bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do animal models of brain tumors replicate human peritumoral edema? a systematic literature search
Authors: Schramm Moritz W. J. , Currie Stuart , Lee Ming-te , Livermore Laurent J. , Solanki Sandeep P. , Mathew Ryan K. , Wurdak Heiko , Lorger Mihaela , Twelves Chris , Short Susan C. , Chakrabarty Aruna , Chumas Paul
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Brain tumors cause morbidity and mortality in part through peritumoral brain edema. The current main treatment for peritumoral brain edema are corticosteroids. Due to the increased recognition of their side-effect profile, there is growing interest in finding alternatives to steroids but there is little formal study of animal models of peritumoral brain edema. This study aims to summarize the available literature.

Methods

A systematic search was undertaken of 5 literature databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PubMed and the Cochrane Library). The generic strategy was to search for various terms associated with “brain tumors”, “brain edema” and “animal models”.

Results

We identified 603 reports, of which 112 were identified as relevant for full text analysis that studied 114 peritumoral brain edema animal models. We found significant heterogeneity in the species and strain of tumor-bearing animals, tumor implantation method and edema assessment. Most models did not produce appreciable brain edema and did not test for observable manifestations thereof.

Conclusion

No animal model currently exists that enable the investigation of novel candidates for the treatment of peritumoral brain edema. With current interest in alternative treatments for peritumoral brain edema, there is an unmet need for clinically relevant animal models.
Composition and provenance of beach sands in La Graciosa, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria Islands (eastern Canary Islands, Spain): a review
Authors: Mangas J. , Pérez-Chacón Espino E.
Published: February 2023

In this work, a review of petrographic studies in recent decades on 50 sandy beach samples of the eastern Canary Islands (La Graciosa, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria) has been carried out in order to know the composition and provenance of the sand grains. The sandy samples are intertidal and most are related to beach-dune systems with coastal desert and arid climates. Thus, these samples contain different proportions of calcareous bioclast, intraclast and volcaniclast grains, with the latter coming from different source areas associated with the building stages of the islands (shield, decline, erosive and rejuvenation). In general, the calcareous bioclasts are mostly fragments of red coralline algae and molluscs, with the appearance of occasional grains of echinoderms, foraminifera and bryozoans. The lithoclasts are essentially fragments of ultramafic and mafic alkaline rocks (basanite and basalt) from the shield and rejuvenation stages and to a lesser extent trachytic-phonolitic felsic rocks from the decline stage, while there are few mafic (olivine, clinopyroxene, Fe-Ti oxide, and amphibole) and felsic (feldspar) mineral grains. The intraclasts are fragments of coastal sedimentary rocks such as beachrocks, eolianites, and paleosols. The abundance percentages depend on geographic and geological factors in each coastal zone. In general, the beaches studied in La Graciosa, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura contain higher percentages of bioclasts than lithoclasts. However, volcaniclasts are more abundant than bioclasts in Gran Canaria, and sand grains of trachytic-phonolitic composition appear only on this island. Finally, urban and semi-urban beaches were found to have fewer bioclasts than natural ones.
Hazard Assessment and Hazard Mapping for Kuwait
Authors: Al-Hemoud Ali , Al-Enezi Abdulla , Al-Dashti Hassan , Petrov Peter , Misak Raafat , AlSaraf Manar , Malek Mariam
Published: February 2023

Hazard maps are essential tools to aid decision makers in land-use planning, sustainable infrastructure development, and emergency preparedness. Despite the availability of historical data, there has been no attempt to produce hazard maps for Kuwait. In cooperation with the World Bank, this study investigated the natural and anthropogenic hazards that affect Kuwait. The objective was to assess the hazards that face Kuwait and map the hazards of most concern. Hazard maps depicting the spatial distribution of hazard-prone areas are discussed in this article. Hazard assessment maps were generated using multiple datasets and techniques, including meteorological data, satellite imagery, and GIS. Hazard profiling identified a total of 25 hazards, of which five “priority” hazards were explored in detail: (1) surface water flooding; (2) dust storms and sand encroachment; (3) drought; (4) air pollution; and (5) oil spills. The results of this study can aid decision makers in targeting the hazards of most concern. The developed maps are valuable tools for emergency response and hazard mitigation.
A Note on Cohen’s d From a Partitioned Linear Regression Model
Authors: Groß Jürgen , Möller Annette
Published: February 2023

In this note, we introduce a generalized formula for Cohen’s d under the presence of additional independent variables, providing a measure for the size of a possible effect concerning the size of a difference location effect of a variable in two groups. This is done by employing the so-called Frisch–Waugh–Lovell theorem in a partitioned linear regression model. The generalization is motivated by demonstrating the relationship to appropriate t and F statistics. Our discussion is further illustrated by inference about a publicly available data set.
From ethical AI frameworks to tools: a review of approaches
Authors: Prem Erich
Published: February 2023

