bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cross-correlation-based analysis to digest the conformational dynamics of the mitoBK channels in terms of their modulation by flavonoids
Authors: Wawrzkiewicz-Jałowiecka Agata , Trybek Paulina , Dworakowska Beata , Bednarczyk Piotr , Borys Przemysław
Published: June 2023

The activity of mitochondrial large-conductance voltage- and $$Ca^{2+}$$

C

a

2
+

-activated $$K^+$$

K
+

channels (mitoBK) is regulated by a number of biochemical factors, including flavonoids. In particular, naringenin (Nar) and quercetin (Que) reached reasonable scientific attention due to their well-pronounced channel-activating effects. The open-reinforcing outcomes of Nar and Que on the mitoBK channel gating have been already reported. Nevertheless, the molecular picture of the corresponding channel–ligand interactions remains still to be revealed. In this work, we investigate the effects of the Nar and Que on the conformational dynamics of the mitoBK channel. In this aim, the cross-correlation-based analysis of the single-channel signals recorded by the patch-clamp method is performed. The obtained results in the form of phase space diagrams enable us to visually monitor the effects exerted by the considered flavonoids at the level of temporal characteristics of repetitive sequences of channel conformations. It turns out that the mitoBK channel activation by naringenin and quercetin does not lead to the change in the number of clusters within the phase space diagrams, which can be related to the constant number of available channel macroconformations regardless of the flavonoid administration. The localization and occupancy of the clusters of cross-correlated sequences suggest that mitoBK channel stimulation by flavonoids affects the relative stability of channel conformations and the kinetics of switching between them. For most clusters, greater net effects are observed in terms of quercetin administration in comparison with naringenin. It indicates stronger channel interaction with Que than Nar.
Socio-economic differentials of under-five mortality in Botswana: an application of the indirect estimation method
Authors: Monamo Tiro Theodore , Navaneetham Kannan , Keetile Mpho
Published: June 2023

Background

Socio-economic differentials in infant and under-five mortality exist in all countries worldwide, but the extent of differentials varies across countries. This study aimed to examine the socio-economic differentials of under-five mortality in Botswana within the framework of equality and equity.

Methods and findings

The analysis for this paper was based on the data from 2001 and 2011 Botswana Population and Housing Censuses and the 2017 Botswana Demographic Survey. One census method was used to indirectly estimate under-five mortality for different socio-economic groups using Princeton west model life tables. Results from this study revealed that socio-economic disparities in under-five mortality disfavouring the worse-off exist in all the selected socio-economic variables. The variations of socio-economic groups by mother’s place of residence and employment status have been narrowing over time, whereas the differences of socio-economic groups by mother’s level of education and marital status have been widening over time.

Conclusions

The findings of this study show that policies and interventions targeted at reducing inequalities should reach all socioeconomic groups across the country. Differences of each society and localities should be considered while designing and implementing policies and interventions.
Emotional responses in archival work
Authors: Regehr Cheryl , Duff Wendy , Ho Jessica , Sato Christa , Aton Henria
Published: June 2023

Building on previous work investigating the impact of exposure to (a) records with traumatic potentialities and (b) interactions with donors and community researchers whose suffering is documented in the archives, this study sought to better understand emotional aspects of archival work. Using a diary research methodology, 15 archivists engaged in diary keeping for approximately four months. What emerged was a broad set of events and experiences that triggered a wide range of emotional responses arising from archival work. This included: pre-existing emotional states and characterological traits; emotional exchanges in the workplace with colleagues and others; emotional demands of the work (including emotion work and emotional labour); team and leader interactions arising from group tasks and leader behaviour; and organizational policies, climate, resources and demands. This broader set of interactional factors forms the foundation on which traumatic and other troubling events are encountered. Future research must consider the nature of archival organizations and interactions within them that contribute to the overall working experience. In addition, archival organizations need to take responsibility for creating a culture that demonstrates respect and appreciation for workers, acknowledges the interpersonal challenges of the work, and provides supports for archivists who are shouldering the challenges.
Development of an Engineering Material with Increased Impact Strength and Heat Resistance from Recycled PET
Authors: Slezák Emese , Ronkay Ferenc , Bocz Katalin
Published: June 2023

