bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Different Pre‐Gelatinization Treatments on the Properties of Acidified Mung Bean Starch
Authors: Lang Shuangjing , Gao Fei , Li Xiaoqiang , Liu Ying , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Lidong
Published: February 2023

Microwave radiation processing technology is an emerging technology with good penetration, uniform heating, and rapidity characteristics. After microwave wet heat treatment, the viscosity of starch decreased, and the gelatinization temperature changed the granule morphology, crystalline properties, and chemical structure of starch, resulting in changes in the physical and chemical properties of starch. It can effectively improve the sensory quality of food and prolong the shelf life of starch products. It is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, and other industries. The pre‐gelatinized starch showed irregular shape, rough surface, and apparent edges and corners. Moreover, the starch particles' crystal structure is destroyed, crystallinity decreased to 11.43%–14.91%, and no new groups are formed. The starch granules changed from an ordered structure to a disordered structure, and the order degree decreased to 0.998–1.025. The enthalpy decreased to 2.22–4.32 J/g, the gelatinization temperature increased to 88.53–94.43 °, and the viscosity decreased significantly. After pre‐gelatinization, the amylose content decreased to 13.84%–16.25%. At 90 °, the solubility and swelling degree decreased to 2.48%–7.33% and 16.80%–17.81%, respectively. The freeze‐thaw water precipitation rate increased to 41.92%–59.35%, the water‐holding capacity increased by 3 times and transparency increased to 93.60%–95.84%.
Numerical studies on the behavior of cold‐formed double‐channel shear connector
Authors: Divya M. , Sripathibabu Arun Krishna Vellore , Rajendran Senthilkumar
Published: February 2023

The longitudinal shear forces are transferred through mechanical shear connectors at the steel beams and concrete slab intersection in composite beams. The shear connectors can be directly welded to the hot rolled steel beam, which is difficult in thin, cold‐formed steel beams. Thus, a cold‐formed double‐channel shear connector is proposed, and its suitability is investigated in this study. The double channel shear connector is a channel shaped shear connector formed from a flat plat and it is mounted on the flange of steel beam in pairs. The finite element model of the experimental Pushout test assembly was developed with the equivalent numerical constraints and interaction commands in a finite element software (ABAQUS). The developed models were fed with initial imperfection, load slip response, and material nonlinearity to achieve the proper experiment simulation. Initially, the developed models were validated against nine experimental test data reported by authors in the previous study. The parametric study was conducted to assess the behavior of cold‐formed channel shear connectors. The key parameters adopted in this study are the length of the shear connector, the grade of concrete and the grade and thickness of the steel connector. Three common failure patterns were witnessed among 107 numerical models. In this study, the factors influencing the control of failure patterns are presented, along with the factors influencing the shear connector's ultimate capacity.
The identity of the carrageenophyte red alga Sarcothalia radula (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Nelson Wendy A. , Neill Kate F. , Preuss Maren , Sutherland Judy E.
Published: February 2023

The carrageenophyte red alga Sarcothalia radula (Gigartinaceae), referred to under its earlier name Gigartina radula, is one of eight species considered a safe source of the refined hydrocolloid and food additive carrageenan and is also reported to be a source of compounds of interest in a variety of other commercial applications. While the latter name has been applied to carrageenophyte red algae from many parts of the Southern Hemisphere as well as in the northeast Pacific, the identity of the type material and the type locality have remained unclear. The location of the type specimen of Fucus radula could not be found. We discuss available information about the probable collection location and present arguments for the collection to have been made during Cook's second voyage to southern New Zealand. Both a lectotype and epitype are designated.
What about “space” is important for episodic memory?
Authors: Fan Carina L. , Sokolowski H. Moriah , Rosenbaum R. Shayna , Levine Brian
Published: February 2023

Early cognitive neuroscientific research revealed that the hippocampus is crucial for spatial navigation in rodents, and for autobiographical episodic memory in humans. Researchers quickly linked these streams to propose that the human hippocampus supports memory through its role in representing space, and research on the link between spatial cognition and episodic memory in humans has proliferated over the past several decades. Different researchers apply the term “spatial” in a variety of contexts, however, and it remains unclear what aspect of space may be critical to memory. Similarly, “episodic” has been defined and tested in different ways. Naturalistic assessment of spatial memory and episodic memory (i.e., episodic autobiographical memory) is required to unify the scale and biological relevance in comparisons of spatial and mnemonic processing. Limitations regarding the translation of rodent to human research, human ontogeny, and inter‐individual variability require greater consideration in the interpretation of this literature. In this review, we outline the aspects of space that are (and are not) commonly linked to episodic memory, and then we discuss these dimensions through the lens of individual differences in naturalistic autobiographical memory. Future studies should carefully consider which aspect(s) of space are being linked to memory within the context of naturalistic human cognition.

