bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Gianotti‐Crosti Syndrome Associated with Human Herpesvirus‐6 Infection
Authors: Yasumoto Shinichiro , Tsujita Jun , Imayama Shuhei , Hori Yoshiaki
Published: October 2023

We report a case of Gianotti‐Crosti syndrome associated with human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) infection. An eight‐month‐old girl developed monomorphous papules on her cheeks, buttocks, and extremities after the subsidence of exanthema subitum. Viral antibody analysis confirmed primary HHV‐6 infection. HHV‐6 may be added to the list of causative agents of Gianotti‐Crosti syndrome.
Purification and characterization of a novel esterase induced by growth of Aspergillus niger on sugar‐beet pulp
Authors: PA Kroon , CB Faulds , Williamson G.
Published: October 2023

An inducible esterase has been isolated from a liquid culture of Aspergillus niger grown on sugar‐beet pulp. The enzyme was active on methyl esters of cinnamic acids, caffeic > p‐coumaric > ferulic, and is therefore termed a cinnamoyl esterase. The enzyme was not active on methyl sinapinate, a good substrate for ferulic acid esterase III, which was purified previously from A. niger [Faulds and Williamson (1994) Microbiology 140, 779‐787]. With methyl caffeate as substrate the enzyme had temperature and pH optima of 50 degrees C and 6.0 respectively, and a specific activity of 96.9 units per mg of protein. The purified protein (native molecular mass 145 000 Da) gave a single heavily stained band on SDS/PAGE, suggesting the protein was a dimer, and seemed to be heavily glycosylated. Isoelectric focusing gave a single band corresponding to a pl of 4.80. The pure enzyme was free of other carbohydrase activities. The activity of the pure enzyme was inhibited by more than 99% after treatment with the serine‐specific protease inhibitor aminoethylbenzenesulphonylfluoride (1 mM) for 12 h. The enzyme was capable of releasing ferulic acid from sugar beet pulp.
Refolding and purification of Cephalosporium acremonium deacetoxycephalosporin C synthetase/hydroxylase from granules of recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: SK Ghag , DN Brems , TC Hassell , WK Yeh
Published: October 2023

The gene for bifunctional deacetoxycephalosporin C synthetase/hydroxylase of Cephalosporium acremonium was cloned and overexpressed as an insoluble and inactive enzyme in granules of recombinant Escherichia coli. About 40‐60% of expected synthetase activity along with 50‐80% protein purity could be recovered directly from granular extracts with only a single empirically optimized refolding step. Further purification to homogeneity was achieved by a single anion‐exchange‐chromatographic step in the presence of denaturing concentrations of urea. The main obstacle to converting the homogeneous unfolded protein into the active enzyme was a urea‐dependent aggregation during refolding that led to irreversible enzyme inactivation. Information obtained from refolding studies using gel‐filtration HPLC, fluorescence spectroscopy and disulphide analysis led to an optimal enzyme refolding scheme that resulted in a highly active (i.e. 65‐75% of the expected activity) and moderately stable fungal synthetase/hydroxylase.
Effects of derivatives of 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole on polyketide biosynthesis in Penicillium frequentans
Authors: Proksa Bohumil , Turdíková Mária , Ertík Milan , Miroslav Koó , Preizingerová Timea , Fuska Ján
Published: October 2023

Biosynthesis of polivion, the main polyketide metabolite of Penicillium frequentans grown on a maltose medium, was studied in the presence of mercaptobenzimidazole derivatives. All of the studied compounds, except compound L‐8 (2‐acetyl‐3‐methylbenzo[d]imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole), enhanced production of polivion. Compound L‐8 suppressed biosynthesis of polivion without affecting growth of the micro‐organism. This compound also interfered with lipogenesis as evidenced by a decrease in lipid synthesis and the degree of fatty acid unsaturation. The mechanism responsible for this activity is discussed.
Primarystudies on several cellulase components with special characteristics purified fromTrichoderma pseudokoningii S38
Authors: Dong Wang , Yinbo Qu , Peiji Gao
Published: October 2023

Ten cellulase components, consisting of five different endoglucanases (EG1ŐEG5), three cellobiohydrolases (CBH1, CBHX‐1 and CBHX‐2) and two b‐glucosidases (bG1 and bG2) from Trichoderma pseudokoningii S38, were successively purified by Sephadex G‐50, DEAE‐Sephadex A25 and finally by DEAE‐HPLC‐8HR column chromatography. The purified enzyme components were characterized with repect to their molecular mass, pI and, especially, substrate specificities. EG1 and EG2 were the main endoglucanases and were similar to other EGs obtained previously. However, EG5 showed the highest activity for forming short fibres from absorbent cotton, although its ability to hydrolyse carboxymethylcellulose to produce reducing sugars was very poor. Two new CBHs, termed CBHX‐1 and CBHX‐2, had characteristics different from those of CBHI and CBHII. CBHX‐1 showed a lower ability to hydrolyse absorbent cotton to produce cellobiose than other CBHs, but it had strong synergistic action with CBHI for the hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose. Compared with bG1, bG2 had a higher transglycosidase activity and a lower ability to hydrolyse cellobiose to glucose. The specificities of these ten components for a range of substrates were determined.
Application of a statistical technique to the production of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast)
Authors: Alpbaz Mustafa , Bursali Nihal , Ertunç Suna , Akay Bülent
Published: October 2023

