bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sampling through space and time: multi-year analysis reveals dynamic population genetic patterns for an amphibian metapopulation
Authors: Moore Chloe E. , Mims Meryl C.
Published: January 2024

Metapopulations are dynamic, and population genetics can reveal both spatial and temporal metapopulation variation. Yet, population genetic studies often focus on samples collected within a single time period or combine samples taken across time periods due to limited resources and the assumption that these approaches capture patterns and processes occurring over decadal and longer temporal scales. However, this may leave important fine-scale temporal variation in genetic composition undetected, particularly for metapopulations in which dynamic populations are expected. We investigated temporal patterns of population genetic diversity, effective population size, and differentiation across three sample periods for a dryland amphibian metapopulation. We sampled nine distinct Arizona treefrog (Hyla (Dryophytes) wrightorum) breeding ponds in 2014, 2018/2019, and 2021 and genotyped 17 microsatellite loci to quantify spatial and temporal population genetic dynamics. Genetic diversity within and between populations varied significantly among years. Most notably, we identified a concerning decline in allelic richness across populations, with an average − 26.11% difference between a population’s first and last sample period. Effective population sizes were generally small (Ne < 100) and variable within and among populations over time, with many populations falling below common conservation thresholds by the final sample period. Trends in global genetic diversity, as measured by heterozygosity, and population differentiation were relatively consistent across all sampling periods. Overall, we found that “snapshot” or single-time sampling approaches may miss temporal variability in genetic composition that has important conservation implications, including early warning signs of decline in genetic diversity.
Towards a genomic resolution of the Phengaris alcon species complex
Authors: Lucek Kay , Blattner Lucas , Cornet Camille , Chittaro Yannick , Erhardt Andreas , Jaun Andreas , Jost Bernhard , Winiger Nathalie , Wymann Hans-Peter , Dušej Goran
Published: January 2024

Taxonomic entities below the species level often pose difficulties for conservation practice, especially when they are ecologically distinct from the nominal species. Genomic tools provide the opportunity to study and potentially resolve such cryptic diversity. The Alcon blue butterfly Phengaris alcon species complex is such a cryptic example, comprising different ecotypes or even subspecies, one of them is the high elevation taxon P. rebeli from the European Alps. We sequenced a first reference genome for Phengaris alcon. Furthermore, we generated whole genome resequence data for individuals of three Swiss ecotypes, i.e., the low elevation P. alcon, the mid elevation and high elevation alpine P. rebeli and integrated genomic data from across Europe to study the relationship among these ecotypes. At a European scale, our results suggest that for the P. alcon complex, biogeography and the evolutionary context of diversification is more multifaceted than previously suggested, falling in the range of more recent ecological speciation. In Switzerland, the three ecotypes were genetically isolated with only limited current gene flow between them. Past gene flow, however, could have given rise to the mid elevation ecotype. Our findings emphasise that high elevation P. rebeli in the Alps should be treated as a distinct species. Our study highlights how the availability of reference genome assemblies allows to address so far open taxonomic questions in conservation research and that broadscale studies are needed to understand the biogeographic history of apparent diversification.
Two sample Mendelian Randomisation using an outcome from a multilevel model of disease progression
Authors: Lawton Michael , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Gkatzionis Apostolos , Hu Michele T. , Grosset Donald , Tilling Kate
Published: January 2024

Identifying factors that are causes of disease progression, especially in neurodegenerative diseases, is of considerable interest. Disease progression can be described as a trajectory of outcome over time—for example, a linear trajectory having both an intercept (severity at time zero) and a slope (rate of change). A technique for identifying causal relationships between one exposure and one outcome in observational data whilst avoiding bias due to confounding is two sample Mendelian Randomisation (2SMR). We consider a multivariate approach to 2SMR using a multilevel model for disease progression to estimate the causal effect an exposure has on the intercept and slope. We carry out a simulation study comparing a naïve univariate 2SMR approach to a multivariate 2SMR approach with one exposure that effects both the intercept and slope of an outcome that changes linearly with time since diagnosis. The simulation study results, across six different scenarios, for both approaches were similar with no evidence against a non-zero bias and appropriate coverage of the 95% confidence intervals (for intercept 93.4–96.2% and the slope 94.5–96.0%). The multivariate approach gives a better joint coverage of both the intercept and slope effects. We also apply our method to two Parkinson’s cohorts to examine the effect body mass index has on disease progression. There was no strong evidence that BMI affects disease progression, however the confidence intervals for both intercept and slope were wide.
Ṇitrogen footprint of Korean beef cattle farms: Scenarios toward more sustainable production
Authors: Byun Jun Suk , Kim Tae Hoon , Ibidhi Ridha , Bharanidharan Rajaraman , Lee Yookyung , Kim Kyoung Hoon
Published: January 2024