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Memory
Correction to: The Search for Ultralight Bosonic Dark Matter
Authors: Kimball Derek F. Jackson , Bibber Karl van
Published: February 2023

The original version of this chapter was published with incorrect text on page 48 last paragraph 8th and 9th lines
Securing the Present and the Future: The Targets of Warranty
Authors: McHaffie M. W.
Published: February 2023

This chapter looks at the people against whom protection was sought and for how long warranty was expected to be valid. It demonstrates that warranty was typically directed ‘against all people’ (contra omnes homines), and that family members were only rarely specifically signalled out as being of particular concern. Further, the tenants and agents of lords posed an especial threat, and I suggest therefore that warranty was in part orientated towards protection against the various claims for services and customs that the lord of an alienor (or his/her deputies) might make on transferred property. The chapter then discusses the temporal duration of warranty. I suggest that people generally expected warranty to be valid for perpetuity, and that an alienor’s heirs were also ordinarily expected to uphold the warranty commitments of their predecessors. In so arguing, I thus further decouple the history of warranty from existing historiographical explanations, and reinforce the associations between warranty and lordship.
Research on Health Assessment Model and Data Analysis Method of Steel-Concrete Composite Girder Bridge
Authors: Hui Jizhuang , Zhang Haobo , Zhaxi Nima , Cidan Duojie , Liu Yongjian , Cheng Gao , Shi He
Published: February 2023

In order to evaluate the health status of Steel-concrete composite girder bridges, a health status assessment model based on the bridge monitoring scheme is proposed, and a matching data analysis method is established on this basis. Firstly, the data are divided into two index layers: monitoring projects and monitoring points, and a health status assessment model is established based on this. Secondly, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the state of Steel-concrete composite girder bridges is realized by the membership vectorization processing of the monitoring data. Finally, the method is applied to an actual bridge to evaluate the health status. The results show that the established model and method can evaluate the state of the Steel-concrete composite girder bridge, and the state of the bridge evaluated by this method is level 1 and the health is better. The health status assessment model and data analysis method of Steel-concrete composite girder bridges establishes a direct connection between objective data and subjective assessment, provides an effective way for the real-time evaluation of bridge health status.
Credibility of Estimating the Hysteretic Energy Demands of Concentrically Braced Steel Frames
Authors: Ma Cuiling
Published: February 2023

Earthquake happens frequently in China, and seismic design is of high importance for buildings. The energy-based seismic design method with clear conception has attracted attention of more and more researchers. One of the initial questions is how to determine the energy requirement. In this paper, the finite element software is used to analyze the time history of the concentrically braced steel frames designed according to the current codes and standards. The analysis shows that the cumulative demand obtained by time history analysis is similar to the estimated value. The hysteretic energy dissipation of the concentrically braced steel frames is of small top and big bottom along the height of the structure, and the energy dissipation of the floors below the height of H/3 (H is the height of the structure) is larger. Under rare earthquakes, the yield mode of structures designed according to the elastic design method of small earthquakes is uncontrollable, so it is necessary to study the design method based on energy behavior.
Experimental Study on Mix Ratio Design of High Coal Gangue Content Concrete
Authors: Liu Yingran , Sun Yu , Gong Jian , Zhang Yafeng , Sun Zhewei
Published: February 2023

In order to improve the utilization rate of coal gangue as aggregate in concrete, based on the orthogonal experimental design method, the L16 (45) orthogonal table was used to initially prepare the mix ratio, and the concrete compressive specimens were poured, and their compressive strength was tested after standard curing for 7 days. The significance of the three factors of coal gangue ratio, coal gangue-sand ratio and water-binder ratio on strength was preliminarily understood. Then adjust the factor levels, use the L9 (34) orthogonal table to arrange the factor levels, formulate the mix ratio, test its strength after curing under the same conditions, and finally analyze that the optimal mix ratio of high-volume coal gangue concrete is 90% of coal gangue. Coal gangue sand accounts for 60% of the total sand, the water-binder ratio is 0.4, the sand rate is 35%, and the amount of cement per cubic meter is 350 kg. This mix ratio can use a large amount of coal gangue as a concrete cushion or sub-base in road engineering.
Slope Reliability Analysis Based on Nonlinear Stochastic Finite Element Method
Authors: Cheng Jing , He Ziyao , Liu Zhong , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2023

In slope stability reliability analysis, the deterministic analysis method is usually used to calculate the safety factor to measure the stability of the slope, but the traditional deterministic analysis method cannot fully consider and describe the natural spatial variability of soil, which leads to the failure probability calculation of the slope is not accurate enough. Aiming at the problem of spatial variability of soil mechanical parameters in slope stability analysis, this paper proposes a stochastic finite element method for calculating the distribution of FS (factor of safety) of dam slopes, and MC (Monte Carlo) strength reduction combined method and MC direct method are proposed to calculate the reliability of slope. Taking isotropic two-dimensional slope as an example: firstly, the random field is sampled to get the corresponding random field of material properties, and then the slope displacement, stress and plasticity zone results are calculated; then on the basis of NMC times sampling of random field, there are: (i) Combined method (M1): the strength reduction method is used to get the reduction coefficient of each sample, and then its distribution, slope failure probability and reliability index are calculated; (ii) MC direct method (M2): using the viscop lastic method to solve and judge the instability of slopes, and the instability cases under all sample conditions are counted to obtain the failure probability and reliability index of slopes. The results show that the slope stability analysis considering the random field of material properties can obtain the real and reliable slope stability analysis results by comprehensively evaluating the slope safety through the mean value, variance, distribution and reliability index of the slope safety factor.
Bridge Comparison of Erection Solutions for Steel Box Girders Spanning from Anchorage in the Sea on Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge
Authors: Xue Zhi-Wu , Guo Qiang
Published: February 2023

