bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of a Heterometallic [Zn2Ca] Pinwheel Array Stabilized by Amide-Amide Synthons
Authors: Ejarque Daniel , Calvet Teresa , Font-Bardia Mercè , Pons Josefina
Published: August 2022

The rational design of heterometallic compounds bearing s-block metal ions have been a difficult task for chemists owing to their lack of preferential geometries. However, some strategies, such as the design of coordinating pockets with different sizes and/or donor atoms, have offered great results. In this work, this strategy has been tested using Ca(II) as an s-block metal ion and a compound previously obtained by our group with the formula [Zn3(μ-ACA)6(4-phpy)2], which contains tetrahedral N,O- and octahedral O-coordinating pockets as a model structure. From this work, the corresponding heterometallic compound with the formula [Zn2Ca(μ-ACA)6(4-phpy)2]·EtOH (1) has been successfully synthesized, and fully characterized, and its crystal structure has been elucidated. Furthermore, we have compiled all the crystal structures containing [Zn2M] pinwheel secondary building units (SBUs), where M stands for an s-block metal ion, and the observed tendencies, as well as the promising applications as template SBUs for the preparation of 1D–3D coordination polymers, have been discussed. Finally, solid-state UV-Vis and photoluminescence have been recorded and compared with the homometallic [Zn3(μ-ACA)6(4-phpy)2] compound.
Temperature-Dependent Development of the Post-Diapause Periods of the Apricot Seed Wasp Eurytoma maslovskii (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae): An Implication for Spring Emergence Prediction Models
Authors: Nguyen Hai Nam , Lee In Jun , Kim Hyuck Joo , Hong Ki-Jeong
Published: August 2022

The present study investigates the influence of temperature on the development of Eurytoma maslovskii after a diapause break up until adulthood. The insect development rate was fitted to both linear and nonlinear models to estimate thermal bioparameters, which served as the basis for constructing prediction models. Chilled apricot seeds collected in November were used for the experiments in March. Experiment 1 used intact seeds, while experiment 2 used overwintered larvae obtained by cracking the endocarp cover. Both larvae and intact seeds were subjected to seven constant temperatures (14.5, 18.8, 21.3, 24.0, 27.0, 30.2, and 34.3 °C). The post-diapause larvae of E. maslovskii developed into adults at a temperature range of 14.5–30.2 °C, and no larvae pupated at 34.3 °C. The lower temperature thresholds (LTs) for post-diapause larva and pupa and the total post-diapause period until adult emergence and until adult exit were 8.1, 8.2, 8.2, and 7.3 °C, respectively, whose thermal constants (DD) were 66.2, 180.2, 246.9, and 336.7 degree days, respectively. The distribution of E. maslovskii at all post-diapause stages was described using a two-parameter Weibull function. The data predicted by the model using accumulated degree days starting from January 1 did not differ by more than three days from the observed field emergence of E. maslovskii. Our data provide insights into the development of E. maslovskii after diapause. Temperature-dependent development supports the use of a degree day model to predict field emergence for pest timing control.
Artificial Nesting Hills Promote Wild Bees in Agricultural Landscapes
Authors: Neumüller Ulrich , Burger Hannah , Mayr Antonia V. , Hopfenmüller Sebastian , Krausch Sabrina , Herwig Nadine , Burger Ronald , Diestelhorst Olaf , Emmerich Katrin , Haider Mare , Kiefer Manuel , Konicek Jonas , Kornmilch Johann-Christoph , Moser Marina , Saure Christoph , Schanowski Arno , Scheuchl Erwin , Sing Julia , Wagner Max , Witter Julia , Schwenninger Hans R. , Ayasse Manfred
Published: August 2022

The availability of nesting resources influences the persistence and survival of bee communities. Although a positive effect of artificial nesting structures has frequently been shown for aboveground cavity-nesting wild bees, studies on below ground-nesting bees are rare. Artificial nesting hills designed to provide nesting habitats for ground-nesting bees were therefore established within the BienABest project in 20 regions across Germany. Wild bee communities were monitored for two consecutive years, accompanied by recordings of landscape and abiotic nest site variables. Bee activity and species richness increased from the first to the second year after establishment; this was particularly pronounced in landscapes with a low cover of semi-natural habitat. The nesting hills were successively colonized, indicating that they should exist for many years, thereby promoting a species-rich bee community. We recommend the construction of nesting hills on sun-exposed sites with a high thermal gain of the substrate because the bees prefer south-facing sites with high soil temperatures. Although the soil composition of the nesting hills plays a minor role, we suggest using local soil to match the needs of the local bee community. We conclude that artificial nesting structures for ground-nesting bees act as a valuable nesting resource for various bee species, particularly in highly degraded landscapes. We offer a construction and maintenance guide for the successful establishment of nesting hills for bee conservation.
Investigation of Prognostic Factors for Intense Pulsed Light Treatment with a Vascular Filter in Patients with Moderate or Severe Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Lee Yunhan , Jang Joon Hyuck , Nam Sanghyu , Lee Koeun , Kim Jin , Kim Jae Yong , Tchah Hungwon , Lee Hun
Published: August 2022

