bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐cell transcriptome analysis reveals intratumoral heterogeneity in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Hong , Jiang Lin , Qin Lingshan , Shi Ping , Xu Ping , Liu Changyu
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a major health concern worldwide. Single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) provides a valuable platform for exploring the intratumoral heterogeneity in LUAD and holds great potential for facilitating the development and application of personalized therapeutic approaches.

Methods

The TCGA‐LUAD (n = 503), GSE68465 (n = 442), GSE72094 (n = 398), and GSE26939 (n = 115) datasets were retrieved for prognostic assessment. Subgroup analysis was performed for the epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts, and the transcription factors and tumor‐related pathways enriched in each subgroup were analyzed using PROGENy and DoRothEA package. The InferCNV software was used to calculate the copy number variations (CNVs) in tumor cell subgroups with normal epithelial cells as the reference. The association between the annotated cell types and survival was analyzed using the Scissor software.

Results

We identified eight major cell types in LUAD, namely epithelial cells, NK cells, T and B cells, endothelial cells, mast cells, myeloid cells, and fibroblasts, of which the epithelial cells and B cells showed a marked increase in the tumor samples. In addition, we also detected an intense signal transduction network from the cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) to malignant cells, mainly involving the DCN/MET, COLA1/DDR1, COL1A1/SDC1, and COL1A2/SDC1 pathways. The tumor differentiation trajectory consisted of state 1 and state 2, which were enriched in HIF1A, and state 4. Furthermore, only a few B cells originated from the normal tissue, suggesting significant recruitment and infiltration of B cells in LUAD. Based on differentially upregulated genes in the cells positively and negatively associated with survival, we established a prognostic model that showed satisfactory predictive performance in three different cohorts. States 3 and 2 of epithelial cells included the majority of cells with KRAS mutation, whereas state 2 showed high frequency of EGFR mutations.

Conclusion

We analyzed intra‐tumor heterogeneity of LUAD at the single‐cell level and developed a prognostic index that was highly effective across multiple cohorts.
Visitor engagement with zoo staff and interpretive demonstrations increases visitor stay time in two free‐flight aviaries
Authors: Lyon Cassandra E. M. , Alba Andrew C. , Burgess Amy , Weibel Chelsea J. , Miller Dave , Alligood Christina , Ferrie Gina M.
Published: December 2023

Understanding how visitors spend time in zoo exhibits is important as zoological facilities work to enhance visitor experience and conservation education outcomes. We explored a variety of factors we hypothesized would influence visitor stay times in two aviaries at Disney's Animal Kingdom®. Within these aviaries, visitors could utilize educational materials, listen to staff‐led demonstrations, or talks, view animal training sessions, or speak directly with animal care or education staff. We observed visitors and recorded the opportunities they utilized in the exhibit. Visitors to either aviary who conversed with exhibit‐specific staff stayed between 67% and 89% longer than visitors who did not. In addition, visitors who used a bird guide while in either aviary stayed between 59% and 82% longer than those who did not. Those who listened to an animal care talk or engaged with a staff‐led demonstration stayed between 50% and 68% longer than those who did not have the option to participate in such activities. This study provides insight into how exhibit offerings can influence visitor behavior. Implementing strategies used in this study to increase visitors' time in an exhibit may enhance visitor experience and improve learning outcomes.
Afterword
Authors: Dessai Suraje , Lonsdale Kate , Lowe Jason , Harcourt Rachel
Published: December 2023

Investing in ‘gluing’ roles, as was performed by the UKCR Champions, is essential for building community and delivering impact, as is a strong online and social media presence and a programme of community building events.

Resilience research should be ‘user’ or ‘challenge’ led and needs to invest in ways of working that facilitate innovative and transdisciplinary approaches. Key research gaps remain including in understanding compound, transboundary, cascading and systemic risks; place-based vulnerability assessments that combine risk information with other socioeconomic and behavioural factors; and scaling-up climate services.

Future adaptation research programmes should prioritise further developing the research-practice community to adequately address the complex challenge of building resilience.
Towards a Step Change in Co-Production for Climate Resilience
Authors: Golding Nicola , Ashton Jenna , Brown Kate , Chan Steven , Coles Tim , Fowler Hayley , Fuller Elizabeth , Harrison Paula , Harvey-Fishenden Alice , Macdonald Neil , Sefton Christine
Published: December 2023

Co-production brought clear benefits to a range of projects across the UK Climate Resilience Programme (UKCR).

Experiences were deeply context specific; dependent on those involved, their motivations and expectations.

A range of barriers currently exist to achieving the benefits of co-production more fully.

Skills associated with using co-productive approaches need to be developed, taught and mentored in the research community.
What Insights Can the Programme Share on Developing Decision Support Tools?
Authors: Perks Rachel , Robson Craig , Arnell Nigel , Cooper James , Dawkins Laura , Fuller Elizabeth , Kennedy-Asser Alan , Nicholls Robert , Ramsey Victoria
Published: December 2023

The definition of decision support tools in the context of climate change and adaptation is explored, highlighting the variation in approaches to design and form of tools.