The non-navigable hole bridge in the east and west flooding area of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Bridge 110 m continuous steel box girder system, each with 2 holes of steel box girders spanning the Lingdingyang Bridge sea anchor, which is affected by the anchor and the subsidiary structure, and its installation is difficult. In view of the characteristics of the project, three installation solutions were proposed: large section lifting, small section incremental launching and large section incremental launching. Combined with the comparative analysis of construction efficiency, temporary structure usage, equipment input and construction risk, the large section incremental launching solution not only has less temporary structure input and controllable construction period, but also avoids the input of new equipment and has the best comprehensive economy, which is recommended as the preferred solution for this project. The finite element analysis of the incremental launching process shows that the structural forces meet the requirements after local reinforcement, and the scheme is safe and feasible.
Application of ABAQUS by Using Python in Concrete-Filled Steel Tube
Authors: Yang Zhishuo , Chen Mingxia , Chen Feixin , Dong Zuorong , Zhong Yiman
Published: February 2023

Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) column have remarkable mechanical properties and are widely used in engineering. In order to avoid repeated work, this paper introduces a concrete model based on Python, which is used for automatic simulation of CFST columns under different loads. The pre-treatment and finite element analysis of CFST columns are carried out by using the model software. Finally, examples were cited to illustrate that the simulation results of the model are similar to the test results, and the purpose of engineering application is achieved.
Finite Element Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Slab-Rectangular Column Connections Using ABAQUS
Authors: Jia Yueqiao , Luin Jeffrey Chiang Choong
Published: February 2023

Rectangular columns used in flat-slab structures run the risk of punching shear damage due to stress concentrations, especially when bending moments and vertical forces act together at the connections. Using the finite element analysis method, the existing experiments are numerically simulated using the 3D modeling software ABAQUS, and describe the cracking behavior of concrete using the concrete damaged plasticity model. The accuracy of the numerical simulation was calibrated by load–displacement curves and crack patterns using the experimental results. The study of the model was set up with different moment-to-shear ratios and outputs the trend of the average shear stress on the eccentric force side of the slab. The moment transfer coefficients are derived through the equation of ACI-318 and compared with the code values. A safe range of side length ratios is proposed to reduce the risk of punching shear damage from the use of rectangular columns. This provides a reference for practical design, but more experiments are needed to support the proposed recommendations.
Analysis of the Impact of Earthquakes on the Stability of Overlying Fill Slopes
Authors: li Bin , Hou Wensheng
Published: February 2023

Earthquakes are one of the main factors causing landslides. In this paper, the author conducted a numerical simulation of an overlying fill slope in Guangxi, the subject, with Midas GTS under the vibration conditions of magnitude 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, and 8 earthquakes and obtained the total, horizontal and vertical displacement of the slope and its stability coefficient. The results showed that the displacement of the slope increased with the increase of the seismic acceleration; its maximum displacement occurred in the middle of the slope (fill); the difference of the maximum horizontal displacement from the total displacement and vertical displacement was that as the seismic acceleration increased, the maximum horizontal displacement occurred not only in the middle of the slope (fill), but also at the top and on the middle and upper surfaces; the vertical displacement was most susceptible, while the horizontal displacement was least susceptible; as the magnitude increased, the stability coefficient of the slope also decreased significantly; and, vegetation planting on the slope and the setup of a retaining wall at the foot could improve its stability coefficient effectively. Therefore, it was necessary to plant vegetation on a slope and set up a retaining wall at the foot.
Projected transverse momentum resummation in top-antitop pair production at LHC
Authors: Ju Wan-Li , Schönherr Marek
Published: February 2023

Abstract

The transverse momentum distribution of the $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

system is of both experimental and theoretical interest. In the presence of azimuthally asymmetric divergences, pursuing resummation at high logarithmic precision is rather demanding in general. In this paper, we propose the projected transverse momentum spectrum $$ \textrm{d}{\sigma}_{t\overline{t}}/\textrm{d}{q}_{\tau } $$
d

σ

t

t
¯

/
d

q
τ

, which is derived from the classical $$ {\overrightarrow{q}}_{\textrm{T}} $$

q
→

T

spectrum by integrating out the rejection component $$ {q}_{\tau_{\perp }} $$

q

τ
⊥

with respect to a reference unit vector $$ \overrightarrow{\tau} $$

τ
→

, to serve as an alternative solution to remove these asymmetric divergences, in addition to the azimuthally averaged case $$ \textrm{d}{\sigma}_{t\overline{t}}/\textrm{d}\mid {\overrightarrow{q}}_{\textrm{T}}\mid $$
d

σ

t

t
¯

/
d
∣

q
→

T

∣
. In the context of the effective field theories, SCETII and HQET, we will demonstrate that in spite of the $$ {q}_{\tau_{\perp }} $$

q

τ
⊥

integrations, the leading asymptotic terms of $$ \textrm{d}{\sigma}_{t\overline{t}}/\textrm{d}{q}_{\tau } $$
d

σ

t

t
¯

/
d

q
τ

still observe the factorisation pattern in terms of the hard, beam, and soft functions in the vicinity of qτ = 0 GeV. Then, with the help of the renormalisation group equation techniques, we carry out the resummation at NLL+NLO, N2LL+N2LO, and approximate N2LL′+N2LO accuracy on three observables of interest, $$ \textrm{d}{\sigma}_{t\overline{t}}/d{q}_{\textrm{T},\textrm{in}},\textrm{d}{\sigma}_{t\overline{t}}/\textrm{d}{q}_{\textrm{T},\textrm{out}} $$
d

