bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of bed depths and the ratio of aerobic to anaerobic zone on the performance of horizontal subsurface flow macrophyte‐assisted high‐rate vermifilters treating synthetic brewery wastewater
Authors: Dey Chowdhury Sanket , Bhunia Puspendu , Surampalli Rao Y. , Zhang Tian C.
Published: February 2024

Effects of total vermibed depth, as well as the ratio of aerobic (the unsubmerged) to anaerobic (the submerged) zone on the performance of the horizontal subsurface flow macrophyte‐assisted vermifilters (HSSF‐MAVFs) treating synthetic brewery wastewater at a higher hydraulic loading rate (HLR), were investigated for the first time. Results showed that the HSSF‐MAVF with a 50 cm total and 18 cm submerged vermibed depth yielded the optimum removal of the pollutants, ensuring a (91.2 ± 1.7)%, (81.8 ± 1.9)%, (67.4 ± 3.9)%, and (63.1 ± 2.3)% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium N (NH4+–N), total N (TN), and organic N, respectively, whereas there was an increase of (142 ± 6.3)% in the effluent nitrate–N (NO3−–N) than that in the influent. At the optimum condition, the effluent concentrations of all the pollutants including COD, NH4+–N, NO3−–N, TN, and organic N were well below the surface water discharge standards specified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and thus, the effluent of the HSSF‐MAVF could be safely discharged into the surface water bodies.

Practitioner Points

Total vermibed depth of HSSF‐MAVFs was optimized for organic and nitrogen removal.

HSSF‐MAVFs were subjected to the higher HLR of synthetic brewery wastewater.

Removal of COD and NH4+–N was decreased with the increase in submerged bed depth.

Removal of organic N and TN was increased with the increase in submerged bed depth.

Total/unsubmerged bed depth had a positive impact on the organic and N removal.
Application of X‐ray fluorescence in forensic archeology: A review
Authors: Manhas Mehak , Tomar Anjali , Tiwari Maanvendra , Sharma Shweta
Published: February 2024

Forensic Archeology is the application of techniques and principles of archeology in the pursuit of examining a crime or incident with legal interest. A wide range of analytical studies are employed in examining archeological remains. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy remains to be one of the most used techniques for rapid examination of trace evidence typically found on an archeological crime scene. Studies of interest generally include finding trace elements from various sources, samples, and different environmental conditions and distinguishing whether a skeletal remains under examination is human, animal, or marine species. The present study has been designed to focus on the application of XRF in archeological and anthropological evidences such as the examination of human skeletal and dental remains, determination of species, examination of soil, ceramics, paintings, coins, and so on. The advantage of XRF as derived from the reported literature is that it is a non‐destructive technique making it ideal for forensic analysis and in situ examination. The study also discusses the factors affecting forensic investigations of archeological evidences and the limitations of XRF.
Ecosystem Management and Sustainable Livelihoods in Drylands
Authors: Wang Yanfen , Liu Yali , Shan Liwen , Du Jianqing , Liu Yuexian , Li Tong , Cui Xiaoyong
Published: February 2024

Drylands are very vulnerable ecosystems because of their resource constraints and environmental pressures etc. They are sensitive to a range of pressures, including climate change and human disturbance in many forms. The livelihoods of people in dryland regions must be made sustainable if the stability of dryland social-ecological systems is to be maintained. Human livelihoods in drylands are characterised by a single structure, great dependence on natural resources, and vulnerability to disruption by disturbance. In the context of global climate change and the associated expansion of arid biomes, livelihoods in drylands face growing challenges. Maintaining and rebuilding sustainable livelihoods are inseparable from good ecosystem management. However, ecosystem management is recognised as a “wicked problem” without clear-cut solutions because of the complexities involved. This chapter identifies the issues and challenges facing human livelihoods in drylands and proposes a research framework for dryland ecosystem management and sustainable livelihoods. The framework clarifies the core characteristics of sustainable livelihoods and the principles and strategies of ecosystem management while proposing a research philosophy to guide future enquiry.
Koszul modules with vanishing resonance in algebraic geometry
Authors: Aprodu Marian , Farkas Gavril , Raicu Claudiu , Weyman Jerzy
Published: February 2024

We discuss various applications of a uniform vanishing result for the graded components of the finite length Koszul module associated to a subspace $$K\subseteq \bigwedge ^2 V$$

K
⊆

⋀
2

V

, where V is a vector space. Previously Koszul modules of finite length have been used to give a proof of Green’s Conjecture on syzygies of generic canonical curves. We now give applications to effective stabilization of cohomology of thickenings of algebraic varieties, divisors on moduli spaces of curves, enumerative geometry of curves on K3 surfaces and to skew-symmetric degeneracy loci. We also show that the instability of sufficiently positive rank 2 vector bundles on curves is governed by resonance and give a splitting criterion.
Co-payment exemption and healthcare consumption: quasi-experimental evidence from Italy
Authors: Cirulli Vanessa , Resce Giuliano , Ventura Marco
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the causal effect of co-payment exemption on the number of specialist visits in the Italian National Health System. Exploiting a discontinuity in the multiple eligibility criteria, we apply multiple regression discontinuity in a quasi-experimental setting, considering both age and income requirements. Differently from the standard regression discontinuity, this twofold discontinuity allows to identify the effect of co-payment on a particularly needy sub-population of less wealthy people and how it changes according to the eligibility criteria. We find positive effects of co-payment exemption and the effects are stronger for less wealthy and older individuals. The result may be useful to the policy maker to tailor ad-hoc policies aimed at disadvantaged sub-populations.
Squalene production under oxygen limitation by Schizochytrium sp. S31 in different cultivation systems
Authors: Schütte Lina , Hanisch Patrick G. , Scheler Nina , Haböck Katharina C. , Huber Robert , Ersoy Franziska , Berger Ralf G.
Published: February 2024

