bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A weakly coupled land surface analysis with SMAP radiance assimilation improves GEOS medium‐range forecasts of near‐surface air temperature and humidity
Authors: Reichle Rolf H. , Zhang Sara Q. , Kolassa Jana , Liu Qing , Todling Ricardo
Published: May 2023

The NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) employs a hybrid four‐dimensional ensemble‐variational (Hybrid‐4DEnVar) atmospheric data assimilation system to provide global, near‐real time weather analysis and forecast products. This study introduces a land analysis into the GEOS Hybrid‐4DEnVar system to additionally assimilate L‐band (1.4 GHz) brightness temperature observations over land from the NASA Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite mission, which are highly sensitive to surface (∼0–5 cm) soil moisture. This weakly coupled land analysis impacts the simulated and forecast atmosphere through the land–atmosphere exchange processes encoded in the atmospheric model. Retrospective assimilation experiments for boreal summer 2017 were conducted with the system at 50 km horizontal resolution. The SMAP assimilation is shown to mitigate errors in screen‐level (2 m) specific humidity (q2m) and temperature (T2m), with regional reductions in the root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of q2m and maximum daily T2m by up to 0.4 g·kg−1 and 0.3 K, respectively. These improvements are somewhat smaller than those found in a precursor study that used the atmospheric analysis in the simpler, 3‐dimensional variational (3DVar) atmospheric assimilation configuration of the current GEOS reanalysis; Hybrid‐4DEnVar provides overall better near‐surface background estimates than 3DVar and therefore leaves less room for improvement. Finally, in the Hybrid‐4DEnVar system with SMAP assimilation, forecasts of q2m and T2m have significantly improved anomaly correlation and RMSE (99% confidence) at lead times out to 5 days compared to the Hybrid‐4DEnVar system without SMAP assimilation, with medium‐range lead times extended by ∼3 hr for q2m and ∼2 hr for T2m. Slight but nevertheless significant improvements are also seen for temperature forecasts at the 925 and 850 hPa levels and lead times out to 4 days. Humidity forecasts at 925 and 850 hPa are improved out to 1.5‐day lead time with 90% confidence.
Furious lung abscess due to Parvimonas micra
Authors: Fukushima Shinnosuke , Hagiya Hideharu , Naito Hiromichi , Otsuka Fumio
Published: May 2023

Key message

Parvimonas micra commonly present in the oral cavity and intestinal tract of humans. P. micra indicating a high virulence, has the potential of forming abscess. The infection of P. micra may require surgical excision.
Do highly anthropized hydrological conditions in marshes influence fish communities according to their life‐history strategies?
Authors: Crabot Julie , Bergerot Benjamin , Bonis Anne , Gore Olivier , Mauchamp André , Paillisson Jean‐Marc
Published: May 2023

Alterations of natural hydrology in aquatic ecosystems are known to strongly impact the community composition of different taxa. Surprisingly, literature on the potential influence of hydrology on fish community composition is still very scarce in agricultural marshes, where canals represent one of the few remaining aquatic habitats. This study is aimed to address this research gap by monitoring fish communities in independent hydrological units differing in hydrology management over a 6 years period. We predicted variable fish responses to the hydrological context according to different life‐history strategies (opportunistic, equilibrium, or periodic species). Periodic and opportunistic species were the most frequently observed. Despite differences in hydrology between canals (but little variation over years), we found that hydrology explained only a very low proportion of variation in the composition of fish communities. In particular, the flooding duration of meadows in early spring did not influence the composition of fish communities, not even the abundance of periodic species expected to rely on such temporary habitats. Instead, fish communities were more influenced by local habitat variables (aquatic vegetation cover, turbidity, tree roots, and refuges under the canal banks). The hydrological management of most hydrological units for agricultural purposes (i.e., severe flood abatement in spring and shallow water depth in canals in summer) was found to be incompatible with conservation goals to promote more diverse fish communities between hydrological units. Therefore, we call for further investigations in similar habitats covering a larger range of hydrological conditions.
Navigational safety at risk: The impact of sand Mining in a key waterway in China
Authors: Zhang Ming
Published: May 2023

The Caowei River is an important part of the planned high‐grade waterway network in China. Since 2016, the deterioration in the navigation flow conditions of the Xiangshuikan reach has made traveling upstream through the waterway more difficult for ships and raised emerging navigation safety concerns. To better understand the causes of the deterioration in the waterway navigation conditions after 2016, we examined the topographic and hydrological changes of the Caowei River and investigated the navigable flow conditions of the Xiangshuikan reach. The results showed that the Caowei River has generally been scoured since 2006 due to sediment depletion and that the dramatic riverbed downcutting (15.47 m in the deepest cut of thalweg elevation) in the Xiangshuikan reach was likely caused by illegal sand mining which extracted the fine sand underlying the clay overburden in this segment and led to the formation of two extremely large steep headcuts. It was found that a large water surface gradient, rapid flow velocity, and disordered flow pattern occurred near the larger upstream headcut during the low‐water‐level period, which made ship navigation more challenging. In 2019, the measured maximum local water surface gradient and maximum flow velocity reached 3.97‰ and 3.28 m/s, respectively. Additionally, the increase in the low flow at Caowei station and the decrease in the low water level at Lujiao station further aggravated the navigation conditions of the Xiangshuikan reach. These findings reveal the considerable complexity of the response of the channel navigation flow conditions to the topographic and hydrological changes in the lake area, providing valuable information for channel regulation and river management in the Dongting Lake area and other rivers.
Cytotoxic Performance of Synthesized Mn‐Doped ZnO Nanorods in MCF‐7 Cells
Authors: Hamidian Khadijeh , Sarani Mina , Behjati Soheil , Mahjoub Mahdi , Zafarnia Niloofar
Published: May 2023