In reaction to concerns about a broad range of potential ethical issues, dozens of proposals for addressing ethical aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) have been published. However, many of them are too abstract for being easily translated into concrete designs for AI systems. The various proposed ethical frameworks can be considered an instance of principlism that is similar to that found in medical ethics. Given their general nature, principles do not say how they should be applied in a particular context. Hence, a broad range of approaches, methods, and tools have been proposed for addressing ethical concerns of AI systems. This paper presents a systematic analysis of more than 100 frameworks, process models, and proposed remedies and tools for helping to make the necessary shift from principles to implementation, expanding on the work of Morley and colleagues. This analysis confirms a strong focus of proposed approaches on only a few ethical issues such as explicability, fairness, privacy, and accountability. These issues are often addressed with proposals for software and algorithms. Other, more general ethical issues are mainly addressed with conceptual frameworks, guidelines, or process models. This paper develops a structured list and definitions of approaches, presents a refined segmentation of the AI development process, and suggests areas that will require more attention from researchers and developers.
Responsibility on Trial
Authors: Minkova Liana Georgieva
Published: February 2023

Establishing individual criminal responsibility for mass atrocities is the foundational principle of international criminal justice, but this process is highly complex, and is accompanied by political and legal dilemmas about its operation. The book examines the drafting, interpretation, and application of the rules for assessing individual criminal responsibility as those rules emerge from the intense contestations among judges, lawyers, and academics within the legal field. Focusing on the International Criminal Court (ICC), the book provides a rich analysis of the international debates around questions of criminal responsibility by interrogating formal legal documents and legal scholarship alongside more candid accounts (interviews, memoirs, minutes). These debates are of key importance for international criminal law and global justice because how criminal responsibility laws are construed in practice determines which conduct merits punishment and, ultimately, demarcates the boundaries of what are considered the 'gravest' acts that 'shock' humanity.
Climate Change Risk and Climate Justice in France: The High Administrative Court as Janus or Prometheus?
Authors: Torre-Schaub Marta
Published: February 2023

Climate change emergency requires rapide and determined action. The procrastination of the French state is not without consequences. One of them is that the High Administrative Court (Conseil d'Etat) found that climate risk is not taken seriously enough and is insufficiently addressed. In two decisions ruled in 2020 and 2021, the Conseil d'Etat in France had the opportunity to express itself on these issues. This is the case known as “Grande Synthe”, referring to the city that filed the petition before the High Court, in an appeal for “exces de pouvoir” –exces of power -, asking the administration to take further action in the fight against climate change. Civil society in France is indeed becoming impatient and taking legal action challenging the lack of ambition of the State in climate matters. The decision commented here will no doubt serve as a model for other similar decisions and for other European countries. It will lead to an increase of climate litigation in France and abroad.
Promises and challenges in pharmacoepigenetics
Authors: Smith Delaney A. , Sadler Marie C. , Altman Russ B.
Published: February 2023

Pharmacogenetics, the study of how interindividual genetic differences affect drug response, does not explain all observed heritable variance in drug response. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, and histone acetylation may account for some of the unexplained variances. Epigenetic mechanisms modulate gene expression and can be suitable drug targets and can impact the action of nonepigenetic drugs. Pharmacoepigenetics is the field that studies the relationship between epigenetic variability and drug response. Much of this research focuses on compounds targeting epigenetic mechanisms, called epigenetic drugs, which are used to treat cancers, immune disorders, and other diseases. Several studies also suggest an epigenetic role in classical drug response; however, we know little about this area. The amount of information correlating epigenetic biomarkers to molecular datasets has recently expanded due to technological advances, and novel computational approaches have emerged to better identify and predict epigenetic interactions. We propose that the relationship between epigenetics and classical drug response may be examined using data already available by (1) finding regions of epigenetic variance, (2) pinpointing key epigenetic biomarkers within these regions, and (3) mapping these biomarkers to a drug-response phenotype. This approach expands on existing knowledge to generate putative pharmacoepigenetic relationships, which can be tested experimentally. Epigenetic modifications are involved in disease and drug response. Therefore, understanding how epigenetic drivers impact the response to classical drugs is important for improving drug design and administration to better treat disease.
Girth, magnitude homology and phase transition of diagonality
Authors: Asao Yasuhiko , Hiraoka Yasuaki , Kanazawa Shu
Published: February 2023

This paper studies the magnitude homology of graphs focusing mainly on the relationship between its diagonality and the girth. The magnitude and magnitude homology are formulations of the Euler characteristic and the corresponding homology, respectively, for finite metric spaces, first introduced by Leinster and Hepworth–Willerton. Several authors study them restricting to graphs with path metric, and some properties which are similar to the ordinary homology theory have come to light. However, the whole picture of their behaviour is still unrevealed, and it is expected that they catch some geometric properties of graphs. In this article, we show that the girth of graphs partially determines the magnitude homology, that is, the larger girth a graph has, the more homologies near the diagonal part vanish. Furthermore, applying this result to a typical random graph, we investigate how the diagonality of graphs varies statistically as the edge density increases. In particular, we show that there exists a phase transition phenomenon for the diagonality.
ON GUILLERA’S -SERIES FOR
Authors: CAMPBELL JOHN M.
Published: February 2023