We aimed to investigate the prognostic factors for, and treatment efficacy of, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment with a vascular filter in patients with moderate or severe meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). In this retrospective observational study, 58 moderate or severe MGD patients who underwent IPL treatment with a vascular filter were enrolled. IPL treatment was administered to the upper and lower eyelids four times at two-week intervals. At baseline, and four weeks after IPL, we evaluated the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression levels, tear break-up times (TBUT), ocular surface staining scores, lid margin telangiectasias, and meibomian gland characteristics. The subjective symptoms and adverse effects were reviewed and recorded. Regression analyses were performed to explore the prognostic factors affecting clinical outcomes. IPL treatment using a vascular filter led to improvements in the TBUT, ocular surface staining score, meibomian gland grade, meibum quality and consistency, lid margin telangiectasia, and symptom score (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the positivity rate (90.2% to 70.6%, p = 0.013) and expression levels (1.92 ± 1.18 to 1.24 ± 1.18, p < 0.001) of tear MMP-9 improved after the IPL treatment. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a young age (odds ratio = 0.867, p = 0.007) and a toothpaste-like consistency in the upper lid (odds ratio = 8.449, p = 0.046) were associated with improvements in the meibomian gland grade. No adverse effects were detected. IPL with a vascular filter is a safe and effective treatment for moderate and severe MGD. Age and the meibum consistency in the upper lid are important prognostic factors.
A Path Model for Subjective Well-Being during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Study among Polish and Ukrainian University Students
Authors: Rogowska Aleksandra M. , Kuśnierz Cezary , Pavlova Iuliia , Chilicka Karolina
Published: August 2022

Background: Previous studies showed several associations between physical and mental health dimensions and well-being. This study aims to examine a complex path model explaining the life satisfaction of university students from Poland and Ukraine during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The cross-sectional web-based study was performed in November 2020 using Google Forms. The conventional sample of 3230 university students from Poland (n = 1581) and Ukraine (n = 1649), aged 18–59 (M = 21.40, SD = 3.46), with 59% women, participated in the study. We used standardized questionnaires to measure life satisfaction (SWLS), self-reported physical health (GSRH), perceived stress (PSS-10), coronavirus-related PTSD (PCL-S), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). We also developed some questions to assess the exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic, positive effects of the pandemic, religiosity, and physical activity (PA). Results: We found a high prevalence of stress, coronavirus-related PTSD, anxiety, and depression and a low level of life satisfaction and physical health. Polish students, women, and those with insufficient PA levels reported worse physical and mental health than Ukrainians, men, and those who exercised sufficiently during the pandemic. Low perceived stress can directly predict life satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. Low stress also leads to better physical health, sufficient PA levels, high religiosity, and more perceived positive effects of the pandemic. Several indirect effects between particular variables and life satisfaction were also found in the path model. Conclusions: The target group for campus prevention programs is Polish university students, women, and people with insufficient PA levels. Intervention and prevention programs should focus on coping strategies and techniques for improving mental and physical health.
Mechanical Circulatory Support in Delayed Surgery of Post-Infarction Ventricular Septal Rupture in Patients in Cardiogenic Shock—A Review
Authors: Żbikowska Karolina , Wróbel Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

Post-infarction ventricular septal rupture (VSR) is a serious complication of myocardial infarction, which, in its natural course or treated medically, is related to high mortality rate. Surgical intervention remains the treatment of choice. Recent studies have shown that delayed surgery is related to better outcomes in comparison with urgent surgery; however, in many studies the impact of the patients’ initial hemodynamic status on the treatment outcomes often remains unclear. In this review, we analyze the outcomes of delayed surgical treatment of patients in cardiogenic shock in the course of post-infarction ventricular septal defect stabilized with preoperative use of mechanical circulatory support. We evaluate the importance of various types of mechanical circulatory devices (MCD), such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, Tandem Heart, Impella, and intra-aortic baloon pump (IABP) in preoperative stabilization of patients, and the most suitable time for surgery, and we also present the features of ideal MCD for patients with VSR. A search of Pubmed to identify studies concerning the use of MCD in patients in cardiogenic shock in the course of VSR qualified for delayed surgery was conducted in January 2022. A total of 16 articles with three or more patients described were analyzed in this study. The preoperative use of MCD in patients in cardiogenic shock and delayed surgery as a main part of treatment seems to be a promising direction, however, it requires further research.
Necessity of Individualized Approach for Gastric Subepithelial Tumor Considering Pathologic Discrepancy and Surgical Difficulty Depending on the Gastric Location
Authors: Kim Sung Gon , Eom Bang Wool , Yoon Hongman , Kook Myeong-Cheorl , Kim Young-Woo , Ryu Keun Won
Published: August 2022