σ

t

t
¯

/
d

q

T
,
in

,
d

σ

t

t
¯

/
d

q

T
,
out

, and $$ \textrm{d}{\sigma}_{t\overline{t}}/d\Delta {\phi}_{t\overline{t}} $$
d

σ

t

t
¯

/
d
Δ

ϕ

t

t
¯

, within the domain $$ {M}_{t\overline{t}} $$

M

t

t
¯

≥ 400 GeV. The first two cases are obtained by choosing $$ \overrightarrow{\tau} $$

τ
→

parallel and perpendicular to the top quark transverse momentum, respectively. The azimuthal de-correlation $$ \Delta {\phi}_{t\overline{t}} $$
Δ

ϕ

t

t
¯

of the $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

pair is evaluated through its kinematical connection to qT,out. This is the first time the azimuthal spectrum $$ \Delta {\phi}_{t\overline{t}} $$
Δ

ϕ

t

t
¯

is appraised at or beyond the N2LL level including a consistent treatment of both beam collinear and soft radiation.
Gluon transverse-momentum-dependent distributions from large-momentum effective theory
Authors: Zhu Ruilin , Ji Yao , Zhang Jian-Hui , Zhao Shuai
Published: February 2023

Abstract

We demonstrate that gluon transverse-momentum-dependent parton distribution functions (TMDPDFs) can be extracted from lattice calculations of appropriate Euclidean correlations in large-momentum effective theory (LaMET). Based on perturbative calculations of gluon unpolarized and helicity TMDPDFs, we present a matching formula connecting them and their LaMET counterparts, where the latter are renormalized in a scheme facilitating lattice calculations and converted to the $$ \overline{\textrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

scheme. The hard matching kernel is given up to one-loop level. We also show that the perturbative result is independent of the prescription used for the pinch-pole singularity in the relevant correlations. Our results offer a guidance for the extraction of gluon TMDPDFs from lattice simulations, and have the potential to greatly facilitate perturbative calculations of the hard matching kernel.
Protection by ordinary light clothing against pesticide spray drift for bystanders and residents
Authors: Felkers Edgars , Kuster Christian J. , Adham Sarah , Hewitt Nicola J. , Kluxen Felix M.
Published: February 2023

There are stringent EU regulatory requirements to assess pesticide exposure to bystanders and residents to direct spray drift. A “light clothing” adjustment factor (AF) of 0.82 is applied in the exposure assessment, based on simple assumptions for covered body surface and penetration through clothing. To assess the appropriateness of the AF, we collated data from 32 field studies. The mean and 25th percentile % reduction from ordinary light clothing (“reduction %”) in children and adults for all crops and standard and drift-reducing nozzles were 42.7% and 36.2%, resulting in AF of 0.573 and 0.638, respectively. Sources of variation were investigated, e.g. crop type, leaf coverage, buffer, spray pressure, and nozzle type, which indicated that reduction % could be impacted by several conditions. The reduction % is similar between crops; therefore, a single AF value covering all crops can be derived. One exception was for early-stage vineyard scenarios (the reduction % is lower (27%) than late stage (42–47%)) and could be considered individually to avoid unnecessary conservatism for the other scenarios. This evaluation demonstrates the current AF to be overly precautionary, and a more realistic, exposure scenario-relevant value could be applied for bystander/resident risk assessments.
High Resolution Model of the Vinton Salt-Dome Cap Rock by Joint Inversion of the Full Tensor Gravity Gradient Data with the Simulated Annealing Global Optimization Method
Authors: Nava-Flores Mauricio , Ortiz-Alemán Carlos , Urrutia-Fucugauchi Jaime
Published: February 2023

We present a 3D high-resolution modeling methodology based on the interpretation of gravity gradient data and its joint inversion with the simulated annealing (SA) global optimization method. The geometry of the model, used as computational domain in the solution of the forward and inverse problems, is defined with an irregular ensemble of cubic prisms that recreates the interpreted shape of the target, derived from the results of applying different interpretation methods to the gravity gradient data. In our inversion approach, the linear inverse problem resulting from the domain discretization is not solved. Instead, the cost function is explored with the SA algorithm, its low misfit region is identified, and models belonging to it are selected for obtaining the mean model, which represents the most likely model among them, as well as for estimating its uncertainty. The SA inversion algorithm we applied was numerically optimized to reduce the computational burden required by the forward problem, and it was driven by optimal tuning parameters, determined by a parametric analysis. Tests on synthetic data show the efficiency of our methodology to obtain a model that approximates the synthetic target and the usefulness of the estimated uncertainty to complement the interpretation. Finally, by applying our methodology to gravity gradient data acquired over the Vinton dome located in Louisiana, USA, we obtained results that are in agreement with geological information and previous studies.
Affine Hypersurfaces of Arbitrary Signature with an Almost Symplectic Form
Authors: Szancer Michal , Szancer Zuzanna
Published: February 2023

In this paper we study affine hypersurfaces with non-degenerate second fundamental form of arbitrary signature additionally equipped with an almost symplectic structure $$\omega $$
ω
. We prove that if $$R^p\omega =0$$

