bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The domestication of the larynx: The neural crest connection
Authors: Lesch Raffaela , Fitch W. Tecumseh
Published: April 2024

Wolves howl and dogs bark, both are able to produce variants of either vocalization, but we see a distinct difference in usage between wild and domesticate. Other domesticates also show distinct changes to their vocal output: domestic cats retain meows, a distinctly subadult trait in wildcats. Such differences in acoustic output are well‐known, but the causal mechanisms remain little‐studied. Potential links between domestication and vocal output are intriguing for multiple reasons, and offer a unique opportunity to explore a prominent hypothesis in domestication research: the neural crest/domestication syndrome hypothesis. This hypothesis suggests that in the early stages of domestication, selection for tame individuals decreased neural crest cell (NCCs) proliferation and migration, which led to a downregulation of the sympathetic arousal system, and hence reduced fear and reactive aggression. NCCs are a transitory stem cell population crucial during embryonic development that tie to diverse tissue types and organ systems. One of these neural‐crest derived systems is the larynx, the main vocal source in mammals. We argue that this connection between NCCs and the larynx provides a powerful test of the predictions of the neural crest/domestication syndrome hypothesis, discriminating its predictions from those of other current hypotheses concerning domestication.
Computational structural genomics and clinical evidence suggest BCKDK gain‐of‐function may cause a potentially asymptomatic maple syrup urine disease phenotype
Authors: Singh Emily , Chi Young‐In , Kopesky Jessica , Zimmerman Michael , Urrutia Raul , Basel Donald , Schwoerer Jessica Scott
Published: April 2024

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a disorder of branched‐chain amino acid metabolism caused by a defect in the branched‐chain α‐ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKD) complex (OMIM #248600). The hallmark presentation is encephalopathic crisis in neonates, but can also present with metabolic decompensation, developmental delays, and feeding difficulties. Biochemical evidence for MSUD includes elevated branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) and the pathognomonic presence of alloisoleucine. The BCKD complex contains several subunits associated with autosomal recessive MSUD, while its regulatory proteins have less well‐defined disease associations. We report on two families with the same BCKDK variant (c.1115C>G (p.Thr372Arg)). Probands were detected on newborn screening and demonstrated biochemical evidence of MSUD. The variant was identified in reportedly asymptomatic parents and additional family members who had elevated BCAA and alloisoleucine, following an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. To better define the functional effect of the variant on the kinase, we completed molecular modeling using sequence‐based (2D), structural‐based (3D), and dynamic‐based (4D) analyses. The BCKDK variant modeling indicated a gain‐of‐function which leads to impaired BCAA catabolism consistent with the biochemical evidence in this cohort. Combining the evidence gained from molecular modeling with the absence of metabolic decompensation in our patients and several adult family members, despite encountering stressors typically problematic in classic MSUD, we suggest that heterozygous gain‐of‐function variants in BCKDK may represent a novel biochemical phenotype of MSUD with a benign clinical course.
NTRK3 exhibits a pro‐oncogenic function in upper tract urothelial carcinomas
Authors: Lim Lee‐Moay , Lee Yi‐Chen , Lin Ting‐Wei , Hong Zi‐Xuan , Hsu Wei‐Chi , Ke Hung‐Lung , Hwang Daw‐Yang , Chung Wen‐Yu , Li Wei‐Ming , Lin Hui‐Hui , Kuo Hung‐Tien , Huang A‐Mei
Published: April 2024

Neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 3 (NTRK3) has pleiotropic functions: it acts not only as an oncogene in breast and gastric cancers but also as a dependence receptor in tumor suppressor genes in colon cancer and neuroblastomas. However, the role of NTRK3 in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is not well documented. This study investigated the association between NTRK3 expression and outcomes in UTUC patients and validated the results in tests on UTUC cell lines. A total of 118 UTUC cancer tissue samples were examined to evaluate the expression of NTRK3. Survival curves were generated using Kaplan–Meier estimates, and Cox regression models were used for investigating survival outcomes. Higher NTRK3 expression was correlated with worse progression‐free survival, cancer‐specific survival, and overall survival. Moreover, the results of an Ingenuity Pathway Analysis suggested that NTRK3 may interact with the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR signaling pathway to promote cancer. NTRK3 downregulation in BFTC909 cells through shRNA reduced cellular migration, invasion, and activity in the AKT‐mTOR pathway. Furthermore, the overexpression of NTRK3 in UM‐UC‐14 cells promoted AKT‐mTOR pathway activity, cellular migration, and cell invasion. From these observations, we concluded that NTRK3 may contribute to aggressive behaviors in UTUC by facilitating cell migration and invasion through its interaction with the AKT‐mTOR pathway and the expression of NTRK3 is a potential predictor of clinical outcomes in cases of UTUC.
Impacts of environmental and socioeconomic factors on gross ecosystem product of the Three Gorges reservoir area, China
Authors: Cheng Jing , Liu Shuangshuang , Huang Chunbo , Wang Lunche , Liu Zelin , Peng Changhui
Published: April 2024