The triterpene squalene is widely used in the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries due to its antioxidant, antistatic and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is usually obtained from the liver of deep sea sharks, which are facing extinction. Alternative production organisms are marine protists from the family Thraustochytriaceae, which produce and store large quantities of various lipids. Squalene accumulation in thraustochytrids is complex, as it is an intermediate in sterol biosynthesis. Its conversion to squalene 2,3-epoxide is the first step in sterol synthesis and is heavily oxygen dependent. Hence, the oxygen supply during cultivation was investigated in our study. In shake flask cultivations, a reduced oxygen supply led to increased squalene and decreased sterol contents and yields. Oxygen-limited conditions were applied to bioreactor scale, where squalene accumulation and growth of Schizochytrium sp. S31 was determined in batch, fed-batch and continuous cultivation. The highest dry matter (32.03 g/L) was obtained during fed-batch cultivation, whereas batch cultivation yielded the highest biomass productivity (0.2 g/L*h−1). Squalene accumulation benefited from keeping the microorganisms in the growth phase. Therefore, the highest squalene content of 39.67 ± 1.34 mg/g was achieved by continuous cultivation (D = 0.025 h−1) and the highest squalene yield of 1131 mg/L during fed-batch cultivation. Volumetric and specific squalene productivity both reached maxima in the continuous cultivation at D = 0.025 h−1 (6.94 ± 0.27 mg/L*h−1 and 1.00 ± 0.03 mg/g*h−1, respectively). Thus, the choice of a suitable cultivation method under oxygen-limiting conditions depends heavily on the process requirements.

Key points

• Measurements of respiratory activity and backscatter light of thraustochytrids

• Oxygen limitation increased squalene accumulation in Schizochytrium sp. S31

• Comparison of different cultivation methods under oxygen-limiting conditions
Minimal impact of beam projection angle deviations in skyline (Laurin) view and the efficacy of the anterior border of proximal tibia as a guiding landmark
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Hwang Sunghyun , Lee Ji Han , Gimm Geunwu , Han Hyuk-Soo , Choi Byung Sun , Ro Du Hyun
Published: February 2024

Objective

Obtaining an optimal knee skyline view is challenging due to inaccuracies in beam projection angles (BPAs) and soft tissue obscuring bony landmarks. This study aimed to assess the impact of BPA deviations on patellofemoral index measurements and assessed the anterior border of the proximal tibia as an anatomic landmark for guiding BPAs.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study consisted of three parts. The first was a simulation study using 52 CT scans of knees with a 20° flexion contracture to replicate the skyline (Laurin) view. Digitally reconstructed radiographs simulated neutral, 5° downward, and 5° upward tilt BPAs. Five patellofemoral indices (sulcus angle, congruence angle, patellar tilt angle, lateral facet angle, and bisect ratio) were measured and compared. The second part was a proof of concept study on 162 knees to examine patellar indices differences across these BPAs. Lastly, the alignment of the anterior border of the proximal tibia with the BPA tangential to the patellar articular surface was tested from the CT scans.

Results

No significant differences in patellofemoral indices were found across various BPAs in both the simulation and proof of concept studies (all p > 0.05). The angle between the anterior border of the proximal tibia and the patellar articular surface was 1.5 ± 5.3°, a statistically significant (p = 0.037) yet clinically acceptable deviation.

Conclusion

Patellofemoral indices in skyline view remained consistent regardless of BPA deviations. The anterior border of the proximal tibia proved to be an effective landmark for accurate beam projection.
90Y post-radioembolization clinical assessment with whole-body Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT: image quality, tumor, liver and lung dosimetry
Authors: Zeimpekis Konstantinos G. , Mercolli Lorenzo , Conti Maurizio , Sari Hasan , Rominger Axel , Rathke Hendrik
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Evaluation of 90Y liver radioembolization post-treatment clinical data using a whole-body Biograph Vision Quadra PET/CT to investigate the potential of protocol optimization in terms of scan time and dosimetry.

Methods

17 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with median (IQR) injected activity 2393 (1348–3298) MBq were included. Pre-treatment dosimetry plan was based on 99mTc-MAA SPECT/CT with Simplicit90Y™ and post-treatment validation with Quadra using Simplicit90Y™ and HERMIA independently. Regarding the image analysis, mean and peak SNR, the coefficient of variation (COV) and lesion-to-background ratio (LBR) were evaluated. For the post-treatment dosimetry validation, the mean tumor, whole liver and lung absorbed dose evaluation was performed using Simplicit90Y and HERMES. Images were reconstructed with 20-, 15-, 10-, 5- and 1- min sinograms with 2, 4, 6 and 8 iterations. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to show statistical significance (p < 0.05).

