bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion and Functional Diversification of Long-Wavelength-Sensitive Opsin in Anabantoid Fishes
Authors: Gerwin Jan , Torres-Dowdall Julián , Brown Thomas F. , Meyer Axel
Published: June 2024

Gene duplication is one of the most important sources of novel genotypic diversity and the subsequent evolution of phenotypic diversity. Determining the evolutionary history and functional changes of duplicated genes is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of adaptive evolution. The evolutionary history of visual opsin genes is very dynamic, with repeated duplication events followed by sub- or neofunctionalization. While duplication of the green-sensitive opsins rh2 is common in teleost fish, fewer cases of multiple duplication events of the red-sensitive opsin lws are known. In this study, we investigate the visual opsin gene repertoire of the anabantoid fishes, focusing on the five lws opsin genes found in the genus Betta. We determine the evolutionary history of the lws opsin gene by taking advantage of whole-genome sequences of nine anabantoid species, including the newly assembled genome of Betta imbellis. Our results show that at least two independent duplications of lws occurred in the Betta lineage. The analysis of amino acid sequences of the lws paralogs of Betta revealed high levels of diversification in four of the seven transmembrane regions of the lws protein. Amino acid substitutions at two key-tuning sites are predicted to lead to differentiation of absorption maxima (λmax) between the paralogs within Betta. Finally, eye transcriptomics of B. splendens at different developmental stages revealed expression shifts between paralogs for all cone opsin classes. The lws genes are expressed according to their relative position in the lws opsin cluster throughout ontogeny. We conclude that temporal collinearity of lws expression might have facilitated subfunctionalization of lws in Betta and teleost opsins in general.
Novel aspects of ethylene glycol catabolism
Authors: Shimizu Tetsu , Inui Masayuki
Published: June 2024

Ethylene glycol (EG) is an industrially important two-carbon diol used as a solvent, antifreeze agent, and building block of polymers such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Recently, the use of EG as a starting material for the production of bio-fuels or bio-chemicals is gaining attention as a sustainable process since EG can be derived from materials not competing with human food stocks including CO2, syngas, lignocellulolytic biomass, and PET waste. In order to design and construct microbial process for the conversion of EG to value-added chemicals, microbes capable of catabolizing EG such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Rhodococcus jostii, Ideonella sakaiensis, Paracoccus denitrificans, and Acetobacterium woodii are candidates of chassis for the construction of synthetic pathways. In this mini-review, we describe EG catabolic pathways and catabolic enzymes in these microbes, and further review recent advances in microbial conversion of EG to value-added chemicals by means of metabolic engineering.

Key points

• Ethylene glycol is a potential next-generation feedstock for sustainable industry.

• Microbial conversion of ethylene glycol to value-added chemicals is gaining attention.

• Ethylene glycol-utilizing microbes are useful as chassis for synthetic pathways.
Assessment of Fungal Lytic Enzymatic Extracts Produced Under Submerged Fermentation as Enhancers of Entomopathogens’ Biological Activity
Authors: Mejía Cindy , Bautista Eddy J. , García Lorena , Barrios Murcia Juan Carlos , Barrera Gloria
Published: June 2024

The application of enzymes in agricultural fields has been little explored. One potential application of fungal lytic enzymes (chitinases, lipases, and proteases) is as an additive to current biopesticides to increase their efficacy and reduce the time of mortality. For this, a screening of lytic overproducer fungi under submerged fermentation with a chemical-defined medium was performed. Then, the enzymatic crude extract (ECE) was concentrated and partially characterized. This characterization consisted of measuring the enzymatic activity (lipase, protease and, chitinase) and determining the enzyme stability after storage at temperatures of − 80, − 20 and, 4 °C. And lastly, the application of these concentrated enzymatic crude extracts (C-ECE) as an enhancer of spores-based fungal biopesticide was proven. Beauveria were not as good producers of lytic enzymes as the strains from Trichoderma and Metarhizium. The isolate M. robertsii Mt015 was selected for the co-production of chitinases and proteases; and the isolate T. harzianum Th180 for co-production of chitinases, lipases, and proteases. The C-ECE of Mt015 had a protease activity of 18.6 ± 1.1 U ml−1, chitinase activity of 0.28 ± 0.01 U ml−1, and no lipase activity. Meanwhile, the C-ECE of Th180 reached a chitinase activity of 0.75 U ml−1, lipase activity of 0.32 U ml−1, and protease activity of 0.24 U ml−1. Finally, an enhancing effect of the enzymatic extracts of M. robertsii (66.7%) and T. harzianum (43.5%) on the efficacy of B. bassiana Bv064 against Diatraea saccharalis larvae was observed. This work demonstrates the non-species-specific enhancing effect of enzymatic extracts on the insecticidal activity of conidial-based biopesticides, which constitutes a contribution to the improvement of biological control agents’ performance.
SUnSeT: spectral unmixing of hyperspectral images for phenotyping soybean seed traits
Authors: Jeong Seok Won , Lyu Jae Il , Jeong HwangWeon , Baek Jeongho , Moon Jung-Kyung , Lee Chaewon , Choi Myoung-Goo , Kim Kyoung-Hwan , Park Youn-Il
Published: June 2024

Key message

Hyperspectral features enable accurate classification of soybean seeds using linear discriminant analysis and GWAS for novel seed trait genes.