R
p

ω
=
0

or $$\nabla ^p\omega =0$$

∇
p

ω
=
0

for some positive integer p then the rank of the shape operator is at most one. The results provide complete classification of affine hypersurfaces with higher order parallel almost symplectic forms and are generalization of recently obtained results for Lorentzian affine hypersurfaces.
$$(\omega ,Q)$$-periodic mild solutions for a class of semilinear abstract differential equations and applications to Hopfield-type neural network model
Authors: Alvarez E. , Díaz S. , Grau R.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we investigate the existence and uniqueness of $$(\omega ,Q)$$

(
ω
,
Q
)

-periodic mild solutions for the following problem $$\begin{aligned} x'(t)=Ax(t)+f(t,x(t)),\quad t\in \mathbb {R}, \end{aligned}$$

x
′

(
t
)

=
A
x

(
t
)

+
f

(
t
,
x

(
t
)

)

,

t
∈
R
,

on a Banach space X. Here, A is a closed linear operator which generates an exponentially stable $$C_0$$

C
0

-semigroup and the nonlinearity f satisfies suitable properties. The approaches are based on the well-known Banach contraction principle. In addition, a sufficient criterion is established for the existence and uniqueness of $$(\omega ,Q)$$

(
ω
,
Q
)

-periodic mild solutions to the Hopfield-type neural network model.
Bronchitis, COPD, and pneumonia after viral endemic of patients with leprosy on Sorok Island in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jong Hoon , Kanwar Badar , Khattak Asif , Altschuler Eric , Sergi Consolato , Lee So Jeong , Choi Su-Hee , Park Jungwuk , Coleman Michael , Bourbeau Jean
Published: February 2023

Viral respiratory diseases (VRDs) cause lung inflammation and inflammatory cytokine production. We study whether dapsone is responsible for its observed preventive treatment effects of the sustained viral RNA interferon response. Around 2008 and 2012, Korea’s Dementia Management Act stipulated drastic changes in the administration of dementia medication by medical staff. Participants were randomized and we compared leprosy patients with VRDs after prescribing dapsone as a standard treatment from 2005 to 2019. Significance was evaluated based on the dapsone-prescribed (+) subgroup and the dapsone-unprescribed (−) subgroup of the VRD diagnosed (+) and VRD undiagnosed (−) subgroup. We analyzed VRD ( +)/(− with dapsone (+)/(−) group and used a T-test, and designed the equation of acetylation with dapsone and acetylcholine (AA) equation. The 6394 VRD participants who received the dapsone intervention compared to the 3255 VRD participants in the control group demonstrated at T2 VRD (+) dapsone (−) (mean (M) = 224.80, SD = 97.50): T3 VRD (−) dapsone (+) (M = 110.87, SD = 103.80), proving that VRD is low when dapsone is taken and high when it is not taken. Thetvalue is 3.10, and thepvalue is 0.004395 (significant atp < 0.05). After an increase in VRDs peaked in 2009, bronchitis, COPD, and pneumonia surged in 2013. The AA equation was strongly negatively correlated with the prevalence of bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): with bronchitis,r(15) =  −0.823189,p = 0.005519, and with COPD,r(15) =  −0.8161,p = 0.000207 (significant atp < 0.05). Dapsone treated both bronchitis and COPD. This study provides theoretical clinical data to limit acetylcholine excess during the VRD pandemic for bronchitis, COPD, and pneumonia.
A Proof of the Fusion Rules Theorem
Authors: Liu Jianqi
Published: February 2023

We prove that the space of intertwining operators associated with certain admissible modules over vertex operator algebras is isomorphic to a quotient of the vector space of conformal blocks on a three-pointed rational curve defined by the same data. This provides a new proof and alternative version of Frenkel and Zhu’s fusion rules theorem, in terms of the dimension of certain bimodules over Zhu’s algebra, without the assumption of rationality.
Bone Microarchitecture and Strength Changes During Teriparatide and Zoledronic Acid Treatment in a Patient with Pregnancy and Lactation-Associated Osteoporosis with Multiple Vertebral Fractures
Authors: Treurniet Sanne , Bevers Melissa S. A. M. , Wyers Caroline E. , Micha Dimitra , Teunissen Bernd P. , Elting Mariet W. , van den Bergh Joop P. , Eekhoff Elisabeth M. W.
Published: February 2023

Pregnancy- and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare form of osteoporosis, of which the pathogenesis and best treatment options are unclear. In this report, we describe the case of a 34-year old woman diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and multiple vertebral fractures after her first pregnancy, who was subsequently treated with teriparatide (TPTD) and zoledronic acid (ZA). We describe the clinical features, imaging examination, and genetic analysis. Substantial improvements were observed in areal and volumetric bone mineral density (BMD), microarchitecture, and strength between 7 and 40 months postpartum as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the total hip and spine and by high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT at the distal radius and tibiae. At the hip, spine, and distal radius, these improvements were mainly enabled by treatment with TPTD and ZA, while at the distal tibiae, physiological recovery and postpartum physiotherapy due to leg pain after stumbling may have played a major role. Additionally, the findings show that, despite the improvements, BMD, microarchitecture, and strength remained severely impaired in comparison with healthy age- and gender-matched controls at 40 months postpartum. Genetic analysis showed no monogenic cause for osteoporosis, and it is suggested that PLO in this woman could have a polygenic origin with possible susceptibility based on familiar occurrence of osteoporosis.
Evidence of phenotypic plasticity in Alloteuthis media (Linnaeus, 1758) from morphological analyses on North Sea specimens and DNA barcoding of the genus Alloteuthis Wülker, 1920 across its latitudinal range
Authors: Sheerin Edel , Power Anne Marie , Oesterwind Daniel , Haak David , Abad Esther , Barnwall Leigh , Petroni Michael , Sobrino Ignacio , Valeiras Julio , Allcock A. Louise
Published: February 2023

