bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interpreting Eric Hobsbawm's History of the Fin de Siècle ‘Twilight Zone’
Authors: Hearn Mark
Published: March 2023

Eric Hobsbawm's account of the fin de siècle of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, and its post-First World War aftermath, raises the questions of how historians place themselves autobiographically in their histories, and how personal history informs their interpretations. A focus on the fin de siècle reveals Hobsbawm exploring a cultural social democracy as an alternative to the market capitalism that provided the turbulent dynamics tipping towards twentieth-century catastrophe. From the past Hobsbawm offered the people of his present potential alternative models of a more politically harmonious and culturally richer future, a story in which he placed himself. Elements of Hobsbawm's life story emerge in his histories and autobiography, highlighting the personal significance of memory and material objects that Hobsbawm retained – family photos, a school atlas, and his copy of Karl Kraus's Last days of humanity – reflecting an enduring presence of the past that Hobsbawm drew attention to in his work, and helping to shape significant narratives in Hobsbawm's response to the lost realm of fin de siècle Vienna; a ‘twilight zone’, in Hobsbawm's description of that pre-war world, ‘still part of us, but no longer quite within our personal reach’.
Evolving or Disappearing? Italian Trade Unions in the 2010s
Authors: Caja Emilio
Published: March 2023

“The worker has his own personality, his own self-respect, his own ideas, his own political opinion, his own religious beliefs, and he wants these rights to be respected by everyone, especially by the employer,” said the first leader of the Confederazione Generale Italiana del Lavoro (CGIL) Giuseppe Di Vittorio in 1952. Yet between this statement in the 1950s and today many things have changed: not only what the worker is and has become, but also how trade unions have represented workers. This article, focusing on the introduction of the first minimum-income scheme in Italian history, explores how the role of trade unions in representing workers and promoting welfare expansion changed in the country in the 2010s.
Motivic zeta functions of hyperplane arrangements
Authors: KUTLER MAX , USATINE JEREMY
Published: March 2023

For each central essential hyperplane arrangement
$\mathcal{A}$
over an algebraically closed field, let
$Z_\mathcal{A}^{\hat\mu}(T)$
denote the Denef–Loeser motivic zeta function of
$\mathcal{A}$
. We prove a formula expressing
$Z_\mathcal{A}^{\hat\mu}(T)$
in terms of the Milnor fibers of related hyperplane arrangements. This formula shows that, in a precise sense, the degree to which
$Z_{\mathcal{A}}^{\hat\mu}(T)$
fails to be a combinatorial invariant is completely controlled by these Milnor fibers. As one application, we use this formula to show that the map taking each complex arrangement
$\mathcal{A}$
to the Hodge–Deligne specialization of
$Z_{\mathcal{A}}^{\hat\mu}(T)$
is locally constant on the realization space of any loop-free matroid. We also prove a combinatorial formula expressing the motivic Igusa zeta function of
$\mathcal{A}$
in terms of the characteristic polynomials of related arrangements.
Controls on Stable Water Isotopes in Monsoonal Precipitation Across the Bay of Bengal: Atmosphere and Surface Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Yu Wusheng , Lewis Stephen , Thompson Lonnie G. , Bowen Gabriel J. , Yoshimura Kei , Cauquoin Alexandre , Werner Martin , Chakraborty Supriyo , Jing Zhaowei , Ma Yaoming , Guo Xiaoyu , Xu Baiqing , Wu Guangjian , Guo Rong , Qu Dongmei
Published: March 2023

Stable hydrogen isotopes in monsoonal precipitation (δDp) at three sites (Port Blair, Barisal and Darjeeling) reveal the factors governing δDp variations over a south‐north gradient across the Bay of Bengal. We found that the δDp at each site continuously decreases from May to September and these trends become more pronounced from south to north. The decreasing trends of downstream δDp closely follow the decreasing trends of upstream stable hydrogen isotopes in water vapor (δDv), which indicates that upstream δDv properties shape initial spatiotemporal patterns of the downstream δDp (“shaping effect”). Additionally, our results demonstrate that, during moisture transport, upstream vertical air motions (convection and downward motion) and topographic relief magnify the amplitude of the decreasing trends of downstream δDp (“magnifying effect”). Our findings imply that upstream δDv properties and relevant atmospheric and topographical conditions along the moisture transport pathway need to be considered collectively to better interpret paleoclimate records.
Synergistic Effect of El Niño and Arctic Sea‐Ice Increment on Wintertime Northeast Asian Anomalous Anticyclone and Its Corresponding PM2.5 Pollution
Authors: An Xiadong , Chen Wen , Sheng Lifang , Li Chun , Ma Tianjiao
Published: March 2023