Environmental and socioeconomic drivers would alter landscapes, bringing various effects with different directions and magnitudes. Demonstrating these driving effects is key to relieving the conflicts between territorial vegetation restoration and regional economic growth. However, the relationship between ecological protection and economic development due to landscape dynamics has not been systematically demonstrated as environment is difficult to quantify by the monetary value. In this article, we explored the changes in gross ecosystem product (GEP) in the Three Gorges (TG) reservoir area and constructed a conceptual framework to explicate its driving mechanism. Our results suggested that topographic, soil, and climatic factors positively impact on GEP through their important effects on vegetation structure, distribution, and succession. Additionally, reforestation policies promote the conversion of farmland and grassland to forestland in the TG reservoir region, which was the main contributor to enhancing GEP. Conversely, socioeconomic factors negatively impact GEP, of which effects were mainly manifested by changes in the proportion of ecological land. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a suitable land use proportion in this region to optimize GEP, and we proposed a landscape restoration program to enhance four ecosystem productions. This article provides a reference for land resource allocation for environmental protection and sustainable development in ecologically fragile areas.
Grazing increases the positive feedback of legumes while decreasing the negative feedback of grass
Authors: Chang Jiechao , Xie Jiayao , Lkhagva Ariuntsetseg , Wu Honghui , Ren Haiyan
Published: April 2024

Herbivore grazing affects plant growth and community structure in grasslands. This effect could be directly through foraging and dung/urine return or indirectly through plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs). Addressing the grazing effect on the feedback of plants can explicate the causes of community changes in the grazing system. However, how grazing and PSF interact to affect plant growth remains unclear. Here, we conducted a classic PSF experiment. In the conditioning stage, two native plant species (a grass Bromus inermis and a legume Medicago sativa) were planted in the field with four simulated grazing treatments (ambient, mowing, dung/urine addition, and mowing + dung/urine addition) in a meadow grassland of northern China. In the feedback stage, B. inermis and M. sativa were planted in the soils (both unsterilized and sterilized) from each treatment in the field experiment. Plant biomass of M. sativa showed positive feedback while B. inermis showed negative feedback across all the simulated grazing treatments. Simulated grazing (mowing and dung/urine addition) increased the positive feedback of M. sativa, while decreasing the negative feedback of B. inermis. The addition of dung/urine to the soil was found to have a significantly stronger impact on plant growth feedback compared to the effect of mowing. Dung/urine addition enriches the soil with higher levels of available nitrogen and phosphorus. Our results suggested that legume plants should have positive PSFs while grass should have negative feedback, which might be amplified by grazing because of the dung/urine fertilization effect. Our study improves the understanding of PSF effects on plant growth and community change in grazed grassland.
Breakthrough Boost of Stokes Fluorescence from Er3+ in Perovskites for Flexible Temperature Sensing
Authors: Li Panpan , Zhang Yuhang , Li Desheng , Pun Edwin Yue Bun , Lin Hai
Published: April 2024

Perovskites with ultra‐low phonon energy have excellent radiation properties, while the population distribution of its luminescent initial state needs to be facilitated to further optimize the stokes fluorescence of Er3+ under high‐energy photons excitation. Herein, UV excitability of Er3+ is remodeled by building an energy transfer channel from Sb3+ to Er3+ in Cs2NaInCl6 (CNIC) microcrystal to realize the enhancement of stokes fluorescence of Er3+. Under UV excitation, the breakthrough boost of Er3+ is observed in Cs2NaInCl6:Sb3+‐Er3+ (CNIC:Sb‐Er), and the sensitization coefficient from Sb3+ to Er3+ in CNIC is derived to be as high as 112. Moreover, CNIC:Sb‐Er is embedded into functional fibers to enhance the crystal stability and the composite flexibility, which form fluorescence fibers with strong radiation transition probability. Finally, a high‐precision temperature sensing is achieved based on FIR (fluorescence intensity ratios) technology, and the maximum relative sensitivities of CNIC:Sb‐Er phosphors and CNIC:Sb‐Er/PAN fibers reach 1.13 and 1.10% K−1, respectively, indicating that CNIC:Sb‐Er and CNIC:Sb‐Er/PAN fibers have potential applications in optical temperature sensors.
Evaluation Study of Ammonium Removal from Groundwater by Electrodialysis: Case Study of Real Groundwater from the City of Kenitra in Morocco
Authors: Hazra Mohamed , Ouzbair Mohamed , Maolida Ibrahim , Elrhaouat Omar , Tahaikt Mustapha , Elmidaoui Azzedine , Taky Mohamed , Belhamidi Sakina
Published: April 2024

In this work, we investigated the feasibility of ammonium removal by electrodialysis (ED), a well‐known electro‐membrane process, based on the selective migration of anions and cations through anion exchange membranes (AEMs) and cation exchange membranes (CEMs). ED experiments are performed using a laboratory pilot. The ion exchange membranes (IEMs) pair used is AXE/CMX, AXE as an AEMs and CMX as a CEMs. The first tests are performed with real groundwater solutions from Kenitra city (Morocco), spiked with an initial concentration of 3 mg/L NH4Cl. The results gave a specific demineralization (SD) to NH4+ ions of 84.60 %; for a demineralization rate (DR) of 80 % and a time of 60 min. The multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) presents a total inertia of 99.23 %, the majority of the variables of which are positively correlated on the C1 axis with a variance of 95.5 % than that of C2 of 3.78 %. The quality of the diluted water determined by the Legrand‐Poirier method showed that the water was aggressive and that the addition of 4.54 mg/L Ca2+ was necessary to balance the water and make it fit for human consumption.
Effect of slit size on low‐velocity impact behavior of composite laminates with regularly arrayed chopped strands: Experimental and numerical analysis
Authors: Huang Yinyuan , Yang Haotian , Wang Bowen , Hu Junfeng , Lu Wenlong , Li Minglong , Zhao Jianping
Published: April 2024

