bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Manipulating Chiroptical Activities in 0D Chiral Hybrid Manganese Bromides by Solvent Molecular Engineering
Authors: Li Chen , Wei Yi , Li Yawen , Luo Zhishan , Liu Yulian , He Meiying , Zhang Yan , He Xin , Chang Xiaoyong , Quan Zewei
Published: May 2024

0D hybrid metal halides (0D HMHs) with fully isolated inorganic units provide an ideal platform for studying the correlations between chiroptical activities and crystal structures at atomic levels. Here, through the incorporation of different solvent molecules, a series of 0D chiral manganese bromides (RR/SS‐C20H28N2)3MnBr8·2X (X = C2H5OH, CH3OH, or H2O) are synthesized to elucidate their chiroptical properties. They show negligible circular dichroism signals of Mn absorptions due to C2v‐symmetric [MnBr4]2− tetrahedra. However, they display distinct circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) signals with continuously increased luminescence asymmetry factors (glum) from 10−4 (X = C2H5OH) to 10−3 (X = H2O). The increased glum value is structurally revealed to originate from the enhancement of [MnBr4]2‐ tetrahedral bond‐angle distortions, due to the presence of different solvent molecules. Furthermore, (RR/SS‐C20H28N2)MnBr4·H2O enantiomers with larger bond‐angle distortions of [MnBr4]2− tetrahedra are synthesized based on hydrobromic acid‐induced structural transformation of (RR/SS‐C20H28N2)3MnBr8·2H2O enantiomers. Therefore, such (RR/SS‐C20H28N2)MnBr4·H2O enantiomers exhibit enhanced CPL signals with |glum| up to 1.23 × 10−2. This work provides unique insight into enhancing chiroptical activities in 0D HMH systems.
General Synthesis of Metal Indium Sulfide Atomic Layers for Photocatalysis
Authors: Di Jun , Chen Chao , Zhu Chao , Cao Xun , Xiong Jun , Long Ran , Li Shuzhou , Jiang Wei , Liu Zheng
Published: May 2024

The metal indium sulfides have attracted extensive research interest in photocatalysis due to regulable atomic configuration and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, the synthesis of metal indium sulfide atomic layers is still challenging since intrinsic non‐van‐der‐Waals layered structures of some components. Here, a surfactant self‐assembly growth mechanism is proposed to controllably synthesize metal indium sulfide atomic layers. Eleven types of atomic layers with tunable compositions, thickness, and defect concentrations are successfully achieved namely In2S3, MgIn2S4, CaIn2S4, MnIn2S4, FeIn2S4, ZnIn2S4, Zn2In2S5, Zn4In16S33, CuInS2, CuIn5S8, and CdIn2S4. The typical CaIn2S4 shows a defect‐dependence activity for CO2 photoreduction. The designed S vacancies in CaIn2S4 can serve as catalytic centers to activate CO2 molecules via localized electrons for π‐back‐donation. The engineered S vacancies tune the non‐covalent interaction with CO2 and intermediates, manages to tune the free energy, and lower the reaction energy barrier. As a result, the defect‐rich CaIn2S4 displays 2.82× improved reduction rate than defect‐poor CaIn2S4. Meantime, other components also display promising photocatalytic performance, such as Zn2In2S5 with a H2O2 photosynthesis rate of 292 µmol g−1 h−1 and CuInS2 with N2−NH4+ conversion rate of 54 µmol g−1 h−1. This work paves the way for the multidisciplinary exploration of metal indium sulfide atomic layers with unique photocatalysis properties.
Expanding the modelling capabilities of systemic interactions utilizing applied category theory
Authors: Wilkinson Neal , Calvo‐Amodio Javier
Published: May 2024

Current systems analysis approaches often lack the necessary clarity to capture details relating to the interactions of systems, defining arbitrary system boundaries, and expanding boundaries to capture interactions of interest. This paper proposes a new approach for identifying and defining system boundaries based on system‐level properties that can be defined in any system. The research proposes a unification of methodological understandings between systems analysis and applied category theory to bring further mathematical rigor to abstract system boundaries and interactions. This unification is demonstrated by the expansion of systemic interactions between an individual and an organization that employs them, periodically integrating applied category theory concepts to expand the scope of modelled information. We conclude with a call to action to further define the applications of applied category theory to systems analysis and to apply the rigorous practices that exist in the field to further the advancement of methods for modelling the exploration of systemic interactions.
A systems thinking approach to reimagining innovation models: The example of clean hydrogen
Authors: McAvoy Sue , Meath Cristyn , Toth‐Peter Agnes , Jagdish Ninad , Karlovsek Jurij
Published: May 2024