PM2.5 pollution frequently occurs over the North China Plain (NCP) during early winter, which is usually modulated by the northeast Asian anomalous anticyclone (NAAA). Research into the NAAA and the related PM2.5 pollution has mainly focused on the individual impact of El Niño or Arctic sea ice, with less analysis on their synergistic effect. This study finds that the October Barents–Kara Seas sea ice and the early winter El Niño synergistically exert distinct remote influence on the NAAA via propagation of Rossby waves and finally deteriorate air quality over the NCP. More specifically, the more Barents‐Kara Seas sea ice in October tends to cause a cooling there in November, which stimulates a Rossby wave train and thus strengthens the early winter NAAA. As a result, the weakened ventilation conditions and stagnant air support PM2.5 pollution over the NCP. Further results reveal that if there are El Niño and the more October Barents‐Kara Seas sea ice at the same time, the probability of a strong NAAA is 57% and the associated probability of PM2.5 pollution over the NCP is 43%, which are more than that if only the more Barents‐Kara Seas sea ice (0%) or El Niño (14%). Considering the key role of the NAAA to PM2.5 pollution over the NCP, we therefore construct a simple linear model that can skillfully predict early winter NAAA at a lead time of 1 month, which shows good performance with correlation coefficient of up to 0.61 in raw NAAA.
Topside Ionosphere Sounding From the CHAMP, GRACE, and GRACE‐FO Missions
Authors: Schreiter Lucas , Stolle Claudia , Rauberg Jan , Kervalishvili Guram , van den Ijssel Jose , Arnold Daniel , Xiong Chao , Callegare Andyara
Published: March 2023

Satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) are essential for sounding the topside ionosphere. In this work, we present and validate a data set of Total Electron Content (TEC) and in situ electron density observations from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE‐Follow‐On missions as well as a TEC data set from the CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload mission. Concerning TEC, special emphasis is put to ensure optimal consistency to the already existing Swarm and Gravity field and steady‐state ocean circulation explorer (GOCE) TEC data sets. The newly processed satellite missions allow covering two full solar cycles with LEO slant TEC. Furthermore, the twin satellite missions GRACE and GRACE‐FO equipped with inter‐satellite K‐band ranging allows to derive the horizontal TEC and, due to the small inter‐satellite distance of the satellite pairs, an approximation for local electron density. However, the derived value of electron density is relative and requires calibration using external information. In this work, the calibration is performed using the IRI‐2016 model. Radar observations, as well as in situ electron density observations available from Swarm B Langmuir probes, are used for validation. Conjunctions between satellites are used to validate the TEC time series. The newly derived data set is shown to be highly consistent with the already existing data sets with standard deviations below 3 TECU for TEC (even 1 TECU was reached for low solar flux) and an offset below 7 × 1010 m−3 with a standard deviation near 1 × 1011 m−3 for the electron density.
The Ionospheric Dynamics of the African Sector Responding to a Severe Geomagnetic Storm; the Storm of 3–5 November 2021
Authors: Rukundo Wellen
Published: March 2023

The sudden storm commencement (SSC) of 3 November 2021, a severe storm was detected through disturbances in magnetospheric and ring current systems at around 1942 UT. We used a daily variation of total electron content (TEC) from ground‐based GNSS stations, ionosonde parameters and modeled zonal and meridional wind velocities to study the ionospheric response over the African region by comparing storm and quiet time variations. The equatorial GNSS station of NKLG recorded initial positive storm effects around the time of SSC, of which these effects spread over the whole African region during the main phase with positive and negative storm effects during the main and recovery phases respectively. The two disturbances at the SSC and the main phase were caused by the penetrating electric field and traveling atmospheric disturbances respectively. The analysis of TIMED Global UltraViolet Imager images revealed storm time‐induced changes in thermospheric composition during the main phase which resulted in a differential ionospheric response with intense, moderate, and weak positive storm effects in northern, equatorial, and southern regions respectively. The horizontal magnetic field components show two signatures of prompt penetration electric field that suppressed the formation of the equatorial anomaly at SSC and enhanced positive storm effects in the equatorial region at the main phase, Therefore, the ionospheric response was due to the relative contributions of prompt penetration electric field effects and equatorward traveling disturbances which depended on storm onset time, past ionospheric state, and storm phase.
Medium‐Energy Electron Detector Onboard the FY‐3E Satellite
Authors: Ye Yu‐Guang , Li Jia‐Wei , Huang Cong , Zou Hong , Zong Qiu‐Gang , Zhang Xiao‐Xin , Wang Jin‐Song , Liu Ying , Wang Yong‐Fu , Yu Xiang‐Qian , Shi Wei‐Hong , Chen Hong‐Fei , Zou Ji‐Qing , Zhong Wei‐Ying , Chen Jia‐Li , Jia Xiang‐Hong , Wang Bo , Shao Si‐Pei
Published: March 2023

The Medium‐Energy Electron Detector (MEED), a space weather monitoring instrument on the Fengyun‐3E (FY‐3E) satellite, is introduced in this paper. The MEED utilizes pin‐hole imaging technology on low‐orbit satellites for medium‐energy electron detection. Two orthogonal sensor heads enable the MEED to measure electrons from 18 directions simultaneously in the energy range of 30–600 keV (divided into eight exponentially distributed energy channels). The instrument has a ∼12° angular resolution and covers two 180° × 30° fields of view. With the magnetometer onboard the same satellite, the pitch angle distribution of medium‐energy electrons can be obtained with good angular resolution. This paper presents the design principle, ground calibration results, and preliminary on‐orbit test results of the FY‐3E MEED. The on‐orbit test results show that the medium‐energy electron fluxes, geographical distribution, energy spectrum, and pitch angle observed by the MEED are in agreement with the expected results. The MEED provides a new method to observe the low‐orbit energetic electron radiation environment from the FY‐3E satellite. Its successful in‐orbit operation will enable the theoretical study of radiation belts and improve space weather research.
Using Deep Learning to Model the Groundwater Tracer Radon in Coastal Waters
Authors: McKenzie Tristan , Dulai Henrietta , Lee Jonghyun , Dimova Natasha T. , Santos Isaac R. , Zhang Bo , Burnett William
Published: March 2023

