in several samples. Correct interpretation of chronologies required knowledge of location of the first annulus, the compression of growth zones with age, and an assumption of the seasonal amplitude of the ambient water δ18O.
Exploring the spatial patterns of soil salinity and organic carbon in agricultural areas of Lesvos Island, Greece, using geoinformation technologies
Authors: Lekka Christina , Petropoulos George P. , Triantakonstantis Dimitris , Detsikas Spyridon E. , Chalkias Christos
Published: February 2023

The salt-affected soils national map of Greece was recently made available within the initiative of the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FAO. The present study explores the development of higher resolution soil property maps included in this national scale product adopting a modified version of the FAO methodology and a logistic regression (LR) method based on ground and satellite data. Furthermore, it also investigates the correlation between saline soils and soil organic carbon (SOC) using geospatial analysis methods. The island of Lesvos in Greece has been selected as a case study. A probabilistic model for saline soils in the agricultural land of Lesvos is produced by exploiting geoinformation technologies. As a result, the spatial distribution of saline soils in the croplands of Lesvos was obtained. Indicatively, areas with p > 0.80 for the occurrence of saline soils accounting for ∼20% of a total area of 169.51 km2 of the croplands in Lesvos. The Nagelkerke R2 coefficient showed that the probabilistic model interprets 11.3% of the variance of the dependent variable from the independent factors. The model accuracy was assessed adopting the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, which showed a reasonable adaptability with area under curve (equal to 0.73). The methodological approach proposed herein can support decision-making on agricultural land protection and planning activities which are key priority today due to environmental instability, food security, and climate change.
Artificial intelligence and humanitarian obligations
Authors: Trusilo Daniel , Danks David
Published: February 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers numerous opportunities to improve military Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance operations. And, modern militaries recognize the strategic value of reducing civilian harm. Grounded in these two assertions we focus on the transformative potential that AI ISR systems have for improving the respect for and protection of humanitarian relief operations. Specifically, we propose that establishing an interface for humanitarian organizations to military AI ISR systems can improve the current state of ad-hoc humanitarian notification systems, which are notoriously unreliable and ineffective for both parties to conflict and humanitarian organizations. We argue that such an interface can improve military awareness and understanding while also ensuring that states better satisfy their international humanitarian law obligations to respect and protect humanitarian relief personnel.
AWS compliance with the ethical principle of proportionality: three possible solutions
Authors: Zając Maciek
Published: February 2023

The ethical Principle of Proportionality requires combatants not to cause collateral harm excessive in comparison to the anticipated military advantage of an attack. This principle is considered a major (and perhaps insurmountable) obstacle to ethical use of autonomous weapon systems (AWS). This article reviews three possible solutions to the problem of achieving Proportionality compliance in AWS. In doing so, I describe and discuss the three components Proportionality judgments, namely collateral damage estimation, assessment of anticipated military advantage, and judgment of “excessiveness”. Some possible approaches to Proportionality compliance are then presented, such as restricting AWS operations to environments lacking civilian presence, using AWS in targeted strikes in which proportionality judgments are pre-made by human commanders, and a ‘price tag’ approach of pre-assigning acceptable collateral damage values to military hardware in conventional attritional warfare. The article argues that application of these three compliance methods would result in AWS’ achieving acceptable Proportionality compliance levels in many combat environments and scenarios, allowing AWS to perform most key tasks in conventional warfare.
Safe contextual Bayesian optimization integrated in industrial control for self-learning machines
Authors: De Blasi Stefano , Bahrami Maryam , Engels Elmar , Gepperth Alexander
Published: February 2023