As global temperatures, ocean heat and greenhouse gases reach record levels, transitioning to renewable energy systems offers hope for climate stabilisation. Globally, renewable capacity rose by 50% from 2022 to 2023. Clean hydrogen is attracting strong investment, yet its development is challenging as it requires supply chain‐wide innovation. Sustainably transitioning to hydrogen will require thinking and acting systemically, as opposed to current business‐as‐usual innovation. Whilst hinting at non‐linear relations and feedback loops, prevailing representations of innovation theories remain largely devoid of the feedback structures evident in transitioning socio‐technical systems. In this paper, generational innovation theories are recast as causal loop diagrams (CLDs), and the Success to the Successful archetype is modified to reflect the multi‐level perspective on transition theory. The outcome is twofold: to promote thinking systemically when innovating and diagnosing issues, and to show how CLDs can help elucidate the factors and interactions influencing hydrogen's trajectory.
Prognostic role of the updated Kiel classification in canine high‐grade T‐cell lymphomas
Authors: Jankowska Urszula , Jagielski Dariusz , Czopowicz Michał , Sapierzyński Rafał
Published: May 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to determine and describe the prognostic role of the morphological subtype determined according to the updated Kiel classification in dogs with high‐grade T‐cell lymphomas (HGTCLs) depending on the treatment applied.

Objectives

The HGTCLs were classified into three subtypes according to the updated Kiel classification: pleomorphic mixed (PM), lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and plasmacytoid (P). The treatment was divided into a palliative therapy (PlT) group and a chemotherapy (ChT) group.

Methods

The study was conducted between 2009 and 2017, and it enrolled 58 dogs in which cytomorphological and immunocytochemistry diagnoses were HGTCL.

Results

Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the ChT group (median OS—4 months, interquartile range [IQR] from 2 to 8 months) than in the PlT group (median OS—6 weeks, IQR from 1 week to 3 months).

In the PlT group, PM subtype and glucocorticosteroids (GCSs) treatment proved significantly and independently linked to longer OS and approximately three‐fold lower risk of death during the study period (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] = 0.26, confidence interval [CI] 95%: 0.08–0.81; p = 0.020 and HRadj = 0.30, CI 95%: 0.11–0.77; p = 0.013, respectively), although due to small group size, precision of estimations was poor (wide CI 95%).

In the ChT group, >7 days elapsing between diagnosis and the beginning of chemotherapy and GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy were significantly associated with lower chance of complete remission (CR; p = 0.034 for both); GCS treatment prior to chemotherapy was significantly associated with shorter OS (p = 0.016); chemotherapy based on the modified CHOP protocol was significantly associated with higher chance of CR (p = 0.034) and longer OS (p = 0.039); and CR was significantly linked to longer OS (p = 0.001).

Clinical significance

The morphological subtype of HGTCL has some prognostic value in dogs treated palliatively (with PM subtype associated with longer OS than P subtype); however, this effect is no longer visible when a dog is treated with chemotherapy.
Cholelithiasis in a goat associated with chronic fascioliosis in Bangladesh: A case report and review of literatures
Authors: Ali Md. Haydar , Labony Sharmin Shahid , Hossain Md. Shahadat , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Khan Md. Abu Hadi Noor Ali , Alim Md. Abdul , Anisuzzaman
Published: May 2024

The objective of the present study was to describe a very rare case of gallstone (cholelithiasis) in a goat associated with chronic fasciolosis. During a routine slaughterhouse‐based survey, a two‐and‐half‐year‐old female Black Bengal Goat was found to be affected with severe chronic fascioliosis characterized by the massive damage in the liver. Through systemic dissection of liver, we isolated 94 adult Fasciola spp., and by PCR, we confirmed the fluke as Fasciola gigantica. The gallbladder of the goat was oedematous. On opening the gallbladder, we recovered 255 stones of variable sizes. Stones were whitish in colour and friable, and some of the fragile stones were attached to the wall of the gallbladder. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the cholelithiasis in a goat associated with F. gigantica.
P62 promotes FSH-induced antral follicle formation by directing degradation of ubiquitinated WT1
Authors: Zhao Ting , He Meina , Zhu Zijian , Zhang Tuo , Zheng Wenying , Qin Shaogang , Gao Meng , Wang Wenji , Chen Ziqi , Han Jun , Liu Longping , Zhou Bo , Wang Haibin , Zhang Hua , Xia Guoliang , Wang Jianbin , Wang Fengchao , Wang Chao
Published: May 2024