Background: Depending on the location of gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs), surgical access is difficult with a risk of postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of small-sized gastric SETs and their surgical outcomes depending on location and provide considering factors for their treatment plans. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric SETs (size < 5 cm). SETs were divided into benign SETs and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) for comparison. The clinicopathological characteristics of SETs in the cardia were compared to those in the other regions. Results: Overall, 191 patients with gastric SETs (135 GISTs, 70.7%; and 56 benign SETs, 29.3%) were included. In multivariate analysis, age > 65 years (odds ratio (OR), 3.183; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.310–7.735; p = 0.011), and non-cardiac SETs (OR, 2.472; 95% CI, 1.110–5.507; p = 0.030) were associated with a significant risk of malignancy. Compared to SETs in other locations, cardiac SETs showed more complications (3 versus 0; p = 0.000), and open conversion rates (2 versus 0; p = 0.003). However, the proportion of GISTs of SETs in the cardia is not negligible (52.9%). Conclusions: Considering the malignancy risk of SETs, active surgical resection should be considered in old age and/or location in the non-cardiac area. However, in young patients, SETs located in the gastric cardia have a considerably benign nature and are associated with poor short-term surgical outcomes. An individualized surgical approach for asymptomatic small SETs according to the gastric location is warranted.
Management of High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism: What Is the Place of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation?
Authors: Assouline Benjamin , Assouline-Reinmann Marie , Giraud Raphaël , Levy David , Saura Ouriel , Bendjelid Karim , Combes Alain , Schmidt Matthieu
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common disease with an annual incidence rate ranging from 39–115 per 100,000 inhabitants. It is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular mortality in the USA and Europe. While the clinical presentation and severity may vary, it is a life-threatening condition in its most severe form, defined as high-risk or massive PE. Therapeutic options in high-risk PE are limited. Current guidelines recommend the use of systemic thrombolytic therapy as first-line therapy (Level Ib). However, this treatment has important drawbacks including bleeding complications, limited efficacy in patients with recurrent PE or cardiac arrest, and formal contraindications. In this context, the use of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) in the management of high-risk PE has increased worldwide in the last decade. Strategies, including VA-ECMO as a stand-alone therapy or as a bridge to alternative reperfusion therapies, are associated with acceptable outcomes, especially if implemented before cardiac arrest. Nonetheless, the level of evidence supporting ECMO and alternative reperfusion therapies is low. The optimal management of high-risk PE patients will remain controversial until the realization of a prospective randomized trial comparing those cited strategies to systemic thrombolysis.
Cognitive Phenotype and Psychopathology in Noonan Syndrome Spectrum Disorders through Various Ras/MAPK Pathway Associated Gene Variants
Authors: Wingbermühle Ellen , Roelofs Renée L. , Oomens Wouter , Kramer Jennifer , Draaisma Jos M. T. , Leenders Erika , Kleefstra Tjitske , Kessels Roy P. C. , Egger Jos I. M.
Published: August 2022

Cognitive difficulties are argued to be common in patients with Noonan syndrome spectrum disorders (NSSDs), but findings are based on studies in which patients with variants in PTPN11 (prevalence ~50%) were overrepresented. The current study, using a structured clinical approach, describes the cognitive phenotype and psychopathology of 100 patients (aged 6 to 61 years) with nine different gene variants in the Ras/MAPK pathway underlying NSSDs (PTPN11n = 61, PTPN11 Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines n = 3, SOS1n = 14, KRASn = 7, LZTR1n = 5, RAF1n = 4, SHOC2n = 2, CBLn = 2, SOS2n = 2). After weighted assessment and bootstrapping of the results of individual neuropsychological assessments and measures of psychopathology, cognitive performances in most variant groups were within the ranges of expectation. IQs were significantly lower in patients with variants in PTPN11, KRAS, RAF1, and SHOC2, but no specific cognitive impairments were found. The performances of younger participants (<16 years of age) did not differ from those of adults. Alexithymia and internalizing problems were more frequent in patients with variants in PTPN11 and SOS1, while PTPN11 patients also showed higher levels of externalizing problems. These results stress the need to take intelligence into account when interpreting lower cognitive performances in individual neuropsychological assessments, which is crucial for an adequate understanding and guidance of patients with NSSDs.
Multivalvular Endocarditis: A Rare Condition with Poor Prognosis
Authors: Álvarez-Zaballos Sara , González-Ramallo Victor , Quintana Eduard , Muñoz Patricia , de la Villa-Martínez Sofía , Fariñas M. Carmen , Arnáiz-de las Revillas Francisco , de Alarcón Arístides , Rodríguez-Esteban M. Ángeles , Miró José M. , Goenaga Miguel Angel , Goikoetxea-Agirre Josune , García-Vázquez Elisa , Boix-Palop Lucía , Martínez-Sellés Manuel ,   on behalf of GAMES
Published: August 2022