Nitrogen (N) lost during beef cattle production accompanies various environmental risks and has become a rising concern among agricultural stakeholders. The objective of this study was to quantify the N footprint of producing Hanwoo beef cattle, which is a Korean indigenous breed of cattle, in Korea at the farm gate through a life cycle assessment approach. Field surveys were conducted on 106 farms across 9 provinces to identify regional distinctions in farming systems and evaluate total N losses from beef production. N losses were calculated using emission factors from the refined IPCC guidelines, which were then expressed as N footprint (g N/kg of live body weight (LBW)). Uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were deployed to evaluate the precision of the results and identify factors that contributed to the output. The N footprint averaged 132.7(± 61.8) g N/kg LBW and varied between provinces according to animal categories, manure management systems, land use and fertilizer application rates. Volatilization was the highest contributing factor, followed by leaching and denitrification, each representing 68.5, 21.4, and 10.1 percent of the N footprint, respectively. The uncertainty of the result was found to be 46.6 percent and was highly associated with emission factor uncertainties. We devised five mitigation scenarios that are cost effective and do not penalize productivity and evaluated their capacity for reducing N footprint: (i) dietary modifications to decrease animal N excretion rate; (ii) microorganism additives to reduce volatilization from housing; (iii) manure storages recycling manure within the farm to replace synthetic fertilizers; (iv) distributing biochar to the field after fertilizer application to curtail losses from crop production; (v) combination of i, ii, iii, and iv. Combining these scenarios demonstrated the potential to reduce 12.1 percent of the total N footprint. The extents of mitigation scenarios varied across provinces (ranging from 5.2 to 21.7 percent) and were shown to be contingent on feeding practices and type of crop cultivated. Overall, our study provides a national metric that can be utilized to communicate the environmental impacts of Korean beef production. The analyses indicate that more precise results could be achieved with future endeavors towards developing country-specific emission factors. The mitigation potentials of the presented scenarios propose possibilities for feasible and sustainable beef production in Korea.
Anti-bradycardia pacing—impact on patients with HFpEF: a systematic review
Authors: Ababei Alexandru , Hrib Luciana Andreea , Iancu Adalia Cristiana , Hadarag Andra-Valeria , Khebbaiz Ahmad , Vătășescu Radu , Bogdan Ștefan
Published: January 2024

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) has become an emerging concern. The protective effect of bradycardia in patients with reduced ejection fraction using beta-blockers or ivabradine does not improve symptoms in HFpEF. This review aims to assess current data regarding the impact of anti-bradycardia pacing in patients with HFpEF. A search was conducted on PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Wiley Online Library, selecting studies from 2013 to 2023. Relevant and eligible prospective studies and randomized controlled trials were included. Functional status, quality of life, and echocardiographic parameters were assessed. Six studies conformed to the selection criteria. Four were prospective studies with a total of 90 patients analyzed. Two were randomized controlled trials with a total of 129 patients assessed. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) score improved in all prospective studies. My-PACE trial showed improvements in MLHFQ score (p < 0.001), significant relative lowering in NT-proBNP levels (p = 0.02), and an increased mean daily activity in the personalized accelerated pacing group compared to usual care. RAPID-HF trial proved that pacemaker implantation to enhance exercise heart rate (HR) did not improve exercise capacity and was associated with increased adverse events. HFpEF requires a more individualized approach and quality of life management. This review demonstrates that higher resting HR by atrial pacing may improve symptoms and even outcomes in HFpEF, while a higher adaptive rate during exertion has not been proven beneficial.

Graphical Abstract
Teach to comply? Evidence from a taxpayer education program in Rwanda
Authors: Mascagni Giulia , Santoro Fabrizio , Mukama Denis
Published: January 2024

There is virtually no evidence on the role of taxpayer education to improve tax compliance. We address this gap by providing the first evaluation of a taxpayer education program on compliance behavior, as well as taxpayer knowledge and perceptions. Using a unique dataset of administrative and survey data, we show that training new taxpayers leads to a large and significant improvement on three compliance outcomes: the probability to file declarations, to report a zero-tax amount, and tax due. These results are robust to three estimation strategies: a simple regression exploiting baseline balance across a wide set of observable variables, propensity score matching, and an IV strategy using random assignment to take part in our survey. We identify reduced compliance costs as the key mechanism at play in explaining the relationship between tax education and compliance—particularly increased knowledge and better perceptions on complexity. The effects we document persist over time, beyond the year of implementation.
The Association between Threatened Miscarriage and Autism Spectrum Disorder and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Offspring by Age 14 Years
Authors: Buckley Daire , Khashan Ali S. , McCarthy Fergus P. , O’Connor Karen , Maher Gillian M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To examine the association between threatened miscarriage, and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring by age 14 years.