The identification of a static model for Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker's yeast) production under aerobic conditions has been realized. Two‐level factorial experimental design was used to identify a statistical model. In order to find the optimal operating conditions by using the statistical model, BoxŐWilson's steepest‐ascent method was used [Box and Wilson (1951) J. R. Stat. Soc. Ser. B 13, 1]. Four independent variables which have an effect on aerobic yeast production were selected. These were temperature, pH, air flow rate and agitation rate. Yeast productivity was selected as the dependent variable. A first‐order statistical model was considered to illustrate the dependence of the yeast productivity on the operating parameters. Optimum pH, temperature, air flow rate and agitation rate were determined as 5, 32 ° C, 1 vol./vol. per min and 600 rev./min respectively.
Patients' Reactions to the Suicide of a Psychotherapist
Authors: Reynolds JoLynne , Jennings Glen , Branson Mary Lou
Published: October 2023

This descriptive exploratory study examines the behavioral and affective reactions of clients to the suicide of their psychotherapist 1 year after the event, including remembered responses upon first hearing of the suicide. Initial grief reactions of participants were found to be similar to other suicide survivors with strong attachments to the deceased, including depression, numbness, anger, hopelessness, and panic. One year after the event, several participants continued to discuss the event with friends, had persistent feelings of depression and abandonment, and continued to deny the death as a suicide. A reluctance to reenter therapy was also reported. Almost all participants stated that suicide was an acceptable solution to some problems. These results suggest the potential existence of pathological grief for many participants in this study. Implications for the mental health community and intervention services for patient survivors are discussed.
13 Perspective: Suicide in Europe
Authors: Schmidtke Armin
Published: October 2023

In many European countries, suicidal behavior constitutes a major public and mental health problem. In most countries, the number of suicides is significantly higher than the number of deaths due to traffic accidents. According to official figures, the suicide rates among European countries differ widely; for example, Hungary has the highest rates. Suicide attempt rates, based on data from the WHO/Euro Multicentre project on Parasuicide, equally show variation; for example, the highest average rate of suicide attempts is for Helsinki, Finland. This paper outlines the epidemiological findings and then presents some hypotheses (e.g., age, ethnic difference) to explain the differences.
Domestication shapes the pig gut microbiome and immune traits from the scale of lineage to population
Authors: Kuthyar Sahana , Diaz Jessica , Avalos-Villatoro Fabiola , Maltecca Christian , Tiezzi Francesco , Dunn Robert R. , Reese Aspen T.
Published: October 2023

Animal ecology and evolution have long been known to shape host physiology, but more recently, the gut microbiome has been identified as a mediator between animal ecology and evolution and health. The gut microbiome has been shown to differ between wild and domestic animals, but the role of these differences for domestic animal evolution remains unknown. Gut microbiome responses to new animal genotypes and local environmental change during domestication may promote specific host phenotypes that are adaptive (or not) to the domestic environment. Because the gut microbiome supports host immune function, understanding the effects of animal ecology and evolution on the gut microbiome and immune phenotypes is critical. We investigated how domestication affects the gut microbiome and host immune state in multiple pig populations across five domestication contexts representing domestication status and current living conditions: free-ranging wild, captive wild, free-ranging domestic, captive domestic in research or industrial settings. We observed that domestication context explained much of the variation in gut microbiome composition, pathogen abundances and immune markers, yet the main differences in the repertoire of metabolic genes found in the gut microbiome were between the wild and domestic genetic lineages. We also documented population-level effects within domestication contexts, demonstrating that fine scale environmental variation also shaped host and microbe features. Our findings highlight that understanding which gut microbiome and immune traits respond to host genetic lineage and/or scales of local ecology could inform targeted interventions that manipulate the gut microbiome to achieve beneficial health outcomes.

Abstract

Ecological and evolutionary facets of domestication shape gut microbiome composition and its functional potential as shown by clustering based on genetic lineage and husbandry practices.
Embryonic thermal manipulation of poultry birds: Lucrative and deleterious effects
Authors: Khalil Karim M. , El‐Shater Saad , Rizk Hamdy , Khalifa Elsayed
Published: October 2023

The major efforts to improve feed conversion, increase the body weight and breast muscle yield of broilers have been focused on feeding and management at the post hatch period. However, incubation temperature is the most significant factor for the egg hatching rate, chick quality, and post hatch performance. Therefore, incubation factors affecting the performance should be taken with necessary precautions. Incubation temperature not only affects the early development of the hatchlings but also has a lasting impact on the characteristics of the chicks, such as final body weight and meat quality traits. This article provides an overview about embryonic thermal manipulation (TM) of domestic fowls and review the lucrative and deleterious effects of embryonic TM on embryo development, muscle growth, thermotolerance acquisition, and immunity.
Total factor productivity and structural reforms: Evidence from advanced economies sector‐level data
Authors: Jalles João Tovar
Published: October 2023