Background. Infective endocarditis (IE) is a severe condition. Our aim was to describe the profile and prognosis of patients with multivalvular infective endocarditis (MIE) and compare them to single-valve IE (SIE). Methods. We used a retrospective analysis of the Spanish IE Registry (2008–2020). Results. From 4064 definite cases of valvular IE, 577 (14.2%) had MIE. In patients with MIE, the most common locations were mitral (552, 95.7%) and aortic (550, 95.3%), with mitral-aortic involvement present in 507 patients (87.9%). The most common etiologies were S. viridans (192, 33.3%) and S. aureus (113, 19.6%). MIE involved only native valves in 450 patients (78.0%). Compared with patients with SIE, patients with MIE had a similar age (69 vs. 67 years, respectively, p = 0.27) and similar baseline characteristics, but were more frequently men (67.1% vs. 72.9%, p = 0.005) and had a higher incidence of intracardiac complications (36.2% vs. 50.4%, p < 0.001), heart failure (42.7% vs. 52.9%, p < 0.001), surgical indication (67.7 vs. 85.1%, p < 0.001), surgery (46.3% vs. 56.3%), and in-hospital mortality (26.9% vs. 34.3%, p < 0.001). MIE was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.7, p = 0.004) but did not have an independent association with 1-year mortality (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.4, p = 0.43). Conclusions. About one-seventh of the valvular IE patients had MIE, mainly due to mitral-aortic involvement. MIE is associated with a poor in-hospital prognosis. An early diagnosis and treatment of IE might avoid its spread to a second valve.
Early Serum Creatinine Levels after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Predict Functional Neurological Outcome after 6 Months
Authors: Lampmann Tim , Hadjiathanasiou Alexis , Asoglu Harun , Wach Johannes , Kern Tamara , Vatter Hartmut , Güresir Erdem
Published: August 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a known predictor of unfavorable outcome in patients treated at the ICU, irrespective of the disease. However, data on the potential influence of serum creatinine (sCr) on hospital admission on the outcome in patients suffering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is scarce. A total of 369 consecutive patients suffering from SAH were included in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into good-grade (WFNS I–III) versus poor-grade (WFNS IV–V). Outcome was assessed according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 6 months and stratified into favorable (mRS 0–2) versus unfavorable (mRS 3–6). SAH patients with sCr levels <1.0 mg/dL achieved significantly a favorable outcome more often compared to patients with sCr levels ≥1.0 mg/dL (p = 0.003). In the multivariable analysis, higher levels of sCr (p = 0.014, OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.2–4.7), poor-grade on admission (p < 0.001, OR 9.8; 95% CI 5.6–17.2), age over 65 years (p < 0.001, OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.7–6.1), and delayed cerebral ischemia (p < 0.001, OR 7.9; 95% CI 3.7–17.1) were independently associated with an unfavorable outcome. We identified increased sCr on admission as a predictor for unfavorable functional outcome after SAH. Further studies elucidating the pathophysiology of this association are necessary.
Two New Species of Free-Living Marine Nematode of the Genus Anticyathus Cobb, 1920 (Linhomoeidae) from Mangroves Sediment of Shenzhen and Shantou, China
Authors: Chen Yuzhen , Zhou Rengui , Zhu Huilan , Guo Yuqing
Published: August 2022

Two new species belonging to the genus Anticyathus were discovered during an ecological investigation of mangrove sediment in China. Anticyathus shenzhensis sp. nov. and Anticyathus communis sp. nov. are both characterized by: annulated cuticles; ten cephalic setae in a circle; buccal cavity lined with six longitudinal reinforcements; amphids in broken circles or cryptic spirals, located at the very anterior of the head; pharynx with anterior cuticularized, gradually enlarging in posterior portion but without bulb; conical tail; arcuate spicules, the distal ends pointed, gradually broadening towards the proximal; gubernaculum has a dorsal–caudal apophysis; female with two opposed, outstretched ovaries. Anticyathus shenzhensis sp. nov. can be distinguished by ten cephalic setae of length about 2–4 µm; amphids diameter about 20–29% of corresponding body diameter; pharynx occupy 0.07–0.10 times of body length; cardia length about 25 µm; tail length 2.5–3.4 times of anal body diameter (abd) in males and 3.4–4.7 abd in females; spicules length 51–59 µm as arc and 0.71–1.04 abd; apophysis length 18–19 µm; female vulva at 52–56% of body length. Anticyathus communis sp. nov. is identified by ten cephalic setae length about 3–5 µm; amphids diameter about 20–32% of corresponding body diameter; cardia 17–27 µm long; tail length 3.6–4.5 abd in male, 5.3–5.5 abd in female; spicules proximal with distinctly cephalated, 0.74–0.96 abd; gubernaculum shape of “L”, consisting of sleeves around spicule and dorsal–caudal apophysis; five to seven pre-anal and seven to ten post-anal almost invisible papilla or papillae-like setae occur on each ventrally submedian line on the posterior body part of male; the tip of male tail with three slight elevation; female vulva at 52% of body length. A dichotomous key for the genus Anticyathus is given and 39 sequences of 18S rRNA gene from ten individuals of Anticyathus shenzhensis sp. nov. are provided in Genbank database.
Robust Optimization Design for Path Planning of Bionic Robotic Fish in the Presence of Ocean Currents
Authors: Tian Qunhong , Wang Tao , Wang Yunxia , Li Changjiang , Liu Bing
Published: August 2022

The bionic robotic fish is one of the special autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), whose path planning is crucial for many applications including underwater environment detection, archaeology, pipeline leak detection, and so on. However, the uncertain ocean currents increase the difficulty of path planning for bionic robotic fish in practice. In this paper, the path energy consumption is selected as the objective function for path planning, path safety factor, and smoothness are considered as the constraint conditions. The kinematic model is established for bionic robotic fish and, considering the uncertainty of ocean currents, a “min-max” robust optimization problem is proposed in the light of the normal optimization model of path planning for bionic robotic fish. The co-evolutionary genetic algorithm is presented to solve the robust optimization problem with two populations; one population represents the solutions and the other represents the uncertain ocean currents. The objective of the proposed algorithm is to find a robust solution that has the best worst-case performance over a set of possible ocean currents. Multiple experiments indicate that the proposed algorithm is very effective for path planning for bionic robotic fish with ocean currents.
Application of Phase-Selective Organogelators (PSOGs) for Marine Oil Spill Remediation
Authors: Bi Huifang , An Chunjiang , Mulligan Catherine N. , Chen Zhi , Lee Kenneth , Wen Jiyuan , Qu Zhaonian , Chen Xinya
Published: August 2022