In 2011, Guillera [‘A new Ramanujan-like series for
$1/\pi ^2$
’, Ramanujan J.26 (2011), 369–374] introduced a remarkable rational
${}_{7}F_{6}( \frac {27}{64} )$
-series for
${1}/{\pi ^2}$
using the Wilf–Zeilberger (WZ) method, and Chu and Zhang later proved this evaluation using an acceleration method based on Dougall’s
${}_{5}F_{4}$
-sum. Another proof of Guillera’s
${}_{7}F_{6}( \frac {27}{64} )$
-series was given by Guillera in 2018, and this subsequent proof used a recursive argument involving Dougall’s sum together with the WZ method. Subsequently, Chen and Chu introduced a q-analogue of Guillera’s
${}_{7}F_{6}( \frac {27}{64} )$
-series. The many past research articles concerning Guillera’s
${}_{7}F_{6}( \frac {27}{64} )$
-series for
${1}/{\pi ^2}$
naturally lead to questions about similar results for other mathematical constants. We apply a WZ-based acceleration method to prove new rational
${}_{7}F_{6}( \frac {27}{64} )$
- and
${}_{6}F_{5}( \frac {27}{64} )$
-series for
$\sqrt {2}$
.
Hyperbole and the Cost of Discipleship: A Case Study of Luke 14:26
Authors: Llewelyn Stephen Robert , Robinson Will
Published: February 2023

Luke 14:26 has commonly been viewed as an example of hyperbole. This article applies modern studies on hyperbole that hold as its principle criteria both a scalar property and an evaluative/expressive function. We apply these criteria, analyzing Luke 14:26 in terms of encoded language, co-text, and context. We argue that hyperbole arises from the choice to use “hate” rather than “love more than” but also that the hyperbolic usage relies on a cause for effect (emotion for emotional response) metonym.1 In terms of language, we show that “hate” has variant meanings that may be different in their degrees of encoding. In terms of co-text, we argue that Luke’s use of “hate” and Matthew’s use of “love more than” are relevantly chosen; in other words, they are suited to and to be interpreted against their co-texts.
What’s in a commercial meal kit? Structured review of Australian meal kits
Authors: McKay Fiona H
Published: February 2023

Objective:

The aim of this project is to review the products and recipes contained within popular subscription meal kits to determine if they are suitable for wider use among people who are food insecure.

Design:

Across the 6-week period, weekly meal kits from both HelloFresh and Markey Spoon were purchased, resulting in thirty-six individual meals that were prepared and assessed. Meals were assessed based on the content included in the meal kit compared with the recipe card and the nutrition panel, the costs of the individual foods if purchased at one of two major supermarkets and the ease of preparation.

Setting:

Australia.

Participants:

Households were comprised of two, 2-person households who were provided with 2 meals each week, and two, single-person households who were provided with one meal each week.

Results:

The findings of this research suggest that while the meal kits are convenient and, in general, the recipes are easy to follow, and the meals would be made again, the high levels of salt and fat may preclude these kits from regular inclusion in a healthy diet. The meal kits were also found to be more costly than the same ingredients if purchased from a major supermarket. However, the convenience of having most of the foods needed to prepare a full meal with little to no wastage may counterbalance this cost.

Conclusions:

Meal kits may be a useful component of a healthy diet, that can increase meals prepared and consumed in the home, and thanks to the clear instructions and pre-portioned ingredients, may reduce stress related to food preparation.
Legal Consequentials: an Information Seeking Task
Authors: Gregory Stephen
Published: February 2023

This article is a summary of a parallel session delivered by Stephen Gregory at the BIALL Conference 2022. We may frequently work with amended legislation but have we ever stopped to think about the processes involved in identifying and implementing amendments? Drawing on experiences of working with government lawyers this article explores how government legal information professionals can assist in identifying candidates for consequential amendment. The complexities of searching for references to specific legislation provisions are described, providing some suggested search solutions. A risk-based approach is suggested. He concludes that by working collaboratively government information professionals may add significant value and benefit.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Legal Information Profession within Law Firms
Authors: Stafford Caroline
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this research is to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the legal information profession within law firm libraries in Britain and Ireland. As the pandemic only began the year before commencing this research, few studies had been conducted on the topic, thereby a clear opening for this study emerged. This study uses a survey research strategy comprised of a mixed methods research approach. Desk research in the form of a literature review opens the study. A questionnaire and 5 semi-structured interviews were subsequently conducted. To understand the impact of the pandemic on the legal information profession within law firm libraries, the research objectives break the topic down into 4 areas that give insight into the consequences of the pandemic. The research found that A) working from home was the major impact faced due to the lockdown in spring 2020; B) use and spending on print resources declined; C) the role of legal information professionals has not significantly changed; and D) future legal information professionals will need to upskill due to technological developments and improve the image of the profession. Owing to the recent outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to compare the findings of this research to similar future studies to determine the validity of the results.
Pause for Thought: Designing Video Content that Doesn't Overwhelm Learners
Authors: Brampton Charlie
Published: February 2023

Easy-to-use software and apps have made video creation achievable and affordable for many library and information professionals. While there are parallels between delivering library training in-person and via a pre-recorded video, video creation does present additional challenges as well as exciting opportunities. This paper, by Charlie Brampton, uses Clark and Mayer's model of cognitive processing as a framework, and explores how video watching can lead to extraneous, essential and generative processing. These three concepts are explored individually, and practical advice is given about controlling each type of processing. The related topic of video accessibility is discussed, from both a legal and a practical perspective.
Gaining an Insight into the User Experience by Becoming a User
Authors: Bennett Greg
Published: February 2023

