bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical, fracture toughness, and Dynamic Mechanical properties of twill weaved bamboo fiber‐reinforced Artocarpus heterophyllus seed husk biochar epoxy composite
Authors: AP Arun , Kaliappan S. , L Natrayan , P Patil Pravin
Published: September 2022

This research aimed to find the effect of Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit seed husk biochar (ASB) and twill weaved bamboo fiber (TBF) in mechanical, DMA, and fracture toughness behavior of epoxy‐based composite. The surface of both weaved bamboo fiber and biochar was treated with amino silane before composite making. In this investigation, the laminates were fabricated by hand layup process and analyzed by appropriate ASTM standards. Results of this study revealed that the incorporation of 40 vol.% twill weaved bamboo fiber (EB) into the resin improved the mechanical properties. The load distribution was uniform with twilled weaving. For composite designation EBJ3, the maximum measured tensile strength was 168 MPa, the tensile modulus is 6.24 GPa, the flexural strength is 195 MPa, and the flexural modulus is 6.85 GPa, the izod impact is 6.24 J, and the hardness is 90 shore‐D. Similarly, the maximum storage modulus and lowest loss factor for the composite designation EBJ3 were measured to be 3.8 GPa and 0.4, respectively. Moreover, the maximum measured fracture toughness and energy release rate is 39.4 MPa.√m and 0.88 MJ/m2 for composite designation EBJ3 with 5.0% biochar and 40% bamboo fibers in volume. The SEM fractography revealed that the matrix molecules are adhered to the fiber, indicating enhanced bonding. These biomass waste converted fruit seed husk biochar and industrial crop bamboo fiber epoxy composites could be used as workable material in structural, defense, automotive, and domestic product‐making applications.
Aheat‐press‐treatmentmethod for3Dprintedthin‐walledcomposite structures with improved interfacial and compressive properties
Authors: Wang Jin , Tan Qianbing , Wang Kui , Yao Song , Peng Yong , Rao Yanni
Published: September 2022

3D printed thin‐walled composite structures suffered from the inherent low interlayer bonding, which limited the mechanical properties and influenced compressive behaviors. This work focused on effects of the postprocess on interfacial properties and compressive behaviors of thin‐walled composite structures made by fused deposition modeling. To improve the interfacial properties, a heat‐press‐treatment method was proposed. Compared to the nontreated thin‐walled structures, the energy absorption (EA) of the heat‐press‐treated structures increased from 61 to 90 J. It was found that both heat and pressure were indispensable conditions. The heat‐press‐treated thin‐walled structures presented a stable progressive collapse mode, while the heat‐treated structures without pressure collapsed in an unstable buckling manner due to the brittle fractures. The heat‐press‐treated structures presented higher crushing force efficiency (CFE) and EA than the heat‐treated structures. The difference was more significant with the increase of the treatment temperature from 50 to 200°C. Finally, the mechanisms of the improvement by the heat‐press‐treatment on interfacial bonding were analyzed. The findings of this research offered new insights on improving the EA for 3D printed thin‐walled composite structures.
Altered empathy correlates with reduced social and non‐social reward anticipation in individuals with high social anhedonia
Authors: Guo Xiao‐dong , Zheng Hong , Ruan Dun , Wang Yi , Wang Yan‐yu , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: September 2022

This study examined the correlations of affective and cognitive components of empathy with reward anticipation toward monetary and social incentives in individuals with social anhedonia (SocAnh). According to the scores on the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale, 109 participants were divided into high (n = 57) and low (n = 52) SocAnh groups. Empathy was assessed with the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) Scale. Social and non‐social reward anticipations were assessed by the Social and Monetary Incentive Delay Tasks, respectively. We performed independent‐sample t tests and repeated‐measures ANOVAs to examine the group differences on empathy and reward anticipation. Correlation analyses between empathy and reward anticipation were conducted. Results showed that the high SocAnh group reported reduced scores on empathy and reward anticipation for monetary and social incentives compared to their low SocAnh counterparts. Correlation analysis further indicated that monetary reward anticipation correlated with cognitive empathy, while social reward anticipation correlated with affective empathy. Our findings suggested that participants with high SocAnh exhibited poorer empathy and reduced reward anticipation than those with low SocAnh level. More importantly, social and non‐social reward anticipation may distinctly contribute to affective and cognitive components of empathy.
Awe in the workplace promotes prosocial behavior
Authors: Meng Liang , Wang Xu
Published: September 2022

In the existing literature on awe, many research findings indicate the positive impact of awe on prosocial behavior. However, very few studies have examined awe in organizational contexts, and researchers have neglected to investigate the effect of awe induced by workplace elicitors. In a between‐subject experimental study (N = 264), we introduced awe elicited by work factors, and examined its effect on prosocial intention and behavior (as compared with the neutral emotion condition and pleasantness condition). The results showed significant differences between prosocial intention and prosocial behavior in the three conditions. Importantly, awe evoked by workplace elicitors has a significant positive effect on prosocial behavior, and prosocial intention mediates this relationship. This study is among the first to examine the impact of awe induced by workplace elicitors, the results of which suggest that managers should consider creating workplaces that inspire awe.
Bacteremia tuberculosis among HIV‐negative children in China
Authors: Chu Ping , Shi Jin , Dong Fang , Yang Hui , Zhao Shunying , Liu Gang , Zheng Huyong , Liu Jinrong , Li Huimin , Lu Jie
Published: September 2022

Importance

Bacteremia tuberculosis (TB) is a severe form of extrapulmonary TB. Studies assessing bacteremia TB in children are limited, especially for HIV‐negative children.