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an important driver of coastal biogeochemical budgets worldwide. Radon (222Rn) has been widely used as a natural geochemical tracer to quantify SGD, but field measurements are time consuming and costly. Here, we use deep learning to predict coastal seawater radon in SGD‐impacted regions. We hypothesize that deep learning could resolve radon trends and enable preliminary insights with limited field observations of groundwater tracers. Two deep learning models were trained on global coastal seawater radon observations (n = 39,238) with widely available inputs (e.g., salinity, temperature, water depth). The first model used a one‐dimensional convolutional neural network (1D‐CNN‐RNN) framework for site‐specific gap filling and producing short‐term future predictions. A second model applied a fully connected neural network (FCNN) framework to predict radon across geographically and hydrologically diverse settings. Both models can predict observed radon concentrations with r2 > 0.76. Specifically, the FCNN model offers a compelling development because synthetic radon tracer data sets can be obtained using only basic water quality and meteorological parameters. This opens opportunities to attain radon data from regions with large data gaps, such as the Global South and other remote locations, allowing for insights that can be used to predict SGD and plan field experiments. Overall, we demonstrate how field‐based measurements combined with big‐data approaches such as deep learning can be utilized to assess radon and potentially SGD beyond local scales.
Investigating brain aging trajectory deviations in different brain regions of individuals with schizophrenia using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging and brain-age prediction: a multicenter study
Authors: Zhu Jun-Ding , Wu Yung-Fu , Tsai Shih-Jen , Lin Ching-Po , Yang Albert C.
Published: March 2023

Although many studies on brain-age prediction in patients with schizophrenia have been reported recently, none has predicted brain age based on different neuroimaging modalities and different brain regions in these patients. Here, we constructed brain-age prediction models with multimodal MRI and examined the deviations of aging trajectories in different brain regions of participants with schizophrenia recruited from multiple centers. The data of 230 healthy controls (HCs) were used for model training. Next, we investigated the differences in brain age gaps between participants with schizophrenia and HCs from two independent cohorts. A Gaussian process regression algorithm with fivefold cross-validation was used to train 90, 90, and 48 models for gray matter (GM), functional connectivity (FC), and fractional anisotropy (FA) maps in the training dataset, respectively. The brain age gaps in different brain regions for all participants were calculated, and the differences in brain age gaps between the two groups were examined. Our results showed that most GM regions in participants with schizophrenia in both cohorts exhibited accelerated aging, particularly in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and insula. The parts of the white matter tracts, including the cerebrum and cerebellum, indicated deviations in aging trajectories in participants with schizophrenia. However, no accelerated brain aging was noted in the FC maps. The accelerated aging in 22 GM regions and 10 white matter tracts in schizophrenia potentially exacerbates with disease progression. In individuals with schizophrenia, different brain regions demonstrate dynamic deviations of brain aging trajectories. Our findings provided more insights into schizophrenia neuropathology.
A sensitive and reproducible qRT-PCR assay detects physiological relevant trace levels of FMR1 mRNA in individuals with Fragile X syndrome
Authors: Straub Devan , Schmitt Lauren M. , Boggs Anna E. , Horn Paul S. , Dominick Kelli C. , Gross Christina , Erickson Craig A.
Published: March 2023

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited intellectual disability. FXS is caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the 5′ untranslated region of the FMR1 gene, which leads to gene methylation, transcriptional silencing, and lack of expression of Fragile X Messenger Riboprotein (FMRP). Currently available FXS therapies are inefficient, and the disease severity is highly variable, making it difficult to predict disease trajectory and treatment response. We and others have recently shown that a subset of full-mutation, fully-methylated (FM–FM) males with FXS express low amounts of FMRP which could contribute to phenotypic variability. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we developed a sensitive qRT-PCR assay to detect FMR1 mRNA in blood. This assay reproducibly detects trace amounts of FMR1 mRNA in a subset of FM–FM males, suggesting that current Southern Blot and PCR determination of FM–FM status is not always associated with complete transcriptional silencing. The functional relevance of trace-level FMR1 mRNA is confirmed by showing a positive correlation with cognitive function; however, phenotypic variability is not fully explained by FMR1 expression. These results corroborate the need for better molecular assays for FXS diagnosis and encourage studies to elucidate the factors contributing to the phenotypic variability of FXS.
Benthic jellyfish act as suction pumps to facilitate release of interstitial porewater
Authors: Durieux David M. , Scrogham Gabrielle D. , Fender Christian , Lewis David B. , Deban Stephen M. , Gemmell Brad J.
Published: March 2023

