bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrological dynamics of snowmelt induced streamflow in a high mountain catchment of the Pyrenees under contrasting snow accumulation and duration years
Authors: López‐Moreno J. I. , Revuelto J. , González‐Alonso E. , Izagirre E. , Rojas‐Heredia F. , Deschamps‐Berger C. , Bonsoms J. , Latron J.
Published: March 2024

Snowmelt drives a large portion of streamflow in many mountain areas of the world. However, the water paths from snowmelt to the arrival of the water in the streams are still largely unknown. This work analyzes for first time the influence of snowmelt on spring streamflow with different snow accumulation and duration, in an alpine catchment of the central Spanish Pyrenees. This study presents the water balance of the main melting months (May and June). Piezometric values, water temperature, electrical conductivity and isotope data (δ18O) allow a better understanding of the hydrological functioning of the basin during these months. Results of the water balance calculations showed that snow represented on average 73% of the water available for streamflow in May and June while precipitation during these months accounted for only 27%. However, rainfall during the melting period was important to determine the shape of the spring hydrographs. On average, 78% of the sum of both the snow water equivalent (SWE) accumulated at the beginning of May and the precipitation in May and June converted into runoff during the May–June melting period. The average evaporation‐sublimation during the 2 months corresponded to 8.4% of the accumulated SWE and rainfall, so that only a small part of the water input was ultimately available for soil and groundwater storage. When snow cover disappeared from the catchment, soil water storage and streamflow showed a sharp decline. Consequently, streamflow electrical conductivity, temperature and δ18O showed a marked tipping point towards higher values. The fast hydrological response of the catchment to snow and meteorological fluctuations, as well as the marked diel fluctuations of streamflow δ18O during the melting period, strongly suggests short meltwater transit times. As a consequence of this hydrological behaviour, independently of the amount of snow accumulated and of melting date, summer streamflow remained always low, with only small runoff peaks driven by rainfall events.
Influence of ionizable lipid tail length on lipid nanoparticle delivery of mRNA of varying length
Authors: Mrksich Kaitlin , Padilla Marshall S. , Joseph Ryann A. , Han Emily L. , Kim Dongyoon , Palanki Rohan , Xu Junchao , Mitchell Michael J.
Published: March 2024

RNA‐based therapeutics have gained traction for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases. However, their fragility and immunogenicity necessitate a drug carrier. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as the predominant delivery vehicle for RNA therapeutics. An important component of LNPs is the ionizable lipid (IL), which is protonated in the acidic environment of the endosome, prompting cargo release into the cytosol. Currently, there is growing evidence that the structure of IL lipid tails significantly impacts the efficacy of LNP‐mediated mRNA translation. Here, we optimized IL tail length for LNP‐mediated delivery of three different mRNA cargos. Using C12‐200, a gold standard IL, as a model, we designed a library of ILs with varying tail lengths and evaluated their potency in vivo. We demonstrated that small changes in lipophilicity can drastically increase or decrease mRNA translation. We identified that LNPs formulated with firefly luciferase mRNA (1929 base pairs) and C10‐200, an IL with shorter tail lengths than C12‐200, enhance liver transfection by over 10‐fold. Furthermore, different IL tail lengths were found to be ideal for transfection of LNPs encapsulating mRNA cargos of varying sizes. LNPs formulated with erythropoietin (EPO), responsible for stimulating red blood cell production, mRNA (858 base pairs), and the C13‐200 IL led to EPO translation at levels similar to the C12‐200 LNP. The LNPs formulated with Cas9 mRNA (4521 base pairs) and the C9‐200 IL induced over three times the quantity of indels compared with the C12‐200 LNP. Our findings suggest that shorter IL tails may lead to higher transfection of LNPs encapsulating larger mRNAs, and that longer IL tails may be more efficacious for delivering smaller mRNA cargos. We envision that the results of this project can be utilized as future design criteria for the next generation of LNP delivery systems for RNA therapeutics.
On‐Demand Cueing for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zoetewei Demi , Herman Talia , Ginis Pieter , Palmerini Luca , Brozgol Marina , Thumm Pablo Cornejo , Ferrari Alberto , Ceulemans Eva , Decaluwé Eva , Hausdorff Jeffrey M. , Nieuwboer Alice
Published: March 2024

Background

Cueing can alleviate freezing of gait (FOG) in people with Parkinson's disease (PD), but using the same cues continuously in daily life may compromise effectiveness. Therefore, we developed the DeFOG‐system to deliver personalized auditory cues on detection of a FOG episode.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate the effects of DeFOG during a FOG‐provoking protocol: (1) after 4 weeks of DeFOG‐use in daily life against an active control group; (2) after immediate DeFOG‐use (within‐group) in different medication states.

Method

In this randomized controlled trial, 63 people with PD and daily FOG were allocated to the DeFOG or active control group. Both groups received feedback on their daily living step counts using the device, but the DeFOG group also received on‐demand cueing. Video‐rated FOG severity was compared pre‐ and post‐intervention through a FOG‐provoking protocol administered at home off and on‐medication, but without using DeFOG. Within‐group effects were tested by comparing FOG during the protocol with and without DeFOG.

