bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key soil properties and their relationships with crop yields as affected by soil–landscape rehabilitation
Authors: Schneider Sharon K. , Sutradhar Apurba K. , Duke Sara E. , Lehman R. Michael , Schumacher Thomas E. , Lobb David A.
Published: July 2023

Tillage and water erosion induce spatially dependent changes in soil properties that influence productivity. Soil–landscape rehabilitation (returning translocated topsoil to landscape positions of soil loss by erosion) is one method to improve the productivity of severely eroded land. The objective of this study was to investigate relationships among key soil chemical, biological, and physical factors and crop growth and grain yield in eroded and rehabilitated landform positions. Soil–landscape rehabilitation was performed by moving 15–20 cm of topsoil from the lower slope to the upper slope positions of replicate plots; adjacent plots were left in their eroded condition. Crop response was monitored for 6 years. Rehabilitation resulted in large changes in the upper slope, especially in the most eroded landscape positions, where rehabilitated plots had lower inorganic carbon (IC) and higher organic carbon, available macronutrients, water infiltration rates, fungal and bacterial populations, and other measures of soil quality compared with control plots. Differences in surface soil IC that result from extensive erosion exposing calcareous subsoils, explained 70% of the yield variability in the upper slope. In the lower slope, the soil removal treatment was the main predictor of crop yield. Areas of soil removal had relatively high early‐season water content and low fungal and bacterial populations. Improving soil properties in areas of high soil loss by erosion increased both grain yield and yield stability across climatic conditions.
Isolated adductor longus avulsion in a young semi‐professional football player: Imaging contribution and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Abate Michele , Sammarchi Luigi , Calà Roberto , Milesi Giacomo , Poerio Carmine Stefano , Del Vescovo Riccardo , Corvino Antonio , Delli Pizzi Andrea , Cocco Giulio , Salini Vincenzo
Published: July 2023

Adductor longus injuries are usually observed at the proximal musculo‐tendinous junction, but isolated tendinous ruptures (i.e., avulsion) at the origin on the pubic bone are uncommon. In this article, we report a new case of isolated adductor longus avulsion that occurred in a young athlete and was treated with conservative therapy. An 18 years old semi‐professional football player, in the attempt to reach the ball with his right leg, reported acute pain and functional limitation in his left adductor area. Clinical examination showed tenderness on palpation associated with mild swelling. Manual strength testing of adductor muscles showed weakness and elicited moderate pain in the proximal groin region near the pubic bone. The diagnostic evaluations (ultrasound [3–14 MHz linear probe] and magnetic resonance imaging [1.5 Tesla magnetic field]), performed a few days after the event, showed a complete isolated avulsion of the proximal adductor longus tendon associated with a fluid collection, with a gap of about 9.5 mm from its insertion on the pubic bone. Degenerative alterations (sub‐chondral sclerosis, bone edema, erosions, cortical irregularities, calcifications) were found. These findings were crucial in the treatment choice because conservative management is suggested when the gap is below 1 cm and when no important displacement of proximal torn tendon's end at dynamic ultrasound is appreciated. A structured rehabilitation protocol was implemented, allowing the player to come back to his full athletic activity after 146 days. Return to play was allowed when several subjective and objective parameters were fully satisfied (full hip range of motion, pain‐free football‐specific activities, less than a 5%–10% difference in hip adduction strength between the injured and uninjured legs, advanced anatomical healing of the adductor longus tendon seen on diagnostic exams, and Hip And Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS] scores similar to baseline data). This case report emphasizes the importance of diagnostic imaging and clinical assessments in the management of an adductor longus avulsion with short retraction (about 1 cm). Both imaging techniques are non‐invasive and without risks, allow contra‐lateral examination and may guide in the treatment choice; moreover, they significantly influence the post‐care approach by enabling to fine‐tune a safe return to full athletic activity with minor re‐injury rate. While US can be used as primary imaging modality, MRI offers a higher level of accuracy.
Invariance analysis, optimal system, and group invariant solutions of (3+1)‐dimensional non‐linear MA‐FAN equation
Authors: Sharma Aniruddha Kumar , Yadav Shalini , Arora Rajan
Published: July 2023

The importance of research on non‐linear evolution equations has increased over time. In the fields of plasma physics, fluid mechanics, optical fibers, and other sciences, such equations are not unrealistic. Discovering the exact answers to these equations needs to be a top priority. In this study, we will investigate a
‐dimensional non‐linear MA‐FAN equation that is used to simulate weakly non‐linear restoring forces and frequency dispersion in long wavelength water waves. The
‐dimensional MA‐FAN equation's solution is analyzed using the Lie symmetry analysis, and it is also used to pick the appropriate one‐dimensional Lie subalgebra system. We discover invariant solutions of the
‐dimensional MA‐FAN equation, which may capture the dynamic behavior of non‐linear waves, by solving the numerous ordinary differential equations that are reduced equations from the MA‐FAN equation by using the Lie group of transformation approach. In conclusion, the method offered is robust and convenient tool for studying various classes of non‐linear PDE solutions.
New dynamical degrees of freedom from invertible transformations
Authors: Jiroušek Pavel , Shimada Keigo , Vikman Alexander , Yamaguchi Masahide
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We show that invertible transformations of dynamical variables can change the number of dynamical degrees of freedom. Moreover, even in cases when the number of dynamical degrees of freedom remains unchanged, the resulting dynamics can be essentially different from the one of the system prior to transformation. After giving concrete examples in point particle cases, we discuss changes in dynamics due to invertible disformal transformations of the metric in gravitational theories.
Berufsbedingte Unterschiede bei COVID-19-Morbidität und -Mortalität in Deutschland. Eine Analyse von Krankenkassendaten von 3,17 Mio. Versicherten
Authors: Wahrendorf Morten , Schaps Valerie , Reuter Marvin , Hoebel Jens , Wachtler Benjamin , Jacob Josephine , Alibone Marco , Dragano Nico
Published: July 2023