The goal of the research was the concurrent enhancement of the impact strength and the heat resistance of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (RPET). The morphology and the dynamic mechanical properties were examined at 0-5-10-15% ethylene-butyl-acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (PTW) elastomer contents. The blends were crystallized for different time periods (0-20-40-60-180 s) at 150 °C and the morphology change during crystallization and its effect on impact resistance, stiffness, and thermal resistance were examined taking the three-phase model: crystalline fraction/mobile amorphous fraction/rigid amorphous fraction (CRF/MAF/RAF) into consideration. Based on DSC analyses it is proposed that before crystallization, the polymer chains covalently linked to PTW molecules contribute to the rigid amorphous phase (RAF). During thermal annealing, the relaxation of segments (which increases mobility) and ordering into crystals (which decreases mobility) have a complex effect and their resultant determines the ratio of the three phases and thereby also the macroscopic properties of the blends. After annealing the 15% PTW containing RPET blend at 150 °C for 180 s, a fivefold increase in notched impact resistance and a 50-fold increase in thermal resistance (expressed as E90’ value) were achieved compared to the neat RPET reference.
Adolescent Loneliness and Negative Affect during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Extraversion and Neuroticism
Authors: Gniewosz Gabriela
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic had varied but significant effects on the lives of adolescents. This study aimed to examine the effects of extraversion and neuroticism on changes in loneliness and negative affect among adolescents during the pandemic. Longitudinal data were collected in three waves from 673 German adolescents and young adults (Mage = 16.8 years, SDage = 0.91; female = 59%), affected by local lockdowns. The data collection was one time before (T1) and two times during the pandemic (T2, T3). Change score models were used to assess the relationship between loneliness and negative affect with consideration of extraversion and neuroticism. Results showed that pre-pandemic loneliness was predictive of changes in negative affect during the pandemic, with higher loneliness predicting increases in negative affect. Negative affect did not predict later loneliness. Extraverts showed an increase in negative affect over time, particularly between pre-pandemic measurement and the first phase of the pandemic. Higher neuroticism appeared to have increased vulnerability for negative affect during the pandemic, as a rise in negative affect were found among these adolescents throughout the course of the pandemic. In conclusion, the study highlights the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of adolescents and suggests that managing the pandemic during this specific developmental period is a challenge.
Characteristics of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pituitary gland in patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Naser Paul Vincent , Papadopoulou Penelope , Teuber Jan , Kopf Stefan , Jesser Jessica , Unterberg Andreas W. , Beynon Christopher
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pituitary gland (IIPD) are rare lesions often misdiagnosed preoperatively. Immediate surgery is indicated especially in cases of neurological impairment. However, (chronic) inflammatory processes can mimic other pituitary tumors, such as adenomas, and data on the preoperative diagnostic criteria for IIPD are sparse.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 1317 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery at our institution between March 2003 and January 2023. A total of 26 cases of histologically confirmed IIPD were identified. Patient records, laboratory parameters, and postoperative course were analyzed and compared with an age, sex, and tumor volume-matched control group of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.

Results

Pathology confirmed septic infection in ten cases, most commonly caused by bacteria (3/10) and fungi (2/10). In the aseptic group, lymphocytic hypophysitis (8/26) and granulomatous inflammation (3/26) were most frequently observed. Patients with IIPD commonly presented with endocrine and/or neurological dysfunction. No surgical mortality occurred. Preoperative radiographic findings (cystic/solid tumor mass, contrast enhancement) did not significantly differ between IIPD and adenomas. At follow-up, 13 patients required permanent hormone substitution.

Conclusion

In conclusion, correct preoperative diagnosis of IIPD remains challenging, as neither radiographic findings nor preoperative laboratory workup unequivocally identify these lesions. Surgical treatment facilitates decompression of supra- and parasellar structures. Furthermore, this low-morbidity procedure enables the identification of pathogens or inflammatory diseases requiring targeted medical treatment, which is crucial for these patients. Establishing a correct diagnosis through surgery and histopathological confirmation thus remains of utmost importance.
Follow-up von Menschen mit diabetischem Fußsyndrom sowie Trends von Amputationen in Deutschland und international
Authors: Kvitkina Tatjana , Claessen Heiner , Narres Maria , Icks Andrea
Published: June 2023

Fußkomplikationen bei Menschen mit Diabetes sind mit beeinträchtigter Lebensqualität, erhöhter Sterblichkeit und hohen Kosten verbunden. Rund 90 % der Betroffenen werden in hausärztlichen Praxen, weniger als die Hälfte in spezialisierten Fußambulanzen betreut. Es wird von einer inadäquaten Versorgung ausgegangen. Mögliche Gründe dafür sind Defizite bei der Umsetzung der Versorgungsempfehlungen, nicht berücksichtigte Bedürfnisse der PatientInnen sowie Barrieren bei der Kommunikation der verschiedenen beteiligten Akteure. Zudem spielt die aktive Beteiligung der Menschen mit Fußkomplikationen eine zentrale Rolle: Studienresultate deuten darauf hin, dass die Einbeziehung von PatientInnen in ein multidisziplinäres Versorgungsmodell mit häufiger Nachsorge und Patientenaufklärung dazu beitragen kann, das Risiko für Fußprobleme zu verringern. Die Lebensqualität stuften Menschen mit einer Fußläsion als insgesamt schlecht ein, mit eingeschränkter Mobilität und Schmerzen.

Die Amputationsrate bei Menschen mit Diabetes sank über die Zeit signifikant, ist aber im Vergleich zu denjenigen ohne Diabetes immer noch deutlich erhöht. Der Rückgang der Amputationen könnte möglicherweise an einer Verbesserung der Versorgung und der Einführung neuer chirurgischer Technologien liegen. Im COVID-19-Pandemiejahr (COVID: „coronavirus disease“) 2020 zeigten sich im Vergleich zu den Jahren davor (2017–2019) eine signifikante Reduktion von Krankenhausaufenthalten mit diabetischen Fußproblemen, jedoch ein signifikanter Anstieg an Hospitalisierungen wegen Beinamputationen.

