bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Elecsys and Liaison immunoassays to determine Epstein–Barr virus serological status using further diagnostic approaches to clarify discrepant results
Authors: Lupo Julien , Tsougaev Mansour , Blachier Stéphane , Chovelon Guillaume , Truffot Aurélie , Leroy Corentin , Giai Joris , Epaulard Olivier , Germi Raphaële , Morand Patrice
Published: September 2022

Serological markers for Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection are commonly used to diagnose infectious mononucleosis and establish a serological status in pretransplant patients. This study prospectively assessed 1043 serum specimens sent to the laboratory for physician‐ordered EBV testing. The three markers—antiviral capsid antigen (VCA) immunoglobulin M (IgM), anti‐VCA immunoglobulin G (IgG), and anti‐Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen (EBNA) antibodies—were tested using the Elecsys and the Liaison immunoassays. Specimens with discrepant results between the two assays were assessed using further EBV diagnostic approaches to conclude on the EBV serological status. In spite of substantial agreement between the two assays (88%) and with the presumed EBV status (>92%), the results showed differences in the performance of the assays. Liaison VCA IgM appeared to be the most sensitive test for the detection of the 38 sera classified as early primary infection in comparison with the Elecsys assay (91.4% vs. 68.6%, p = 0.008). Excluding the cases of early primary infection, the sensitivity values of the VCA IgM marker were comparable between the Liaison and Elecsys assays (95.2% and 92.9%, respectively, p = 1). Concerning the sera classified as past infection (n = 763), the Elecsys assay showed higher sensitivity values for the detection of the VCA and EBNA IgG markers in comparison with the Liaison assay (99.9% and 99.7% vs. 97.4% and 91.2%, respectively, p < 0.001). Overall, the Elecsys and Liaison assays showed similar performance. The interpretation of EBV serological profiles based on the clinical context may require serology follow up or further diagnostic approaches in challenging cases.
Effectiveness of remdesivir with corticosteroids for COVID‐19 patients in intensive care unit: A hospital‐based observational study
Authors: Hanafusa Mariko , Nawa Nobutoshi , Goto Yuki , Kawahara Tomoki , Miyamae Shigeru , Ueki Yutaka , Nosaka Nobuyuki , Wakabayashi Kenji , Tohda Shuji , Tateishi Ukihide , Fujiwara Takeo
Published: September 2022

The effectiveness of remdesivir on survival in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), especially in cases treated in the intensive care unit (ICU), is controversial. We investigated the effectiveness of remdesivir with corticosteroids on the survival of COVID‐19 patients in a real ICU clinical practice. For laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 patients admitted to the ICU of a tertiary hospital in Tokyo (April 2020–November 2021) and who received corticosteroids, the effectiveness of remdesivir for survival, stratified by interval length (within 9 or 10+ days), was retrospectively analyzed using Cox regression model. A total of 168 patients were included: 35 with no remdesivir use (control), 96 with remdesivir use within 9 days, and 37 with remdesivir use with an interval of 10+ days. In‐hospital mortality was 45.7%, 10.4%, and 16.2%, respectively. After adjusting for possible covariates including comorbidities, laboratory data, oxygen demand, or level of pneumonia, remdesivir use within 9 days from symptom onset reduced mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.10; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.025–0.428) compared to the control group. However, remdesivir use with an interval of 10+ days showed no significant association with mortality (HR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.117–1.524). Among COVID‐19 patients who received corticosteroids in ICU, remdesivir use within 9 days from symptom onset was associated with reduced in‐hospital mortality risk.
Antibody response 6 months after the booster dose of Pfizer in previous recipients of CoronaVac
Authors: Silva Maria Francilene Souza , Pinto Ana Carolina Matias Dinelly , de Oliveira Fátima de Cássia Evangelista , Caetano Ludmilla Freire , Araújo Fernanda Montenegro de Carvalho , Fonseca Marcela Helena Gambim
Published: September 2022

The most widely used vaccines were messenger RNA (mRNA), viral vector, and inactivated virus with two‐dose schedules. In Brazil, the CoronaVac (Sinovac) was the first vaccine approved for emergency use, and the third dose was administered, preferably, with the BNT162b2 vaccine. We evaluated antibody levels after 6 months of the booster dose with BNT162B2 in previous recipients of CoronaVac and whether a subsequent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV‐2) infection enhances the antibody response. We analyze the humoral response (spike [S] IgM for the SARS‐CoV‐2 and IgG for the S and nucleocapsid [N] proteins) in samples collected before the third dose and 6 months after the third dose. The presence of antibodies was measured by using Abbott Architect i2000SR. The IgM and IgG antispikes were stimulated mainly 30 days after the third dose (30d/3D), with a decline over time. The IgG anti‐N was stimulated predominantly in 90d/3D and 180d/3D. The N IgG levels were 50 and 35 times higher in the positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) group in 90d/3D and 180d/3D, respectively. The S IgG titers were 1.5 times elevated in the positive PCR group, in 180d/3D. The BNT162b2 boosted the S IgG levels, decreasing after 60 days. The booster shot induced IgM and IgG antibodies against spike protein. Infection after vaccination increased antibodies against protein N.
A Standardized Approach for MRI‐PDFF is Necessary in the Assessment of Diagnostic Performances of the Ultrasound‐Based Hepatic Fat Quantification Tools
Authors: Şendur Aylin Billur , Şendur Halit Nahit
Published: September 2022

