bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of carbon‐13 NMR to identify known natural products by querying a nuclear magnetic resonance database—An assessment
Authors: Nuzillard Jean‐Marc
Published: August 2023

The quick identification of known organic low molecular weight compounds, also known as structural dereplication, is a highly important task in the chemical profiling of natural resource extracts. To that end, a method that relies on carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, elaborated in earlier works of the author's research group, requires the availability of a dedicated database that establishes relationships between chemical structures, biological and chemical taxonomy, and spectroscopy. The construction of such a database, called acd_lotus, was reported earlier, and its usefulness was illustrated by only three examples. This article presents the results of structure searches carried out starting from 58 carbon‐13 NMR data sets recorded on compounds selected in the metabolomics section of the biological magnetic resonance bank (BMRB). Two compound retrieval methods were employed. The first one involves searching in the acd_lotus database using commercial software. The second one operates through the freely accessible web interface of the nmrshiftdb2 database, which includes the compounds present in acd_lotus and many others. The two structural dereplication methods have proved to be efficient and can be used together in a complementary way.
Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy: Exploration into current diagnostic aids and therapeutics
Authors: Ramakrishnan Pavithra , Dahiya Garima , Lindstrom Meghan , Thenappan Thenappan
Published: August 2023

Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is an under‐recognized cause of pulmonary hypertension and fulminant right ventricle failure. It is associated with a high mortality due to delay in diagnosis. We present two cases of PTTM, both diagnosed postmortem, highlighting the importance of timely identification and initiation of treatment for this near‐fatal condition.
Effects of subgrid‐scale turbulence parametrization on the representation of clear‐air turbulence using kilometre‐ to hectometre‐scale numerical simulations
Authors: Rogel Léo , Ricard Didier , Bazile Éric , Sandu Irina
Published: August 2023

A turbulence event arising in a jet exit region above the Belgium–Luxembourg area, determined from airliner in‐situ measurements, is reproduced using the meteorological models Application de la Recherche à l'Opérationnel à Méso‐Echelle (AROME) and Meso‐NH at horizontal resolutions of 1.3 km and 260 m. The behaviour of the subgrid turbulence scheme at 1.3 km and its sensitivity to various parameters are analysed, with results being evaluated using measurements. An increase of the vertical resolution around the tropopause levels with  m is shown to greatly enhance the turbulence representation. The use of a non‐local formulation of the mixing length in the current parametrization at 1.3 km allows reproduction of a turbulence signal in agreement with the observations. On the contrary, the use of a fully three‐dimensional formulation has no impact on the simulation at this resolution (1.3 km). Using the 260 m runs, this turbulence event is linked to hydrodynamical wind shear instabilities characterized by horizontal wavelength of 4.5 km, sub‐resolved at the operational resolution. At these small grid‐size scales, turbulence evolution and equation budgets reflect an equilibrium between dynamical production and turbulence dissipation, and highlight the importance of horizontal gradients. Subgrid turbulence intensities are assessed to be underestimated by the current parametrization at 1.3 km when compared with this high‐resolution reference simulation. Finally, different tests on the turbulence parametrization illustrate a transfer between resolved and subgrid kinetic energy in the model. This transfer stresses the importance of a trade‐off between mixing intensity and the representation of wind at resolved scales for the upper troposphere.
On‐line instrumental variable‐based feedforward tuning for non‐resetting motion tasks
Authors: Mooren Noud , Witvoet Gert , Oomen Tom
Published: August 2023

Data‐driven feedforward control for tracking of varying and non‐resetting point‐to‐point references requires continuous updating of feedforward parameters instead of task‐by‐task updating. The aim of this paper is to develop an adaptive feedforward controller for non‐resetting point‐to‐point motion tasks by a data‐driven feedforward controller. An approximate optimal instrumental variable (IV) estimator with real‐time bootstrapping is employed in a closed‐loop setting to update the feedforward parameters. A case study on a wafer‐stage and experimental validation on a benchmark motion system show the performance benefit.
Glutathione‐Titanate Nanosheets for the Adsorption of Lysozyme from Aqueous Solution: Kinetic, Isotherms, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Pan Junli , Sun Wenjie , Kang Didi , Xia Heying , Liu Dan
Published: August 2023