In females, the pathophysiological mechanism of poor ovarian response (POR) is not fully understood. Considering the expression level of p62 was significantly reduced in the granulosa cells (GCs) of POR patients, this study focused on identifying the role of the selective autophagy receptor p62 in conducting the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) on antral follicles (AFs) formation in female mice. The results showed that p62 in GCs was FSH responsive and that its level increased to a peak and then decreased time-dependently either in ovaries or in GCs after gonadotropin induction in vivo. GC-specific deletion of p62 resulted in subfertility, a significantly reduced number of AFs and irregular estrous cycles, which were same as pathophysiological symptom of POR. By conducting mass spectrum analysis, we found the ubiquitination of proteins was decreased, and autophagic flux was blocked in GCs. Specifically, the level of nonubiquitinated Wilms tumor 1 homolog (WT1), a transcription factor and negative controller of GC differentiation, increased steadily. Co-IP results showed that p62 deletion increased the level of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 5 (USP5), which blocked the ubiquitination of WT1. Furthermore, a joint analysis of RNA-seq and the spatial transcriptome sequencing data showed the expression of steroid metabolic genes and FSH receptors pivotal for GCs differentiation decreased unanimously. Accordingly, the accumulation of WT1 in GCs deficient of p62 decreased steroid hormone levels and reduced FSH responsiveness, while the availability of p62 in GCs simultaneously ensured the degradation of WT1 through the ubiquitin‒proteasome system and autophagolysosomal system. Therefore, p62 in GCs participates in GC differentiation and AF formation in FSH induction by dynamically controlling the degradation of WT1. The findings of the study contributes to further study the pathology of POR.
Cystatin C loaded in brain-derived extracellular vesicles rescues synapses after ischemic insult in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Gui Yuqi , Kim Yohan , Brenna Santra , Wilmes Maximilian , Zaghen Giorgio , Goulbourne Chris N. , Kuchenbecker-Pöls Lennart , Siebels Bente , Voß Hannah , Gocke Antonia , Schlüter Hartmut , Schweizer Michaela , Altmeppen Hermann C. , Magnus Tim , Levy Efrat , Puig Berta
Published: May 2024

Synaptic loss is an early event in the penumbra area after an ischemic stroke. Promoting synaptic preservation in this area would likely improve functional neurological recovery. We aimed to detect proteins involved in endogenous protection mechanisms of synapses in the penumbra after stroke and to analyse potential beneficial effects of these candidates for a prospective stroke treatment. For this, we performed Liquid Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry (LC–MS)-based proteomics of synaptosomes isolated from the ipsilateral hemispheres of mice subjected to experimental stroke at different time points (24 h, 4 and 7 days) and compared them to sham-operated mice. Proteomic analyses indicated that, among the differentially expressed proteins between the two groups, cystatin C (CysC) was significantly increased at 24 h and 4 days following stroke, before returning to steady-state levels at 7 days, thus indicating a potential transient and intrinsic rescue mechanism attempt of neurons. When CysC was applied to primary neuronal cultures subjected to an in vitro model of ischemic damage, this treatment significantly improved the preservation of synaptic structures. Notably, similar effects were observed when CysC was loaded into brain-derived extracellular vesicles (BDEVs). Finally, when CysC contained in BDEVs was administered intracerebroventricularly to stroked mice, it significantly increased the expression of synaptic markers such as SNAP25, Homer-1, and NCAM in the penumbra area compared to the group supplied with empty BDEVs. Thus, we show that CysC-loaded BDEVs promote synaptic protection after ischemic damage in vitro and in vivo, opening the possibility of a therapeutic use in stroke patients.
Mechanistic screening of reproductive toxicity in a novel 3D testicular co-culture model shows significant impairments following exposure to low-dibutyl phthalate concentrations
Authors: Almamoun Radwa , Pierozan Paula , Karlsson Oskar
Published: May 2024

To improve the mechanistic screening of reproductive toxicants in  chemical-risk assessment and drug development, we have developed a three-dimensional (3D) heterogenous testicular co-culture model from neonatal mice. Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), an environmental contaminant that can affect reproductive health negatively, was used as a model compound to illustrate the utility of the in vitro model. The cells were treated with DBP (1 nM to 100 µM) for 7 days. Automated high-content imaging confirmed the presence of cell-specific markers of Leydig cells (CYP11A1 +), Sertoli cells (SOX9 +), and germ cells (DAZL +). Steroidogenic activity of Leydig cells was demonstrated by analyzing testosterone levels in the culture medium. DBP induced a concentration-dependent reduction in testosterone levels and decreased the number of Leydig cells compared to vehicle control. The levels of steroidogenic regulator StAR and the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 were decreased already at the lowest DBP concentration (1 nM), demonstrating upstream effects in the testosterone biosynthesis pathway. Furthermore, exposure to 10 nM DBP decreased the levels of the germ cell-specific RNA binding protein DAZL, central for the spermatogenesis. The 3D model also captured the development of the Sertoli cell junction proteins, N-cadherin and Zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1), critical for the blood–testis barrier. However, DBP exposure did not significantly alter the cadherin and ZO-1 levels. Altogether, this 3D in vitro system models testicular cellular signaling and function, making it a powerful tool for mechanistic screening of developmental testicular toxicity. This can open a new avenue for high throughput screening of chemically-induced reproductive toxicity during sensitive developmental phases.
Escaping Fatou components with disjoint hyperbolic limit sets
Authors: Beltrami Veronica , Benini Anna Miriam , Saracco Alberto
Published: May 2024

We construct automorphisms of $${{\mathbb {C}}}^2$$

C

2

of constant Jacobian with a cycle of escaping Fatou components, on which there are exactly two limit functions, both of rank 1. On each such Fatou component, the limit sets for these limit functions are two disjoint hyperbolic subsets of the line at infinity. In the literature there are currently very few examples of automorphisms of $${{\mathbb {C}}}^2$$

C

2

with rank one limit sets on the boundary of Fatou components. To our knowledge, this is the first example in which such limit sets are hyperbolic, and moreover different limit sets of rank 1 coexist.
Three-dimensional virtual model for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a propensity-score matching analysis with a contemporary control group
Authors: Grosso Antonio Andrea , Di Maida Fabrizio , Lambertini Luca , Cadenar Anna , Coco Simone , Ciaralli Elena , Salamone Vincenzo , Vittori Gianni , Tuccio Agostino , Mari Andrea , Ludovico Giuseppe Mario , Minervini Andrea
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To compare two cohorts of patients submitted to robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) with vs without the use of three-dimensional virtual models (3DVMs).