Several challenges are identified that have impeded the successful development of decision support tools, including financial restrictions, time constraints and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

We highlight a number of potential areas for future research, including work to address the challenges of scaling up decision support tools and stronger frameworks for guiding stakeholder engagement.
Einleitung
Authors: West Nikolai , Klinkenberg Ralf , Deuse Jochen
Published: December 2023

Das BMBF-Forschungsvorhaben AKKORD behandelt die vernetzte und integrierte Anwendung industrieller Datenanalysen für die wertschaffende und kompetenzorientierte Kollaboration in dynamischen Wertschöpfungsnetzwerken. In diesem Kapitel werden die wichtigsten Informationen zum Vorhaben eingeführt. Das übergeordnete Ziel im Forschungsvorhaben stellte die Umsetzung eines integrierten Referenzbaukastens dar, der bausteinartige Teillösungen zur Anwendung industrieller Datenanalysen bereitstellt. Dazu forschten vierzehn Konsortialpartner innerhalb von vier als Leistungsbereichen bezeichneten Teilgebieten. Untersucht wurden die Anwendungen integrierter und vernetzter Datenanalysen mit einem übergreifenden Daten-Backend-System sowie neuartige Möglichkeiten für Kollaborationen und Geschäftsmodelle sowie für die Kompetenzentwicklung und -sicherung. Neben einer Kurzvorstellung der vierzehn Partner werden in diesem Kapitel die vier zentralen Betrachtungsgegenstände des Vorhabens eingeführt und zusammenfassend erläutert. Die Ausführungen ermöglichen einen kompakten Überblick über das gesamte Forschungsvorhaben AKKORD und referenzieren bei Bedarf verwandte Kapitel sowie weiterführende wissenschaftliche Arbeiten.
Industrielle Datenanalysen im Mittelstand
Authors: West Nikolai , Huber Thomas , Deuse Jochen
Published: December 2023

Seit über einem Jahrzehnt erfährt die Forschungslandschaft in Deutschland einen umfassenden Wandel unter dem Einwirken des als Industrie 4.0 bezeichneten Paradigmenwechsels. In diesem Kapitel wird der Hintergrund der Einflussfaktoren und Maßnahmen vorgestellt, die zur Entstehung des Forschungsvorhaben AKKORD beigetragen haben. Das Projekt geht auf eine Initiative der deutschen Bundesregierung vor dem Hintergrund der entwickelten Hightech-Strategie „Innovationen für Deutschland“ zurück. AKKORD beinhaltet acht praktische Anwendungsfälle, die in diesem Kapitel zusammenfassend vorgestellt werden. Ausgehend von den Ergebnissen einer Umfrage werden dann die identifizierten Handlungsbedarfe des produzierenden Gewerbes in Deutschland, und insbesondere des Mittelstandes, diskutiert. Den Abschluss des Kapitels bildet eine Auflistung der konkreten Nutzenvorteile, die sich für Unternehmen durch die Anwendung des im Projekt AKKORD entwickelten Referenzbaukastens zur industriellen Datenanalyse in dynamischen Wertschöpfungsnetzwerken eröffnen. Dieses Kapitel nimmt eine Schlüsselfunktion im zugehörigen Sammelband ein, da es die Ergebnisse aller verbleibenden Kapitel zusammenfassend behandelt und für weiterführende Details referenziert.
Measuring the sterile neutrino mass in spallation source and direct detection experiments
Authors: Alonso-González D. , Amaral D. W. P. , Bariego-Quintana A. , Cerdeño D. , de los Rios M.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We explore the complementarity of direct detection (DD) and spallation source (SS) experiments for the study of sterile neutrino physics. We focus on the sterile baryonic neutrino model: an extension of the Standard Model that introduces a massive sterile neutrino with couplings to the quark sector via a new gauge boson. In this scenario, the inelastic scattering of an active neutrino with the target material in both DD and SS experiments gives rise to a characteristic nuclear recoil energy spectrum that can allow for the reconstruction of the neutrino mass in the event of a positive detection. We first derive new bounds on this model based on the data from the COHERENT collaboration on CsI and LAr targets, which we find do not yet probe new areas of the parameter space. We then assess how well future SS experiments will be able to measure the sterile neutrino mass and mixings, showing that masses in the range ~15 − 50 MeV can be reconstructed. We show that there is a degeneracy in the measurement of the sterile neutrino mixing that substantially affects the reconstruction of parameters for masses of the order of 40 MeV. Thanks to their lower energy threshold and sensitivity to the solar tau neutrino flux, DD experiments allow us to partially lift the degeneracy in the sterile neutrino mixings and considerably improve its mass reconstruction down to 9 MeV. Our results demonstrate the excellent complementarity between DD and SS experiments in measuring the sterile neutrino mass and highlight the power of DD experiments in searching for new physics in the neutrino sector.
Wood properties of mature loblolly pine grown in Hawaii, North Carolina, and Mississippi: impacts of climate conditions on specific gravity and chemical composition
Authors: Eberhardt Thomas L. , Kim Keonhee , Labbé Nicole , Samuelson Lisa J.
Published: December 2023