Upside-down jellyfish, genus Cassiopea (Péron and Lesueur, 1809), are found in shallow coastal habitats in tropical and subtropical regions circumglobally. These animals have previously been demonstrated to produce flow both in the water column as a feeding current, and in the interstitial porewater, where they liberate porewater at rates averaging 2.46 mL h−1. Since porewater in Cassiopea habitat can be nutrient-rich, this is a potential source of nutrient enrichment in these ecosystems. This study experimentally determines that porewater release by Cassiopea sp. jellyfish is due to suction pumping, and not the Bernoulli effect. This suggests porewater release is directly coupled to bell pulsation rate, and unlike vertical jet flux, should be unaffected by population density. In addition, we show that bell pulsation rate is positively correlated with temperature, and negatively correlated with animal size. As such, we would predict an increase in the release of nutrient-rich porewater during the warm summer months. Furthermore, we show that, at our field site in Lido Key, Florida, at the northernmost limit of Cassiopea range, population densities decline during the winter, increasing seasonal differences in porewater release.
Understanding who talks about what: comparison between the information treatment in traditional media and online discussions
Authors: Schawe Hendrik , Beiró Mariano G. , Alvarez-Hamelin J. Ignacio , Kotzinos Dimitris , Hernández Laura
Published: March 2023

We study the dynamics of interactions between a traditional medium, the New York Times journal, and its followers in Twitter, using a massive dataset. It consists of the metadata of the articles published by the journal during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the posts published in Twitter by a large set of followers of the @nytimes account along with those published by a set of followers of several other media of different kind. The dynamics of discussions held in Twitter by exclusive followers of a medium show a strong dependence on the medium they follow: the followers of @FoxNews show the highest similarity to each other and a strong differentiation of interests with the general group. Our results also reveal the difference in the attention payed to U.S. presidential elections by the journal and by its followers, and show that the topic related to the “Black Lives Matter” movement started in Twitter, and was addressed later by the journal.
First paleoproteome study of fossil fish otoliths and the pristine preservation of the biomineral crystal host
Authors: Stolarski Jarosław , Drake Jeana , Coronado Ismael , Vieira Ana R. , Radwańska Urszula , Heath-Heckman Elizabeth A. C. , Mazur Maciej , Guo Jinming , Meibom Anders
Published: March 2023

Otoliths are calcium carbonate components of the stato-acoustical organ responsible for hearing and maintenance of the body balance in teleost fish. During their formation, control over, e.g., morphology and carbonate polymorph is influenced by complex insoluble collagen-like protein and soluble non-collagenous protein assemblages; many of these proteins are incorporated into their aragonite crystal structure. However, in the fossil record these proteins are considered lost through diagenetic processes, hampering studies of past biomineralization mechanisms. Here we report the presence of 11 fish-specific proteins (and several isoforms) in Miocene (ca. 14.8–14.6 Ma) phycid hake otoliths. These fossil otoliths were preserved in water-impermeable clays and exhibit microscopic and crystallographic features indistinguishable from modern representatives, consistent with an exceptionally pristine state of preservation. Indeed, these fossil otoliths retain ca. 10% of the proteins sequenced from modern counterparts, including proteins specific to inner ear development, such as otolin-1-like proteins involved in the arrangement of the otoliths into the sensory epithelium and otogelin/otogelin-like proteins that are located in the acellular membranes of the inner ear in modern fish. The specificity of these proteins excludes the possibility of external contamination. Identification of a fraction of identical proteins in modern and fossil phycid hake otoliths implies a highly conserved inner ear biomineralization process through time.
The dynamics of novel corona virus disease via stochastic epidemiological model with vaccination
Authors: Ullah Rahman , Al Mdallal Qasem , Khan Tahir , Ullah Roman , Al Alwan Basem , Faiz Faizullah , Zhu Quanxin
Published: March 2023

During the past two years, the novel coronavirus pandemic has dramatically affected the world by producing 4.8 million deaths. Mathematical modeling is one of the useful mathematical tools which has been used frequently to investigate the dynamics of various infectious diseases. It has been observed that the nature of the novel disease of coronavirus transmission differs everywhere, implying that it is not deterministic while having stochastic nature. In this paper, a stochastic mathematical model has been investigated to study the transmission dynamics of novel coronavirus disease under the effect of fluctuated disease propagation and vaccination because effective vaccination programs and interaction of humans play a significant role in every infectious disease prevention. We develop the epidemic problem by taking into account the extended version of the susceptible-infected-recovered model and with the aid of a stochastic differential equation. We then study the fundamental axioms for existence and uniqueness to show that the problem is mathematically and biologically feasible. The extinction of novel coronavirus and persistency are examined, and sufficient conditions resulted from our investigation. In the end, some graphical representations support the analytical findings and present the effect of vaccination and fluctuated environmental variation.
Osteoclastogenesis of human peripheral blood, bone marrow, and cord blood monocytes
Authors: Vuoti Ella , Lehenkari Petri , Tuukkanen Juha , Glumoff Virpi , Kylmäoja Elina
Published: March 2023