Intelligent manufacturing applications and agent-based implementations are scientifically investigated due to the enormous potential of industrial process optimization. The most widespread data-driven approach is the use of experimental history under test conditions for training, followed by execution of the trained model. Since factors, such as tool wear, affect the process, the experimental history has to be compiled extensively. In addition, individual machine noise implies that the models are not easily transferable to other (theoretically identical) machines. In contrast, a continual learning system should have the capacity to adapt (slightly) to a changing environment, e.g., another machine under different working conditions. Since this adaptation can potentially have a negative impact on process quality, especially in industry, safe optimization methods are required. In this article, we present a significant step towards self-optimizing machines in industry, by introducing a novel method for efficient safe contextual optimization and continuously trading-off between exploration and exploitation. Furthermore, an appropriate data discard strategy and local approximation techniques enable continual optimization. The approach is implemented as generic software module for an industrial edge control device. We apply this module to a steel straightening machine as an example, enabling it to adapt safely to changing environments.
Vinen’s Energy Barrier
Authors: Barenghi C. F. , McClintock P. V. E. , Muirhead C. M.
Published: February 2023

In 1963, the late W. F. (“Joe”) Vinen concluded, partly on intuitive grounds, that the ab initio creation of a quantized vortex line in superfluid $$^4$$

4

He is impeded by an energy barrier. We place this prescient insight into context and review subsequent theoretical and experimental research that calculated the height of the barrier and validated the result through measurements on negative ions moving through superfluid $$^4$$

4

He above the Landau critical velocity. We discuss the implications of these results for other superfluids, including laser-cooled dilute atomic gases, and for the subsequent development of superfluid hydrodynamics.
Predictors of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Towards Family Planning (FP) Among Pregnant Women in Fiji
Authors: Imtishal Mohammed , Mohammadnezhad Masoud , Baker Philip , Khan Sabiha
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aimed to determine the predictors of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) towards Family Planning (FP) among pregnant Fijian women.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted over two months in 2019 with adult pregnant women attending the Antenatal Clinic (ANC) at Ba Mission Hospital (BMH), Fiji. Data was collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. Statistical analysis included correlation tests and regression analysis in determining predictors of KAP.

Results

240 pregnant women participated in this study with a mean age of 26.02 (± SD = 4.13). The results showed a moderate level of knowledge (mean 14.95, SD ± 3.15), positive attitude (mean 20.56, SD ± 5.68), and good practice (mean 4.97, SD ± 1.73). Linear regression identified that women with more than seven children had a knowledge score of 3.65, lower than null parity (t value = -2.577, p = 0.011). Women aged 20 to 24 had a 6.47 lower attitude score than women aged 18 to 19 (t value = -2.142, p = 0.033). Women in defacto relationships had a 2.12 lower attitude score compared to the married category (t value = -2.128, p = 0.034). Fijian women of Indian descent had a 1.98 lower attitude score than the I Taukei women (t value = -2.639, p = 0.009). Women aged 30–34 had 2.41 lower practice scores than those aged 18–19 (t value = -2.462, p = 0.015).

Conclusion

This study found a medium knowledge of FP among pregnant women. These findings support a recommendation for further research to implement effective strategies.
Strictification theorems for the homotopy time-slice axiom
Authors: Benini Marco , Carmona Victor , Schenkel Alexander
Published: February 2023

It is proven that the homotopy time-slice axiom for many types of algebraic quantum field theories (AQFTs) taking values in chain complexes can be strictified. This includes the cases of Haag–Kastler-type AQFTs on a fixed globally hyperbolic Lorentzian manifold (with or without time-like boundary), locally covariant conformal AQFTs in two spacetime dimensions, locally covariant AQFTs in one spacetime dimension, and the relative Cauchy evolution. The strictification theorems established in this paper prove that, under suitable hypotheses that hold true for the examples listed above, there exists a Quillen equivalence between the model category of AQFTs satisfying the homotopy time-slice axiom and the model category of AQFTs satisfying the usual strict time-slice axiom.
The carbon-concentrating mechanism of the extremophilic red microalga Cyanidioschyzon merolae
Authors: Steensma Anne K. , Shachar-Hill Yair , Walker Berkley J.
Published: February 2023