The recently developed ultrasound‐based hepatic fat quantification tools have the potential to be implemented in daily practice with wide acceptance due to inherited advantages of ultrasound technology. Researchers intensively focused on this topic and the accumulated evidences that support clinical usefulness of these tools. However, differences in the researcher‐dependent factors of the utilized MRI‐PDFF technique, the recommended reference standard, may hinder the better understanding of the diagnostic performances of these tools. Therefore, a standardized approach for MRI‐PDFF technique, which is established with international consensus may be considered as important.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter Measured With Ocular Ultrasonography in Acute Attack of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Copcuoglu Zeliha , Oruc Oya Akpinar
Published: September 2022

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate intracranial pressure changes by measuring ONSD before and after treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

The study was designed as a prospective analysis, in which 56 COPD in acute exacerbation and 50 volunteers. COPD severity was determined by the Dyspnea Scale of Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC). Measurements were made with ocular ultrasonography and linear probe in both eyes.

Results

Both the right and left ONSDs were higher in the patient compared to the control (P = .017) and regressed after the treatment (P = .021). In the ROC analysis for the predictability of COPD, right eye ONSDs showed a predictive potential for COPD with %75.7 specificity and %68.1 sensitivity at 0.455 cut‐off (AUC: 0.727; P = .0001; %95CI: 0.609–0.833). Similar to the right eye, the left ONSD presented %74.4 specificity and %67 sensitivity at 0.505 cut‐off value (AUC: 0.718; P = .0001; %95CI: 0.608–0.841).

Conclusion

The ONSD measurement that was with the help of ocular ultrasonography can be a useful diagnostic tool for symptomatic COPD presenting with an acute attack.
Endoscopic Posterior Costochondral Graft with Cricoid Sutures for a Recurrent Type 3 Laryngeal Cleft
Authors: Richardson Clare , Masco Vanessa , Johnson Kaalan
Published: September 2022

A patient with a recurrent connection between their trachea and esophagus underwent an endoscopic repair (through the mouth with no incisions) with a graft secured via sutures, which is the first description of fully endoscopic graft placement for this pathology. Laryngoscope, 133:269–272, 2023
Oceanic lobate ctenophores possess feeding mechanics similar to the impactful coastal species Mnemiopsis leidyi
Authors: Cordeiro Malaika , Costello John H. , Gemmell Brad J. , Sutherland Kelly R. , Colin Sean P.
Published: September 2022

Lobate ctenophores are often numerically dominant members of oceanic epipelagic and midwater ecosystems. Despite this, little is known about their trophic ecology. Multiple, co‐occurring species are often found in these ecosystems and appear to feed similarly via feeding currents that entrain prey. We quantified the hydrodynamics, morphology, and behavior of four co‐occurring, cosmopolitan lobate species (Eurhamphaea vexilligera, Ocyropsis crystallina, Bolinopsis vitrea, and Leucothea multicornis) to evaluate whether their feeding mechanics lead to differential feeding rates and prey selection. We compared the feeding characteristics of these four oceanic species to the coastal lobate ctenophore, Mnemiopsis leidyi, which is known as a voracious zooplanktivore. We found that despite their morphological diversity, the five lobate species used the same mechanism to generate their feeding current—the hydrodynamics of their feeding currents were similarly laminar and with very low fluid deformation rates. Despite having similar feeding current traits, the species had different in situ swimming behaviors and feeding postures. We show that these different behaviors and postures lead to different prey encounter rates and that several of the oceanic species have the potential to feed at rates similar to or greater than M. leidyi. As such, the individual and combined trophic impact of oceanic lobate ctenophores is likely to be much greater than previously predicted.
Blinded sample size re‐estimation for comparing over‐dispersed count data incorporating follow‐up lengths
Authors: Igeta Masataka , Matsui Shigeyuki
Published: September 2022

Blinded sample size re‐estimation (BSSR) is an adaptive design to prevent the power reduction caused by misspecifications of the nuisance parameters in the sample size calculation of comparative clinical trials. However, conventional BSSR methods used for overdispersed count data may not recover the power as expected under the misspecification of the working variance function introduced by the specified analysis model. In this article, we propose a BSSR method that is robust to the misspecification of the working variance function. A weighted estimator of the dispersion parameter for the BSSR is derived, where the weights are introduced to incorporate the difference in the distribution of follow‐up length between the interim analysis with BSSR and the final analysis. Simulation studies demonstrated the power of the proposed BSSR method was relatively stable under misspecifications of the working variance function. An application to a hypothetical randomized clinical trial of a treatment to reduce exacerbation rate in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is provided.
Recent Advances in Graphitic Carbon Nitrides (g‐C3N4) as Photoluminescence Sensing Probe: A Review
Authors: Roy Richa , Chacko Anu Rose , Abraham Thomas , Korah Binila K , John Bony K , Punnoose Mamatha Susan , Mohan Chitra , Mathew Beena
Published: September 2022