Objective

To explore the detailed clinical features of the bacteremia TB in children under 18 years of age.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical records of the patients retrospectively and collected the strains isolated from their blood cultures. We used mycobacterial interspersed repetitive‐unit‐variable‐number tandem‐repeat (MIRU‐VNTR) to characterize the bacterial genotypes and alamarBlue to determine their drug susceptibility profiles. Polymerase chain reactions and DNA sequencing were used to identify drug‐resistant mutations.

Results

There were 13 pediatric bacteremia TB patients, 10 of whom were diagnosed with Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) bacteremia TB. Thirteen patients aged from 0.30 to 11.58 years were enrolled, of whom 76.92% were boys. All had fevers before hospitalization, and 76.92% had respiratory symptoms. All had received BCG vaccinations, and 46.15% had adverse post‐vaccination reactions. Compared with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, BCG bacteremia was more likely to appear in younger children. Patients with BCG bacteremia had primary immunodeficiency diseases, and lower CD4, IgA, and IgE levels.

Interpretation

Bacteremia TB was rapidly fatal in a large proportion of the immunodeficient children. Because classic findings may not be diagnostically specific, a high level of clinical suspicion is required, especially for patients with certain types of immunosuppression. Studies are needed to develop rapid diagnostic tests and to determine the value of empirical therapy in childhood bacteremia TB.
Evaluation of pathways to the C‐glycosyl isoflavone puerarin in roots of kudzu (Pueraria montana lobata)
Authors: Adolfo Laci M. , Burks David , Rao Xiaolan , Alvarez‐Hernandez Anislay , Dixon Richard A.
Published: September 2022

Kudzu (Pueraria montana lobata) is used as a traditional medicine in China and Southeast Asia but is a noxious weed in the Southeastern United States. It produces both O‐ and C‐glycosylated isoflavones, with puerarin (C‐glucosyl daidzein) as an important bioactive compound. Currently, the stage of the isoflavone pathway at which the C‐glycosyl unit is added remains unclear, with a recent report of direct C‐glycosylation of daidzein contradicting earlier labeling studies supporting C‐glycosylation at the level of chalcone. We have employed comparative mRNA sequencing of the roots from two Pueraria species, one of which produces puerarin (field collected P. montana lobata) and one of which does not (commercial Pueraria phaseoloides), to identify candidate uridine diphosphate glycosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes involved in puerarin biosynthesis. Expression of recombinant UGTs in Escherichia coli and candidate C‐glycosyltransferases in Medicago truncatula were used to explore substrate specificities, and gene silencing of UGT and key isoflavone biosynthetic genes in kudzu hairy roots employed to test hypotheses concerning the substrate(s) for C‐glycosylation. Our results confirm UGT71T5 as a C‐glycosyltransferase of isoflavone biosynthesis in kudzu. Enzymatic, isotope labeling, and genetic analyses suggest that puerarin arises both from the direct action of UGT71T5 on daidzein and via a second route in which the C‐glycosidic linkage is introduced to the chalcone isoliquiritigenin.
Quantitative measurement of NO2— distribution in plasma jet treated model tissue, based on image processing technology
Authors: Wang Bingkai , Wang Huaiji , Wang Yuqi , Li Yuhan , Mao Xiang , Xiong Zilan
Published: September 2022

One of the key issues in plasma medicine is the measurement of the spatial‐temporal distribution and total amount of reactive species in treated tissue. Here, we provide a solution based on image processing technology. A DC‐driven air plasma jet was used, and NO2— was selected as the representative for the test. The model tissue was frozen sliced, and the relationship between the color and standard concentration was established. The temporal distributions of NO2— concentration versus time and flow rate were analyzed in each slice, and the total amount of NO2— in the treated tissue was obtained. This study offers a new diagnostic method for reactive species amount into tissue, which is an effective guide for plasma medicine applications and numerical modeling research.
Scale‐Separated AdS3 Vacua from G2‐Orientifolds Using Bispinors
Authors: Van Hemelryck Vincent
Published: September 2022

In this paper, minimal supersymmetric AdS3 solutions on G2‐orientifolds of type IIA and IIB supergravity are studied. These are obtained by techniques of the bispinor formalism. A straightforward argument is derived against AdS3 solutions in massless type IIA string theory on such G2‐backgrounds. Furthermore, it is shown that some of the AdS3 solutions in massive type IIA do admit a separation of scales, whereas the same cannot be said for the type IIB vacua. Finally, a formula for the 3d superpotential in the bispinor language is given that is valid for both type IIA and type IIB configurations. It is shown that the supersymmetry conditions of this superpotential lead back to the bispinor equations.
Aurantiamide promotes M2 polarization of microglial cells to improve the cognitive ability of mice with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Shen Heping , He Zhongmei , Pei Hongyan , Zhai Liping , Guan Qiaobing , Wang Genghuan
Published: September 2022