In this article, based on his presentation at the BIALL Annual Conference in July 2022, the author Greg Bennett, a law librarian, discusses the insights he gained by becoming a student of law, and so, a user of a law library.
SHERLOC Raman Mineral Class Detections of the Mars 2020 Crater Floor Campaign
Authors: Corpolongo Andrea , Jakubek Ryan S. , Burton Aaron S. , Brown Adrian J. , Yanchilina Anastasia , Czaja Andrew D. , Steele Andrew , Wogsland Brittan V. , Lee Carina , Flannery David , Baker Desirée , Cloutis Edward A. , Cardarelli Emily , Scheller Eva L. , Berger Eve L. , McCubbin Francis M. , Hollis Joseph Razzell , Hickman‐Lewis Keyron , Steadman Kim , Uckert Kyle , DeFlores Lauren , Kah Linda , Beegle Luther W. , Fries Marc , Minitti Michelle , Haney Nikole C. , Conrad Pamela , Morris Richard V. , Bhartia Rohit , Roppel Ryan , Siljeström Sandra , Asher Sanford A. , Bykov Sergei V. , Sharma Sunanda , Shkolyar Svetlana , Fornaro Teresa , Abbey William
Published: February 2023

The goals of NASA's Mars 2020 mission include searching for evidence of ancient life on Mars, studying the geology of Jezero crater, understanding Mars' current and past climate, and preparing for human exploration of Mars. During the mission's first science campaign, the Perseverance rover's SHERLOC deep UV Raman and fluorescence instrument collected microscale, two‐dimensional Raman and fluorescence images on 10 natural (unabraded) and abraded targets on two different Jezero crater floor units: Séítah and Máaz. We report SHERLOC Raman measurements collected during the Crater Floor Campaign and discuss their implications regarding the origin and history of Séítah and Máaz. The data support the conclusion that Séítah and Máaz are mineralogically distinct igneous units with complex aqueous alteration histories and suggest that the Jezero crater floor once hosted an environment capable of supporting microbial life and preserving evidence of that life, if it existed.
Samples Collected From the Floor of Jezero Crater With the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover
Authors: Simon J. I. , Hickman‐Lewis K. , Cohen B. A. , Mayhew L. E. , Shuster D. L. , Debaille V. , Hausrath E. M. , Weiss B. P. , Bosak T. , Zorzano M.‐P. , Amundsen H. E. F. , Beegle L. W. , Bell J. F. , Benison K. C. , Berger E. L. , Beyssac O. , Brown A. J. , Calef F. , Casademont T. M. , Clark B. , Clavé E. , Crumpler L. , Czaja A. D. , Fairén A. G. , Farley K. A. , Flannery D. T. , Fornaro T. , Forni O. , Gómez F. , Goreva Y. , Gorin A. , Hand K. P. , Hamran S.‐E. , Henneke J. , Herd C. D. K. , Horgan B. H. N. , Johnson J. R. , Joseph J. , Kronyak R. E. , Madariaga J. M. , Maki J. N. , Mandon L. , McCubbin F. M. , McLennan S. M. , Moeller R. C. , Newman C. E. , Núñez J. I. , Pascuzzo A. C. , Pedersen D. A. , Poggiali G. , Pinet P. , Quantin‐Nataf C. , Rice M. , Rice J. W. , Royer C. , Schmidt M. , Sephton M. , Sharma S. , Siljeström S. , Stack K. M. , Steele A. , Sun V. Z. , Udry A. , VanBommel S. , Wadhwa M. , Wiens R. C. , Williams A. J. , Williford K. H.
Published: February 2023

The first samples collected by the Mars 2020 mission represent units exposed on the Jezero Crater floor, from the potentially oldest Séítah formation outcrops to the potentially youngest rocks of the heavily cratered Máaz formation. Surface investigations reveal landscape‐to‐microscopic textural, mineralogical, and geochemical evidence for igneous lithologies, some possibly emplaced as lava flows. The samples contain major rock‐forming minerals such as pyroxene, olivine, and feldspar, accessory minerals including oxides and phosphates, and evidence for various degrees of aqueous activity in the form of water‐soluble salt, carbonate, sulfate, iron oxide, and iron silicate minerals. Following sample return, the compositions and ages of these variably altered igneous rocks are expected to reveal the geophysical and geochemical nature of the planet's interior at the time of emplacement, characterize martian magmatism, and place timing constraints on geologic processes, both in Jezero Crater and more widely on Mars. Petrographic observations and geochemical analyses, coupled with geochronology of secondary minerals, can also reveal the timing of aqueous activity as well as constrain the chemical and physical conditions of the environments in which these minerals precipitated, and the nature and composition of organic compounds preserved in association with these phases. Returned samples from these units will help constrain the crater chronology of Mars and the global evolution of the planet's interior, for understanding the processes that formed Jezero Crater floor units, and for constraining the style and duration of aqueous activity in Jezero Crater, past habitability, and cycling of organic elements in Jezero Crater.
Perioperative water and electrolyte balance and water homeostasis regulation in children with acute surgery
Authors: Roberts Daniel N. , Vallén Paula , Cronhjort Maria , Alfvén Tobias , Sandblom Gabriel , Törnroth-Horsefield Susanna , Jensen Boye L. , Lönnqvist Per-Arne , Frithiof Robert , Carlström Mattias , Krmar Rafael T.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hospital-acquired hyponatremia remains a feared event in patients receiving hypotonic fluid therapy. Our objectives were to assess post-operative plasma-sodium concentration and to provide a physiological explanation for plasma-sodium levels over time in children with acute appendicitis.