Weitere Forschung sollte sich auf Basis praxisbasierter und populationsbezogener Daten der Untersuchung patientenrelevanter Endpunkte sowie der Entwicklung von Versorgungsmodellen und Präventionskonzepten für Menschen mit diabetischen Fußproblemen widmen.
Cerebral microhaemorrhage count is related to processing speed, but not level of symptom reporting, independently of age, psychological status and premorbid functioning, after first-ever mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Anderson Jacqueline F.I. , Higson Lana , Wu Michelle H. , Seal Marc L. , Yang Joseph Yuan-Mou
Published: June 2023

Cerebral microhaemorrhage is a commonly identified neuropathological consequence of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and can be identified in vivo using susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI). This study aimed to determine whether SWI-detected microhaemorrhages are more common in individuals after a single, first-ever, mTBI event relative to trauma controls (TC) and to investigate whether a linear relationship exists between microhaemorrhage numbers and cognition or symptom reporting in the post-acute period after injury, independently of age, psychological status and premorbid level of functioning. Microhaemorrhagic lesions were identified by expert clinical examination of SWI for 78 premorbidly healthy adult participants who were admitted to hospital after a traumatic injury and had suffered a first-ever mTBI (n = 47) or no head strike (n = 31). Participants underwent objective cognitive examination of processing speed, attention, memory, and executive function as well as self-reported post-concussion symptomatology. Bootstrapping analyses were used as data were not normally distributed. Analyses revealed that the mTBI group had significantly more microhaemorrhages than the TC group (Cohen’s d = 0.559). These lesions were only evident in 28% of individuals. The mTBI participants demonstrated a significant linear association between number of microhaemorrhages and processing speed, independently of age, psychological status, or premorbid level of functioning. This study shows that a single mTBI causes cerebral microhaemorrhages to occur in a minority of premorbidly healthy individuals. Greater microhaemorrhage count is independently associated with slower processing speed, but not symptom reporting, during the post-acute injury period.
Investigation into the operation of an autothermal two-section subbituminous coal fluidized bed gasifier
Authors: Abaimov Nikolay , Ryzhkov Alexander , Dubinin Alexey , Ding Lu , Tuponogov Vladimir , Alekseenko Sergey
Published: June 2023

Using a newly developed experimental setup, the features and advantages of an autothermal single-casing atmospheric subbituminous coal fluidized bed air-blown gasifier, combining a combustion and gasification section, and mixing the dispersed phase (inert material, char) and heat exchange between them through an annular transfer device, have been revealed. To increase the efficiency of the gasifier, an experimental-computational method was developed find the conditions for optimal operation, combining changing the annular flow’s geometry and regulating the primary air for gasification. A simple and reliable multizone thermodynamic calculation model makes it possible to predict the composition of char and syngas in the gasification section with acceptable accuracy. This method confirmed that a two-section fluidized bed gasifier can provide efficient gasification of solid fuels and is suitable for use in small-scale cogeneration plants. Syngas with a heating value of 3.6–4.5 MJ/m3 and CGE of 38.2%–42.3% was obtained in the experimental setup without optimizing the primary air flow rate. With optimization, the indicators increased to the heating value of syngas of 5.20–5.34 MJ/m3 and CGE of 42.5%–50.0%. With heat regeneration of 0.8, CGE increases to 70%.
Visualization facilitates uncertainty evaluation of multiple-point geostatistical stochastic simulation
Authors: Huang Qianhong , Chen Qiyu , Liu Gang , Cui Zhesi
Published: June 2023

Stochastic simulation is an essential method for modeling complex geological structures in geosciences. Evaluating the uncertainty of the realizations of stochastic simulations can better describe real phenomena. However, uncertainty evaluation of stochastic simulation methods remains a challenge due to the limited data from geological surveys and the uncertainty in reliability estimation with stochastic simulation models. In addition, understanding the sensitivity of the parameters in stochastic simulation models is invaluable when exploring the parameters with a higher influence on the uncertainty associated with predictions generated from stochastic simulation. To facilitate uncertainty evaluation in stochastic simulation methods, we use the circular treemap as an interactive workflow to explore prediction uncertainty in and the parameter sensitivity of multiple-point geostatistical (MPS) stochastic simulation methods. In this work, we present a novel visualization framework for assessing the uncertainty in MPS stochastic simulation methods and exploring the parameter sensitivity of the MPS methods. We present a new indicator to integrate multiple metrics that characterize geospatial features and visualize these metrics to assist domain experts in making decisions. Parallel coordinates-scatter matrix plots and multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) plots are used to analyze the parametric sensitivity of MPS stochastic simulation methods. The realizations and parameters of two MPS stochastic simulation methods are used to test the applicability of the proposed visualization workflow and the visualization methods. The results demonstrate that our workflow and the visualization methods can assist experts in finding the model with less uncertainty and improve the efficiency of parameter adjustment using different MPS stochastic simulation methods.
Scapegoating
Authors: Catino Maurizio
Published: June 2023