This work aimed to investigate the effect of aurantiamide (Aur) in promoting the M2 polarization of microglial cells to improve the cognitive ability of mice with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The M2 polarization of BV2 cells was induced by interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) treatment.Aur promoted the M2 polarization of BV2 cells, and up‐regulated the expression of CD206 and SOCS3. In the meantime, it increased TGF‐β1, Arg‐1 and IL‐10 levels, and promoted the polarization of JAK1‐STAT6. Treatment with STAT6 inhibitor antagonized the effect of Aur. Besides, the cognitive ability of AD mice was improved after Aur treatment, meanwhile, the expression of CD206 was up‐regulated, while that of IBA‐1 was down‐regulated. Aur promotes the M2 polarization of microglial cells to improve the cognitive ability of AD mice, and such effect is related to the STAT6 signal.
Structural design and analysis of pneumatic prostate seed implantation robot applied in magnetic resonance imaging environment
Authors: Li Bing , Yuan Lipeng , Wang Chunbo , Guo Yuhang
Published: September 2022

Background

The method of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) image‐guided robot for prostate seed implantation has developed rapidly in recent years. During the operation, although the puncture effect guided by MRI is very good, it is difficult for conventional robots driven by motors to work normally in this environment, which reduces the accuracy of seed implantation and affects the treatment effect.

Methods

First, this paper designs a pneumatic prostate seed implantation robot that is compatible with MRI; the robot is composed of an execution module and an adjustment module, and can complete the positioning and adjustment of the robot's needle entry point, the pose adjustment of the puncture needle and the completion of seed implantation in the MRI space; meanwhile, the statics simulation analysis of its key components is carried out. Then, the kinematics analysis was carried out according to the designed robot structure, and the relationship between the posture of the needle tip and the change of the pneumatic cylinder was obtained; meanwhile, using MATLAB 2020 software, combined with the method of Monte Carlo random number sampling, the simulation analysis of the workspace was carried out. Finally, an experimental prototype is constructed to conduct puncture accuracy experiments, workspace experiments and performance comparison tests in MRI environment.

Results

The statics simulation results verify that the key components of the robot designed in this paper can meet the strength requirements of the robot. The simulation results of the workspace meet the requirements of space surgery for prostate seed implantation under the guidance of MRI environment. The puncture accuracy experimented to verify that increasing the puncture speed can improve the seed implantation accuracy, and the puncture deviation of the robot is less than the average deviation of the doctor's actual operation by 6.5 mm. The working space experiment shows that the pitch range is −23.3°~27.8°, the movement range in the X direction is 0~210 mm, the movement range in the Y direction is 0~101 mm, and the lifting range in the Z direction is 0~81 mm, which meets the workspace requirements under MRI. The performance comparison test results in the MRI environment show that the robot is well compatible with MRI instruments.

Conclusions

The pneumatic prostate seed implantation robot designed in this paper has a reasonable structure and stable dynamic performance output, and can perform precise surgical operations in the MRI strong magnetic environment. The research work in this paper provides a design reference for the related research on the positioning accuracy of minimally invasive puncture surgery guided by MRI images.
Identifying surrogate markers in real‐world comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Han Larry , Wang Xuan , Cai Tianxi
Published: September 2022

In comparative effectiveness research (CER), leveraging short‐term surrogates to infer treatment effects on long‐term outcomes can guide policymakers evaluating new treatments. Numerous statistical procedures for identifying surrogates have been proposed for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), but no methods currently exist to evaluate the proportion of treatment effect (PTE) explained by surrogates in real‐world data (RWD), which have become increasingly common. To address this knowledge gap, we propose inverse probability weighted (IPW) and doubly robust (DR) estimators of an optimal transformation of the surrogate and the corresponding PTE measure. We demonstrate that the proposed estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal, and the DR estimator is consistent when either the propensity score model or outcome regression model is correctly specified. Our proposed estimators are evaluated through extensive simulation studies. In two RWD settings, we show that our method can identify and validate surrogate markers for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Stabilization of Lithium Metal Interfaces by Constructing Composite Artificial Solid Electrolyte Interface with Mesoporous TiO2 and Perfluoropolymers
Authors: Guan Minrong , Huang Yongxin , Meng Qianqian , Zhang Botao , Chen Nuo , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie
Published: September 2022

The next generation of high‐energy‐density storage devices is expected to be rechargeable lithium metal batteries. However, unstable metal‐electrolyte interfaces, dendrite growth, and volume expansion will compromise lithium metal batteries (LMB) safety and life. A simple drop‐casting method is used to create a double‐layer functional interface composed of inorganic mesoporous TiO2 and F‐rich organics PFDMA. For high‐quality lithium deposition, TiO2 can provide uniform mechanical pressure, abundant mesoporous channels, and increased ionic conductivity, while PFDMA provides enough F to form LiF in the first cycle and improves Li‐electrolyte compatibility. Experiments and simulations are combined to investigate the optimized mechanism of the LiF‐rich solid electrolyte interface (SEI). The high binding energy of organic matter and Li demonstrates that Li+ preferentially binds with the F atom in organic matter. As a result, the tightly bound double‐layer structure can inhibit lithium dendrite growth and slow electrolyte decomposition. Consequently, the symmetric Li||Li cell has a high stability performance of over 800 h. The assembled LiFePO4||Li cell can sustain 300 cycles at a 1 C rate and has a reversible capacity of 136.7 mAh g−1.
The future is humanistic: Infusing compassion in the systems thinking world—Circles, dialogue and RoundTables as levers for individual and community emancipation
Authors: Jacobs Marty , Arora Namrata , Gabriele Sue
Published: September 2022