Among the wide range of chemosensors, the development of fluorescent chemosensors has shown continued interest in the domains of chemistry, materials, biology, and ecology due to their simple operation, low cost, high sensitivity, specificity, live observation, and short response time. As a metal‐free and fluorescent chemosensor, graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has emerged as a new research hotspot and received widespread interdisciplinary attention which is attributable to its favorable electrical band structure, high physicochemical stability, and “earth‐abundant” nature. This review summarizes the structure, synthetic methods, and various techniques for the modification of g‐C3N4. This review also covers the development of g‐C3N4 nanomaterials‐based sensors and their potential applications in a variety of fields. Furthermore, the comparative performance of various sensors, existing obstacles, and perspectives of g‐C3N4‐based nanomaterials are also outlined in detail.
Novel Mannich Bases of α‐Mangostin Bearing Methoxyphenyl Moieties with Antioxidant and Membrane‐protective activity
Authors: Buravlev Evgeny V. , Shevchenko Oksana G.
Published: September 2022

A series of novel Mannich bases containing (monomethoxy‐, dimethoxy‐ or trimethoxy)phenyl substituent and morpholine fragment have been synthesizedviaC‐4‐monoaminomethylation of α‐mangostin, a natural hydroxyxanthone. This modification has led to a considerable reduction in erythrotoxicity of natural xanthone while preserving its high antioxidant activity. All synthesized derivatives have demonstrated higher radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant activity compared to those of α‐mangostin, several compounds have also shown higher efficacy in the test system with red blood cells. In the model of oxidative hemolysis of red blood cells induced by hydrogen peroxide and 2,2’‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, a Mannich base containing 3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl substituent has been shown to have the highest membrane‐protective and antioxidant activity.
Activated Natural Killer Cells‐Dependent Dendritic Cells Recruitment and Maturation by Responsive Nanogels for Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Deng Junjie , Xu Weide , Lei Siyun , Li Wanyu , Li Qinghua , Li Kaiqiang , Lyu Jianxin , Wang Jilong , Wang Zhen
Published: September 2022

Although enormous success has been obtained for dendritic cells (DCs)‐mediated antigen‐specific T cells anticancer immunotherapy in the clinic, it still faces major challenging problems: insufficient DCs in tumor tissue and low response rate for tumor cells lacking antigen expression, especially in low immunogenic tumors such as pancreatic cancer. Here, these challenges are tackled through tumor microenvironment responsive nanogels with prominent tumor‐targeting capability by Panc02 cell membranes coating and inhibition of tumor‐derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), aimed at improving natural killer (NK) cells activation and inducing activated NK cells‐dependent DCs recruitment. The engineered nanogels can on‐demand release acetaminophen to inhibit PGE2 secretion, thus promoting the activity of NK cells for non‐antigen‐specific tumor elimination. Furthermore, activated NK cells can secrete chemokines as CC motif chemokine ligand 5 and X‐C motif chemokine ligand 1 to recruit immature DCs, and then promote DCs maturation and induce antigen‐dependent CD8+ T cells proliferation for enhancing antigen‐specific immunotherapy. Notably, these responsive nanogels show excellent therapeutic effect on Panc02 pancreatic tumor growth and postsurgical recurrence, especially combination of the programmed cell death‐ligand 1 checkpoint‐blockade immunotherapy. Therefore, this study provides a simple strategy for enhancing low immunogenic tumors immunotherapy through an antigen‐independent way and antigen‐dependent way synergetically.
Automatisierte Schweißnahtnachbehandlung für Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen
Authors: Dänekas Christian , Heikebrügge Steffen , Kulikowski Jan , Heide Klaas Maximilian , Schaumann Peter , Breidenstein Bernd , Bergmann Benjamin
Published: September 2022

Für die Umsetzung der klimapolitischen Ziele ist eine wirtschaftliche und ressourcenschonende Bauweise von Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen (OWEA) dringend erforderlich. Die Erhöhung der anzusetzenden Ermüdungsfestigkeit durch den Einsatz hochfester Stähle und durch die Anwendung von Schweißnahtnachbehandlungsmethoden bietet großes Potenzial zur Senkung des Materialeinsatzes und der Kosten bei Monopiles. Speziell in der automatisierten Fertigungskette der OWEA bieten sich automatisierte Prozesse wie das Festwalzen an. Festwalzen ist ein im Maschinenbau etabliertes mechanisches Bearbeitungsverfahren zur Erhöhung der Verschleiß‐ und Ermüdungsfestigkeit von metallischen Komponenten. Der vorliegende Aufsatz stellt Ergebnisse des Festwalzens als neuartige Nachbehandlungsmethode zur Erhöhung der Ermüdungsfestigkeit von Schweißnähten dar. Es werden die Oberflächen‐ und Randzoneneigenschaften UP‐geschweißter Stumpfnahtstöße aus einem Baustahl der Güte S355MLO vor und nach dem Festwalzen gezeigt. Um den Einfluss des Festwalzens auf die Nahtgeometrie zu quantifizieren, werden zusätzlich Ergebnisse von Messungen mit einem Laserliniensensor dargestellt. Abschließend werden die Ergebnisse der Ermüdungsversuche diskutiert, die das große Potenzial des Festwalzprozesses als Schweißnahtnachbehandlungsmethode aufzeigen.
Remembering Her Majesty the Queen
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: September 2022