This report presents the outcomes of exerting extracted Salvadora persica for synthesizing ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO−NP) and Mn‐doped ZnO nanorods (Mn−ZnO−NRs) through a viable and economical “green” route. The products characteristics were configured by the means of X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy, UV‐visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis) and Raman assessing technics. As the constructional evaluations approved the progress of well crystalline nano, the EDX analyses approved the doping of Mn, which interestingly succeeded in significantly altering the spherical framework of ZnO into a rod‐looking structure. The following steps involved the employment of MTT trial to assay the cytotoxic impacts of our sample towards breast (MCF‐7: Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7) cancer cell line, resulting in confirming the superior outcomes of Mn−ZnO−NRs than the solitary case of ZnO. The boosted functionality of the doped product may be attributable to the appearance of Mn into the lattice of ZnO. In addition, the evolved morphology of ZnO, obtained through the doping process, could have caused substantial developments in the cytotoxic operation of doped sample as well.
Research Progress on Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Based on Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Wang Qing‐shan , Yuan Yi‐chao , Li Chu‐fan , Zhang Zhen‐rui , Xia Cheng , Pan Wei‐guo , Guo Rui‐tang
Published: May 2023

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to valuable fuels is a promising way to alleviate anthropogenic CO2 emissions and energy crises. Perovskite oxides have attracted widespread attention as photocatalysts for CO2 reduction by virtue of their high catalytic activity, compositional flexibility, bandgap adjustability, and good stability. In this review, the basic theory of photocatalysis and the mechanism of CO2 reduction over perovskite oxide are first introduced. Then, perovskite oxides' structures, properties, and preparations are presented. In detail, the research progress on perovskite oxides for photocatalytic CO2 reduction is discussed from five aspects: as a photocatalyst in its own right, metal cation doping at A and B sites of perovskite oxides, anion doping at O sites of perovskite oxides and oxygen vacancies, loading cocatalyst on perovskite oxides, and constructing heterojunction with other semiconductors. Finally, the development prospects of perovskite oxides for photocatalytic CO2 reduction are put forward. This article should serve as a useful guide for creating perovskite oxide‐based photocatalysts that are more effective and reasonable.
FeN Coordination Induced Ultralong Lifetime of Sodium‐Ion Battery with the Cycle Number Exceeding 65 000
Authors: Feng Wang , Wen Xia , Peng Yanan , Wang Yuzhu , Song Luying , Li Xiaohui , Du Ruofan , Yang Junbo , Jiang Yulin , Li Hui , Sun Hang , Huang Ling , He Jun , Shi Jianping
Published: May 2023

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have received increasing attention because of their appealing cell voltages and cost‐effective features. However, the atom aggregation and electrode volume variation inevitably deteriorate the sodium storage kinetics. Here a new strategy is proposed to boost the lifetime of SIB by synthesizing sea urchin‐like FeSe2/nitrogen‐doped carbon (FeSe2/NC) composites. The robust FeN coordination hinders the Fe atom aggregation and accommodates the volume expansion, while the unique biomorphic morphology and high conductivity of FeSe2/NC enhance the intercalation/deintercalation kinetics and shorten the ion/electron diffusion length. As expected, FeSe2/NC electrodes deliver excellent half (387.6 mAh g−1 at 20.0 A g−1 after 56 000 cycles) and full (203.5 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 1200 cycles) cell performances. Impressively, an ultralong lifetime of SIB composed of FeSe2/Fe3Se4/NC anode is uncovered with the cycle number exceeding 65 000. The sodium storage mechanism is clarified with the aid of density function theory calculations and in situ characterizations. This work hereby provides a new paradigm for enhancing the lifetime of SIB by constructing a unique coordination environment between active material and framework.
Attack Resilient True Random Number Generators Using Ferroelectric‐Enhanced Stochasticity in 2D Transistor
Authors: Chien Yu‐Chieh , Xiang Heng , Wang Jianze , Shi Yufei , Fong Xuanyao , Ang Kah‐Wee
Published: May 2023

By harnessing the physically unclonable properties, true random number generators (TRNGs) offer significant promises to alleviate security concerns by generating random bitstreams that are cryptographically secured. However, fundamental challenges remain as conventional hardware often requires complex circuitry design, showing a predictable pattern that is susceptible to machine learning attacks. Here, a low‐power self‐corrected TRNG is presented by exploiting the stochastic ferroelectric switching and charge trapping in molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (Fe‐FET) based on hafnium oxide complex. The proposed TRNG exhibits enhanced stochastic variability with near‐ideal entropy of ≈1.0, Hamming distance of ≈50%, independent autocorrelation function, and reliable endurance cycle against temperature variations. Furthermore, its unpredictable feature is systematically examined by machine learning attacks, namely the predictive regression model and the long‐short‐term‐memory (LSTM) approach, where nondeterministic predictions can be concluded. Moreover, the generated cryptographic keys from the circuitry successfully pass the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800–20 statistical test suite. The potential of integrating ferroelectric and 2D materials is highlighted for advanced data encryption, offering a novel alternative to generate truly random numbers.
Discriminatory Gate‐Opening Effect in a Flexible Metal–Organic Framework for Inverse CO2/C2H2 Separation
Authors: Wang Weize , Wang Gang‐Ding , Zhang Bin , Li Xiu‐Yuan , Hou Lei , Yang Qing‐Yuan , Liu Bo
Published: May 2023