In this study, GSH‐γ‐MAPS‐TiNS nanosheets were prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectrometric (XPS), contact angle, and specific surface area (BET). The characterization results confirmed GSH‐γ‐MAPS‐TiNS have been successfully synthesized, and the nanosheets structure and satisfactory hydrophilicity have been obtained. The synthesized composites were applied for the adsorption of lysozyme from aqueous solution, and the effects of operation parameters on adsorption efficiency were optimized. The results of adsorption kinetics demonstrated that the process followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Moreover, the adsorption isotherm was well described by Freundlich model, which implied that multilayer adsorption occurred on prepared nanosheets for lysozyme adsorption. The negative values of Gibbs free energy change (ΔG°<0) demonstrated that lysozyme adsorption was a spontaneous process. The positive values of entropy change (ΔS°>0) implied that lysozyme adsorption was an increasing random process. Enthalpy change values were positive (ΔH°>0), indicated that lysozyme adsorption was endothermic. Furthermore, GSH‐γ‐MAPS‐TiNS was treated sequentially with MeOH for regeneration, achieving a high desorption percentage of 91.76 %. The intra‐batch and inter‐batch RSD values were determined to be 2.2 and 8.2 %, respectively. These results indicated that GSH‐γ‐MAPS‐TiNS have the potential ability for the adsorption of lysozyme from aqueous solution.
An empirical study to compare three web test automation approaches: NLP‐based, programmable, and capture&replay
Authors: Leotta Maurizio , Ricca Filippo , Marchetto Alessandro , Olianas Dario
Published: August 2023

A new advancement in test automation is the use of natural language processing (NLP) to generate test cases (or test scripts) from natural language text. NLP is innovative in this context and promises of reducing test cases creation time and simplifying understanding for “non‐developer” software testers as well. Recently, many vendors have launched on the market many proposals of NLP‐based tools and testing frameworks but their superiority has never been empirically validated. This paper investigates the adoption of NLP‐based test automation in the web context with a series of case studies conducted to compare the costs of the NLP testing approach—measured in terms of test cases development and test cases evolution—with respect to more consolidated approaches, that is, programmable (or script‐based) testing and capture&replay testing. The results of our study show that NLP‐based test automation appears to be competitive for small‐ to medium‐sized test suites such as those considered in our empirical study. It minimizes the total cumulative cost (development and evolution) and does not require software testers with programming skills.
The Gender–energy–poverty Nexus Under Review: A Longitudinal Study for Spain
Authors: Toro Francisca , Fernández-Vázquez Esteban , Serrano Mònica
Published: August 2023

Links between gender, poverty, and energy have been hinted at in many studies mainly focused on livelihood strategy and economic development of low income, showing that the consequences of energy poverty may vary between women and men mainly because women are more exposed to deal with energy-related activities. At the European Union, where more than 50 million people are unable to afford proper indoor thermal comfort, the main research constraint is the lack of publicly access to gender-disaggregated data on energy poverty. This chapter contributes to literature on the gender–energy–poverty nexus, providing a quantitative analysis of the gender differences in energy consumption from a longitudinal perspective to empirically support previous studies on the topic. We focus on Spain as a case study, by using longitudinal data from Spanish Household Budget Survey from 1998 to 2018. To better analyze the gender effects, we study the energy consumption patterns of female and male breadwinner households as well as female and male one-person households. We also apply an Ordinary Least Square regression model to analyze the significance of gender and expenditure level considering the expenditure on residential energy and transport fuels and controlling for other household characteristics.
Effects of Carbon Tax Redistribution Schemes on Energy Welfare of Households in Germany
Authors: Dobbins Audrey , Fahl Ulrich
Published: August 2023

Increasing carbon taxes have the potential to disproportionately affect lower income households, who lack the financial and decision-making capacity to undertake investments to shift the underlying energy system. Carbon tax redistribution schemes aim to equalise the negative impacts experienced especially in lower income households and tenants. Through the development of a dedicated energy system optimisation model, our assessment evaluated the distributional impacts of carbon tax redistribution schemes on the evolution of energy use, emissions and energy welfare in different household types in Germany.
Households’ Energy Demand and Carbon Taxation in Italy
Authors: Faiella Ivan , Lavecchia Luciano
Published: August 2023