Results

DeFOG‐use during the 4 weeks was similar between groups, but we found no between‐group differences in FOG‐severity. However, the within‐group analysis showed that FOG was alleviated by DeFOG (effect size d = 0.57), regardless of medication state. Combining DeFOG and medication yielded an effect size of d = 0.67.

Conclusions

DeFOG reduced FOG considerably in a population of severe freezers both off and on medication. Nonetheless, 4 weeks of DeFOG‐use in daily life did not ameliorate FOG during the protocol unless DeFOG was worn. These findings suggest that on‐demand cueing is only effective when used, similar to other walking aids. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Short‐Term Cannabidiol with Δ‐9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Liu Ying , Bainbridge Jacquelyn , Sillau Stefan , Rajkovic Sarah , Adkins Michelle , Domen Christopher H. , Thompson John A. , Seawalt Tristan , Klawitter Jost , Sempio Cristina , Chin Grace , Forman Lisa , Fullard Michelle , Hawkins Trevor , Seeberger Lauren , Newman Heike , Vu David , Leehey Maureen Anne
Published: March 2024

Background

Cannabis use is frequent in Parkinson's disease (PD), despite inadequate evidence of benefits and risks.

Objective

The aim is to study short‐term efficacy and tolerability of relatively high cannabidiol (CBD)/low Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to provide preliminary data for a longer trial.

Methods

Persons with PD with ≥20 on motor Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) who had negative cannabis testing took cannabis extract (National Institute of Drug Abuse) oral sesame oil solution for 2 weeks, increasing to final dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day. Primary outcome was change in motor MDS‐UPDRS from baseline to final dose.

Results

Participants were randomized to CBD/THC (n = 31) or placebo (n = 30). Mean final dose (CBD/THC group) was 191.8 ± 48.9 mg CBD and 6.4 ± 1.6 mg THC daily. Motor MDS‐UPDRS was reduced by 4.57 (95% CI, −8.11 to −1.03; P = 0.013) in CBD/THC group, and 2.77 (−4.92 to −0.61; P = 0.014) in placebo; the difference between groups was non‐significant: −1.80 (−5.88 to 2.27; P = 0.379). Several assessments had a strong placebo response. Sleep, cognition, and activities of daily living showed a treatment effect, favoring placebo. Overall adverse events were mild and reported more in CBD/THC than placebo group. On 2.5 mg/kg/day CBD plasma level was 54.0 ± 33.8 ng/mL; THC 1.06 ± 0.91 ng/mL.

Conclusions

The brief duration and strong placebo response limits interpretation of effects, but there was no benefit, perhaps worsened cognition and sleep, and there was many mild adverse events. Longer duration high quality trials that monitor cannabinoid concentrations are essential and would require improved availability of research cannabinoid products in the United States. © 2024 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The impact of student computer competency one‐learningoutcomes: A path analysis model of virtual learning infrastructure, collaboration, and access to electronic facilities
Authors: Sharif‐Nia Hamid , Arslan Gökmen , Reardon Jonathan , Allen Kelly‐Ann , Ma Lan , She Long , Hoseinzadeh Esmaeil , Rahmatpour Pardis , Moradi Siavash , Fomani Fatemeh Khoshnavay , Ghahrani Nassim
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study explored the influence of student computer competency on e‐learning outcomes among Iranian nursing students and examined its mediating role in the relationship between virtual learning infrastructure, student collaboration, access to electronic facilities, and e‐learning outcomes.

Design

A cross sectional study.

Method

A self‐administered online survey was used from August to October 2022, with a sample size of 417 nursing students selected through convenience sampling. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and PROCESS macro v4.1 (Model 4) were used for data analysis.

Results

The results revealed that virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, and student collaboration, significantly predict student computer competency and e‐learning outcomes. Virtual learning infrastructure and access to electronic facilities were found to be the strongest predictors of student computer competency, while student collaboration had a smaller but still significant effect. Student computer competency was found to mediate the relationship between virtual learning infrastructure, access to electronic facilities, student collaboration, and e‐learning outcomes.
A physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling approach for drug–drug‐gene interaction evaluation of S‐warfarin with fluconazole
Authors: Geng Kuo , Shen Chaozhuang , Wang Xiaohu , Wang Xingwen , Shao Wenxin , Wang Wenhui , Chen Tao , Sun Hua , Xie Haitang
Published: March 2024