Higher productivities for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) growing at exotic locations (e.g., Hawaii, Brazil) indicate that the full growth potential of this southern pine species has yet to be reached in plantations across the southeastern United States (US). The higher productivity of Hawaii-grown loblolly pine has been attributed to more favorable climate conditions. To date, physical, anatomical, and chemical property data for loblolly pine wood from exotic locations are scarce. Mid-infrared spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis was used to screen for chemical differences between wood samples from Hawaii (HI), North Carolina (NC), and Mississippi (MS). The principal component analysis scores plot showed that the MS samples formed a distinct cluster apart from overlapping clusters for the other two sites. Using standard wet chemistry procedures, we found that the mean lignin content for the MS site (30.1%) was significantly lower than that determined for the NC (34.5%) and HI (33.9%) sites; said lower lignin value was offset by significantly higher glucose and mannose contents. Results on the US mainland were seemingly consistent with the greater formation of latewood at sites with longer growing seasons, and the lower lignin content of latewood relative to earlywood shown for pines. Given the low percent latewood for the HI site (37.2%) relative to both mainland sites (MS, 54.8%; NC, 53.1%), yet similar lignin contents between the NC and HI sites, it appears that the relative lignin value for these exotically-grown loblolly pine trees cannot be solely attributed to the proportion of latewood.
Impaired glymphatic system revealed by DTI-ALPS in cerebral palsy due to periventricular leukomalacia: relation with brain lesion burden and hand dysfunction
Authors: Yin Yu , Peng Ying , Nie Lisha , Li Xianjun , Xiao Yaqiong , Jiang Haoxiang , Gao Lei , Liu Heng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Preterm children with cerebral palsy (CP) often have varying hand dysfunction, while the specific brain injury with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) cannot quite explain its mechanism. We aimed to investigate glymphatic activity using diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) method and evaluate its association with brain lesion burden and hand dysfunction in children with CP secondary to PVL.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 18 children with bilateral spastic CP due to PVL and 29 age- and sex-matched typically developing controls. The Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) was used to assess severity of hand dysfunction in CP. A mediation model was performed to explore the relationship among the DTI-ALPS index, brain lesion burden, and the MACS level in children with CP.

Results

There were significant differences in the DTI-ALPS index between children with CP and their typically developing peers. The DTI-ALPS index of the children with CP was lower than that of the controls (1.448 vs. 1.625, P = 0.003). The mediation analysis showed that the DTI-ALPS index fully mediated the relationship between brain lesion burden and the MACS level (c′ = 0.061, P = 0.665), explaining 80% of the effect.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the neural basis of hand dysfunction in children with CP, demonstrating an important role of glymphatic impairment in such patients. These results suggest that PVL might affect hand function in children with CP by disrupting glymphatic drainage.
Prediction of therapy response of breast cancer patients with machine learning based on clinical data and imaging data derived from breast [18F]FDG-PET/MRI
Authors: Jannusch Kai , Dietzel Frederic , Bruckmann Nils Martin , Morawitz Janna , Boschheidgen Matthias , Minko Peter , Bittner Ann-Kathrin , Mohrmann Svjetlana , Quick Harald H. , Herrmann Ken , Umutlu Lale , Antoch Gerald , Rubbert Christian , Kirchner Julian , Caspers Julian
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate if a machine learning prediction model based on clinical and easily assessable imaging features derived from baseline breast [18F]FDG-PET/MRI staging can predict pathologic complete response (pCR) in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer prior to neoadjuvant system therapy (NAST).

Methods

Altogether 143 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer (54 ± 12 years) were retrospectively enrolled. All women underwent a breast [18F]FDG-PET/MRI, a histopathological workup of their breast cancer lesions and evaluation of clinical data. Fifty-six features derived from positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sociodemographic / anthropometric, histopathologic as well as clinical data were generated and used as input for an extreme Gradient Boosting model (XGBoost) to predict pCR. The model was evaluated in a five-fold nested-cross-validation incorporating independent hyper-parameter tuning within the inner loops to reduce the risk of overoptimistic estimations. Diagnostic model-performance was assessed by determining the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC-AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy. Furthermore, feature importances of the XGBoost model were evaluated to assess which features contributed most to distinguish between pCR and non-pCR.

Results

Nested-cross-validation yielded a mean ROC-AUC of 80.4 ± 6.0% for prediction of pCR. Mean sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 54.5 ± 21.3%, 83.6 ± 4.2%, 63.6 ± 8.5%, and 77.6 ± 8.1% could be achieved. Histopathological data were the most important features for classification of the XGBoost model followed by PET, MRI, and sociodemographic/anthropometric features.

Conclusion

The evaluated multi-source XGBoost model shows promising results for reliably predicting pathological complete response in breast cancer patients prior to NAST. However, yielded performance is yet insufficient to be implemented in the clinical decision-making process.
Potential radiation dose reduction in clinical photon-counting CT by the small pixel effect: ultra-high resolution (UHR) acquisitions reconstructed to standard resolution
Authors: Fix Martinez Markel , Klein Laura , Maier Joscha , Rotkopf Lukas Thomas , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Schönberg Stefan Oswald , Kachelrieß Marc , Sawall Stefan
Published: December 2023

Objective

To assess the potential dose reduction achievable with clinical photon-counting CT (PCCT) in ultra-high resolution (UHR) mode compared to acquisitions using the standard resolution detector mode (Std).