Results

There was no difference of statistical significance between 20- and 5- min reconstructed times for the peak SNR, COV and LBR. In addition, there was no difference of statistical significance between 20- and 1- min reconstructed times for all dosimetry metrics. Lung dosimetry showed consistently lower values than the expected. Tumor absorbed dose based on Simplicit90Y™ was similar to the expected while HERMES consistently underestimated significantly the measured tumor absorbed dose. Finally, there was no difference of statistical significance between expected and measured tumor, whole liver and lung dose for all reconstruction times.

Conclusion

In this study we evaluated, in terms of image quality and dosimetry, whole-body PET clinical images of patients after having been treated with 90Y microspheres radioembolization for liver cancer. Compared to the 20-min standard scan, the simulated 5-min reconstructed images provided equal image peak SNR and noise behavior, while performing also similarly for post-treatment dosimetry of tumor, whole liver and lung absorbed doses.
Treatment of secondary CNS lymphoma using CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells
Authors: Kline Kathryn , Luetkens Tim , Koka Rima , Kallen Michael E. , Chen Wengen , Ahmad Haroon , Omili Destiny , Iraguha Thierry , Gebru Etse , Fan Xiaoxuan , Miller Alexis , Dishanthan Nishanthini , Baker Jillian M. , Dietze Kenneth A. , Hankey Kim G. , Yared Jean A. , Hardy Nancy M. , Rapoport Aaron P. , Dahiya Saurabh , Atanackovic Djordje
Published: February 2024

Background

Aggressive B cell lymphoma with secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement (SCNSL) carries a dismal prognosis. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells (CAR-T) targeting CD19 have revolutionized the treatment for B cell lymphomas; however, only single cases with CNS manifestations successfully treated with CD19 CAR-T have been reported.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 4 patients with SCNSL into our study to assess clinical responses and monitor T cell immunity.

Results

Two of four SNCSL patients responded to the CD19-targeted CAR-T. Only one patient showed a substantial expansion of peripheral (PB) CAR-T cells with an almost 100-fold increase within the first week after CAR-T. The same patient also showed marked neurotoxicity and progression of the SNCSL despite continuous surface expression of CD19 on the lymphoma cells and an accumulation of CD4+ central memory-type CAR-T cells in the CNS. Our studies indicate that the local production of chemokine IP-10, possibly through its receptor CXCR3 expressed on our patient’s CAR-T, could potentially have mediated the local accumulation of functionally suboptimal anti-tumor T cells.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate expansion and homing of CAR-T cells into the CNS in SNCSL patients. Local production of chemokines such as IP-10 may support CNS infiltration by CAR-T cells but also carry the potential of amplifying local toxicity. Future studies investigating numbers, phenotype, and function of CAR-T in the different body compartments of SNSCL patients receiving CAR-T will help to improve local delivery of “fit” and highly tumor-reactive CAR-T with low off-target reactivity into the CNS.
INDUCE-2: A Phase I/II, open-label, two-part study of feladilimab in combination with tremelimumab in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Hilton John F. , Ott Patrick A. , Hansen Aaron R. , Li Zujun , Mathew Matthen , Messina Cristina H. , Dave Vimal , Ji Xiao , Karpinich Natalie O. , Hirschfeld Steven , Ballas Marc , Zandberg Dan P.
Published: February 2024

Combining immunotherapies with distinct mechanisms of action has the potential to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes. The inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) agonist feladilimab is directed at enhancing T-cell activation and function, thereby promoting an antitumor response. INDUCE-2 (NCT03693612) was a Phase I/II, open-label, two-part study evaluating the anti-ICOS agonist feladilimab in combination with the anti-CTLA-4 antibody tremelimumab in patients with select advanced solid tumors. Objectives of Part 1 were to determine the safety, tolerability, and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of feladilimab in combination with tremelimumab. In Part 2, the antitumor activity of the combination (administered at the RP2D determined in Part 1) was to be assessed in patients with relapsed/refractory head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Primary endpoints included the rates of dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), adverse events (AEs), AEs of special interest, and serious AEs. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate, while biomarker assessment was exploratory. A total of 26 patients were enrolled, 18 (69%) of whom had completed the study at end date. One patient, in the highest dose group (24/225 mg feladilimab/tremelimumab), experienced a DLT 18 days after the first dose of study treatment. All patients experienced at least one AE; AEs led to treatment discontinuation in four (15%) patients. Partial response was observed in one patient. Feladilimab in combination with tremelimumab was well-tolerated but showed limited efficacy. Based on the totality of data from Part 1, it was decided not to continue with Part 2.
Iterative assessment of a sports rehydration beverage containing a novel amino acid formula on water uptake kinetics
Authors: Funnell Mark P. , Juett Loris A. , Reynolds Kirsty M. , Johnson Drusus A. , James Ruth M. , Mears Stephen A. , Cheuvront Samuel N. , Kenefick Robert W. , James Lewis J.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Rapid gastric emptying and intestinal absorption of beverages is essential for rapid rehydration, and certain amino acids (AA) may augment fluid delivery. Three sugar-free beverages, containing differing AA concentrations (AA + PZ), were assessed for fluid absorption kinetics against commercial sugar-free (PZ, GZ) and carbohydrate-containing (GTQ) beverages.

