bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global access to nomenclatural botanical resources: Evaluating open access availability
Authors: Nicolson Nicky , Trekels Maarten , Groom Quentin J. , Knapp Sandra , Paton Alan J.
Published: September 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Primary occurrence data (‘what, where, when’) enable study of species distribution and diversity, facilitating reactions to societal challenges from food security to climate change mitigation. Scientific names integrate information and are made concrete through reference to a type specimen. Research and conservation planning requires timely open access to this data. Around 2000 vascular plant species are described each year, and many are narrowly endemic and face conservation threats. Twenty‐four percent of those published between 2012 and 2021 is available openly, and only 12% of taxa is represented by digitised type material served from within their native range. We make several recommendations to increase open access to this vital information to support prompt conservation action and future research.

We review access to literature and type specimens, key resources for taxonomic research. Takeup of open access (OA) publishing in plant naming is analysed using the International Plant Names Index (IPNI) data (2012–2021), and online availability of specimens analysed using the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Integration of the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) taxonomy and distributional data is used to examine regional variation.

We found that 23% of vascular plant names are published OA, and 41% are digitally undiscoverable: contained in bibliographic works without a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) or with an unresolvable DOI. The most common OA publishing model used is ‘gold’.

We also found that 30% of taxa are represented by a digitised type specimen mobilised from within the continent of their natural range and only 12% from the (more precise) country.

We recommend clear article processing charge (APC) waivers for authors from low and middle income countries to better enable ‘gold’ OA and promotion of deposition repositories to better enable ‘green’ OA. Nomenclators should clearly indicate the OA status of literature and mobilise type citation data as material citations to aggregators like GBIF. Names registration systems should promote the capture of code‐recommended elements such as catalogue numbers for type specimens. Digital mobilisation of specimen metadata and images from collections based in low‐ and middle‐income countries must be accelerated to help increase in country taxonomic capacity to document and conserve plant diversity.
Reliability Aspects of 28 nm BEOL‐Integrated Resistive Switching Random Access Memory
Authors: Wiefels Stefan , Kopperberg Nils , Hofmann Karl , Otterstedt Jan , Wouters Dirk , Waser Rainer , Menzel Stephan
Published: September 2023

Approaching the application of redox‐based resistive switching random access memory (ReRAM), the research focus shifts more and more toward different aspects of reliability. Herein, it is vital to account for the statistics in large memory blocks, as certain failure mechanisms are observed to only affect a few bits per million. In a cooperation between RWTH Aachen and Infineon Technologies, the variability, retention, and endurance of filamentary valence change memory, integrated into 28 nm CMOS on Mbit scale are comprehensively studied. This article reviews the main findings of this project. It is found that the programmed states follow characteristic normal or log‐normal statistics based on dynamic equilibrium in the random walk of oxygen vacancies in the switching layer, experimentally observed as read noise. On long timescales, these statistics are remarkably stable, providing high data retention. However, the existing long‐term degradation can be characterized by shifting and broadening of the programmed high resistive state distributions. A high endurance of more than 500 k cycles is demonstrated on the Mbit scale. Only a tail of a few devices appears to fail to reset. Via kinetic Monte Carlo modeling, the voltage divider of ReRAM cell and periphery has been identified as the origin of this failure.
Life‐threatening bronchospasm induced by an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor in a chronically ventilated patient: Diagnostic pitfalls and literature review
Authors: Marcus Esther‐Lee , Hush Amir , Atrash Hisham , Shibli Roaia , Heyman Samuel N.
Published: September 2023

Cough‐ and asthma‐like symptoms are common adverse reactions to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi). However, attributing these symptoms to the use of ACEi might be masked by clinical confounders. We report a 68‐year‐old female residing in a long‐term acute‐care facility for patients requiring prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation treated for years with ACEi. Daily reversible bouts of life‐threatening severe bronchospasm gradually developed over 6 weeks and abruptly resolved following the cessation of ACEi treatment. The late appearance of bronchospasm and the unique clinical setup of chronic invasive ventilation in a patient with smoking‐related chronic obstructive lung disease are among the principal confounders that delay the identification of the causative association between ACEi and respiratory compromise. Chronic positive pressure ventilation may also conceal small airway reactivity and obstruction, similar to auto‐positive end‐expiratory pressure (auto‐PEEP). Conceivably, angiotensin receptor blockers should be preferred over ACEi in such patients.
Promote a healthier work culture to boost morale among staff members
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2023

BOSTON — In the aftermath of the great resignation and the COVID‐19 pandemic, those staff members who stayed on in your student affairs department could most certainly use a morale boost.
Find ways to take chances that can change perceptions
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: September 2023

Beth Paretta has a challenge for higher education administrators: What can you change in six seconds? If you think six seconds isn’t enough time to do much of anything, Paretta has proven that's just not true, and so she wants to see others follow suit and make a difference.
Inference on tree‐structured subgroups with subgroup size and subgroup effect relationship in clinical trials
Authors: Luo Yuanhui , Guo Xinzhou
Published: September 2023