Evaluating crop seed traits such as size, shape, and color is crucial for assessing seed quality and improving agricultural productivity. The introduction of the SUnSet toolbox, which employs hyperspectral sensor-derived image analysis, addresses this necessity. In a validation test involving 420 seed accessions from the Korean Soybean Core Collections, the pixel purity index algorithm identified seed- specific hyperspectral endmembers to facilitate segmentation. Various metrics extracted from ventral and lateral side images facilitated the categorization of seeds into three size groups and four shape groups. Additionally, quantitative RGB triplets representing seven seed coat colors, averaged reflectance spectra, and pigment indices were acquired. Machine learning models, trained on a dataset comprising 420 accession seeds and 199 predictors encompassing seed size, shape, and reflectance spectra, achieved accuracy rates of 95.8% for linear discriminant analysis model. Furthermore, a genome-wide association study utilizing hyperspectral features uncovered associations between seed traits and genes governing seed pigmentation and shapes. This comprehensive approach underscores the effectiveness of SUnSet in advancing precision agriculture through meticulous seed trait analysis.
Investigations, management and outcome of neonates presenting with distal intestinal obstruction: challenging the need for contrast enemas
Authors: Wells Hannah , Bough Georgina , Stedman Francesca , Ekerin Abiola Rachel , Hall Nigel J.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To characterise the investigations, management and ultimate diagnosis of neonates with distal intestinal obstruction.

Methods

Retrospective review of term (> 37 weeks) neonates with admission diagnosis of distal intestinal obstruction over 10 years (2012–2022). Patient pathways were identified and associations between presentations, response to treatments and outcome investigated.

Results

A total of 124 neonates were identified and all included. Initial management was colonic irrigation in 108, contrast enema in 4, and laparotomy in 12. Of those responding to irrigations none underwent contrast enema. Ultimately, 22 neonates proceeded to laparotomy. Overall, 106 had a suction rectal biopsy and 41 had genetic testing for cystic fibrosis. Final diagnosis was Hirschsprung disease (HD) in 67, meconium ileus with cystic fibrosis (CF) in 9, meconium plug syndrome in 19 (including 3 with CF), intestinal atresia in 10 and no formal diagnosis in 17. Median length of neonatal unit stay was 11 days (7–19).

Conclusions

Initial management of neonates with distal bowel obstruction should be colonic irrigation since this is therapeutic in the majority and significantly reduces the need for contrast enema. These infants should all have suction rectal biopsy to investigate for HD unless another diagnosis is evident. If a meconium plug is passed, testing for CF is recommended. Evaluation and therapy are multimodal and time consuming, placing burden on resources and families.
Genome-wide DNA methylation status is a predictor of the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibodies in the second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer: Translational research of the EPIC trial
Authors: Ouchi Kota , Takahashi Shin , Sasaki Keiju , Yoshida Yuya , Taniguchi Sakura , Kasahara Yuki , Komine Keigo , Imai Hiroo , Saijo Ken , Shirota Hidekazu , Takahashi Masanobu , Ishioka Chikashi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The genome-wide DNA methylation status (GWMS) predicts of therapeutic response to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies in treating metastatic colorectal cancer. We verified the significance of GWMS as a predictive factor for the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibodies in the second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.

Methods

Clinical data were obtained from a prospective trial database, and a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed. GWMS was classified into high-methylated colorectal cancer (HMCC) and low-methylated colorectal cancer (LMCC). The patients were divided into subgroups according to the treatment arm (cetuximab plus irinotecan or irinotecan alone) and GWMS, and the clinical outcomes were compared between the subgroups.

Results

Of the 112 patients, 58 (51.8%) were in the cetuximab plus irinotecan arm, and 54 (48.2%) were in the irinotecan arm; 47 (42.0%) were in the HMCC, and 65 (58.0%) were in the LMCC group regarding GWMS. Compared with the LMCC group, the progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly shortened in the HMCC group in the cetuximab plus irinotecan arm (median 1.4 vs. 4.1 months, p = 0.001, hazard ratio = 2.56), whereas no significant differences were observed in the irinotecan arm. A multivariate analysis showed that GWMS was an independent predictor of PFS and overall survival (OS) in the cetuximab plus irinotecan arm (p = 0.002, p = 0.005, respectively), whereas GWMS did not contribute to either PFS or OS in the irinotecan arm.