Methods

Healthy individuals (n = 15–17 per study) completed three randomised trials. Three beverages (550–600 mL) were ingested in each study (Study 1: AA + PZ [17.51 g/L AA], PZ, GZ; Study 2: AA + PZ [6.96 g/L AA], PZ, GZ; Study 3: AA + PZ [3.48 g/L AA], PZ, GTQ), containing 3.000 g deuterium oxide (D2O). Blood samples were collected pre-, 2-min, 5-min, and every 5-min until 60-min post-ingestion to quantify maximal D2O enrichment (Cmax), time Cmax occurred (Tmax) and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Study 1: AUC (AA + PZ: 15,184 ± 3532 δ‰ vs. VSMOW; PZ: 17,328 ± 3153 δ‰ vs. VSMOW; GZ: 17,749 ± 4204 δ‰ vs. VSMOW; P ≤ 0.006) and Tmax (P ≤ 0.005) were lower for AA + PZ vs. PZ/GZ. Study 2: D2O enrichment characteristics were not different amongst beverages (P ≥ 0.338). Study 3: Cmax (AA + PZ: 440 ± 94 δ‰ vs. VSMOW; PZ: 429 ± 83 δ‰ vs. VSMOW; GTQ: 398 ± 81 δ‰ vs. VSMOW) was greater (P = 0.046) for AA + PZ than GTQ, with no other differences (P ≥ 0.106).

Conclusion

The addition of small amounts of AA (3.48 g/L) to a sugar-free beverage increased fluid delivery to the circulation compared to a carbohydrate-based beverage, but greater amounts (17.51 g/L) delayed delivery.
“I never wanted to burn any bridges”: discerning between pushing too hard and not enough in trainees’ acts of professional resistance
Authors: Wyatt Tasha R. , Jain Vinayak , Ma TingLan
Published: February 2024

As trainees resist social harm and injustice in medicine, they must navigate the tension between pushing too hard and risking their reputation, or not enough and risking no change at all. We explore the discernment process by examining what trainees attend to moments before and while they are resisting to understand how they manage this tension. We interviewed 18 medical trainees who shared stories of resisting social harm and injustice in their training environments. Interviews were analyzed using open and focused coding using Vinthagen and Johansson’s work, which conceptualizes resistance as a dynamic process that includes an individual’s subjectivity within a larger system, the context in which they find themselves, and the interactions they have with others. We framed these acts as an individuals’ attempt to undermine power, while also being entangled with that power and needing it for their efforts. When deciding on how and whether to resist, trainees underwent a cost-benefit analysis weighing the potential risk against their chances at change. They considered how their acts may influence their relationship with others, whether resisting would damage personal and programmatic reputations, and the embodied and social cues of other stakeholders involved. Trainees undergo a dynamic assessment process in which they analyze large amounts of information to keep themselves safe from potential retaliation. It is by attending to these various factors in their environment that trainees are able to keep their acts professional, and continue to do this challenging work in medical education.
Role of machine learning and deep learning techniques in EEG-based BCI emotion recognition system: a review
Authors: Samal Priyadarsini , Hashmi Mohammad Farukh
Published: February 2024

Emotion is a subjective psychophysiological reaction coming from external stimuli which impacts every aspect of our daily lives. Due to the continuing development of non-invasive and portable sensor technologies, such as brain-computer interfaces (BCI), intellectuals from several fields have been interested in emotion recognition techniques. Human emotions can be recognised using a variety of behavioural cues, including gestures and body language, voice, and physiological markers. The first three, however, might be ineffective because people sometimes conceal their genuine emotions either intentionally or unknowingly. More precise and objective emotion recognition can be accomplished using physiological signals. Among other physiological signals, Electroencephalogram (EEG) is more responsive and sensitive to variation in affective states. Various EEG-based emotion recognition methods have recently been introduced. This study reviews EEG-based BCIs for emotion identification and gives an outline of the progress made in this field. A summary of the datasets and techniques utilised to evoke human emotions and various emotion models is also given. We discuss several EEG feature extractions, feature selection/reduction, machine learning, and deep learning algorithms in accordance with standard emotional identification process. We provide an overview of the human brain's EEG rhythms, which are closely related to emotional states. We also go over a number of EEG-based emotion identification research and compare numerous machine learning and deep learning techniques. In conclusion, this study highlights the applications, challenges and potential areas for future research in identification and classification of human emotional states.
Research on the impact of green mergers and acquisitions of heavily polluting enterprises on the quality of environmental information disclosure: empirical evidence from listed companies in China
Authors: He Suchao , Wei Yating , Li Wenping
Published: February 2024