Materials and methods

With smaller detector pixels, PCCT achieves far higher spatial resolution than energy-integrating (EI) CT systems. The reconstruction of UHR acquisitions to the lower spatial resolution of conventional systems results in an image noise and radiation dose reduction. We quantify this small pixel effect in measurements of semi-anthropomorphic abdominal phantoms of different sizes as well as in a porcine knuckle in the first clinical PCCT system by using the UHR mode (0.2 mm pixel size at isocenter) in comparison to the standard resolution mode (0.4 mm). At different slice thicknesses (0.4 up to 4 mm) and dose levels between 4 and 12 mGy, reconstructions using filtered backprojection were performed to the same target spatial resolution, i.e., same modulation transfer function, using both detector modes. Image noise and the resulting potential dose reduction was quantified as a figure of merit.

Results

Images acquired using the UHR mode yield lower noise in comparison to acquisitions using standard pixels at the same resolution and noise level. This holds for sharper convolution kernels at the spatial resolution limit of the standard mode, e.g., up to a factor 3.2 in noise reduction and a resulting potential dose reduction of up to almost 90%.

Conclusion

Using sharper convolution kernels, UHR acquisitions allow for a significant dose reduction compared to acquisitions using the standard detector mode.

Clinical relevance

Acquisitions should always be performed using the ultra-high resolution detector mode, if possible, to benefit from the intrinsic noise and dose reduction.

Key Points

• Ionizing radiation used in computed tomography examinations is a concern to public health.

• The ultra-high resolution of novel photon-counting systems can be invested towards a noise and dose reduction if only a spatial resolution below the resolution limit of the detector is desired.

• Acquisitions should always be performed in ultra-high resolution mode, if possible, to benefit from an intrinsic dose reduction.
Correlation analysis of feeding intolerance and defecation after primary anastomosis for neonatal intestinal atresia
Authors: Zhou Ling , Chen Yang , Wang Zhiyong , Chu Dongdong , Xiao Dong , Zhu Ledao , Guan Aihui , Liao Qianghui , Liu Jiashu , Li Jiahui , Ren Feng
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To investigate the correlation between postoperative feeding intolerance and defecation, with a view to carrying out prognostic assessment and timely intervention for the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function.

Methods

The 114 neonates with congenital intestinal atresia who underwent primary anastomosis admitted to Shenzhen Children's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2022 were studied, and the patients' basic information, intraoperative conditions, postoperative feeding and defecation, and hospitalization time were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The risk factors for feeding intolerance after primary anastomosis for intestinal atresia are the gestational days, the time of the first postoperative defecations, the number of defecations on the previous day and the average number of defecations before feeding.

Conclusion

The incidence of postoperative feeding intolerance is higher in preterm infants, and pediatricians can decide the timing of breastfeeding on the basis of the patients’ defecation. The focus on accurate defecation may be more meaningful in determining and predicting postoperative feeding intolerance in the infants.
Cytokine profile levels and their relationship with parasitemia and cardiomyopathy in people with Chagas disease in Spain. A prospective observational study
Authors: Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel , Torrús-Tendero Diego , García-Morante Hilarion , Gimeno-Gascón Adelina , Marco Francisco , Gil-Anguita Concepción , Wikman-Jorgensen Philip , Lucas-Dato Ana , Rodriguez-Diaz Juan-Carlos , Amador Concepción , Llenas-García Jara
Published: December 2023

Immunoregulatory networks may have a role in controlling parasitemia in the chronic phase of human Chagas disease. The aim was to describe the serum cytokine profile of Trypanosoma cruzi in chronically infected patients and to evaluate its relationship with parasitemia and Chagas cardiomyopathy.

This prospective observational study included adult patients with chronic Chagas disease. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and peripheral blood samples were used to perform T. cruzi real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and determine the serum cytokine profile.

Fifty-eight patients were included; 17 (29.3%) had positive RT-PCR results. This group had a higher median concentration of TNF-α (p = 0.003), IL-6 (p = 0.021), IL-4 (p = 0.031), IL-1β (p = 0.036), and IL-17A (p = 0.043) than those with a negative RT-PCR. Patients with cardiac involvement had a higher median concentration of IL-5 (p = 0.016) than those without.

These results reinforce the key role that cytokines play in Chagas disease patients with parasitemia and cardiac involvement.
Lipschitz regularity for solutions of a general class of elliptic equations
Authors: Marino Greta , Mosconi Sunra
Published: December 2023

We prove local Lipschitz regularity for local minimisers of$$\begin{aligned} W^{1,1}(\Omega )\ni v\mapsto \int _\Omega F(Dv)\, dx \end{aligned}$$W1,1(Ω)∋v↦∫ΩF(Dv)dxwhere$$\Omega \subseteq {\mathbb {R}}^N$$Ω⊆RN,$$N\ge 2$$N≥2and$$F:{\mathbb {R}}^N\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$F:RN→Ris a quasiuniformly convex integrand in the sense of Kovalev and Maldonado (Ill J Math 49:1039–1060, 2005), i. e. a convex$$C^1$$C1-function such that the ratio between the maximum and minimum eigenvalues of$$D^2F$$D2Fis essentially bounded. This class of integrands includes the standard singular/degenerate functions$$F(z)=|z|^p$$F(z)=|z|pfor any$$p>1$$p>1and arises as the closure, with respect to a natural convergence, of the strongly elliptic integrands of the Calculus of Variations.
On the GIT-Stability of Foliations of Degree 3 with a Unique Singular Point
Authors: Castorena Abel , Pantaleón-Mondragón P. Rubí , Vásquez Aquino Juan
Published: December 2023