A large cruise ship sinks after hitting some outcropping rocks near the shore. Who is to blame? In the face of negative events – accidents, corporate scandals, crises and bankruptcies – there are two organizational strategies for managing blame. The first is to take full responsibility for the event and to implement adequate corrective measures. The second is to create one or more scapegoats by transferring blame to some of the people directly involved in the event. In this way, the organization can appear blameless and avoid costly remedial interventions. Reappraising the Costa Concordia shipwreck and other well-known cases, Catino analyzes the processes and mechanisms behind creating the 'organizational scapegoat.' In doing so, Catino highlights the limits of explanations centered on guilt and individual solutions to organizational problems, and underlines the need for a different civic epistemology.
Naming God
Authors: Soskice Janet
Published: June 2023

Generations of Christians, Janet Soskice demonstrates, once knew God and Christ by hundreds of remarkable names. These included the appellations 'Messiah', 'Emmanuel', 'Alpha', 'Omega', 'Eternal', 'All-Powerful', 'Lamb', 'Lion', 'Goat', 'One', 'Word', 'Serpent' and 'Bridegroom'. In her much-anticipated new book, Soskice argues that contemporary understandings of divinity could be transformed by a return to a venerable analogical tradition of divine naming. These ancient titles – drawn from scripture – were chanted and sung, crafted and invoked (in polyphony and plainsong) as they were woven into the worship of the faithful. However, during the sixteenth century Descartes moved from 'naming' to 'defining' God via a series of metaphysical attributes. This made God a thing among things: a being amongst beings. For the author, reclaiming divine naming is not only overdue. It can also re-energize the relationship between philosophy and religious tradition. This path-breaking book shows just how rich and revolutionary such reclamation might be.
Trade-offs between indigenous forest and exotic production forest in New Zealand
Authors: Walsh Patrick J. , Soliman Tarek , Daigneault Adam
Published: June 2023

With its varied landscape of hills and mountains, New Zealand has an abundance of marginal land on its slopes. This land is currently used in a variety of enterprises, such as pasture and farmland. However, marginal land is typically associated with higher rates of erosion, shallow topsoil, expensive fencing, and other issues like livestock deaths from falls. There is currently interest in deploying these marginal lands to different uses to align with several environmental and production-related goals. This paper contributes to the discussion on marginal land by exploring three different scenarios related to afforestation in the Manawatu catchment area. To analyze these scenarios, we bring together several complex and spatially explicit data sets which are linked using economic modeling tools and benefits transfer methods. The combination of these tools and data sets allows us to produce several important quantitative and qualitative outputs. Where possible, quantitative predictions are monetized, allowing a benefit-cost analysis of the proposed scenarios.
Exploration-exploitation-based trajectory tracking of mobile robots using Gaussian processes and model predictive control
Authors: Eschmann Hannes , Ebel Henrik , Eberhard Peter
Published: June 2023

Mobile robots are a key component for the automation of many tasks that either require high precision or are deemed too hazardous for human personnel. One of the typical duties for mobile robots in the industrial sector is to perform trajectory tracking, which involves pursuing a specific path through both space and time. In this paper, an iterative learning-based procedure for highly accurate tracking is proposed. This contribution shows how data-based techniques, namely Gaussian process regression, can be used to tailor a motion model to a specific reoccurring reference. The procedure is capable of explorative behavior meaning that the robot automatically explores states around the prescribed trajectory, enriching the data set for learning and increasing the robustness and practical training accuracy. The trade-off between highly accurate tracking and exploration is done automatically by an optimization-based reference generator using a suitable cost function minimizing the posterior variance of the underlying Gaussian process model. While this study focuses on omnidirectional mobile robots, the scheme can be applied to a wide range of mobile robots. The effectiveness of this approach is validated in meaningful real-world experiments on a custom-built omnidirectional mobile robot where it is shown that explorative behavior can outperform purely exploitative approaches.
Secure from the World’s Contagions: Settlement House Summer Camping in the Progressive Era
Authors: Meier Dustin
Published: June 2023