Following the death of Her Majesty the Queen on 8 September, Georgina Mills reflects on the late Queen's love for animals and the roles she played within the veterinary and animal welfare worlds.
Leonard Henzell Rutherford
Authors: Sturrock Fiona
Published: September 2022

A kindly, popular vet who understood his clients' anxieties about their animals.
A bridge to new physics: proposing new — and reviving old — explanations of aμ
Authors: Guedes Guilherme , Olgoso Pablo
Published: September 2022

Abstract

The 4.2 σ tension in the combined measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon, aμ, and the Standard Model prediction strongly suggests the existence of beyond the Standard Model physics. Following the Standard Model Effective Field Theory approach, we study a particular topology, the bridge diagram, which gives a chirally enhanced contribution to aμ. We classify all possible 2- and 3-field SM extensions that can generate this contribution and present the full aμ result for them. Within our approach, we find that several 2-field fermion-scalar extensions which had been previously discarded in the literature — when only the Yukawa-suppressed contribution was considered — can actually be viable models to explain the observed anomaly. Furthermore, the 3-field extensions which generate the bridge diagram represent a new class of models to account for aμ. We explore a particular 3-field extension which, beyond explaining aμ, can also account for the neutral B-meson anomalies and the Cabibbo angle anomaly. We present the full one-loop matching for this model and a one-loop phenomenological study.
Research in orthopaedic trauma surgery: approaches of basic scientists and clinicians and the relevance of interprofessional research teams
Authors: Hildebrand Frank , Höfer Christine , Horst Klemens , Friemert Benedikt , Pennig Dietmar , Marzi Ingo , Stange Richard ,   Scientific Committee of the German Society for Trauma Surgery
Published: September 2022

Background

An increasing clinical workload and growing financial, administrative and legal burdens as well as changing demands regarding work-life balance have resulted in an increased emphasis on clinical practice at the expense of research activities by orthopaedic trauma surgeons. This has led to an overall decrease in the number of scientifically active clinicians in orthopaedic trauma surgery, which represents a serious burden on research in this field. In order to guarantee that the clinical relevance of this discipline is also mirrored in the scientific field, new concepts are needed to keep clinicians involved in research.

Methods

Literature review and discussion of the results of a survey.

Results/conclusion

An interdisciplinary and -professional team approach involving clinicians and basic scientists with different fields of expertise appears to be a promising method. Although differences regarding motivation, research focuses, funding rates and sources as well as inhibitory factors for research activities between basic scientists and clinicians exist, successful and long-lasting collaborations have already proven fruitful. For further implementation of the team approach, diverse prerequisites are necessary. Among those measures, institutions (e.g. societies, universities etc.) must shift the focus of their support mechanisms from independent scientist models to research team performances.
Real-time optimization in electric vehicle stations using artificial neural networks
Authors: Elkasrawy M. A. , Abdellatif Sameh O. , Ebrahim Gamal A. , Ghali Hani A.
Published: September 2022

The current study proposes a smart decision-making algorithm to be utilized in electric vehicle stations. The suggested approach emphasizes the prediction of queuing delay seeking for minimum total charging time. For this purpose, artificial neural network (ANN) model is used, where a dataset is pre-generated to be seeded into the model. The proposed model effectiveness can be proven when the number of arriving vehicles at the station exceeds the maximum number of charging points at the station. The model accuracy was recorded to reach 89%. For validity, the proposed ANN model was evaluated with respect to a meta-heuristic optimizer, showing a reduced total charging time by 2.5%, and 23.9% with respect to a bare model with no optimization. As a final validation step, a physical realization of the ANN model was conducted by emulating a vehicle as a transmitting node and the station as a receiving node.
Optical parametric oscillator and amplifier providing tunable, narrowband nanosecond laser pulses in the mid-infrared with mJ pulse energy
Authors: Kinder Jan Frederic , Moneke Benedikt , Ernst Oskar , Halfmann Thomas
Published: September 2022

We report on an all-solid-state light source for nanosecond (ns) laser pulses, with broad tunability in the mid-infrared, spectral bandwidth close to the Fourier transform limit, and pulse energy in the mJ regime. To this end, we extend a tunable, continuous wave (cw) singly resonant optical parametric oscillator by an optical parametric pre-amplifier with a periodically poled lithium niobate crystal and a power amplifier stage with two bulk lithium niobate crystals. We demonstrate pulse energies beyond 1 mJ in a tuning range between 3.3 and 3.8 $$\upmu \mathrm {m}$$

μ
m

center wavelength, with options for even larger output pulse energy and tuning range. The total conversion efficiency in the power amplifier reaches 20%. From measurements of absorption spectroscopy, we determine a very narrow linewidth of 108 MHz (full width at half maximum, FWHM), which is only a factor of 1.4 above the Fourier limit. We demonstrate the applicability and versatility of the laser system for nonlinear spectroscopy by resonantly enhanced third harmonic generation and sum frequency mixing in a gas sample of HCl molecules.
Generalized Turán Problems for Complete Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Gerbner Dániel , Patkós Balázs
Published: September 2022

For graphs H, F and integer n, the generalized Turán number ex(n, H, F) denotes the maximum number of copies of H that an F-free n-vertex graph can have. We study this parameter when both H and F are complete bipartite graphs.
Persistence with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors in Germany: a retrospective cohort study with 284,383 patients
Authors: Gremke Niklas , Griewing Sebastian , Chaudhari Saket , Upadhyaya Swati , Nikolov Ivan , Kostev Karel , Kalder Matthias
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyze the persistence of women on tamoxifen (TAM) and aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in Germany, and to investigate possible determinants of non-persistence.