Osteoclasts are multinucleated bone resorbing cells that can be differentiated from human monocytes in vitro. There are few studies comparing osteoclastogenesis of different monocyte sources. We compared monocytes from human bone marrow (BM), peripheral blood (PB), and umbilical cord blood (CB) and their osteoclastogenic potential by culturing them with RANKL (20 and 80 ng/ml) and M-CSF (10 ng/ml) for 14 days. We also cultured cells without growth factors, as umbilical cord blood monocytes have been reported to be able to fuse spontaneously into osteoclasts. The data was analysed on d4, d8, d11, and d14. After culture with RANKL and M-CSF, all types of cell cultures developed TRACP -positive multinuclear cells that were able to form resorption pits on human bone slices. Only occasional multinuclear cells and small infrequent resorbed areas could be found in PB and CB-derived cultures without growth factors. BM-derived cells formed greater resorption areas than PB- and CB-derived monocytes. The greatest monocyte population in BM samples were intermediate (CD14++CD16+) and in PB and CB classical monocytes (76.3% and 54.4%, respectively). In conclusion, our data demonstrates that bone resorbing osteoclasts can be differentiated from BM, PB and CB. However, the osteoclast precursor origin can affect the osteoclast properties and function.
Intelligent modeling of hydrogen sulfide solubility in various types of single and multicomponent solvents
Authors: Moradkhani M. A. , Hosseini S. H. , Ranjbar K. , Moradi M.
Published: March 2023

This study aims to study the solubility of acid gas, i.e., hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in different solvents. Three intelligent approaches, including Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) and Radial Basis Function (RBF) were used to construct reliable models based on an extensive databank comprising 5148 measured samples from 54 published sources. The analyzed data cover 95 single and multicomponent solvents such as amines, ionic liquids, electrolytes, organics, etc., in broad pressure and temperature ranges. The proposed models require just three simple input variables, i.e., pressure, temperature and the equivalent molecular weight of solvent to determine the solubility. A competitive examination of the novel models implied that the GPR-based one gives the most appropriate estimations with excellent AARE, R2 and RRMSE values of 4.73%, 99.75% and 4.83%, respectively for the tested data. The mentioned intelligent model also performed well in describing the physical behaviors of H2S solubility at various operating conditions. Furthermore, analyzing the William's plot for the GPR-based model affirmed the high reliability of the analyzed databank, as the outlying data points comprise just 2.04% of entire data. In contrast to the literature models, the newly presented approaches proved to be applicable for different types of single and multicomponent H2S absorbers with AAREs less than 7%. Eventually, a sensitivity analysis based on the GPR model reflected the fact that the solvent equivalent molecular weight is the most influential factor in controlling H2S solubility.
Correction of haemorrhagic shock-associated coagulopathy and impaired haemostasis by plasma, prothrombin complex concentrates or an activated protein C-targeted DNA aptamer in mice
Authors: Eltringham-Smith Louise J. , Meixner Scott C. , Pryzdial Edward L. G. , Sheffield William P.
Published: March 2023

Even with extensive transfusion support, trauma-induced bleeding often leads to death. Early intervention may improve outcomes, yet which blood products, factor concentrates, or other drugs constitute optimal treatment is unclear. Patients with acute traumatic coagulopathy (ATC), arising from trauma and haemorrhagic shock, have the worst prognosis. Here, multiple interventions were compared in a mouse model of ATC. After the trauma of tissue excision, anaesthetized mice were bled to 35 mm Hg mean arterial pressure, maintained under shock for 60 min, and resuscitated with fluids equal in volume to the shed blood. Resuscitated mice were subjected to liver laceration to test haemostasis and blood loss was quantified. Saline-treated mice lost two- to three-fold more blood than sham-treated animals and were coagulopathic by prothrombin time elevation post- versus pre-procedure. Murine fresh-frozen plasma (mFFP), anti-activated protein C aptamer HS02-52G, or prothrombin complex concentrates eliminated the bleeding diathesis and coagulopathy; fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, or tranexamic acid ameliorated bleeding or coagulopathy, but not both. HS02-52G and mFFP also eliminated the changes in plasma aPC and tissue plasminogen activator levels observed in saline-treated mice, as judged via microtiter plate biomarker assays. Procoagulant interventions, especially inhibiting aPC, could be beneficial in human ATC.
Presepsin as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of severe bacterial infections and COVID-19
Authors: Kyriazopoulou Evdoxia , Leventogiannis Konstantinos , Tavoulareas Georgios , Mainas Efstratios , Toutouzas Konstantinos , Mathas Christos , Prekates Athanassios , Sakka Vissaria , Panagopoulos Periklis , Syrigos Konstantinos , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J.
Published: March 2023