Throughout the Progressive Era, settlement houses in the urban Northeast and Midwest operated robust summer camp programs for the children of their neighborhoods. Each summer, campers enjoyed two weeks of hiking, swimming, nature study, and relaxation. This article argues that summer camps exemplified the environmental agenda of settlement-house workers during the Progressive Era. Unlike smoke abatement, sanitation reform, or playground construction, which addressed isolated components of the urban environment, camps allowed them to articulate a deeply ecological critique of the industrial city. Settlement-house workers constructed camp landscapes and daily programming in response to problems endemic to atmosphere, city streets, and immigrants’ homes, providing children with a total environmental change while meanwhile pursuing slower and more piecemeal reforms back in the city. Settlement house leaders and other Progressive Era reformers discerned an intimate connection between landscapes and morality, which summer camps allowed them to address since they could reform individual behavior in addition to combatting structural inequities. Summer camps demonstrate that settlement-house workers’ environmental philosophy permeated their reform agendas, influencing social work and recreation in addition to politics and public health.
E‐Field Effects on Day‐To‐Day Variations of Geomagnetic Mid‐Latitude Sporadic E Layers
Authors: Andoh Satoshi , Saito Akinori , Shinagawa Hiroyuki
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the effects of the electric fields (E‐fields) on day‐to‐day variations in geomagnetic mid‐latitude sporadic E layers (EsLs) using a numerical ionospheric model. It is widely accepted that geomagnetic mid‐latitude EsL dynamics depend largely on wind shear variations. In contrast, E‐field effects on geomagnetic mid‐latitude EsLs have not been investigated extensively and are still little known. Previous observations have reported that E‐fields change EsL heights by only several kilometers. However, no studies have investigated E‐field effects on day‐to‐day EsL variations. Recently, our numerical ionospheric model succeeded generally in reproducing day‐to‐day EsL variations driven by winds at geomagnetic mid‐latitudes. In this study, using the ionospheric model, we conducted EsL simulations including both E‐fields and winds, to elucidate how E‐fields affect day‐to‐day EsL variations at geomagnetic mid‐latitudes. It was found that zonal and meridional/vertical E‐fields change the vertical EsL dynamics above ∼110 km. Below ∼130 km, where most Es layers appear, vertical/meridional E‐fields are more effective for EsL dynamics than zonal E‐fields. During the day, E‐fields pump metal ions from the lower ionosphere to more than 110 km. Pumping facilitates the formation of daytime EsLs above ∼110 km. In the evening, E‐fields drive downward ion motion and increase the descending EsL density and occurrence. E‐fields affect day‐to‐day EsL variations at geomagnetic mid‐latitudes by altering background metal ion distribution and transport.
Variability and Remote Controls of the Warm‐Water Halo and Taylor Cap at Maud Rise
Authors: Gülk Birte , Roquet Fabien , Naveira Garabato Alberto C. , Narayanan Aditya , Rousset Clément , Madec Gurvan
Published: June 2023

The region of Maud Rise, a seamount in the Weddell Sea, is known for the occurrence of irregular polynya openings during the winter months. Hydrographic observations have shown the presence of a warmer water mass below the mixed layer along the seamount's flanks, commonly termed the warm‐water Halo, surrounding a colder region above the rise, the Taylor Cap. Here we use two observational data sets, an eddy‐permitting reanalysis product and regional high‐resolution simulations, to investigate the interannual variability of the Halo and Taylor Cap for the period 2007–2022. Observations include novel hydrographic profiles obtained in the Maud Rise area in January 2022, during the first SO‐CHIC cruise. It is demonstrated that the temperature of deep waters around Maud Rise exhibits strong interannual variability within the Halo and Taylor Cap, occasionally to such an extent that the two features become indistinguishable. A warming of deep waters by as much as 0.8°C is observed in the Taylor Cap during the years preceding the opening of a polynya in 2016 and 2017, starting in 2011. By analyzing regional simulations, we show that most of the observed variability in the Halo is forced remotely by advection of deep waters from the Weddell Gyre into the region surrounding Maud Rise. Our highest‐resolution simulation indicates that mesoscale eddies subsequently transfer the properties of the Halo's deep waters onto the Taylor Cap. The eddies responsible for such transfer originate in an abrupt retroflection along the inner flank of the Halo.
Subtropical Gyre Nutrient Cycling in the Upper Ocean: Insights From a Nutrient‐Ratio Budget Method
Authors: Xiang Yang , Quay Paul D. , Sonnerup Rolf E. , Fassbender Andrea J.
Published: June 2023

We use a nutrient‐ratio budget method to investigate the relative importance of different nutrient source and sink terms at time‐series Station ALOHA and Bermuda Atlantic Time‐series Study (BATS) in the North Pacific and North Atlantic subtropical gyres, respectively. At mean state conditions over annual and multi‐year time scales, vertical phosphate () supply from the subsurface accounts for ∼60% of the total phosphorus supply at both sites. Dissolved organic matter transport and zooplankton excretion are more important phosphorous export pathways than sinking particles at Station ALOHA and BATS. The nutrient‐ratio budget approach provides quantitative, observation‐based constraints on nutrient sources and sinks in the surface ocean, which helps improve our understanding of the biological carbon pump in oligotrophic oceans.
Photoferrotrophic Bacteria Initiated Plate Tectonics in the Neoarchean
Authors: Zhang Shengxing , Li Yiliang , Leng Wei , Gurnis Michael
Published: June 2023

Plate tectonics distinguishes Earth from the other terrestrial planets but its initiation mechanism and onset time are debated. We propose plate tectonics was initiated by the deposition of magnetite‐rich banded iron formations (BIFs) through biogeochemical iron cycling in Neoarchean oceans. In the photic zone of proto‐continental margins, photoferrotrophic bacteria efficiently oxidized the dissolved Fe(II) and induced massive precipitation of ferric oxyhydroxide, which would rapidly react with Fe(II)‐rich hydrothermal fluids from coeval vigorous volcanism in Neoarchean oceans to produce magnetite‐rich BIFs. Mechanical models demonstrate that the localization of high‐density BIF deposition near proto‐continents induces collapse of the lithosphere and can initiate the earliest subduction. The peak deposition of BIFs in 2.75–2.40 Ga provides a time constraint on the inception of plate tectonics.
Health literacy of people with spinal cord injury: a systematic review
Authors: Silva Francine A. R. , Barbosa Maria A. , Prudente Cejane O. M. , Morais Letícia A. , Moraes Katarinne L. , Vila Vanessa S. C. , Porto Celmo C.
Published: June 2023

Study design

Systematic review.