Applying Geometric Invariant Theory (GIT), we study the stability of foliations of degree 3 on $$\mathbb {P}^{2}$$

P

2

with a unique singular point of multiplicity 1, 2, or 3 and Milnor number 13. In particular, we characterize those foliations for multiplicity 2 in three cases: stable, strictly semistable, and unstable.
Verbal and non-verbal recognition memory assessment: validation of a computerized version of the Recognition Memory Test
Authors: Baruzzo Elena , Terruzzi Stefano , Feder Beatrice , Papagno Costanza , Smirni Daniela
Published: December 2023

Background

The use of computerized devices for neuropsychological assessment (CNADs) as an effective alternative to the traditional pencil-and-paper modality has recently increased exponentially, both in clinical practice and research, especially due to the pandemic. However, several authors underline that the computerized modality requires the same psychometric validity as "in-presence" tests. The current study aimed at building and validating a computerized version of the verbal and non-verbal recognition memory test (RMT) for words, unknown faces and buildings.

Methods

Seventy-two healthy Italian participants, with medium–high education and ability to proficiently use computerized systems, were enrolled. The sample was subdivided into six groups, one for each age decade. Twelve neurological patients with mixed aetiology, age and educational level were also recruited. Both the computerized and the paper-and-pencil versions of the RMT were administered in two separate sessions.

Results

In healthy participants, the computerized and the paper-and-pencil versions of the RMT showed statistical equivalence for words, unknown faces and buildings. In the neurological patients, no statistical difference was found between the performance at the two versions of the RMT. A moderate-to-good inter-rater reliability between the two versions was also found in both samples. Finally, the computerized version of the RMT was perceived as acceptable by both healthy participants and neurological patients at System Usability Scale (SUS).

Conclusion

The computerized version of the RMT can be used as a reliable alternative to the traditional version.
Stillbirth of a mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx) in the wild: perinatal behaviors and delivery sequences
Authors: Roura-Torres Berta , Amblard-Rambert Paul , Lepou Pascal , Kappeler Peter M. , Charpentier Marie J. E.
Published: December 2023

Birth is a fundamental event in the life of animals, including our own species. More reports of wild non-human primate births and stillbirths are thus needed to better understand the evolutionary pressures shaping parturition behaviors in our lineage. In diurnal non-human primates, births generally occur at night, when individuals are resting. Consequently, they are difficult to observe in the wild and most of the current knowledge regarding perinatal behaviors comes from rare daytime births. Information about stillbirths is even rarer and their proximate causes are generally unknown. Here, we present detailed observations of a daytime birth of a stillborn wild mandrill (Mandrillus sphinx). During this event, which lasted an entire day, we recorded the behaviors of the parturient female ad libitum, using video recordings and photos. The 5-year-old female was primiparous and of low dominance rank. The length of her pregnancy was shorter than usual and the partum phase was extremely long compared to other birth reports in non-human primates. The female disappeared shortly after this event and was assumed to have died. We discuss the possible causes of this stillbirth including the infant’s presentation at birth and maternal inexperience.
Influence of Epoxy Spray Binder on Infusion and Cure in Liquid Composite Molding Processes
Authors: Möllers Hendrik , Schmidt Carsten , Meiners Dieter
Published: December 2023

Binders are known to influence the different steps in liquid composite molding process chains. Most reseach focuses on powder binder and veils. Spray binders are rarely studied. Therefore, the effect of an epoxy spray binder on the infusion and cure steps of liquid composite molding processes is studied in this paper. Permeability measurements, solubility tests and measurements of glass transition temperature, resin cure time and resin viscosity show a complex interaction between binder and resin depending on the process conditions. The binder mostly increased the permeability of the tested preforms. This effect increases with increasing binder loading. At low fiber volume fractions the binder had a positive effect on preform permeability, most likely by to delaying the closure of macro flow channels or textile inhomogeneity. The binder did not dissolve in the resin until temperatures of around 120 °C, while remaining as a separate phase at 22 °C, 40 and 80 °C. This has to be considered when defining the cure profile of the resin, as the binder is expected to participate in the cure reaction. The glass transition temperature remained unchanged for the binder-resin combination used. An increase in viscosity by a factor of 1.5-2 was observed when the binder was dissolved in the resin. Samples with dissolved binder cured slightly faster than pure resin. The experimental results were theoretically transferred to real infusion processes.
Foraging behavior of Highland cattle in silvopastoral systems in the Alps
Authors: Nota Ginevra , Svensk Mia , Barberis Davide , Frund David , Pagani Rebecca , Pittarello Marco , Probo Massimiliano , Ravetto Enri Simone , Lonati Michele , Lombardi Giampiero
Published: December 2023