Green mergers and acquisitions are an important means for heavily polluting enterprises to achieve green transformation. Previous studies have yielded inconsistent conclusions regarding the relationship between green mergers and acquisitions and the level of corporate environmental management, possibly due to the omission of considering the quality of corporate environmental information disclosure. Therefore, based on a sample of 908 observations of heavily polluting listed companies on the A-share market of Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2010 to 2019, Utilizing a fixed-effects model, this study empirically examines the relationship between green mergers and acquisitions and the quality of environmental information disclosure and further explores the boundary effects of government environmental regulation and property rights on this relationship. The results show that green mergers and acquisitions of heavily polluting enterprises have a significantly positive impact on the environmental information disclosure quality of acquiring firms, and government environmental regulation positively moderates the relationship between green mergers and acquisitions and environmental information disclosure quality. Through subgroup analysis based on different property rights, it is found that compared to non-state-owned enterprises, state-owned enterprises exhibit a stronger positive relationship between green mergers and acquisitions and the quality of environmental information disclosure. This study has further enriched the relevant literature on green M&A and environmental information disclosure, provided new ideas for heavy polluting enterprises to achieve green transformation, and provided a reference for the government and enterprises to take countermeasures and suggestions.
Sparse Embedded Convolution Based Dual Feature Aggregation 3D Object Detection Network
Authors: Li Hai-Sheng , Lu Yan-Ling
Published: February 2024

The algorithm design of compatible detection speed and accuracy based on LiDAR point clouds is a challenging issue in various practical applications of 3D object detection, including the field of autonomous driving. This paper designs a single-stage object detection algorithm that is lightweight and compatible with detection speed and accuracy for the above issue. To achieve these objectives, we propose a framework for a 3D object detection algorithm using a single-stage detection network as the backbone network. Firstly, we design a dual feature extraction module to reduce the occurrence of vehicle miss and error detection problems. Then, we use a multi-scale feature fusion scheme to fuse feature information with different scales. Furthermore, we design a data enhancement scheme suitable for this network architecture. Experimental results in the KITTI dataset show that the proposed method achieves improvement ratios of 38.5% for the detection speed and 2.88% $$\sim $$
∼
13.65% in terms of the average precision of vehicle detection compared to the existing algorithm based on single-stage object detection (SECOND).
Quantitative Pupillometry for Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring in Traumatic Brain Injury: A Scoping Review
Authors: Martínez-Palacios Karol , Vásquez-García Sebastián , Fariyike Olubunmi A. , Robba Chiara , Rubiano Andrés M. ,   on behalf of the noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring international consensus group
Published: February 2024

The neurological examination has remained key for the detection of worsening in neurocritical care patients, particularly after traumatic brain injury (TBI). New-onset, unreactive anisocoria frequently occurs in such situations, triggering aggressive diagnostic and therapeutic measures to address life-threatening elevations in intracranial pressure (ICP). As such, the field needs objective, unbiased, portable, and reliable methods for quickly assessing such pupillary changes. In this area, quantitative pupillometry (QP) proves promising, leveraging the analysis of different pupillary variables to indirectly estimate ICP. Thus, this scoping review seeks to describe the existing evidence for the use of QP in estimating ICP in adult patients with TBI as compared with invasive methods, which are considered the standard practice. This review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews, with a main search of PubMed and EMBASE. The search was limited to studies of adult patients with TBI published in any language between 2012 and 2022. Eight studies were included for analysis, with the vast majority being prospective studies conducted in high-income countries. Among QP variables, serial rather than isolated measurements of neurologic pupillary index, constriction velocity, and maximal constriction velocity demonstrated the best correlation with invasive ICP measurement values, particularly in predicting refractory intracranial hypertension. Neurologic pupillary index and ICP also showed an inverse relationship when trends were simultaneously compared. As such, QP, when used repetitively, seems to be a promising tool for noninvasive ICP monitoring in patients with TBI, especially when used in conjunction with other clinical and neuromonitoring data.
Enriched Environment Contributes to the Recovery from Neurotoxin-Induced Parkinson’s Disease Pathology
Authors: Alcalá-Zúniga Daphne , Espinoza-Torres Erika , Das Ranjit Kumar , Vargas Magaly , Maldonado Oscar , Benavides Omar , Manojkumar Arvind , de la Garza Roberto , Davila Natalia , Perez Isaac , Martinez Alejandro Hernandez , Roy Deepa , López-Juárez Alejandro , Zarei Masoud M. , Baker Kelsey A. , Gil Mario , Rodrigo Hansapani , de Erausquin Gabriel A. , Roy Upal
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons. The lack of understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of PD pathology makes treating it a challenge. Several pieces of evidence support the protective role of enriched environment (EE) and exercise on dopaminergic neurons. The specific aspect(s) of neuroprotection after exposure to EE have not been identified. Therefore, we have investigated the protective role of EE on dopamine dysregulation and subsequent downregulation of DJ1 protein using in vitro and in vivo models of PD. Our study for the first time demonstrated that DJ1 expression has a direct correlation with dopamine downregulation in PD models and exposure to EE has a significant impact on improving the behavioral changes in PD mice. This research provides evidence that exercise in EE has a positive effect on PD without interfering with the current line of therapy.
Phakopsora nishidana is the causal agent of rust on figs in New Zealand
Authors: Padamsee Mahajabeen , McKenzie Eric H. C.
Published: February 2024

The causal agent of rust on figs in New Zealand was determined using molecular and morphological analyses to be Phakopsora nishidana and not Cerotelium fici.
Postmenopausal onset of androgen excess: a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm based on extensive clinical experience
Authors: Luque-Ramírez M. , Nattero-Chávez L. , Rodríguez-Rubio Corona C. , Ortiz-Flores A. E. , García-Cano A. M. , Rosillo Coronado M. , Pérez Mies B. , Ruz Caracuel I. , Escobar-Morreale H. F.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Postmenopausal hyperandrogenism is a rare condition that requires identifying those women bearing a life-threatening tumor. We aimed to study diagnostic work-up and management of postmenopausal androgen excess, proposing an algorithm for clinical decision supporting.