Warfarin is a widely used anticoagulant, and its S‐enantiomer has higher potency compared to the R‐enantiomer. S‐warfarin is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C9, and its pharmacological target is vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 (VKORC1). Both CYP2C9 and VKORC1 have genetic polymorphisms, leading to large variations in the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of warfarin in the population. This makes dosage management of warfarin difficult, especially in the case of drug–drug interactions (DDIs). This study provides a whole‐body physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic/PD (PBPK/PD) model of S‐warfarin for predicting the effects of drug–drug−gene interactions on S‐warfarin PKs and PDs. The PBPK/PD model of S‐warfarin was developed in PK‐Sim and MoBi. Drug‐dependent parameters were obtained from the literature or optimized. Of the 34 S‐warfarin plasma concentration‐time profiles used, 96% predicted plasma concentrations within twofold range compared to observed data. For S‐warfarin plasma concentration‐time profiles with CYP2C9 genotype, 364 of 386 predicted plasma concentration values (~94%) fell within the twofold of the observed values. This model was tested in DDI predictions with fluconazole as CYP2C9 perpetrators, with all predicted DDI area under the plasma concentration‐time curve to the last measurable timepoint (AUClast) ratio within twofold of the observed values. The anticoagulant effect of S‐warfarin was described using an indirect response model, with all predicted international normalized ratio (INR) within twofold of the observed values. This model also incorporates a dose‐adjustment method that can be used for dose adjustment and predict INR when warfarin is used in combination with CYP2C9 perpetrators.
Kaempferitrin attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction‐induced renal inflammation and fibrosis in mice by inhibiting NOX4‐mediated tubular ferroptosis
Authors: Li Jianchun , Yang Jieke , Xian Qianwen , Su Hongwei , Ni Yufang , Wang Li
Published: March 2024

Tubular ferroptosis significantly contributes to renal inflammation and fibrosis, critical factors in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to investigate Kaempferitrin, a potent flavonoid glycoside from Bauhinia forficata leaves, renowned for its anti‐inflammatory and antitumor effects, and to elucidate its potential mechanisms in mitigating inflammation and fibrosis induced by tubular ferroptosis. The study investigated Kaempferitrin's impact on tubular ferroptosis using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model‐induced renal inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro, erastin‐induced ferroptosis in primary tubular epithelial cells (TECs) was utilized to further explore Kaempferitrin's effects. Additionally, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) transfection in TECs and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were conducted to identify Kaempferitrin's target protein. Kaempferitrin effectively improved renal function, indicated by reduced serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. In the UUO model, it significantly reduced tubular necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Its renoprotective effects were linked to ferroptosis inhibition, evidenced by decreased iron, 4‐hydroxynonenal (4‐HNE), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased glutathione (GSH). Kaempferitrin also normalized glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and Solute Carrier Family 7 Member 11(SLC7A11) expression, critical ferroptosis mediators. In vitro, it protected TECs from ferroptosis and consistently suppressed NOX4 expression. NOX4 transfection negated Kaempferitrin's antiferroptosis effects, while CETSA confirmed Kaempferitrin‐NOX4 interaction. Kaempferitrin shows promise as a nephroprotective agent by inhibiting NOX4‐mediated ferroptosis in tubular cells, offering potential therapeutic value for CKD.
Surface science insight note: Optimizing XPS instrument performance for quantification of spectra
Authors: Fernandez Vincent , Renault Olivier , Fairley Neal , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: March 2024

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provides quantitative information from photoemission peaks and shapes observed within the background due to the inelastic scattering of photoelectrons. To quantify the signal, both photoemission peaks and background in spectra must be adjusted for instrumental transmission variations that are a consequence of changes in efficiency when recording electrons with different kinetic energy. While it is generally assumed that correcting spectroscopic data for transmission is a necessary part of quantification by XPS, there are consequences for the quantification of spectra measured using an instrument for which transmission has significant curvature. In this Insight, the implications of curvature in transmission characteristics are discussed and a method based on XPS microscopy is proposed that ensures the transmission response of an instrument is free from significant curvature. An example of an instrument for which a flat transmission response is presented is achieved through collecting spectra using lens modes designed to measure stigmatic images.
Psoriasis and its Impact on Close Relatives and Partners of Patients – A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Grossschaedl Katja , Weger Wolfgang , Graier Thomas , Salmhofer Wolfgang , Mrowietz Ulrich , Wolf Peter
Published: March 2024

Background

Little is known about the exact impact of psoriasis on the disease burden of close relatives and partners of those affected by the disease.

Objectives

The aim of this single-centre cross-sectional study was to evaluate the quality of life in psoriasis patients and the impact of disease on partners and close relatives.

Methods

250 plaque-type psoriasis patients (58.4% males and 41.6% females) with mostly treatment-controlled disease (mean PASI of 1.7 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) of 4.1) were recruited from the Psoriasis Registry Austria (PsoRA) and their close relatives and partners were invited to participate in the study. Patient Family Impact Score (PFIS) was calculated from the FamilyPso questionnaire data to establish categories of disease burden in close relatives and partners.

Results

Valid FamilyPso questionnaires were returned from 153 (61.2%) close relatives and partners. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between PASI and DLQI (r = 0.512, p < 0.001), PASI and PFIS (r = 0.228, p = 0.006), and DLQI and PFIS (r = 0.210, p = 0.014). An at least small or larger impairment of life quality (DLQI ≥ 2) was observed in 46.7% of psoriasis patients, despite treatment. A small or larger disease burden was detected in nearly 78.7% of the male and 77.3% of the female relatives and partners quantified with categorized PFIS.