Methods

We used data from the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative longitudinal study of children born in the UK. Data on threatened miscarriage and potential confounders were maternal-reported and collected at 9 months postpartum. Data on ASD and ADHD were based on maternal-reported doctor diagnoses and collected when children were aged 5, 7, 11 and 14 years. A diagnosis of ASD or ADHD was assumed if parents reported ASD or ADHD at age 5, 7, 11 or 14 years. Crude and adjusted logistic regression examined threatened miscarriage and ASD and ADHD relationship, adjusting for several sociodemographic, maternal and lifestyle factors.

Results

A total of 18,294 singleton babies were included at baseline, and 1,104 (6.0%) women experienced a threatened miscarriage during their pregnancy. Adjusted results suggested an association between threatened miscarriage and ASD (OR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.15, 2.08), and ADHD (OR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.09, 2.10) by age 14 years. E-values for threatened miscarriage and ASD were 2.47, while the lower limits of the 95% CI were 1.57. E-values for threatened miscarriage and ADHD were 2.39, while the corresponding lower limits of the 95% CI were 1.40.

Conclusion

Threatened miscarriage was associated with an increased likelihood of ASD and ADHD by the age of 14 years, however, residual confounding cannot be ruled out. Placental pathology may be a potential mechanism for the observed associations.
Coherence of Parental Representations Following Therapy for Autistic Children
Authors: Vashi Nisha , Ibrahim Alaa , Pouyandeh Ava , Weiss Jonathan A.
Published: January 2024

Autistic children experience high rates of mental health challenges, and links have been found between child mental health and the parent-child relationship. As parents of autistic children are often actively involved in their child’s treatment, it is important to consider aspects of the parent-child relationship within this context. The present study investigated changes in a component of the parent-child relationship, the coherence of parental representations, following participation in a 10-week cognitive behavioural therapy intervention designed to address autistic children’s mental health challenges. Relationships were examined between coherence and child characteristics (i.e., autism symptoms, mental health), and associations with child treatment outcomes (i.e., mental health). Participants included 81 children (89% boys) aged 8 to 13 years and their parents (85% mothers) aged 35 to 54 years. Baseline levels of coherence were related to children’s mental health symptoms but not autism symptoms. Although there were no significant changes in overall coherence across therapy, subscale-level improvements (i.e., concern, acceptance) emerged. Changes in coherence across therapy were linked with children’s post-intervention behavioural symptoms and were approaching significance for internalizing problems, but were not associated with externalizing problems. It is critical to investigate factors that shape the coherence of parents’ representations of their children, as this may provide insight into potential targets for intervention. Ascertaining whether participation in therapy improves parental coherence, and consequently child treatment outcomes, can advocate for parent-involved therapy, which will ultimately benefit the well-being of autistic children.
Can species distribution models using remotely sensed variables inform reintroductions? Trialling methods with Carterocephalus palaemon the Chequered Skipper Butterfly
Authors: Halford Georgina , Bulman Caroline R , Bourn Nigel , Maes Dirk , Harpke Alexander , Hodgson Jenny A.
Published: January 2024

Despite large numbers of reintroduction projects taking place and the high cost involved, there is a generally low success rate. Insects in particular are understudied within reintroduction ecology, with guidelines focusing on more iconic vertebrate taxa. Species distribution models (SDMs) examine the associations between species observations and environmental variables to find the conditions in which populations could survive. This study utilises two frequently used SDM approaches, a regression model (general linear model (GLM)) and a machine learning method (MaxEnt) to model habitat suitability for Chequered Skipper, Carterocephalus palaemon, butterflies, which are being reintroduced to Northamptonshire following extinction in England. We look at how SDMs using widespread remotely sensed variables could be used to inform the reintroduction process by finding areas of suitable habitat that were previously overlooked. These remotely sensed variables have the potential to inform reintroductions without extensive on the ground research as they cover huge areas and are widely available. We found that both models are successful in discriminating between presences and absences, using only a limited number of explanatory variables. We conclude that these wide-scale SDMs are useful as a first step in the decision-making process in determining appropriate sites for reintroductions, but that they are less accurate when establishing precisely where species should be placed.
The effects of functional moves in teacher questioning on students’ contextualization of mathematical word problem solving
Authors: Lee Yi-Jung
Published: January 2024

Posing purposeful questions is one of the most effective teaching practices (NCTM in Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematics success for all. National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2014). Although the types and functions of teacher questioning have been abundantly studied, research on the role of teacher questioning in students’ contextualization process as they solve word problems is rather scarce. This study was conducted to investigate the function of six elementary preservice teachers’ questioning, its impact on students’ contextualization, as well as the successes and difficulties of enacting questioning. The collected data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicated that the implementation of task clarification (TC) moves effectively enhanced contextualization only when students possessed a relatively strong sense of agency while solving word problems. Furthermore, when students’ attentional focus was not appropriately redirected by the functional moves, including procedural understanding (PU), making connections (MC), the rationale behind a strategy (RA), and an alternative strategy (AS), their understanding of the contextual features and construction of mathematical relationships in word problem solving could not be refined. Implications for field experience design and future research on the quality of teacher questioning in mathematics teacher education programs are discussed.
Proof of Avoidability of the Quantum First-Order Transition in Transverse Magnetization in Quantum Annealing of Finite-Dimensional Spin Glasses
Authors: Yamaguchi Mizuki , Shiraishi Naoto , Hukushima Koji
Published: January 2024