We aimed to develop presepsin as a marker of diagnosis of severe infections of either bacterial and viral origin. The derivation cohort was recruited from 173 hospitalized patients with acute pancreatitis or post-operative fever or infection suspicion aggravated by at least one sign of the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA). The first validation cohort was recruited from 57 admissions at the emergency department with at least one qSOFA sign and the second validation cohort from 115 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Presepsin was measured in plasma by the PATHFAST assay. Concentrations more than 350 pg/ml had sensitivity 80.2% for sepsis diagnosis in the derivation cohort (adjusted odds ratio 4.47; p < 0.0001). In the derivation cohort, sensitivity for 28-day mortality prognosis was 91.5% (adjusted odds ratio 6.82; p: 0.001). Concentrations above 350 pg/ml had sensitivity 93.3% for the diagnosis of sepsis in the first validation cohort; this was 78.3% in the second validation cohort of COVID-19 aiming at the early diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome necessitating mechanical ventilation. The respective sensitivity for 28-day mortality was 85.7% and 92.3%. Presepsin may be a universal biomarker for the diagnosis of severe infections of bacterial origin and prediction of unfavorable outcome.
Differentially expressed discriminative genes and significant meta-hub genes based key genes identification for hepatocellular carcinoma using statistical machine learning
Authors: Hasan Md. Al Mehedi , Maniruzzaman Md. , Shin Jungpil
Published: March 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common lethal malignancy of the liver worldwide. Thus, it is important to dig the key genes for uncovering the molecular mechanisms and to improve diagnostic and therapeutic options for HCC. This study aimed to encompass a set of statistical and machine learning computational approaches for identifying the key candidate genes for HCC. Three microarray datasets were used in this work, which were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus Database. At first, normalization and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identification were performed using limma for each dataset. Then, support vector machine (SVM) was implemented to determine the differentially expressed discriminative genes (DEDGs) from DEGs of each dataset and select overlapping DEDGs genes among identified three sets of DEDGs. Enrichment analysis was performed on common DEDGs using DAVID. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING and the central hub genes were identified depending on the degree, maximum neighborhood component (MNC), maximal clique centrality (MCC), centralities of closeness, and betweenness criteria using CytoHubba. Simultaneously, significant modules were selected using MCODE scores and identified their associated genes from the PPI networks. Moreover, metadata were created by listing all hub genes from previous studies and identified significant meta-hub genes whose occurrence frequency was greater than 3 among previous studies. Finally, six key candidate genes (TOP2A, CDC20, ASPM, PRC1, NUSAP1, and UBE2C) were determined by intersecting shared genes among central hub genes, hub module genes, and significant meta-hub genes. Two independent test datasets (GSE76427 and TCGA-LIHC) were utilized to validate these key candidate genes using the area under the curve. Moreover, the prognostic potential of these six key candidate genes was also evaluated on the TCGA-LIHC cohort using survival analysis.
Quantum asymmetric key crypto scheme using Grover iteration
Authors: Yoon Chun Seok , Hong Chang Ho , Kang Min Sung , Choi Ji-Woong , Yang Hyung Jin
Published: March 2023

Here, we propose a quantum asymmetric key cryptography scheme using Grover’s quantum search algorithm. In the proposed scheme, Alice generates a pair of public and private keys, keeps the private keys safe, and only discloses public keys to the outside. Bob uses Alice's public key to send a secret message to Alice and Alice uses her private key to decrypt the secret message. Furthermore, we discuss the safety of quantum asymmetric key encryption techniques based on quantum mechanical properties.
A novel DNA methylation signature to improve survival prediction of progression-free survival for testicular germ cell tumors
Authors: Gao Feng , Xu Qiaoping , Jiang Yingjun , Lu Bingjun
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to develop a nomogram for predicting the progression-free survival (PFS) of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) patients based on DNA methylation signature and clinicopathological characteristics. The DNA methylation profiles, transcriptome data, and clinical information of TGCT patients were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Univariate Cox, lasso Cox, and stepwise multivariate Cox regression were applied to identify a prognostic CpG sites-derived risk signature. Differential expression analysis, functional enrichment analysis, immunoinfiltration analysis, chemotherapy sensitivity analysis, and clinical feature correlation analysis were performed to elucidate the differences among risk groups. A prognostic nomogram integrating CpG sites-derived risk signature and clinicopathological features was further established and evaluated likewise. A risk score model based on 7 CpG sites was developed and found to exhibit significant differences among different survival, staging, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy subgroups. There were 1452 differentially expressed genes between the high- and low-risk groups, with 666 being higher expressed and 786 being lower expressed. Genes highly expressed were significantly enriched in immune-related biological processes and related to T-cell differentiation pathways; meanwhile, down-regulated genes were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix tissue organization-related biological processes and involved in multiple signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT. As compared with the low-risk group, patients in the high-risk group had decreased lymphocyte infiltration (including T-cell and B-cell) and increased macrophage infiltration (M2 macrophages). They also showed decreased sensitivity to etoposide and bleomycin chemotherapy. Three clusters were obtained by consensus clustering analysis based on the 7 CpG sites and showed distinct prognostic features, and the risk scores in each cluster were significantly different. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found that the risk scores, age, chemotherapy, and staging were independent prognostic factors of PFS of TGCT, and the results were used to formulate a nomogram model that was validated to have a C-index of 0.812. Decision curve analysis showed that the nomogram model was superior to other strategies in the prediction of PFS of TGCT. In this study, we successfully established CpG sites-derived risk signature, which might serve as a useful tool in the prediction of PFS, immunoinfiltration, and chemotherapy sensitivity for TGCT patients.
Permittivity boosting by induced strain from local doping in titanates from first principles
Authors: Kutana Alex , Shimano Yuho , Asahi Ryoji
Published: March 2023