When multiple candidate subgroups are considered in clinical trials, we often need to make statistical inference on the subgroups simultaneously. Classical multiple testing procedures might not lead to an interpretable and efficient inference on the subgroups as they often fail to take subgroup size and subgroup effect relationship into account. In this paper, built on the selective traversed accumulation rules (STAR), we propose a data‐adaptive and interactive multiple testing procedure for subgroups which can take subgroup size and subgroup effect relationship into account under prespecified tree structure. The proposed method is easy‐to‐implement and can lead to a more interpretable and efficient inference on prespecified tree‐structured subgroups. Possible accommodations to post hoc identified tree‐structure subgroups are also discussed in the paper. We demonstrate the merit of our proposed method by re‐analyzing the panitumumab trial with the proposed method.
Magnetic Nanoparticles: A Review on Synthesis, Characterization, Functionalization, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Rezaei Bahareh , Yari Parsa , Sanders Sean M. , Wang Haotong , Chugh Vinit Kumar , Liang Shuang , Mostufa Shahriar , Xu Kanglin , Wang Jian‐Ping , Gómez‐Pastora Jenifer , Wu Kai
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are applied in numerous fields, especially in biomedical applications. Since biofluidic samples and biological tissues are nonmagnetic, negligible background signals can interfere with the magnetic signals from MNPs in magnetic biosensing and imaging applications. In addition, the MNPs can be remotely controlled by magnetic fields, which make it possible for magnetic separation and targeted drug delivery. Furthermore, due to the unique dynamic magnetizations of MNPs when subjected to alternating magnetic fields, MNPs are also proposed as a key tool in cancer treatment, an example is magnetic hyperthermia therapy. Due to their distinct surface chemistry, good biocompatibility, and inducible magnetic moments, the material and morphological structure design of MNPs has attracted enormous interest from a variety of scientific domains. Herein, a thorough review of the chemical synthesis strategies of MNPs, the methodologies to modify the MNPs surface for better biocompatibility, the physicochemical characterization techniques for MNPs, as well as some representative applications of MNPs in disease diagnosis and treatment are provided. Further portions of the review go into the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of composite MNPs with core/shell structures as well as a deeper analysis of MNP properties to learn about potential biomedical applications.
Superhydrophobic Nanoparticles: An Efficiently Selective Adsorbent for Surfactant‐Like Contaminants from Complex Wastewater Matrices
Authors: Zhang Lingyue , Tang Chuyang Y. , Tang Chu , Wang Huijing , Wang Jianchao , Li Ruiying , Feng Haopeng , Yue Dongbei
Published: September 2023

Surfactant‐like contaminants (SLCs) with distinctive amphiphilic structures have become a global concern in wastewater due to their toxicity and persistency. Despite extensive efforts, achieving efficient and selective SLCs removal remains challenging because of their wide range of molecular weights and complex functional group compositions. Superhydrophobic nanoparticles can potentially tackle this challenge by targeting the long oleophilic chains of SLCs. However, conventional contact angle measurements hinder hydrophobicity characterization and corresponding selectivity research because of the powder morphology of nanoparticles. Herein, the authors offered information regarding the distribution of water molecular probes in surfaces and proposed a quantitative characterization approach based on low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance. Through synthesizing superhydrophobic and hydrophilic polydopamine nanospheres with similar morphologies, the selective adsorption potential of superhydrophobic nanoparticles for SLCs is systematically demonstrated. As revealed by the interaction mechanisms, the superhydrophobic surface of nanospheres increased its affinity and selectivity for SLCs adsorption by enhancing hydrophobic interactions. Superhydrophobic modification achieved ten times the adsorption capacity of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, an exemplified surfactant, compared with pristine nanoparticles. By regulated self‐polymerization, the superhydrophobic nanospheres are coated onto the surface of a 3D sponge and enable efficient selective SLCs adsorption from highly polluted leachate matrices with long‐term stability and reusability.
Effect of Wettability, Number of Liquid Phases, and Agitation Procedure on Agglomeration/Breakup/Transfer of Fine Particles in Liquid
Authors: Nishibata Haruka , Miyatake Takuto , Matsuda Yamato , Uddin Md. Azhar , Kato Yoshiei , Harada Akifumi
Published: September 2023

To discuss nonmetallic inclusion behaviors in a secondary refining process, cold model experiments on agglomeration, breakup, and transfer of fine particles are performed varying the operating factors such as an energy input rate, wettability, agitation practice, and the number of liquid phases. When the other operating conditions are the same, the agglomeration rate of the 1‐particle (isolated particle) with a hydrophobic property is larger than that with a hydrophilic one, and the transfer rate of the 2‐particle (cluster of 2 isolated particles) has the same tendency. The number of the 1‐particle with the hydrophobicity is estimated to increase at the transfer site of the particles from an open eye to a heavy liquid due to a bubble breakup, whereas the 1‐particle with the hydrophilicity shows an opposite trend because of less adhesion on the bubbles. The 1‐particle in the dual phase transfers from the open‐eye spot to a light liquid, although the value is not so much as that of the decrease in the agglomeration. A transfer condition of the inclusion composed of Al2O3 or CaO⋅Al2O3 is calculated when a particle contacts with a solid/liquid interface, and the CaO⋅Al2O3 inclusion is estimated to be engulfed above 3.34 μm in diameter.
Garment production line optimization using production information based on real‐time power monitoring data
Authors: Jung Woo‐Kyun , Song Younguk , Suh Eun Suk
Published: September 2023