This paper computes a new measure of capacity utilization‐adjusted Total Factor Productivity (TFP) using sector‐level data from a sample of 18 Advanced Economies and 24 industries between 1970 and 2014. We then empirically examine the impact of structural reforms (labor and product market) on TFP by means of the local projection method. Structural reforms follow a narrative‐base construction which have several advantages in our context. Results show that structural reforms positively impact TFP, particularly the liberalization of employment protection legislation for regular workers. The effect of reforms affects both changes in resource misallocation across sectors (the between effect) and within sectors (the within effect). The TFP‐effect of both types of reforms varies depending on the phase of the business cycle prevailing at the time the reform is implemented. Finally, our findings are robust to a wide range sensitivity checks.
At the core of the endomycorrhizal symbioses: intracellular fungal structures in orchid and arbuscular mycorrhiza
Authors: Perotto Silvia , Balestrini Raffaella
Published: October 2023

Arbuscular (AM) and orchid (OrM) mycorrhiza are the most widespread mycorrhizal symbioses among flowering plants, formed by distinct fungal and plant species. They are both endosymbioses because the fungal hyphae can enter inside the plant cell to develop intracellular fungal structures that are surrounded by the plant membrane. The symbiotic plant–fungus interface is considered to be the major site of nutrient transfer to the host plant. We summarize recent data on nutrient transfer in OrM and compare the development and function of the arbuscules formed in AM and the pelotons formed in OrM in order to outline differences and conserved traits. We further describe the unexpected similarities in the form and function of the intracellular mycorrhizal fungal structures observed in orchids and in the roots of mycoheterotrophic plants forming AM. We speculate that these similarities may be the result of convergent evolution of mycorrhizal types in mycoheterotrophic plants and highlight knowledge gaps and new research directions to explore this scenario.
Pre‐ and perinatal exposures associated with molar incisor hypomineralization: Birth cohort, Brazil
Authors: Franco Marcela M. P. , Ribeiro Cecilia C. C. , Ladeira Lorena L. C. , Thomaz Erika Bárbara Abreu Fonseca , Alves Claudia Maria Coelho
Published: October 2023

Objective

To analyze prenatal and perinatal stressors associated with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in adolescents.

Methods

Prospective cohort study collected prenatal (socioeconomic status, maternal age, number of prenatal visits, smoking, obesity during pregnancy, abortion history, gestational hypertension) and perinatal stressors (type of delivery, gestational age, birth weight, intensive care unit‐ICU at birth). The outcome was MIH at 18–19 years follow‐up (n = 590). MIH was defined according to the Ghanim criteria – Model I. We performed a sensitivity analysis, including opacities demarcated in index tooth, incisive or molars, Model II. Through structural equation modeling, we analyzed direct and mediating pathways between multiple stressors with outcomes.

Results

MIH was observed in 15.25% (n = 90), and opacities demarcated in any index tooth were observed in 22.8% of adolescents (n = 135). In Model I, no stressor explained MIH significantly, although we watched high standardized coefficients (SC) for low birth weight (SC = 0.223, p = 0.147), lower gestational age (SC = 0.351; p = 0.254), and ICU admission (SC = 0.447, p = 0.254). In Model II, advanced maternal age (SC = 0.148; p < 0.05) and not undergoing prenatal care (SC = 0.384, p < 0.03) explained opacities demarcated in incisors or molars.

Conclusion

Advanced maternal age and not undergoing prenatal care were associated with MIH lesion‐like in incisors or molars.
Urbanization impacts short‐ but not long‐distance natal dispersal in a common orb web spider
Authors: Bonte Dries , Rose Clémence , Bastiaensen Thomas , Jesper Bechsgaard Jesper , Bilde Trine , Dahirel Maxime , De Wolf Katrien , Thylys Hélène , Uytterschaut Tine , Vanthournout Bram
Published: October 2023

Urban environments represent a theatre for life history evolution. Species able to survive in urban areas can adapt to the local and often divergent environmental conditions compared to rural or (semi‐)natural environments. Dispersal determines establishment, gene flow, and thus the potential for local adaptation. Since habitats in urban environments are highly fragmented, and showing substantial turnover, contrasting adaptive effects on dispersal are expected. Fragmentation selects against dispersal while patch turnover is expected to promote the evolution of dispersal.

We here show both processes to act in concert when different scales are considered. Dispersal behavior of juvenile, lab‐reared garden spiders from three mid‐sized European cities were tested under standardized conditions. While long‐distance dispersal showed to be overall rare, short‐distance dispersal strategies increased with urbanization at small scales but declined when urbanization was quantified at large scales.