Methods

The present retrospective cohort study was based on the IQVIA longitudinal prescription database (LRx). The study included women with an initial prescription of TAM or AIs (anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane) between January 2016 and December 2020 (index date). Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to show the persistence for TAM and AI, using a therapy gap of 90 or 180 days, respectively. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model was further used to estimate the relationship between non-persistence and drug prescription (AI versus TAM), age, and the specialty of the physician initiating therapy (gynecologist, oncologist, or general practitioner).

Results

Up to 5 years after the index date, only 35.1% of AI and 32.5% of TAM patients were continuing therapy when therapy discontinuation was defined as at least 90 days without therapy. Using a 180-day therapy gap, 51.9% of AI and 50.4% of TAM patients remained on therapy after 5 years. Cox regression models reveal that initial therapy with TAM (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.07), therapy initiation by oncologists (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.07–1.11), or general practitioners (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.21–1.27) and age ≤ 50 (HR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06–1.10) were significantly associated with an increased risk of therapy discontinuation.

Conclusion

Overall, the present study indicates that persistence rates are low in all age groups for both TAM and AI treatment. We found several factors (e.g., physician specialty, younger age, and type of endocrine therapy) to be associated with an increased risk for non-persistence.
Multilevel thresholding satellite image segmentation using chaotic coronavirus optimization algorithm with hybrid fitness function
Authors: Hosny Khalid M. , Khalid Asmaa M. , Hamza Hanaa M. , Mirjalili Seyedali
Published: September 2022

Image segmentation is a critical step in digital image processing applications. One of the most preferred methods for image segmentation is multilevel thresholding, in which a set of threshold values is determined to divide an image into different classes. However, the computational complexity increases when the required thresholds are high. Therefore, this paper introduces a modified Coronavirus Optimization algorithm for image segmentation. In the proposed algorithm, the chaotic map concept is added to the initialization step of the naive algorithm to increase the diversity of solutions. A hybrid of the two commonly used methods, Otsu’s and Kapur’s entropy, is applied to form a new fitness function to determine the optimum threshold values. The proposed algorithm is evaluated using two different datasets, including six benchmarks and six satellite images. Various evaluation metrics are used to measure the quality of the segmented images using the proposed algorithm, such as mean square error, peak signal-to-noise ratio, Structural Similarity Index, Feature Similarity Index, and Normalized Correlation Coefficient. Additionally, the best fitness values are calculated to demonstrate the proposed method's ability to find the optimum solution. The obtained results are compared to eleven powerful and recent metaheuristics and prove the superiority of the proposed algorithm in the image segmentation problem.
The influence of cations on α-lactalbumin amyloid aggregation
Authors: Antosova Andrea , Gancar Miroslav , Bednarikova Zuzana , Marek Jozef , Bystrenova Eva , Gazova Zuzana
Published: September 2022

There is limited knowledge regarding α-lactalbumin amyloid aggregation and its mechanism. We examined the formation of α-lactalbumin amyloid fibrils (α-LAF) in the presence of cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, K+, NH4+, and Cs+) in the form of chloride salts at two concentrations. We have shown that studied cations affect the conformation of α-lactalbumin, the kinetics of its amyloid formation, morphology, and secondary structure of α-LAF in a different manner. The higher salts concentration significantly accelerated the aggregation process. Both salt concentrations stabilized α-lactalbumin's secondary structure. However, the presence of divalent cations resulted in shorter fibrils with less β-sheet content. Moreover, strongly hydrated Mg2+ significantly altered α-lactalbumin's tertiary structure, followed by Na+, NH4+, K+, and weakly hydrated Cs+. On the other hand, Ca2+, despite being also strongly hydrated, stabilized the tertiary structure, supposedly due to its high affinity towards α-lactalbumin. Yet, Ca2+ was not able to inhibit α-lactalbumin amyloid aggregation.