Trees and shrubs expanded in the last decades in European mountains due to land abandonment and the decrease in grazing pressure, and are expected to further spread also due to climate change. As a consequence of low forage quality and topographic constraints, the management of mountain environments dominated by woody vegetation with livestock is often challenging. Silvopastoral systems based on cattle hardy breeds able to forage on woody plants, such as Highland cattle, could be a suitable option for the management and restoration of such environments. In this study, we used direct observations to explore the foraging behavior of Highland cattle in four study areas across the western Alps. In particular, we assessed: (1) cattle diet composition, (2) the selection for more than 30 tree and shrub species, and (3) the relationships between species consumption and their abundance in the environment. Highland cattle fed on a mixture of both woody and herbaceous species, including between 15 and 46% of woody plants in the diet. Some trees (e.g., Celtis australis, Fraxinus spp., and Populus tremula) and shrubs (e.g., Frangula alnus, Rhamnus spp., and Rubus idaeus) were positively selected by cattle, thus they could be an important forage supplement to their diet. Moreover, the results highlighted that relative species consumption generally increased with increasing species abundance in the environment, suggesting that this cattle breed could be suitable to control shrub expansion in highly encroached areas. The outcomes of this study can support the development of targeted silvopastoral systems in the Alps.
The impact of public climate change concern on sustainable product consumption: a case study of new energy vehicles in China
Authors: Han Shuihua , Mo Yudi , Liu Zhenyuan , Lei Cheng , Ye Zhen
Published: December 2023

With global climate change problems becoming increasingly serious, sustainable consumption has become an inevitable trend. In this paper, we take the Chinese new energy vehicle market as an example and research the relationship between the public climate change concern and sustainable product consumption behaviour, while considering the time decay effect of public concern. We collect authoritative secondary data on climate change Baidu search index and the monthly sales of new energy vehicle brands and use panel data to test the hypotheses empirically. The result shows that there is a significant positive effect of public climate change concern on new energy vehicle consumption behaviour. This effect is also present when the time decay effect is considered. The result shows that public new energy vehicle concern has a significant negative effect on new energy vehicle consumption behaviour. The findings provide theoretical support for government policymakers and corporate managers to promote the adoption and diffusion of sustainable products.
In vitro assessment of antibacterial and antiviral activity of three copper products after 200 rounds of simulated use
Authors: Charles Marthe K. , Williams Teresa C. , Nakhaie Davood , Woznow Tracey , Velapatino Billie , Lorenzo-Leal Ana C. , Bach Horacio , Bryce Elizabeth A. , Asselin Edouard
Published: December 2023

Copper has well-documented antibacterial effects but few have evaluated it after prolonged use and against bacteria and viruses. Coupons from three copper formulations (solid, thermal coating, and decal applications) and carbon steel controls were subjected to 200 rounds simulated cleaning using a Wiperator™ and either an accelerated hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium, or artificial sweat products. Antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was then evaluated using a modified Environmental Protection Agency protocol. Antiviral activity against coronavirus (229E) and norovirus (MNV-1) surrogates was assessed using the TCID50 method. Results were compared to untreated control coupons. One hour after inoculation, S. aureus exhibited a difference in log kill of 1.16 to 4.87 and P. aeruginosa a log kill difference of 3.39–5.23 (dependent upon copper product and disinfectant) compared to carbon steel. MNV-1 demonstrated an 87–99% reduction on each copper surfaces at 1 h and 99% reduction at 2 h compared to carbon steel. Similarly, coronavirus 229E exhibited a 97–99% reduction after 1 h and 90–99% after 2 h. Simulated use with artificial sweat did not hinder the antiviral nor the antibacterial activity of Cu surfaces. Self-sanitizing copper surfaces maintained antibacterial and antiviral activity after 200 rounds of simulated cleaning. 

Graphical abstract
The Human GP130 Cytokine Receptor and Its Expression—an Atlas and Functional Taxonomy of Genetic Variants
Authors: Chen Yin-Huai , van Zon Sarah , Adams Alex , Schmidt-Arras Dirk , Laurence Arian D. J. , Uhlig Holm H.
Published: December 2023

Genetic variants in IL6ST encoding the shared cytokine receptor for the IL-6 cytokine family GP130 have been associated with a diverse number of clinical phenotypes and disorders. We provide a molecular classification for 59 reported rare IL6ST pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants and additional polymorphisms. Based on loss- or gain-of-function, cytokine selectivity, mono- and biallelic associations, and variable cellular mosaicism, we grade six classes of IL6ST variants and explore the potential for additional variants. We classify variants according to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics criteria. Loss-of-function variants with (i) biallelic complete loss of GP130 function that presents with extended Stüve-Wiedemann Syndrome; (ii) autosomal recessive hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES) caused by biallelic; and (iii) autosomal dominant HIES caused by monoallelic IL6ST variants both causing selective IL-6 and IL-11 cytokine loss-of-function defects; (iv) a biallelic cytokine-specific variant that exclusively impairs IL-11 signaling, associated with craniosynostosis and tooth abnormalities; (v) somatic monoallelic mosaic constitutively active gain-of-function variants in hepatocytes that present with inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma; and (vi) mosaic constitutively active gain-of-function variants in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells that are associated with an immune dysregulation syndrome. In addition to Mendelian IL6ST coding variants, there are common non-coding cis-acting variants that modify gene expression, which are associated with an increased risk of complex immune-mediated disorders and trans-acting variants that affect GP130 protein function. Our taxonomy highlights IL6ST as a gene with particularly strong functional and phenotypic diversity due to the combinatorial biology of the IL-6 cytokine family and predicts additional genotype-phenotype associations.
Anadromous trout from opposite sides of the globe: biology, ocean ecology, and management of anadromous brown and cutthroat trout
Authors: Losee James P. , Palm Daniel , Claiborne Andrew , Madel Gabe , Persson Lo , Quinn Thomas P. , Brodin Tomas , Hellström Gustav
Published: December 2023