The implementation of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies at a manufacturing site requires analysis of the site status based on real‐time information, optimization of the processes, and onsite execution. However, in labor‐intensive industries, such as the garment‐manufacturing industry, it is extremely difficult to develop smart factories based on real‐time onsite information because such industries are accustomed to managing labor using empirical expert judgment; moreover, they require rapid production circulation and are dependent on human‐related factors. In this study, we developed an optimization simulator using onsite real‐time production information that provides decision‐making support to maximize the productivity of a garment production plant. As an optimization method, a genetic algorithm was used to incorporate operator relocation into various garment production line variables. Through the developed simulator, field managers can predict and optimize productivity with simple operation in connection with production information. The application of the simulation optimization process to an actual production line in an Indonesian garment factory indicated that the simulator can improve productivity by 34.8%. The results of this study will provide guidance regarding the application of industrial information integration in labor‐intensive industries using methods that can systematically support decision‐making to achieve optimal productivity.
Consistent truncations in higher derivative supergravity
Authors: Liu James T. , Saskowski Robert J.
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We consider the torus reduction of heterotic supergravity in the presence of four-derivative corrections. In particular, the reduction on Tn generically leads to a half-maximal supergravity coupled to n vector multiplets, and we show that it is consistent to truncate out said vector multiplets. This is done by the analysis of both the bosonic equations of motion and the Killing spinor equations. As an application of the consistent truncation, we examine the four-derivative corrected BPS black string that reduces to a black hole in minimal nine-dimensional supergravity.
Force-free higher derivative Einstein-Maxwell theory and multi-centered black holes
Authors: Hu Peng-Ju , Pang Yi
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We investigate which 4-derivative extensions of Einstein-Maxwell theory admit multi-extremal black hole solutions with gravitational force balanced by Coulomb force. We obtain a set of constraints on the 4-derivative couplings by exploring various probe limits in multi-black hole systems. It turns out that these constraints are tighter than those needed to protect the mass-charge ratio of extremal black holes from higher derivative corrections. In fact, they are so strong that the Majumdar-Papapetrou multi-black solutions are unmodified by the force-free combinations of the 4-derivative couplings. Explicit examples of such 4-derivative couplings are given in 4-and 5-spacetime dimensions. Interestingly these include curvature-squared supergravity actions and the quasi-topological F4 term.
Drinfel’d double symmetry of the 4d Kitaev model
Authors: Chen Hank
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Following the general theory of categorified quantum groups developed by the author previously, we construct the Drinfel’d double 2-bialgebra associated to a finite group N = G0. For N = ℤ2, we explicitly compute the braided 2-categories of 2-representations of certain version of this Drinfel’d double 2-bialgebra, and prove that they characterize precisely the 4d toric code and its spin-ℤ2 variant. This result relates the two descriptions (categorical vs. field theoretical) of 4d gapped topological phases in existing literature and displays an instance of higher Tannakian duality for braided 2-categories. In particular, we show that particular twists of the underlying Drinfel’d double 2-bialgebra is responsible for much of the higher-structural properties that arise in 4d topological orders.
Patients with bilateral patellar instability have multiple and symmetric risk factors in each knee
Authors: Parikh Shital N. , Rajdev Neil
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Bilateral involvement is common in patients with patellar instability. The management of bilateral patellar instability is associated with increased complication rate. The higher complication rate in this cohort may be related to the presence of underlying anatomic risk factors. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the presence and side‐to‐side differences in risk factors between knees in bilateral patellar instability.

Methods

In a retrospective study (2008–2017), demographic information, characteristics of patellar dislocation and anatomic risk factors on MRI (trochlear dysplasia, patellar height, tibial tubercle lateralization, patellar tilt, sulcus angle, bump height) were evaluated in both knees of all patients (n = 32, 15 males and 17 females) with bilateral patellar instability. The risk factors were analyzed based on established cut off values and were compared between gender, laterality and more symptomatic (index) knee. Knee symmetry and absolute differences between risk factors for both knees were analyzed.

Results

The mean age of 32 patients was 14.6 ± 2.3 years. Of the 4 major anatomic risk factors, the most common were trochlear dysplasia in 59/64 (92.1%) knees and patella alta in 51/64 (79.7%) knees. Tibial tubercle lateralization was the least common risk factor being present in 8/64 (12.5%) knees. Of 64 knees, 55 (85.9%) had 2 or more risk factors and 30 (46.8%) had 3 or all 4 risk factors present. There were no significant differences in risk factors based on gender, laterality or index knee. There was symmetry between paired knees for 31/32 (96.8%) patients for trochlear depth, 29/32 (90.6%) for patellar tilt, 27/32 (84.3%) for TT–TG distance and 25/32 (78.1%) for patellar height. There were no significant differences in absolute measurements between knees for any of the risk factors.