Considering the significant application of acetylene (C2H2) in the manufacturing and petrochemical industries, the selective capture of impurity carbon dioxide (CO2) is a crucial task and an enduring challenge. Here, a flexible metal–organic framework (Zn‐DPNA) accompanied by a conformation change of the Me2NH2+ ions in the framework is reported. The solvate‐free framework provides a stepped adsorption isotherm and large hysteresis for C2H2, but type‐I adsorption for CO2. Owing to their uptakes difference before gate‐opening pressure, Zn‐DPNA demonstrated favorable inverse CO2/C2H2 separation. According to molecular simulation, the higher adsorption enthalpy of CO2 (43.1 kJ mol−1) is due to strong electrostatic interactions with Me2NH2+ ions, which lock the hydrogen‐bond network and narrow pores. Furthermore, the density contours and electrostatic potential verifies the middle of the cage in the large pore favors C2H2 and repels CO2, leading to the expansion of the narrow pore and further diffusion of C2H2. These results provide a new strategy that optimizes the desired dynamic behavior for one‐step purification of C2H2.
Towards a pattern‐based model transformation framework
Authors: Rouhi Alireza , Lano Kevin
Published: May 2023

Model‐Driven Development (MDD) is one of the important approaches to develop complex software systems. This approach tries to model a system in high‐abstraction level. Then through applying multiple transformations step by step, the model abstraction level is reduced and finally yields to executable code. As a result, Model transformation (MT) plays a pivotal role on the realization of MDD goals. Due to the increasing complexity of software systems, MTs naturally become more complex. Hence, qualitative technical issues may be overlooked or forgotten in these model transformations. To alleviate these issues in terms of technical debts/code smells in MTs, we can apply MT patterns. A main drawback on applying patterns is that most of them are cataloged in informal language. Additionally, construction of a conceptual framework to help MT designers through applying patterns requires a precise specification of the underlying MT patterns. With a formal basis, this paper is trying to realize the proposed framework. Hence, some of the existing well‐known MT patterns are formalized. Then based on the identified common technical debts/code smells in MTs, a designer can be directed to apply the appropriate patterns and resolve the detected problems iteratively. For the applicability and functionality of the proposed framework, several examples of problematic model transformations in terms of quality flaws were considered and resolved using the appropriate patterns. We consider the Epsilon Transformation Language (ETL) cases of model transformations in this paper, and other similar MT languages could be treated using the same measures and patterns as well.
Neuroglobin protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by suppressing mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated neuronal apoptosis through synaptotagmin‐1
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Li Di , Yin Lin , Zhang Ce , Qu Hong , Xu Jianping
Published: May 2023

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a grievous health threat, and herein effective therapy is urgently needed. This study explored the protection of neuroglobin (Ngb) in rats with cerebral I/R injury. The focal cerebral I/R rat models were established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and neuronal injury models were established by oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) treatment. The brain injury of rats was assessed. Levels of Ngb, Bcl‐2, Bax, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)‐related markers, and Syt1 were measured by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting. The cytotoxicity in neurons was assessed by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assay. Levels of intracellular Ca2+ and mitochondrial function‐related indicators were determined. The binding between Ngb and Syt1 was detected by co‐immunoprecipitation. Ngb was upregulated in cerebral I/R rats and its overexpression alleviated brain injury. In OGD/R‐induced neurons, Ngb overexpression decreased LDH level and neuronal apoptosis, decreased Ca2+ content, and mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction and ERS‐related apoptosis. However, Ngb silencing imposed the opposite effects. Importantly, Ngb could bind to Syt1. Syt1 knockdown partially counteracted the alleviation of Ngb on OGD/R‐induced injury in neurons and cerebral I/R injury in rats. Briefly, Ngb extenuated cerebral I/R injury by repressing mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated neuronal apoptosis through Syt1.
Utilization of a publicly available diversity panel in genomic prediction of Fusarium head blight resistance traits in wheat
Authors: Winn Zachary J. , Lyerly Jeanette H. , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Murphy Joseph P. , Mason Richard Esten
Published: May 2023