We examine the effect of isovalent substitutions and co-doping on the ionic dielectric constant of paraelectric titanates (perovskite, Ruddlesden-Popper phases, and rutile) using density functional perturbation theory. Substitutions increase the ionic dielectric constant of the prototype structures, and new dynamically stable structures with εion ~ 102–104 are reported and analyzed. The boosting of ionic permittivity is attributed to local defect-induced strain, and maximum Ti–O bond length is proposed as a descriptor. The Ti–O phonon mode that is responsible for the large dielectric constant can be tuned by a local strain and symmetry lowering from substitutions. Our findings help explain the recently observed colossal permittivity in co-doped rutile, attributing its intrinsic permittivity boosting solely to the lattice polarization mechanism, without the need to invoke other mechanisms. Finally, we identify new perovskite- and rutile-based systems that can potentially display colossal permittivity.
An injectable elastic hydrogel crosslinked with curcumin–gelatin nanoparticles as a multifunctional dressing for the rapid repair of bacterially infected wounds
Authors: Cai Xiaohui , He Yutong , Cai Liu , Zhan Jiamian , Li Qian , Zhong Saiqiong , Hou Honghao , Wang Wenya , Qiu Xiaozhong
Published: March 2023

An injectable elastic hydrogel as a multifunctional dressing is reported for the rapid repair of bacterially infected wounds.
Topologically Zn2+ hybridized ZnS nanospheres (Zn2+/nZnS) efficiently restrained the infection of Fusarium verticillioides in rice seeds by hyphal disorganization and nutritional modulation
Authors: Khepar Varinder , Sidhu Anjali , Sharma Anju Bala
Published: March 2023

Schematic illustration of the synthesis of topologically modified ZnS NPs and their in vitro effects on a fungal pathogen, mechanistic electrostatic interactions and seed treatment for the uptake of Zn in rice seedlings.
High reactivity of mesoporous CeO2 to dissociate chemical warfare agent sarin
Authors: Li Tianyu , Leonard Matthew , Tsyshevsky Roman , McEntee Monica , Karwacki Christopher , Durke Erin M. , Kuklja Maija M. , Rodriguez Efrain E.
Published: March 2023

Spectroscopic surface characterization under exposure of sarin gas (also known as GB) as well as DFT modeling reveals the high reactivity of mesoporous ceria (CeO2) towards sarin degradation.
Photoinduced electron doping of single-walled carbon nanotubes based on carboxamide photochemical reactions
Authors: Tanaka Naoki , Ishii Taiki , Yamaguchi Itsuki , Hamasuna Aoi , Fujigaya Tsuyohiko
Published: March 2023

Photoinduced electron doping of single-walled carbon nanotubes based on the formation of 1,3-dimethyl-2-arylbenzimidazole (DMBI) cations and hydroxy ions by photochemical reaction of DMBI oxides.
Boosting charge transfer in Au-decorated B/K co-doped CN nanosheets towards enhanced photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Authors: Shi Xiangli , Zhang Qiong , Zhou Yimeng , Ye Qianjin , Jiang Deli , Tian Dan , Li Di
Published: March 2023

A synergistic strategy to promote exciton dissociation and charge transfer efficiency of a CN catalyst for photocatalytic CO2 reduction via Au nanoparticle decoration and B/K co-doping simultaneously is reported.
Synthesis of SMA by RAFT polymerization and its dispersion of TiO2 in aqueous solution
Authors: Cheng Deshu , Zhao Lei , Guan Guoxiang , Lai Huaidong , Luo Juxiang
Published: March 2023

SMA copolymers with controllable molecular weight (Mn) and narrower dispersity (Ð) were prepared by RAFT polymerization, and the dispersing ability of SMA copolymers with different Mn and Ð for dispersion of TiO2 in aqueous solution was studied.
Terthiophene based low-cost fully non-fused electron acceptors for high-efficiency as-cast organic solar cells
Authors: Zhou Yuanyuan , Liu Peng , Shen Shuaishuai , Li Miao , Qin Ruiping , Tang XiaoDan , Qin ChaoChao , Song Jinsheng , Bo Zhishan , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2023

Two fully non-fused electron acceptors based on terthiophene have been synthesized and a PCE of 11.2% is achieved.
Elastic and thermodynamic consequences of lipid membrane asymmetry
Authors: Foley Samuel L. , Varma Malavika , Hossein Amirali , Deserno Markus
Published: March 2023

Many cellular lipid bilayers consist of leaflets that differ in their lipid composition — a non-equilibrium state actively maintained by cellular sorting processes that counter passive lipid flip-flop. While this lipidomic aspect of membrane asymmetry has been known for half a century, its elastic and thermodynamic ramifications have garnered attention only fairly recently. Notably, the torque arising when lipids of different spontaneous curvature reside in the two leaflets can be counterbalanced by a difference in lateral mechanical stress between them. Such membranes can be essentially flat in their relaxed state, despite being compositionally strongly asymmetric, but they harbor a surprisingly large but macroscopically invisible differential stress. This hidden stress can affect a wide range of other membrane properties, such as the resistance to bending, the nature of phase transitions in its leaflets, and the distribution of flippable species, most notably sterols. In this short note we offer a concise overview of our recently proposed basic framework for capturing the interplay between curvature, lateral stress, leaflet phase behavior, and cholesterol distribution in generally asymmetric membranes, and how its implied signatures might be used to learn more about the hidden but physically consequential differential stress.
Educational Information Improves Listener Attitudes Toward People With Dysarthria Secondary to Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Fletcher Annalise R. , Potts Madison W. , Borrie Stephanie A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