Cyanidioschyzonmerolae is an extremophilic red microalga which grows in low-pH, high-temperature environments. The basis of C. merolae’s environmental resilience is not fully characterized, including whether this alga uses a carbon-concentrating mechanism (CCM). To determine if C. merolae uses a CCM, we measured CO2 uptake parameters using an open-path infra-red gas analyzer and compared them to values expected in the absence of a CCM. These measurements and analysis indicated that C. merolae had the gas-exchange characteristics of a CCM-operating organism: low CO2 compensation point, high affinity for external CO2, and minimized rubisco oxygenation. The biomass δ13C of C. merolae was also consistent with a CCM. The apparent presence of a CCM in C. merolae suggests the use of an unusual mechanism for carbon concentration, as C. merolae is thought to lack a pyrenoid and gas-exchange measurements indicated that C. merolae primarily takes up inorganic carbon as carbon dioxide, rather than bicarbonate. We use homology to known CCM components to propose a model of a pH-gradient-based CCM, and we discuss how this CCM can be further investigated.
Unspeakable names
Authors: Michaelson Eliot
Published: February 2023

There are some names which cannot be spoken and others which cannot be written, at least on certain very natural ways of conceiving of them. Interestingly, this observation proves to be in tension with a wide range of views about what names are.Prima facie, this looks like a problem for predicativists.Ultima facie, it turns out to be equally problematic for Millians. For either sort of theorist, resolving this tension requires embracing a revisionary account of the metaphysics of names. Revisionary Millianism, I argue, offers some important advantages over its predicativist competitor.
LC/MS-based discrimination between plasma and urine metabolomic changes following exposure to ultraviolet radiation by using data modelling
Authors: Ali Ali Muhsen , Monaghan Chris , Muggeridge David J. , Easton Chris , Watson David G.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This study sought to compare between metabolomic changes of human urine and plasma to investigate which one can be used as best tool to identify metabolomic profiling and novel biomarkers associated to the potential effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Method

A pilot study of metabolomic patterns of human plasma and urine samples from four adult healthy individuals at before (S1) and after (S2) exposure (UV) and non-exposure (UC) were carried out by using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS).

Results

The best results which were obtained by normalizing the metabolites to their mean output underwent to principal components analysis (PCA) and Orthogonal Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to separate pre-from post-of exposure and non-exposure of UV. This separation by data modeling was clear in urine samples unlike plasma samples. In addition to overview of the scores plots, the variance predicted-Q2 (Cum), variance explained-R2X (Cum) and p-value of the cross-validated ANOVA score of PCA and OPLS-DA models indicated to this clear separation. Q2 (Cum) and R2X (Cum) values of PCA model for urine samples were 0.908 and 0.982, respectively, and OPLS-DA model values were 1.0 and 0.914, respectively. While these values in plasma samples were Q2 = 0.429 and R2X = 0.660 for PCA model and Q2 = 0.983 and R2X = 0.944 for OPLS-DA model. LC–MS metabolomic analysis showed the changes in numerous metabolic pathways including: amino acid, lipids, peptides, xenobiotics biodegradation, carbohydrates, nucleotides, Co-factors and vitamins which may contribute to the evaluation of the effects associated with UV sunlight exposure.

Conclusions

The results of pilot study indicate that pre and post-exposure UV metabolomics screening of urine samples may be the best tool than plasma samples and a potential approach to predict the metabolomic changes due to UV exposure. Additional future work may shed light on the application of available metabolomic approaches to explore potential predictive markers to determine the impacts of UV sunlight.
Changes in Lolium perenne L. rhizosphere microbiome during phytoremediation of Cd- and Hg-contaminated soils
Authors: Saldarriaga Juan F. , López Julián E. , Díaz-García Laura , Montoya-Ruiz Carolina
Published: February 2023