Short fiber reinforced polymers (SFRP) based on unidirectionally arrayed chopped strands (UACS) offer exceptional formability and great mechanical properties. To ensure its stability and safety in applications, it is crucial to enhance the impact performance of UACS laminates. This study investigated the low‐velocity impact (LVI) responses and damage evolution of UACS laminates with different slit sizes and continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates under various impact energies (4, 7, and 11 J). The curves of force and energy were recorded during LVI tests, and the post‐impact damage area was detected by the ultrasonic C‐scan technique. Moreover, a user‐defined subroutine VUMAT, containing a progressive damage model and a Johnson‐Cook constitutive model, was written to mimic the damage evolution. Based on experiments and numerical prediction, it was found that when the size was reduced from 25 to 5 mm, the vertical slits had the effect of suppressing delamination and could restrain the propagation of delamination, which explains the distinct difference in delamination area.

Highlights

The effect of slit size on the impact behavior of UACS laminate was revealed.

The damage mechanism was simulated with a progressive damage model.

The novel UACS laminate exhibits excellent energy absorption capacity.

The resistance of the slits greatly suppresses the delamination behavior.
Optimized machine learning with hyperparameter tuning and response surface methodology for predicting tribological performance in bio‐composite materials
Authors: Sengottaiyan Saravanakumar , Subbarayan Sathiyamurthy , Viswanathan Vinoth , Pugazhendi Pathmanaban
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the influence of NaOH treatment on tribological behavior in hybrid fiber‐reinforced composites, specifically employing Banana fiber with Al2O3 filler in an epoxy matrix. Through design of experiments (DOE), disc speed, wear duration, and NaOH treatment are analyzed for specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (COF). To advance the understanding of wear characteristics, the study leverages advanced machine learning, using Python‐powered artificial neural networks (ANN), is integrated with innovative ANN hyperparameter optimization. Optimized parameters (1050 rpm, 60 s, 5% treatment) significantly minimize SWR (12.38 × 10−5 mm3/Nm) and COF (0.2). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis reveals improved interfacial adhesion and identifies micro‐cracks as the primary wear mechanism. This work contributes to a profound understanding of wear in hybrid composites, offering a fine‐tuned predictive model for optimizing tribological behavior and advancing material science and engineering.

Highlights

Reduced SWR, COF in composites via NaOH optimization.

DOE: Explored disc speed, duration, NaOH impact.

Advanced machine learning techniques enhanced wear prediction.

Innovative: ANN hyperparameter optimization.

Optimal Parameters: 1050 rpm, 60 s, 5% treatment.
Numerical study on the heat effect on the drilling damage of Ti/CFRP stacks
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhao Qing , Wang Aixu , Shi Zhanli , Bai Yu
Published: April 2024

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) has strong sensitivity to temperature, as the stacking sequence is titanium alloy (Ti) to CFRP, the damage of CFRP is more severe due to the accumulation of cutting heat. In this study, a stress‐strain constitutive model of CFRP with the effect of thermal stress is proposed. On the basis, a simulation model of drilling Ti/CFRP stacks is established to explore the heat effect on the drilling damage. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the burr of Ti at hole exit is generally low due to the support of CFRP, and the burr height increases by 56.61% as the temperature rises from 182.02 to 355.69 °C. Besides, the intralaminar damage of CFRP is mainly caused by the fiber tensile failure and matrix tensile failure, and the matrix tensile failure is more affected by temperature. Moreover, delamination of CFRP decreases slightly with the reduce of drilling temperature. In addition, serious damage of CFRP on the hole wall usually occurs within the cutting angle of 90° to 135°, and pit defects can be reduced in a lower drilling temperature.

Highlights

A thermal effect stress‐strain constitutive model of CFRP is proposed.

Ti/CFRP drilling model is developed based on the proposed constitutive model.

Fiber and matrix tensile failure are main form of intralaminar damage of CFRP.

Matrix tensile failure is more sensitive to temperature.
Surface functionalization of naturally occurring silicate minerals infused hydrocarbon polymer matrix for ultra‐low dielectric performance at high frequency domain
Authors: Islam Md Zahidul , Deb Hridam , Hasan Md Khalid , Rony Mahade Hasan , Dong Yubing , Fu Yaqin
Published: April 2024