It is rigorously shown that an appropriate quantum annealing for any finite-dimensional spin system has no quantum first-order transition in transverse magnetization. This result can be applied to finite-dimensional spin-glass systems, where the ground state search problem is known to be hard to solve. Consequently, it is strongly suggested that the quantum first-order transition in transverse magnetization is not fatal to the difficulty of combinatorial optimization problems in quantum annealing.
Brownian Particle in the Curl of 2-D Stochastic Heat Equations
Authors: de Lima Feltes Guilherme , Weber Hendrik
Published: January 2024

We study the long time behaviour of a Brownian particle evolving in a dynamic random environment. Recently, Cannizzaro et al. (Ann Probab 50(6):2475–2498, 2022) proved sharp $$\sqrt{\log }$$

log

-super diffusive bounds for a Brownian particle in the curl of (a regularisation of) the 2-D Gaussian Free Field (GFF) $$\underline{\omega }$$

ω
̲

. We consider a one parameter family of Markovian and Gaussian dynamic environments which are reversible with respect to the law of $$\underline{\omega }$$

ω
̲

. Adapting their method, we show that if $$s\ge 1$$

s
≥
1

, with $$s=1$$

s
=
1

corresponding to the standard stochastic heat equation, then the particle stays $$\sqrt{\log }$$

log

-super diffusive, whereas if $$s<1$$

s
<
1

, corresponding to a fractional heat equation, then the particle becomes diffusive. In fact, for $$s<1$$

s
<
1

, we show that this is a particular case of Komorowski and Olla (J Funct Anal 197(1):179–211, 2003), which yields an invariance principle through a Sector Condition result. Our main results agree with the Alder–Wainwright scaling argument (see Alder and Wainwright in Phys Rev Lett 18:988–990, 1967; Alder and Wainwright in Phys Rev A 1:18–21, 1970; Alder et al. in Phys Rev A 4:233–237, 1971; Forster et al. in Phys Rev A 16:732–749, 1977) used originally in Tóth and Valkó (J Stat Phys 147(1):113–131, 2012) to predict the $$\log $$
log
-corrections to diffusivity. We also provide examples which display $$\log ^a$$

log
a

-super diffusive behaviour for $$a\in (0,1/2]$$

a
∈
(
0
,
1
/
2
]

.
Negative Emotional Reactivity and Somatic Symptoms during Adolescence Predict Adult Health and Wellbeing in Early and Middle Adulthood
Authors: Allemand Mathias , Fend Helmut A. , Hill Patrick L.
Published: January 2024

Longitudinal research is lacking with respect to how negative emotional reactivity and somatic symptoms during adolescence set the stage for later health. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine within-person associations between negative emotional reactivity and somatic symptoms during adolescence and their effects on health and wellbeing in adulthood. Participants (N = 1527; 48.3% female) were assessed annually at the age of 12 to 16 years and at the age of 35 and 45 years. Adolescents with frequent somatic symptoms reported higher reactivity. Individual differences in levels and changes of somatic symptoms and reactivity were independently associated with adult health and wellbeing decades later. The findings underscore the importance of considering how individual differences change during adolescent development.
Clustering of atoms relative to vector space in the Z-matrix coordinate system and ‘graphical fingerprint’ analysis of 3D pharmacophore structure
Authors: Kızılcan Dilek Şeyma , Güzel Yahya , Türkmenoğlu Burçin
Published: January 2024

The behavior of a molecule within its environment is governed by chemical fields present in 3D space. However, beyond local descriptors in 3D, the conformations a molecule assumes, and the resulting clusters also play a role in influencing structure–activity models. This study focuses on the clustering of atoms according to the vector space of four atoms aligned in the Z-Matrix Reference system for molecular similarity. Using 3D-QSAR analysis, it was aimed to determine the pharmacophore groups as interaction points in the binding region of the β2-adrenoceptor target of fenoterol stereoisomers. Different types of local reactive descriptors of ligands have been used to elucidate points of interaction with the target. Activity values for ligand-receptor interaction energy were determined using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Using the Molecular Comparative Electron Topology method, the 3D pharmacophore model (3D-PhaM) was obtained after aligning and superimposing the molecules and was further validated by the molecular docking method. Best guesses were calculated with a non-output validation (LOO-CV) method. Finally, the data were calculated using the ‘graphic fingerprint’ technique. Based on the eLKlopman (Electrostatic LUMO Klopman) descriptor, the Q2 value of this derivative set was calculated as 0.981 and the R2ext value is calculated as 0.998.
D-ribose metabolic disorder and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tai Yu , Zhang Zehong , Liu Zhi , Li Xiaojing , Yang Zhongbin , Wang Zeying , An Liang , Ma Qiang , Su Yan
Published: January 2024