Objective

To systematically review the evidence on health literacy (HL) of people diagnosed with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase databases were used to identify studies published from 1974 to 2021. Two reviewers independently carried out the study selection process and assessed the methodological quality of the studies. The risk of bias in the studies was classified according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI).

Results

In total, 1398 studies were identified from the initial search, and 11 were selected for reading thoroughly. After screening, five studies were included. All had a cross-sectional design, and most scientific production was from the United States. In the studies, people with SCI received assistance in rehabilitation services. The results were heterogeneous compared to the HL: reasonable HL; suitable HL; Inadequate HL. Better HL was identified in individuals from the white population compared to the black population with SCI.

Conclusion

Studies on HL in the SCI population are limited. Guidance and personalized education provided in rehabilitation programs seem to have an influence on HL levels in this population. More research is needed to broaden the understanding of HL in the rehabilitation process of people diagnosed with SCI.
Computational model for lipid binding regions in phospholipase (Ves a 1) from Vespa venom
Authors: Pattaranggoon Nawanwat C. , Daduang Sakda , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Teajaroen Withan , Tipmanee Varomyalin , Hannongbua Supot
Published: June 2023

The Thai banded tiger wasp (Vespa affinis) is a dangerous vespid species found in Southeast Asia, and its stings often result in fatalities due to the presence of lethal phospholipase A$$_{1}$$

1

, known as Vespapase or Ves a 1. Developing anti-venoms for Ves a 1 using chemical drugs, such as chemical drug guide, remains a challenging task. In this study, we screened 2056 drugs against the opening conformation of the venom using the ZINC 15 and e-Drug 3D databases. The binding free energy of the top five drug candidates complexed with Ves a 1 was calculated using 300-ns-MD trajectories. Our results revealed that voxilaprevir had a higher binding free energy at the catalytic sites than other drug candidates. Furthermore, the MD simulation results indicated that voxilaprevir formed stable conformations within the catalytic pocket. Consequently, voxilaprevir could act as a potent inhibitor, opening up avenues for the development of more effective anti-venom therapeutics for Ves a 1.
Effect of nutrition intervention on cognitive development among malnourished preschool children: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ansuya  , Nayak Baby S. , Unnikrishnan B. , Shashidhara Y. N. , Mundkur Suneel C.
Published: June 2023

Childhood malnutrition impairs health, development, and productivity in adulthood. Underweight children have been found to have a variety of cognitive abnormalities. The present study examined the effect of a nutrition-focused intervention on cognitive development among malnourished preschool children between 3 and 5 years of age residing in selected villages of Udupi district, Karnataka. A cluster of 12 villages was chosen randomly. The trial had enrolled preschool children (n = 253) from randomly assigned selected villages to intervention (n = 127) and control arms (n = 126). The mothers in the intervention arm received nutrition-focused intervention and reinforcement of health teaching for 12 months. The post-intervention outcome on the cognitive development of malnourished children was measured at 6 months and 12 months. Statistical analyses indicated that 52% of children in the intervention group had average cognitive development scores on the pre-test, whereas on the post-test, only 5.5% were in the average level of cognitive development. In the control group, the average cognitive development status of the children decreased from 44.4% in the pretest to 26.2% in the post-test. The cognitive development of malnourished children in the intervention group improved compared to the control group (p < 0.001). This study revealed that home-based nutrition-focused food helps to enhance children’s cognitive development.

Trial registration: ctri@gov.in. CTRI/31/03/2017/008273 [Registered on: 31/03/2017].
Diurnal change of retinal vessel density related to hemodynamic variation in treatment-naïve low-teens normal-tension glaucoma
Authors: Baek Sung Uk , Kwon Soonil , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Park Ki Ho
Published: June 2023

This study undertook to investigate the diurnal variation of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) -derived retinal vessel density (RVD) in glaucoma patients with low baseline intraocular pressure (IOP). A prospective evaluation was performed on low-teens normal-tension glaucoma (low-teens NTG) patients with pre-treatment IOP < 15 mmHg and 32 healthy subjects. Superficial peripapillary and macular RVD by OCTA, IOP, and systemic blood pressure (BP) were all measured four times per day (from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). In the low-teens NTG group, the magnitude of diurnal changes in peripapillary RVD and macular RVD were greater than those in the healthy group. Diurnal variations of diastolic BP (DBP) and mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) also were greater in the low-teens NTG group. As for the patterns of diurnal RVD change, the inferior and temporal sections of macular RVD showed significant differences between the two groups. Diurnal changes of RVD and MOPP and were greater than those in healthy eyes. The macular RVD and MOPP showed different diurnal patterns between the two groups. From these findings, OCTA-derived RVD variation could be related to hemodynamic variability in low-teens NTG.
Gold conjugated nanobodies in a signal-enhanced lateral flow test strip for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen in saliva samples
Authors: Maher Sara , Kamel Manal , Demerdash Zeinab , El Baz Hanan , Sayyouh Omar , Saad Amany , Ali Noha , Salah Faten , Atta Shimaa
Published: June 2023