Conclusions

GWMS was a predictive factor for the efficacy of anti-EGFR antibodies in the second-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer.
Genotypes and phenotypes of motor neuron disease: an update of the genetic landscape in Scotland
Authors: Leighton Danielle J. , Ansari Morad , Newton Judith , Cleary Elaine , Stephenson Laura , Beswick Emily , Carod Artal Javier , Davenport Richard , Duncan Callum , Gorrie George H. , Morrison Ian , Swingler Robert , Deary Ian J. , Porteous Mary , Chandran Siddharthan , Pal Suvankar ,   the Lothian Birth Cohorts Group, the CARE-MND Consortium, Bethell Andrew , Byrne Susan , Connor Myles , Craig Gillian , Dolezal Ondrej , Flett Moira , Gardiner Louise , Gill Jessica , Chau Isaac , Hatrick Janice , Johnson Micheala , Lassak Katja , Larraz Juan , Lennox Helen , MacDonald Pauline , Marshall Laura , McAleer Dympna , McEleney Alison , Millar Kitty , Murrie Louise , Perry David , Saravanan Gowri , Simpson David , Stewart Susan , Storey Dorothy , Stott Gill , Thompson David , Thornton Carol , Webber Carolyn , Wong Michael , Harris Sarah , Prendergast James , Russ Tom , Taylor Adele , Deary Ian
Published: June 2024

Background

Using the Clinical Audit Research and Evaluation of Motor Neuron Disease (CARE-MND) database and the Scottish Regenerative Neurology Tissue Bank, we aimed to outline the genetic epidemiology and phenotypes of an incident cohort of people with MND (pwMND) to gain a realistic impression of the genetic landscape and genotype–phenotype associations.

Methods

Phenotypic markers were identified from the CARE-MND platform. Sequence analysis of 48 genes was undertaken. Variants were classified using a structured evidence-based approach. Samples were also tested for C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansions using repeat-prime PCR methodology.

Results

339 pwMND donated a DNA sample: 44 (13.0%) fulfilled criteria for having a pathogenic variant/repeat expansion, 53.5% of those with a family history of MND and 9.3% of those without. The majority (30 (8.8%)) had a pathogenic C9orf72 repeat expansion, including two with intermediate expansions. Having a C9orf72 expansion was associated with a significantly lower Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioural ALS Screen ALS-Specific score (p = 0.0005). The known pathogenic SOD1 variant p.(Ile114Thr), frequently observed in the Scottish population, was detected in 9 (2.7%) of total cases but in 17.9% of familial cases. Rare variants were detected in FUS and NEK1. One individual carried both a C9orf72 expansion and SOD1 variant.

Conclusions

Our results provide an accurate summary of MND demographics and genetic epidemiology. We recommend early genetic testing of people with cognitive impairment to ensure that C9orf72 carriers are given the best opportunity for informed treatment planning. Scotland is enriched for the SOD1 p.(Ile114Thr) variant and this has significant implications with regards to future genetically-targeted treatments.
Short–term outcomes of heavyweight versus mediumweight synthetic mesh in a retrospective cohort of clean–contaminated and contaminated retromuscular ventral hernia repairs
Authors: Ellis Ryan C. , Maskal Sara M. , Messer Nir , Miller Benjamin T. , Petro Clayton C. , Prabhu Ajita S. , Rosen Michael J. , Zheng Xinyan , Beffa Lucas R. A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Mediumweight (40–60 g/m2) polypropylene (MWPP) mesh has been shown to be safe and effective in CDC class II–III retromuscular ventral hernia repairs (RMVHR). However, MWPP has the potential to fracture, and it is possible that heavyweight (> 75 g/m2) polypropylene mesh has similar outcomes in this context. However, there is limited data on HWPP mesh performance in clean-contaminated and contaminated scenarios. We aimed to compare HWPP to MWPP mesh in CDC class II–III wounds during open RMVHR.

Methods

The Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative database was retrospectively queried for a cohort of patients who underwent open RMVHR with MWPP or HWPP mesh placed in CDC class II/III wounds from 2012 to 2023. Mesh types were compared using a 3:1 propensity score-matched analysis. Covariates for matching included CDC classification, BMI, diabetes, smoking within 1 year, hernia, and mesh width. Primary outcome of interest included wound complications. Secondary outcomes included reoperations and readmissions at 30 days.

Results

A total of 1496 patients received MWPP or HWPP (1378 vs. 118, respectively) in contaminated RMVHR. After propensity score matching, 351 patients remained in the mediumweight and 117 in the heavyweight mesh group. There were no significant differences in surgical site infection (SSI) rates (13.4% vs. 14.5%, p = 0.877), including deep SSIs (0.3% vs. 0%, p = 1), surgical site occurrence rates (17.9% vs. 22.2%, p = 0.377), surgical site occurrence requiring procedural intervention (16% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.719), mesh removal (0.3% vs. 0%, p = 1), reoperations (4.6% vs. 2.6%, p = 0.428), or readmissions (12.3% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.504) at 30 days.

Conclusion

HWPP mesh was not associated with increased wound morbidity, mesh excisions, reoperations, or readmissions in the early postoperative period compared with MWPP mesh in open RMVHR for CDC II/III cases. Longer follow-up will be necessary to determine if HWPP mesh may be a suitable alternative to MWPP mesh in contaminated scenarios.
Deep learning model utilizing clinical data alone outperforms image-based model for hernia recurrence following abdominal wall reconstruction with long-term follow up
Authors: Wilson Hadley H. , Ma Chiyu , Ku Dau , Scarola Gregory T. , Augenstein Vedra A. , Colavita Paul D. , Heniford B. Todd
Published: June 2024

Background

Deep learning models (DLMs) using preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging have shown promise in predicting outcomes following abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR), including component separation, wound complications, and pulmonary failure. This study aimed to apply these methods in predicting hernia recurrence and to evaluate if incorporating additional clinical data would improve the DLM’s predictive ability.