D-ribose, an ubiquitous pentose compound found in all living cells, serves as a vital constituent of numerous essential biomolecules, including RNA, nucleotides, and riboflavin. It plays a crucial role in various fundamental life processes. Within the cellular milieu, exogenously supplied D-ribose can undergo phosphorylation to yield ribose-5-phosphate (R-5-P). This R-5-P compound serves a dual purpose: it not only contributes to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production through the nonoxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) but also participates in nucleotide synthesis. Consequently, D-ribose is employed both as a therapeutic agent for enhancing cardiac function in heart failure patients and as a remedy for post-exercise fatigue. Nevertheless, recent clinical studies have suggested a potential link between D-ribose metabolic disturbances and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) along with its associated complications. Additionally, certain in vitro experiments have indicated that exogenous D-ribose exposure could trigger apoptosis in specific cell lines. This article comprehensively reviews the current advancements in D-ribose’s digestion, absorption, transmembrane transport, intracellular metabolic pathways, impact on cellular behaviour, and elevated levels in diabetes mellitus. It also identifies areas requiring further investigation.
Revolutionizing cancer care strategies: immunotherapy, gene therapy, and molecular targeted therapy
Authors: Zafar Aasma , Khan Muhammad Jawad , Abu Junaid , Naeem Aisha
Published: January 2024

Despite the availability of technological advances in traditional anti-cancer therapies, there is a need for more precise and targeted cancer treatment strategies. The wide-ranging shortfalls of conventional anticancer therapies such as systematic toxicity, compromised life quality, and limited to severe side effects are major areas of concern of conventional cancer treatment approaches. Owing to the expansion of knowledge and technological advancements in the field of cancer biology, more innovative and safe anti-cancerous approaches such as immune therapy, gene therapy and targeted therapy are rapidly evolving with the aim to address the limitations of conventional therapies. The concept of immunotherapy began with the capability of coley toxins to stimulate toll-like receptors of immune cells to provoke an immune response against cancers. With an in-depth understating of the molecular mechanisms of carcinogenesis and their relationship to disease prognosis, molecular targeted therapy approaches, that inhibit or stimulate specific cancer-promoting or cancer-inhibitory molecules respectively, have offered promising outcomes. In this review, we evaluate the achievement and challenges of these technically advanced therapies with the aim of presenting the overall progress and perspective of each approach.
Genetically confirmed coexistence of neurofibromatosis type 1 and Cherubism in a pediatric patient
Authors: Sarantou Sofia , Marinakis Nikolaos M. , Traeger-Synodinos Joanne , Siomou Ekaterini , Ntinopoulos Argyrios , Serbis Anastasios
Published: January 2024

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder typified by various combination of numerous Café-au-lait macules, cutaneous and plexiform neurofibromas, freckling of inguinal or axillary region, optic glioma, Lisch nodules and osseous lesions. Cherubism is a rare genetic syndrome described by progressive swelling of the lower and/or upper jaw due to replacement of bone by fibrous connective tissue. Patients are reported in the literature with NF1 and cherubism-like phenotype due to the NF1 osseous lesions in the jaws. The purpose of this case report is the description of a young male genetically diagnosed with both NF1 and cherubism.

Methods and results

A 9 years and six month old patient with clinical findings of NF1 and cherubism in whom both diseases were genetically confirmed, is presented. The patient was evaluated by a pediatrician, a pediatric endocrinologist, an ophthalmologist, and an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A laboratory and hormonal screening, a histological examination, a chest X-ray, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbit and a digital panoramic radiography were performed. Genetic testing applying Whole Exome Sequencing was conducted.

Conclusions

A novel and an already reported pathogenic variants were detected in NF1 and SH3BP2 genes, respectively. This is the first described patient with coexistence of NF1 and cherubism. The contribution of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in gene variant identification as well as the importance of close collaboration between laboratory scientists and clinicians, is highlighted. Both are essential for optimizing the diagnostic approach of patients with a complex phenotype.
Energy-efficient secure dynamic service migration for edge-based 3-D networks
Authors: Zheng Guhan , Navaie Keivan , Ni Qiang , Pervaiz Haris , Zarakovitis Charilaos
Published: January 2024