Methods

Thirteen normonatremic (plasma-sodium ≥135 mmol/L) children (8 males), median age 12.3 (IQR 11.5–13.5) years participated in this prospective observational study (ACTRN12621000587808). Urine was collected and analyzed. Blood tests, including renin, aldosterone, arginine-vasopressin, and circulating nitric oxide substrates were determined on admission, at induction of anesthesia, and at the end of surgery.

Results

On admission, participants were assumed to be mildly dehydrated and were prescribed 50 mL/kg of Ringer’s acetate intravenously followed by half-isotonic saline as maintenance fluid therapy. Blood tests, urinary indices, plasma levels of aldosterone, arginine-vasopressin, and net water-electrolyte balance indicated that participants were dehydrated on admission. Although nearly 50% of participants still had arginine-vasopressin levels that would have been expected to produce maximum antidiuresis at the end of surgery, electrolyte-free water clearance indicated that almost all participants were able to excrete net free water. No participant became hyponatremic.

Conclusions

The use of moderately hypotonic fluid therapy after correction of extracellular fluid deficit is not necessarily associated with post-operative hyponatremia.

Impact

Our observations show that in acutely ill normonatremic children not only the composition but also the amount of volume infused influence on the risk of hyponatremia.

Our observations also suggest that perioperative administration of hypotonic fluid therapy is followed by a tendency towards hyponatremia if extracellular fluid depletion is left untreated.

After correcting extracellular deficit almost all patients were able to excrete net free water. This occurred despite nearly 50% of the cohort having high circulating plasma levels of arginine-vasopressin at the end of surgery, suggesting a phenomenon of renal escape from arginine-vasopressin-induced antidiuresis.
A survey of pediatric oncology nurses’ oral health knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers in a Singapore Tertiary Children’s Hospital
Authors: Yee Ruixiang , Chay Pui Ling , Khor Melissa Mei-Yi , Lim Yvonne Siew Ling , Lee Nicole Kim Luan , Kam Wee Fang , Saffari Seyad Ehsan , Chan Mei Yoke
Published: February 2023

Aim

To explore oral health-related knowledge, abilities, attitudes, practices, and barriers of pediatric oncology nurses at an Asian children’s hospital.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted via a self-administered anonymized questionnaire. Data was analyzed to summarize knowledge, confidence, and practice behaviors.

Results

All sixty-three pediatric oncology nurses responded. Fifteen participants had >80% of the knowledge questions correct. Majority (97.3%) agreed on their roles in helping patients maintain their oral health. However, 75.8% of participants felt need for training in giving oral health advice. Notably, 74.6% checked patients’ mouths at least once daily but only 57.1% felt adequately trained. Though a high proportion (>90%) of nurses felt confident to assist with oral care, only 65% would assist patients to do so; “Uncooperative patient” was the major barrier reported.

Discussion

Nurses have high general awareness of importance of oral health, but had incomplete knowledge. Compared to previous studies, most (90.5%) did not find performing oral care unpleasant but other barriers might have hindered actual oral care practice.

Conclusion

Nurses were motivated to assist in oral care of children with cancer but sometimes felt ill-equipped. Updated national and institution guidelines, didactic and hands-on training, and implementation of practical support could be considered.
Cross-protection and cross-feeding between Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii promotes their co-existence
Authors: Semenec Lucie , Cain Amy K. , Dawson Catherine J. , Liu Qi , Dinh Hue , Lott Hannah , Penesyan Anahit , Maharjan Ram , Short Francesca L. , Hassan Karl A. , Paulsen Ian T.
Published: February 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae are opportunistic pathogens frequently co-isolated from polymicrobial infections. The infections where these pathogens co-exist can be more severe and recalcitrant to therapy than infections caused by either species alone, however there is a lack of knowledge on their potential synergistic interactions. In this study we characterise the genomes of A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae strains co-isolated from a single human lung infection. We examine various aspects of their interactions through transcriptomic, phenomic and phenotypic assays that form a basis for understanding their effects on antimicrobial resistance and virulence during co-infection. Using co-culturing and analyses of secreted metabolites, we discover the ability of K. pneumoniae to cross-feed A. baumannii by-products of sugar fermentation. Minimum inhibitory concentration testing of mono- and co-cultures reveals the ability for A. baumannii to cross-protect K. pneumoniae against the cephalosporin, cefotaxime. Our study demonstrates distinct syntrophic interactions occur between A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae, helping to elucidate the basis for their co-existence in polymicrobial infections.
The natural pyrazolotriazine pseudoiodinine from Pseudomonas mosselii 923 inhibits plant bacterial and fungal pathogens
Authors: Yang Ruihuan , Shi Qing , Huang Tingting , Yan Yichao , Li Shengzhang , Fang Yuan , Li Ying , Liu Linlin , Liu Longyu , Wang Xiaozheng , Peng Yongzheng , Fan Jiangbo , Zou Lifang , Lin Shuangjun , Chen Gongyou
Published: February 2023