The expanding realm of high‐frequency electronics necessitates materials with exceptional attributes: notably, a low dielectric constant (Dk) to minimize signal propagation delays, high thermal conductivity for effective heat dissipation, higher breakdown strength, and robust mechanical properties to withstand demanding operational environments. While cycloolefin copolymers (COC) excel in electrical insulation, chemical resistance, and mechanical durability, their intrinsic slightly higher dielectric constant compared to other polymers, along with challenges such as poor dispersibility and low compatibility with nanoparticles, hinder their full potential in this domain. Considering these drawbacks, this study fabricated a series of COC/mica composites by integrating natural mica particles into the COC matrix via a CTAB‐assisted surface modification of mica to enhance dispersibility and mitigating particle aggregation through in‐situ mixing and hot‐press methods. The resultant composites demonstrate an outstanding ultra‐low Dk of 1.44, marking a significant decrease of over 36% compared to pristine COC with a Dk of 2.26, along with exceptionally low dielectric loss (δ) of 0.00013 at the frequency of 10 GHz, high dielectric breakdown strength ~49.40 kV/mm and enhanced thermal conductivity up to 0.88 W/(m K) at 40% mica loading. Additionally, the composites heightened mechanical performances like tensile strength 69 MPa at 6.5% elongation at break, impact strength up to ~17.9 kJ × m−2, and exceptional water resistance with absorption below 0.097%. These exceptional ultra‐low dielectric performance with above mentioned properties can meet the stringent requirements of modern high‐frequency electronics packaging for next generation electronics development.

Highlights

Surface modification by CTAB enhanced homogeneous dispersibility of composites.

Achieved ultra‐low dielectric constant and loss compared to pure COC.

Thermal conductivity improved significantly with incorporation of mica.

Unlocking high‐frequency applications potential with ultralow Dk performance.
Polyvinyl pyrrolidone mediated exfoliation of transition metal dichalcogenides: Comparative evaluation of exfoliated MoS2 and WS2 in epoxy toughening
Authors: Venu Gopika , Jayan Jitha S. , Joseph Kuruvilla , Saritha Appukuttan
Published: April 2024

2D materials are considered as an effective choice for the toughening of epoxy composites and enhancing their mechanical properties. Among the 2D materials, transition metal dichalcogenides, especially MoS2 and WS2, are getting wider attention due to their behavior analogous to graphene. The restacking and agglomeration tendency of TMDs due to weak Vander Waal's forces limits their application in epoxy toughening. To overcome the agglomeration issues, we are proposing a new approach for TMD exfoliation using Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP); followed by its incorporation into the epoxy matrix. The exfoliation of TMDs using PVP is characterized by various techniques like FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD analysis, and so forth. The enhanced mechanical properties of PVP exfoliated MoS2 and WS2 at a very low loading of 0.1 wt% are remarkable. The highly exfoliated WS2 showcases higher toughness than MoS2, with a 614% improvement in toughness and 43.5% improvement in tensile strength, respectively. The improvement in mechanical properties of these nanocomposites can be attributed to the good dispersion of PVP‐exfoliated TMDs in the epoxy matrix.

Highlights

Highlights the role of Polyvinyl pyrrolidone in exfoliating TMDs.

The exfoliation efficiency of PVP is compared for MoS2 and WS2.

The utilization of PVP exfoliated MoS2 and WS2 in epoxy toughening is portrayed.

The effectiveness of epoxy composites in aerospace and coating applications is revealed.
Photo‐induced catalytic poly‐trimerization of polyisocyanurates
Authors: Wolff Raffael , Liska Robert , Knaack Patrick
Published: April 2024

Radiation curing is an excellent option for the economical implementation of coatings while simultaneously producing technically advanced products. Nevertheless, the number of materials used is mainly limited to pure (meth)acrylate and epoxy systems. Polyisocyanurates could be an excellent addition to this range, especially due to their thermal and chemical stability. In this work, through the use of a transition metal‐based photocatalyst, as well as the use of 1,5‐diazabicyclo(4.3.0)non‐5‐en as a co‐catalyst, formulations are presented, which enable pure polyisocyanurates to be used in radiation‐based coating technology. Trimerization with this system using any primary isocyanates worked and consequently thus opened the possibility for aromatic and aliphatic polyisocyanurates. Using monofunctional isocyanates, the theoretical background of trimerization as well as the theoretical enthalpy is evaluated and the possibilities as well as the limitations for poly‐trimerization of polyisocyanurates are analyzed. Finally, photo‐induced catalytic poly‐trimerization of aliphatic isocyanates is used to obtain samples with a Tg in the range of 100 °C and onset of degradation above 400 °C. Thus, for the first time, a framework for the use of isocyanates in the field of photopolymerization and, in particular, in the field of radiation‐based coating of polyisocyanurates is provided for further development.
Thermoplastic elastomer obtained by photopolymerization‐induced concomitant macrophase and microphase separations
Authors: Pascassio‐Comte Xavier , Pellerin Virginie , Khoukh Abdel , Save Maud , Derail Christophe , Rubatat Laurent
Published: April 2024