Methods

We conducted an observational cross-sectional study and longitudinal follow-up including 51 consecutive menopausal patients reported for hyperandrogenism between 2003 and 2023 to our clinics. We assessed diagnostic testing accuracy and performance by receiver operating characteristic curves, their respective areas under the curve (AUCROC), and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI), for distinguishing between benign and malignant conditions, and androgen excess source.

Results

Most commonly, postmenopausal hyperandrogenism derived from benign conditions such as ovarian hyperthecosis (n = 9). However, four (8%) patients had borderline/malignant tumors arising at the ovaries (n = 3) or adrenals (n = 1). These latter were more likely to develop virilization than those with benign disorders [specificity(95%CI)]: 0.87 (0.69; 0.92)]. Circulating total testosterone [AUCROC(95%CI): 0.899 (0.795; 1.000)] and estradiol [AUCROC(95%CI): 0.912 (0.812; 1.000)] concentrations showed good performances for discriminating between both conditions. Transvaginal-ultrasonography found two out of three potentially malignant ovarian neoplasms, and another was apparent on a pelvic computed tomography scan. An adrenal computed tomography scan also located an androgen-secreting carcinoma.

Conclusions

Clinical or biochemical features of an aggressive androgen-secreting tumor should lead to urgently obtaining a targeted imaging. At first, an abdominal-pelvic CT scan represents the best choice to perceive adrenal malignancy, and may identify aggressive ovarian tumors. When warning signs are lacking, a calm and orderly work-up allows properly addressing the diagnostic challenge of postmenopausal hyperandrogenism.
Material order: a discovery group and shared catalogue for materials collections
Authors: Pompelia Mark , Nishimura Margot McIlwain
Published: February 2024

Material Order is an academic consortium of material sample collections for art, architecture, and design disciplines. Founded by the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and Fleet Library at Rhode Island School of Design and since comprising several more institutions in the US, it provides a community-based approach to management and open access utilizing and developing standards and best practices. Now in its twelfth year and reaching a level of maturation, Material Order offers research and pedagogical value to current and potential members and the larger design communities.
Christian Ecology in the Letter to the Hebrews
Authors: Costley Angela
Published: February 2024

This paper proceeds from a discourse analytical perspective and asks what we can learn from Hebrews 1-2 concerning the relationship of humanity to creation through Christ. First, the exordium is examined to reveal a descent–ascent motif for the incarnate Son who is the one through whom God creates (1:2) and who sustains everything by his powerful word (1:3). The paper then explains how the Son’s sacrificial activity is subsumed within this theology as we look at the catena of scriptural citations found in the rest of chapter 1, where the catena deepens the theology of the exordium by presenting the same events in reverse order. However, towards the end of the catena, when we would expect a reference to the Son and his having inherited a name greater than the angels (1:4), we instead hear about how the angels are sent to serve humanity who inherit salvation. This enables the discourse to move on to chapter 2 and the purpose of Christ’s descent to lead humanity heavenward to glory (2:10). This paper uncovers how that glory is the Son’s own glory and posits a process of theosis by which humanity shares in the Son’s sustaining role over creation.
14C DATING OF HISTORICAL JAPANESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT SACKS
Authors: Yokoyama Misao , Sakamoto Minoru , Takaya Hikaru , Kanamori Kazuyoshi
Published: February 2024

The radiocarbon (14C) dating method was applied to a survey of treasured items related to the ruins of the Imperial Residence in Anou, Nara Prefecture, which was one of the capitals of Japan during the 14th century. In this work, we dated two storage bags for Japanese musical instruments that are believed to be from the period of Emperor Go-Daigo who established the Southern Court. The 14C dating of these treasures proved that the musical instrument sacks are contemporaneous with the dating of the Imperial Residence ruins designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. In addition, there are limited surviving examples of silk fabrics from the Middle Ages compared to the Ancient and Early Modern periods, making this a valuable resource in the history of silk fabrics in Japan.
Social determinants of chronic diseases reporting among slum dwellers in Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Rahman Suzan , Khater Elsayed , Abdel Fattah Mohamed N. , Hussein Wafaa A.
Published: February 2024