Despite being landed in commercial cephalopod fisheries, species of Alloteuthis are not yet well defined, with A. subulata and A. media often confused. DNA barcoding combined with morphometric analyses has begun to clarify the distinction between these two morphologically similar species but has been limited in its geographic coverage to date. Herein, we provide DNA barcodes for 228 specimens collected from Guinea Bissau in the south, up the Atlantic coast, to the Irish shelf and North Sea. Employing species delimitation analyses, and with comparison to the literature, we identified 24 individuals of A. africana, 66 individuals of A. subulata and 138 individuals of A. media. We confirm that A. media has the northernmost distribution and is the only species identified by DNA sequencing from the Irish shelf and North Sea. We analysed morphometric measures and indices from 388 individuals from the North Sea, a subset of which (n = 58) were barcoded. The most useful traits for identification were tail length as a percentage of dorsal mantle length, and largest club sucker width as a percentage of head width. By comparison to other published data, we determined that A. media phenotypes vary substantially across the geographic range of this species. This partly explains the difficulties in morphological identification and suggests regional identification guides may be required in support of fisheries management. Interregional analyses suggest character displacement may occur where species co-exist.
Preparation of polyclonal anti-Schistosoma mansoni cysteine protease antibodies for early diagnosis
Authors: Farid Alyaa
Published: February 2023

In many parts of the tropics, schistosomiasis is a major parasitic disease second only to malaria as a cause of morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic approaches include microscopic sampling of excreta such as the Kato-Katz method, radiography, and serology. Due to their vital role in many stages of the parasitic life cycle, proteases have been under investigation as targets of immunological or chemotherapeutic anti-Schistosoma agents. Five major classes of protease have been identified on the basis of the peptide hydrolysis mechanism: serine, cysteine, aspartic, threonine, and metalloproteases. Proteases of all five catalytic classes have been identified from S. mansoni through proteomic or genetic analysis. The study aimed to produce polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) against schistosomal cysteine proteases (CP) to be used in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. This study was conducted on S. mansoni-infected patients from highly endemic areas and from outpatients’ clinic and hospitals and other patients infected with other parasites (Fasciola, hookworm, hydatid, and trichostrongyloids). In this study, the produced polyclonal antibodies against S. mansoni cysteine protease antigens were labeled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate and used to detect CP antigens in stool and serum samples of S. mansoni-infected patients by sandwich ELISA.

The study involved 200 S. mansoni-infected patients (diagnosed by finding characteristic eggs in the collected stool samples), 100 patients infected with other parasites (Fasciola, hookworm, hydatid, and trichostrongyloids), and 100 individuals who served as parasite-free healthy negative control. The prepared pAb succeeded in detecting CP antigens in stool and serum samples of S. mansoni-infected patients by sandwich ELISA with a sensitivity of 98.5% and 98.0% respectively. A positive correlation was observed between S. mansoni egg counts and both stool and serum antigen concentrations. Purified 27.5 kDa CP could be introduced as a suitable candidate antigen for early immunodiagnosis using sandwich ELISA for antigen detection.

Key points

• Detection of cysteine protease antigens can replace parasitological examination.

• Sandwich ELISA has a higher sensitivity than microscopic examination of eggs.

• Identification of antigens is important for the goal of obtaining diagnostic tools.
Congenital atlanto-occipital dislocation in a patient with Down syndrome: a case report
Authors: Onodera Ryoko , Sakamoto Ryuji , Taniguchi Yuki , Hirai Shima , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Kato So , Oshima Yasushi , Tanaka Sakae
Published: February 2023

Down syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is associated with congenital cervical spine abnormalities, including atlantoaxial instability with or without os odontoideum, atlanto-occipital instability, and hypoplasia of the atlas. Herein, we report a case of Down syndrome complicated by congenital atlanto-occipital dislocation. The patient presented with severe cervical myelopathy at 13 years of age after a 10-year follow-up. Radiography and computed tomography revealed os odontoideum protruding into the foramen magnum and congenital anterior atlanto-occipital dislocation. Additionally, a bifurcated internal occipital crest with a thinned central portion of the occipital bone was noted. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed kyphotic alignment of the spinal cord with severe compression at the foramen magnum level. As the neurological impairment was partially improved by halo vest immobilization, we performed in situ O-C2 fusion with an iliac autograft and decompression of the foramen magnum and posterior arch of C1. An improvement was observed immediately after surgery. Two years after surgery, radiography and computed tomography showed solid O-C2 segment fusion. The accumulation of similar cases is essential for determining the prognosis or optimal treatment for this rare congenital condition.
Secretin modulates appetite via brown adipose tissue-brain axis
Authors: Sun Lihua , Laurila Sanna , Lahesmaa Minna , Rebelos Eleni , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Schnabl Katharina , Klingenspor Martin , Nummenmaa Lauri , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Secretin activates brown adipose tissue (BAT) and induces satiation in both mice and humans. However, the exact brain mechanism of this satiety inducing, secretin-mediated gut-BAT-brain axis is largely unknown.