Natural products largely produced by Pseudomonads-like soil-dwelling microorganisms are a consistent source of antimicrobial metabolites and pesticides. Herein we report the isolation of Pseudomonas mosselii strain 923 from rice rhizosphere soils of paddy fields, which specifically inhibit the growth of plant bacterial pathogens Xanthomonas species and the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae. The antimicrobial compound is purified and identified as pseudoiodinine using high-resolution mass spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Genome-wide random mutagenesis, transcriptome analysis and biochemical assays define the pseudoiodinine biosynthetic cluster as psdABCDEFG. Pseudoiodinine biosynthesis is proposed to initiate from guanosine triphosphate and 1,6-didesmethyltoxoflavin is a biosynthetic intermediate. Transposon mutagenesis indicate that GacA is the global regulator. Furthermore, two noncoding small RNAs, rsmY and rsmZ, positively regulate pseudoiodinine transcription, and the carbon storage regulators CsrA2 and CsrA3, which negatively regulate the expression of psdA. A 22.4-fold increase in pseudoiodinine production is achieved by optimizing the media used for fermentation, overexpressing the biosynthetic operon, and removing the CsrA binding sites. Both of the strain 923 and purified pseudoiodinine in planta inhibit the pathogens without affecting the rice host, suggesting that pseudoiodinine can be used to control plant diseases.
Metamaterial foundation for seismic wave attenuation for low and wide frequency band
Authors: Gupta Arpan , Sharma Rishabh , Thakur Aman , Gulia Preeti
Published: February 2023

Metamaterials are periodic structures made by repeating a unit cell. Such a structure shows frequency-specific wave attenuation behaviour. In this work, a 2D metamaterial foundation is proposed for the seismic protection of buildings. The paramount challenge is to offer low frequency attenuation (~ 2–8 Hz), which is the dominant excitation during an earthquake. Based on the parametric study performed, a new type of metamaterial structure was proposed. It was found that the foundation consisting of repeating circular scatterers made of steel and plumbum embedded in rubber matrix can provide low and wide frequency wave attenuation from 2.6 to 7.8 Hz. The computational model of the structure was subjected to transient excitation against three pre-recorded earthquake excitations. The result showed that the novel foundation can resist the propagation of the seismic wave to the structure. Further, the response of a 2D building frame with metamaterial foundation was compared to a concrete foundation exposed to different earthquake excitations. The results are very promising as the frame vibration on the metamaterial foundation was significantly less than the same frame on the concrete foundation. The presented work opens the path to new research and development of seismic metamaterial foundation for earthquake attenuation.
Detection of coronaviruses in insectivorous bats of Fore-Caucasus, 2021
Authors: Popov Igor V. , Ohlopkova Olesia V. , Donnik Irina M. , Zolotukhin Petr V. , Umanets Alexander , Golovin Sergey N. , Malinovkin Aleksey V. , Belanova Anna A. , Lipilkin Pavel V. , Lipilkina Tatyana A. , Popov Ilya V. , Logvinov Alexandr K. , Dubovitsky Nikita A. , Stolbunova Kristina A. , Sobolev Ivan A. , Alekseev Alexander Yu. , Shestopalov Alexander M. , Burkova Valentina N. , Chikindas Michael L. , Venema Koen , Ermakov Alexey M.
Published: February 2023

Coronaviruses (CoVs) pose a huge threat to public health as emerging viruses. Bat-borne CoVs are especially unpredictable in their evolution due to some unique features of bat physiology boosting the rate of mutations in CoVs, which is already high by itself compared to other viruses. Among bats, a meta-analysis of overall CoVs epizootiology identified a nucleic acid observed prevalence of 9.8% (95% CI 8.7–10.9%). The main objectives of our study were to conduct a qPCR screening of CoVs’ prevalence in the insectivorous bat population of Fore-Caucasus and perform their characterization based on the metagenomic NGS of samples with detected CoV RNA. According to the qPCR screening, CoV RNA was detected in 5 samples, resulting in a 3.33% (95% CI 1.1–7.6%) prevalence of CoVs in bats from these studied locations. BetaCoVs reads were identified in raw metagenomic NGS data, however, detailed characterization was not possible due to relatively low RNA concentration in samples. Our results correspond to other studies, although a lower prevalence in qPCR studies was observed compared to other regions and countries. Further studies should require deeper metagenomic NGS investigation, as a supplementary method, which will allow detailed CoV characterization.
A report card approach to describe temporal and spatial trends in parameters for coastal seagrass habitats
Authors: Carter Alex B. , Coles Rob , Jarvis Jessie C. , Bryant Catherine V. , Smith Timothy M. , Rasheed Michael A.
Published: February 2023

Report cards that are designed to monitor environmental trends have the potential to provide a powerful communication tool because they are easy to understand and accessible to the general public, scientists, managers and policy makers. Given this functionality, they are increasingly popular in marine ecosystem reporting. We describe a report card method for seagrass that incorporates spatial and temporal variability in three metrics—meadow area, species and biomass—developed using long-term (greater than 10 years) monitoring data. This framework summarises large amounts of spatially and temporally complex data to give a numeric score that provides reliable comparisons of seagrass condition in both persistent and naturally variable meadows. We provide an example of how this is applied to seagrass meadows in an industrial port in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area of north-eastern Australia.
Recent advances in plant disease severity assessment using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Shi Tingting , Liu Yongmin , Zheng Xinying , Hu Kui , Huang Hao , Liu Hanlin , Huang Hongxu
Published: February 2023