Anadromous brown trout (Salmo trutta) in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, and coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, are analogs in many ways. Both species display similar patterns of complex life histories and behavioral flexibility, are iteroparous and facultatively anadromous and occupy nearshore coastal marine habitats where numerous populations often mix. These characteristics create specific challenges for management and conservation that have been complicated by inadequate scientific attention in some areas. Both species are declining across their native range, and their ecology make them particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction, fishing, and climate change. Here, we review the available literature to compare the biology, ocean ecology, and management practices of these two species. We highlight ecological similarities and differences between the species and identify current knowledge gaps suggesting future research needs and management actions. Using a comparative approach, the review aims to promote and facilitate knowledge exchange between anadromous trout research communities from opposite sides of the globe to improve management and conservation of these species and stimulate the production of management plans specific to anadromous trout.
Seeds in rocky soil: the interactive role of entrepreneurial legacy and bridging in family firms’ organizational ambidexterity
Authors: Wilmes Rolf , Brändle Leif , Kuckertz Andreas
Published: December 2023

Existing research on family firms emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship across generations but leaves the role of entrepreneurial transmissions between predecessors and successors relatively unexplore . Building on the concept of entrepreneurial legacy, we ask how interactions of entrepreneurial mindsets and resources influence organizational ambidexterity in family firms. The study’s central argument (and metaphor) is that organizational ambidexterity thrives in multigenerational family firms if successors’ awareness of the family’s entrepreneurial legacy (the right seed) interacts with predecessors’ provision of entrepreneurial resources during succession (the fertile soil), also known as entrepreneurial bridging. We analyze a unique sample of successors from 296 multigenerational family firms in the agricultural sector. Our results point to the relevance of entrepreneurial resources in predecessor-successor collaborations to unlock the family firm’s ability to balance entrepreneurial exploration and exploitation.
Morphological and molecular evidence for natural hybridization between Sorbus pohuashanensis and S. discolor (Rosaceae)
Authors: Wu Yuxia , Yu Xuedan , Tang Wei , Yang Wenhua , Fu Qidi , Zheng Yongqi , Zhang Chuanhong
Published: December 2023

In overlapping distribution areas of Sorbus pohuashanensis and S. discolor in North China (Mount Tuoliang, Mount Xiling and Mount Baihua), Sorbus individuals were found with pink fruit, which have never been recorded for the flora of China. Fourteen morphological characters combined with four chloroplast DNA markers and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were used to analyze the origin of the Sorbus individuals with pink fruits and their relationship to S. pohuashanensis and S. discolor. PCA, SDA and one-way (taxon) ANOVA of morphological characters provided convincing evidence of the hybrid origin of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits based on a novel morphological character and many intermediate characters. Haplotype analysis based on four cpDNA markers showed that either S. pohuashanensis or S. discolor were maternal parents of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits. Incongruence of the position of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits between cpDNA and ITS in cluster trees supported by DNA sequence comparative analysis, implying former hybridization events between S. pohuashanensis and S. discolor. Multiple hybridization events between S. pohuashanensis and S. discolor might have contributed to the generation of Sorbus individuals with pink fruits. This study has provided insights into hybridization between species of the same genus in sympatric areas, which is of great significance for the study of interspecific hybridization.
On the existence of uncountable Hopfian and co-Hopfian abelian groups
Authors: Paolini Gianluca , Shelah Saharon
Published: December 2023

We deal with the problem of existence of uncountable co-Hopfian abelian groups and (absolute) Hopfian abelian groups. Firstly, we prove that there are no co-Hopfian reduced abelian groups G of size < p with infinite Torp(G), and that in particular there are no infinite reduced abelian p-groups of size < p. Secondly, we prove that if $${2^{{\aleph _0}}} < \lambda < {\lambda ^{{\aleph _0}}}$$

2

ℵ
0

<
λ
<

λ

ℵ
0

, and G is abelian of size λ, then G is not co-Hopfian. Finally, we prove that for every cardinal λ there is a torsion-free abelian group G of size λ which is absolutely Hopfian, i.e., G is Hopfian and G remains Hopfian in every forcing extension of the universe.
Categories of abelian varieties over finite fields II: Abelian varieties over $${\mathbb{F}_q}$$ and Morita equivalence
Authors: Centeleghe Tommaso Giorgio , Stix Jakob
Published: December 2023

The category of abelian varieties over $${\mathbb{F}_q}$$

F
q

is shown to be anti-equivalent to a category of ℤ-lattices that are modules for a non-commutative pro-ring of endomorphisms of a suitably chosen direct system of abelian varieties over $${\mathbb{F}_q}$$