In this age of isolation, exacerbated by an increased number of natural disasters and their associated impact, we are faced with a deepening poverty of social connections and a high degree of polarisation on multiple counts. Designed for contexts ranging from workplaces to spiritual discourse, more and more instances of intentional conversations are surfacing across the world. It is only when we are able to appreciate the view of ‘another’, that we are truly able to step beyond the boundary of the self. In this paper, we explore a practitioner's perspective on three formats of gathering that are currently practiced at the International Society for the Systems Sciences. Using social and humanistic values, we outline how these three simple yet powerful techniques embody inclusivity, with the intention of inspiring its readers to consider hosting alternate forms of meetings in academic and organisational settings, thus creating grounds for compassionate understanding.
Dissipative Dynamic Libraries (DDLs) and Dissipative Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry (DDCC)
Authors: Del Giudice Daniele , Spatola Emanuele , Valentini Matteo , Ercolani Gianfranco , Di Stefano Stefano
Published: September 2022

This Concept is focused on the key features of dissipative dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DDCC). DDCC deals with transient libraries of compounds, maintained out‐of‐equilibrium by the consumption of a fuel, whose composition changes upon the selection pressure of kinetic and/or thermodynamic processes. Concepts and definitions of kinetic and thermodynamic dissipative dynamic libraries (“KDDL” and “TDDL”), are introduced and illustrated by a number of actual cases, thus showing the consistency of the present approach. Such concepts and definitions can help establish a common language for this emerging field, which, in our view, has the potential to become highly relevant to supramolecular chemistry.
Survival intravascular photoacoustic imaging of lipid‐rich plaque in cholesterol fed rabbits
Authors: Zhang Yi , Taylor Erik , Huang Nasi , Hamilton James , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: September 2022

Intravascular photoacoustic (IVPA) imaging is a promising modality for quantitative assessment of lipid‐laden atherosclerotic plaques. Yet, survival IVPA imaging of the same plaque in the same animal is not demonstrated. Here, using a sheathed IVUS/PA catheter of 0.9 mm in diameter, we demonstrate MRI‐guided survival IVPA imaging of same plaque in an aorta of a well‐established rabbit model mimicking atherosclerosis in human patients. The IVUS/PA results were confirmed by histology. These advances open the opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of a therapy that aims to reduce the size of atherosclerotic plaques and demonstrates the potential of translating the IVPA catheter into clinic for detection of lipid‐rich plaques that are at high risk for thrombosis.
Limonene protects human skin keratinocytes against UVB‐induced photodamage and photoaging by activating the Nrf2‐dependent antioxidant defense system
Authors: Kumar K. J. Senthil , Vani M. Gokila , Wang Sheng‐Yang
Published: September 2022

Long term exposure to solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is one of the primary factors of premature skin aging and is referred to as photoaging. Also, mammalian skin exposed to UVB triggers an increase in production of α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH), which is critically involved in the pathogenesis of hyperpigmentary skin diseases. This study investigated the protective effect of limonene on UVB‐induced photodamage and photoaging in immortalized human skin keratinocytes (HaCaT) in vitro. Initially, we determined cell viability and levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in UVB‐irradiated HaCaT cells. Pretreatment with limonene increased cell viability followed by inhibition of intracellular ROS generation in UVB‐irradiated HaCaT cells. Interestingly, the antioxidative activity of limonene was directly correlated with an increase in expression of endogenous antioxidants, including heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1), NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO‐1), and γ‐glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ‐GCLC), which was associated with enhanced nuclear translocation and activation of NF‐E2‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2). Indeed, Nrf2 knockdown reduced limonene's protective effects. Additionally, we observed that limonene treatment inhibited UVB‐induced α‐MSH secretion followed by inhibition of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) via suppression of p53 transcriptional activation. Moreover, limonene prevented UVB‐mediated depletion of tight junction regulatory proteins, including occludin and zonula occludens‐1. On the other hand, limonene treatment significantly decreased matrix metalloproteinase‐2 levels in UVB‐irradiated HaCaT cells. Based on these results, limonene may have a dermato‐protective effect in skin cells by activating the Nrf2‐dependent cellular antioxidant defense system.
Saffron extract feed improves the antioxidant status of laying hens and the inhibitory effect on cancer cells (PC3 and MCF7) Growth
Authors: Vakili Reza , Toroghian Mina , Torshizi Mahdi Elahi
Published: September 2022

Background

There have been some reports regarding supplementation of saffron petal extract on performance and egg quality in laying hens. However, the effect of saffron petal extract fed diet at different amounts on antioxidant status of laying hens and the impact of the resulting egg yolk on growth/inhibitory activity of cancer cells has not been fully studied.