Conclusion

Patients with bilateral instability had multiple risk factors, with trochlear dysplasia being the most common and increased TT–TG distance being the least common. Majority of patients had 2 or more risk factors and about half had 3 or 4 risk factors in each knee. There was symmetry between paired knees for each risk factor without any significant differences between the index knee compared to the contralateral knee.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Schnittstellenmanagement in der manuellen Medizin
Authors: Winkelmann Claudia , Rogalski Christina
Published: September 2023

Im Rahmen der manuellen Medizin bestehen sowohl innerhalb einer Einrichtung wie Arztpraxis als auch nach außen wie Klinik oder Praxis für Physiotherapie Schnittstellen. Die Patientenversorgung erfolgt häufig als Zusammenarbeit von Facharzt und Physiotherapeut. Dabei kann die Arbeitsteilung in der manuellen Diagnostik und Verordnung durch den Facharzt sowie in der manuellen Therapie durch den Physiotherapeuten bestehen. Immer dann, wenn unterschiedliche Einrichtungen und/oder Sektoren und/oder Personen im Versorgungsprozess beteiligt sind, kommt es an den Grenzen zu Brüchen. Diese Grenzen respektive Schnittstellen gilt es mit Blick auf die optimale, qualitätsgesicherte Patientenversorgung so zu gestalten, dass die Prozesse der Übergänge möglichst reibungslos verlaufen. Aus betriebswirtschaftlicher Perspektive bezieht sich dies auf die drei Faktoren Qualität, Zeit und Kosten. Schnittstellenmanagement zählt zum Qualitätsmanagement. Ziel des Beitrags ist es, praxisrelevante Punkte zum Management vorhandener Schnittstellen zur optimalen Versorgung von Patienten im Rahmen der manuellen Medizin und Therapie herauszuarbeiten. Dabei werden die Fragen, weshalb ein Schnittstellenmanagement erforderlich ist und welche Aspekte für die Praxis relevant sind, sekundärdatenanalytisch untersucht. Wesentliches Ergebnis ist, dass es Best Practice, insbesondere im Kontext des Projektmanagements, gibt. Allerdings sind für jede Einrichtung im Rahmen der Qualitätssicherung die Schnittstellen und deren optimales Management festzulegen. Voraussetzungen sind das Organigramm mit der Definition von Verantwortungsbereichen sowie nachfolgend die Prozessbeschreibungen inklusive Erstellen von Dokumenten. Das Vorgehen nach dem Prinzip „Das haben wir schon immer so gemacht“ weicht vom vorstehenden Vorgehen insofern ab, als dass hier die Struktur den bestehenden Abläufen angepasst wird. Im Rahmen des Qualitätsmanagements, insbesondere im Zuge von Zertifizierungen, kann sich das Hinterfragen und Neuausrichten von Strukturen und Prozessen anbieten.
Flickering stimuli presentation in imprinting
Authors: Lemaire Bastien S. , Zanon Mirko , Placì Sarah , Werk Benjamin , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: September 2023

Imprinting, the process of forming lasting social bonds with early encountered stimuli, has been the subject of extensive research. However, there is still a need to systematically study the optimal methods for displaying imprinting stimuli in laboratory settings. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of different virtual presentation methods for imprinting stimuli and their impact on the memory of chicks. In the first experiment, we examined the attractiveness of various flickering frequencies, comparing them to static and translatory motion stimuli. The results revealed that flickering frequencies between 0.5 and 5 Hz were particularly appealing to newly hatched chicks, while higher frequencies (10–40 Hz) were less effective. We observed no significant differences in attractiveness between low flickering frequencies, moving stimuli, and static stimuli. In the second experiment, the focus shifted to the development of imprinting preference and memory. We found no significant difference in terms of preference for the imprinting stimulus between chicks imprinted with translatory motion or static stimuli. However, imprinting with flickering stimuli produced varied preferences. Chicks imprinted with a 2 Hz flickering stimulus exhibited a preference for the imprinting stimulus, albeit weaker than those imprinted with moving stimuli, while chicks imprinted with a 1 Hz flickering stimulus did not show a preference. These findings suggest that imprinting with flickering frequencies is not as effective as imprinting with moving stimuli and, to a lesser extent, static stimuli. Future studies should aim to determine the most optimal low frequencies within the 0.5–5 Hz range and explore different motion types. Overall, this research enhances our understanding of imprinting and provides valuable insights into virtual stimulation methods, thus informing the design of experiments in virtual environments.
Baseline interleukin-6 is a prognostic factor for patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with eribulin
Authors: Bun Ayako , Nagahashi Masayuki , Kuroiwa Mamiko , Komatsu Miki , Miyoshi Yasuo
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Eribulin is a unique anti-cancer drug which can improve overall survival (OS) of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), probably by modulating the tumor immune microenvironment. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of serum levels of immune-related and inflammatory cytokines in patients treated with eribulin. Furthermore, we investigated the association between cytokines and immune cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and cytotoxic and regulatory T cells, to explore how these cytokines might affect the immune microenvironment.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients with MBC treated with eribulin were recruited for this retrospective study. The relationship of cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, to progression-free survival and OS was examined. CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocyte, MDSCs and regulatory T cell levels were determined in the blood by flow cytometry analysis.