Graphic abstract
Sensory Processing Difficulties in Children and Adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Cervin Matti
Published: September 2022

Altered sensory processing has been linked to symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders (ADs) in youth, but few studies have examined sensory processing in clinical samples and no study has analyzed self-report data from youth meeting diagnostic criteria for OCD or ADs. This study included 86 youth with OCD, 82 youth with ADs, and 46 youth without psychiatric disorders. Participants completed the adolescent version of the Sensory Profile and scales measuring three symptom dimensions of OCD, four symptom dimensions of anxiety, and symptoms of major depression. Results showed that different forms of sensory processing difficulties (sensitivity, avoidance, low registration) were adequately captured by one broad sensory processing factor. Youth with OCD and ADs reported statistically significantly more sensory difficulties than youth without psychiatric disorders, but the two clinical groups did not differ from each other. Altered sensory processing in the clinical groups was not explained by the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Sensory difficulties were moderately to strongly related to all self-reported symptom dimensions, and uniquely related to the OCD dimension of symmetry/ordering and the anxiety dimensions of panic and social anxiety. Most youth in the clinical groups were classified as having difficulties with sensory processing. The present study shows that sensory processing difficulties are common in youth with OCD and ADs, not explained by co-occurring neurodevelopmental disorders, and linked to a host of internalizing symptoms. More research is needed to identify whether sensory processing difficulties precede, follow, or mutually reinforce the development of OCD and ADs in youth.
Multi-temporal UAV Imaging-Based Mapping of Chlorophyll Content in Potato Crop
Authors: Yin Hang , Huang Weili , Li Fei , Yang Haibo , Li Yuan , Hu Yuncai , Yu Kang
Published: September 2022

Spectral indices based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral images combined with machine learning algorithms can more effectively assess chlorophyll content in plants, which plays a crucial role in plant nutrition diagnosis, yield estimation and a better understanding of plant and environment interactions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use UAV-based spectral indices deriving from UAV-based multispectral images as inputs in different machine learning models to predict canopy chlorophyll content of potato crops. The relative chlorophyll content was obtained using a SPAD chlorophyll meter. Random Forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), partial least squares regression (PLSR) and ridge regression (RR) were employed to predict the chlorophyll content. The results showed that RF model was the best performing algorithm with an R2 of 0.76, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.97. Both RF and SVR models showed much better accuracy than PLSR and RR models. This study suggests that the best models, RF model, allow to map the spatial variation in chlorophyll content of plant canopy using the UAV multispectral images at different growth stages.
The Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Camping Tourism in Spain: A Spatial Approach to Tourist Destinations
Authors: Sánchez-Sánchez Francisca Jesús , Sánchez-Sánchez Ana María
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 health crisis has wreaked devastation on the world economy, especially on the tourism sector. The camping sector has been little studied despite its high economic impact and participation rate. Moreover, the observable effects of phenomena such as the COVID-19 pandemic have received little research attention. Consequently, the objective of this paper is therefore to analyse the effects of the pandemic on camping tourism by characterising the factors that determine it. The study is carried out by providing a geographical perspective of the sector by tourist areas, whereby two types of tourist destinations are considered: campsites located in coastal areas, and campsites located in natural areas. This is the main contribution of the work, as the proposed geographical analysis studies smaller territorial units than those usually used in tourism research. For the study, Multivariate Analysis techniques are applied, specifically Factor Analysis and Cluster Analysis. The results show that there is a balance between supply and demand in the sector, with a significant economic impact, especially on employment and the performance of the sector. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to nature tourism gaining greater popularity, and shows an evolution in travellers' preferences for tourist destinations in favour of campsites located in natural areas over those located in coastal destinations. The geographical location of the tourist destination, therefore, plays a key role in the characterisation of Spanish campsites. This has practical implications for both camping companies and institutions, as the fact that some areas are more attractive than others is a decisive factor in deciding on the location of new campsites.
Confronting Evil in History
Authors: Little Daniel
Published: September 2022

Evil is sometimes thought to be incomprehensible and abnormal, falling outside of familiar historical and human processes. And yet the twentieth century was replete with instances of cruelty on a massive scale, including systematic torture, murder, and enslavement of ordinary, innocent human beings. These overwhelming atrocities included genocide, totalitarianism, the Holocaust, and the Holodomor. This Element underlines the importance of careful, truthful historical investigation of the complicated realities of dark periods in human history; the importance of understanding these events in terms that give attention to the human experience of the people who were subject to them and those who perpetrated them; the question of whether the idea of 'evil' helps us to confront these periods honestly; and the possibility of improving our civilization's resilience in the face of the impulses towards cruelty to other human beings that have so often emerged.
Globalizing Europe
Authors: Motadel David
Published: September 2022

This essay offers a reflection on the historical study of modern Europe’s entanglements with the wider world. It explores the ways in which European history can be integrated into global history, considering Europe as not only an engine but also a product of global transformations. Providing a broad historiographical overview, the author discusses the impact of the “global turn” on different fields of modern European history, including political, economic, social, intellectual, and environmental history. He argues that global history represents not only a challenge but also a huge opportunity for Europeanists to open up modern European history. This will ultimately help us reshape our understanding of the boundaries of Europe—and the field of European history itself. In other words, it will allow us to deprovincialize Europe. More generally, the essay also engages with broader questions about continents (and other spatial units) as ontological categories in historical studies.
Oblique drop impact: can one infer the angle of impact?
Authors: Kern Vanessa R. , Jin Cathy , Bostwick J. B. , Steen P. H.
Published: September 2022