We discuss the putative drivers behind these differences in natal dispersal and highlight its importance for urban evolution and ecology.
Zero‐fluoroscopy ablation with multielectrode pulse field ablation system: Case series
Authors: Rauber Martin , Manninger Martin , Eberl Anna‐Sophie , Scherr Daniel
Published: October 2023

Pulse field ablation (PFA) is a novel nonthermal ablation modality for treatment of atrial fibrillation. While mostly lacking 3D electroanatomical mapping integration, reported radiation doses in procedures using multielectrode PFA catheters are relatively high. We report a first case series of three patients where a zero‐fluoroscopy approach by intracardiac echocardiography was utilized and present a possible workflow for zero‐fluoroscopy ablation with the Farapulse PFA system.
Measuring the construct of public sector creativity: Development of a validated scale
Authors: Houtgraaf Glenn , Kruyen Peter , van Thiel Sandra
Published: October 2023

Public sector creativity—public servants coming up with novel and useful ideas—is the origin of solutions and innovations central to public sector organizations' ability to optimally serve society's interests. Despite its relevance and argued limitations, an adequate scale and framework to assess public servants' creativity remained absent. Using three quantitative (n = 2434/n = 1157/n = 621) and two qualitative datasets, this state‐of‐the‐art preregistered study provides a novel, valid, reliable, comprehensive but succinct multidimensional measurement tool allowing detailed assessment of states and changes of public servants' creativity by academics and practitioners. To aid academics and practitioners' understanding of the scale and public sector creativity, it also provides a supplementary theoretical framework in line with the data structure of the scale that compresses and structures extant theory on creativity while emphasizing what is indicated as important in the public sector. The findings shed light on the nature of public sector creativity as an aggregate and multidimensional construct.
Revised nucleic acid test window periods: Applications and limitations in organ donation practice
Authors: Dutch Martin , Cheng Anthea , Kiely Philip , Seed Clive
Published: October 2023

Background

Nucleic acid test window periods for HIV, HCV, and HBV facilitate estimation of the residual risk of unexpected disease transmission and assist clinicians in determining the timeframe in which a recently acquired infection is at risk of nondetection.

Objectives

Firstly, to provide revised estimates of the NAT window periods based on a currently used triplex NAT assay. Secondly, to examine their validity in organ donation and transplantation practice.

Method

Estimates were based on the Procleix Ultrio Elite Assay (Grifols Diagnostic Solutions Inc. California, USA). The manufacturer's X50 and X95 limits of detection (LOD) were utilised. Viral doubling times of 0.85, 0.45, and 2.56 days and conversion factors for IU per ml to copies per mL of 0.6, 3.4, and 5 were assumed for HIV, HCV, and HBV respectively. Window periods were derived from the X50 and X95 LODs, based on a range of potential inoculum volumes.

Results

Calculated X50 window periods were 5.1 (4.5–5.8), 2.7 (2.4–2.9), and 16.6 (14.2–19.1) days for HIV, HCV, and HBV respectively.

Calculated X50 window periods, based on
whole body plasma volume, were 11.8 (10.3–13.3), 6.2
(5.6–6.8) and 36.7 (31.3–42.1) days respectively.

Conclusion

X50 NAT window periods were significantly shorter for HBV and HCV and sit at the lower range of previously published estimates for HIV .  Current modeling assumptions may not account for all unexpected transmission events and may no longer be suitable for application to organ donation and transplantation.

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Assessing the post hoc effectiveness of tixagevimab−cilgavimab for prevention of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Jordan Stanley C. , Joung Sandy Y. , Wang Minhao , Tran Teresa Anh , Bravo Michelle , Masoom Hibah , Chang Christine , Mendez Marilyn , Sun Nancy , Patel Jignesh , Kittleson Michelle , Frias Edwin , Prostko John C. , Ebinger Joseph E. , Cheng Susan , Sobhani Kimia
Published: October 2023

Background

Tixagevimab−cilgavimab (Tix‐Cil) was authorized for prophylaxis against COVID‐19 in immunocompromised patients from December 2021 through January 2023. Real‐world effectiveness for solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has been unclear.

Methods

We enrolled 911 SOT recipients into a longitudinal COVID‐19 serology study, of whom 381 (42%) received ≥1 dose of Tix‐Cil. We collected and analyzed data on incident SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and antibody kinetics for all patients from January 2022 to March 2023, including periods dominated by Omicron BA and BQ subvariants.

Results

Over 253 ± 131 days of follow‐up, there were 324 new‐onset SARS‐CoV‐2 infections: 117 (31%) in Tix‐Cil treated and 207 (39%) in Tix‐Cil untreated patients (p = .012). In analyses adjusting for demographic, clinical, and COVID‐19 exposure factors, any Tix‐Cil treatment was associated with lower infection risk (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.27–0.96, p = .039) throughout the surveillance period including when more resistant BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants had emerged (12/1/2022 onwards). Among treated patients, receiving a Tix‐Cil dose was associated with substantial and sustained increase in anti‐spike IgG antibody and angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 binding inhibition levels (Abbott Architect assay) that together also demonstrated association with lower infection risk (p = .042). During the full surveillance period, the frequency of infections requiring hospitalization was low overall (N = 26, 2.9% of the total cohort) and not significantly different between Tix‐Cil recipients (N = 12, 3.2% of treated patients) and non‐Tix‐Cil recipients (N = 14, 2.6% of untreated patients) with unadjusted p = .31 for between‐group difference.

Conclusion

In a large cohort of SOT recipients, we found that Tix‐Cil reduced infection risk even amidst emergent Omicron subvariants. Additionally, the extent of measurable humoral response to Tix‐Cil may indicate relative effectiveness. Pre‐exposure monoclonal antibody therapy may represent a strategy that will continue to offer clinical benefit for immunocompromised persons who are known to derive limited protection from vaccinations.