We report on concomitant photoinitiated polymerization‐induced macrophase and microphase separation strategies to produce hierarchically structured recyclable poly(n‐butyl acrylate) based elastomeric materials. The investigated crosslinker‐free formulations are composed of n‐butyl acrylate monomer and a UV photo‐initiator mixed with poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐poly(methyl methacrylate) ABA triblock copolymers. Two different pre‐synthesized copolymers are used to control the macrophase separation. One synthesized by nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP), and a second by anionic polymerization (AP). Essentially, NMRP route leads to copolymer with unsaturated chain ends, activated during UV photopolymerization. On the other hand, the copolymer synthesized by AP are chemically inert. That dissimilarity is also highlighted by time‐resolved FTIR and SAXS, performed to monitor respectively monomer conversion and nanostructure evolution during photopolymerization. The experimental data demonstrate that the reactivity of the triblock copolymer impacts drastically the polymerization kinetics and the self‐assembly processes. Finally, the rheological analysis shows that the produced materials present a solid‐like behavior at low frequencies despite a large PnBA content (i.e., 85 wt%). This property is associated to the phase segregation and to the sample hierarchical morphology.
Development and validation of the CARE‐FCR: A caregiver‐specific measure of fear of cancer recurrence and progression
Authors: Webb Kyra , Sharpe Louise , Russell Hayley , Shaw Joanne
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Fear of cancer recurring or progressing (FCR) is a concern reported by people living with cancer and caregivers alike. Whilst advances in survivor FCR have been made, less is known about caregiver FCR. As a result, measurement of caregiver FCR has relied on instruments developed for survivor populations. Findings from qualitative research indicate caregiver experiences of FCR differ. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a caregiver specific measure of FCR (CARE‐FCR).

Methods

Four‐hundred and thirty‐eight caregivers (56% female, Mage = 50.53 years, SD = 17.38) completed the online survey including demographic questions, information about care provided, the person they care for, as well as the CARE‐FCR. Convergent validity was assessed using pre‐existing measures of fear of recurrence and progression, depression, anxiety, death anxiety and meta‐cognitions. The extraversion dimension of the Big Five Personality Trait questionnaire was used to assess divergent validity. The survey was completed 2 weeks later to assess test‐retest reliability. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine factor structure, followed by confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

EFA indicated a 3‐factor structure: progression, recurrence, and communication. Evidence for convergent, divergent, and test‐retest reliability was adequate. Internal consistency for the CARE‐FCR was strong, overall Cronbach's α = 0.96 (progression = 0.94, recurrence = 0.92 and communication = 0.78).

Conclusions

We present a theoretically informed and psychometrically robust measure of caregiver FCR. The CARE‐FCR facilitates quantification of caregiver FCR, capturing unique aspects specific to this population.
Adhesin domains responsible for binding bacteria to surfaces they colonize project outwards from companion split domains
Authors: Graham Laurie A. , Hansen Thomas , Yang Yanzhi , Sherik Mustafa , Ye Qilu , Soares Blake P. , Kinrade Brett , Guo Shuaiqi , Davies Peter L.
Published: April 2024

Bacterial adhesins attach their hosts to surfaces that the bacteria will colonize. This surface adhesion occurs through specific ligand‐binding domains located towards the distal end of the long adhesin molecules. However, recognizing which of the many adhesin domains are structural and which are ligand binding has been difficult up to now. Here we have used the protein structure modeling program AlphaFold2 to predict structures for these giant 0.2‐ to 1.5‐megadalton proteins. Crystal structures previously solved for several adhesin regions are in good agreement with the models. Whereas most adhesin domains are linked in a linear fashion through their N‐ and C‐terminal ends, ligand‐binding domains can be recognized by budding out from a companion core domain so that their ligand‐binding sites are projected away from the axis of the adhesin for maximal exposure to their targets. These companion domains are “split” in their continuity by projecting the ligand‐binding domain outwards. The “split domains” are mostly β‐sandwich extender modules, but other domains like a β‐solenoid can serve the same function. Bioinformatic analyses of Gram‐negative bacterial sequences revealed wide variety ligand‐binding domains are used in their Repeats‐in‐Toxin adhesins. The ligands for many of these domains have yet to be identified but known ligands include various cell‐surface glycans, proteins, and even ice. Recognizing the ligands to which the adhesins bind could lead to ways of blocking colonization by bacterial pathogens. Engineering different ligand‐binding domains into an adhesin has the potential to change the surfaces to which bacteria bind.
Who intended to leave? Patterns and impacts of Hong Kong's recent wave of migration
Authors: Chong Eric K. , Chan Anita K. W. , Wong Mathew Y. H. , Lee Man Y. K. , Cheung Lewis T. O.
Published: April 2024

During Hong Kong's 2019 political turmoil and the subsequent impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, a rapid rise in turnover rates in certain occupations, such as teachers, medical workers and civil servants, was observed. Some attributed this trend to the increasing rate of emigration. Previous studies have suggested that younger and better‐educated individuals are more likely to emigrate, and that the emigration of a specific group of the population has various impacts on the society of origin. Therefore, we explored the demographic characteristics of potential emigrants in Hong Kong and contrasted such findings with a previous wave of migration to examine the potential impact of the current wave. Based on a territory‐wide telephone survey, we found that (1) the associations of age and level of education with the intention to emigrate internationally (i.e., to destinations other than mainland China) corresponded to the typical young, well‐educated emigrant described in the literature; (2) a higher level of income was associated with a lower intention of international migration; (3) people in occupations such as professionals and managers, clerical and service workers and students reported a greater intention to emigrate than other groups; and (4) individuals born in Hong Kong were more likely to emigrate and less likely to move to mainland China than those born in mainland China. The implications of these intended migration patterns for ageing and fertility, short‐ and long‐term workforce shortages in tertiary sectors and the city's overall competitiveness are discussed.
Tuberous sclerosis complex associated lymphangioleiomyomatosis caused by de novo mutation of TSC2 gene in Vietnam: A case report
Authors: Van Luong Dinh , Huy Le Ngoc , Giang Nguyen Xuan , Thu Nguyen Huu Hong , Ha Nguyen Hai , Binh Nguyen Huy
Published: April 2024