The contamination of soil and water by metals such as mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) has been increasing in recent years, because of anthropogenic activities such as mining and agriculture, respectively. In this work, the changes in the rhizosphere microbiome of Lolium perenne L. during the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Hg and Cd were evaluated. For this, two soil types were sampled, one inoculated with mycorrhizae and one without. The soils were contaminated with Hg and Cd, and L. perenne seeds were sown and harvested after 30 days. To assess changes in the microbiome, DNA isolation tests were performed, for which samples were subjected to two-step PCR amplification with specific 16S rDNA V3-V4 primers (337F and 805R). With mycorrhizae, changes had been found in the absorption processes of metals and a new distribution. While with respect to microorganisms, families such as the Enterobacteriaceae have been shown to have biosorption and efflux effects on metals such as Hg and Cd. Mycorrhizae then improve the efficiency of removal and allow the plant to better distribute the absorbed concentrations. Overall, L. perenne is a species with a high potential for phytoremediation of Cd- and Hg-contaminated soils in the tropics. Inoculation with mycorrhizae modifies the phytoremediation mechanisms of the plant and the composition of microorganisms in the rhizosphere. Mycorrhizal inoculation and changes in the microbiome were associated with increased plant tolerance to Cd and Hg. Microorganism-assisted phytoremediation is an appropriate alternative for L. perenne.
The association of osteoporosis and geriatric syndromes in the elderly: data from the Russian epidemiological study EVKALIPT
Authors: Dudinskaya Ekaterina N. , Vorobyeva Natalia M. , Onuchina Julia S. , Machekhina Lubov V. , Selezneva Elena V. , Ovcharova Lilia N. , Kotovskaya Yulia V. , Tkacheva Olga N.
Published: February 2023

Summary

Osteoporosis is associated with almost all geriatric syndromes (GSs), and the occurrence of osteoporosis in patients over 65 years of age increases by 1.2–2.5 times. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis and GSs is very important. Additional programs should be adopted by the state to introduce information about the possibilities of working with elderly patients.

Purpose

To analyze associations of osteoporosis with geriatric syndromes in patients aged 65 years and older in the Russian Federation.

Methods

A total of 4308 patients (30% men) aged 65–107 years were examined and distributed into 3 age groups (65–74 years, 75–84 years, and 85 years and older). All patients underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment. In the “Falls and risk of falls” module, the number and circumstances of falls over the previous year were analyzed, as well as the history of fractures. The presence of osteoporosis was determined based on medical records. Physical examination included anthropometric measurements and standard enquiry, short physical performance battery (SPPB), dynamometry, measurement of gait velocity, Mini-Cog test, and orthostatic test.

Results

A total of 507 patients (11.8%) had evidence of osteoporosis; indications of low-energy fractures in history were recorded in 739 (17.3%) patients. Patients with osteoporosis were older, shorter, and predominantly women; had a lower body weight and a higher Charlson comorbidity index; and took more drugs. Patients with osteoporosis had lower gait velocity, hand grip strength, Barthel index value, and scores of the Lawton instrumental activities of daily living scale, the MNA (Mini Nutritional Assessment) short-form, and the SPPB. Osteoporosis is associated with almost all geriatric syndromes (GSs), and the occurrence of osteoporosis in patients over 65 years of age increases by 1.2–2.5 times.

Conclusions

Osteoporosis is associated with almost all GSs. The association of osteoporosis with advanced GSs aggravates the condition of these patients. Early diagnosis of osteoporosis and GSs is very important. Additional programs should be adopted by the state to introduce information about the possibilities of working with elderly patients: early detection and correction of osteoporosis.
Forest succession trajectories after fires in valleys and on slopes in the Greater Khingan Mountains, China
Authors: Zhong Chao , Guo Meng , Zhou Fenfen , Li Jianuo , Yu Fangbing , Guo Futao , Li Wenshan
Published: February 2023