Oil spill incidents frequently cause serious impacts on the ecosystem, society, and economy. To cope with this problem, the use of phase-selective organogelators (PSOGs) has been developed in recent years as a promising oil spill response tool, which can congeal oils from biphasic systems, accelerating oil removal and recovery and reducing impacts on the environment. This article systematically reviews reported technologies for the use of PSOGs for potential oil spill remediation in the literature from January 2016 to May 2022. It discusses several kinds of PSOGs based on molecular structures which are possible for gelling oil in the presence of water/seawater. Their mechanisms for phase-selective gelation are summarized, including hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking interactions, van der Waals force, hydrophobic interactions, etc. The currently possible deployment methods for the application of PSOGs are explored; carrier solvents and powder form are frequently used. Moreover, the challenges and the corresponding recommendations regarding standardized testing protocols and evaluation framework, gelation selectivity, as well as challenges in field tests, are further discussed.
Numerical and Experimental Study on the Effect of Rotor–Stator Distance on Rotor–Stator Interaction Strength within Mixed-Flow Centrifugal Pumps
Authors: Han Feng , Chen Xionghuan , Yang Yang , Wang Chuan
Published: August 2022

In this article, the influence of rotor–stator distance on the pump performance and rotor–stator interaction strength within mixed-flow centrifugal pump was investigated based on numerical calculation and test verification. Firstly, the performances of mixed-flow centrifugal pumps with two different rotor–stator distances were obtained and compared with the numerical results, which confirms the high accuracy of the numerical simulation. Next, the performances of mixed-flow centrifugal pumps with five different rotor–stator distances were compared and analyzed. It was found that the hydraulic performance of the mixed-flow centrifugal pump varies slightly as the rotor–stator distance increases. The mean values of the standard deviation of the head and efficiency of the mixed-flow centrifugal pump at each rotor–stator distance under full flow conditions are only 0.16 m and 0.11%, respectively. Then, the strengths of the rotor–stator interaction with different rotor–stator distances were analyzed. It was found that the strengths of the shock interaction, the wake interaction, and the potential interaction were all reduced with increasing rotor–stator distance. Moreover, when the rotor–stator distance is 1.5 mm, the pressure distribution in the circumferential direction of the rotor–stator interference zone shows obvious unstable characteristics: the pressure change amplitude is significantly greater than the other rotor–stator distance of the pressure change amplitude, the maximum and minimum pressure amplitude difference being 56.9 kPa, and with the increase in the rotor–stator distance, the maximum and minimum pressure amplitude difference gradually decreases, with an average value of 32.3 kPa. These findings could provide useful insight into prospects for the improvement of the operational stability of mixed-flow centrifugal pumps, and the results of this study can be extended to all centrifugal pumps using diffusers in the form of vanes as the pressure chamber, which has strong practical application and theoretical value.
Distribution and Metabolic Activities of Marine Microbes in Response to Natural and Anthropogenic Stressors
Authors: Caruso Gabriella , Ziervogel Kai
Published: August 2022

As a consequence of climate change and increased human pressure, aquatic ecosystems are experiencing natural and anthropogenic stressors and events such as temperature warming, acidification, biodiversity loss, and degraded water quality [...]
Vulnerability Analysis of Structural Systems under Extreme Flood Events
Authors: Greco Fabrizio , Lonetti Paolo
Published: August 2022

Vulnerability analyses of coastal or inland bridges in terms of flood actions and structural and fluid flow characteristics are carried out. In particular, a numerical model based on a two-phase fluid flow is implemented for the multiphase fluid system, whereas a three-dimensional formulation based on shell/volume finite elements is adopted for the structure. The governing equations can simulate the interaction between fluids and the structures, by using the Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) strategy. The results of the hydrodynamic forces, bridge displacements and dynamic amplification factors (DAFs) show that the existing formulas, available in the literature or in structural design codes, do not accurately predict the maximum design effects. For the investigated cases, the DAFs may vary from 1 to 4.5. The worst scenarios are observed for the upload vertical direction. Finally, the performance of the protection fairing system is investigated. The results show that such devices are able to efficiently reduce the effects of the wave load in terms of the applied hydraulic forces on the structure and bridge deformability, in particular, with 40% more accuracy than the unprotected configuration.
Microbial Fertilization Improves Soil Health When Compared to Chemical Fumigation in Sweet Lily
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Hongyu , Calderón-Urrea Alejandro , Li Yuanpeng , Zhang Lipeng , Yu Yanlin , Ma Jiayi , Shi Guiying
Published: August 2022