Despite the transfer of COVID-19 from the pandemic to control, we are still in a state of uncertainty about long-term success. Therefore, there is a great need for rapid and sensitive diagnostics to sustain the control status. After several optimization trials, we developed lateral flow test (LFT) strips for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike 1 (S1) antigen in saliva samples. For signal enhancement of our developed strips, we applied dual gold conjugates. Gold-labeled anti-S1 nanobodies (Nbs) were employed as S1 detector conjugate, while gold-labeled angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was used as S1 capturing conjugate. In a parallel strip design, we used an anti-S1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) as an antigen detector instead of anti-S1 Nbs. Saliva samples were collected from 320 symptomatic subjects (180 RT-PCR confirmed positive cases and 140 confirmed negative cases) and were tested with the developed strips. In early detection for positive samples with cycle threshold (Ct ≤ 30), Nbs-based LFT strips showed higher sensitivity (97.14%) and specificity (98.57%) than mAb-based strips which gave 90.04% sensitivity and 97.86% specificity. Moreover, the limit of detection (LoD) for virus particles was lower for Nbs-based LFT (0.4 × 104 copies/ml) than for the mAb-based test (1.6 × 104 copies/ml). Our results are in favor of the use of dual gold Nbs and ACE2 conjugates in LFT strips. These signal-enhanced strips offer a sensitive diagnostic tool for rapid screening of SARS-CoV-2 S1 antigen in the easily collected saliva samples.
Metal– and Covalent–Organic Frameworks in Green Sample Preparation
Authors: Napolitano-Tabares P. I. , Lodoso-Ruiz E. , Trujillo-Rodríguez M. J. , Pasán J. , Pino V.
Published: June 2023

Green Analytical Chemistry has led to the research and development of more sustainable analytical methodologies, focusing on the miniaturization of extraction methods, the incorporation of new smart materials, and automation. In this sense, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent–organic frameworks (COFs) have attracted considerable attention as novel sorbent materials to be incorporated in Analytical Chemistry over the last decade. These highly ordered crystalline structures, constituted by the assembly of different molecular building blocks through coordination or covalent bonds, respectively, present outstanding characteristics, such as high surface areas and porosity, good thermal and mechanical stabilities, and impressive tunability. This book chapter gives an overview of the preparation of MOFs and COFs for their implementation in green analytical microextraction, particularly highlighting their uses in various working modes of micro-solid-phase extraction, solid-phase microextraction, thin-film microextraction, and stir-bar sorptive extraction.
Ionic Liquids in Green Sample Preparation
Authors: Mastellone G. , Marengo A. , Sgorbini B. , Rubiolo P. , Cagliero C.
Published: June 2023

Ionic liquids are molten salts with melting points at or below 100 °C. They are a very versatile class of compounds with a chemical structure that can be tuned to achieve the desired physicochemical and solvation properties. For this reason, they have found wide application in the sample preparation field in both liquid- and solid-phase extraction. In addition, they have green features that include low vapor pressure, compatibility with microextraction approaches, and the possibility to develop automatable and high-throughput methods. This chapter will describe the main ionic liquid-based extraction methods with a focus on their greenness.
Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) in Green Sample Preparation
Authors: Ortega-Zamora C. , González-Sálamo J.
Published: June 2023

Current trends in Analytical Chemistry are focused on the development and application of safer and more environmentally friendly procedures that meet the Green Analytical Chemistry principles. In this sense, since their introduction by Abbott et al. in 2003, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have gained importance as solvents of great utility in extraction processes, due to their low toxicity, easy preparation, and good physicochemical properties, as well as their low cost and their biodegradability. In recent years, DESs synthesized from natural compounds such as sugars, alcohols, and amino acids, named natural DESs (NADESs), have aroused the interest of the scientific community since the toxicity of these eutectic mixtures is non-existent or negligible and at the same time they are highly biodegradable. In fact, one of the most attractive properties of NADESs is that they can be both biosynthesized and metabolized by most organisms, which explains why they are highly biocompatible, making them excellent solvents to be considered in analytical applications. The aim of this book chapter is to provide an overview of the different DESs that have been used up to now in the Analytical Chemistry field in the development of green sample preparation approaches.
Unexpected electrophiles in the atmosphere – anhydride nucleophile reactions and uptake to biomass burning emissions
Authors: Loebel Roson Max , Abou-Ghanem Maya , Kim Erica , Wu Shuang , Long Dylan , Styler Sarah A. , Zhao Ran
Published: June 2023

Anhydrides can act as electrophiles in the atmosphere, uptake to biomass burning emissions, and further react with particle-bound nucleophiles.
Terahertz state switching of holograms enabled by vanadium dioxide-based metasurfaces
Authors: Tang Chaoxian , He Canhui , Li Changqing , Song Zhengyong
Published: June 2023