Objectives

The effect of dried saffron petal extract on the laying performance, egg qualitative traits, antioxidant status, and its inhibitory effect on cancer cells was studied.

Methods

A total of 200 39‐week‐old Hy‐line W36 Leghorn laying hens were selected based on a completely randomised design in four treatments with five replications (10 hens per replication). The four treatment diets consisted of a basal diet with no supplement (control), and three diet supplement groups containing 40, 60 and 80 ppm of saffron petal extract.

Results

Adding 80 ppm of saffron petal extract to layer diets increased egg production (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde,1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl value and Superoxide dismutase significantly improved by saffron petal dietary supplementation. The yolk weight and colour, Haugh unit and shell weight and thickness were also influenced (p < 0.05) with highest values achieved in the 60 ppm saffron extract supplemented diet. Results demonstrated a significant effect of saffron extract inclusion in the diet on the growth of Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 and Prostate Cancer Cell in a positive dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05) and the most intense inhibitory effect on cancer cells was observed with 60–80 ppm extract.

Conclusions

Saffron petal extract can be used to potentially modulate the antioxidant status of laying hens and the inhibitory effect on cancer cells, best achieved with 60–80 ppm extract.
Molecular detection and assessment of the epidemiological risk factors associated with equine herpesvirus 2 and 5 in working equids in central Ethiopia
Authors: Wondimagegnehu Kifle , Leta Samson , Amenu Kebede , Negussie Haileleul
Published: September 2022

Background

Respiratory disease is the most common presenting complaint at veterinary clinics and a priority concern for equid owners and veterinary practitioners in Ethiopia.

Objectives

This study aimed to report the molecular detection of EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 and to assess the risk factors associated with infection in working equids in central Ethiopia.

Methods

Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 58 horses and donkeys to detect EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 using PCR targeting the conserved region of glycoprotein B (gB) genes.

Results

From 58 equids, EHV‐5 and EHV‐2 were detected in 20 (34.5%) and 19 (32.8%) equids, respectively. Concurrent infection with EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 was found in 6 (10.3%) equids who exhibited respiratory clinical signs. EHV‐2 was detected in a significantly higher (p = 0.002) proportion of horses (54.5%; n = 18) than donkeys (4%; n = 1). In contrast, EHV‐5 was detected in a significantly higher (p = 0.004) proportion of donkeys (56%; n = 14) compared to horses (18.2% n = 6). EHV‐2‐positive equids were seven times more likely to display clinical signs of respiratory disease than EHV‐2‐negative equids (Odds ratio (OR) = 6.9; 95%CI: 1.72‐27.60). However, statistically significant (p = 0.832) difference was not observed for EHV‐5. EHV‐2 was detected in a significantly higher (p = 0.004) proportion of female (50%; n = 16) compared to male equids (11.5%; n = 3).

Conclusions

This study revealed the molecular detection of EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 in horses and donkeys residing in central Ethiopia. The association between EHV‐2‐test‐positive equids and displaying of clinical signs of respiratory disease was observed, which suggests EHV‐2 involvement in the development of respiratory disease; however, it deserves further investigation.
Understanding synergies and tradeoffs between forests, water, and climate change
Authors: Singh Manisha , Sinha Bhaskar , Bisaria Jigyasa , Thomas Thomas , Srivastava Pankaj
Published: September 2022

Understanding synergies and trade‐offs between forests, water, and climate change is warranted for designing effective policies and strategies for managing water and forests, which are essential for sustenance, ecological proliferation, and economic development. Forests are considered global storehouse of resources, functioning as ecosystem service providers, such as recyclers of terrestrial water to maintain quality and quantity of water but are constantly regulated by climatic parameters. These interlinkages are further complicated by the highly debated role of forests in water regulation and consumption, anthropogenic changes in land use, changing climatic patterns and their subsequent impacts on the hydrological cycle. However, policy and planning for natural resource management seldom consider the interrelationships between forest, water, and climate change due to lack of consensus, misrepresentations and difficult conversions of the complicated interactions to policy. We review and discuss the existing research on these interrelationships with different approaches using a range of hydrological, climatic, and land use indicators. We further suggest incorporating long‐term data for forest, water, and climate into conceptual, statistical, and stochastic models may yield better projections with fewer uncertainties rather than those focusing on linear interactions between paired components. Thus, there is a need for exploring these interactions holistically rather than in silos from the perspective of natural resource management particularly in developing nations such as India that have a pressing need to develop new and synergize existing strategies for sustainable management of forest and water under changing climatic variables.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness
Ca14FeAs11 – A structure comprising structural motifs of iron‐based superconductors and Ca‐As Zintl phases
Authors: Hoffmann Andrea V. , Fässler Thomas F. , Hlukhyy Viktor
Published: September 2022