Methods

Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained single-institution database. Those who underwent AWR with available preoperative CTs were included, and those with < 18 months of follow up were excluded. Patients were separated into a training (80%) set and a testing (20%) set. A DLM was trained on the images only, and another DLM was trained on demographics only: age, sex, BMI, diabetes, and history of tobacco use. A mixed-value DLM incorporated data from both. The DLMs were evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) in predicting recurrence.

Results

The models evaluated data from 190 AWR patients with a 14.7% recurrence rate after an average follow up of more than 7 years (mean ± SD: 86 ± 39 months; median [Q1, Q3]: 85.4 [56.1, 113.1]). Patients had a mean age of 57.5 ± 12.3 years and were majority (65.8%) female with a BMI of 34.2 ± 7.9 kg/m2. There were 28.9% with diabetes and 16.8% with a history of tobacco use. The AUCs for the imaging DLM, clinical DLM, and combined DLM were 0.500, 0.667, and 0.604, respectively.

Conclusions

The clinical-only DLM outperformed both the image-only DLM and the mixed-value DLM in predicting recurrence. While all three models were poorly predictive of recurrence, the clinical-only DLM was the most predictive. These findings may indicate that imaging characteristics are not as useful for predicting recurrence as they have been for other AWR outcomes. Further research should focus on understanding the imaging characteristics that are identified by these DLMs and expanding the demographic information incorporated in the clinical-only DLM to further enhance the predictive ability of this model.
Caries and white spot lesion trajectories of orthodontic patients across an observation period of 20 years
Authors: Ganss Carolina , Schulz-Weidner Nelly , Klaus Katharina , von Bremen Julia , Ruf Sabine , Bock Niko C.
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Fixed orthodontic appliances may increase the risk for caries and white spot lesions. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the long-term associations between both in orthodontic patients.

Materials and methods

103 patients aged 36.6 ± 6.5 years whose fixed appliance orthodontic treatment had finished at least 15 years ago were included. Current clinical data and photographs (T3), panoramic x-ray and photographs from before treatment (T0), after debonding (T1) and at 2-year follow-up (T2) were available. Parameters of interest were dentine caries, “Missing/Filled Teeth” (MFT), “White Spot Lesion” (WSL) index and “Periodontal Screening and Recording” index (PSR; T3 only).

Results

At T0, 30.4% had no caries experience decreasing to 25.6%, 22.4% and 6.8% at T1, T2 and T3 resp. The median MFT (95% CI) at T0, T1, T2 and T3 was 2 (1;3), 3 (2;4), 3 (2;4) and 7 (6;9) resp. increasing significantly at each time point (p < 0.001 each); 30.1% had WSL at debonding. Patients with caries experience at T0 had a 2.4-fold increased risk of WSL at debonding. Dentine caries, caries experience and WSL at T1 were significantly associated with incident caries at T2, but not at T3. PSR at T3 had a significant association with previous caries incidence and WSL.

Conclusions

Caries experience prior to orthodontic treatment may constitute a risk indicator for WSL, and caries experience and WSL at its end for caries incidence in the near term.

Clinical Relevance

Present caries and WSL may help identifying orthodontic patients with special need for prevention and counselling.
Strong Simple Policies for POMDPs
Authors: Winterer Leonore , Wimmer Ralf , Becker Bernd , Jansen Nils
Published: June 2024

The synthesis problem for partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) is to compute a policy that provably adheres to one or more specifications. Yet, the general problem is undecidable, and policies require full (and thus potentially unbounded) traces of execution history. To provide good approximations of such policies, POMDP agents often employ randomization over action choices. We consider the problem of computing simpler policies for POMDPs, and provide several approaches to still ensure their expressiveness. Key aspects are (1) the combination of an arbitrary number of specifications the policies need to adhere to, (2) a restricted form of randomization, and (3) a light-weight preprocessing of the POMDP model to encode memory. We provide a novel encoding as a mixed-integer linear program as baseline to solve the underlying problems. Our experiments demonstrate that the policies we obtain are more robust, smaller, and easier to implement for an engineer than those obtained from state-of-the-art POMDP solvers.
Few-shot learning for COVID-19 chest X-ray classification with imbalanced data: an inter vs. intra domain study
Authors: Galán-Cuenca Alejandro , Gallego Antonio Javier , Saval-Calvo Marcelo , Pertusa Antonio
Published: June 2024