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) represents a rare, insidiously progressive disease of the pulmonary system, marked by cystic degradation of lung tissues leading to respiratory compromise. Pulmonary LAM has been identified as being associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in its pulmonary manifestation (TSC‐LAM), a multisystem genetic disorder resulting from mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Herein, we describe an early 20s female admitted to the hospital with dyspnea, chest pain, hypopigmented macules, and facial fibroadenomas. She has a medical history of renal angiomyolipomas (ALMs) and pneumothoraces. Diagnosis with LAM was confirmed through high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan and histopathology of lung biopsy. Whole exome sequencing analysis identified a frameshift mutation c.4504del (p.L1502Cfs*74) in the patient's TSC2 gene. This variant was de novo due to its absence in the patient's parents. This is the first report on the clinical and genetic etiology of TSC‐LAM in Vietnam.
Facile Peptide Macrocyclization and Multifunctionalization via Cyclen Installation
Authors: Cheung Tsz‐Lam , Tam Leo K. B. , Tam Wing‐Sze , Zhang Leilei , Kai Hei‐Yui , Thor Waygen , Wu Yue , Lam Pak‐Lun , Yeung Yik‐Hoi , Xie Chen , Chau Ho‐Fai , Lo Wai‐Sum , Zhang Tao , Wong Ka‐Leung
Published: April 2024

Cyclen‐peptide bioconjugates are usually prepared in multiple steps that require individual preparation and purification of the cyclic peptide and hydrophilic cyclen derivatives. An efficient strategy is discovered for peptide cyclization and functionalization toward lanthanide probe via three components intermolecular crosslinking on solid‐phase peptide synthesis with high conversion yield. Multifunctionality can be conferred by introducing different modular parts or/and metal ions on the cyclen‐embedded cyclopeptide. As a proof‐of‐concept, a luminescent Eu3+ complex and a Gd3+‐based contrasting agent for in vitro optical imaging and in vivo magnetic resonance imaging, respectively, are demonstrated through utilizing this preparation of cyclen‐embedded cyclic arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) peptide.
Wildlife fencing at German highways and federal roads – requirements and management implications
Authors: Brieger Falko , Strein Martin
Published: April 2024

In Germany, the high risk of wildlife–vehicle collisions (WVC) is further increasing due to increasing traffic volumes and road densities as well as the growing population densities of common ungulate species. As a result, threats to human health and property as well as wildlife mortality of widely spread and rare species increase. Currently, three basic types of wildlife fences are used in Germany: type A, a conventional galvanized‐high tensile deer fence (made of knot braid); type B, a chain wire (mesh wire) fence; type C, a rigid welded wire mesh fence panels. Since fencing needs to restrict access of many different species with different behaviours (e.g. jumping, climbing, digging), fencing needs to be multifaceted to be effectively. Furthermore, the occurrence of wildlife species with habits such as jumping, climbing or digging determines the optimal (functional) fence design per location. We surveyed road managers in combination with a personal assessment of road sections in Germany and derived the following recommendations for optimal fencing to reduce WVC: 1) To deter digging, use plates made of recycled synthetic materials or a concrete foundation, instead of barbed wire. 2) Fencing should be made of chain wire (mesh wire, type B) fence or rigid welded wire mesh fence panels (type C) instead of knot braid mesh (type A). 3) To restrict climbing, use angled chain wire fence or rigid welded wire mesh fence panels at the top of the fences. 4) Maintain fences so that they are kept free from ingrown vegetation/woods. Maintenance conditions should be considered while planning and building the fence, especially to ensure sufficient space on both sides for accessibility. 5) Fencing should be established preferably near the roadside and moved away from property lines. In conclusion, wildlife fencing could be a very effective mitigation measure to prevent WVC with common as well as protected species, when proper designed and recommendations of the survey will be consequently considered. Currently many wildlife fences lack functionality due to an inappropriate design and maintenance issues in Germany.
Global dynamics of a two-species clustering model with Lotka–Volterra competition
Authors: Tao Weirun , Wang Zhi-An , Yang Wen
Published: April 2024

This paper is concerned with the global dynamics of a two-species Grindrod clustering model with Lotka–Volterra competition. The model takes the advective flux to depend directly upon local population densities without requiring intermediate signals like attractants or repellents to form the aggregation so as to increase the chances of survival of individuals like human populations forming small nucleated settlements. By imposing appropriate boundary conditions, we establish the global boundedness of solutions in two-dimensional bounded domains. Moreover, we prove the global stability of spatially homogeneous steady states under appropriate conditions on system parameters, and show that the rate of convergence to the coexistence steady state is exponential while the rate of convergence to the competitive exclusion steady state is algebraic.
Performance evaluation of polymer-filled metal fused filament fabrication tooling for profile extrusion
Authors: Kain Martin , Parenti Paolo , Annoni Massimiliano , Calaon Matteo , Pedersen David Bue , Tosello Guido
Published: April 2024