Ca14FeAs11 is the first iron‐containing representative of the Ca14AlSb11 structure type and the first compound with isolated FeAs4 tetrahedra. It can be regarded as a salt‐like compound containing isolated [FeAs4]9− tetrahedra, linear [As3]7− units, isolated As3− anions and Ca2+ cations and thus is a borderline compound between binary Fe−As intermetallics and salt‐like calcium arsenides. Ca14FeAs11 is obtained by a two‐step high‐temperature reaction, in which preformed FeAs alloy is heated with Ca in the presence of additional As in a sealed silica tube. Structure determination from single crystals at 150 K reveal the Ca14AlSb11 structure type with space group I41/acd (Z=8, a=15.6268(2) Å, c=20.9781(5) Å, and V=5122.79(15) Å3). Band structure calculations predict metallic properties with strong contribution of Fe orbitals to the density of states at the Fermi level.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Pure Tochilinite‐like Materials from Nanoparticulate FeS
Authors: Bolney Robert , Grosch Mario , Winkler Mario , van Slageren Joris , Weigand Wolfgang , Robl Christian
Published: September 2022

In this work, three different tochilinite‐like materials have been obtained by sophisticated synthetic methods that allow to control the distribution of iron ions. The purity of the samples was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction. From elemental analysis and Mössbauer spectroscopy data, detailed compositions could be determined: T1) Fe0.76S*0.86 [Fe2+0.01Fe3+0.56Mg2+0.43(OH)2.01]; T2) Fe0.89S*0.85 [Fe2+0.55Fe3+0.11Al3+0.33(OH)1.84(O)0.16]; T3) Fe0.71S*0.79 [Fe2+0.25Fe3+0.73Mg2+0.01Al3+0.01(OH)1.98(O)0.02]. These compositions fit to typical compositions of tochilinite in regard of the amount of iron vacancies and the volume ratio of the hydroxide layers to the sulfide layers. Besides hydroxide ions, oxide ions are also present in the hydroxide layers as a result of surface oxidation after the synthesis due to the high reactivity of the particles. TEM and SEM investigations show that the obtained powders consist mainly of thin sheets accompanied by nanotubes with BET surface areas ranging between 20 m2/g and 40 m2/g. The thermal stability was investigated by TGA and DSC analysis and it depends significantly on the composition.
What Unity Is For
Authors: Duff Andrew
Published: September 2022

The introduction recalls the origins of the European Union and the tensions that existed from the beginning between confederal and federal approaches to integration. The Russian invasion of Ukraine reminds us why European unity matters. The chapter summarises the work of the Convention on the Future of Europe which led, after setbacks, to the Treaty of Lisbon.
Parliamentary Europe
Authors: Duff Andrew
Published: September 2022

Development of EU democracy is hampered by the lack of proper political parties at the federal level. To rectify this, electoral reform of the European Parliament must introduce transnational lists for a portion of MEPs. Treaty rules for the election of the next Commission president should be respected by the Parliament. A formula should be agreed upon for seat apportionment in the Parliament, and the federal principle of degressive proportionality should be extended to the voting system in the Council. A limited right of initiative should be granted to MEPs, alongside internal reforms. Both the European Parliament and national parliaments should reinforce the scrutiny of their respective executives.
The Judiciary
Authors: Duff Andrew
Published: September 2022

The European Court of Justice plays a critical role in the integration process. National constitutional courts have to come to terms with the primacy and direct effect of EU law. Current restrictions on the judicial authority of the Court should be lifted. The Charter of Fundamental Rights has potential yet to be reached. Only full respect for the rule of law will allow the European Court of Justice to evolve into a federal supreme court, with wider access for the citizen on appeal.
Powerful Interactions for Integration
Authors: Nardon Luciara , Hari Amrita
Published: September 2022

Communication is central to the process of sensemaking. In this chapter, we explore the interactional level of sensemaking. We argue that ongoing communications with local agents can significantly influence QIs’ decisions and actions as they navigate a new country and professional environment. We explore how QIs construct their reality through communication and discuss the important role of intercultural communication and intercultural competence in sensemaking and integration. We discuss some key players in QIs’ work integration—immigrant support organizations, mentors, coaches, and professional networks—and their key role in immigrant work integration.
Running the Race: A Swiss Voting Story
Authors: Haines Thomas , Pereira Olivier , Teague Vanessa
Published: September 2022

On the 29th of March 2019 the Swiss Federal Chancellery launched a review of the procedures surrounding e-voting after numerous flaws were discovered in the Scytl-Swiss Post system sVote. On the 5th of July 2021 an independent examination of the revised Swiss Post system began, with some cantons planning to launch new trials with this system.

We summarize and reflect on our experience with the examination of the cryptographic protocol so far and muse over the future. We find that the protocol specification considerably improved over the last 3 years, both through changes in the protocol itself and through clarifications of missing elements in its specification. The clarifications also shed a new light on shortcomings of the protocol, in terms of both verifiability and privacy, including in the latest version of the system, which remains incompletely specified.