In communication networks, where users are highly mobile, migrating edge servers that are performing services closer to users, i.e., service migration, is essential to maintain the high quality of service (QoS). However, existing dynamic service migration techniques face two distinct challenges: (1) The security and energy consumption of service migration systems need to be optimised urgently; (2) The uncertainty of user movement makes it difficult to develop optimal service migration strategies, especially in future three-dimensional (3-D) communication networks. To address these challenges, we propose a novel energy-efficient secure 3-D dynamic service migration framework for communication networks. We then quantify the cost of service migration based on the proposed framework considering security, energy efficiency and delay and present a solution based on a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approach to make migration decisions optimally in the 3-D communication network. We also propose a universal formula for measuring the reliability value of intelligent autonomous nodes in order to reduce the energy consumption and delay of the proposed security paradigm and to optimise the service migration decision making. Simulation results demonstrate our proposed migration strategy for 3-D communication network services outperforms the baseline solutions in terms of reducing communication network delay and energy consumption while preserving migration security. Moreover, the results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed reliability value calculation approach applied to improve the QoS in the secured edge networks.
Treating periprocedural bleeding in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Sabate Antoni , Scarlatescu Ecaterina
Published: January 2024

Patients with cirrhosis are known to have an abnormal coagulation status, which is a particular concern when planning invasive procedures in which blood loss is possible or predictable. Careful consideration must be given to the bleeding risk for each individual patient and coagulation management strategies should be established in advance of procedural interventions, where possible. Perioperative clinical decision-making should utilize viscoelastic testing in addition to usual assessments, where possible, and focus on the well-established three pillars of patient blood management: optimization of erythropoiesis, minimization of bleeding and blood loss, and management of anemia. Restrictive transfusion policies, careful hemostatic monitoring, and a proactive approach to predicting and preventing bleeding on an individual patient basis should be central to managing perioperative bleeding in the fragile patient population with cirrhosis. This review discusses coagulation assessments and bleeding management techniques necessary before, during, and after surgical interventions in patients with cirrhosis, and provides expert clinical opinion and physician experience on the perioperative management of these patients.
Diverse roles played by “Pseudomonas fluorescens complex” volatile compounds in their interaction with phytopathogenic microrganims, pests and plants
Authors: Raio Aida
Published: January 2024

Pseudomonas fluorescens complex consists of environmental and some human opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. It includes mainly beneficial and few phytopathogenic species that are common inhabitants of soil and plant rhizosphere. Many members of the group are in fact known as effective biocontrol agents of plant pathogens and as plant growth promoters and for these attitudes they are of great interest for biotechnological applications. The antagonistic activity of fluorescent Pseudomonas is mainly related to the production of several antibiotic compounds, lytic enzymes, lipopeptides and siderophores. Several volatile organic compounds are also synthesized by fluorescent Pseudomonas including different kinds of molecules that are involved in antagonistic interactions with other organisms and in the induction of systemic responses in plants. This review will mainly focus on the volatile compounds emitted by some members of P. fluorescens complex so far identified, with the aim to highlight the role played by these molecules in the interaction of the bacteria with phytopathogenic micro and macro-organisms and plants.
Making Your Own Luck: Weak Vertical Swimming Improves Dispersal Success for Coastal Marine Larvae
Authors: Meyer Alexander D. , Hastings Alan , Largier John L.
Published: January 2024

Dispersive early life stages are common in nature. Although many dispersing organisms (“propagules”) are passively moved by outside forces, some improve their chances of successful dispersal through weak movements that exploit the structure of the environment to great effect. The larvae of many coastal marine invertebrates, for instance, swim vertically through the water column to exploit depth-varying currents, food abundance, and predation risk. Several swimming behaviors and their effects on dispersal between habitats are characterized in the literature, yet it remains unclear when and why these behaviors are advantageous. We addressed this gap using a mathematical model of larval dispersal that scored how well behaviors allowed larvae to simultaneously locate habitats, avoid predators, and gather energy. We computed optimal larval behaviors through dynamic programming, and compared those optima against passive floating and three well documented behaviors from the literature. Optimal behaviors often (but not always) resembled the documented ones. However, our model predicted that the behaviors from the literature performed robustly well, if not optimally, across many conditions. Our results shed light on why some larval behaviors are widespread geographically and across species, and underscore the importance of carefully considering the weak movements of otherwise passive propagules when studying dispersal.
The efficiency of zinc sulfate immersion bath on improved wound healing via promoting antioxidant activity, gene expression biomarkers, and skin re-epithelization in a common carp-induced wound model
Authors: El-Adl Mohamed , Rezk Shaymaa , Ali Mayar , Lashen Samah , Fouda Moustafa , El Sebaei Mahmoud G. , Shukry Mustafa , Abdelkhalek Nevien , Naiel Mohammed A. E.
Published: January 2024