Results

In our cohort, patients with high IL-6 at baseline had shorter progression-free survival and OS compared with those with low IL-6 (p = 0.0017 and p = 0.0012, respectively). Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that baseline IL-6 was an independent prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.0058). Importantly, CD8+ lymphocytes were significantly lower and MDSCs were significantly higher in patients with high IL-6, compared to those with low IL-6.

Conclusion

Baseline IL-6 is an important prognostic factor in patients with MBC treated with eribulin. Our results show that high IL-6 is associated with higher levels of MDSCs which suppress anti-tumor immunity, such as CD8+ cells. It appears that eribulin is not particularly effective in patients with high IL-6 due to a poor tumor immune microenvironment.
Improving performance of natural rubber composites by the application of functional biofiller: horsetail modified with silane coupling agents
Authors: Miedzianowska Justyna , Masłowski Marcin , Strzelec Krzysztof
Published: September 2023

The growing ecological awareness of society and increasingly stringent legal requirements regarding environmental protection and the strategy of implementing the principles of sustainable development force the search for and continuous development of environmentally friendly solutions in the field of polymer materials technology. One of the directions is the use of raw materials from renewable sources. For this reason, the research object of the presented work was natural rubber composites containing a filler of plant origin in the form of ground horsetail (HT) biomass. Despite its health-promoting properties, it is commonly considered a weed. What’s more, the ubiquitous occurrence and surplus make it a valuable source of waste biomass for management. Taking into account the limitations resulting from the hydrophilic nature of the lignocellulosic filler, and the related poor adhesion to the non-polar elastomer matrix, the horsetail filler was modified with organoalkoxysilanes. The study used silane compounds containing groups that can affect the properties of vulcanizates in various ways, such as vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), 3,3′-Tetrathiobis(propyl-triethoxysilane) (TESPTS), 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), 3-(chloropropyl)triethoxysilane (CPTES) and octyltriethoxysilane (OTES). The biomass in the form of field horsetail was previously modified with selected silanes. Then, the bioadditive prepared in this way was applied to rubber mixtures. The process of modifying the natural filler contributed to structural changes in the lignocellulosic material, which may indicate the effective attachment of silane compounds to the horsetail surface. The results of the contact angle analysis show that the treatment strongly influenced the surface characteristics of the fillers, making them more hydrophobic. The results show that the type of silane coupling agent affects not only the processing associated with the vulcanization process but also the mechanical properties of the NR vulcanizates. This phenomenon is probably the result of increased rubber-bioadditive interaction and improved filler dispersion. Moreover, all composites with modified HT, show a greater flame permanence time than the one using unmodified filler.

Graphical abstract
Evaluation of Pile Driving Effects on Slope Stability in Clay
Authors: Attari Yeganeh , Jostad Hans Petter , Grimstad Gustav , Eiksund Gudmund Reidar
Published: September 2023

Pile driving can trigger slope failure, specifically in sensitive soil deposits or marginally stable slopes. Cases of slope failure during pile installation have been reported in countries such as Norway, Sweden and Canada where soft sensitive clay deposits are prevalent. Although a few approaches have been suggested to assess the factor of safety of a slope during pile driving, there is currently no standard method recognized by the geotechnical society to account for the reduction of safety factor of a slope as an effect of pile installation. Some approaches suggest using the excess pore pressure generated during pile driving to account for the reduction in soil strength (by reducing effective stresses), neglecting the change in total stresses. This paper discusses the accuracy of stability analysis methods currently in use for this problem by looking at stress changes in the soil during pile driving as well as using numerical analysis results. Importantly, the paper identifies the shortcomings regarding these approaches, thus allowing geo-engineers to understand the limitations of their analysis and the uncertainties in the models.
Nature reserves (zapovedniks) in the Volga catchment: protection, research and management
Authors: Schletterer M. , Kuzovlev V. V. , Zheltukhin A. S. , Litvinov K. V. , Osipov V. V. , Ruchin A. B.
Published: September 2023

In the Russian Federation, the protection category “Zapovednik” represents a strictly protected area, where the access is restricted and the aim is to keep the area “forever wild”. We provide an overview about the organization of these nature reserves and highlight their contribution to fundamental research. Aquatic ecosystems in zapovedniks provide pristine sites of great importance for long-term monitoring and research, which fosters process understanding regarding interannual variability and development of aquatic coenosis. We present a long term monitoring and research project about abiotic and biotic parameters in the Central Forest State Nature Biosphere Reserve. Examples from the Privolzhskaya Lesostep Nature Reserve include monitoring of invasive fish as well as analyses about the influence of beavers on fish. The Astrakhan Biosphere Nature Reserve in the Volga delta is a hotspot for fish biodiversity; thus, there the state nature reserve security service plays an important role to avoid poaching. Our case studies from the Volga Basin exemplify the structure and function of nature reserves and highlight their contribution to research, protection and management of aquatic ecosystems. Long-term datasets from the zapovedniks can (i) improve process understanding, (ii) ensure protection of aquatic systems and sustainable water management and (iii) support knowledge-based decisions.
Annotation Protocol for Textbook Enrichment with Prerequisite Knowledge Graph
Authors: Alzetta Chiara , Torre Ilaria , Koceva Frosina
Published: September 2023