We believe that these findings illustrate virtues of the examination requirements set by the Swiss Federal Chancellery: problems can be fixed before deployment rather than being exploited by malicious parties during an election. They also illustrate the tremendous challenges of creating a secure Internet voting system, and the long road ahead.
Hyper-dilaton Weyl multiplet of 4D, $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 conformal supergravity
Authors: Gold Gregory , Khandelwal Saurish , Kitchin William , Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli Gabriele
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We define a new dilaton Weyl multiplet of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 conformal supergravity in four dimensions. This is constructed by reinterpreting the equations of motion of an on-shell hypermultiplet as constraints that render some of the fields of the standard Weyl multiplet composite. The independent bosonic components include four scalar fields and a triplet of gauge two-forms. The resulting, so-called, hyper-dilaton Weyl multiplet defines a 24 + 24 off-shell representation of the local $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 superconformal algebra. By coupling the hyper-dilaton Weyl multiplet to an off-shell vector multiplet compensator, we obtain one of the two minimal 32 + 32 off-shell multiplets of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 Poincaré supergravity constructed by Müller in 1986. On-shell, this contains the minimal $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 Poincaré supergravity multiplet together with a hypermultiplet where one of its physical scalars plays the role of a dilaton, while its three other scalars are dualised to a triplet of real gauge two-forms. Interestingly, a BF-coupling induces a scalar potential for the dilaton without a standard gauging.
Integrable supersymmetric deformations of AdS3 × S3 × T4
Authors: Hoare Ben , Seibold Fiona K. , Tseytlin Arkady A.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We construct a family of type IIB string backgrounds that are deformations of AdS3× S3× T4 with a “squashed” AdS3× S3 metric supported by a combination of NSNS and RR fluxes. They have global SU(1, 1) × SU(2) symmetry, regular curvature, constant dilaton and preserve 8 supercharges. Upon compactification to 4 dimensions they reduce to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetric AdS2× S2 solutions with electric and magnetic Maxwell fluxes. These type IIB supergravity solutions can be found from the undeformed AdS3× S3× T4 background by a combination of T-dualities and S-duality. In contrast to T-duality, S-duality transformations of a type IIB supergravity background do not generally preserve the classical integrability of the corresponding Green-Schwarz superstring sigma model. Nevertheless, we show that integrability is preserved in the present case. Indeed, we find that these backgrounds can be obtained, up to T-dualities, from an integrable inhomogeneous Yang-Baxter deformation (with unimodular Drinfel’d-Jimbo R-matrix) of the original AdS3× S3 supercoset model.
Alterations in tissue oxygen saturation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy in trauma patients after initial resuscitation are associated with occult shock
Authors: Campos-Serra Andrea , Mesquida Jaume , Montmany-Vioque Sandra , Rebasa-Cladera Pere , Barquero-Lopez Marta , Cidoncha-Secilla Ariadna , Llorach-Perucho Núria , Morales-Codina Marc , Puyana Juan Carlos , Navarro-Soto Salvador
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Persistent occult hypoperfusion after initial resuscitation is strongly associated with increased morbidity and mortality after severe trauma. The objective of this study was to analyze regional tissue oxygenation, along with other global markers, as potential detectors of occult shock in otherwise hemodynamically stable trauma patients.

Methods

Trauma patients undergoing active resuscitation were evaluated 8 h after hospital admission with the measurement of several global and local hemodynamic/metabolic parameters. Apparently hemodynamically stable (AHD) patients, defined as having SBP ≥ 90 mmHg, HR < 100 bpm and no vasopressor support, were followed for 48 h, and finally classified according to the need for further treatment for persistent bleeding (defined as requiring additional red blood cell transfusion), initiation of vasopressors and/or bleeding control with surgery and/or angioembolization. Patients were labeled as “Occult shock” (OS) if they required any intervention or “Truly hemodynamically stable” (THD) if they did not. Regional tissue oxygenation (rSO2) was measured non-invasively by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) on the forearm. A vascular occlusion test was performed, allowing a 3-min deoxygenation period and a reoxygenation period following occlusion release. Minimal rSO2 (rSO2min), Delta-down (rSO2–rSO2min), maximal rSO2 following cuff-release (rSO2max), and Delta-up (rSO2max–rSO2min) were computed. The NIRS response to the occlusion test was also measured in a control group of healthy volunteers.

Results

Sixty-six consecutive trauma patients were included. After 8 h, 17 patients were classified as AHD, of whom five were finally considered to have OS and 12 THD. No hemodynamic, metabolic or coagulopathic differences were observed between the two groups, while NIRS-derived parameters showed statistically significant differences in Delta-down, rSO2min, and Delta-up.

Conclusions

After 8 h of care, NIRS evaluation with an occlusion test is helpful for identifying occult shock in apparently hemodynamically stable patients.

Level of evidence

IV, descriptive observational study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Registration Number: NCT02772653.
Die Anwendung der Virtuellen Realität in der Behandlung psychischer Störungen
Authors: Tsamitros N. , Beck A. , Sebold M. , Schouler-Ocak M. , Bermpohl F. , Gutwinski S.
Published: September 2022

Hintergrund

Die Virtuelle Realität (VR) ermöglicht das Eintauchen in eine interaktive, digitale Welt mit realitätsnahen Erfahrungen, die im Rahmen therapeutischer Intervention kontrolliert und personalisiert eingesetzt werden können. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die aktuellen Forschungsergebnisse zur VR in der Behandlung psychischer Störungen zusammengefasst.

Methode

Selektive Literaturrecherche in PubMed und über Google Scholar.