During solid surface impact, a falling drop's energy is transformed into oscillations of its liquid/gas interface. We consider drop deposition during oblique impact in the capillary-ballistic regime characterized by high Reynolds number and moderate Weber number. We treat this as an inverse problem showing that post-impact observations of the frequency spectrum and modal partition of energy allow one to determine a drop's pre-impact characteristics and wetting properties. Our analysis is useful for quantifying contact-line dissipation during inertial spreading and can be used as a diagnostic technique for determining substrate wetting properties.
Transient flows and migration in granular suspensions: key role of Reynolds-like dilatancy
Authors: Athani S. , Metzger B. , Forterre Y. , Mari R.
Published: September 2022

We investigate the transient dynamics of a sheared suspension of neutrally buoyant particles in pressure-imposed rheology configuration, subject to a sudden change in shear rate or external pressure. Discrete element method simulations show that, depending on the flow parameters (particle and system size, initial volume fraction), the early stress response of the suspension may differ strongly from the prediction of the suspension balance model based on the steady-state rheology. We show that a two-phase model incorporating the Reynolds-like dilatancy law of Pailha & Pouliquen (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 633, 2009, pp. 115–135), which prescribes the dilation rate of the suspension over a strain scale

$\gamma _0$

, captures quantitatively the suspension dilation/compaction over the whole range of parameters investigated. Together with the Darcy flow induced by the pore pressure gradient during dilation or compaction, this Reynolds-like dilatancy implies that the early stress response of the suspension is non-local, with a non-local length scale

$\ell$

that scales with the particle size and diverges algebraically at jamming. In regions affected by

$\ell$

, the stress level is fixed, not by the steady-state rheology, but by the Darcy fluid pressure gradient resulting from the dilation/compaction rate. Our results extend the validity of the Reynolds-like dilatancy flow rule, initially proposed for jammed suspensions, to flowing suspension below the critical volume fraction at which the suspension jams, thereby providing a unified framework to describe dilation and shear-induced migration. They pave the way for understanding more complex unsteady flows of dense suspensions, such as impacts, transient avalanches or the impulsive response of shear-thickening suspensions.
Exact solutions of time-dependent oscillations in multipolar spherical vortices
Authors: Viúdez A.
Published: September 2022

Exact solutions of the time-dependent three-dimensional nonlinear vorticity equation for Euler flows with spherical geometry are provided. The velocity solution is the sum of a multipolar oscillatory function and a rigid cylindrical motion with swirl. The multipolar oscillation is a velocity mode whose radial and angular dependencies are given by the spherical Bessel functions and vector spherical harmonics, respectively. The local frequency of the velocity oscillations equals the angular speed of the rigid flow times the angular azimuthal wavenumber of the oscillating flow. The unsteady motion corresponds to inertial oscillations in multipolar flows with spatial azimuthal waves (non-vanishing azimuthal wavenumber) in the presence of a background flow with constant axial vorticity. In these nonlinear solutions, the curl of the Lamb vector has a linear dependence with the oscillation velocity, a property that makes it possible for the oscillating motion to satisfy different linear wave equations. Based on these inviscid time-dependent velocity modes, new exact solutions to the time-dependent Navier–Stokes equation are also provided.
A comprehensive and bibliometric review on the blockchain-enabled IoT technology for designing a secure supply chain management system
Authors: Li Yacheng , Zhu Xiaoyan , Darbandi Mehdi
Published: September 2022

Blockchain is a well-known prominent technology that has gotten a lot of interest beyond the financial industry, attracting researchers and practitioners from numerous businesses and fields. Specific uses of blockchain in supply chain management (SCM) are addressed in business practice. By combining two perspectives on blockchain in SCM, this study provides comprehensive knowledge in this field using a bibliometric approach. We will explore the worldwide research trend in related topic areas. By collecting data from the Web of Science, we collected 400 articles related to our research topic from 2016 until early 2021. We eliminated research in the form of technical reports, editorials, comments, and consultancy articles to maintain the quality of the data gathering. VOSviewer is used to create visualization maps based on text and bibliographic information. The examination uncovered helpful information, such as annual publishing and citation patterns, the top research topic, the top authors, and the most supporting funding organizations in this field.
Impact of Subsidiary TMT Network Attention on Innovation: The Moderating Role of Subsidiary Autonomy
Authors: Wang Shi-quan , Zhang Shuang , Shang Guo-yin
Published: September 2022

This article takes group subsidiaries that were listed in the A-share market of Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges in China from 2012 to 2017 as the research subject and innovatively explores the impact of subsidiary TMT (top management team) attention at different networks on subsidiary innovation, considering dual network embedding characteristics and autonomy of subsidiaries. Results show that subsidiary TMT group network attention will inhibit subsidiary innovation, while their external network attention will promote subsidiary innovation, after the inclusion of industry category factors, the effect has changed accordingly, but the moderating effect of subsidiary autonomy on the relationship between subsidiary TMT attention on different networks and subsidiary innovation is always significant. The identification of subsidiary TMT attention not only supplements to current literature's narrow focus on impact of the group parent company attention on subsidiary behaviors, but also broadens theoretical understanding of the driving factors of innovation behavior of subsidiaries. Through expounding on the moderating role of subsidiary autonomy, this article clarifies boundary conditions of subsidiary TMT attention's impact on subsidiary innovation and provides operable guidance for subsidiary TMT to allocate and utilize their attention to promote the development of subsidiary innovation behaviors.
THE PAUCITY PROBLEM FOR CERTAIN SYMMETRIC DIOPHANTINE EQUATIONS
Authors: WOOLEY TREVOR D.
Published: September 2022