Medical image datasets are essential for training models used in computer-aided diagnosis, treatment planning, and medical research. However, some challenges are associated with these datasets, including variability in data distribution, data scarcity, and transfer learning issues when using models pre-trained from generic images. This work studies the effect of these challenges at the intra- and inter-domain level in few-shot learning scenarios with severe data imbalance. For this, we propose a methodology based on Siamese neural networks in which a series of techniques are integrated to mitigate the effects of data scarcity and distribution imbalance. Specifically, different initialization and data augmentation methods are analyzed, and four adaptations to Siamese networks of solutions to deal with imbalanced data are introduced, including data balancing and weighted loss, both separately and combined, and with a different balance of pairing ratios. Moreover, we also assess the inference process considering four classifiers, namely Histogram, kNN, SVM, and Random Forest. Evaluation is performed on three chest X-ray datasets with annotated cases of both positive and negative COVID-19 diagnoses. The accuracy of each technique proposed for the Siamese architecture is analyzed separately. The results are compared to those obtained using equivalent methods on a state-of-the-art CNN, achieving an average F1 improvement of up to 3.6%, and up to 5.6% of F1 for intra-domain cases. We conclude that the introduced techniques offer promising improvements over the baseline in almost all cases and that the technique selection may vary depending on the amount of data available and the level of imbalance.
Q methodology and the sociotechnical perspective
Authors: Frank Muriel , Kohn Vanessa , Holten Roland
Published: June 2024

When studying information systems (IS) phenomena, scholars increasingly aim to take a socio-technical approach. This means that instead of focusing exclusively on the technical side, they also study them from a human perspective. An underrecognized yet powerful tool for examining the opinions and attitudes of individuals is the Q methodology because it makes subjective viewpoints on IS phenomena objectively measurable. Despite its benefits and wide application in other disciplines, the use of Q methodology in top IS journals is still rare. Based on a systematic literature review, this article explores the potential and fit of Q methodology within the sociotechnical systems framework. This analysis leads to two main insights. First, Q methodology enables the integration of the social and the technical component as well as instrumental and humanistic outcomes. Second, this qualiquantilogical technique enriches the understanding of IS phenomena by objectifying the approach to exploring subjective viewpoints. Thus, our work highlights the potential of the method for conducting IS research. And it also provides clear guidelines on how to use the method to uncover new patterns inherent in the data being studied.
Revealing agricultural land ownership concentration with cadastral and company network data
Authors: Jänicke Clemens , Müller Daniel
Published: June 2024

In many high-income countries, agricultural land is highly concentrated in a few hands, but detailed knowledge of ownership structures is limited. We examined land ownership structures and agricultural land concentration for the entire state of Brandenburg, Germany (1.3 million ha), using cadastral and company network data. Our aim was to characterise all landowners, analyse the degree of ownership concentration, and examine the role of the largest landowners in more detail. We found a high fragmentation of ownership among 185,000 different owners. Most of the land was owned by individuals not active in agriculture and only a third of the land was owned by farmers and other agricultural actors. Absentee ownership covered a quarter of the land. Ownership concentration was low to moderate in most regions and reached high levels in only a few areas. The largest owners were public institutions, private investors and nature protection institutions. Areas where public institutions owned a lot of land showed high concentrations, but also some areas where private landowners owned a lot of land. In summary, our analysis provides rare information on the concentration of agricultural land ownership in a large region. Such analysis facilitates better justification and design of policies that regulate agricultural land markets.
Ground-motion models for earthquakes occurring in the United Kingdom
Authors: Douglas John , Aldama-Bustos Guillermo , Tallett-Williams Sarah , Daví Manuela , Tromans Iain J.
Published: June 2024

This article presents models to predict median horizontal elastic response spectral accelerations for 5% damping from earthquakes with moment magnitudes ranging from 3.5 to 7.25 occurring in the United Kingdom. This model was derived using the hybrid stochastic-empirical method based on an existing ground-motion model for California and a stochastic model for the UK that was developed specifically for this purpose. The model is presented in two consistent formats, both for two distance metrics, with different target end-users. Firstly, we provide a complete logic tree with 162 branches, and associated weights, capturing epistemic uncertainties in the depth to the top of rupture, geometric spreading, anelastic path attenuation, site attenuation and stress drop, which is more likely to be used for research. The weights for these branches were derived using Bayesian updating of a priori weights from expert judgment. Secondly, we provide a backbone model with three and five branches corresponding to different percentiles, with corresponding weights, capturing the overall epistemic uncertainty, which is tailored for engineering applications. The derived models are compared with ground-motion observations, both instrumental and macroseismic, from the UK and surrounding region (northern France, Belgium, the Netherlands, western Germany and western Scandinavia). These comparisons show that the model is well-centred (low overall bias and no obvious trends with magnitude or distance) and that the branches capture the body and range of the technically defensible interpretations. In addition, comparisons with ground-motion models that have been previously used within seismic hazard assessments for the UK show that ground-motion predictions from the proposed model match those from previous models quite closely for most magnitudes and distances. The models are available as computer subroutines for ease of use.
Legal Status and Fertility Patterns: Regulation-Induced Disruption Among Previously Undocumented Immigrant Women in Italy
Authors: Molinari Rocco , Impicciatore Roberto , Ortensi Livia Elisa
Published: June 2024