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A new Caenorhabditis elegans model to study copper toxicity in Wilson disease
Authors: Catalano Federico , O'Brien Thomas J. , Mekhova Aleksandra A. , Sepe Lucia Vittoria , Elia Mariantonietta , De Cegli Rossella , Gallotta Ivan , Santonicola Pamela , Zampi Giuseppina , Ilyechova Ekaterina Y. , Romanov Aleksei A. , Samuseva Polina D. , Salzano Josephine , Petruzzelli Raffaella , Polishchuk Elena V. , Indrieri Alessia , Kim Byung‐Eun , Brown André E. X. , Puchkova Ludmila V. , Di Schiavi Elia , Polishchuk Roman S.
Published: October 2023

Wilson disease (WD) is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene that encodes a copper (Cu) transporting ATPase whose trafficking from the Golgi to endo‐lysosomal compartments drives sequestration of excess Cu and its further excretion from hepatocytes into the bile. Loss of ATP7B function leads to toxic Cu overload in the liver and subsequently in the brain, causing fatal hepatic and neurological abnormalities. The limitations of existing WD therapies call for the development of new therapeutic approaches, which require an amenable animal model system for screening and validation of drugs and molecular targets. To achieve this objective, we generated a mutant Caenorhabditis elegans strain with a substitution of a conserved histidine (H828Q) in the ATP7B ortholog cua‐1 corresponding to the most common ATP7B variant (H1069Q) that causes WD. cua‐1 mutant animals exhibited very poor resistance to Cu compared to the wild‐type strain. This manifested in a strong delay in larval development, a shorter lifespan, impaired motility, oxidative stress pathway activation, and mitochondrial damage. In addition, morphological analysis revealed several neuronal abnormalities in cua‐1 mutant animals exposed to Cu. Further investigation suggested that mutant CUA‐1 is retained and degraded in the endoplasmic reticulum, similarly to human ATP7B‐H1069Q. As a consequence, the mutant protein does not allow animals to counteract Cu toxicity. Notably, pharmacological correctors of ATP7B‐H1069Q reduced Cu toxicity in cua‐1 mutants indicating that similar pathogenic molecular pathways might be activated by the H/Q substitution and, therefore, targeted for rescue of ATP7B/CUA‐1 function. Taken together, our findings suggest that the newly generated cua‐1 mutant strain represents an excellent model for Cu toxicity studies in WD.
Vibrational and acoustic communication in fishes: The overlooked overlap between the underwater vibroscape and soundscape
Authors: Roberts Louise , Rice Aaron N.
Published: October 2023

Substrate-borne communication via mechanical waves is widespread throughout the animal kingdom but has not been intensively studied in fishes. Families such as the salmonids and sculpins have been documented to produce vibratory signals. However, it is likely that fish taxa on or close to the substrate that produce acoustic signals will also have a vibratory component to their signal due to their proximity to substrates and energy transfer between media. Fishes present an intriguing opportunity to study vibrational communication, particularly in the context of signal production and detection, detection range, and how vibratory signals may complement or replace acoustic signals. It is highly likely that the vibrational landscape, the vibroscape, is an important component of their sensory world, which certainly includes and overlaps with the soundscape. With the wide range of anthropogenic activities modifying underwater substrates, vibrational noise presents similar risks as acoustic noise pollution for fishes that depend on vibrational communication. However, in order to understand vibrational noise, more empirical studies are required to investigate the role of vibrations in the fish environment.
Through the Decades: Critical Race Theory and Pathways Forward in Sport Sociology Research
Authors: Howe Jonathan E. , Keaton Ajhanai C.I. , Foster Sayvon J.L. , Williams A. Lamont
Published: October 2023

Critical race theory (CRT) is a powerful framework and methodological tool for sport scholars and practitioners to incorporate into their work. While CRT tenets vary depending on discipline, individuals utilizing the framework understand the permanence of racism and how it is institutionalized within various social structures. In honor of the 40th year of the Sociology of Sport Journal, we conducted a review of the journal to assess how CRT has been used among sport sociologists. After reflecting on the 40-year history of Sociology of Sport Journal, we argue for the continued use of CRT and CRT extensions to fulfill the maximum potential of this foundational framework to achieve its goals of emancipation, social justice, and racial equity. We conclude by discussing the future of CRT in sport sociology research and practice in a post “racial reckoning” society, specifically within the U.S. context.
Supplemental Material: Timing of India-Asia collision and significant coupling between them around 51 Ma: Insights from the activation history of the Zhongba-Gyangze thrust in southern Tibet
Authors: Zhao Qi , Yan Yi , al. et
Published: October 2023

Analytical methods and supporting data (Tables S1–S4). 
Medical services at the FIFA world cup Qatar 2022
Authors: Schumacher Yorck Olaf , Kings Dan , Whiteley Rod , Dharman Abdulaziz , Taqtaq Gabriel , Mc Court Pierre , Alkhelaifi Khalid , Targett Stephen , Holtzhausen Louis , Pieles Guido E , Dzendrowskyj Peter , Zikria Bashir Ahmed , Bordalo Marcelo , Al Hussein Ibrahim , D'Hooghe Pieter , Al-Kuwari Abdulaziz , Cardinale Marco
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Football World Cup is among the biggest sporting events in the world, but data to inform the requirements of medical care for such tournaments are limited. This study describes the athlete and team medical services at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 .