The high prevalence of chronic diseases in urban slums poses increasing challenges to future social and economic development for these disadvantaged areas. Assessing the health status of slum residents offers guidance for formulating appropriate policies and interventions to improve slum residents’ health outcomes. This research aimed to identify the social determinants of chronic diseases reporting among slum dwellers in Egypt. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to December 2021 in three slum areas in Giza governorate, Egypt, including 3,500 individuals. We constructed an asset index and a welfare index to measure the economic status and living conditions of slum residents, respectively. We used these indices, along with demographic and socio-economic factors, as independent variables in the analysis. We modeled factors associated with health status using a two-level mixed logistic model to control the effects of slum areas and the potential correlation between household members. The study contributed significantly to a better understanding of the context in which slum dwellers live and the interlinkages among poor living conditions, low economic status, and health outcomes. The results showed a high rate of self-reported chronic diseases among adults aged 18 and older, reaching more than 22%, while it did not exceed 2.0% among children in the slum areas. Therefore, measuring the determinants of chronic diseases was limited to adults. The sample size was 2530 adults after excluding 970 children. The prevalence of chronic diseases among adults ranged between 16.3% in Zenin and 22.6% in Bein El Sarayat. Our findings indicated that low socio-economic status was significantly associated with reporting chronic diseases. Future policies should be dedicated to improving living conditions and providing necessary healthcare services for these vulnerable areas.
Seeing Santurbán through ISDS: A sociolegal case study of Eco Oro v. Colombia
Authors: Cotula Lorenzo , Perrone Nicolás M.
Published: February 2024

This article aims to enrich the emerging, multi-coloured tapestry of ‘international law in context’ through a study of how international economic law operates in complex investment-related disputes. Focusing on the Eco Oro v. Colombia investor-state arbitration, and drawing on both doctrinal analysis and sociolegal research, the study investigates how different actors make sense of the issues, of the dispute, and of the law. Besides shedding light on the neglected multi-actor, multi-layered dimensions of investment disputes, and on tensions between often incommensurable values, juxtaposing arbitral proceedings and underlying social realities highlights how investor-state arbitration involves a socio-political process of re-presenting actors, territory, the environment, and livelihoods through the prism of international arrangements that are primarily designed to protect foreign investment. The findings provide policy pointers on the need for systemic reform of international investment law, moving away from the predominant emphasis on investment protection and investor-state dispute settlement, towards a governance model that effectively considers the social, political, and environmental dimensions of foreign investment projects.
Malaria in pregnancy: Meta-analyses of prevalence and associated complications
Authors: Das Jai K. , Lakhani Sohail , Rahman Abdu R. , Siddiqui Faareha , Ali Padhani Zahra , Rashid Zainab , Mahmud Omar , Naqvi Syeda Kanza , Amir Naseem Hamna , Jehanzeb Hamzah , Kumar Suresh , Beg Mohammad Asim
Published: February 2024

This review aims to assess the prevalence of malaria in pregnancy during antenatal visits and delivery, species-specific burden together with regional variation in the burden of disease. It also aims to estimate the proportions of adverse pregnancy outcomes in malaria-positive women. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, a thorough and systematic search was conducted in July 2023 across two electronic databases (including PubMed and CENTRAL). Forest plots were constructed for each outcome of interest highlighting the effect measure, confidence interval, sample size, and its associated weightage. All the statistical meta-analysis were conducted using R-Studio version 2022.07. Sensitivity analyses, publication bias assessment, and meta-regression analyses were also performed to ensure robustness of the review. According to the pooled estimates of 253 studies, the overall prevalence of malaria was 18.95% (95% CI: 16.95–21.11), during antenatal visits was 20.09% (95% CI: 17.43–23.06), and at delivery was 17.32% (95% CI: 14.47–20.61). The highest proportion of malarial infection was observed in Africa approximating 21.50% (95% CI: 18.52–24.81) during ANC and 20.41% (95% CI: 17.04–24.24) at the time of delivery. Our analysis also revealed that the odds of having anaemia were 2.40 times (95% CI: 1.87–3.06), having low birthweight were 1.99 times (95% CI: 1.60–2.48), having preterm birth were 1.65 times (95% CI: 1.29–2.10), and having stillbirths were 1.40 times (95% CI: 1.15–1.71) in pregnant women with malaria.
The Pristine Inner Galaxy Survey (PIGS) V: a chemo-dynamical investigation of the early assembly of the Milky Way with the most metal-poor stars in the bulge
Authors: Sestito Federico , Venn Kim A. , Arentsen Anke , Aguado David
Published: February 2024