The experiment was designed to examine the influence of employing three doses of ZnSO4 on the wound healing process in partially scaled common carp. A total of 240 healthy common carp fish (52.3 ± 0.9 g) were randomly allocated into four equal groups in triplicate (20 each). The first group left without any zinc sulfate treatment and served as a control group, while the second group through the fourth group were immersed in a zinc sulfate bath at a dose of 2.09, 1.05, and 0.53 mg/L corresponding to 1/5, 1/10, and 1/20 of 96 h LC50 of Zn, (Zn/5, Zn/10, and Zn/20, respectively). After wound induction, tissue specimens were collected within three different intervals (6 h, 24 h, 72 h, and 14 days). The results indicated that the Zn/5 fish group induced doubled folding increments in the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 after 6 h compared to other groups, whereas collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1α1) and metallothionein (Met) genes exhibited a triple folding increment compared to Zn/10 and a fivefold increase compared to control after two days of wound induction. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐7 genes showed a dose-dependent manner of expression at all examined points after wound induction. Also, all estimated antioxidant biomarker (superoxide-dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT; glutathione, GSH; and malonaldehyde, MDA) activities were boosted in the Zn/5 group till three days of wound induction compared to all groups. In addition, the reepithelization score and histological alteration results revealed clear improvement in the Zn/5 group, as most muscle fibers appeared regular, straight, and parallel arranged. In contrast, other groups exhibited a detectable limited area of disrupted muscle fibers. Finally, it could be concluded that the ZnSO4 immersion bath at 1/5 of the calculated LC50 effectively enhanced the healing process and skin reepithelization.
Geochemical transformations of sulfur and their role in the formation of different types and subtypes of saline lakes in Southeastern Transbaikalia
Authors: Borzenko S. V. , Fedorov I. A.
Published: January 2024

This study focused on the chemistry and isotopes of sulfur in lakes. The bottom sediments and water columns of lakes were found to contain reduced forms of sulfur, including hydrogen sulfide ions, elemental sulfur, and thiosulfate ions, along with sulfate ions. It was determined that elemental sulfur in lakes is present mainly in the form of suspensions and colloids, and the proportion of elemental sulfur in polysulfides increases with increasing water pH. It was shown that sulfate reduction results in the greatest isotope fractionation, with a light sulfur isotope accumulating in hydrogen sulfide ions and a heavy sulfur isotope accumulating in sulfate ions. It was confirmed that the abiotic reaction of hydrogen sulfide with oxygen yields a mixture of products that are depleted in 34S and enriched in 34S in hydrogen sulfide. In contrast, the microbial oxidation of HS− → S0 yields zerovalent sulfur, which is 2–4‰ heavier than the initial product. It was shown that the loss of sulfate ions due to bacterial reduction is most significant in subtype-I and subtype-III chloride and soda lakes. In contrast, in subtype-II sulfate and soda lakes, an increase in sulfate ions was noted due to the oxidation of hydrogen sulfides in water-bearing rocks and bacterial hydrogen sulfide. This finding indicated that in addition to evaporation, the formation of a particular type and subtype of saline lake involves the processes of aluminosilicate hydrolysis, sulfate reduction and hydrogen sulfide oxidation.
A simplistic approach for monitoring meteorological drought over arid regions: a case study of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Swain Sabyasachi , Mishra Prabhash Kumar , Nandi Saswata , Pradhan Biswajeet , Sahoo Sashikanta , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: January 2024

The commonly used precipitation-based drought indices typically rely on probability distribution functions that can be suitable when the data exhibit minimal discrepancies. However, in arid and semi-arid regions, the precipitation data often display significant discrepancies due to highly irregular rainfall patterns. Consequently, imposing any probability distributions on the data for drought analysis in such regions may not be effective. To address this issue, this study employs a novel drought index called the Discrepancy Precipitation Index (DPI), specifically designed for arid regions. Unlike traditional methods, the DPI does not impose a probability distribution on the precipitation data; instead, it relies on the discrepancy between the data and the mean value. Drought severity classifications (i.e., Drought-I, Drought-II, and Drought-III) are proposed based on the DPI values. The DPI is used to characterize and assess the meteorological drought years based on annual and monsoonal precipitation over nineteen districts in Western Rajasthan, India, during 1901–2019. Additionally, a novel statistic called Discrepancy Measure (DM) is employed to assess the degree of discrepancy in the precipitation climatology of the districts for annual and monsoon precipitation time series. Based on annual precipitation, Jaisalmer district exhibited the highest number of historical drought years (35), whereas three districts, i.e., Jhunjhunu, Dausa, and Bhilwara exhibited the lowest number of drought years (11). Similarly, based on monsoon precipitation, Jaisalmer and Bhilwara encountered the highest (34) and the lowest (11) number of drought years, respectively. The return period of Drought-II is lower for monsoon precipitation-based DPI as compared to that of the annual precipitation-based DPI for all the districts. The DM and DPI-based total number of droughts are found to be strongly correlated for both annual and monsoon precipitation. The DM value is highest for Jaisalmer and lowest for Bhilwara district. The findings reveal DPI as an efficient tool for assessing drought years, particularly in arid climatic conditions. Moreover, as the DM value increases for a precipitation series, the DPI becomes more effective in capturing drought events.
Assessing the fouling behavior of PTFE membrane in air-gap membrane distillation against oil-in-brine stabilized emulsions
Authors: Mansi Amr E. , El-Marsafy Sahar M. , Elhenawy Yasser , Bassyouni Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Understanding the fouling behavior in membrane operations is crucial for designing an effective treatment sequence. The membrane materials, feed characteristics, and operating conditions affect the fouling behavior. In this study, the fouling behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane in membrane distillation was assessed after the treatment of oil-in-brine stabilized emulsions. Membrane backwash by water in membrane distillation partially restored the membrane’s initial condition and eliminated salt fouling. Moreover, the effect of feed pretreatment by ultrafiltration on the fouling of the subsequent PTFE membrane was investigated. Remarkable improvements in salt rejection (> 98.5%) and oil rejection (> 96%) were observed for the hybrid system. Extensive characterizations were carried out to evaluate the fouling behavior. Surface morphology and elemental analysis revealed the nature of foulants. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was utilized to study the change in the surface chemistry of the membranes after being subjected to the oily brine feed. No peak shifting was observed indicating no chemical bonding between the organic contaminants and the membrane surface. Further elaboration of the results was achieved by measuring the mechanical stability and contact angle of the membranes. Reduction in the mechanical properties and water contact angle of the membranes was observed after fouling and wetting. Results indicated that ultrafiltration was an effective pretreatment process for membrane distillation using PTFE membrane. However, more unit operations should be incorporated to enhance the membranes’ integrity.
Aging effect on the adsorption behavior of microfibers obtained from cigarette butts in aqueous solutions
Authors: Zahmatkesh Anbarani Mohaddeseh , Esmaeili Nasrabadi Afsaneh , Bonyadi Ziaeddin
Published: January 2024