Methods

We screened a prospective consecutive cohort of 152 patients submitted to RAPN with 3DVM and 1264 patients submitted to RAPN without 3DVM between 2019 and 2022. Propensity score matching analysis (PSMA) was applied. Primary endpoint was to evaluate whereas RAPNs with 3DVM were superior in terms of functional outcomes at 12-month. Secondary endopoints were to compare perioperative and oncological outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analyses (MVA) tested the associations of clinically significant eGFR drop and 3DVMs. Subgroups analysis was performed for PAUDA-risk categories.

Results

100 patients for each group were analyzed after PSMA. RAPN with 3DVM presented a higher rate of selective/no clamping procedure (32% vs 16%, p = 0.03) and a higher enucleation rate (40% vs 29%, p = 0.04). As concern to primary endopoint, 12-month functional preservation performed better within 3DVM group in terms of creatinine serum level (median 1.2 [IQR 1.1–1.4] vs 1.6 [IQR 1.1–1.8], p = 0.03) and eGFR (median 64.6 [IQR 56.2–74.1] vs 52.3 [IQR 49.2–74.1], p = 0.03). However, this result was confirmed only in the PADUA ≥ 10 renal masses. Regarding secondary endpoints, no significative difference emerged between the two cohorts. MVA confirmed 3DVM as a protective factor for clinically significant eGFR drop only in high-risk (PADUA ≥ 10) masses.

Conclusions

RAPN performed with the use of 3DVM assistance resulted in lower incidence of global ischemia and higher rate of enucleations. The positive impact of such technology was found at 12-month only in high-risk renal masses.
Late Triassic to Early Jurassic carbon isotope chemostratigraphy and organo-facies evolution in a distal to proximal transect of the North German Basin
Authors: Ruebsam Wolfgang , Franz Matthias , Ansorge Jörg , Obst Karsten , Schwark Lorenz
Published: May 2024

Throughout the Latest Triassic and the Early Jurassic, major changes in paleogeography, climate and eustatic sea-level impacted on the development of shelf depositional environments. Secular trends in environmental conditions were punctuated by transient perturbations that occurred in relation to large-scale volcanic events, such as the emplacement of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province at the Triassic/Jurassic boundary and the Karoo–Ferrar Large Igneous Province in the early Toarcian. We here present bulk organic (HAWK programmed pyrolysis) and organic carbon isotope (δ13Corg) data for three drill cores recovering Latest Triassic and Early Jurassic strata (Rhaetian to Toarcian). Study sites are located in the northeastern part of the Central European Epicontinental Sea and were positioned along a distal–proximal transect of the North German Basin. This allows discussing the differential response of depositional settings and organo-facies toward secular and transient environmental change. Biostratigraphically anchored trends in δ13Corg values allow the precise correlation along the transect, as well as with distant sites. At all North German locations, diagnostic secular trends in δ13Corg are punctuated by transient negative carbon isotope excursions, reflecting perturbations of the global carbon cycle at the Triassic/Jurassic boundary and in the early Toarcian. Stratigraphic gaps occurred during sea-level lowstands and are most pronounced at shallow proximal sites. Programmed pyrolysis data indicate spatiotemporal organo-facies trends that on a temporal scale occurred in response to sea-level and climate trends, while spatial patterns were governed by basin morphology and paleobathymetry. Substantial marine organic matter accumulations occurred at high sea level during the Toarcian only, and were most continuous at distal sites.

Graphical Abstract
Surgeon variation: a south african spinal pathology treatment survey
Authors: Vorster Pamela A. , Burger Ronelle , Mann Theresa N. , Nkonki Lungiswa L. , Reuter Helmuth , Davis Johan H.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To investigate variation in treatment decisions among spine surgeons in South Africa and the association between surgeon characteristics and the treatment they select.

Methods

We surveyed 79 South African spine surgeons. We presented four vignettes (cervical spine distractive flexion injury, lumbar disc herniation, degenerative spondylolisthesis with stenosis, and insufficiency fracture) for them to assess and select treatments. We calculated the index of qualitative variation (IQV) to determine the degree of variability within each vignette. We used Fisher’s exact, and Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the relationships between surgeons’ characteristics and their responses per vignette. We compared their responses to the recommendations of a panel of spine specialists.

Results

IQVs showed moderate to high variability for cervical spine distractive flexion injury and insufficiency fracture and slightly lower levels of variability for lumbar disc herniation and degenerative spondylolisthesis with stenosis. This confirms the heterogeneity in South African spine surgeons’ management of spinal pathologies. The surgeon characteristics associated with their treatment selection that were important were caseload, experience and training, and external funding. Also, 19% of the surgeons selected a treatment option that the Panel did not support.