Accurate assessment of postfire vegetation recovery is important for forest management and the conservation of species diversity. Topography is an important factor affecting vegetation recovery but whether species composition varies with different recovery stages and between valleys and slopes is unclear. Using field data and a space-for-time substitution method, we quantified species richness and diversity to obtain the successional trajectories of valleys and slopes. We surveyed the species of 10 burned areas from 1986 to 2010 in the Greater Khingan Mountains in northeastern China, and found that with increasing postfire recovery time, species richness in both valleys and slopes gradually decreased. However, species richness in valleys was relatively higher. Shrubs recovered rapidly in the valleys, and species diversity maximized approximately 11 years after fire. However, it maximized 17–18 years after fire on the slopes. Numerous shade-tolerant species were present in the valleys 11 years after fire but not until after 18 years on slopes. Larch appeared earlier than 11 years after fire and its recovery was slow in the valleys but appeared quickly on slopes and established dominance early. Our study provides some new insights into vegetation succession after fire at local scales. After fire, the vegetation recovery processes differ with topography and it affects the initial rate of recovery and species composition at different successional stages.
Separation Technologies for Whey Protein Fractionation
Authors: Chen George Q. , Qu Yiran , Gras Sally L. , Kentish Sandra E.
Published: February 2023

Whey is a by-product of cheese, casein, and yogurt manufacture. It contains a mixture of proteins that need to be isolated and purified to fully exploit their nutritional and functional characteristics. Protein-enriched fractions and highly purified proteins derived from whey have led to the production of valuable ingredients for many important food and pharmaceutical applications. This article provides a review on the separation principles behind both the commercial and emerging techniques used for whey protein fractionation, as well as the efficacy and limitations of these techniques in isolating and purifying individual whey proteins. The fractionation of whey proteins has mainly been achieved at commercial scale using membrane filtration, resin-based chromatography, and the integration of multiple technologies (e.g., precipitation, membrane filtration, and chromatography). Electromembrane separation and membrane chromatography are two main emerging techniques that have been developed substantially in recent years. Other new techniques such as aqueous two-phase separation and magnetic fishing are also discussed, but only a limited number of studies have reported their application in whey protein fractionation. This review offers useful insights into research directions and technology screening for academic researchers and dairy processors for the production of whey protein fractions with desired nutritional and functional properties.
Technical characteristics and coating formation mechanism of gilded silver products unearthed from the Consort Tomb of Emperor Shengzong of the Liao dynasty
Authors: Shao Yanbing , Lu Xuan , Fu Wenbin , Jiang Fengrui , Yang Junchang , Gai Zhiyong , Dong Limin
Published: February 2023

Compared with other gold plating processes, mercury gilding was widely used in ancient China due to the less consumption of gold and excellent adhesion between the gold layer and substrate. Herein, the comprehensive analyses of the silver crown and boots unearthed from the Consort Tombs of Emperor Shengzong (圣宗萧贵妃) of the Liao (辽) Dynasty reveal the surface composition and structural characteristics and also the unique multilayered structure and cross-sectional compositional distribution of the gold layer. First, the existence of mercury on the golden surface of cultural relics, as well as the unique porous structure and granular surface morphology, indicate that the artifacts were probably processed using mercury gilding. In addition, the intermetallic compound, i.e., Au5Hg, in the gold layer indicates that the processing temperature was 388–419 ℃; thus, the formation mechanism was the transformation of solid solution in the amalgam to intermetallic compound during the heating of Au-Hg system. Moreover, the cross-sectional transition layer is mainly composed of Ag and Hg due to the interstitial diffusion of mercury atoms at room temperature and vacancy diffusion of silver atoms during the heating process, bonding the gold layer with the substrate. Obviously, the bonding mechanism of the gold layer and substrate was interstitial diffusion and vacancy diffusion within the Ag-Hg system. The current work reveals the special multilayered cross-section of silver gilding relics and shows that mercury played a crucial role in both the formation of the gold layer and bonding between the gold layer and substrate during the silver gilding process.