Conclusions

The study revealed a significant impact of patients’ psoriasis on the disease burden of close relatives and partners, depending on the severity of PASI and extent of quality of life disruption in patients. The gender of the relatives and partners had no impact on the PFIS.
A Novel Non‐Destructive Rapid Tool for Estimating Amino Acid Composition and Secondary Structures of Proteins in Solution
Authors: Altangerel Narangerel , Neuman Benjamin W. , Hemmer Philip R. , Yakovlev Vladislav. V. , Sokolov Alexei V. , Scully Marlan O.
Published: March 2024

Amino‐acid protein composition plays an important role in biology, medicine, and nutrition. Here, a groundbreaking protein analysis technique that quickly estimates amino acid composition and secondary structure across various protein sizes, while maintaining their natural states is introduced and validated. This method combines multivariate statistics and the thermostable Raman interaction profiling (TRIP) technique, eliminating the need for complex preparations. In order to validate the approach, the Raman spectra are constructed of seven proteins of varying sizes by utilizing their amino acid frequencies and the Raman spectra of individual amino acids. These constructed spectra exhibit a close resemblance to the actual measured Raman spectra. Specific vibrational modes tied to free amino and carboxyl termini of the amino acids disappear as signals linked to secondary structures emerged under TRIP conditions. Furthermore, the technique is used inversely to successfully estimate amino acid compositions and secondary structures of unknown proteins across a range of sizes, achieving impressive accuracy ranging between 1.47% and 5.77% of root mean square errors (RMSE). These results extend the uses for TRIP beyond interaction profiling, to probe amino acid composition and structure.
Web‐shear capacities of composite hollow‐core slabs with core‐filling and topping concretes
Authors: Han Sun‐Jin , Joo Hyo‐Eun , Kim Jae Hyun , Heo Inwook , Kim Kang Su
Published: March 2024

This paper presents an experimental shear test performed to investigate the web‐shear capacity of composite hollow‐core slabs (HCS) with cast‐in‐place (CIP) concrete. Five HCS specimens are fabricated, and the presence of a topping slab and number of cores strengthened by core‐filling concrete are set as key test variables. The shear force–displacement responses of the specimens, patterns of cracks occurring in the HCS and filled cores, strain behavior of stirrups, and composite action between the HCS and CIP concrete are measured and analyzed comprehensively. In addition, the web‐shear capacity of the composite HCS with CIP concrete is calculated based on elasticity theory and the transformed area method, in which the residual stress ratio factor is introduced to reflect the shear contribution of the core‐filling concrete after its shear cracking. Moreover, a practical equation is proposed to allow structural engineers to easily perform the shear‐strengthening design of HCS via the core‐filling method. The detailed model and the simplified equation accurately evaluate the web‐shear capacities of the HCS specimens.
Multi-trace YMS amplitudes from soft behavior
Authors: Du Yi-Jian , Zhou Kang
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Tree level multi-trace Yang-Mills-scalar (YMS) amplitudes have been shown to satisfy a recursive expansion formula, which expresses any YMS amplitude by those with fewer gluons and/or scalar traces. In an earlier work, the single-trace expansion formula has been shown to be determined by the universality of soft behavior. This approach is nevertheless not extended to multi-trace case in a straightforward way. In this paper, we derive the expansion formula of tree-level multi-trace YMS amplitudes in a bottom-up way: we first determine the simplest amplitude, the double-trace pure scalar amplitude which involves two scalars in each trace. Then insert more scalars to one of the traces. Based on this amplitude, we further obtain the double-soft behavior when the trace contains only two scalars is soft. The multi-trace amplitudes with more scalars and more gluons finally follow from the double-soft behavior as well as the single-soft behaviors which has been derived before.
4d crystal melting, toric Calabi-Yau 4-folds and brane brick models
Authors: Franco Sebastián
Published: March 2024

Abstract

We introduce a class of 4-dimensional crystal melting models that count the BPS bound state of branes on toric Calabi-Yau 4-folds. The crystalline structure is determined by the brane brick model associated to the Calabi-Yau 4-fold under consideration or, equivalently, its dual periodic quiver. The crystals provide a discretized version of the underlying toric geometries. We introduce various techniques to visualize crystals and their melting configurations, including 3-dimensional slicing and Hasse diagrams. We illustrate the construction with the D0-D8 system on $${\mathbb{C}}$$4. Finally, we outline how our proposal generalizes to arbitrary toric CY 4-folds and general brane configurations.
Solutions of the Yang–Baxter Equation and Strong Semilattices of Skew Braces
Authors: Catino Francesco , Mazzotta Marzia , Stefanelli Paola
Published: March 2024

We prove that any set-theoretic solution of the Yang–Baxter equation associated with a dual weak brace is a strong semilattice of non-degenerate bijective solutions. This fact makes use of the description of any dual weak brace S we provide in terms of strong semilattice Y of skew braces $$B_\alpha $$

B
α

, with $$\alpha \in Y$$

α
∈
Y

. Additionally, we describe the ideals of S and study its nilpotency by correlating it to that of each skew brace $$B_\alpha $$

B
α

.
On the separation property and the global attractor for the nonlocal Cahn-Hilliard equation in three dimensions
Authors: Giorgini Andrea
Published: March 2024