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an economically and environmentally concerning disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). A two‐pronged approach of marker‐assisted selection coupled with genomic selection has been suggested when breeding for FHB resistance. A historical dataset comprised of entries in the Southern Uniform Winter Wheat Scab Nursery (SUWWSN) from 2011 to 2021 was partitioned and used in genomic prediction. Two traits were curated from 2011 to 2021 in the SUWWSN: percent Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) content. Heritability was estimated for each trait‐by‐environment combination. A consistent set of check lines was drawn from each year in the SUWWSN, and k‐means clustering was performed across environments to assign environments into clusters. Two clusters were identified as FDK and three for DON. Cross‐validation on SUWWSN data from 2011 to 2019 indicated no outperforming training population in comparison to the combined dataset. Forward validation for FDK on the SUWWSN 2020 and 2021 data indicated a predictive accuracy and , respectively. Forward validation for DON indicated a predictive accuracy of and , respectively. Forward validation using environments in cluster one for FDK indicated a predictive accuracy of and , respectively. Forward validation using environments in cluster one for DON indicated a predictive accuracy of and , respectively. These results indicated that selecting environments based on check performance may produce higher forward prediction accuracies. This work may be used as a model for utilizing public resources for genomic prediction of FHB resistance traits across public wheat breeding programs.
Stability of a linear thermoelastic Bresse system with second sound under new conditions on the coefficients
Authors: Afilal Mounir , Guesmia Aissa , Soufyane Abdelaziz
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we discuss the stability of a linear one‐dimensional thermoelastic Bresse system, where the coupling is given through the first component of the Bresse model with the heat conduction of second sound type. We state the well‐posedness and show the polynomial stability of the system, where the decay rate depends on the smoothness of initial data. Moreover, we prove the non exponential and the exponential decay depending on new conditions on the parameters of the system. The proof is based on a combination of the energy method and the frequency domain approach.
Sustainability in a Digital Context
Authors: Fischer Manuel , Foord Daniel , Frecè Jan , Hillebrand Kirsten , Kissling-Näf Ingrid , Meili Rahel , Peskova Marie , Risi David , Schmidpeter René , Stucki Tobias
Published: May 2023

While the three dimensions of sustainability, the three approaches to a sustainable system, and the three levels of sustainability in a corporate environment all remain relevant and valid, additionally another three dimensions have to be considered when discussing the sustainability of digital artifacts. In this context, the term digital artifacts covers everything man-made and digital, therefore data and software, alike. The dimension “Sustainability of ICT” is focusing on the use of material resources and energy to develop, build, maintain, upgrade, re-furbish and finally dispose of all the hardware necessary to access any digital artifact and make it useful. The dimension “Sustainability through ICT”, on the other hand, concentrates on the sustainability-related effects digital artifacts can have. Frequently cited examples are the increased efficiency of combustion engines through electronically controlled injection, more fuel-efficient software-based route planning for delivery services or IT-generated flight profiles, saving fuel and time. The chapter then continues to elaborate the ten criteria of sustainable digital artifacts, and concludes by discussing the indirect effects digital artifacts might have.
Integrated negative geometries in ABJM
Authors: Henn Johannes M. , Lagares Martín , Zhang Shun-Qing
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We study, in the context of the three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 Chern-Simons-matter (ABJM) theory, the infrared-finite functions that result from performing L − 1 loop integrations over the L-loop integrand of the logarithm of the four-particle scattering amplitude. Our starting point are the integrands obtained from the recently proposed all-loop projected amplituhedron for the ABJM theory. Organizing them in terms of negative geometries ensures that no divergences occur upon integration if at least one loop variable is left unintegrated. We explicitly perform the integrations up to L = 3, finding both parity-even and -odd terms. Moreover, we discuss a prescription to compute the cusp anomalous dimension Γcusp of ABJM in terms of the integrated negative geometries, and we use it to reproduce the first non-trivial order of Γcusp. Finally, we show that the leading singularities that characterize the integrated results are conformally invariant.
One-loop effective action and emergent gravity on quantum spaces in the IKKT matrix model
Authors: Steinacker Harold C.
Published: May 2023

Abstract

A detailed derivation of 3 + 1 dimensional induced or emergent gravity in the IKKT matrix model at one loop is given, as announced in [1]. The mechanism requires a brane configuration with structure $$ {\mathcal{M}}^{3,1}\times \mathcal{K}\subset {\mathbb{R}}^{9,1} $$

M

3
,
1

×
K
⊂

ℝ

9
,
1

, where $$ {\mathcal{M}}^{3,1} $$

M

3
,
1

is the noncommutative space-time brane, and $$ \mathcal{K} $$
K
are compact fuzzy extra dimensions embedded in target space. The 3+1-dimensional Einstein-Hilbert action then arises in the one loop effective action of the maximally supersymmetric IIB or IKKT matrix model, with effective Newton constant determined by the Kaluza-Klein scale of $$ \mathcal{K} $$
K
. At weak coupling, all physical modes are confined to the brane, leading to 3 + 1-dimensional low-energy physics. The Einstein-Hilbert action can be interpreted as interaction of $$ \mathcal{K} $$
K
with the space-time brane via IIB supergravity. The vacuum energy does not act as cosmological constant, but stabilizes the brane structure at one loop.
Two-loop master integrals for a planar and a non-planar topology relevant for single top production
Authors: Syrrakos Nikolaos
Published: May 2023