We explore, using a unique survey dataset containing retrospective information on immigrants’ legal status, the relationship between previous irregular experience—from arrival up to the first residence permit achievement—and fertility patterns among non-EU immigrant women in Italy. While competing hypotheses explaining migrants’ fertility behaviour have been recurrently offered, there is a substantial lack of knowledge on the role of undocumented experience as a contextual barrier in shaping international migrants’ family formation processes. We adopt a life-course approach, employing event history analysis and Poisson regression modelling, to investigate how irregularity among immigrant women intertwines with the timing of the first childbirth and the total number of births occurred in Italy. We find that irregular experience—as a time-dependent process—delays the transition to childbirth post-migration. Furthermore, having experienced irregular status reduces completed fertility, offering few possibilities to catch-up over the life-course with fertility levels of women continuously having the legal status. Findings suggest long-lasting effects of irregular status and the potential disruption of migrant’s fertility induced by migration policies, admission systems, and regulation factors. The reduced possibility of legal entry channels and lack of migration policies for planning and managing migration into Italy may thus have an impact on family formation trajectories among international immigrant women.
Improving Soft Subgrade Stability Using a Novel Sustainable Activated Binder Derived from By-Products
Authors: Jwaida Zahraa , Dulaimi Anmar , Jafer Hassnen , Mydin Md Azree Othuman , Al-Khafaji Ruqayah , Bernardo Luís Filipe Almeida
Published: June 2024

Soft soil concerns, due to high compressibility and low bearing capacity, prompted an investigation into stabilizing clay soil. Traditionally, binder including cement or lime has been used as stabilizers though a current requirement of alternatives is stem from environmental concerns. The study focused on the viability of using a novel binary activated blended binder composed of environmentally friendly materials, namely ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) activated by cement kiln dust (CKD). The experimental work included investigating the impact of the developed binders on the Atterberg limits, standard Proctor compaction, California Bearing Ratio (CBR), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. CBR tests were conducted after 7 days of curing or soaking, while UCS and SEM analyses were conducted after 7 and 28 days of curing. A fixed binder ratio of 9% was maintained, with GGBS blended at 25%, 50%, and 75% with CKD. For comparison, samples of untreated and treated soils with unary binders from GGBS and CKD were also prepared. Results indicated that activated binders notably decreased soil plasticity and maximum dry density, while elevating optimum moisture content, CBR, and UCS, especially in later stages of treated soil and unary GGBS binder. Unary CKD binder exhibited a similar trend to activated binders. The activating of 25% GGBS with 75% CKD provided the optimum binder which increased the mechanical strengths by about 6 times than untreated soil. SEM revealed substantial formations of C-S-H and C-A-H gel, along with ettringite, intensifying with time. This research provides viable outcomes for stabilizing clay soil using environmentally friendly binders, demonstrating significant improvements in soil properties, particularly when using the binary activated blended binder consisting of GGBS and CKD.

Graphical Abstract
Local strain heterogeneity and damage mechanisms in zirconia particle-reinforced TRIP steel MMCs: in situ tensile testing with digital image processing
Authors: Qayyum Faisal , Chiu ChenChun , Tseng ShaoChen , Rustamov Umid , Berndorf Susanne , Shen Fuhui , Guk Sergey , Chao ChingKong , Prahl Ulrich
Published: June 2024

In this work, the microstructural deformation and damage mechanisms of TRIP steel metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with Magnesia Partially Stabilized Zirconia (Mg-PSZ) particles are investigated by employing in situ tensile testing within a scanning electron microscope chamber, complemented by digital image correlation and advanced image processing techniques. The study is carried out on samples with varied volume fractions (0%, 10%, and 20%) of zirconia particles and damage mechanisms in different samples under specified loading conditions. Through both qualitative and quantitative assessments of deformation, damage, and clustering, the investigation provides a comprehensive understanding of the distribution and damage initiation. The study findings reveal that, generally, the steel matrix exhibits high toughness, with minimal occurrences of microcracking at high strains that cause significant damage. In samples with increasing particle content, delamination at the matrix–particle interface and cracking of Mg-PSZ particles were found to be critical contributors to material failure and were quantitatively analyzed using computational analyses conducted with MATLAB. The work highlights the initiation and evolution of each damage mechanism in zirconia particle-reinforced TRIP steel MMCs to facilitate scientists and engineers in improving manufacturing and application decisions in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and heavy machinery, which demand materials with exceptional toughness and durability.

Graphical Abstract
FDI-6 inhibits VEGF-B expression in metastatic breast cancer: a combined in vitro and in silico study
Authors: Duzgun Zekeriya , Korkmaz Funda Demirtaş , Akgün Egemen
Published: June 2024