Einleitung

Dem Beruf wurde während der COVID-19-Pandemie eine zentrale Rolle beim Infektions- und Krankheitsgeschehen zugesprochen. Für Deutschland liegen jedoch bisher nur wenige Auswertungen zu berufsbedingten Unterschieden bei COVID-19-Erkrankungsrisiken, COVID-19-assoziierten Krankenhausaufenthalten und Mortalität vor.

Methoden

Die Studie nutzt longitudinale Krankenkassendaten der Forschungsdatenbank des Instituts für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung (InGef) von 3,17 Mio. Versicherten zwischen 18 und 67 Jahren (1.488.452 Frauen, 1.684.705 Männer). Outcomes (Erkrankungsrisiko, Hospitalisierung und Mortalität) wurden durch übermittelte COVID-19-Diagnosen zwischen dem 01.01.2020 und 31.12.2021 bestimmt. Berufe wurden entlang von 4 Gruppierungen der amtlichen Systematik der Klassifikation der Berufe unterschieden. Neben kumulativen Inzidenzen bestimmen wir relative Risiken (RR) – jeweils getrennt für Männer und Frauen.

Ergebnisse

Erkrankungsrisiken sind in personenbezogenen Dienstleistungsberufen erhöht, insbesondere in Gesundheitsberufen im Vergleich zu den übrigen Berufen (RR für Frauen 1,46; für Männer 1,30). Ähnliches gilt für soziale und kulturelle Dienstleistungsberufe (allerdings nur bei Frauen) und für Fertigungsberufe (nur bei Männern). Zudem sind die Risiken für Krankenhausaufenthalte und Mortalität in Reinigungsberufen sowie in Verkehrs- und Logistikberufen (v. a. für Männer) erhöht. Für alle 3 Outcomes sind die Risiken in Berufen ohne Leitungsfunktion und entlang des Anforderungsniveaus höher (am höchsten für Helfertätigkeiten und am niedrigsten für Expertentätigkeiten).

Schlussfolgerung

Die Studie liefert wichtige Befunde zu berufsbedingten und geschlechtsabhängigen Unterschieden bei COVID-19-Morbidität und -Mortalität in Deutschland, die Ansatzpunkte für strukturelle Infektionsschutzmaßnahmen aufzeigen.
Design and fabrication of biomass densification machine for teaching and research purposes
Authors: Ibitoye Segun E. , Mahamood Rasheedat M. , Jen Tien-Chien , Loha Chanchal , Akinlabi Esther T.
Published: July 2023

In developing nations, research output is limited due to factors like unreliable power supply and inadequate laboratory equipment. The high cost of purchasing completed laboratory equipment and the unavailability of accessories for imported equipment further contribute to this issue. A biomass densification machine was designed and constructed to address these challenges for teaching and research purposes. The machine was tested at five different compaction pressures (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 kPa) using gelatinized cassava starch as a binder. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the produced fuel briquettes were investigated following ASTM standards and procedures reported in the literature. The results show that the physical and mechanical properties of the fuel briquettes increase with compaction pressure. The compressive strength, durability, and water resistance of the briquettes varied between 55 and 101 kN·m−2, 89–99%, and 20–120 min, respectively, while the compressed and relaxed densities range from 0.780 to 1.220 g·cm−3 and 0.670 to 0.990 g·cm−3, respectively. The machine performed satisfactorily because the briquettes’ characteristics were found to meet the specified ISO Standard (17225). The development of this machine will enable academic institutions, researchers, and students to harness the potential of biomass through the densification process without the challenges posed by imported equipment. The creation of the machine will also facilitate students’ hands-on learning. By providing an easily accessible and reliable platform, academic and research institutions can integrate biomass solid fuel production experiments into their curricula, fostering a thorough understanding of renewable energy solutions and supporting sustainable practices. Therefore, it can be recommended for teaching and research in developing nations. Incorporating an electronic component, such as a digital pressure gauge and electric hydraulic jack, is recommended for future research to enhance the performance.
Induction, Conjunction Introduction, and Safety
Authors: Zhao Bin
Published: July 2023

Depending on whether we are somewhat tolerant of nearby error-possibilities or not, the safety condition on knowledge is open to a strong reading and a weak reading. In this paper, it is argued that induction and conjunction introduction constitute two horns of a dilemma for the safety account of knowledge. If we opt for the strong reading, then the safety account fails to account for inductive knowledge. In contrast, if we opt for the weak reading, then the safety account fails to accommodate knowledge obtained via the method of conjunction introduction.
New Insights Into the Relationship Between Mass Eruption Rate and Volcanic Column Height Based On the IVESPA Data Set
Authors: Aubry Thomas J. , Engwell Samantha L. , Bonadonna Costanza , Mastin Larry G. , Carazzo Guillaume , Van Eaton Alexa R. , Jessop David E. , Grainger Roy G. , Scollo Simona , Taylor Isabelle A. , Jellinek A. Mark , Schmidt Anja , Biass Sébastien , Gouhier Mathieu
Published: July 2023