Methods and results

In this placebo-controlled, single-blinded neuroimaging study, firstly using [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET measures (n = 15), we established that secretin modulated brain glucose consumption through the BAT-brain axis. Predominantly, we found that BAT and caudate glucose uptake levels were negatively correlated (r = -0.54, p = 0.037) during secretin but not placebo condition. Then, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI; n = 14), we found that secretin improved inhibitory control and downregulated the brain response to appetizing food images. Finally, in a PET-fMRI fusion analysis (n = 10), we disclosed the patterned correspondence between caudate glucose uptake and neuroactivity to reward and inhibition, showing that the secretin-induced neurometabolic coupling patterns promoted satiation.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that secretin may modulate the BAT-brain metabolic crosstalk and subsequently the neurometabolic coupling to induce satiation. The study advances our understanding of the secretin signaling in motivated eating behavior and highlights the potential role of secretin in treating eating disorders and obesity.

Trial registration

EudraCT no. 2016-002373-35, registered 2 June 2016; Clinical Trials no. NCT03290846, registered 25 September 2017.
Overcoming cancer-associated fibroblast-induced immunosuppression by anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody
Authors: Nishiwaki Noriyuki , Noma Kazuhiro , Ohara Toshiaki , Kunitomo Tomoyoshi , Kawasaki Kento , Akai Masaaki , Kobayashi Teruki , Narusaka Toru , Kashima Hajime , Sato Hiroaki , Komoto Satoshi , Kato Takuya , Maeda Naoaki , Kikuchi Satoru , Tanabe Shunsuke , Tazawa Hiroshi , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: February 2023

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a critical component of the tumor microenvironment and play a central role in tumor progression. Previously, we reported that CAFs might induce tumor immunosuppression via interleukin-6 (IL-6) and promote tumor progression by blocking local IL-6 in the tumor microenvironment with neutralizing antibody. Here, we explore whether an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody could be used as systemic therapy to treat cancer, and further investigate the mechanisms by which IL-6 induces tumor immunosuppression. In clinical samples, IL-6 expression was significantly correlated with α-smooth muscle actin expression, and high IL-6 cases showed tumor immunosuppression. Multivariate analysis showed that IL-6 expression was an independent prognostic factor. In vitro, IL-6 contributed to cell proliferation and differentiation into CAFs. Moreover, IL-6 increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) expression and induced tumor immunosuppression by enhancing glucose uptake by cancer cells and competing for glucose with immune cells. MR16-1, a rodent analog of anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, overcame CAF-induced immunosuppression and suppressed tumor progression in immunocompetent murine cancer models by regulating HIF1α activation in vivo. The anti-IL-6 receptor antibody could be systemically employed to overcome tumor immunosuppression and improve patient survival with various cancers. Furthermore, the tumor immunosuppression was suggested to be induced by IL-6 via HIF1α activation.
Magnesium‐Based Compression Screws in Acute Scaphoid Fractures and Nonunions
Authors: Könneker Sören , Schächinger Ulrich , Vogt Peter M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Magnesium‐based bioabsorbable osteosynthesis material continues to receive increasing attention. The following study documents our experience with bioabsorbable magnesium screws in scaphoid fracture treatment in hopes to capture further evidence and successful application.

Methods

Eight acute scaphoid fractures and four nonunions were treated with the magnesium‐based bioabsorbable compression screw MAGNEZIX®. Objective outcome was assessed by X‐ray imaging and/or CT scan for bone healing. Clinical assessment was achieved using the modified Mayo Wrist Score. Patient‐reported outcome measure was performed threefold via QuickDASH, PRWE, and EQ‐5D‐5L questionnaires in all patients. Follow‐up was 32.5 months (SD 18.7) in the acute fracture group and 31 months (SD 7.4) in the nonunion group.

Results

Bone healing was achieved in all eight patients with acute scaphoid fractures and in three of four patients with scaphoid nonunion. The modified Mayo Wrist Score was 95 (SD 7.1) in fractures and 80 (SD 7.1) in nonunion patients during follow‐up. QuickDASH score was 3.9 (SD 5.8) in fracture and 19.3 (SD 10.6) in nonunion patients. All but one patient (87,5%) with scaphoid fractures presented with a full health state during follow‐up (EQ‐5D‐5L). Nonunion patients had problems in 10 out of 19 dimensions in EQ‐5D‐5L. Acute fractures presented with a score of 3.9 (SD 7.9) and nonunions with a score of 19.7 (SD 32.4) in PRWE total scoring during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Magnesium‐based implants have excellent clinical outcomes when used for scaphoid fractures in eight presented cases and good to moderate clinical outcomes when used for nonunions in three of four presented cases. Additional studies are required to further analyze the differentiated applicability in scaphoid nonunion as well as overall performance when compared to non‐absorbable screws in larger cohorts.
Midbrain and pons MRI shape analysis and its clinical and CSF correlates in degenerative parkinsonisms: a pilot study
Authors: Painous C. , Pascual-Diaz S. , Muñoz-Moreno E. , Sánchez V. , Pariente JC. , Prats-Galino A. , Soto M. , Fernández M. , Pérez-Soriano A. , Camara A. , Muñoz E. , Valldeoriola F. , Caballol N. , Pont-Sunyer C. , Martin N. , Basora M. , Tio M. , Rios J. , Martí MJ. , Bargalló N. , Compta Y.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To conduct brainstem MRI shape analysis across neurodegenerative parkinsonisms and control subjects (CS), along with its association with clinical and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) correlates.