Angiogenesis is the process by which new blood vessels are formed to meet the oxygen and nutrient needs of tissues. This process is vitally important in many physiological and pathological conditions such as tumor growth, metastasis, and chronic inflammation. Although the relationship of FDI-6 compound with FOXM1 protein is well known in the literature, its relationship with angiogenesis is not adequately elucidated. This study investigates the relationship of FDI-6 with angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) protein expression alterations. Furthermore, the study aims to elucidate the in silico interaction of FDI-6 with the VEGFR1 protein, a key player in initiating the angiogenic process, which is activated through its binding with VEGF-B. Our results demonstrate a significant effect of FDI-6 on cell viability. Specifically, we determined that the IC50 value of FDI-6 in HUVEC cells after 24 h of treatment is 24.2 μM, and in MDA-MB-231 cells after 24 h of application, it is 10.8 μM. These findings suggest that the cytotoxic effect of FDI-6 varies depending on the cell type. In wound healing experiments, FDI-6 significantly suppressed wound closure in MDA-MB-231 cells but did not show a similar effect in HUVEC cells. This finding suggests FDI-6 may have potential cell-type-specific effects. Molecular docking studies reveal that FDI-6 exhibits a stronger interaction with the VEGFR1 protein compared to its inhibitor, a novel interaction not previously reported in the literature. Molecular dynamic simulation results demonstrate a stable interaction between FDI-6 and VEGFR1. This interaction suggests that FDI-6 might modulate mechanisms associated with angiogenesis. Our Western blot analysis results show regulatory effects of FDI-6 on the expression of the VEGF-B protein. We encourage exploration of FDI-6 as a potential therapeutic agent in pathological processes related to angiogenesis. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed examination of the relationship between FDI-6 and both the molecular interactions and protein expressions of VEGF-B. Our findings support FDI-6 as a potential therapeutic agent in pathological processes associated with angiogenesis.
A new approach to flood susceptibility analysis of urbanised alluvial fans: the case of Bursa City (Türkiye)
Authors: Corapci Furkan , Ozdemir Hasan
Published: June 2024

Floods stand out as one of the most significant disasters impacting human life, causing widespread economic and social damage across the globe. Numerous research studies have concentrated on comprehending the contributing factors of flooding. Despite the prevalence of morphometry-based basin flood susceptibility analyses in existing literature, a comprehensive examination that encompasses anthropogenic features in alluvial fans is notably lacking. This study aims to evaluate the flood susceptibility of alluvial fans and their catchments in urbanised areas, integrating individual and collective basin/fan (B/F) morphometry and land use characteristics with flood inventory data. The study area selected for this investigation is the basin and fan systems situated on the northern slope of the Uludağ Massif (2543 m), the highest point in the Marmara Region, northwestern Türkiye. Twelve basin morphometric parameters were applied to 5 m resolution Digital Elevation Model data, while six fan morphometric and anthropogenic parameters were applied to alluvial fans. In addition, the results were assessed using the Normalised Morphometric Flood Index method to mitigate subjectivity in result ranking. According to the integrated basin/fan flood susceptibility results obtained through bivariate analysis, B/F6 exhibits a very high susceptibility, while B/F1, B/F3, B/F2, B/F5, B/F4, and B11/F8 demonstrate high susceptibility. B7, 8, 9, 10/F7 display a moderate potential for generating floods. These findings align significantly with historical flood events in the basin/fan area.
Mission Design and Concept of Operations for the Lucy Mission
Authors: Olkin Catherine , Vincent Michael , Adam Coralie , Berry Kevin , Englander Jacob , Gray Sheila , Levison Hal , Salmon Julien , Spencer John , Stanbridge Dale , Sutter Brian
Published: June 2024

The Lucy mission is NASA’s 13th Discovery-class mission and the first mission to the Trojan asteroids. The spacecraft conducts flybys of 8 Trojan asteroids over the course of 12 years. A series of 3 Earth Gravity Assists are used to increase the aphelion of the spacecraft’s orbit and to target the final Trojan asteroid flyby. Over the course of 2 years the spacecraft conducts 4 flybys in the L4 swarm to explore 6 Trojan asteroids, which includes two small satellites. Near the end of the mission, Lucy flies past the near-equal size binary, Patroclus-Menoetius, in the L5 swarm. The concept of operations for the Trojan flybys invokes a standard timeline for spacecraft operations to allow a science sequence that is tailored to each Trojan asteroid. The concept of operations enables efficiency of observations and resiliency in the observing sequence to robustly meet the Lucy science requirements.
Temperature Measurements at Tyre Tread Rubber on Sandpaper Oscillatory Sliding Contacts Using Acicular Grindable Thermocouples
Authors: Nosko Oleksii , Tsybrii Yurii , Torrelio Arias Pablo Guillermo , Senatore Adolfo
Published: June 2024

The tribological performance of tyre–road contacts depends crucially on the contact temperature. This study investigates the reliability and accuracy of acicular grindable thermocouples possessing an original needle-shaped wearable part as applied to measuring temperature at the oscillatory sliding contact between a rubber tyre tread sample and a sandpaper. A linear oscillatory tribometer is used to imitate the sliding phase of tyre–road contact under mild friction conditions. It is shown that the acicular grindable thermocouple measurements are generally test–retest repeatable. Moreover, the thermocouple signal becomes more stable with increasing contact pressure. Compared to the conventional thermocouple technique, the acicular grindable thermocouple overestimates temperature at the rubber friction surface by about 23% due to involvements of its wearable part in friction with the sandpaper. The findings suggest an expansion of the acicular grindable thermocouple technique to full-scale experiments with tyres on the road.
Environmental thresholds for plant species richness of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) forests in Central Europe
Authors: Hrivnák Richard , Svitok Marek , Hegedüšová Vantarová Katarína , Jarolímek Ivan , Kochjarová Judita , Májeková Jana , Slezák Michal
Published: June 2024