Extracting and formally representing the knowledge embedded in textbooks, such as the concepts explained and the relations between them, can support the provision of advanced knowledge-based services for learning environments and digital libraries. In this paper, we consider a specific type of relation in textbooks referred to as prerequisite relations (PR). PRs represent precedence relations between concepts aimed to provide the reader with the knowledge needed to understand a further concept(s). Their annotation in educational texts produces datasets that can be represented as a graph of concepts connected by PRs. However, building good-quality and reliable datasets of PRs from a textbook is still an open issue, not just for automated annotation methods but even for manual annotation. In turn, the lack of good-quality datasets and well-defined criteria to identify PRs affect the development and validation of automated methods for prerequisite identification. As a contribution to this issue, in this paper, we propose PREAP, a protocol for the annotation of prerequisite relations in textbooks aimed at obtaining reliable annotated data that can be shared, compared, and reused in the research community. PREAP defines a novel textbook-driven annotation method aimed to capture the structure of prerequisites underlying the text. The protocol has been evaluated against baseline methods for manual and automatic annotation. The findings show that PREAP enables the creation of prerequisite knowledge graphs that have higher inter-annotator agreement, accuracy, and alignment with text than the baseline methods. This suggests that the protocol is able to accurately capture the PRs expressed in the text. Furthermore, the findings show that the time required to complete the annotation using PREAP are significantly shorter than with the other manual baseline methods. The paper includes also guidelines for using PREAP in three annotation scenarios, experimentally tested. We also provide example datasets and a user interface that we developed to support prerequisite annotation.
Parental Support and Adolescents’ Coping with Academic Stressors: A Longitudinal Study of Parents’ Influence Beyond Academic Pressure and Achievement
Authors: Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J. , Skinner Ellen A. , Scott Riley A. , Ryan Katherine M. , Hawes Tanya , Gardner Alex A. , Duffy Amanda L.
Published: September 2023

Adolescents face many academic pressures that require good coping skills, but coping skills can also depend on social resources, such as parental support and fewer negative interactions. The aim of this study was to determine if parental support and parental negative interactions concurrently and longitudinally relate to adolescents’ ways of academic coping, above and beyond the impact of three types of academic stress, students’ achievement at school (i.e., grades in school), and age. Survey data were collected from 839 Australian students in grades 5 to 10 (Mage = 12.2, SD = 1.72; 50% girls). Students completed measures of support and negative interactions with parents; academic stress from workload, external pressure (teachers/parents) to achieve, and intrapsychic pressure for high achievement; and ways of academic coping that were grouped into two positive and two negative types. Hypothesized associations were tested concurrently and from one year to the next using path modeling. Beyond the numerous significant influences of academic stress and achievement on coping, and control for age and COVID-19 timing, adolescents with more parental support reported more use of engagement coping (e.g., strategizing) and comfort-seeking, whereas those who reported more negative interactions with parents reported more use of disengagement coping (e.g., concealment) and escape. In the longitudinal model, parental support predicted an increase in engagement and comfort-seeking and a decrease in disengagement coping, whereas negative interaction with parents predicted an increase in disengagement coping. Overall, the findings support the view that coping with academic stressors will continue to depend on parent-adolescent relationships even into the teen years.
In vivo CRISPR/LbCas12a-mediated knock-in and knock-out in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: Raudstein Mari , Kjærner-Semb Erik , Barvik Morten , Broll Silje , Straume Anne Hege , Edvardsen Rolf Brudvik
Published: September 2023

Genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas system offers the potential to enhance current breeding programs and introduce desirable genetic traits, including disease resistance, in salmon aquaculture. Several nucleases are available using this system, displaying differences regarding structure, cleavage, and PAM requirement. Cas9 is well established in Atlantic salmon, but Cas12a has yet to be tested in vivo in this species. In the present work, we microinjected salmon embryos with LbCas12a ribonucleoprotein complexes targeting the pigmentation gene solute carrier family 45 member 2 (slc45a2). Using CRISPR/LbCas12a, we were able to knock-out slc45a2 and knock-in a FLAG sequence element by providing single-stranded DNA templates. High-throughput sequencing revealed perfect HDR rates up to 34.3% and 54.9% in individual larvae using either target or non-target strand template design, respectively. In this work, we demonstrate the in vivo application of CRISPR/LbCas12a in Atlantic salmon, expanding the toolbox for editing the genome of this important aquaculture species.
Growth patterns of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in milk fortified with chitosan and selenium nanoparticles during refrigerated storage
Authors: Atia Rehab M. , Mohamed Hamdi A. , AboELRoos Nahla A. , Awad Dina A. B.
Published: September 2023