Methodology

We collected demographic and clinical variables, performed planimetric and shape MRI analyses, and determined CSF neurofilament-light chain (NfL) levels in 84 participants: 11 CS, 12 with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 26 with multiple system atrophy (MSA), 21 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), and 14 with corticobasal degeneration (CBD).

Results

MSA featured the most extensive and significant brainstem shape narrowing (that is, atrophy), mostly in the pons. CBD presented local atrophy in several small areas in the pons and midbrain compared to PD and CS. PSP presented local atrophy in small areas in the posterior and upper midbrain as well as the rostral pons compared to MSA. Our findings of planimetric MRI measurements and CSF NfL levels replicated those from previous literature. Brainstem shape atrophy correlated with worse motor state in all parkinsonisms and with higher NfL levels in MSA, PSP, and PD.

Conclusion

Atypical parkinsonisms present different brainstem shape patterns which correlate with clinical severity and neuronal degeneration. In MSA, shape analysis could be further explored as a potential diagnostic biomarker. By contrast, shape analysis appears to have a rather limited discriminant value in PSP.

Key Points

•Atypical parkinsonisms present different brainstem shape patterns.

•Shape patterns correlate with clinical severity and neuronal degeneration.

•In MSA, shape analysis could be further explored as a potential diagnostic biomarker.
Glutathione Transferases are Involved in Salicylic Acid-Induced Transcriptional Reprogramming
Authors: Horváth Edit , Bela Krisztina , Kulman Kitti , Faragó Nóra , Riyazuddin Riyazuddin , Gallé Ágnes , Puskás László G. , Csiszár Jolán
Published: February 2023

Salicylic acid (SA) plays a crucial role not only in defence against pathogen attacks, but also in abiotic stress responses. Recently, some key steps of SA signalling outlined the importance of redox state-dependent processes. This study explores the role of glutathione transferases (GSTs) in the transcriptional reprogramming of redox status-related genes in seven-day-old wild type and Atgst mutant Arabidopsis thaliana plants. The timing of redox changes, detected by the redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP2), differed in wild type roots treated with 10 μM or 100 μM SA. Our results verified how the applied SA concentrations had different effect on the expression of oxidative stress- and redox-related genes, among them on the expression of AtGSTF8 and AtGSTU19 genes. Lower vitality and less negative EGSH values were specific characteristics of the Atgst mutants compared to the wild type plants throughout the experiment. Changes in the redox potential were only modest in the mutants after SA treatments. A slightly modified gene expression pattern was observed in control conditions and after 1 h of SA treatments in Atgst mutants compared to Col-0 roots. These data originating from the whole roots provide indirect evidence for the role of the investigated AtGSTF8 and AtGSTU19 isoenzymes in the transduction of the redox signal. Our results demonstrate that the investigated Arabidopsis GSTs have a role in maintaining the levels of reactive oxygen species- and redox homeostasis and are involved in transcriptional reprogramming in the roots.
The utility of sonographic signs to diagnose simple and complicated appendicitis in children
Authors: Tong Lauren , Nataraja Ramesh M. , VanHaltren Keith , Sulaksana Tania H. , Vinycomb Toby I. , Pacilli Maurizio
Published: February 2023

Background

Acute appendicitis is classified into simple (SA) and complicated (CA). Ultrasound scans (USS) can be useful in clinically equivocal cases, by visualising primary and secondary signs. This study explores the utility of sonographic signs to diagnose and differentiate appendicitis in children.

Methods

Single-centre retrospective cohort study over a 2-year period. Consecutive USS for suspected appendicitis were included; sonographic signs were extracted from standardised institutional worksheets. USS results were compared with pre-defined intraoperative criteria for SA and CA, confirmed with histological analysis. Data are reported as median [interquartile range], percentages (number), area under the curve (AUC), conventional diagnostic formulae and adjusted odds ratios following multiple logistic regression (p < 0.05 considered significant).

Results

A total of 934 USS were included, with median age 10.7 [8.0–13.4] years, majority were female (54%). One quarter (n = 226) had SA, 12% (n = 113) had CA, 61% (n = 571) had no appendectomy and 3% (n = 24) had negative appendicectomy. Appendix visualisation rate on USS was 61% (n = 569), with 62% (n = 580) having a conclusive report. Sonographic signs suggesting appendicitis included an appendiceal diameter > 7 mm (AUC 0.92, [95% CI: 0.90–0.94]), an appendicolith (p = 0.003), hyperaemia (p = 0.001), non-compressibility (p = 0.029) and no luminal gas (p = 0.004). Secondary sonographic signs included probe tenderness (p < 0.001) and peri-appendiceal echogenic fat (p < 0.001). Sonographic signs suggesting CA over SA comprised a diameter > 10.1 mm (AUC 0.63, [95% CI: 0.57–0.69]), an appendicolith (p = 0.003) and peri-appendiceal fluid (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Presence of specific sonographic signs can aid diagnosis and differentiation of simple and complicated appendicitis in children.