Methods

Three different medical service entities were identified through a needs analysis based on expert advice, team physician interviews and questionnaires prior to the event: ‘Team Services’ to provide any workforce or equipment needs of the teams, a ‘Polyclinic’ to manage any acute medical demands, and a ‘recovery centre’ to improve game readiness throughout the tournament. All services had been set up prior to the tournament and thoroughly tested.

Results

Of a total of 832 athletes, ~1300 team delegation and ~130 match officials, 167 individuals including 129 (77%) athletes and 38 (23%) non-athletes were assessed in the polyclinic. For the 129 athletes (median 4 players per team), medical imaging was the most requested service, which peaked during the group phase of the tournament. Most requests were received during normal working hours despite many games finishing late at night. 30 of the 32 participating teams solicited medical services for their players at least once. Three teams made use of the recovery facilities, and 17 teams requested additional medical equipment or clinical assistance.

Conclusion

Central imaging services was the most used medical resource at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and over half of teams required additional medical equipment or personnel. These data may inform planning of medical services for similar events in the future.
Locked in from fulminant GBS after lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Hass Reece M , Wijdicks Eelco F M
Published: October 2023

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) describes a neurological syndrome characterised by acute, areflexic paralysis, often preceded by an immune stimulating event such as infection or surgery. Spinal surgery as an inciting event is very uncommon with few reported cases. When paraparesis develops in close proximity of surgery, surgical complications should be considered, but if an asymptomatic clinical interval precedes a progressive ascending weakness this association weakens and may support an immunological mechanism. GBS after lumbar surgery is wholly unexpected and thus there are significant challenges in recognising and making the diagnosis. We report a case of fulminant GBS that progressed to loss of all motor function following elective lumbar spine surgery.
Generalized hydro-mechanically coupled hypoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated collapsible soils
Authors: Tafili Merita , Machaček Jan
Published: October 2023

In this study, a generalized hypoplastic constitutive model for unsaturated soils is presented. The constitutive model is formulated in terms of effective stresses, degree of saturation, and suction. A feature of the model is the introduction of a limiting surface (LS) in hypoplasticity, allowing for the description of the maximum achievable void ratio as a function of mean effective stress and degree of saturation. The LS allows to capture the wetting-induced collapse of initially unsaturated soils. Contrary to other models, a concept of curved normal compression lines without limiting the range of applicable stresses is proposed. The performance of the proposed model is demonstrated by back-calculation of a well-documented experimental study on over 30 samples of compacted Pearl clay under isotropic as well as triaxial loading conditions over a wide range of stresses and void ratios. For this purpose, the proposed model is coupled with a hypoplastic model for the soil–water retention curve, which interrelates the effective degree of saturation with the suction and the void ratio.
Effects of exit obstacles on the evacuation dynamics of blind people
Authors: Li Xingli , Zheng Jie , Tian Jiangtao , Ma Shanshan , Kuang Hua
Published: October 2023

The modeling of blind people’s behavior is an important topic in pedestrian evacuation dynamics. In order to study movement characteristics of blind people in evacuation process and the effect of indoor obstacles on the evacuation efficiency of blind people, an extended cellular automata model is proposed to simulate blind people evacuation by considering the influence of obstacles. The control variable method is adopted to study the effect of indoor obstacles on the blind evacuation efficiency rule. The numerical simulation is applied to analyze the evacuation process of blind people under different setting (e.g. the location, size and other factors) of obstacles and different evacuation scenarios. The shunt effect of obstacles is discussed and the layout strategy of obstacles is optimized. The results show that the longitudinal obstacles in front of the exit can effectively play the diversion role of obstacles when the obstacle is at a certain distance from the exit, which will improve the evacuation efficiency of the blind. Furthermore, a horizontal obstacle of appropriate length can constrain the trajectory of the blind people and improve the efficiency of evacuation, but when the horizontal obstacle is too long, it will induce extra jam on both sides of the obstacle and hinder the evacuation of the blind. The finding can provide the theoretical basis for the blind people’s organization, management and the optimization of evacuation strategies during an emergency.
Energy–momentum localization in rainbow gravity
Authors: Korunur Murat , Korunur Sibel
Published: October 2023

Theoretical physicists generally prefer to modify the general theory of relativity rather than avoiding the successful approaches that have been offered to us. Hence, the rainbow formalism of gravity, which is one of the most studied quantum gravity candidates in literature, has recently gained importance in the field. In this study, the energy–momentum localization problem is discussed for the Taub universe within the framework of rainbow gravity. To achieve this goal, energy and momentum components are calculated by making use of diverse values of rainbow functions in the Einstein, Bergmann–Thomson, Landau–Lifshitz, and the Papapetrou prescriptions for the geometry under consideration. Except for the Landau–Lifshitz prescription, all prescriptions depend on the rainbow functions and the momentum components vanish. Graphical analysis is performed for all the energies obtained. Also, it is shown in limiting condition [Formula: see text] that the results are compatible with the ones obtained in the general relativity.
Three-Party Evolutionary Game Analysis of IoT Platform Knowledge Hiding Under Organization Participation from the Perspective of Stakeholders
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Tan Chunping , Zhang Jiayan
Published: October 2023