Let$\varphi _1,\ldots ,\varphi _r\in {\mathbb Z}[z_1,\ldots z_k]$be integral linear combinations of elementary symmetric polynomials with$\text {deg}(\varphi _j)=k_j\ (1\le j\le r)$, where$1\le k_1<k_2<\cdots <k_r=k$. Subject to the condition$k_1+\cdots +k_r\ge \tfrac {1}{2}k(k-~1)+2$, we show that there is a paucity of nondiagonal solutions to the Diophantine system$\varphi _j({\mathbf x})=\varphi _j({\mathbf y})\ (1\le j\le r)$.
GROUPS IN WHICH ALL LARGE SUBGROUPS HAVE BOUNDED NEAR DEFECT
Authors: SABATINO GIULIA
Published: September 2022

If G is a group with subgroup H and m, k are two fixed nonnegative integers, H is called an
$(m,k)$
-subnormal subgroup of G if it has index at most m in a subnormal subgroup of G of defect less than or equal to k. We study the behaviour of uncountable groups of cardinality
$\aleph $
where all subgroups of cardinality
$\aleph $
are
$(m,k)$
-subnormal.
Cognitive effects of guarana supplementation with maximal intensity cycling
Authors: Gurney Tom , Bradley Naomi , Izquierdo Dionisio , Ronca Flaminia
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of guarana supplementation on cognitive performance before and after a bout of maximal intensity cycling and to compare this to an equivalent caffeine dose. Twenty-five participants completed the randomised double-blind crossover trial by performing cognitive tests with one of three supplements, on three different days: guarana (125 mg/kg), caffeine (5 mg/kg) or placebo (65 mg/kg protein powder). After 30 min of rest, participants performed simple (SRT) and choice reaction time (CRT) tests, an immediate word recall test and Bond–Lader mood scale. This was followed by a cycling V̇O2max test, and cognitive tests were then immediately repeated. Guarana supplementation decreased CRT before exercise (407 (sd 45) ms) in comparison with placebo (421 (sd 46) ms, P = 0·030) but not caffeine (417 (sd 42) ms). SRT after exercise decreased following guarana supplementation (306 (sd 28) ms) in comparison with placebo (323 (sd 32) ms, P = 0·003) but not caffeine (315 (sd 32) ms). Intra-individual variability on CRT significantly improved from before (111·4 (sd 60·5) ms) to after exercise (81·85 (sd 43·1) ms) following guarana supplementation, and no differences were observed for caffeine and placebo (P > 0·05). Alertness scores significantly improved following guarana supplementation (63·3 (sd 13·8)) in comparison with placebo (57·4 (sd 13·4), P = 0·014) but not caffeine (61·2 (sd 12·8)). There were no changes to V̇O2max, immediate word recall or any other Bond–Lader mood scales. Guarana supplementation appears to impact several parameters of cognition. These results support the use of guarana supplementation to possibly maintain speed of attention immediately following a maximal intensity exercise test (V̇O2max).
The global disease burden attributable to a diet low in fibre in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019
Authors: Zhuo Ming , Chen Ze , Zhong Mao-Lin , Liu Ye-Mao , Lei Fang , Qin Juan-Juan , Sun Tao , Yang Chengzhang , Chen Ming-Ming , Song Xiao-Hui , Wang Li-Feng , Li Yi , Zhang Xiao-Jing , Zhu Lihua , Cai Jingjing , Ye Jun-Ming , Zhou Gang , Zeng Yong
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The relationship of a diet low in fibre with mortality has not been evaluated. This study aims to assess the burden of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCD) attributable to a diet low in fibre globally from 1990 to 2019.

Design:

All data were from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019, in which the mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALY) and years lived with disability (YLD) were estimated with Bayesian geospatial regression using data at global, regional and country level acquired from an extensively systematic review.

Setting:

All data sourced from the GBD Study 2019.

Participants:

All age groups for both sexes.

Results:

The age-standardised mortality rates (ASMR) declined in most GBD regions; however, in Southern sub-Saharan Africa, the ASMR increased from 4·07 (95 % uncertainty interval (UI) (2·08, 6·34)) to 4·60 (95 % UI (2·59, 6·90)), and in Central sub-Saharan Africa, the ASMR increased from 7·46 (95 % UI (3·64, 11·90)) to 9·34 (95 % UI (4·69, 15·25)). Uptrends were observed in the age-standardised YLD rates attributable to a diet low in fibre in a number of GBD regions. The burden caused by diabetes mellitus increased in Central Asia, Southern sub-Saharan Africa and Eastern Europe.

Conclusions:

The burdens of disease attributable to a diet low in fibre in Southern sub-Saharan Africa and Central sub-Saharan Africa and the age-standardised YLD rates in a number of GBD regions increased from 1990 to 2019. Therefore, greater efforts are needed to reduce the disease burden caused by a diet low in fibre.