Rapid and simple estimation of the mass eruption rate (MER) from column height is essential for real‐time volcanic hazard management and reconstruction of past explosive eruptions. Using 134 eruptive events from the new Independent Volcanic Eruption Source Parameter Archive (IVESPA, v1.0), we explore empirical MER‐height relationships for four measures of column height: spreading level, sulfur dioxide height, and top height from direct observations and as reconstructed from deposits. These relationships show significant differences and highlight limitations of empirical models currently used in operational and research applications. The roles of atmospheric stratification, wind, and humidity remain challenging to detect across the wide range of eruptive conditions spanned in IVESPA, ultimately resulting in empirical relationships outperforming analytical models that account for atmospheric conditions. This finding highlights challenges in constraining the MER‐height relation using heterogeneous observations and empirical models, which reinforces the need for improved eruption source parameter data sets and physics‐based models.
Explainable artificial intelligence on life satisfaction, diabetes mellitus and its comorbid condition
Authors: Kim Ranyeong , Kim Chae-Won , Park Hyuntae , Lee Kwang-Sig
Published: July 2023

This study uses artificial intelligence for testing (1) whether the comorbidity of diabetes and its comorbid condition is very strong in the middle-aged or old (hypothesis 1) and (2) whether major determinants of the comorbidity are similar for different pairs of diabetes and its comorbid condition (hypothesis 2). Three pairs are considered, diabetes-cancer, diabetes-heart disease and diabetes-mental disease. Data came from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2016–2018), with 5527 participants aged 56 or more. The evaluation of the hypotheses were based on (1) whether diabetes and its comorbid condition in 2016 were top-5 determinants of the comorbidity in 2018 (hypothesis 1) and (2) whether top-10 determinants of the comorbidity in 2018 were similar for different pairs of diabetes and its comorbid condition (hypothesis 2). Based on random forest variable importance, diabetes and its comorbid condition in 2016 were top-2 determinants of the comorbidity in 2018. Top-10 determinants of the comorbidity in 2018 were the same for different pairs of diabetes and its comorbid condition: body mass index, income, age, life satisfaction—health, life satisfaction—economic, life satisfaction—overall, subjective health and children alive in 2016. In terms of SHAP values, the probability of the comorbidity is expected to decrease by 0.02–0.03 in case life satisfaction overall is included to the model. This study supports the two hypotheses, highlighting the importance of preventive measures for body mass index, socioeconomic status, life satisfaction and family support to manage diabetes and its comorbid condition.
Evaluation of the p53 pathway in polycystic ovarian syndrome pathogenesis and apoptosis enhancement in human granulosa cells through transcriptome data analysis
Authors: Zanjirband M. , Hodayi R. , Safaeinejad Z. , Nasr-Esfahani M. H. , Ghaedi-Heydari R.
Published: July 2023

The polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is closely associated with enhanced apoptosis of granulosa cells, which have a vital role in maturation of oocytes. p53 plays a critical role in the regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, metabolism and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of p53 pathway in enhancing apoptosis and abnormal function of granulosa cells. In this study, microarray analysis and RNA sequencing were downloaded from the GEO and used as datasets. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and online SSizer tool were applied to evaluate the experiment quality control and sample sufficiency, respectively. Bioinformatics’ analyses were performed on the selected datasets, and validated by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Three datasets out of five ones were chosen for re-analyzing based on the PCA outcomes. 21 deregulated genes were identified via filters including p < 0.05 and |log2FC|≥ 1. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed the relevance of cell cycle regulation and apoptosis as common biological hallmarks in PCOS. Results have shown differentially expressed p53 target genes involved in apoptosis (BAX, FAS, PMAIP1, and CASP8), cell cycle (Cyclins, Cyclin dependent kinases), glucose metabolism and insulin resistance (THBS1), and p53 regulation (MDM2). Subsequently, the relative mRNA expression of FAS, PMAIP1 and MDM2 genes, and protein levels of p53 and MDM2 were confirmed using granulosa cells collected from 20 PCOS women and 18 control individuals by qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Results of this study represent the possible role of p53 pathway in pathogenesis of PCOS particularly, through the enhancement of apoptosis in granulosa cells.
Cisplatin exhibits superiority over MMC as a perfusion agent in a peritoneal mesothelioma patient specific organoid HIPEC platform
Authors: Forsythe Steven D. , Erali Richard A. , Edenhoffer Nicholas , Meeker William , Wajih Nadeem , Schaaf Cecilia R. , Laney Preston , Vanezuela Cristian D. , Li Wencheng , Levine Edward A. , Soker Shay , Votanopoulos Konstantinos I.
Published: July 2023