The issue of cigarette butts is an environmental crisis that has affected the world. Despite their small size, CBs are one of the most common types of solid waste found in public places, particularly in coastal areas. The aim of this study was to investigate the adsorption behavior of microfibers obtained from cigarette butts on tetracycline before and after aging. 1 g of CBs was added to 50 mL of distilled water and stirred at 220 rpm for 2 h, then filtered through Whatman 0.45 µm filter paper, and the resulting MFs were dried at 60 °C for 24 h. To simulate aging, the MFs were subjected to an ultrasonic treatment at a frequency of 80 Hz and a power of 70 W for 4 h. The adsorption behavior of aged and fresh MFs was investigated using solutions containing TTC in the range of 5–20 mg/L. This study showed that ultrasonically aged MFs had a greater tendency to adsorb TTC than fresh MFs due to an increased surface area and changes in surface chemistry. It can be concluded that as the age of MFs increases, they adsorb more concentration of pollutants. This can lead to increased contamination of MFs in the presence of contaminants.
Historical marine footprint for Atlantic Europe, 1500–2019
Authors: Holm Poul , Hayes Patrick , Nicholls John
Published: January 2024

Over the last 500 years, Europe (excluding Russia) consumed over 2500 million tonnes of ocean biomass. This is based on detailed historical data that we provide for human consumption per capita which was stable from 1500 to 1899 and tripled in the twentieth century. In the last 300 years, cod and herring dominated human seafood consumption. Whaling for non-food uses peaked in the 1830s and declined as cetaceans became scarce. Seafood consumption increased rapidly after 1900, and by the late 1930s, annual marine consumption in Atlantic Europe reached 7 million tonnes of biomass, facilitated by the globalisation of whaling. Atlantic European consumption, including fishmeal for animal feed, peaked at more than 12 million tonnes annually in the 1970s, but declined thereafter. The marine footprint of Atlantic Europe was significant well before modern fisheries statistics commenced. Our findings can inform future assessments of ocean health and marine life’s importance for human society.
Effect of Beam-Column Connection Types on the Response Modification Factors of Steel Frames
Authors: Elhout Emad A.
Published: January 2024

A key component of steel structural design is the careful selection of structural modeling joints in steel structures, as the behavior of the joints affects the structure's strength and displacement characteristics. According to the capacity for transferring moment, connections in the analysis of frames are categorized as rigid, semi-rigid, or pinned. Also, the response modification factor (R-factor) is an effective parameter used in the seismic design of structures. However, the influence of the beam-column connection's stiffness factor on the response modification factor did not seem to have been considered in seismic design codes. Consequently, the R-factor under static pushover and dynamic loading is being studied for moment-resisting steel frames (MRSFs) with 3-, 6-, and 12-story using three different forms of beam-column connections depending on the connections' stiffness (m). The rigidities of the connections are taken 20, 10, and 5 for rigid, stiff semi-rigid, and flexible semi-rigid connections, respectively. The MRSFs are subjected to ten records with varying frequency contents and ground motion durations. The ductility reduction factor (Rμ), the over-strength reduction factor (Ro), and the R-factor were determined. The results indicated that the beam-column connection rigidity factors affected the R0, Rμ, and R-factors. Also, the R-factors were more affected by the rigidity factors for the beam-column connections and the number of story frames.