The investigation of the metal-poor tail in the Galactic bulge provides unique information on the early Milky Way assembly and evolution. A chemo-dynamical analysis of 17 very metal-poor stars (VMP, [Fe/H < – 2.0]) selected from the Pristine Inner Galaxy Survey was carried out based on Gemini/GRACES spectra. The chemistry suggests that the majority of our stars are very similar to metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo. Orbits calculated from Gaia EDR3 imply these stars are brought into the bulge during the earliest Galactic assembly. Most of our stars have large [Na,Ca/Mg] abundances, and thus show little evidence of enrichment by pair-instability supernovae. Two of our stars (P171457, P184700) have chemical abundances compatible with second-generation globular cluster stars, suggestive of the presence of ancient and now dissolved globular clusters in the inner Galaxy. One of them (P171457) is extremely metal-poor ([Fe/H < – 3.0]) and well below the metallicity floor of globular clusters, which supports the growing evidence for the existence of lower-metallicity globular clusters in the early Universe. A third star (P180956, [Fe/H]∼ – 2) has low [Na,Ca/Mg] and very low [Ba/Fe] for its metallicity, which are consistent with formation in a system polluted by only one or a few low-mass supernovae. Interestingly, its orbit is confined to the Galactic plane, like other very metal-poor stars found in the literature, which have been associated with the earliest building blocks of the Milky Way.
We Continue to Recover Through Vacation!
Authors: Speth Franziska , Wendsche Johannes , Wegge Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Abstract: In this meta-analysis, we investigate the impact and conditions under which vacations affect employees’ well-being and its fade-out trajectories after returning to work. In addition to the reanalysis of data from a previous meta-analysis ( De Bloom et al., 2009 with literature search until 2008), a new systematic literature search was conducted in various databases (time period: 2009–2020). Data from 13 studies ( N = 1,428) were analyzed with an average vacation duration of 11 days (range: 4–23). Our results show that vacations improve well-being ( d = 0.25), with changes observed across various well-being facets, such as positive affect, negative affect, stress, and exhaustion ( ds = 0.18–0.38), but not life satisfaction ( d = 0.10). However, well-being improvements fade after returning to work, with no significant differences from pre-vacation levels after the first post-vacation week ( ds ≤ 0.12). Vacation duration, gender distribution, and occupational study group did not moderate the reported effects. The studies reported many factors that may shape vacation effects, including stress- and recovery-related traits, vacation and recovery experiences, and job characteristics. Our findings indicate that vacations positively affect an employee’s well-being. Interestingly, extending the vacation duration does not maximize its benefits. Given that well-being declines rapidly after the first post-vacation week, we therefore recommend planning and taking regular short vacations throughout the year. More research is required to establish evidence-based guidelines for vacations exceeding 3 weeks and the interplay of personal, recovery, job, and vacation factors in influencing well-being.
The Kuwaiti-Arabic Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form
Authors: Hasan Nasser N. , Petrides Konstantinos V. , Hull Laura
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This study aims to cross-culturally adapt and examine the psychometric properties of the Kuwaiti-Arabic Trait Emotional Intelligence-Short Form (TEIQue-SF) through structural equation modeling (SEM). The adapted measure was administered to 1,458 university students in Kuwait together with the Kuwaiti NEO-FFI. Reliability estimates for all TEIQue-SF variables were within the acceptable range, with the exception of certain factors as expected by the literature. SEM results suggested that the bifactor ESEM model fit the data for the TEIQue-SF. Evidence for criterion validity was obtained through relationships between the TEIQue-SF with the Big Five Personality variables. The results suggested that the Kuwaiti-Arabic TEIQue-SF can be considered as a reliable and valid measure to study trait EI with the Kuwaiti population and, consequently, allow for cross-cultural trait EI comparisons.
Stronger Oceanic CO2 Sink in Eddy‐Resolving Simulations of Global Warming
Authors: Couespel Damien , Lévy Marina , Bopp Laurent
Published: February 2024

Accurately representing the ocean carbon cycle in Earth System Models (ESMs) is essential to understanding the oceanic CO2 sink evolution under CO2 emissions and global warming. A key uncertainty arises from the ESM's inability to explicitly represent mesoscale eddies. To address this limitation, we conduct eddy‐resolving experiments of CO2 uptake under global warming in an idealized mid‐latitude ocean model. In comparison with similar experiments at coarser resolution, we show that the CO2 sink is 34% larger in the eddy‐resolving experiments. 80% of the increase stems from a more efficient anthropogenic CO2 uptake due to a stronger Meridional Overturning circulation (MOC). The remainder results from a weaker reduction in CO2 uptake associated to a weaker MOC decline under global warming. Although being only a fraction of the overall response to climate change, these results emphasize the importance of an accurate representation of small‐scale ocean processes to better constrain the CO2 sink.
How Fault‐Normal and Shear‐Parallel Stiffness Influence Frictional Sliding Behavior
Authors: Eijsink Agathe M. , Ikari Matt J.
Published: February 2024

The potential of faults to show earthquake‐generating slip instabilities depends not only on the intrinsic frictional properties of the fault zone, but also on the elasticity of the surrounding material. A velocity‐weakening fault is expected to show increasingly unstable frictional behavior with decreasing local elastic stiffness around the fault zone. Fault zone roughness can cause slip in the shear direction to be accompanied by fault‐normal movement, modulated by fault‐normal elastic properties, however these effects are poorly understood. Here, we systematically vary the stiffness surrounding the fault in both the shear‐parallel and fault‐normal directions, to investigate the origin of slip instabilities and changes in friction constitutive properties. We confirm the transition from stable sliding through slow slip to stick‐slip due to reduced fault‐parallel stiffness, and that the occurrence of different types of slip events can be explained by the ratio between shear and critical stiffness. In contrast, reducing the fault‐normal stiffness produces stick‐slip instabilities under conditions where the conventional critical stiffness criterion predicts stable sliding, and does not produce transitional slow slip events. Our data suggest that: (a) the stability criterion for frictional slip should be modified to incorporate fault‐normal stiffness, and (b) the unexpected slip instabilities may represent wrinkle‐like slip pulses, possibly due to a stiffness asymmetry introduced by lowering the fault normal stiffness on one side of the fault. This implies that earthquakes may occur when the fault‐normal stiffness, or bulk modulus for natural faults, is decreased and/or asymmetric across the fault zone, both of which may be common in nature.