The application of additive manufacturing (AM) for tooling in the mould and die industry brings a disruptive potential in process performance, design flexibility and product enhancements. Maturing of existing AM technologies and emerging technologies such as metal-fused filament fabrication (metal FFF) can further support the applicability of AM tooling in polymer profile extrusion. This study provides a complete characterization of metal FFF 17–4 PH stainless-steel die inserts and evaluates their applicability in a polymer extrusion process chain. The presented experimental assessment pivots on the metrological characterization of the produced inserts and the impact of the insert characteristics on the final extrudates’ product. Considering a conventionally manufactured benchmark insert, produced via subtractive methods (CNC machining and electrical discharge machining), comparable results for AM tools in terms of extrudates’ quality and process repeatability are presented. It was found that despite significant higher average surface parameters for AM insert tools (Sa = 2–9 µm vs. Sa = 0.3–0.9 µm for dies manufactured by machining), a much smaller difference was observed in the resulting quality of polymer extrudates’ product. The roughness generation effect of polymer profile extrusion based on the different dies’ internal surface roughness topography and the effect on extrudates product was evaluated. Three-dimensional average roughness Sa on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene extrudate surfaces obtained from conventionally machined dies was in the range of 0.3 µm. For extrudates obtained from additively manufactured dies, their Sa was in the rage of 0.5 µm (despite the much higher surface roughness of FFF dies compared to machined dies). The results confirm that with suitable extrudates’ product requirement, it is feasible to apply metal FFF as the selected manufacturing method for tooling in polymer profile extrusion.
A Systematic Literature Review of Substance-Use Prevention Programs Amongst Refugee Youth
Authors: Aleer Elijah , Alam Khorshed , Rashid Afzalur
Published: April 2024

This paper aims at exploring existing literature on substance use prevention programs, focusing on refugee youth. A comprehensive search for relevant articles was conducted on Scopus, PubMed, and EBSCOhost Megafile databases including Academic Search Ultimate, APA PsycArticles, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL with Full Text, E-Journals, Humanities Source Ultimate, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, and Sociology Source Ultimate. Initially, a total of 485 studies were retrieved; nine papers were retained for quality assessment after removing duplicates. Of the nine studies that met the inclusion criteria, only three are found to partially addressed substance use prevention programs. The two substance use prevention programs that emerge from the study are Adelante Social and Marketing Campaign (ASMC), and Screening and Brief Intervention (SBI). Six others explored protective factors and strategies for preventing substance use. The study findings show that refugee youth held negative attitudes toward institutions that provide substance use prevention programs. This review concluded that refugee youth often experience persistent substance use as they are not aware of prevention programs that may reduce the prevalence and/or severity of such misuse.
Neighborhood-scale lead (Pb) speciation in Akron, Ohio (USA) soils: primary sources, post-deposition diagenesis, and high concentrations of labile Pb
Authors: Santoro Nicholas , Singer David M. , Mulvey Bridget K. , Halasa Katrina , Teutsch Nadya , Shedleski Allie , Wood Madison
Published: April 2024

Lead (Pb) poses a significant risk to infants and children through exposure to contaminated soil and dust. However, there is a lack of information on Pb speciation and distribution at the neighborhood-scale. This work aimed to determine: (1) the distribution of acid-extractable (labile) Pb and other metals ([M]AE) in two neighborhoods in Akron, Ohio (USA) (Summit Lake and West Akron; n = 82 samples); and (2) Pb speciation and potential sources. Total metal concentration ([M]T) and [M]AE was strongly correlated for Pb and Zn (R2 of 0.66 and 0.55, respectively), corresponding to 35% and 33% acid-extractability. Lead and Zn exhibited a strong positive correlation with each other (R2 = 0.56 for MT and 0.68 for MAE). Three types of Pb-bearing phases were observed by electron microscopy: (1) galena (PbS)-like (5–10 μm); (2) paint chip residuals (10–20 μm); and (3) Pb-bearing Fe-oxides (20 μm). Isotope ratio values for PbAE were 1.159 to 1.245 for 206Pb/207Pb, and 1.999 to 2.098 for 208Pb/206Pb, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two neighborhoods (p = 0.010 for 206Pb/207Pb and p = 0.009 for 208Pb/206Pb). Paint and petrol are the dominant sources of Pb, with some from coal and fly ash. Lead speciation and distribution is variable and reflects a complex relationship between the input of primary sources and post-deposition transformations. This work highlights the importance of community science collaborations to expand the reach of soil sampling and establish areas most at risk based on neighborhood-dependent Pb speciation and distribution for targeted remediation.
Chemical, biochemical, and bioactivity studies on some soda lakes, Wadi El-Natrun, Egypt
Authors: Mahmoud Abeer M. A. , Ali Mohamed H. H. , Abdelkarim Mohamad S. , Al-Afify Afify D. G.
Published: April 2024