Peritoneal mesothelioma (PM) is a rare malignancy with poor prognosis, representing about 10–15% of all mesothelioma cases. Herein we apply PM patient-derived tumor organoids (PTOs) in elucidating personalized HIPEC responses to bypass rarity of disease in generating preclinical data. Specimens were obtained from PM patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. PTOs were fabricated with tumor cells suspended in ECM-hydrogel and treated with HIPEC regimen parameters. Viability and characterization analyses were performed post-treatment. Treatment efficacy was defined as ≥ 50% viability reduction and p < 0.05 compared to controls. From October 2020 to November 2022, 17 tumors from 7 patients were biofabricated into organoids, with 16/17 (94.1%) sites undergoing comparative 37° and 42° treatments with cisplatin and mitomycin C (MMC). Hyperthermic cisplatin and MMC enhanced cytotoxicity which reduced treatment viability by 25% and 22%, respectively, compared to normothermia. Heated cisplatin displayed the greatest cytotoxicity, with efficacy in 12/16 (75%) tumors and an average viability of 38% (5–68%). Heated MMC demonstrated efficacy in 7/16 (43.8%) tumors with an average treatment viability of 51% (17–92.3%). PTOs fabricated from distinct anatomic sites exhibited site-specific variability in treatment responses. PM PTOs exhibit patient and anatomic location treatment responses suggestive of underlying disease clonality. In PM organoids cisplatin is superior to MMC in HIPEC.
Hormonal crosstalk controls cell death induced by kinetin in roots of Vicia faba ssp. minor seedlings
Authors: Kaźmierczak Andrzej , Tarkowská Danuše , Plačková Lenka , Doniak Magdalena , Doležal Karel
Published: July 2023

Studies of vitality/mortality of cortex cells, as well as of the concentrations of ethylene (ETH), gibberellins (GAs), indolic compounds/auxins (ICs/AUXs) and cytokinins (CKs), were undertaken to explain the hormonal background of kinetin (Kin)-regulated cell death (RCD), which is induced in the cortex of the apical parts of roots of faba bean (Vicia faba ssp. minor) seedlings. Quantification was carried out with fluorescence microscopy, ETH sensors, spectrophotometry and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‒MS/MS). The results indicated that Kin was metabolized to the transport form, i.e., kinetin-9-glucoside (Kin9G) and kinetin riboside (KinR). KinR was then converted to cis-zeatin (cZ) in apical parts of roots with meristems, to cis-zeatin riboside (cZR) in apical parts of roots without meristems and finally to cis-zeatin riboside 5’-monophosphate (cZR5’MP), which is indicated to be a ligand of cytokinin-dependent receptors inducing CD. The process may be enhanced by an increase in the amount of dihydrozeatin riboside (DHZR) as a byproduct of the pathway of zeatin metabolism. It seems that crosstalk of ETH, ICs/AUXs, GAs and CKs with the cZR5’MP, the cis-zeatin-dependent pathway, but not the trans-zeatin-dependent pathway, is responsible for Kin-RCD, indicating that the process is very specific and offers a useful model for studies of CD hallmarks in plants.
Xanthan biopolymer-based soil treatment effect on kaolinite clay fabric and structure using XRD analysis
Authors: Kwon Yeong-Man , Chang Ilhan , Cho Gye-Chun
Published: July 2023

In this study, we evaluated the impact of xanthan gum biopolymer (XG) on kaolinite fabrics using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the ensuing changes in the compaction behavior and shear resistance of kaolinite soils. The XRD peak analysis revealed that XG changed kaolinite fabrics into face-to-face associations. Moreover, environmental scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of XG-bridges between kaolinite particles, resulting in the change in fabrics and subsequently improving the resistance of kaolinite to external forces. Consequently, as XG content increased, the maximum dry density decreased, and the undrained shear strength increased. The viscous XG hydrogels produced a higher optimal moisture content and increased resistance to shear force. This study showed that XG affects the mechanical properties of kaolinite through changing kaolinite fabrics (up to 0.5% of the XG-to-kaolinite mass ratio) and absorbing pore-fluids (excess XG over 0.5% of the XG-to-kaolinite mass ratio).
Establishing haptic texture attribute space and predicting haptic attributes from image features using 1D-CNN
Authors: Hassan Waseem , Joolee Joolekha Bibi , Jeon Seokhee
Published: July 2023

The current study strives to provide a haptic attribute space where texture surfaces are located based on their haptic attributes. The main aim of the haptic attribute space is to come up with a standardized model for representing and identifying haptic textures analogous to the RGB model for colors. To this end, a four dimensional haptic attribute space is established by conducting a psychophysical experiment where human participants rate 100 real-life texture surfaces according to their haptic attributes. The four dimensions of the haptic attribute space are rough-smooth, flat-bumpy, sticky-slippery, and hard-soft. The generalization and scalability of the haptic attribute space is achieved by training a 1D-CNN model for predicting attributes of haptic textures. The 1D-CNN is trained using the attribute data from psychophysical experiments and image features collected from the images of real textures. The prediction power granted by the 1D-CNN renders scalability to the haptic attribute space. The prediction accuracy of the proposed 1D-CNN model is compared against other machine learning and deep learning algorithms. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the other models on MAE and RMSE metrics.
Association between statin use and open-angle glaucoma: a nested case–control study using the Japanese claims database
Authors: Yokoyama Satoshi , Nakagawa Chihiro , Hosomi Kouichi
Published: July 2023