Abstract

We provide analytic results for two-loop four-point master integrals with one massive propagator and one massive leg relevant to single top production. Canonical bases of master integrals are constructed and the Simplified Differential Equations approach is employed for their analytic solution. The necessary boundary terms are computed in closed form in the dimensional regulator, allowing us to obtain analytic results in terms of multiple polylogarithms of arbitrary transcendental weight. We provide explicit solutions of all two-loop master integrals up to transcendental weight six and discuss their numerical evaluation for Euclidean and physical phase-space points.
The C-terminal 32-mer fragment of hemoglobin alpha is an amyloidogenic peptide with antimicrobial properties
Authors: Olari Lia-Raluca , Bauer Richard , Gil Miró Marta , Vogel Verena , Cortez Rayas Laura , Groß Rüdiger , Gilg Andrea , Klevesath Raphael , Rodríguez Alfonso Armando A. , Kaygisiz Kübra , Rupp Ulrich , Pant Pradeep , Mieres-Pérez Joel , Steppe Lena , Schäffer Ramona , Rauch-Wirth Lena , Conzelmann Carina , Müller Janis A. , Zech Fabian , Gerbl Fabian , Bleher Jana , Preising Nico , Ständker Ludger , Wiese Sebastian , Thal Dietmar R. , Haupt Christian , Jonker Hendrik R. A. , Wagner Manfred , Sanchez-Garcia Elsa , Weil Tanja , Stenger Steffen , Fändrich Marcus , von Einem Jens , Read Clarissa , Walther Paul , Kirchhoff Frank , Spellerberg Barbara , Münch Jan
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are major components of the innate immune defense. Accumulating evidence suggests that the antibacterial activity of many AMPs is dependent on the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. To identify novel fibril forming AMPs, we generated a spleen-derived peptide library and screened it for the presence of amyloidogenic peptides. This approach led to the identification of a C-terminal 32-mer fragment of alpha-hemoglobin, termed HBA(111–142). The non-fibrillar peptide has membranolytic activity against various bacterial species, while the HBA(111–142) fibrils aggregated bacteria to promote their phagocytotic clearance. Further, HBA(111–142) fibrils selectively inhibited measles and herpes viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, HCMV), but not SARS-CoV-2, ZIKV and IAV. HBA(111–142) is released from its precursor by ubiquitous aspartic proteases under acidic conditions characteristic at sites of infection and inflammation. Thus, HBA(111–142) is an amyloidogenic AMP that may specifically be generated from a highly abundant precursor during bacterial or viral infection and may play an important role in innate antimicrobial immune responses.
Radiomics Signatures of Carotid Plaque on Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Shi Jinglong , Sun Yu , Hou Jie , Li Xiaogang , Fan Jitao , Zhang Libo , Zhang Rongrong , You Hongrui , Wang Zhenguo , Zhang Anxiaonan , Zhang Jianhua , Jin Qiuyue , Zhao Lianlian , Yang Benqiang
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To develop and validate a combined model incorporating conventional clinical and imaging characteristics and radiomics signatures based on head and neck computed tomography angiography (CTA) to assess plaque vulnerability.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 167 patients with carotid atherosclerosis who underwent head and neck CTA and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 1 month. Clinical risk factors and conventional plaque characteristics were evaluated, and radiomic features were extracted from the carotid plaques. The conventional, radiomics and combined models were developed using fivefold cross-validation. Model performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analyses.

Results

Patients were divided into symptomatic (n = 70) and asymptomatic (n = 97) groups based on MRI results. Homocysteine (odds ratio, OR 1.057; 95% confidence interval, CI 1.001–1.116), plaque ulceration (OR 6.106; 95% CI 1.933–19.287), and carotid rim sign (OR 3.285; 95% CI 1.203–8.969) were independently associated with symptomatic status and were used to construct the conventional model and s radiomic features were retained to establish the radiomics model. Radiomics scores incorporated with conventional characteristics were used to establish the combined model. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the combined model was 0.832, which outperformed the conventional (AUC = 0.767) and radiomics (AUC = 0.797) models. Calibration and decision curves analysis showed that the combined model was clinically useful.

Conclusion

Radiomics signatures of carotid plaque on CTA can well predict plaque vulnerability, which may provide additional value to identify high-risk patients and improve outcomes.
Empfehlung für Fragebögen zur Untersuchung der Schultergelenkfunktion vom Research-Komitee der AGA
Authors: Wafaisade Arasch , Akgün Doruk , Günther Daniel , Laky Brenda , Mathis Dominic , Deichsel Adrian , Ackermann Jakob , Schüttler Karl Friedrich , Eggeling Lena , Kopf Sebastian , Herbst Elmar
Published: May 2023

In der Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie hat die Bedeutung von PROMs („patient-reported outcome measures“) nicht nur klinisch und akademisch, sondern auch gesundheitspolitisch enorm zugenommen. Am Schultergelenk existieren zahlreiche solcher Messinstrumente, sodass für den Vergleich in Wissenschaft und Klinik eine einheitliche Verwendung geeigneter PROMs zu empfehlen ist. Ein PROM sollte wissenschaftliche Kriterien (u. a. Reliabilität, Validität, Responsiveness) erfüllen sowie in der jeweiligen Landessprache und nicht nur für die jeweilige Pathologie validiert sein. Zudem sollten Daten zur „minimal clinically important difference“ (MCID) vorliegen, um Ergebnisse nicht nur hinsichtlich ihrer statistischen Signifikanz, sondern auch der klinischen Relevanz beurteilen zu können. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, für relevante Pathologien des Schultergelenks jeweils einen PROM zu empfehlen, der die o. g. Kriterien am besten erfüllt. Für das Schultergelenk werden dabei vom Research-Komitee der AGA unter Berücksichtigung dieser Kriterien folgende PROMs empfohlen: Constant-Murley-Score (CMS) für die Omarthrose bzw. Schulterendoprothetik, Western Ontario Stability Index (WOSI) für glenohumerale Instabilitäten und Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORCI) für Pathologien des Subakromialraums bzw. von Rotatorenmanschettenläsionen. Der Nottingham Clavicle Score (NCS) stellt ein geeignetes Instrument für die Klavikula sowie die angrenzenden Gelenke (Akromioklavikular- und Sternoklavikulargelenk) dar. Diese empfohlenen PROMs decken eine große Bandbreite an Schulterpathologien ab, sind bzgl. obiger Kriterien qualitativ hochwertig und für die deutsche Sprache validiert.
A comprehensive review on the medicinally valuable endosymbiotic fungi Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Shaaban Rawan , Elnaggar Mohamed S. , Khalil Noha , Singab Abdel Nasser B.
Published: May 2023