Ergebnisse

Eine zunehmende Anzahl von Publikationen beschreibt unterschiedliche Einsatzformen der VR in der Behandlung psychischer Störungen. Die Mehrheit der VR-Anwendungen basiert auf Adaptionen bereits etablierter psychotherapeutischer Methoden, insbesondere der Expositionstherapie. Die Virtuelle Expositionstherapie (VRET) in der Behandlung der spezifischen Phobie und der Agoraphobie mit Panikstörung ist laut metaanalytischen Daten gleich wirksam wie die traditionelle Expositionstherapie in vivo. VRET für die soziale Phobie ist signifikant wirksamer als Warte- oder Placebo-Kontrollgruppen, aber im Vergleich zur Expositionstherapie in vivo sind die metaanalytischen Befunde derzeit inkonsistent. VRET bei der posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) ist laut Metaanalysen gleich wirksam wie eine aktive Psychotherapie. Für die VR-basierte Behandlung der psychotischen Störungen gibt es positive Befunde bezogen auf Reduktion des Stimmenhörens. Bei Patienten mit einer Abhängigkeitserkrankung kann mittels VR „craving“ induziert werden mit noch unzureichend belegter diagnostischer und therapeutischer Relevanz.

Schlussfolgerung

Die VRET kann als Erweiterung der psychotherapeutischen Behandlung der Angststörungen angeboten werden. Vielversprechende Befunde der VR-basierten Therapien der PTBS und der psychotischen Störungen implizieren den Bedarf weiterer Forschung zur Klärung ihrer Effektivität und Sicherheit. Im Bereich der Abhängigkeitserkrankungen ist die Evaluation klinisch orientierter VR-Anwendungen erforderlich.
How regularization concepts interfere with (quasi-)brittle damage: a comparison based on a unified variational framework
Authors: Langenfeld K. , Kurzeja P. , Mosler J.
Published: September 2022

Three regularization concepts are assessed regarding their variational structure and interference with the predicted physics of (quasi-)brittle damage: the fracture energy concept, viscous regularization and micromorphic regularization. They are first introduced in a unified variational framework, depicting how they distinctively evolve from incremental energy minimization. The analysis of a certain time interval of a one-dimensional example is used to show how viscous and micromorphic regularization retains well-posedness within the softening regime. By way of contrast, the fracture energy concept is characterized by ill-posedness—as known from previous non-variational analyses. Numerical examples finally demonstrate the limitations and capabilities of each concept. The ill-posed local fracture energy concept leads by its design to a spatially constant fracture energy—in line with Griffith’s theory. The viscous regularization, in turn, yields a well-posed problem but artificial viscosity can add a bias to unloading and fracture thickness. Furthermore, and even more important, a viscous regularization does not predict a spatially constant fracture energy due to locally heterogeneous loading rates. The well-posed micromorphic regularization is in line with the underlying physics and does not show this undesired dependency. However, it requires the largest numerical efforts, since it is based on a coupled two-field formulation.
A novel gene, Le-Dd10, is involved in fruiting body formation of Lentinula edodes
Authors: Kishikawa Akihiro , Hamada Satoshi , Kamei Ichiro , Fujimoto Yosuke , Miyazaki Kazuhiro , Yoshida Motonobu
Published: September 2022

The cDNA library prepared from Lentinula edodes, Hokken 600 (H600), primordia was screened using cDNA expressed specifically in Dictyostelium discoideum prestalk as a probe. Twenty-one clones, Le-Dd1 ~ 21, were isolated from the L. edodes primordia cDNA library. Functional analysis of each gene was carried out by transformation into protoplast cells from L. edodes Mori 252 (M252) mycelia with the overexpression vector pLG-RasF1 of each gene because M252 protoplast cells were transformed with an 11-fold higher efficiency than H600 cells. Transformants with the overexpression vector of Le-Dd10 formed a fruiting body at almost the same time as H600, a positive control, although M252, a negative control, did not form a fruiting body under culture conditions. This suggested that Le-Dd10 is involved in the formation of fruiting bodies. Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis revealed that Le-Dd10 is located on No. 4 linkage group of L. edodes. The properties of Le-Dd10 products were investigated by Western blotting analysis using polyclonal antibodies against GST:Le-Dd10 fusion proteins. As a result, 56-kDa, 27-kDa, and 14-kDa protein bands appeared in primordial and fruiting body stages, although the expected molecular weight of the Le-Dd10 product was 50 kDa.
Effect of decay rates of initial data on the sign of solutions to Cauchy problems of polyharmonic heat equations
Authors: Miyake Nobuhito
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we consider the sign of solutions to Cauchy problems of linear and semilinear polyharmonic heat equations. Cauchy problems for higher order parabolic equations have no positivity preserving property in general, however, it is expected that solutions to these Cauchy problems are eventually globally positive if initial data decay slowly enough. We first show the existence of the threshold of the decay rate of initial datum which separates whether the corresponding solution to the Cauchy problem of the linear polyharmonic heat equation is eventually globally positive or not. Applying this result, we construct eventually globally positive solutions to the Cauchy problem of the semilinear polyharmonic heat equation under the super-Fujita condition.