The association between statins and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) remains controversial. This study investigated the relationship between statins and OAG in Japanese patients with dyslipidemia using the Japanese administrative claims database. A nested case–control study using two models was conducted using the JMDC claims database (01/2005–01/2020). The onset of OAG: index date was defined as the diagnosis of glaucoma, prescription of anti-glaucoma drugs, or surgery of glaucoma. For each case, a maximum of 10 age-, sex-, and calendar year/month–matched controls were randomly selected by risk-set sampling with replacement. The number of statin prescriptions during the exposure assessment period, which was identified as the 12-month (model 1) or 24-month (model 2) periods prior to the index date, was used as an indicator for statin exposure. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated using conditional logistic regression analyses. We identified 375,373 patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia. Of these, 6180 cases and 61,792 controls (model 1) and 4153 cases and 41,522 controls (model 2) were selected. Statin use was not identified as a significant risk factor for OAG (model 1: aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.93–1.03, model 2: aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91–1.04). Compared with nonexposure, short-term exposure (< 2 years) to statins was not related to an increased risk of OAG in the Japanese working-age population with dyslipidemia.
The differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between meaningful living and stress among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Al-Mahrouqi Tamadhir , Chan Moon Fai , Al-Mukhaini Maryam , Al Shehi Manar , Al-Huseini Salim , Jahan Firdous , Al Balushi Naser , Panchatcharam Sathiya M , Al Alawi Mohammed
Published: July 2023

The current literature, mostly Euro-American based, indicates that the presence of meaning in life (MIL) improves resilience and lowers stress. However, the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the search for and presence of MIL, and stress have not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the presence of and search for MIL, and stress among Omani college students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study consisted of the Brief Resilience Scale, Perceived Stress Scale 4, and Meaning in Life Questionnaire, as well as socio-demographic questions. A path analysis model was used to examine the hypothesis. A total of 970 Omani college students responded to the questionnaire. Findings indicate that searching for MIL was significantly associated with a high level of stress directly (β = 0.023; p < 0.001) and indirectly, through a negative effect on resilience (β =  0.006; p < 0.001). Conversely, the presence of MIL was significantly associated with a decreased level of stress directly (β = − 0.045; p < 0.001) and indirectly via a positive effect on resilience (β = − 0.151; p < 0.001). In keeping with the proposed hypothesis, this study contributes to the current knowledge, by extrapolating the effect of searching for MIL on resilience and stress, and culturally re-contextualizing MIL research. University counseling centers could adopt meaning-based strategies to mitigate stress by promoting meaningful living and resilience.
Potential anticancer and antioxidant lauric acid-based hydrazone synthesis and computational study toward the electronic properties
Authors: Assiri Mohammed A. , Ali Akbar , Ibrahim Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Usman , Ahmed Khalid , Hamid Akash Muhammad Sajid , Abbas Muhammad Akhtar , Javed Athar , Suleman Muhammad , Khalid Muhammad , Hussain Ishtiaq
Published: July 2023

The modification of natural products is one of the key areas of synthetic organic chemistry for obtaining valuable chemical building blocks that have medicinal significance.
MIL-88B(Fe)-NH2: an amine-functionalized metal–organic framework for application in a sensitive electrochemical sensor for Cd2+, Pb2+, and Cu2+ ion detection
Authors: Tran Luyen T. , Dang Hue T. M. , Tran Hoang V. , Hoang Giang T. L. , Huynh Chinh D.
Published: July 2023

We propose here an electrochemical platform for multi-heavy metal ion detection in water based on MIL-88B(Fe)-NH2, an amine-functioned metal–organic framework (MOF) for modifying the surface of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE).
Dual-emissive phenylalanine dehydrogenase-templated gold nanoclusters as a new highly sensitive label-free ratiometric fluorescent probe: heavy metal ions and thiols measurement with live-cell imaging
Authors: Shahrashoob Mahsa , Hosseinkhani Saman , Jafary Hanieh , Hosseini Morteza , Molaabasi Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

PheDH as a new template is proposed for the synthesis of the AuNCs. The PheDH-AuNCs exhibit dual fluorescent emission with single excitation and can employed for the detection of Hg2+, Cu2+, Cys and GSH through a ratiometric fluorescence system.
Introduction of a new and safe synthesis procedure for Ni-MOF-I in aqueous solution and its application for the extraction of some pesticides from different beverages
Authors: Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Khoshnavaz Nastaran , Pezhhanfar Sakha , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2023

For the first time, this research introduces a new and safe synthesis process for Ni-MOF-I and its analytical application for the extraction of pesticides from juice samples.
Developing low-cost nanohybrids of ZnO nanorods and multi-shaped silver nanoparticles for broadband photodetectors
Authors: Nguyen Nhat Minh , Ngo Duc Anh , Thu Nguyen Le Ngoc , Luong Hoai Nhan , Duy Huynh Ha Ngoc , Man Nguyen Bui Gia , Doan Nhat Giang , Duy Le Thai , Tran Anh Vy , Tran Cong Khanh , Pham Kim Ngoc , Dang Vinh Quang
Published: July 2023

This study reports the fabrication of a broadband photodetector based on a ZnONRs/MAgNPs hybrid structure with high performance.
Concentration shift experiment with an electrode of active material for precise electrochemical analysis
Authors: Sawahashi Tamotsu , Hiraoka Koji , Seki Shiro
Published: July 2023