We consider the nonlocal Cahn-Hilliard equation with constant mobility and singular potential in three dimensional bounded and smooth domains. This model describes phase separation in binary fluid mixtures. Given any global solution (whose existence and uniqueness are already known), we prove the so-called instantaneous and uniform separation property: any global solution with initial finite energy is globally confined (in the $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

metric) in the interval $$[-1+\delta ,1-\delta ]$$

[
-
1
+
δ
,
1
-
δ
]

on the time interval $$[\tau ,\infty )$$

[
τ
,
∞
)

for any $$\tau >0$$

τ
>
0

, where $$\delta $$
δ
only depends on the norms of the initial datum, $$\tau $$
τ
and the parameters of the system. We then exploit such result to improve the regularity of the global attractor for the dynamical system associated to the problem.
Gradient higher integrability for singular parabolic double-phase systems
Authors: Kim Wontae , Särkiö Lauri
Published: March 2024

We prove a local higher integrability result for the gradient of a weak solution to parabolic double-phase systems ofp-Laplace type when$$\tfrac{2n}{n+2}< p\le 2$$2nn+2<p≤2. The result is based on a reverse Hölder inequality in intrinsic cylinders combiningp-intrinsic and (p, q)-intrinsic geometries. A singular scaling deficits affects the range ofq.
Comparing high-intensity versus moderate-intensity exercise training in coronary artery disease patients: a randomized controlled trial with 6- and 12-month follow-up
Authors: Gonçalves Catarina , Bravo Jorge , Abreu Ana , Pais João , Raimundo Armando
Published: March 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of two exercise-based CR programs on physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, physical fitness, quality of life (QoL), and mental health in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

Subject and methods

Seventy-two CAD participants were randomized (1:1:1) into HIIT, MICT, and control groups. Both training programs spanned 6 weeks with three supervised treadmill exercise sessions per week. MICT targeted ≈70–75% of peak heart rate (HR), while HIIT aimed for ≈85–95% of peak HR. The control group adhered to standard medical recommendations. Assessments at 6- and 12-months post-intervention included body composition, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, PA, SB, QoL, anxiety, and depression.

Results

Over the 6- and 12-month follow-up periods, both exercise groups maintained the levels of aerobic capacity (HIIT ≈ 19.6 ml kg−1 min−1, MICT ≈ 17.8 ml kg−1 min−1), QoL, and PA compared to baseline (p < .001). Symptoms of anxiety and depression remained lower than baseline (p < .001). The HIIT group demonstrated a significant decreasing trend in waist circumference (∆m3−m2% −2 cm, p = .033) compared to MICT (p = .016) and control (p = .001) at 6 months of follow-up. It was maintained at 12 months of follow-up with significant differences to MICT (p = .018) and control (p = .001). In contrast, the control group experienced deteriorations in body composition, SB, symptoms of anxiety, and depression, along with a decline in aerobic capacity over time.

Conclusion

Encouraging CAD patients to maintain elevated PA levels can promote cardiovascular, WC, and mental health. CR exercise programs can reduce cardiovascular risk factors and induce favorable lifestyle changes. Notably, HIIT demonstrated sustained improvements surpassing those of MICT. These findings underscore the importance of structured exercise-based CR programs in optimizing long-term outcomes for CAD patients.

Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03538119 on May 25, 2018.
ISCEV standard for clinical pattern electroretinography (2024 update)
Authors: Thompson D. A. , Bach M. , McAnany J. J. , Šuštar Habjan M. , Viswanathan S. , Robson A. G.
Published: March 2024

The pattern electroretinogram (PERG) is a localized retinal response evoked by a contrast-reversing pattern, usually a black and white checkerboard, which provides information about macular and retinal ganglion cell function. This document, from the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV; www.iscev.org) presents an updated and revised Standard for clinical PERG testing. This replaces the 2013 and all earlier versions. Minimum protocols for basic PERG stimuli, recording methods and reporting are specified, to promote consistency of methods for diagnosis and monitoring purposes, while responding to evolving clinical practices and technology. The main changes in the updated ISCEV Standard for clinical PERG include expanded guidance about large stimulus fields, stimulus parameters for simultaneous PERG and pattern visual evoked potential recording, baseline drift correction, and use of consistent ambient room lighting. These changes aim to provide a clinically relevant document about current practice which will facilitate good quality recordings and inter-laboratory comparisons.
Estimating high-density aboveground biomass within a complex tropical grassland using Worldview-3 imagery
Authors: Naicker Rowan , Mutanga Onisimo , Peerbhay Kabir , Odebiri Omosalewa
Published: March 2024