Conclusion

The findings make a case for evaluating patient outcomes and costs to identify value-based care. Such research would help countries that are seeking to contract with providers on value. Greater uniformity in treatment and easily accessible outcomes reporting would provide guidance for patients. Further investment in training and participation in fellowship programs may be necessary, along with greater dissemination of information from the literature.
High body mass index and triglyceride levels at health checkups increase the risk of new-onset chronic kidney disease and worsening renal function: the TAMA MED Project-CKD
Authors: Kaneko Tomohiro , Kodani Eitaro , Fujii Hitomi , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Sasabe Hajime , Tamura Yutaka
Published: May 2024

Background

Health checkups are important in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is not easily accompanied by subjective symptoms. CKD can be caused or aggravated by factors that have not yet been identified.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 7 483 patients who underwent specific annual health checkups at a medical institution in Tama City, did not have CKD in 2012, and continued to undergo checkups (aged 40–74 years). We examined the risk factors for new-onset CKD and 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine levels among laboratory values from 2012 to 2020.

Results

Age, body mass index (BMI), triglyceride levels, atrial fibrillation, and medication for hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for proteinuria, whereas current smoking, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and medication for HT were independent risk factors for estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. SBP, triglyceride levels and medication for HT were risk factors for a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine levels during course of the study. The cut-off values of BMI for eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were 22.2 (men 24.7, women 22.1) kg/m2 and fasting triglyceride levels for a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine level were 171 (men 247, women 170) mg/dL, respectively.

Conclusions

Health checkups provide information to prevent new-onset CKD and worsening of renal function. It is necessary to increase the rate of health checkups and visits to medical institutions after health checkups as well as to use these results for health guidance.
Optimal Approximation of Unique Continuation
Authors: Burman Erik , Nechita Mihai , Oksanen Lauri
Published: May 2024

We consider numerical approximations of ill-posed elliptic problems with conditional stability. The notion of optimal error estimates is defined including both convergence with respect to discretisation and perturbations in data. The rate of convergence is determined by the conditional stability of the underlying continuous problem and the polynomial order of the approximation space. A proof is given that no approximation can converge at a better rate than that given by the definition without increasing the sensitivity to perturbations, thus justifying the concept. A recently introduced class of primal-dual finite element methods with weakly consistent regularisation is recalled and the associated error estimates are shown to be optimal in the sense of this definition.
Bridgeland stability conditions on normal surfaces
Authors: Langer Adrian
Published: May 2024

We prove a new version of Bogomolov’s inequality on normal proper surfaces. This allows to construct Bridgeland’s stability condition on such surfaces. In particular, this gives the first known examples of stability conditions on non-projective, proper schemes.
Going beyond templates: composition and evolution in nested OSTRICH
Authors: Costa Seco João , Lourenço Hugo , Parreira Joana , Ferreira Carla
Published: May 2024

Low-code frameworks strive to simplify and speed up application development. An essential mechanism to achieve these goals is to have native support for the safe reuse and usage of parameterized coarse-grain components, providing developers with strong guardrails and a rich software-building experience. —a rich template language for the OutSystems platform—was designed to simplify the use and creation of such components. Thus, the application developer can quickly reuse and assemble sophisticated and thoroughly tested application blocks. However, without a built-in composition and evolution mechanism, templates are still hard to create and maintain. This sometimes requires the repetition of code across different templates and creates a conflict between the customizations of the instantiated application models, and the update and reapplication of a template definition. This paper presents a principled mechanism for using abstraction in the creation of templates and simultaneously supporting the evolution of templates in applications after use. First, we introduce a template composition mechanism, its typing discipline, and its instantiation algorithm for model-driven low-code development environments. We start by extending to support nested templates and allow the instantiation (hatching) of templates in the definition of other templates. Nesting promotes a significant increase in code reuse potential, leading to a safer evolution of applications. We then introduce the support for customizable template instances, which allows one to evolve templates’ code and then update a template instance without losing customizations performed in the generated code. The present definition seamlessly extends the existing OutSystems metamodel with template constructs expressed by model annotations that maintain backward compatibility with the existing language toolchain. We present the metamodel, a set of annotations to support the extensions, and the corresponding validation and instantiation algorithms. In particular, we introduce a type-based validation procedure for abstractions that ensures that using templates always produces valid models. This work also extends prior developments on Nested OSTRICH with the support for safe customizations of instantiated code. We validate Nested OSTRICH using the benchmark by identifying the degree of reusability that can be reached in the existing sample of real templates and template uses. Our prototype is an extension of the OutSystems IDE that allows the annotation of models and their use to produce new models. We also analyze which existing OutSystems sample screen templates can be improved by using and sharing nested templates .
Long-term impact of wildfire on soil physical, chemical and biological properties within a pine forest
Authors: Marfella Luigi , Mairota Paola , Marzaioli Rossana , Glanville Helen C. , Pazienza Gaetano , Rutigliano Flora A.
Published: May 2024