The 21st century is an era of rapid development of high-tech industry. Through continuous collection and sharing of data, IoT technology connected by things has penetrated into every aspect of human life. Modern organizations find that they increasingly rely on knowledge and information sharing and interconnection to enhance their innovation and development capabilities. Therefore, this paper studies the strategic decision-making of knowledge sharing among employees on the IoT platform drawing on evolutionary game theory, this paper constructs a three-party game model composed of “organization-knowledge sharers-knowledge seekers” from the perspective of stakeholders, and discusses the strategic choice of organization and employee behavior under the dynamic decision mechanism and when the game reaches equilibrium and stability. Moreover, this paper uses MATLAB 2016a to simulate the model. The results show that under the premise of higher organizational rewards, synergistic benefits, high-shared extra income, knowledge-sharing preferences, incentive preferences of the organization, the system is easier to reach the ideal state. With the smaller cost of sharing and incentive, organization and employees are more willing to be motivators and sharers, while the incentive degree of organization should be controlled within a reasonable range. This paper can provide specific theoretical and practical guidance for the practice of organizational knowledge management.
A Multi-Objective Optimization Approach for Elevator Group Control Systems Based on Particle Swarm Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Cui Wei
Published: October 2023

Currently, elevator group control systems containing multiple elevators are used in high-rise buildings, where elevator groups are centrally dispatched according to a set dispatching plan to provide vertical transportation services for the passengers. However, if these elevators work independently, once passengers send out a call signal, multiple elevators will respond to the same request at the same time, and the elevator group will repeatedly go back and forth, which seriously affects the system operation efficiency and also increases energy consumption, so it is a key issue to solve the dispatching problem in the elevator group control system. Elevator group control scheduling is an NP-hard problem with explosive combination characteristics. In this paper, a multi-objective model is formulated based on the criteria of average passenger travel time, average waiting time and system energy consumption for the scheduling problem. Then the particle swarm optimization algorithm is proposed to solve the scheduling problem. Finally, the performance of the proposed algorithm is compared with the genetic algorithm-based elevator group control scheduling, the simulation results show that the proposed algorithm with fast convergence while the waiting time of passengers is significantly decreased.
INFLUENCING FACTORS ON CREATIVITY IN DISTRIBUTED TEAMS — SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: BASTIAN ANNIKA , WASSERBÄCH MELINA , ALBERS ALBERT
Published: October 2023

Creativity has been identified as a critical activity in distributed product development. Various methods and tools support distributed product development and distributed teams in general, but none with a focus on creative problem solving. To tackle this challenge, a systematic literature review has been conducted to gather the influencing factors on distributed creativity to be used as a starting point for supporting creativity in distributed product development teams. Within this submission, an impact model is developed, focusing on the success factors of creativity. Furthermore, the interconnection between the factors is modelled. Barriers to creative problem solving are included as well but will be the focus of a following publication.
Investigation of Iridium-Based OER Catalyst Layers in a GDE Half-Cell Setup: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Geuß Moritz , Milosevic Maja , Bierling Markus , Löttert Lukas , Abbas Dunia , Escalera-López Daniel , Lloret Vicent , Ehelebe Konrad , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Thiele Simon , Cherevko Serhiy
Published: October 2023

To achieve widespread commercialization of proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers, the optimization of iridium (Ir) utilization is crucial. Traditional full-cell-based approaches are time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this work, the feasibility of using a gas diffusion electrode (GDE) half-cell as an alternative to full-cell setups for accelerated investigation of Ir-oxide-containing anode catalyst layers (CLs) is scrutinized. Using CLs composed of Ir oxides of different intrinsic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity as a probe, we show that a GDE can successfully reveal the differences in the performance of the CLs. Comparison of the results obtained in the GDE to those from rotating disk electrode (RDE) and full-cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) measurements indicate that GDE data can closely mimic both setups. However, essential discrepancies are observed between GDE and MEA, which are linked to differences in the catalyst layer | membrane interface and the presence of liquid electrolyte in the GDE setup. Our findings reveal that even though the direct comparison of the OER performance to full-cell measurements is still partially hampered, GDE half-cell setups can already be used for fundamental assessments and accelerated screening of electrocatalysts and CLs at relevant current densities up to 1.5 A cm−2.
Clearing the Smoke: Revisiting the Liquid Phase Potential in Newman’s Battery Model
Authors: Sazzad Hossain Md , Chhin Danny , Schougaard Steen B.
Published: October 2023

Lithium ion battery cell-level and sub-cell modelling have become almost synonymous with Newman’s Model. This paper sheds light on a specific part of the model — the liquid phase potential — clarifying its difference from the liquid phase potential found in the Butler-Volmer expression. Critically, we show that these two potentials should not be used interchangeably. In fact, we show that the concentration potential gradient differs by a factor of six in standard LiPF6 electrolytes. This could affect the Butler-Volmer current density strongly, if the definitions of electrostatic liquid phase potential are inadvertently interchanged.
Substrate stiffness modulates cardiac fibroblast activation, senescence and proinflammatory secretory phenotype
Authors: Felisbino Marina B. , Rubino Marcello , Travers Joshua G. , Schuetze Katherine B. , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Anseth Kristi S. , Aguado Brian A. , McKinsey Timothy A.
Published: October 2023