A large percentage of native grassland ecosystems have been severely degraded as a result of urbanization and intensive commercial agriculture. Extensive nitrogen-based fertilization regimes are widely used to rehabilitate and boost productivity in these grasslands. As a result, modern management frameworks rely heavily on detailed and accurate information on vegetation condition to monitor the success of these interventions. However, in high-density environments, biomass signal saturation has hampered detailed monitoring of rangeland condition. This issue stems from traditional broad-band vegetation indices (such as NDVI) responding to high levels of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) absorption by leaf chlorophyll, which affects leaf area index (LAI) sensitivity within densely vegetative regions. Whilst alternate hyperspectral solutions may alleviate the problem to a certain degree, they are often too costly and not readily available within developing regions. To this end, this study evaluated the use of high-resolution Worldview-3 imagery in combination with modified NDVI indices and image manipulation techniques in reducing the effects of biomass signal saturation within a complex tropical grassland. Using the random forest algorithm, several modified NDVI-type indices were developed from all potential dual-band combinations of the Worldview-3 image. Thereafter, linear contrast stretching and histogram equalization were implemented in conjunction with Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) to improve high-density biomass estimation. Results demonstrated that both contrast enhancement techniques, when combined with SVD, improved high-density biomass estimation. However, linear contrast stretching, SVD, and modified NDVI indices developed from the red (630–690 nm), green (510–580 nm), and near-infrared 1 (770–895 nm) bands were found to produce the best biomass predictive model (R2 = 0.71, RMSE = 0.40 kg/m2). The results generated from this research offer a means to alleviate the biomass saturation problem. This framework provides a platform to assist rangeland managers in regionally assessing changes in vegetation condition within high-density grasslands.
The dicot homolog of maize PPR103 carries a C-terminal DYW domain and may have a role in C-to-U editing of some chloroplast RNA transcripts
Authors: McCray Tyra N. , Azim Mohammad F. , Burch-Smith Tessa M.
Published: March 2024

In plants, cytidine-to-uridine (C-to-U) editing is a crucial step in processing mitochondria- and chloroplast-encoded transcripts. This editing requires nuclear-encoded proteins including members of the pentatricopeptide (PPR) family, especially PLS-type proteins carrying the DYW domain. IPI1/emb175/PPR103 is a nuclear gene encoding a PLS-type PPR protein essential for survival in Arabidopsis thaliana and maize. Arabidopsis IPI1 was identified as likely interacting with ISE2, a chloroplast-localized RNA helicase associated with C-to-U RNA editing in Arabidopsis and maize. Notably, while the Arabidopsis and Nicotiana IPI1 orthologs possess complete DYW motifs at their C-termini, the maize homolog, ZmPPR103, lacks this triplet of residues which are essential for editing. In this study we examined the function of IPI1 in chloroplast RNA processing in N. benthamiana to gain insight into the importance of the DYW domain to the function of the EMB175/PPR103/ IPI1 proteins. Structural predictions suggest that evolutionary loss of residues identified as critical for catalyzing C-to-U editing in other members of this class of proteins, were likely to lead to reduced or absent editing activity in the Nicotiana and Arabidopsis IPI1 orthologs. Virus-induced gene silencing of NbIPI1 led to defects in chloroplast ribosomal RNA processing and changes to stability of rpl16 transcripts, revealing conserved function with its maize ortholog. NbIPI1-silenced plants also had defective C-to-U RNA editing in several chloroplast transcripts, a contrast from the finding that maize PPR103 had no role in editing. The results indicate that in addition to its role in transcript stability, NbIPI1 may contribute to C-to-U editing in N. benthamiana chloroplasts.
Indirect interactions involving the PsbM or PsbT subunits and the PsbO, PsbU and PsbV proteins stabilize assembly and activity of Photosystem II in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Arshad Faiza , Eaton-Rye Julian J.
Published: March 2024

The low-molecular-weight PsbM and PsbT proteins of Photosystem II (PS II) are both located at the monomer-monomer interface of the mature PS II dimer. Since the extrinsic proteins are associated with the final step of assembly of an active PS II monomer and, in the case of PsbO, are known to impact the stability of the PS II dimer, we have investigated the potential cooperativity between the PsbM and PsbT subunits and the PsbO, PsbU and PsbV extrinsic proteins. Blue-native polyacrylamide electrophoresis and western blotting detected stable PS II monomers in the ∆PsbM:∆PsbO and ∆PsbT:∆PsbO mutants that retained sufficient oxygen-evolving activity to support reduced photoautotrophic growth. In contrast, the ∆PsbM:∆PsbU and ∆PsbT:∆PsbU mutants assembled dimeric PS II at levels comparable to wild type and supported photoautotrophic growth at rates similar to those obtained with the corresponding ∆PsbM and ∆PsbT cells. Removal of PsbV was more detrimental than removal of PsbO. Only limited levels of dimeric PS II were observed in the ∆PsbM:∆PsbV mutant and the overall reduced level of assembled PS II in this mutant resulted in diminished rates of photoautotrophic growth and PS II activity below those obtained in the ∆PsbM:∆PsbO and ∆PsbT:∆PsbO strains. In addition, the ∆PsbT:∆PsbV mutant did not assemble active PS II centers although inactive monomers could be detected. The inability of the ∆PsbT:∆PsbV mutant to grow photoautotrophically, or to evolve oxygen, suggested a stable oxygen-evolving complex could not assemble in this mutant.
Treatment strategy for early-stage esophageal cancer
Authors: Sakanaka Katsuyuki
Published: March 2024