Lanzhou Lily(Lilium davidii) var. unicolor, which is also known as sweet lily in China, is used as a type of food. This lily is distributed in narrow regions, propagates asexually, cultivates perennially, and cultivates commonly in serious consecutive replant problems (CRPs). Soil fumigation is commonly used to control soil-borne disease to alleviate crops’ consecutive replant problems (CRPs). However, due to the improper fumigation application, it is common to cause chemical hazard to crops. In this study, we designed a two-factor experiment to explore the bacterial and fungal community structure and some specific microbial groups in the lily rhizosphere soil after chemical versus bacterial fertilizer treatments, by using a metagenomic analysis of the treated soils. The results showed that metham-sodium soil fumigation (SMF treatment) significantly decreased plant growth, as well as it significantly decreased both soil fungal diversity and abundance at the OTUs levels, while Special 8™ microbial fertilizer supplement (MF treatment) significantly improved plant growth and increased fungal diversity and abundance. Under FM treatment, Chao1 richness and Shannon’s diversity increased by 6.70% and 35.09% compared to CK (no treatment). However, the bacterial diversity and abundance were not significantly changed among these treatments. The fungal and bacterial community structure were different in all treatments. In SMF treatment, the pathogenic fungal species Fusarium oxysporum increased compared to CK, but it significantly decreased in MF treatment; in MF and MMF treatments, some beneficial bacteria groups such as the bacterial phylum Proteobacteria and its member genus Sphingomonas, as well as the fungal genus Mortierella, increased compared to CK and SFM treatments, but the harmful bacterial genera Gemmatimona was decreased, as well as the harmful fungal genus Cryptococcus. Thus, we concluded that under chemical fumigation conditions, both fungal diversity loss and overall microorganism reduction, which impair multiple ecosystem function, in conjunction with the increase of harmful fungal species such as Fusarium oxysporum, are causes for soil degradation. On the other hand, under microbial fertilizer supplement, it was the fungal diversity increase, as well as these beneficial microorganisms groups’ accumulation, together with those harmful groups’ depletion, played important roles in restoring and improving soil health that suffered from the chemical fumigant hazard. In addition, the bacterial phylum Proteobacteria and its member genus Sphingomonas are involved in soil health recovery and promotion. The results also emphasized that whether soil is chemically fumigated or not, beneficial microorganism supplementary is effective in ensuring soil productivity.
COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Fungal Infection among Pediatric Cancer Patients, a Single Center Experience
Authors: Madney Youssef , Shalaby Lobna , Hammad Mahmoud , Elanany Mervat , Hassan Reem , Youssef Ayda , Abdo Ibrahim , Zaki Abeer , Khedr Reham
Published: August 2022

Patients with COVID-19 are at risk of developing secondary complications such as invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and mucormycosis. This is a retrospective study including all cancer children diagnosed with COVID-19-associated pulmonary fungal infection (CAPFI) during the period 2020–2021. A total of 200 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, out of which 21 (10%) patients were diagnosed with CAPFI, 19 patients (90%) with COVID-aspergillosis (CAPA), and 2 (10%) patients with COVID-mucormycosis (CAM). Patients with CAPFI were classified using the “2020 ECMM/ISHAM consensus criteria”; proven in 2 (10%) patients, probable in 12 (57%), and possible in 7 (33%) patients. Although the hematological malignancy patients were already on antifungal prophylaxis, breakthrough fungal infection was reported in 16/21 (75%), 14 (65%) patients had CAPA while on echinocandin prophylaxis, while 2 (10%) patients had CAM while on voriconazole prophylaxis. Overall mortality was reported in 8 patients (38%) while CAPFI-attributable mortality was reported in 4 patients (20%). In conclusion, clinicians caring for pediatric cancer patients with COVID-19 should consider invasive pulmonary fungal infection, even if they are on antifungal prophylaxis, especially with worsening of the clinical chest condition. A better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes may improve clinical management in these patients.
Invasive Fungal Infection Caused by Magnusiomyces capitatus in an Immunocompromised Pediatric Patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Mexico City: A Case Report
Authors: Ortiz-Álvarez Jossue , Reséndiz-Sánchez Jesús , Juárez-Montiel Margarita , Hernández-García Juan Alfredo , Vázquez-Guerrero Edwin , Hernández-Rodríguez César , Villa-Tanaca Lourdes
Published: August 2022

Magnusiomyces capitatus (also denominated “Geotrichum capitatum” and “the teleomorph stage of Saprochaete capitata”) mainly affects immunocompromised patients with hematological malignancies in rare cases of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Few cases have been reported for pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), in part because conventional diagnostic methods do not consistently detect M. capitatus in infections. The current contribution describes a systemic infection in a 15-year-old female diagnosed with ALL. She arrived at the Children’s Hospital of Mexico City with a fever and neutropenia and developed symptoms of septic shock 4 days later. M. capitatus ENCB-HI-834, the causal agent, was isolated from the patient’s blood, urine, bile, and peritoneal fluid samples. It was identified with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and a phylogenetic reconstruction using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S ribosomal sequences. The phylogenetic sequence of M. capitatus ENCB-HI-834 clustered with other M. capitatus-type strains with a 100% identity. In vitro antifungal testing, conducted with the Sensititre YeastOne susceptibility system, found the following minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (μg/mL): posaconazole 0.25, amphotericin B 1.0, fluconazole > 8.0, itraconazole 0.25, ketoconazole 0.5, 5-flucytosine ≤ 0.06, voriconazole 0.25, and caspofungin > 16.0. No clinical breakpoints have been defined for M. capitatus. This is the first clinical case reported in Mexico of an IFI caused by M. capitatus in a pediatric patient with ALL. It emphasizes the importance of close monitoring for a timely and accurate diagnosis of neutropenia-related IFIs to determine the proper treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, and chemotherapy for instance including children with ALL.
Analgesic Efficacies of Intraoperative Pectoralis Nerve II Block under Direct Vision in Patients Undergoing Robotic Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Moon Jiae , Park Hyung Seok , Kim Jee Ye , Lee Hye Sun , Jeon Soyoung , Lee Dongwoo , Bai Sun Joon , Kim Na Young
Published: August 2022