Wadi El-Natrun is one of the most observable geomorphological features in the North-Western Desert of Egypt; it contains several old saline and saline soda lakes. This study investigates physicochemical and biochemical characteristics and estimates the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TVC), and bioactivities of sediment, cyanobacteria, and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) in soda lakes, i.e., El-Hamra Lake 1 (H1) and El-Hamra Lake 2 (H2). These soda lakes are unique extreme ecosystems characterized by high pH (> 9.3), high alkalinity, and salinity. Some extremophilic microorganisms are hosted in this ecosystem. The results revealed that the chemical water type of studied lakes is soda-saline lakes according to the calculated percentage sequence of major cations and anions. Sodium ranked first among major cations with an abundance ratio of e% 58, while chloride came first among anions with an abundance ratio of e% 71, and bicarbonate and carbonate occupied the last rank with an abundance of 6%. The biochemical investigations showed that TPC and TVC are present in concern contents of sediment, cyanobacteria, and brine shrimp (A. salina) which contribute 89% of antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activities. Thus, this study helps better understand the chemical and biochemical adaptations in soda lake ecosystems and explores natural sources with potential applications in antioxidant-rich products and environmental conservation efforts.
First-time Sensitive Homeomorphisms
Authors: Antunes Mayara , Carvalho Bernardo
Published: April 2024

We introduce first-time sensitivity for a homeomorphism of a compact metric space, that is a condition on the first increasing times of open balls of the space. Continuum-wise expansive homeomorphisms, the shift map on the Hilbert cube, and also some partially hyperbolic diffeomorphisms satisfy this condition. We prove the existence of local unstable continua satisfying similar properties with the local unstable continua of continuum-wise expansive homeomorphisms, but assuming first-time sensitivity. As a consequence we prove that first-time sensitivity (with some additional technical assumptions) implies positive topological entropy.
Why Metaphysics Matters: The Case of Property Law
Authors: Ohavi Ben
Published: April 2024

Are property rights absolute? This paper attempts to reframe this question by drawing on insights from the field of social ontology. My main claim is that, even if we accept the most extreme view of the absoluteness of property rights, there are some non-normative conceptual limitations to these rights. The conceptual limitations are based on two claims about the nature of property rights and their subject matter, namely objects in the world: (1) property law regulates relations between persons through the use of objects, and not relations between persons and objects; (2) even when owned, objects retain some of their ‘independent’, unowned, existence. Taken together, these claims confine property law to the institutional meaning that is given to objects, which is distinct from their social and natural meanings. Since property law defines objects in a certain way, it makes space for other social considerations but without the need to qualify property rights.
Determination of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol in human plasma and urine after a commercial cannabidiol oil product intake
Authors: Papoutsis Ioannis , Hatzidouka Vasiliki , Ntoupa Stamatina-Panagoula , Angelis Apostolis , Dona Artemisia , Sakelliadis Emmanouil , Spiliopoulou Chara
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Cannabidiol (CBD) products are widely used for pain relief, sleep improvement, management of seizures etc. Although the concentrations of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) in these products are low (≤0.3% w/w), it is important to investigate if its presence and/or that of its metabolite 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC, is traceable in plasma and urine samples of individuals who take CBD oil products.

Methods

A sensitive GC/MS method for the determination of Δ9-THC, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC and CBD in plasma and urine samples was developed and validated. The sample preparation procedure included protein precipitation for plasma samples and hydrolysis for urine samples, solid-phase extraction and finally derivatization with N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane.

Results

For all analytes, the LOD and LOQ were 0.06 and 0.20 ng/mL, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (R2 ≥ 0.992), and absolute recoveries were ≥91.7%. Accuracy and precision were within the accepted range. From the analysis of biologic samples of 10 human participants who were taking CBD oil, it was realized that Δ9-THC was not detected in urine, while 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC (0.69–23.06 ng/mL) and CBD (0.29–96.78 ng/mL) were found in all urine samples. Regarding plasma samples, Δ9-THC (0.21–0.62 ng/mL) was detected in 10, 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC (0.20–2.44 ng/mL) in 35, while CBD (0.20–1.58 ng/mL) in 25 out of 38 samples, respectively.

Conclusion

The results showed that Δ9-THC is likely to be found in plasma although at low concentrations. In addition, the detection of 11-nor-carboxy-Δ9-THC in both urine and plasma samples raises questions and concerns for the proper interpretation of toxicological results, especially considering Greece’s zero tolerance law applied in DUID and workplace cases.
Lung pneumonia severity scoring in chest X-ray images using transformers
Authors: Slika Bouthaina , Dornaika Fadi , Merdji Hamid , Hammoudi Karim
Published: April 2024

To create robust and adaptable methods for lung pneumonia diagnosis and the assessment of its severity using chest X-rays (CXR), access to well-curated, extensive datasets is crucial. Many current severity quantification approaches require resource-intensive training for optimal results. Healthcare practitioners require efficient computational tools to swiftly identify COVID-19 cases and predict the severity of the condition. In this research, we introduce a novel image augmentation scheme as well as a neural network model founded on Vision Transformers (ViT) with a small number of trainable parameters for quantifying COVID-19 severity and other lung diseases. Our method, named Vision Transformer Regressor Infection Prediction (ViTReg-IP), leverages a ViT architecture and a regression head. To assess the model’s adaptability, we evaluate its performance on diverse chest radiograph datasets from various open sources. We conduct a comparative analysis against several competing deep learning methods. Our results achieved a minimum Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.569 and 0.512 and a maximum Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PC) of 0.923 and 0.855 for the geographic extent score and the lung opacity score, respectively, when the CXRs from the RALO dataset were used in training. The experimental results reveal that our model delivers exceptional performance in severity quantification while maintaining robust generalizability, all with relatively modest computational requirements. The source codes used in our work are publicly available at https://github.com/bouthainas/ViTReg-IP.

Graphical abstract