F
q

. On full subcategories cut out by a finite set w of conjugacy classes of Weil q-numbers, the anti-equivalence is represented by what we call w-locally projective abelian varieties.
Lnc-HIBADH-4 Regulates Autophagy-Lysosome Pathway in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis by Targeting Cathepsin D
Authors: Huang Jingxuan , Yu Yujiao , Pang Dejiang , Li Chunyu , Wei Qianqian , Cheng Yangfan , Cui Yiyuan , Ou Ruwei , Shang Huifang
Published: December 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most prevalent and lethal class of severe motor neuron diseases (MND) with no efficacious treatment. The pathogenic mechanisms underlying ALS remain unclear. Nearly 90% of patients exhibit sporadic onset (sALS). Therefore, elucidating the pathophysiology of ALS is imperative. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a large class of non-coding RNAs that regulate transcription, translation, and post-translational processes. LncRNAs contribute to the pathogenesis of diverse neurodegenerative disorders and hold promise as targets for interference in the realm of neurodegeneration. However, the mechanisms of which lncRNAs are involved in ALS have not been thoroughly investigated. We identified and validated a downregulated lncRNA, lnc-HIBADH-4, in ALS which correlated with disease severity and overall survival. Lnc-HIBADH-4 acted as a “molecular sponge” regulating lysosomal function through the lnc-HIBADH-4/miR-326/CTSD pathway, thereby impacting autophagy-lysosome dynamics and the levels of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Therefore, this study discovered and revealed the role of lnc-HIBADH-4 in the pathogenesis of ALS. With further research, lnc-HIBADH-4 is expected to provide a new biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of ALS.
Sputtered Stainless Steel on Silicon Photoanode for Stable Seawater Splitting in Photoelectrochemical Flow Cell
Authors: Zhao Shixuan , Liu Bin , Zhang Gong , Wang Qingzhen , Cai Yuan , Tong Yuting , Wang Shujie , Zhang Peng , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong
Published: December 2023

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) seawater splitting is a promising method for the direct utilization of solar energy and abundant seawater resources for hydrogen production. Photoelectrodes are susceptible to various ions in seawater and complicated competitive reactions, resulting in the failure of photoelectrodes. This paper proposes the design and fabrication of different sputtered stainless steel (SS) films deposited on silicon photoanodes, completely isolating the electrolytes and semiconductor substrate. Upon coupling with the PEC flow cell, the back-illuminated photoanode coated with 316 SS cocatalyst achieves stable operation for 70 h in natural seawater with a highly alkaline KOH (30 wt.%, 7.64 mol/L) electrolyte due to the remarkable protection effect of the substrate from stainless steel, while the PEC seawater splitting system achieves a record hydrogen production rate of 600 μmol/(h·cm2). An appropriate Ni/Fe ratio in the SS ensures remarkable oxygen evolution activity, while chromic oxide ensures the effective anticorrosion effect by adjusting the microenvironment of the photoanodes. Moreover, fabricating PEC flow cells with photoanodes coated with SS cocatalysts are a viable strategy for PEC seawater splitting.
A new lymphography protocol and interpretation principles based on functional lymphatic anatomy in lower limb lymphedema
Authors: Shinaoka Akira
Published: December 2023

Indirect lymphatic system imaging is essential for diagnosing lymphatic diseases. The basic methodology involves intradermal or subcutaneous injection of a contrast agent into the surrounding lymphatic capillary, and the flow of the contrast agent is identified using a detector. Many contrast agents that use near-infrared dye, including indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent lymphography, are available. ICG is rapidly spreading as a convenient and safe lymphedema diagnostic method, because it does not involve radiation exposure, and the imaging equipment is more compact than other devices. The lymphatic system is a semi-open circulatory system with numerous lymphatic capillaries acting as blind ends. Anatomical information on the injection site and observation of specific lymphatic vessels and nodes is important. However, this anatomical information is lacking. Recent reports suggest that ICG fluorescent lymphography can be applied to cadavers in the same manner as living bodies. Furthermore, these reports have demonstrated the functional aspects of the capillary lymph vessel networks as well as their relationship with lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes. This review article describes the historical progression from the old to the new functional lymphatic anatomy and introduces a new functional lymphography technique for the lower limbs.
Local Administrations of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in the Prefrontal Cortex and Caudate Putamen of Rats Do Not Compromise Working Memory and Motor Activity
Authors: Irrsack Ellen , Aydin Sidar , Bleckmann Katja , Schuller Julia , Dringen Ralf , Koch Michael
Published: December 2023

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have come into focus for their use in medical applications although possible health risks for humans, especially in terms of brain functions, have not yet been fully clarified. The present study investigates the effects of IONPs on neurobehavioural functions in rats. For this purpose, we infused dimercaptosuccinic acid-coated IONPs into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and caudate putamen (CPu). Saline (VEH) and ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) were administered as controls. One- and 4-week post-surgery mPFC-infused animals were tested for their working memory performance in the delayed alternation T-maze task and in the open field (OF) for motor activity, and CPu-infused rats were tested for their motor activity in the OF. After completion of the experiments, the brains were examined histologically and immunohistochemically. We did not observe any behavioural or structural abnormalities in the rats after administration of IONPs in the mPFC and the CPu. In contrast, administration of FAC into the CPu resulted in decreased motor activity and increased the number of microglia in the mPFC. Perls’ Prussian blue staining revealed that FAC- and IONP-treated rats had more iron-containing ramified cells than VEH-treated rats, indicating iron uptake by microglia. Our results demonstrate that local infusions of IONPs into selected brain regions have no adverse impact on locomotor behaviour and working memory.