Approximately 90% of esophageal cancers in Japan are squamous cell carcinomas, and they are often detected at earlier stages in Japan than in Western countries; superficial esophageal cancer without lymph node or distant metastasis comprises one-third of all esophageal cancers in Japan. Endoscopic resection is a minimally invasive treatment for superficial esophageal cancer; however, the risk of regional lymph node recurrence is negligible when it invades the submucosal layer or lymphovasculature. In such cases, surgical treatment is necessary to control regional lymph node recurrences, although the physical burdens and potential complications cannot be overlooked. Recently, clinical trials in Japan have shown promising clinical outcomes of organ preservation strategies. One strategy is initially performing endoscopic resection for superficial esophageal cancer, assessing the risk of lymph node metastasis based on pathological diagnosis for endoscopically resected specimens, and subsequently considering additional therapy (e.g., observation or prophylactic chemoradiotherapy)—another strategy aimed to cure superficial esophageal cancer through definitive chemoradiotherapy alone. The safety and efficacy of the two strategies have been evaluated in clinical trials, which showed that both organ preservation strategies are comparable to surgery in terms of overall survival. However, challenges include improving the accuracy of pretreatment endoscopic diagnosis and decreasing the local–regional recurrence after chemoradiotherapy. This review provides an overview of the latest standard treatment for early-stage esophageal cancer and its future perspectives.
MiR206 and 423-3p Are Differently Modulated in Fast and Slow-Progressing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Musarò Antonio , Dobrowolny Gabriella , Cambieri Chiara , Libonati Laura , Moret Federica , Casola Irene , Laurenzi Gaia , Garibaldi Matteo , Inghilleri Maurizio , Ceccanti Marco
Published: March 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neuromuscular disease with a wide disease progression. Despite several efforts to develop efficient biomarkers, many concerns about the available ones still need to be addressed. MicroRNA (miR) are non-coding RNAs that can modulate molecular circuits and are involved in ALS pathogenic mechanisms. 22 fast and 23 slow-progressing-defined ALS patients were recruited. ALSFRS-R, strength, respiratory function, nerve conduction studies, and creatine kinase were evaluated at the baseline and after 6 months of follow-up. The mean monthly reduction of the previous variables (progression index – PI) was calculated. MiR206, 133a-3p, 151a-5p, 199a-5p, and 423-3p were dosed. The univariate analysis showed an independent reduction of miR206 and an increase of miR423-3p in patients with a slow slope of ALSFRS-R and weakness, respectively. MiR206 and 423-3p are differently modulated in fast and slow-progressing ALS patients, suggesting a role for microRNAs in prognosis and therapeutic target.
Abelian and consta-Abelian polyadic codes over affine algebras with a finite commutative chain coefficient ring
Authors: Yılmazgüç Gülsüm Gözde , de la Cruz Javier , Martínez-Moro Edgar
Published: March 2024

This paper studies Abelian and consta-Abelian polyadic codes over rings defined as affine algebras over chain rings. For this purpose, we use the classical construction via splittings and multipliers of the underlying Abelian group. We also derive some results on the structure of the associated polyadic codes and the number of codes under these conditions.
Improving Satellite Chlorophyll-a Retrieval in the Turbid Waters of the Bay of Fundy, Canada
Authors: Wilson Kristen L. , Hilborn Andrea , Clay Stephanie , Devred Emmanuel
Published: March 2024

The Bay of Fundy is a highly productive ecosystem within the Northwest Atlantic where extreme tides and strong currents result in a large gradient of sediment concentrations across and along the bay. We processed daily satellite data from the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the Aqua satellite from 2003 to 2021 at 300-m resolution to understand and quantify spatial and temporal trends in chlorophyll-a concentration (chl-a, a measure of phytoplankton biomass), and suspended particulate matter concentration (SPM) in the Bay of Fundy surface waters. To account for high sediment loading (up to 100’s g m−3) and moderate chl-a (median in situ chl-a of 1.5 mg m−3 from 2003 to 2021), coefficients of the OC3M chl-a algorithm were regionally tuned using in situ chl-a data, and satellite-derived SPM was incorporated within the chl-a retrieval algorithm to account for possible bias. The updated new algorithm was denoted as OCX-SPMCor. Chl-a computed using OCX-SPMCor showed better performance against in situ chl-a than the generic OC3M with a coefficient of determination that increased from 0.01 to 0.28 and a root mean square logarithmic error that decreased by 35%. Unlike previous remote sensing studies, OCX-SPMCor correctly predicted the particular chl-a seasonality in the Bay of Fundy, which does not follow the typical occurrence of spring/fall blooms as observed in the adjacent Gulf of Maine and Scotian Shelf. For the first time, satellite-predicted chl-a aligned with the phenology of in situ chl-a, where chl-a continually increased from April to June and remained high all summer, with a small secondary summer peak before decreasing in the fall. SPM seasonality followed an opposite trend where SPM reached a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. A small number of matchups and high temporal variability on the hourly time scale precluded a robust assessment of the satellite-derived SPM. However, comparisons between time series of remotely sensed and in situ SPM demonstrated the ability of the satellite-derived SPM to capture temporal variations, though the absolute values may be slightly underestimated. Accurate maps of phytoplankton biomass and sediment concentrations are essential variables required for effective management and conservation of marine ecosystems in the Bay of Fundy.
On the labelling of characters of Weyl groups of type $$F_4$$
Authors: Geck Meinolf , Hetz Jonas
Published: March 2024