Using phase transition of VO2, three types of metasurfaces are designed to manipulate holograms, and they realize dynamic hologram generator, hologram deflection, and multi-beam hologram.
Broadband plasmon-induced transparency to an anapole mode induced absorption conversion Janus metastructure by a waveguide structure in the terahertz region
Authors: Li Si Ying , Tang Zhao , Zhu Di Di , Zhang Hai Feng
Published: June 2023

A Janus metastructure (MS) assisted by a waveguide structure (WGS) resting on anapole modes and exhibiting direction-dependent behavior has been developed in the terahertz (THz) region.
Twin α-trigraphyne: a new two-dimensional carbon material
Authors: Majidi Roya , Nadafan Marzieh
Published: June 2023

A new two-dimensional carbon allotrope named twin α-trigraphyne monolayer is introduced in the present study and compared with α-trigraphyne monolayer.
Lanthanoid coordination prompts unusually distorted pseudo-octahedral NiII coordination in heterodinuclear Ni–Ln complexes: synthesis, structure and understanding of magnetic behaviour through experiment and computation
Authors: Dutta Biswarup , Guizouarn Thierry , Pointillart Fabrice , Kotrle Kamil , Herchel Radovan , Ray Debashis
Published: June 2023

A series of NiII–LnIII dinuclear complexes (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Y) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The complexes involving Kramers lanthanide ions (LnIII = Dy, Er and Yb) are field-induced single-molecule magnets.
Autonomous kinetic model identification using optimal experimental design and retrospective data analysis: methane complete oxidation as a case study
Authors: Pankajakshan Arun , Bawa Solomon Gajere , Gavriilidis Asterios , Galvanin Federico
Published: June 2023

An uncertainty-aware autonomous flow reactor platform was developed by combining automation and feedback optimization. The platform was applied to identify appropriate kinetic models online for a gas–solid catalytic reaction.
Development and demonstration of highly potent flame-retardant cotton fabric
Authors: Bondarde Mahesh P. , Lokhande Kshama D. , Bhakare Madhuri A. , Dhumal Pratik S. , Some Surajit
Published: June 2023

We have demonstrated that the flame retardant (FR) efficiency of cotton fabric was increased with the stoichiometric ratio of phosphorous functionality.
T-cell response to checkpoint blockade immunotherapies: from fundamental mechanisms to treatment signatures
Authors: Elliot Thomas A.E. , Lecky David A.J. , Bending David
Published: June 2023

Immune checkpoint immunotherapies act to block inhibitory receptors on the surface of T cells and other cells of the immune system. This can increase activation of immune cells and promote tumour clearance. Whilst this is very effective in some types of cancer, significant proportions of patients do not respond to single-agent immunotherapy. To improve patient outcomes, we must first mechanistically understand what drives therapy resistance. Many studies have utilised genetic, transcriptional, and histological signatures to find correlates of effective responses to treatment. It is key that we understand pretreatment predictors of response, but also to understand how the immune system becomes treatment resistant during therapy. Here, we review our understanding of the T-cell signatures that are critical for response, how these immune signatures change during treatment, and how this information can be used to rationally design therapeutic strategies. We highlight how chronic antigen recognition drives heterogeneous T-cell exhaustion and the role of T-cell receptor (TCR) signal strength in exhausted T-cell differentiation and molecular response to therapy. We explore how dynamic changes in negative feedback pathways can promote resistance to single-agent therapy. We speculate that this resistance may be circumvented in the future through identifying the most effective combinations of immunotherapies to promote sustained and durable antitumour responses.
The Role of Average Fundamental Frequency Difference on the Intelligibility of Real-Life Competing Sentences
Authors: Mesiano Paolo A. , Zaar Johannes , Bramslw Lars , Relaño-Iborra Helia , Dau Torsten
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

The average fundamental frequency separation (∆
f
o
) between two competing voices has been shown to provide an important cue for target-speech intelligibility. However, some of the previous investigations used speech materials with linguistic properties and
f
o
characteristics that may not be typical of realistic acoustic scenarios. This study investigated to what extent the effect of ∆
f
o
generalizes to more real-life speech.

Methods:

Real-life sentences and a well-controlled method for manipulating the acoustic stimuli were employed. Fifteen young normal-hearing native Danish listeners were tested in a two-competing-voices sentence recognition task at several target-to-masker ratios (TMRs) and ∆
f
o
s
.

Results:

Compared to previous studies that addressed the same experimental scenario with less realistic speech materials, the present results showed only a moderate effect of ∆
f
o
at negative TMRs and a negligible effect at positive TMRs. An analysis of the employed stimuli showed that a large ∆
f
o
effect on the target speech intelligibility is only observed when the competing sentences have highly synchronous
f
o
trajectories, which is typical of the artificial speech materials employed in previous studies.

Conclusion:

Overall, the present results suggest a relatively small effect of ∆
f
o
on the intelligibility of real-life speech, as compared to previously employed artificial speech, in two-competing-sentences conditions.