To precisely evaluate the electrochemical properties of a battery of active material, we proposed a “concentration shift experiment” using single-particle electrochemical measurement (SPEM) and a diluted electrode sheet (DES).
Metal-free C-3 selective C(sp2)–C(sp3) heteroarylation of anilines with imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine derivatives via cross-dehydrogenative coupling
Authors: Wang Kai , Du Xiaoxue , Zhang Pengfei , Wei Zhenjiang , Cao Xian-Ting
Published: July 2023

A metal-free and straightforward method for the construction of C-3 heteroarylation-containing imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine has been reported, utilizing N,N-dimethylaniline as the methylenation source and furnishing the desired products in good to excellent yields.
Sequential electron beam and bioflocculation for treatment of textile nanodyes
Authors: Elkenawy Nora M. , Gomaa Ola M.
Published: July 2023

Nanodye removal strategy depends on initial dye concentration.
The effects of two cytotoxic gold(i) carbene compounds on the metabolism of A2780 ovarian cancer cells: mechanistic inferences through NMR analysis
Authors: Ghini Veronica , Mannelli Michele , Massai Lara , Geri Andrea , Zineddu Stefano , Gamberi Tania , Messori Luigi , Turano Paola
Published: July 2023

The changes in the exo- and endo-metabolome of A2780 ovarian cancer cells caused by two cytotoxic gold carbene compounds were monitored via1H NMR.
Spatial mapping and scaling of the shear-induced transformation from bicontinuous microemulsions towards lamellar structures by coupling microfluidics and SANS
Authors: Fischer Julian , Porcar Lionel , Cabral João T. , Sottmann Thomas
Published: July 2023

Coupling microfluidics and SANS, we map the influence of shear and extensional flow on a bicontinuous D2O/n-octane/C10E4 microemulsion and examine the role of membrane volume fraction in the transformation towards a lamellar structure.
Computational screening of M1/PW12O40 single-atom electrocatalysts for water splitting and oxygen reduction reactions
Authors: Talib Shamraiz Hussain , Ali Babar , Mohamed Sharmarke , Jiang Xue-Lian , Ahmad Khalil , Qurashi Ahsanulhaq , Li Jun
Published: July 2023

In practical applications such as oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), an electrocatalyst that is highly active and stable is essential.
Design, strategies, and therapeutics in nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery systems for breast cancer
Authors: Yan Changjiao , Zhang Juliang , Huang Meiling , Xiao Jingjing , Li Nanlin , Wang Ting , Ling Rui
Published: July 2023

This paper reviews the design considerations of nanoparticle-based siRNA delivery systems to improve their efficacy and safety. The strategies for overcoming in vivo delivery barriers are discussed.
Transdermal drug delivery via microneedles for musculoskeletal systems
Authors: Zheng Haibin , Xie Xuankun , Ling Haocong , You Xintong , Liang Siyu , Lin Rurong , Qiu Renjie , Hou Honghao
Published: July 2023

Microneedles, with the advantages of oral administration and local injection, have become a novel strategy for administration and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. We emphasized the progress and broad applications of MN-based transdermal drug delivery for MSK systems.
The Evolution of Genetic Testing from Focused Testing to Panel Testing and from Patient Focused to Population Testing: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Gima Lauren , Solomon Ilana , Hampel Heather
Published: July 2023

The field of cancer genetics has evolved significantly over the past 30 years. Genetic testing has become less expensive and more comprehensive which has changed practice patterns. It is no longer necessary to restrict testing to those with the highest likelihood of testing positive. In addition, we have learned that the criteria developed to determine who has the highest likelihood of testing positive are neither sensitive nor specific. As a result, the field is moving from testing only the highest risk patients identified based on testing criteria to testing all cancer patients. This requires new service delivery models where testing can be mainstreamed into oncology clinics and posttest genetic counseling can be provided to individuals who test positive and those with concerning personal or family histories who test negative. The use of videos, testing kiosks, chatbots, and genetic counseling assistants have been employed to help facilitate testing at a larger scale and have good patient uptake and satisfaction. While testing is important for cancer patients as it may impact their treatment, future cancer risks, and family member's cancer risks, it is unfortunate that their cancer could not be prevented in the first place. Population testing for all adults would be a strategy to identify individuals with adult-onset diseases before they develop cancer in an attempt to prevent it entirely. A few research studies (Healthy Nevada and MyCode) have offered population testing for the three Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Tier 1 conditions: hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch syndrome, and familial hypercholesterolemia finding a prevalence of 1 in 70 individuals in the general population. We anticipate that testing for all cancer patients and the general population will continue to increase over the next 20 years and the genetics community needs to help lead the way to ensure this happens in a responsible manner.
On deconstructing mood
Authors: Radatz Hans-Ingo
Published: July 2023

The Spanish subjunctive has traditionally been
described by some linguists as an inflection expressing mood and by
others as a marker of subordination. In this contribution I will
argue that both functions can be observed, but that Spanish (and
Romance) subjunctives increasingly become associated with
subordination and lose their modal semantics in the process. I will
therefore claim that taking the subjunctive paradigm as a monolithic
category with one central semantic value is inadequate for
representing all the various constructions in which subjunctive
forms appear. As an alternative, I will suggest to model the various
Spanish subjunctive constructions within a construction grammar
framework informed by Traugott & Trousdale’s work on
constructionalisation. An abstract subjunctive schema is posited
from which a non-assertion, a modal agreement and a modal trigger
subschema are derived. Of these three, two are essentially
procedural with little to no semantic content, while only the
non-assertion schema partly corresponds semantically to the
traditional assertion vs. non-assertion analysis.
Microbiome convergence and deterministic community assembly along successional biocrust gradients on potash salt heaps
Authors: Ohan Juliette A , Siani Roberto , Kurth Julia K , Sommer Veronika , Glaser Karin , Karsten Ulf , Schloter Michael , Schulz Stefanie
Published: July 2023