The diversity of vascular plants in temperate floodplain forests varies between biogeographical regions of Europe. Our study aims to identify the key environmental drivers of plant species richness in forests dominated by black alder (Alnus glutinosa) in Central Europe with four regions: Pannonian lowland, Matricum as the southern part of the Western Carpathians, High Western Carpathians and Polish Plain. We analysed plant species richness and quantified 15 environmental characteristics (soil, climatic and landscape characteristics) in 140 vegetation plots (35 per region). We used model-based regression trees to test the influence of predictors on the richness of both native and alien species. The regression tree analysis identified eight significant variables controlling species richness in three regions and all bioregions together but found no significant predictor in Matricum. The analysis of the joint dataset indicates that native plant richness was controlled by the effects of catchment slope, soil reaction and precipitation of the warmest quarter. In contrast, the richness of alien species was influenced by the precipitation of the warmest quarter, soil phosphorous and temperature. The species richness of native plants in the High Western Carpathians was driven by soil reaction and the presence of artificial surfaces around the plots, while the richness trend in the Pannonain lowland was determined by annual temperature. Alien richness was affected by the proportion of agricultural areas in the High Western Carpathians, by the stream power index in the Polish Plain and by soil reaction in the Pannonian lowland. The explanatory power of the tree models ranged from 22 to 36%. Our results suggest that the predictability of the richness patterns is contingent upon the specific regions, which differ in the length of environmental gradients.
Osteosarcoma associated with cemento-osseous dysplasia: co-incidence or two related entities?
Authors: Indermun Suvarna , Titinchi Fadi , Alwan Julandi , Morkel Jean , Nortje Christoffel Johannes
Published: June 2024

Background

Osteosarcoma of the jaws is a rare primary malignant tumor of bone. The clinical, radiological and histopathological features of a case associated with cemento-osseous dysplasia is presented.

Case Report

A 57-year-old mixed-race female presented with a large, progressive, swelling of the right mandible. Radiographic examination revealed two associated lesions. Partially defined irregular radiopacities were noted in the left mandible, extending from the premolar to the molar region. The lesion had a cotton-wool appearance and resembled a fibro-osseous lesion; i.e. cemento-osseous dysplasia. A second large, expansive and irregular, radiopaque lesion was noted on the right angle of the mandible, extending beyond the inferior cortex of the mandible. The internal structure was heterogeneous and resembled irregular bone formation. The classic “sunburst” appearance of radiating bony spicules can be seen in the posterior–anterior view and the CBCT 3D reconstruction, indicating the outgrowth of the tumor matrix. Histopathological exam confirmed a final diagnosis of osteosarcoma closely associated with cemento-osseous dysplasia. The patient underwent a fludeoxyglucose-18 (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan which indicated metastasis in the left lung and increased uptake in the right mandible. Chemotherapy was initially administered with a plan to resect the tumor, however, the patient demised as a result of medical complications.

Conclusion

The question in the literature remains whether these two entities are coincidentally found or arise from each other. Nevertheless, it is important for clinicians to closely monitor patients with cemento-osseous dysplasia and biopsy any suspicious lesions that may develop into osteosarcoma.
An in-depth analysis of postoperative insomnia in elderly patients and its implications on rehabilitation
Authors: Wang Yuanqing , Wang Tianlong , Feng Shuai , Li Ning , Zhang Yimeng , Cheng Yueyang , Wu Hao , Zhan Shuqin
Published: June 2024

Objectives

(1) Assess the prevalence of postoperative insomnia; (2) identify the risk factors for postoperative insomnia before exposure to surgery; (3) explore the impact of postoperative insomnia on rehabilitation.

Methods

A study was conducted with 132 participants aged ≥ 65 undergoing spine interbody fusion. We collected the basic demographic data, Numeric Rating Scales (NRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). We measured Quality of Recovery 40 (QoR-40), GDS, BAI, NRS, and PSQI on the first and third nights post-surgery, followed by QoR-40 and NRS assessments two weeks after surgery.

Results

The cases of postoperative insomnia on the first and third nights and after two weeks were 81 (61.36%), 72 (54.55%), and 64 (48.48%), respectively, and the type of insomnia was not significantly different (P = 0.138). Sleep efficiency on the first night was 49.96% ± 23.51. On the first night of postoperative insomnia, 54 (66.67%) cases were depression or anxiety, and the PSQI was higher in this group than in the group without anxiety or depression (P < 0.001). PSQI, GDS, and the time of surgery were related factors for postoperative insomnia (PPSQI < 0.001, PGDS = 0.008, and PTime = 0.040). Postoperative rehabilitation showed differences between the insomnia and non-insomnia groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of postoperative insomnia in the elderly was high, and postoperative insomnia had a significant correlation with postoperative rehabilitation. Interventions that target risk factors may reduce the prevalence of postoperative insomnia and warrant further research.

Clinical Trial Registration

Multivariate analysis of postoperative insomnia in elderly patients with spinal surgery and its correlation with postoperative rehabilitation (https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=170201; #ChiCTR2200059827).