Recently, it has been shown that metabolites derived from endosymbiotic fungi attracted high attention, since plenty of them have promising pharmaceutical applications. The variation of metabolic pathways in fungi is considered an optimistic source for lead compounds. Among these classes are terpenoids, alkaloids, polyketides, and steroids, which have proved several pharmacological activities, including antitumor, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral actions. This review concludes the major isolated compounds from different strains of Penicillium chrysogenum during the period 2013–2023, together with their reported pharmacological activities. From literature surveys, 277 compounds have been identified from P. chrysogenum, which has been isolated as an endosymbiotic fungus from different host organisms, with specific attention paid to those showing marked biological activities that could be useful in the pharmaceutical industry in the future. This review represents documentation for a valuable reference for promising pharmaceutical applications or further needed studies on P. chrysogenum.
Comparative in vivo toxicokinetics of silver powder, nanosilver and soluble silver compounds after oral administration to rats
Authors: Mertens Jelle , Alami Anissa , Arijs Katrien
Published: May 2023

Silver (Ag; massive, powder and nanoform) and Ag compounds are used in industrial, medical and consumer applications, with potential for human exposure. Uncertainties exist about their comparative mammalian toxicokinetic (‘TK’) profiles, including their relative oral route bioavailability, especially for Ag massive and powder forms. This knowledge gap impedes concluding on the grouping of Ag and Ag compounds for hazard assessment purposes. Therefore, an in vivo TK study was performed in a rat model. Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed via oral gavage for up to 28 days to silver acetate (AgAc; 5, 55, 175 mg/kg(bw)/d), silver nitrate (AgNO3; 5, 55, 125 mg/kg(bw)/d), nanosilver (AgNP; 15 nm diameter; 3.6, 36, 360 mg/kg(bw)/d) or silver powder (AgMP; 0.35 µm diameter; 36, 180, 1000 mg/kg(bw)/d). Total Ag concentrations were determined in blood and tissues to provide data on comparative systemic exposure to Ag and differentials in achieved tissue Ag levels. AgAc and AgNO3 were the most bioavailable forms with comparable and linear TK profiles (achieved systemic exposures and tissue concentrations). AgMP administration led to systemic exposures of about an order of magnitude less, with tissue Ag concentrations 2–3 orders of magnitude lower and demonstrating non-linear kinetics. The apparent oral bioavailability of AgNP was intermediate between AgAc/AgNO3 and AgMP. For all test items, highest tissue Ag concentrations were in the gastrointestinal tract and reticuloendothelial organs, whereas brain and testis were minor sites of distribution. It was concluded that the oral bioavailability of AgMP was very limited. These findings provide hazard assessment context for various Ag test items and support the prediction that Ag in massive and powder forms exhibit low toxicity potential.
The vestibular calyceal junction is dismantled following subchronic streptomycin in rats and sensory epithelium stress in humans
Authors: Maroto Alberto F. , Borrajo Mireia , Prades Sílvia , Callejo Àngela , Amilibia Emilio , Pérez-Grau Marta , Roca-Ribas Francesc , Castellanos Elisabeth , Barrallo-Gimeno Alejandro , Llorens Jordi
Published: May 2023

Hair cell (HC) loss by epithelial extrusion has been described to occur in the rodent vestibular system during chronic 3,3′-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) ototoxicity. This is preceded by dismantlement of the calyceal junction in the contact between type I HC (HCI) and calyx afferent terminals. Here, we evaluated whether these phenomena have wider significance. First, we studied rats receiving seven different doses of streptomycin, ranging from 100 to 800 mg/kg/day, for 3–8 weeks. Streptomycin caused loss of vestibular function associated with partial loss of HCI and decreased expression of contactin-associated protein (CASPR1), denoting calyceal junction dismantlement, in the calyces encasing the surviving HCI. Additional molecular and ultrastructural data supported the conclusion that HC-calyx detachment precede HCI loss by extrusion. Animals allowed to survive after the treatment showed functional recuperation and rebuilding of the calyceal junction. Second, we evaluated human sensory epithelia obtained during therapeutic labyrinthectomies and trans-labyrinthine tumour excisions. Some samples showed abnormal CASPR1 label strongly suggestive of calyceal junction dismantlement. Therefore, reversible dismantlement of the vestibular calyceal junction may be a common response triggered by chronic stress, including ototoxic stress, before HCI loss. This may partly explain clinical observations of reversion in function loss after aminoglycoside exposure.
Exceptional collections for mirrors of invertible polynomials
Authors: Favero David , Kaplan Daniel , Kelly Tyler L.
Published: May 2023