In modern agricultural production, the severity of diseases is an important factor that directly affects the yield and quality of plants. In order to effectively monitor and control the entire production process of plants, not only the type of disease, but also the severity of the disease must be clarified. In recent years, deep learning for plant disease species identification has been widely used. In particular, the application of convolutional neural network (CNN) to plant disease images has made breakthrough progress. However, there are relatively few studies on disease severity assessment. The group first traced the prevailing views of existing disease researchers to provide criteria for grading the severity of plant diseases. Then, depending on the network architecture, this study outlined 16 studies on CNN-based plant disease severity assessment in terms of classical CNN frameworks, improved CNN architectures and CNN-based segmentation networks, and provided a detailed comparative analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each. Common methods for acquiring datasets and performance evaluation metrics for CNN models were investigated. Finally, this study discussed the major challenges faced by CNN-based plant disease severity assessment methods in practical applications, and provided feasible research ideas and possible solutions to address these challenges.
Obesity and risk for its comorbidities diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in Japanese individuals aged 65 years
Authors: Yamada Tomoko , Kimura-Koyanagi Maki , Sakaguchi Kazuhiko , Ogawa Wataru , Tamori Yoshikazu
Published: February 2023

Diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia are obesity-related comorbidities that contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death. In addition to obesity, the underweight condition is a concern because it can give rise to sarcopenia, particularly after the age of 65 years. We examined the risk for diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia due to obesity in individuals of this age. We retrospectively investigated the relation between obesity and its three major comorbidities in 10,852 individuals aged 65 years who underwent health checkups implemented by Kobe City between April 2017 and March 2021. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia with and without hyper-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterolemia was 9.7%, 41.0%, 63.8%, and 19.5%, respectively, and the prevalence of these conditions increased with increasing obesity. The risk for diabetes and hypertension was increased markedly (odds ratios of 12.95 and 19.44, respectively), and that for dyslipidemia with and without hyper-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterolemia was modestly increased (odds ratios of 2.59 and 3.65, respectively) at a BMI of ≥ 35 kg/m2 compared with normal weight. Analysis by gender revealed that the obesity-related risk for dyslipidemia with hyper-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterolemia was small compared with other comorbidities in women, while the risk for all comorbidities elevated similarly in men. Our results suggest the importance of public health intervention for obesity to suppress its comorbidities, especially diabetes and hypertension, at this age.
Estimation of process performance index for the two-parameter exponential distribution with measurement error
Authors: Li Yi , Chiang Jyun-You , Bai Yajie , Chai Kuang-Cheng
Published: February 2023

Measurement errors are inevitable in practice, but they are not considered in the existing process performance index. Therefore, we propose an estimation method of process performance index for the two-parameter exponential distribution with measurement errors to fill this gap. In this paper, the relationship between the unobservable actual value and measurement value is considered as full error model, and the maximum likelihood estimation method is considered to obtain the unknown parameters. In addition, we also use the Bootstrap method to construct confidence intervals of process performance index. The performance of the proposed estimation is investigated in terms of bias, mean square error (MSE) and average interval length. Simulation results show that the proposed estimator outperforms other estimators. Finally, an example of the mileage data of the military personnel carrier is given to illustrate the implementation of the proposed estimation method.
Chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective phosphinylation of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with diarylphosphine oxides
Authors: Guo Yongbiao , Li Ning , Li Junchen , Bi Xiaojing , Gao Zhenhua , Duan Ya-Nan , Xiao Junhua
Published: February 2023

Chiral phosphorous-containing compounds are playing a more and more significant role in several different research fields. Here, we show a chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective phosphinylation of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines with diarylphosphine oxides for the efficient and practical construction of a family of chiral α-amino diarylphosphine oxides with a diverse range of functional groups. The phosphine products are suitable for transforming to several kinds of chiral (thio)ureas, which might be employed as chiral ligands or catalysts with potential applications in asymmetric catalysis. Control and NMR tracking experiments show that the reaction proceeds via the tert-butyl 1-(tert-butoxy)-3,4-dihydroiso-quinoline-2(1H)-carboxylate intermediate, followed by C-P bond formation. Furthermore, computational studies elucidated that the hydrogen bonding strength between the phosphonate and isoquinolinium determines the stereoselectivity of the phosphinylation reaction.
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles affect osteoblast-derived exosome cargos and impair osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: de Souza Wanderson , Gemini-Piperni S. , Grenho Liliana , Rocha Luís A. , Granjeiro José M. , Melo Sonia A. , Fernandes Maria H. , Ribeiro Ana R.
Published: February 2023

Titanium implants undergo tribocorrosion processes releasing particles that interact with several cells at the implant–bone interface. Osteoblasts-derived exosomal proteins reduce osteogenic differentiation of HMSCs contributing to joint failure.
Advanced electrocatalytic systems for enhanced atom/electron utilization
Authors: Xu Heng , Chen Lisong , Shi Jianlin
Published: February 2023