Potash mining, typically performed for agricultural fertilizer production, can create piles of residual salt waste that are ecologically detrimental and difficult to revegetate. Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) have been found growing on and around these heaps, suggesting resilience to the hypersaline environment. We set out to understand the community dynamics of biocrust formation by examining two succesionary salinity gradients at historical mining sites using a high throughput amplicon sequencing. Bare heaps were distinct, with little overlap between sites, and were characterized by high salinity, low nutrient availability, and specialized, low diversity microbial communities, dominated by Halobacteria, Chloroflexia, and Deinococci. ‘Initial’ stages of biocrust development were dominated by site-specific Cyanobacteria, with significant overlap between sites. Established biocrusts were the most diverse, with large proportions of Alphaproteobacteria, Anaerolineae, and Planctomycetacia. Along the salinity gradient at both sites, salinity decreased, pH decreased, and nutrients and Chlorophyll a increased. Microbiomes between sites converged during succession and community assembly process analysis revealed biocrusts at both sites were dominated by deterministic, niche-based processes; indicating a high degree of phylogenetic turnover. We posit early cyanobacterial colonization is essential for biocrust initiation, and facilitates later establishment of plant and other higher-level biota.
Current Landscape and Future Directions of Pediatric Transplant Infectious Diseases
Authors: Otto William R , Green Michael , Danziger-Isakov Lara
Published: July 2023

As the field of pediatric transplant infectious diseases continues to grow, new challenges are constantly arising. Advances in immunosuppressive drugs, antimicrobial development, and novel diagnostic tests add new wrinkles to the care of pediatric transplant recipients. This progress in clinical care serves as a call to direct energy toward pediatric transplant infectious diseases research, to better understand how to use these interventions in pediatric practice.
Teaching Observation as a Faculty Development Tool in Medical Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kitto Simon , Danilovich Natalia , Rowland Paula , Leslie Karen , Hendry Paul , Hodgson Amanda , Fantaye Arone , Lochnan Heather
Published: July 2023

Introduction:

Health professions education often includes teaching observation to inform faculty development (FD) and indirectly improve student performance. Although these FD approaches are well received by faculty, they remain underused and/or underreported, with limited opportunities to receive feedback in workplace contexts. The goal of our study was to map the depth and breadth of education literature on the use of observation of teaching as a tool of professional development in medical education.

Methods:

Following the methodology by Arksey and O'Malley, we conducted a scoping review and searched four databases for articles published in English (final searches in April 2022).

Results:

Of 2080 articles identified, 45 met the inclusion criteria. All observation activities were associated with one of the following FD approaches: peer observation of teaching (23 articles, 51%), peer coaching (12, 27%), peer review (9, 20%), and the critical friends approach (1, 2%). Thirty-three articles (73%) concerned formative versions of the observation model that took place in clinical settings (21, 47%), and they tended to be a voluntary (27, 60%), one-off (18, 40%), in-person intervention (29, 65%), characterized by limited institutional support (13, 29%). Both barriers and challenges of teaching observation were identified.

Discussion:

This review identified several challenges and shortcomings associated with teaching observation, such as inadequate methodological quality of research articles, inconsistent terminology, and limited understanding of the factors that promote long-term sustainability within FD programs. Practical strategies to consider when designing an FD program that incorporates teaching observation are outlined.
Nonsclerotic Lichen Sclerosus: Definition of a Concept and Pathologic Description
Authors: Day Tania , Selim M. Angelica , Allbritton Jill I. , Scurry James ,   for the ISSVD Difficult Pathologic Diagnoses Committee (DPDC)
Published: July 2023

Objective

Nonsclerotic lichen sclerosus (NSLS) refers to the clinicopathologic situation of examination findings consistent with lichen sclerosus (LS) but without dermal sclerosis on microscopy. This review aims to describe the features of NSLS and provide a classification framework.

Methods

The International Society of the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases tasked the Difficult Pathologic Diagnoses Committee with development of consensus documents for conditions with problematic histopathology. The Difficult Pathologic Diagnoses Committee reviewed the literature on NSLS and formulated descriptions and diagnostic criteria, then approved by the International Society of the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases membership.

Results

Nonsclerotic LS may be categorized into 4 histopathologic subtypes: lichenoid dermatitis, hypertrophic lichenoid dermatitis, dermal fibrosis without acanthosis, and dermal fibrosis with acanthosis. Each has a pathologic differential diagnosis of 1 or more entities, so clinical correlation is required for final diagnosis of LS. There is no evidence to support a reliable association between absent sclerosis and clinical appearance, duration, or oncogenic potential of LS.