Pseudomonas spp are considered a common milk-associated psychotropic bacteria, leading to milk deterioration during storage; therefore, our study aimed to study the distribution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in raw milk and its associated products then studying the growth behavior of P. aeruginosa in milk after employing chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs 50, 25, and 15 mg/100ml) and selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs 0.5, 0.3 and 0.1 mg/100ml) as a trial to control the bacterial growth in milk during five days of cooling storage. Our study relies on the ion gelation method and green synthesis for the conversion of chitosan and selenium to nanosized particles respectively, we subsequently confirmed their shape using SEM and TEM. We employing Pseudomonas selective agar medium for monitoring the bacterial growth along the cooling storage. Our findings reported that high prevalence of Pseudomonas spp count in raw milk and kareish cheese and high incidence percent of P. aeruginosa in ice cream and yogurt respectively. Both synthesized nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial activity in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, CsNPs50 could inhibit the P. aeruginosa survival growth to a mean average of 2.62 ± 1.18 log10cfu/ml in the fifth day of milk cooling storage; also, it was noted that the hexagonal particles SeNPs0.5 could inhibit 2.49 ± 11 log10cfu/ml in comparison to the control P. aeruginosa milk group exhibited growth survival rate 7.24 ± 2.57 log10cfu/ml under the same conditions. In conclusion, we suggest employing chitosan and selenium nanoparticles to improve milk safety and recommend future studies for the fate of nanoparticles in milk.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Equine Hair Follicles Using a Method of Air-Liquid Interface
Authors: Li Hanluo , Xiong Shiwen , Masieri Federica Francesca , Monika Seltenhammer , Lethaus Bernd , Savkovic Vuk
Published: September 2023

Equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) of various origins have been identified in horses, including MSCs from the bone marrow and adipose tissue. However, these stem cell sources are highly invasive in sampling, which thereby limits their clinical application in equine veterinary medicine. This study presents a novel method using an air-liquid interface to isolate stem cells from the hair follicle outer root sheath of the equine forehead skin. These stem cells cultured herewith showed high proliferation and asumed MSC phenotype by expressing MSC positive biomarkers (CD29, CD44 CD90) while not expressing negative markers (CD14, CD34 and CD45). They were capable of differentiating towards chondrogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic lineages, which was comparable with MSCs from adipose tissue. Due to their proliferative phenotype in vitro, MSC-like profile and differentiation capacities, we named them equine mesenchymal stem cells from the hair follicle outer root sheath (eMSCORS). eMSCORS present a promising alternative stem cell source for the equine veterinary medicine.

Graphical abstract
Trans-Global Biogeochemistry of Soil to Grain Transport of Arsenic and Cadmium
Authors: Perera A. J. D. , Li Litian , Carey Manus , Moreno-Jiménez Eduardo , Flagmeier Maren , Marwa Ernest , De Silva P. Mangala C. S. , Nguyen Minh N. , Meharg Andrew A. , Meharg Caroline
Published: September 2023

Previous studies have shown that arsenic and cadmium can accumulate in rice grain to levels that cause health concerns. Furthermore, geographical survey has shown that there is considerable variation (~ 100-fold) in accumulation of these carcinogens in rice grain. This variance must be due to heterogeneity in soil biogeochemistry and contrasting rice management regimens. Here we present the first systematic global study to investigate the impact of soil biogeochemistry on accumulation of these elements in rice grain. Matched grain, shoot, root and soil samples were collected across a latitudinal gradient from East Africa to Europe and soil, shoot, grain chemistry and soil microbial community (prokaryotes and fungi) assessed within the context of arsenic and cadmium biogeochemistry. European and Vietnamese grain sum of arsenic species (inorganic arsenic plus dimethylarsonic acid) concentration medians, ~ 0.1 mg/kg, were found to be around ten-fold higher compared to those in East Africa and Sri Lanka. Arsenic concentrations were linked to higher levels of soil arsenic, and to higher abundance of soil sulphur-oxidising and sulphate reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea. For cadmium, Sri Lanka showed highest (median 0.0156 mg/kg) and Europe lowest (median of 0.001 mg/kg) levels in grain, with the other regions showing intermediate values. Interestingly, grain cadmium was unrelated to soil cadmium concentrations, with Europe having the highest levels of cadmium in soil. Instead, grain cadmium correlated with higher oxidation/reduction potential, lower -log[hydrogen ion], lower soil calcium, and to a higher abundance of aerobic bacteria and fungi (lowest abundance of these organisms in European soils).
The role of unidentified bright objects in the neurocognitive profile of neurofibromatosis type 1 children: a volumetric MRI analysis
Authors: Di Stasi Martina , Cocozza Sirio , Buccino Sara , Paolella Chiara , Di Napoli Linda , D’Amico Alessandra , Melis Daniela , Ugga Lorenzo , Villano Gianmichele , Ruocco Manuel , Scala Iris , Brunetti Arturo , Elefante Andrea
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Cognitive impairment is described in 80% of Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients. Brain focal areas of T2w increased signal intensity on MRI, the so-called Unidentified Bright Objects (UBOs) have been hypothesized to be related to cognitive dysfunction, although conflicting results are available in literature. Here, we investigated the possible relation between UBOs’ volume, cognitive impairment, and language disability in NF1 patients.