The development of electrocatalytic systems with the enhancement of atom/electron utilization for reducing pollution and supporting sustainable human life.
Tunable sulphur doping in CuFe2O4 for the efficient removal of arsenic through arsenomolybdate complex adsorption: kinetics, isothermal and mechanistic studies
Authors: Quyyum Ujala , Rafiq Khezina , Abid Muhammad Zeeshan , Ahmad Farooq , Rauf Abdul , Hussain Ejaz
Published: February 2023

Arsenic is regarded as a highly toxic element that naturally exists in ground drinking water.
Single-crystalline Mg-substituted Na4Mn3(PO4)2P2O7 nanoparticles as a high capacity and superior cycling cathode for sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Xu Hanxue , Ma Jixian , He Xuexia , Sun Jie , Yang Longhai , Jiang Ruibin , Lei Zhibin , Liu Zong-huai , Li Qi
Published: February 2023

The NM2.7Mg0.3PP@C cathode displays a considerable discharge capacity, an improved rate capability, superior cycling performance and stable structure.
Spirocyclic rhodamine B benzoisothiazole derivative: a multi-stimuli fluorescent switch manifesting ethanol-responsiveness, photo responsiveness, and acidochromism
Authors: Battula Himabindu , Nath Moromi , Mishra Sabyashachi , Jayanty Subbalakshmi
Published: February 2023

Rhodamine B benzoisothiazole-spirolactam as multi-stimuli fluorescent switch manifesting ethanol-responsiveness, photo responsiveness, and acidochromism.
Piperonal chalcone derivative incorporating the pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine moiety; crystal structure, spectroscopic characterization and quantum chemical investigations
Authors: Polo-Cuadrado Efraín , Ferrer Karoll , Osorio Edison , Brito Iván , Cisterna Jonathan , Espinoza Luis , Alderete Joel B. , Gutiérrez Margarita
Published: February 2023

A single crystal of a piperonal chalcone derivative was obtained, fully characterized, and crystallized by a slow evaporation technique.
Could competence-based chemistry teaching in secondary school harm students’ performance in upper traditional exams?
Authors: López-Simó Víctor , Grimalt-Álvaro Carme , Sanmartí Neus
Published: February 2023

In this research, we have explored the possible differences in students’ performance in grade nine chemistry exams that could have been influenced by a different instructional approach in grade eight. We compared two groups of students: one group had received a transmissive propaedeutic approach in grade eight (especially related to the memorising the Periodic Table and mastering the rules of chemical nomenclature), and another group had received competence-based instruction in grade eight (more emphasis on modelling and inquiry activities). Both groups were homogeneously mixed at the end of grade eight, and they both received a transmissive approach in grade nine. Data were gathered through four exams over grade nine in both groups, and final course grades were also retrieved and compared. We found significant differences in assessment scores between both groups at the beginning of grade nine, but those differences were not found in subsequent assessments and in students’ final grades. Therefore, our results would suggest a scarce effect of the instruction of formal and propaedeutic content in grade eight, as all students could reach the same level regardless of the instruction received in the previous year.
Solar to hydrogen efficiency of 28.2% under natural sunlight achieved by a combination of five-junction concentrator photovoltaic modules and electrolysis cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Shingi , Watanabe Kentaroh , Minegishi Tsutomu , Sugiyama Masakazu
Published: February 2023

A combination of five-junction concentrator photovoltaic modules and electrolysis cells achieved a record high solar to hydrogen efficiency of 28.2%.
Rapid synthesis of doped metal oxidesviaJoule heating for oxygen electrocatalysis regulation
Authors: Li Yajing , Wu Han , Zhang Jinfeng , Lu Qi , Han Xiaopeng , Zheng Xuerong , Deng Yida , Hu Wenbin
Published: February 2023

We propose a Joule-heating method for the rapid synthesis and OER performance screening of a series of doped oxides for the development of advanced electrocatalysts.
A 3D lithiophilic ZIF-8@RGO free-standing scaffold with dendrite-free behavior enabling high-performance Li metal batteries
Authors: Liu Qi , Wang Rilei , Liu Zhenfang , Wang Xianshu , Han Cuiping , Liu Hongbo , Li Baohua
Published: February 2023

A proof-of-concept of a combination of unimpeded 3D electron transport pathways and abundant lithiophilic N/Zn sites has been demonstrated to concurrently tackle the growth of dendritic Li and infinity-dimension changes.
Recent progress in synthesis and application of furoxan
Authors: Abu Yousef Muhammad , Matsubara Ryosuke
Published: February 2023

This review summarizes the recent advances in the synthesis and application of furoxan molecules, with special attention to the synthetic strategy of the post-ring introduction of substituents (PRIS).
Correction: An intramolecular hydrogen bond-promoted “green” Ugi cascade reaction for the synthesis of 2,5-diketopiperazines with anticancer activity
Authors: Li Jie , Huang Jiu Hong , Wang Jing Ya , Xu Zhi Gang , Chen Zhong Zhu , Lei Jie
Published: February 2023

Correction for ‘An intramolecular hydrogen bond-promoted “green” Ugi cascade reaction for the synthesis of 2,5-diketopiperazines with anticancer activity’ by Jie Li et al., RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 33175–33179, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2RA04958A.