Conclusions

Pathologists and clinicians should be familiar with the concept of NSLS and its implications for patient management. Use of the term “early LS” to indicate a lack of sclerosis in presumed LS should be abandoned. Clinical correlation is required to confirm LS from among the differential diagnoses.
Exploring healthcare authorities’ decisions to sustain or abandon a management control initiative
Authors: Glenngård Anna H , Ellegård Lina Maria
Published: July 2023

We explore how a management control initiative travels across and is translated within organizations—from the decision motives for adoption or rejection to the subsequent decision motives for sustaining or abandoning the control—through the lens of diffusion theory. Our empirical case is the journey of activity‐based funding of hospitals across 21 Swedish healthcare authorities. We develop a framework in which the abandonment or sustainment of a management control is explained by the interplay between the decision motive underlying the adoption and the propensity to continuously adapt it in response to new organizational goals and circumstances. This propensity is determined by fits and misfits between organizational characteristics and properties of the control.
Retirement and cognitive aging in a racially diverse sample of older Americans
Authors: Andel Ross , Veal Britney M. , Howard Virginia J. , MacDonald Leslie A. , Judd Suzanne E. , Crowe Michael
Published: July 2023

Background

Retirement represents a crucial transitional period for many adults with possible consequences for cognitive aging. We examined trajectories of cognitive change before and after retirement in Black and White adults.

Methods

Longitudinal examination of up to 10 years (mean = 7.1 ± 2.2 years) using data from the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study–a national, longitudinal study of Black and White adults ≥45 years of age. Data were from 2226 members of the REGARDS study who retired around the time when an occupational ancillary survey was administered. Cognitive function was an average ofz‐scores for tests of verbal fluency, memory, and global function.

Results

Cognitive functioning was stable before retirement (Estimate = 0.05,p = 0.322), followed by a significant decline after retirement (Estimate = −0.15,p < 0.001). The decline was particularly pronounced in White (Estimate = −0.19,p < 0.001) compared with Black (Estimate = −0.07,p = 0.077) participants, twice as large in men (Estimate = −0.20,p < 0.001) compared with women (Estimate = −0.11,p < 0.001), highest among White men (Estimate = −0.22,p < 0.001) and lowest in Black women (Estimate = −0.04,p = 0.457). Greater post‐retirement cognitive decline was also observed among participants who attended college (Estimate = −0.14,p = 0.016). While greater work complexity (Estimate = 0.92,p < 0.05) and higher income (Estimate = 1.03,p < 0.05) were related to better cognitive function at retirement, neither was significantly related to cognitive change after retirement.

Conclusion

Cognitive functioning may decline at an accelerated rate immediately post‐retirement, more so in White adults and men than Black adults and women. Lifelong structural inequalities including occupational segregation and other social determinants of cognitive health may obscure the role of retirement in cognitive aging.
Secretomics reveals gelatinase substrates at the blood-brain barrier that are implicated in astroglial barrier function
Authors: Burmeister Miriam , Frauenstein Annika , Kahms Martin , Arends Laura , Gerwien Hanna , Deshpande Tushar , Kuhlmann Tanja , Gross Catharina C. , Naik Venu N. , Wiendl Heinz , Klingauf Juergen , Meissner Felix , Sorokin Lydia
Published: July 2023

The gelatinases, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, are key for leukocyte penetration of the brain parenchymal border in neuroinflammation and the functional integrity of this barrier; however, it is unclear which MMP substrates are involved. Using a tailored, sensitive, label-free mass spectrometry–based secretome approach, not previously applied to nonimmune cells, we identified 119 MMP-9 and 21 MMP-2 potential substrates at the cell surface of primary astrocytes, including known substrates (β-dystroglycan) and a broad spectrum of previously unknown MMP-dependent events involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Using neuroinflammation as a model of assessing compromised astroglial barrier function, a selection of the potential MMP substrates were confirmed in vivo and verified in human samples, including vascular cell adhesion molecule–1 and neuronal cell adhesion molecule. We provide a unique resource of potential MMP-2/MMP-9 substrates specific for the astroglia barrier. Our data support a role for the gelatinases in the formation and maintenance of this barrier but also in astrocyte-neuron interactions.
Representation granularity enables time-efficient autonomous exploration in large, complex worlds
Authors: Cao C. , Zhu H. , Ren Z. , Choset H. , Zhang J.
Published: July 2023

We propose a dual-resolution scheme to achieve time-efficient autonomous exploration with one or many robots. The scheme maintains a high-resolution local map of the robot’s immediate vicinity and a low-resolution global map of the remaining areas of the environment. We believe that the strength of our approach lies in this low- and high-resolution representation of the environment: The high-resolution local map ensures that the robots observe the entire region in detail, and because the local map is bounded, so is the computation burden to process it. The low-resolution global map directs the robot to explore the broad space and only requires lightweight computation and low bandwidth to communicate among the robots. This paper shows the strength of this approach for both single-robot and multirobot exploration. For multirobot exploration, we also introduce a “pursuit” strategy for sharing information among robots with limited communication. This strategy directs the robots to opportunistically approach each other. We found that the scheme could produce exploration paths with a bounded difference in length compared with the theoretical shortest paths. Empirically, for single-robot exploration, our method produced 80% higher time efficiency with 50% lower computational runtimes than state-of-the-art methods in more than 300 simulation and real-world experiments. For multirobot exploration, our pursuit strategy demonstrated higher exploration time efficiency than conventional strategies in more than 3400 simulation runs with up to 20 robots. Last, we discuss how our method was deployed in the DARPA Subterranean Challenge and demonstrated the fastest and most complete exploration among all teams.