In the literature on finite groups of Lie type, there exist two different conventions about the labelling of the irreducible characters of Weyl groups of type $$F_4$$

F
4

. We point out some issues concerning these two conventions and their effect on tables about unipotent characters or the Springer correspondence. Using experiments related to these issues with the computer algebra system , we spotted an error in Spaltenstein’s tables for the generalised Springer correspondence in type $$E_7$$

E
7

.
Which is the optimal choice for neonates’ formula or breast milk?
Authors: Hu Yueqi , Wu Xing , Zhou Li , Liu Jikai
Published: March 2024

The incidence of prematurity has been increasing since the twenty-first century. Premature neonates are extremely vulnerable and require a rich supply of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA) and others. Typical breast milk serves as the primary source for infants under six months old to provide these nutrients. However, depending on the individual needs of preterm infants, a more diverse and intricate range of nutrients may be necessary. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research progress on the physical and chemical properties, biological activity, function, and structure of breast milk, as well as explores the relationship between the main components of milk globular membrane and infant growth. Additionally, compare the nutritional composition of milk from different mammals and newborn milk powder, providing a comprehensive understanding of the differences in milk composition and detailed reference for meeting daily nutritional needs during lactation.

Graphical Abstract
Weak error analysis for a nonlinear SPDE approximation of the Dean–Kawasaki equation
Authors: Djurdjevac Ana , Kremp Helena , Perkowski Nicolas
Published: March 2024

We consider a nonlinear SPDE approximation of the Dean–Kawasaki equation for independent particles. Our approximation satisfies the physical constraints of the particle system, i.e. its solution is a probability measure for all times (preservation of positivity and mass conservation). Using a duality argument, we prove that the weak error between particle system and nonlinear SPDE is of the order $$N^{-1-1/(d/2+1)}\log N$$

N

-
1
-
1
/
(
d
/
2
+
1
)

log
N

. Along the way we show well-posedness, a comparison principle, and an entropy estimate for a class of nonlinear regularized Dean–Kawasaki equations with Itô noise.
Sequence effects on the life estimation of welded tubular structures made of S355J2H under uniaxial fatigue loading
Authors: Neuhäusler Josef , Roth Jakob , Oswald Markus , Dürr André , Rother Klemens
Published: March 2024

The use of hollow sections to form lightweight structures is widespread in common steel processing industries such as crane, commercial vehicle, steel bridge and agricultural machinery construction. The hollow sections are mainly designed as truss or frame structures, in some cases using high-strength and higher-strength steels in order to achieve optimum utilization of the component and material. A new collection of fatigue life data covering sequence effects and the accuracy of the linear damage accumulation is presented. Effects of the shape of the applied load spectra and sequence effects of different amplitudes have been investigated. This document covers tubes of 4 to 8 mm thickness made by low-carbon or mild steel S355J2H. In general, it was found that the spectrum shape and the loading sequence have an influence on the service life. Depending on the shape of the spectrum, random tests tended to lead to shorter service lives than tests with block-loading sequences. An influence of overloads was also found for the tests with interspersed overloads. Typical maximum linear damage sums taken from recommendations and codes of 0.2 or sometimes 0.5 are exceeded for all spectra investigated and in some of the cases even significantly above 1.0. Transferability of the recommendations to component-type structures like tubular joints needs revision to lift its lightweight potential. Using stress concentration factors (SCF) from finite element analysis, typical strength values for the structural and effective notch stress concepts are checked. All joints investigated show a significantly higher strength compared to the IIW recommendations using the structural stress approach or compared to the DVS 0905 with the effective notch stress approach.
Accounting for the specificities of sport in EU law: Old and new directions in the 21 December 2023 judgments
Authors: Villanueva Aurélie
Published: March 2024

This article reflects on sport interests as accounted for by the European Court of Justice in the three judgments delivered on the 21st of December 2023: Case C-333/21 European Superleague Company SL v FIFA, UEFA, Case C-680/21 UL, SA Royal Antwerp Football Club v URBSFA, UEFA and Case C-124/21 P International Skating Union v Commission. In the cases, the Court does not treat sport as a special interest that would justify excluding the application of European Union (EU) substantive law to the situations at hand. Rather, the Court adopts a strict reading of Article 165 TFEU as a provision that does not shield the sport sector from the application of EU law. However, the paper demonstrates that the Court does recognise the particularities of sport and accounts for them in the application of EU free movement and competition law. This is especially when characterising rules as object or effect restrictions, but also when exploring the defence under Article 102 TFEU, the justifications under Article 101(3) TFEU as well as under free movement law. The Court guides and encourages the referring courts to pay attention to the specific content of the rules and the context in which they are implemented. The Court thereby follows the traditional assessment of a measure and its context under EU substantive law while devoting great attention to the specific characteristics of the sport sector in its substantive analysis.