This prospective, randomized study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an intraoperative pectoralis nerve II block (PECS II block) under direct vision in the reduction of fentanyl consumption during postoperative 24 h in patients undergoing robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy (RNSM) with immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using direct-to-implant (DTI) or tissue expander (TE). Thirty patients scheduled for RNSM with IBR were randomly allocated to the PECS (n = 15) or control (n = 15) groups. The PECS II block was applied under direct vision after RNSM. The primary outcome was the cumulative dose of fentanyl consumption. The secondary outcomes were pain intensity using a numerical rating scale (NRS) at rest and acting during the postoperative 24 h. The cumulative dose of fentanyl at 24 h was significantly lower in the PECS group than in the control group (p = 0.011). Patients in the PECS group showed significantly lower NRS scores during the first postoperative 2 h compared to those in the control group in both resting and acting pain (p < 0.05). An intraoperative PECS II block under direct vision can reduce opioid consumption during the postoperative 24 h and provide effective analgesia in patients undergoing RNSM with IBR using DTI or TE.
Net Impact of COVID-19 on REIT Returns
Authors: Cai Yongpei , Xu Kuan
Published: August 2022

Using an extended Fama–French model for REIT returns, we examine how the net impact of the COVID-19 pandemic differs from that of recessions. We find that, as anticipated, recessions have a negative net impact on office and residential REIT returns but that the COVID-19 pandemic has a positive net influence on industrial REIT returns because of e-commerce and the demand for storage, distribution, and shipping. Contrary to what we anticipated, there are no negative net effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on office and residential REIT returns, perhaps caused by both existing office and residential leases, the percentage rent clause for commercial properties, and the grace period for residential properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast to moving solely during recessions and the COVID-19 pandemic, we find that retail REIT returns fluctuate along with ongoing macro/asset-pricing conditions throughout the boom and bust cycle.
Multiple Neighborhood Cellular Automata as a Mechanism for Creating an AGI on a Blockchain
Authors: Sgantzos Konstantinos , Grigg Ian , Al Hemairy Mohamed
Published: August 2022

Most Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementations so far are based on the exploration of how the human brain is designed. Nevertheless, while significant progress is shown on specialized tasks, creating an Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) remains elusive. This manuscript proposes that instead of asking how the brain is constructed, the main question should be how it was evolved. Since neurons can be understood as intelligent agents, intelligence can be thought of as a construct of multiple agents working and evolving together as a society, within a long-term memory and evolution context. More concretely, we suggest placing Multiple Neighborhood Cellular Automata (MNCA) on a blockchain with an interaction protocol and incentives to create an AGI. Given that such a model could become a “strong” AI, we present the conjecture that this infrastructure is possible to simulate the properties of cognition as an emergent phenomenon.
Soil Carbon and Phosphorus after 40 Years of Contrasting Tillage and Straw Management in Dryland Wheat Production under Semi-Arid Temperate Climate
Authors: Sosibo Nondumiso Zanele , Muchaonyerwa Pardon , Dube Ernest , Tsilo Toi John
Published: August 2022

The effects of conservation strategies on soil organic carbon (SOC) and phosphorus (P) dynamics in dryland wheat under semi-arid temperate conditions are not well understood. This study quantified the effects of tillage and straw management on SOC concentrations and stocks and P fractions after 40 years of dryland wheat under a semi-arid temperate climate. The treatments were straw management (burned and not burned) combined with tillage methods (conventional tillage (CT), stubble mulch (SM), and no-tillage (NT)). Fertilizer nitrogen (N) and P were applied annually at 60 and 12.5 kg ha−1, respectively. The soils were sampled from 0–50, 50–200, 200–400, 400–600, 600–800, and 800–1000 mm depths, and analyzed using standard methods. The concentration of SOC was not affected by tillage and straw management, except in 200–400 mm where it was higher where the straw was burned rather than retained. The total C stock (0–1000 mm) was higher under NT with straw burning, CT with no burning, and SM, than NT with straw retention and CT with burning. In the topsoil, NT had significantly (p < 0.05) higher Bray 1 P, NaOH II Pi, and residual P than SM and CT, while burning straw increased Bray 1 P and NaHCO3 Pi concentrations. The findings imply that while the SOC concentration is not significantly affected by tillage, but is increased by burning in the subsoil only, the total C stock is improved by NT with burned straw, CT with straw retention, and SM, while the labile P fractions are increased by NT with burned straw, relative to CT with burned straw, in the semi-arid dryland wheat region.
How Good Are Global Layers for Mapping Rural Settlements? Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Ningcheng , Zhang Xinyi , Yao Shenjun , Wu Jianping , Xia Haibin
Published: August 2022