Anthropogenic fires pose a serious threat to many terrestrial ecosystems because they can cause loss of biodiversity and carbon stocks in the biosphere. Specifically, wildfires impacting natural conservation areas such as European Natura 2000 sites (N2K) are of particular concern. The main study objective was to evaluate the long-term effects of wildfires on the organic layer and some physical, chemical and biological properties of the underlying soil mineral layer, linked to soil quality. Here, we studied two coastal Mediterranean Aleppo pine stands within an N2K site differing for the fires’ years of occurrence, the time between fires (TBF) and the time since last fire (TSLF) throughout 24 years. Furthermore, in each stand, differences in fire frequency (FF) were considered by selecting three sites—double-fire, single-fire and control (unburnt). Our results show the absence of the O-layer in double-fire sites, indicating a loss of this organic carbon (if compared to control) pool of 204 g m−2 in R2F and 139 g m−2 in M2F. Despite this loss being offset by the Corg increase in soil mineral layer, the disappearance of O-layer may compromise the ecosystem services provided by soil. In each stand, long-term fire effects were evident at both single-fire and double-fire sites for some chemical as well as biological soil properties and depended on TSLF. Increased rates of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification were found at all burned sites, persisting up to 24 years post-fire. Soil quality indicators data highlighted the recovery handicap of the microbial community within the considered period. Since our outcomes showed wildfires enduring consequences, mainly relating to TSLF and FF, on different organic and mineral soil properties, we advocate employing prompt strategies to mitigate recurring fires.
Who is likely to be ostracized? The easy target is the Dark Triad
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Kwan Ho Kwong , Wei Feng , Wang Yihui
Published: May 2024

Drawing on the target-behavior mechanism and victim precipitation theory, we investigated the effect of the Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) on exposure to workplace ostracism. Through experimental and field studies, we found that individuals with high levels of Dark Triad traits were at high risk of being ostracized. Self-serving cognitions mediated the relationship between the Dark Triad traits and exposure to workplace ostracism, and collectivism orientation alleviated the relationship between self-serving cognitions and exposure to workplace ostracism. Our findings extend research on the impact of personality dispositions on workplace ostracism, providing implications for theory and practice.
An Evolutionary Psychological Approach Toward BDSM Interest and Behavior
Authors: Larva Michelle A. , Rantala Markus J.
Published: May 2024

Bondage/discipline, Dominance/submission, and Sadism/Masochism (BDSM) have gained increased attention and discussion in recent years. This prevalence is accompanied by a shift in perceptions of BDSM, including the declassification of sadomasochism as a paraphilic disorder. Evolutionary psychology offers a unique perspective of why some individuals are interested in BDSM and why some prefer certain elements of BDSM over others (e.g., dominance versus submission). In this paper, we examine BDSM from an evolutionary standpoint, examining biopsychosocial factors that underlie the BDSM interests and practice. We articulate this perspective via an exploration of: proximate processes, such as the role of childhood experiences, sexual conditioning, and physiological factors; as well as ultimate explanations for power play and pain play dimensions of BDSM, highlighting the potential adaptive advantages of each. While BDSM may not be adaptive in itself, we examine the literature of sex differences in BDSM role preferences and argue that these preferences may stem from the extreme forms of behaviors which enhance reproductive success. In the realm of pain play, we explore the intersection of pain and pleasure from both physiological and psychological perspectives, highlighting the crucial role of psychological and play partner factors in modulating the experience of pain. Finally, we encourage future research in social sciences to utilize evolutionary frameworks to further explore the subject and help alleviate the mystification surrounding BDSM. This multifaceted exploration of BDSM provides valuable insights for clinicians, kink-identified individuals, and scholars seeking to understand the evolutionary perspectives of human sexual behavior and preferences.
SIRT1 restores mitochondrial structure and function in rats by activating SIRT3 after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen Manli , Liu Ji , Wu Wenwen , Guo Ting , Yuan Jinjin , Wu Zhiyun , Zheng Zhijian , Zhao Zijun , Lin Qiang , Liu Nan , Chen Hongbin
Published: May 2024

Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (CI/R) injury, which can be ameliorated by Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3). Under stress conditions, the SIRT3-promoted mitochondrial functional recovery depends on both its activity and expression. However, the approach to enhance SIRT3 activity after CI/R injury remains unelucidated. In this study, Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were intracranially injected with either adeno-associated viral Sirtuin-1 (AAV-SIRT1) or AAV-sh_SIRT1 before undergoing transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Primary cortical neurons were cultured and transfected with lentiviral SIRT1 (LV-SIRT1) and LV-sh_SIRT1 respectively before oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). Afterwards, rats and neurons were respectively treated with a selective SIRT3 inhibitor, 3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) pyridine (3-TYP). The expression, function, and related mechanism of SIRT1 were investigated by Western Blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, etc. After CI/R injury, SIRT1 expression decreased in vivo and in vitro. The simulation and immune-analyses reported strong interaction between SIRT1 and SIRT3 in the cerebral mitochondria before and after CI/R. SIRT1 overexpression enhanced SIRT3 activity by increasing the deacetylation of SIRT3, which ameliorated CI/R-induced cerebral infarction, neuronal apoptosis, oxidative stress, neurological and motor dysfunction, and mitochondrial respiratory chain dysfunction, promoted mitochondrial biogenesis, and retained mitochondrial integrity and mitochondrial morphology. Meanwhile, SIRT1 overexpression alleviated OGD/R-induced neuronal death and mitochondrial bioenergetic deficits. These effects were reversed by AAV-sh_SIRT1 and the neuroprotective effects of SIRT1 were partially offset by 3-TYP. These results suggest that SIRT1 restores the structure and function of mitochondria by activating SIRT3, offering neuroprotection against CI/R injury, which signifies a potential approach for the clinical management of cerebral ischemia.

Graphical Abstract

1. SIRT1 is downregulated after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

2. SIRT1 can increase the deacetylation of SIRT3 and enhance the activity of SIRT3 after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

3. SIRT1 enhances the mitochondrial structure repair and functional recovery by activating SIRT3 after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats, thereby promoting neurological function.
Assessment of botanical learning through an educational intervention based on aromatic plants and their uses in the immediate environment
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Lorena , Blanco-Salas José , Sánchez-Martín Jesús , Corbacho-Cuello Isaac , Ruiz-Téllez Trinidad
Published: May 2024

In order to achieve meaningful learning and in view of the need for education for sustainable development (ESD), pedagogical proposals based on experiential methodologies, paying attention to what is taught and with what objective, are essential. Sustainability in education implies a new vision of the term integral sustainability (IS); this should not only focus on environmental aspects of sustainability, but make the whole process of learning sustainable in itself. Against this background, this article presents a non-formal educational intervention for secondary school biology and geology students focused on aromatic plants and associated traditional knowledge (which are locally relevant to the students), in support of the botany-related contents established in the formal curriculum. To evaluate the activity, pre-test and post-test questionnaires were completed by the students. The results revealed significant improvements in students’ ratings of motivation, scientific learning, and sustainable awareness, demonstrating the effectiveness of implementing pedagogical proposals related to the immediate environment for increasing interest in learning and conservation of natural resources.
Impact of employment policies on disabled individuals in silvicultural activities
Authors: Ozel Halil Baris , Sevik Hakan , Cetin Mehmet , Varol Tugrul , Isik Berkant
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of disability within societies necessitates empowering disabled individuals for their social and economic contributions. This study evaluates the impact of employment policies on the economy and well-being of disabled individuals in Turkey’s silvicultural sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. Focusing on physically disabled individuals engaged in silvicultural tasks from 2018 to 2021 in the Western Black Sea region it reveals an increase in their involvement despite a decrease in income, attributed to fewer workdays. The data collectively indicates that there was a minimum increase of 210% in the number of physically disabled individuals employed in silvicultural roles by private forestry companies between 2018 and 2021. The 3rd group, characterized by a 40–60% working capacity reduction, exhibited the highest employment rate, increasing from 56 individuals in 2018 to 137 in 2021. In contrast, the 2nd group (60–80% working capacity reduction) showed variable trends, reaching 11 employed individuals in 2020 before declining to 6 in 2021. Legal obligations often lead to employment in lowincome roles, hindering economic contributions. Male employment is higher, highlighting gender disparities. Education levels are generally low with recent increases in primary and secondary school graduates due to compulsory education. To create more inclusive opportunities disabled individuals could be trained for roles like planning and monitoring in forestry requiring specialized training.
The Role of E-participation, Human Capital, and Corruption-Free on Environmental Performance
Authors: Merhi Mohammad I. , Ahluwalia Punit
Published: May 2024

There are many concerns at the global level about environmental performance. The United Nations has created a framework for measuring national development goals that enable environmental sustainability. This paper examines the relationships between technological and social factors as enablers of environmental performance and draws from technological determinism and human agency paradigms. It fills an important gap in the literature by empirically examining the hypothesized relationships. The specific examined factors are online service (maturity and quality), IT infrastructure, e-participation, corruption-free, and human capital. Environmental performance is the dependent variable. These factors are relevant to ten of the seventeen goals that the United Nations set in their SDG framework. The hypotheses are tested and validated using secondary data collected by reputable global institutions and PLS-SEM analytical procedures. The results indicate that technology can enable environmental performance directly and indirectly through e-participation. We also found that e-participation influences corruption-free and human capital that positively impact environmental performance. This paper provides significant implications for research and practice.
Use of personas in co-designing learning experiences with teachers: An exploratory case study
Authors: Kerr Jeremy , Kelly Nick
Published: May 2024