Material and methods

In this retrospective study, clinical and MRI data of 21 NF1 patients (M/F = 12/9; mean age 10.1 ± 4.5) were evaluated. Brain intellectual functioning and language abilities were assessed with specific scales, while the analyzed MRI sequences included axial 2D-T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences. These images were used independently for UBOs segmentation with a semiautomatic approach and obtained volumes were normalized for biparietal diameters to take into account for brain volume. Possible differences in terms of normalized UBOs volumes were probed between cognitively affected and preserved patients, as well as between subjects with or without language impairment.

Results

Patients cognitively affected were not different in terms of UBOs volume compared to those preserved (p = 0.35 and p = 0.30, for T2-weighted and FLAIR images, respectively). Similarly, no differences were found between patients with and without language impairment (p = 0.47 and p = 0.40, for the two sequences).

Conclusions

The relation between UBOs and cognition in children with NF1 has been already investigated in literature, although leading to conflicting results. Our study expands the current knowledge, showing a lack of correlation between UBOs volume and both cognitive impairment and language disability in NF1 patients.
Force and position coordination for delayed bilateral teleoperation of a manipulator robot
Authors: Santiago Diego D. , Slawiñski Emanuel , Salinas Lucio R. , Mut Vicente A.
Published: September 2023

This paper focuses on the design and analysis of a P+d+f (Proportional, Derivative, and Force) variable control strategy aimed at delayed bilateral teleoperation of a manipulator robot, the ultimate goal of which is to obtain simultaneous coordination of force and position between the haptic device and the robot. The proposed controller changes the damping based on both the time delay and feedback power signal measured online. Unlike other P+d+f strategies, this proposal avoids terms with discontinuities in the controller, cancellation of human and environment forces and also prevents the explicit use of environment parameters. The proposal uses variable damping dependent on a feedback power signal, which reduces kinetic energy to ensure bounded control errors. Simulations are performed to verify that dual coordination is achieved without using explicit nonlinear damping in the controller or needing the parametric knowledge of the environment model, which is useful to apply the controller to most commercial manipulator robots.
Diagnostic Performances of ADC Value in Diffusion-Weighted MR Imaging for Differential Diagnosis of Breast Lesions in 1.5 T: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Dkhar Winniecia , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Sukumar Suresh , Pradhan Abhimanyu , Sharath S
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Medical technology has gone a long way in diagnosis and characterization of breast tumors. Diffusion-weighted MR imaging is the state of the art for breast screening and diagnosing. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the diagnostic performances of diffusion-weighted MR imaging in characterization of breast lesions with different b value in 1.5 T MRI.

Method

An extensive search on Scopus, Embase, and PubMed databases were performed on studies published between January 2000 and 2020. The systematic seek initially yielded 2467 studies, out of which 27 research were covered on this meta-evaluation. The included studies for meta-analysis utilized different b value and noted that the ADC value was highly influenced by the b value, for differential diagnosis of breast tumors.

Results

The current meta-analysis has shown the ADC values was lower for malignant breast lesions as compared with benign lesions. The recommended mean threshold ADC was 1.25 ± 0.17 × 10–3 mm2/s range from 0.93 to 1.60 × 10–3 mm2/s for differential diagnosis of breast tumors. Sub-group analysis on the bases of b value showed statistically significant differences in the ADC value of benign and malignant breast tumors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we noted that b value has a significant effect in calculating the ADC value of the breast lesions as well as ADC threshold value but lacks standardization. The ADC value measurement has a potential for differentiation between benign and malignant breast lesions.
Industrial-scale composting process as a successful method for inactivation of potato cyst nematodes (Globodera spp. Skarbilovich) and sugar beet cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii Schmidt)
Authors: Schumann Lisa , Berger Beatrice , Daub Matthias , Böhlke Tanja , König Stephan
Published: September 2023

Cyst producing nematodes are persistent soil-borne organisms causing severe damage to cultivated plants. Persistence of the economically relevant cyst nematode species Globodera pallida, G. rostochiensis and Heterodera schachtii was investigated at different stages during a large-scale industrial composting process to evaluate its efficiency to prevent spread of these nematodes into natural and agricultural habitats. Using reference cyst nematodes incorporated into organic waste from households and the processing industry, the effect of anaerobic fermentation and aerobic composting processes were investigated. Treated cysts were analysed for viability and reproductive potential by performing hatching tests and bioassays on susceptible host plants. The investigated composting plant showed temperatures between 40 and 72 °C at aerobic composting conditions depending on the sample position (bottom, middle, top) within the pile. We found no viable juveniles or reproductive potential of Globodera spp. (Loof and Bakker 1992) and less than 5 per cent reproduction of H. schachtii. Additionally to temperature conditions, we presume that competition of the microbial community and their released biodigestants like fatty acids also play a major role in successful treatment of these severe pest organisms.