In vitro cultures of primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells of the heart, are used to determine molecular mechanisms of cardiac fibrosis. However, the supraphysiologic stiffness of tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) triggers conversion of CFs into an activated myofibroblast-like state, and serial passage of the cells results in the induction of replicative senescence. These phenotypic switches confound interpretation of experimental data obtained with cultured CFs. In an attempt to circumvent TCPS-induced activation and senescence of CFs, we utilized poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels as cell culture platforms with low and high stiffness formulations to mimic healthy and fibrotic hearts, respectively. Low hydrogel stiffness converted activated CFs into a quiescent state with reduced abundance of a-smooth muscle actin (a-SMA)-containing stress fibers. Unexpectedly, lower substrate stiffness concomitantly augmented CF senescence, marked by elevated senescence-associated b-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity and increased expression of p16 and p21, which are antiproliferative markers of senescence. Using dynamically stiffening hydrogels with phototunable crosslinking capabilities, we demonstrate that premature, substrate-induced CF senescence is partially reversible. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed widespread transcriptional reprogramming of CFs cultured on low stiffness hydrogels, with a reduction in the expression of profibrotic genes encoding ECM proteins, and an attendant increase in expression of NF-kB-responsive inflammatory genes that typify the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Our findings demonstrate that alterations in matrix stiffness profoundly impact CF cell state transitions, and suggest mechanisms by which CFs change phenotype in vivo depending on the stiffness of the myocardial microenvironment in which they reside.
Dark Energy from Cosmological Energy Conservation
Authors: Uruena Palomo Manuel
Published: October 2023

The value of the gravitational wave energy density is unknown. Current progress in gravitational wave detection suggests that the energy density of the stochastic gravitational wave background (SGWB) will be estimated in the next decades. A derivation of its value is presented under the assumption that energy lost due to cosmic redshift is fully responsible for the energy gained by the cosmological constant in the expanding universe. This unknown nonlocal mechanism of energy conservation on the cosmic scale could explain dark energy and hint at a property of a theory of quantum gravity.
Electronic Properties of a Novel Boron Polymorph: Ogee-Borophene
Authors: Sarikavak-Lisesivdin B. , Lisesivdin S. B.
Published: October 2023

In this computational study, a novel borophene polymorph, Ogee-Borophene, characterized by irregular decagon-shaped hollows was reported. The structure involves a deviation from hexagonal configurations found in all other known borophene polymorphs. The decagon-shaped hollow is highly related to the anisotropy of the structure, which results in three types of boron atoms with different electronic properties in the structure. In the study, the electronic structure and density of states of this novel structure were investigated with the help of density functional theory calculations. The electronic structure of Ogee-Borophene shows Dirac cone formations near the Fermi level. The discovery of a novel borophene polymorph, Ogee-Borophene, with irregular-shaped hollows represents a different point of view in the 2D materials field. The unique electronic properties of this material suggest that Ogee-Borophene has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, including transistors, and selective sensor applications without the need for additional doping.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Urinary N Terminal pro-B Type Natriuretic Peptides for Hemodynamically Significant-Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants
Authors: Hari Gopal Srirupa , Gokulakrishnan Ganga , Kulkarni Madhulika , Fernandes Caraciolo J. , Pammi Mohan
Published: October 2023

Background: Echocardiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis hemodynamically significant-patent ductus arteriosus (hs-PDA). It requires trained personnel and is not readily available. Urinary biomarkers can be used as an adjunct. Objective: The objective of this study was to systematically review the diagnostic accuracy of urinary N terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP) for hs-PDA in preterm neonates. Methods: We included studies that evaluated urinary NT-proBNP and urinary NT-proBNP/creatinine ratio (index tests) in preterm neonates with hs-PDA (participants) in comparison with echocardiogram (reference standard). Methodological quality and certainty of evidence were assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic-Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE), respectively. Results: Low quality of evidence suggests that urinary NT-proBNP has modest sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of a hs-PDA, with variation in accuracy based on assay and patient characteristics. Conclusion: Urinary NT-proBNP assays must be locally validated for specific patient populations and further studies to support its use must be performed.
Is Surgery Still an Option in Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations Management?
Authors: Nehme Karim , Karam Lamisse , Nakad Joseph , Saad Nader , Tabet Georges
Published: October 2023

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are fistulous connections between pulmonary arteries and veins, associated with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. It can be associated with a wide range of complications. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the best noninvasive diagnosis modality. Treatment is recommended for symptomatic patients or those having a feeding artery diameter superior to 3 mm. We present here the case of a 69-year-old man with a complex PAVM, peripherally localized with a feeding artery diameter bigger than 3 mm intentionally treated via an open middle lobe wedge resection via axillary mini thoracotomy over embolotherapy, showing that it comes with less risk and at a lower cost.