We prove the existence of a full exceptional collection for the derived category of equivariant matrix factorizations of an invertible polynomial with its maximal symmetry group. This proves a conjecture of Hirano–Ouchi. In the Gorenstein case, we also prove a stronger version of this conjecture due to Takahashi. Namely, that the full exceptional collection is strong.
Therapy results in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma — does less mean better? Experience from a single children’s oncology center
Authors: Stankiewicz Joanna , Kołtan Andrzej , Demidowicz Ewa , Bartoszewicz Natalia , Kołtan Sylwia , Czyżewski Krzysztof , Richert-Przygońska Monika , Dębski Robert , Pogorzała Monika , Tejza Barbara , Cisek Joanna , Księżniakiewicz Piotr , Jatczak-Gaca Agnieszka , Marjańska Agata , Salamon Marlena , Dąbrowska Anna , Urbańczyk Anna , Grześk Elżbieta , Jaremek Kamila , Łęcka Monika , Grochowska Oliwia , Styczyński Jan
Published: May 2023

Therapy results in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma reflect remarkable progress in pediatric oncology. In the last decade, relevant development of new therapeutic options for children with refractory or relapsed disease has been made. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed therapy results and risk factors in children treated in a single oncology center according to five therapeutic protocols. Data from 114 children treated by a single institution between 1997 and 2022 were analyzed. Classic Hodgkin lymphoma therapy results were divided into four therapeutic periods: 1997–2009, 2009–2014, 2014–2019, and 2019–2022. For nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma, data from one therapeutic protocol was analyzed. For the entire group, the 5-year probability of overall survival was 93.5%. There were no statistically significant differences between therapeutic periods. The occurrence of B symptoms at diagnosis and incidence of relapse were risk factors for death (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001). Relapse occurred in 5 cases. The 5-year probability of relapse-free survival for the entire group was 95.2%, without significant differences between groups. Patients treated between 1997 and 2009 had over a sixfold higher risk for events, defined as primary progression, relapse, death, or incidence of secondary malignancies (OR = 6.25, p = 0.086). The 5-year probability of event-free survival for all patients was 91.3%. Five patients died, and the most common cause of death was relapse. Modern therapeutic protocols in pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma are marked by excellent outcomes. Patients with disease relapses have a notably high risk of death, and the development of new therapeutic options for this group remains one of the main goals of current trials.
The accuracy of cystoscopy in predicting muscle invasion in newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients
Authors: van Straten Christine G. J. I. , Bruins Max H. , Dijkstra Siebren , Cornel Erik B. , Kortleve Michael D. H. , de Vocht Thijn F. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. L. M. , van der Heijden Antoine G.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The prognosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) has not improved for three decades. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) is the standard procedure for local tumor staging. TURBT has several limitations, including the spread of tumor cells. Therefore, an alternative is needed in patients with suspected MIBC. Recent studies have shown that mpMRI is very accurate in staging bladder tumors. Because the diagnostic efficacy of urethrocystoscopy (UCS) has been reported as good as the efficacy of mpMRI to predict muscle invasion we performed this prospective multicenter study in which we compare UCS with pathology.

Methods

From July 2020 until March 2022, 321 patients with suspected primary BC in seven participating Dutch hospitals were included in this study. A flexible UCS was performed by urologists, physician assistants, or residents. Predictions of muscle invasion using a 5-point Likert scale alongside the histopathology data were recorded. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and 95% confidence intervals were determined using a standard contingency table.

Results

Of the 321 included patients, 232 (72.3%) received a histopathological diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and 71 (22.1%) were histopathologically diagnosed as MIBC. In 2 patients (0.6%), classification was not possible (Tx). Cystoscopy predicted muscle invasion with a sensitivity of 71.8% (95% CI 59.9–81.9), and a specificity of 89.9% (95% CI 85.4–93.3). This corresponds to a positive predictive value (PPV) of 67.1% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.7%.

Conclusion

Our study shows a moderate accuracy of cystoscopy to predict muscle invasion. This result does not support the use of cystoscopy only instead of TURBT for local staging.
Internal validation study to assess the SeqStudio™ for human identification’s performance
Authors: Soldati Giulia , Turrina Stefania , Saccardo Chiara , Ausania Francesco , De Leo Domenico
Published: May 2023

The SeqStudio™ for human identification (HID) is a new benchtop capillary electrophoresis (CE) platform recently developed by Applied Biosystems for genotyping and sequencing short tandem repeat (STR) fragments. Compared to the previous series of CE systems developed by this maker, it is more compact and easier to use. Moreover, by allowing the detection of 4 to 8 fluorescent dyes, it seems to be fully compatible with the different kits of autosomal and gonosomal STR markers usually used in forensic genetics, which are available in trade and supplied by various manufacturers. However, being a new CE model, before its routine use in forensic genetics applications, it should undergo appropriate analytical validation studies in its own laboratories to understand its potential and limitations. A series of experiments on DNA samples coming from cell line controls, using the GlobalFiler™ IQC Amplification Kit, were carried out to meet this purpose. The SeqStudio™ Genetic Analyzer for HID’s findings on genotyping reproducibility (precision and accuracy of sizing), sensitivity, signal variability between dyes (intra- and inter-color channel balance), and stutter ratios are reported. These findings confirm the validity of this new CE system and its capability to generate reliable results.
Detection of novel loci involved in non-seed-shattering behaviour of an indica rice cultivar, Oryza sativa IR36
Authors: Sugiyama Shohei , Sakuta Motoki , Tsujimura Yuki , Yamaguchi Yudai , Htun Than Myint , Inoue Chizuru , Numaguchi Koji , Ishii Takashige , Ishikawa Ryo
Published: May 2023