People with dysarthria have been rated as less confident and less likable and are often assumed by listeners to have reduced cognitive abilities relative to neurotypical speakers. This study explores whether educational information about dysarthria can shift these attitudes in a group of speakers with hypokinetic dysarthria secondary to Parkinson's disease.

Method:

One hundred seventeen listeners were recruited via Amazon Mechanical Turk to transcribe sentences and rate the confidence, intelligence, and likability of eight speakers with mild hypokinetic dysarthria. Listeners were assigned to one of four conditions. In one condition, listeners were provided with no educational information prior to exposure to speakers with dysarthria (
n
= 29). In another condition, listeners were given educational statements from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website (
n
= 29). In a third condition, listeners were given additional information stating that dysarthria does not indicate reduced intelligence or understanding (
n
= 30). Finally, in a fourth condition, listeners only heard samples from neurotypical, age-matched adults (
n
= 29).

Results:

Results revealed statistically significant effects of educational statements on ratings of speakers' confidence, intelligence, and likability. However, educational statements did not affect listeners' transcription accuracy.

Conclusions:

This study presents preliminary evidence that educational material can positively influence listener impressions of speakers with hypokinetic dysarthria, especially when it is explicitly stated that the disorder does not affect intelligence or understanding. This initial examination provides preliminary support for educational awareness campaigns and self-disclosure of communicative difficulties in people with mild dysarthria.
Pflege von Patienten mit kognitiven Einschränkungen
Authors: Lesch Tabea
Published: March 2023

Die Lebenserwartung der Menschen steigt stetig an und damit auch die Anzahl der älteren Patienten, die auf Intensivstationen behandelt werden müssen. Darunter sind vermehrt auch solche mit einer demenziellen Erkrankung. Der folgende Beitrag beleuchtet die Rolle der professionell Pflegenden in der Betreuung von Patienten mit kognitiven Einschränkungen in der intensivmedizinischen Versorgung.
Dess–Martin Periodinane/Brønsted Acid-Mediated Tandem Oxidation/Cyclization of Homopropargylic Alcohols for Synthesis of Trisubstituted Furans
Authors: Horino Yoshikazu , Murakami Miki , Miyazaki Megumi , Ishibashi Mayo , Oda Mizuki , Takekuma Karin
Published: March 2023

A facile, efficient, and metal-free single-flask procedure for the synthesis of trisubstituted furans from simple readily available homopropargylic alcohols is described. A combination of Dess–Martin periodinane, H2O, and TsOH·H2O plays a crucial role in the formation of the trisubstituted furans. The advantages of this method include operational ease, mild reaction conditions, and good functional-group tolerance.
Digestive, Anorectal, and Urogenital Functions in Patients with Type
2 Diabetes Mellitus, Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Normal Glucose Tolerance:
Association with Autonomic Neuropathy
Authors: Quast Daniel R , Boronikolos Georgios C , Menge Bjoern A , Breuer Thomas GK , Schenker Nina , Meier Juris J
Published: March 2023

Aims Gastrointestinal disorders, including constipation and fecal
incontinence, are common in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may derive from
diabetic autonomic neuropathy, severe intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or a
dysfunctional anorectal sphincter. The present study aims to characterize the
correlation between these conditions.

Methods Patients with T2DM, prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance
(NGT) were included. The anorectal function was assessed with high-resolution
anorectal manometry. Patients were screened for autonomic neuropathy by
measuring olfactory, sweat, and erectile dysfunction as well as heart rate
variability. Constipation and fecal (in-)continence were evaluated using
validated questionnaires. Breath tests were used to assess severe intestinal
bacterial overgrowth.

Results We included 59 participants (32 (54.2%) with T2DM, 9
(15.3%) with prediabetes, and 18 (30.5%) NGT). The presence of
autonomic neuropathy, severe bacterial overgrowth, and symptoms of constipation
and incontinence were comparable. HbA1c was correlated with an
increased anorectal resting sphincter pressure (r=0.31,
P=0.019) and constipation symptoms (r=0.30,
P=0.031). In patients with a long-standing diagnosis of T2DM,
significantly higher values for maximum anorectal resting pressure
(Δ=+27.81±7.84 mmHg,
P=0.0015) and baseline pressure
(Δ=20.50±9.74 mmHg, P=0.046) were
found compared with NGT, but not with prediabetes.

Conclusions Long-standing T2DM increases anorectal sphincter activity, and
constipation symptoms are associated with higher HbA1c levels. The
lack of an association of symptoms with autonomic neuropathy suggests
glucotoxicity as the primary mechanism.