This paper explores the use of personas in co-designing learning experiences for students. It reviews existing literature about the use of personas within the design process and then presents a case study of a group of teachers (N = 15) and designers collaboratively designing (co-designing) a term-long learning experience for a group of digital technologies students in a high school. The paper draws upon theory and results from the exploratory case study to suggest that there is significant value in using personas early in the design process when a group of co-designers are designing for a group who are absent—in this case, students. The paper shares a description of the co-design process and the use of personas, as well as an analysis of the personas created and the participant perceptions of the value of the activity. It outlines a three-step activity framework for using creative personas effectively in similar situations where a group of teachers-as-designers are co-designing for absent students. It proposes that personas are valuable for groups of teachers co-designing for students as a way to evoke empathy, aid in problem framing, and set up a space for creative thinking as part of an iterative design process.
COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences of Families in Which a Child/Youth Has Autism and Their Service Providers: Perspectives and Lessons Learned
Authors: Nicholas David B. , Zulla Rosslynn T. , Cielsielski Jill , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Conlon Olivia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on autistic children/youth and their families and on service providers are not yet well-understood. This study explored the lived experiences of families with an autistic child and service providers who support them regarding the impacts of the pandemic on service delivery and well-being.

Methods

In this qualitative study, families and service providers (e.g., early intervention staff, service providers, school personnel) supporting autistic children/youth were interviewed. Participants were recruited from a diagnostic site and two service organizations that support autistic children/youth.

Results

Thirteen parents and 18 service providers participated in either an individual or group interview. Findings indicate challenges associated with pandemic restrictions and resulting service shifts. These challenges generally imposed negative experiences on the daily lives of autistic children/youth and their families, as well as on service providers. While many were adversely affected by service delivery changes, families and service agencies/providers pivoted and managed challenges. Shifts have had varied impacts, with implications to consider in pandemic planning and post-pandemic recovery.

Conclusion

Results highlight the need for autism-focused supports, as well as technology and pandemic preparedness capacity building within health, therapeutic and educational sectors in order to better manage shifts in daily routines during emergencies such as a pandemic. Findings also offer instructive consideration in service delivery post-pandemic.
Moral Transformation as Shifting (Im)Possibilities
Authors: Caprioglio Panizza Silvia , Vaccarezza Maria Silvia
Published: May 2024

The phenomenon of moral transformation, though important, has received little attention in virtue ethics. In this paper we propose a virtue-ethical model of moral transformation as character transformation by tracking the development of new identity-defining (‘core’) character traits, their expressions, and their priority structure, through the change in what appears as possible or impossible to the moral agent. We propose that character transformation culminates when what previously appeared as morally possible to the agent now appears impossible, i.e. unconceived and unthinkable, moving through stages of transformation where some possibilities gradually disappear while others open up. While we show an example of moral transformation towards virtue, we allow that such transformation can occur in the opposite direction, hence we make claims about ‘character traits’ rather than virtues of vices. Through the example of former slave-trader Rodrigo’s transformation in the film The Mission, we follow the parallel development of new objects of value and ways of valuing (with respect to a group of indigenous people of South America) with the closing down of the possibility of disrespecting and harming them, to the end-point of transformation, where allowing their capture is for Rodrigo both unconceived and, when conceived, unthinkable.
Partial Smoothing of the Stochastic Wave Equation and Regularization by Noise Phenomena
Authors: Masiero Federica , Priola Enrico
Published: May 2024

We establish partial smoothing properties of the transition semigroup $$(P_t)$$

(

P
t

)

associated to the linear stochastic wave equation driven by a cylindrical Wiener noise on a separable Hilbert space. These new results allow the study of related vector-valued infinite-dimensional PDEs in spaces of functions which are Hölder continuous along special directions. As an application we prove strong uniqueness for semilinear stochastic wave equations involving nonlinearities of Hölder type. We stress that we are able to prove well-posedness although the Markov semigroup $$(P_t)$$

(

P
t

)

is not strong Feller.
Experimental investigation of engine performance and emissions, and characterization, of waste transformer oils and diesel blends with biodiesel produced from olive oil wastes in a CI engine
Authors: Büyükoğlu Muhammet , Doğan Tuba Hatice , Arpa Orhan , Nadaroğlu Hayrunnisa , Öner İlhan Volkan
Published: May 2024

In this study, five different fuel blends were prepared by mixing biodiesel obtained from olive oil wastes using transesterification method, waste transformer oil, and Euro diesel in different ratios. The important physicochemical properties of the prepared fuel blends and produced biodiesel were determined by gas chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry analyses, and their characterizations were carried out. Then, the effects of the prepared fuel blends on engine performance and emission characteristics were investigated in a compression ignition engine. The experiments were performed with five different fuel blends (TD30, TD30B10, TD30B20, TD30B30, and D100) at 1000, 1500, 2000, and 2500 rpm. At all speeds, each fuel blend produced an average torque value that was highest for D100 fuel and lowest for TD30 fuel The average BP value produced by each fuel at all engine speeds was highest in D100 fuel and lowest in TD30 fuel. The results of the experiments showed that there was a 23.98% decrease in the average NOx emissions of TD30 fuel blend compared to the average NOx emissions of D100 fuel at all engine speeds. It was observed that all important fuel properties such as density, kinematic viscosity, and pour and cloud points of all fuel blends met the fuel standards.