Global urbanization has brought about a significant transition to rural areas. With the development of remote sensing technologies, land use/land cover (LULC) datasets allow users to analyze the changes in global rural settlements. However, few studies have examined the performances of the LULC datasets in mapping rural settlements. Taking China as the study area, this research selected eight of the latest LULC datasets (ESRI Land Cover, WSF, ESA WorldCover, GHS-BUILT-S2, GISD30, GISA2.0, GLC30, and GAIA) to compare their accuracy for rural settlement detection. Spatial stratified sampling was used for collecting and sampling rural settlements. We conducted omission tests, area comparison, and pixel-based accuracy tests for comparison. The results show that: (1) the performances of the 10 m resolution datasets are better than those of the 30 m resolution datasets in almost all scenarios. (2) the mapping of villages in Western China is a challenge for all datasets. (3) GHS-BUILT-S2 performs the best in almost every scenario, and can allow users to adjust the threshold value for determining a proper range of rural settlement size; ESRI outperforms any other dataset in detecting the existence of rural settlements, but it dramatically overestimates the area of rural settlements. (4) GISD30 is the best among the 30 m resolution datasets, notably in the Pearl River Delta. Finally, we provide useful suggestions on ideal map selection in various regions and scenarios.
More Than Thirty Years of Environmentally Sensitive Area Loss in Wuhan: What Lessons Have We Learned from Urban Containment Policy?
Authors: Zhou Kehao , Tan Ronghui
Published: August 2022

In an attempt to curb urban land growth and protect environmentally sensitive areas during the urbanization period, urban containment policies in different forms have been implemented over the last three decades at the national and local levels. In this study, we measure the extent of environmentally sensitive area loss in the rural–urban fringe of Wuhan City, where massive urban development has taken place, using 34 years of land use data. Based on this measurement, the effectiveness of the basic farmland zoning policy, which was employed nationwide in the second round of the general land use plan, and a local ecological baseline zoning policy is estimated using three different econometric models. The results indicate that arable land and water bodies are the two main types of environmentally sensitive areas encroached by urban areas. When the spatial dependence was considered, the basic farmland zoning policy is ineffective in shrinking the size of urban land within the boundaries of the basic farmland zone. However, the ecological baseline zoning policy seems to work well for preserving the environmentally sensitive area in the rural–urban fringe area. Several policy implications are offered on the basis of these findings.
Nutritional Diagnosis of the Mineral Elements in Tainong Mango Leaves during Flowering in Karst Areas
Authors: Huang Chao , Xu Can , Ma Yiqi , Song Tao , Xu Zhi , Li Si , Liang Jianhong , Zhang Liankai
Published: August 2022

The balance of the mineral nutrition in mango leaves during the flowering period affects the flowering of mango trees and fruit production. Because the soil in karst areas has a slow and unbalanced supply rate of nutrients, mango orchards in a karst area generally have a low yield. There are few studies on the fertilization of mango orchards in karst areas, especially on the diagnosis of leaf mineral nutrition. In this study, mango orchards in the typical karst areas of Guangxi province, one of the main mango-producing areas in China, were selected from the low-yielding and medium-yielding mango orchards. Surface soil samples and leaf samples from mango orchards in full bloom were collected to test for macronutrients and micronutrients. The Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) graphical method, the DRIS method, the Modified DRIS (M-DRIS), and the Deviation from Optimum Percentage (DOP) index diagnostic methods were applied to the leaves. The results showed that the DRIS graphical analysis yielded appropriate ratios of N, P, K, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu with the corresponding three elements, Ca, Zn, and B, which can be used as reference diagnostic criteria. Based on the values of the DRIS diagnostic criteria for high-yielding orchards, the critical ranges of the suitable values of the mineral nutrients in the Tainong mango leaves during flowering were determined as N (14.87–17.27 g/kg), P (0.69–0.89 g/kg), K (4.45–6.90 g/kg), Ca (9.51–16.55 g/kg), Mg (1.44–2.20 g/kg), S (0.75–1.06 g/kg), Fe (0.10–0.13 g/kg), Mn (0.61–1.02 g/kg), Cu (5.41–8.89 mg/kg), Zn (7.91–18.95 mg/kg), and B (8.38–16.23 mg/kg). The results of the DRIS, M-DRIS, and DOP index methods were analyzed to determine the order of the fertilizer requirements for the low-yielding orchards: Mg > Fe > S > Zn > B > Cu > K > N > P > Mn > Ca, and for the medium-yielding orchards: Mg > Fe > B > Zn > S > Cu > N > Mn > K > P > Ca. The soil and leaf correlation analysis showed that the soil exchangeable Ca and effective Fe were significantly negatively correlated. Leaf Ca and Fe elements had a mutually antagonistic effect, leaf Mn-rich contents inhibited the uptake of the Mg and Fe elements, and low-yielding orchards had an excess of Mn and a deficiency of Mg. We found that there is lack of the Mg and Fe, a low content of the S and B, and an excess of the Ca and Mn in the mango orchards of the Baise karst area. We suggested that the DRIS graphical method is suitable for the diagnosis of three nutrient elements, and either the DRIS or M-DRIS index method can be chosen. The present research can be used for the precise fertilization of mango orchards in karst areas to improve the yield and quality of local mango orchards.