Asian rice (Oryza sativa) was domesticated from O. rufipogon, and reduced seed-shattering behaviour was selected to increase yields. Two seed-shattering loci, qSH3 and sh4, are involved in reducing seed shattering in both japonica and indica rice cultivars, while qSH1 and qCSS3 are likely specific to japonica cultivars. In indica cultivars, qSH3 and sh4 fail to explain the degree of seed shattering, as an introgression line (IL) of O. rufipogon W630 carrying domesticated alleles at qSH3 and sh4 still showed seed shattering. Here we analysed differences in seed-shattering degree between the IL and the indica cultivar IR36. The values for grain detachment in the segregating population between the IL and IR36 were continuous. Based on QTL-seq analysis using the BC1F2 population between the IL and IR36, we detected two novel loci, qCSS2 and qCSS7 (QTLs for the Control of Seed Shattering in rice on chromosomes 2 and 7), which contributed to the reduced seed shattering in IR36. We further investigated the genetic interaction of qCSS2 and qCSS7 under the presence of qSH3 and sh4 mutations in O. rufipogon W630 and found that IL carrying IR36 chromosomal segments covering all four loci are required to explain seed-shattering degree in IR36. Since qCSS2 and qCSS7 were not detected in previous studies on seed shattering in japonica, their control may be specific to indica cultivars. Therefore, they are important to understanding the history of rice domestication as well as to adjusting the seed-shattering degree of indica cultivars to maximise their yield.
The importance of inflammatory biomarkers in non-specific acute and chronic low back pain: a systematic review
Authors: Pinto Eduardo Moreira , Neves João Rocha , Laranjeira Manuel , Reis Joaquim
Published: May 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence on inflammatory biomarkers as analytic predictors of non-specific low back pain (NsLBP).

Summary of background data

Low back pain (LBP) is the number one cause of disability globally, posing a major health problem that causes an enormous social and economic burden, and there is an increasing interest on the importance of biomarkers in quantifying and even emerge as potential therapeutic tools to LBP.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on July 2022 in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and Web of Science for all the available literature. Cross-sectional, longitudinal cohort or case–control studies that evaluated the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers collected from blood samples and low back pain in humans were considered eligible for inclusion, as well as prospective and retrospective studies.

Results

The systematic database search resulted in a total of 4016 records, of which 15 articles were included for synthesis. Sample size comprised a total of 14,555 patients with LBP (acute LBP (n = 2073); chronic LBP (n = 12482)) and 494 controls. Most studies found a positive correlation between classic pro-inflammatory biomarkers and NsLBP, namely C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 1 (IL-1) and IL-1β, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α). On the other hand, anti-inflammatory biomarker interleukin 10 (IL-10) demonstrated a negative association with NsLBP. Four studies have made direct comparisons between ALBP and CLBP groups regarding their inflammatory biomarkers profile.

Conclusions

This systematic review found evidence of increased levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α and decreased levels of anti-inflammatory biomarker IL-10 in patients with LBP. Hs-CRP was not correlated with LBP. There is insufficient evidence to associate these findings with the degree of pain severity or the activity status of the lumbar pain over time.
Optimization of a non-activating medium for short-term chilled storage of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) testicular spermatozoa
Authors: Marc Adrien F. , Guppy Jarrod L. , Marshall Hayley , Jerry Dean R. , Rudd Donna , Paris Damien B. B. P.
Published: May 2023

Reliable short-term chilled sperm storage is a critical prerequisite to using advanced reproductive techniques for captive breeding of barramundi (Asian sea bass; Lates calcarifer). Marine Ringer's solution (MRS) is a common non-activating medium (NAM) and has previously been used to store sperm from wild-caught barramundi. However, MRS-stored spermatozoa from captive-bred barramundi were observed to lyse within 30 min incubation. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the composition of NAM for short-term chilled storage by characterizing and mimicking the biochemical profile of seminal and blood plasma of captive-bred barramundi. To further understand the effect of each component, osmolality was first examined to determine its effect on sperm viability. Thereafter, the effects of NaHCO3, pH, and Na+ and K+ concentrations on sperm motility were investigated. Optimization of the NAM formula was achieved through iterative adaptions. The increase in NAM osmolality from 260 to 400 mOsm/kg led to a significant improvement in sperm viability. Moreover, using HEPES instead of NaHCO3 as buffering agent significantly enhanced sperm motility and velocity. As a result, sperm samples diluted with optimized NAM (185 mM NaCl, 5.1 mM KCl, 1.6 mM CaCl2·2H2O, 1.1 mM MgSO4·7H2O, 10.0 mM HEPES, 5.6 mM D+ glucose, 400 mOsm/kg, pH 7.4) and stored at 4 °C showed no significant loss in total motility for up to 48 h and retained progressive motility for up to 72 h. The optimized NAM developed in this study significantly extended the functional lifespan of spermatozoa during chilled storage, permitting the ongoing development of advanced reproductive technologies for barramundi.