Since the second half of 2021, Italian households have experienced a significant increase in energy prices. Nonetheless the relevance of this issue, information on energy use and how quantity reacts to price increases is still scant and with a very limited level of disaggregation. We propose a novel methodology to estimate the demand and elasticity of electricity, heating and private transport fuels by aligning the microdata of the Italian Household Budget Survey with several external sources. These estimates can be used to assess how energy expenditure weighs on vulnerable households and the effects of a carbon tax. A carbon tax would—as expected—raise significant revenues and curb CO2 emissions but it could also have sizable regressive effects. In order to limit these undesired effects and to increase social consensus, policymakers should devise a set of suitable revenue recycling strategies.
AMBRA1 phosphorylation by CDK1 and PLK1 regulates mitotic spindle orientation
Authors: Faienza Fiorella , Polverino Federica , Rajendraprasad Girish , Milletti Giacomo , Hu Zehan , Colella Barbara , Gargano Deborah , Strappazzon Flavie , Rizza Salvatore , Vistesen Mette Vixø , Luo Yonglun , Antonioli Manuela , Cianfanelli Valentina , Ferraina Caterina , Fimia Gian Maria , Filomeni Giuseppe , De Zio Daniela , Dengjel Joern , Barisic Marin , Guarguaglini Giulia , Di Bartolomeo Sabrina , Cecconi Francesco
Published: August 2023

AMBRA1 is a crucial factor for nervous system development, and its function has been mainly associated with autophagy. It has been also linked to cell proliferation control, through its ability to regulate c-Myc and D-type cyclins protein levels, thus regulating G1-S transition. However, it remains still unknown whether AMBRA1 is differentially regulated during the cell cycle, and if this pro-autophagy protein exerts a direct role in controlling mitosis too. Here we show that AMBRA1 is phosphorylated during mitosis on multiple sites by CDK1 and PLK1, two mitotic kinases. Moreover, we demonstrate that AMBRA1 phosphorylation at mitosis is required for a proper spindle function and orientation, driven by NUMA1 protein. Indeed, we show that the localization and/or dynamics of NUMA1 are strictly dependent on AMBRA1 presence, phosphorylation and binding ability. Since spindle orientation is critical for tissue morphogenesis and differentiation, our findings could account for an additional role of AMBRA1 in development and cancer ontogenesis.
Integrability in the Chiral Model of Magic Angles
Authors: Becker Simon , Humbert Tristan , Zworski Maciej
Published: August 2023

Magic angles in the chiral model of twisted bilayer graphene are parameters for which the chiral version of the Bistritzer–MacDonald Hamiltonian exhibits a flat band at energy zero. We compute the sums over powers of (complex) magic angles and use that to show that the set of magic angles is infinite. We also provide a new proof of the existence of the first real magic angle, showing also that the corresponding flat band has minimal multiplicity for the simplest possible choice of potentials satisfying all symmetries. These results indicate (though do not prove) a hidden integrability of the chiral model.
Rigorous Derivation of the Oberbeck–Boussinesq Approximation Revealing Unexpected Term
Authors: Bella Peter , Feireisl Eduard , Oschmann Florian
Published: August 2023

We consider a general compressible viscous and heat conducting fluid confined between two parallel plates and heated from the bottom. The time evolution of the fluid is described by the Navier–Stokes–Fourier system considered in the regime of low Mach and Froude numbers suitably interrelated. Surprisingly and differently to the case of Neumann boundary conditions for the temperature, the asymptotic limit is identified as the Oberbeck–Boussinesq system supplemented with non-local boundary conditions for the temperature deviation.
Leukocyte esterase and alpha-defensin in periprosthetic joint infection: predictive quality and correlation in a prospective study
Authors: Grünwald Leonard , Schmidutz Florian , Döttger Philipp , Erne Felix , Schreiner Anna Janine , Hemmann Philipp
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but serious complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). An accurate diagnosis of PJI preoperatively does not exist. Alpha-defensin (AD) is a proven and common indicator. The diagnostic marker of leukocyte esterase (LE) promises some advantages: feasibility, availability, and fast result reporting. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the predictive quality and correlation between both diagnostic tools in the diagnosis of PJI.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted between April 2018 and August 2022. All patients with suspicion of PJI on hip and knee joint were included and underwent a routine and standardized joint punction. For laboratory diagnostics of AD, the synovial liquid was analyzed by ELISA. The sample was additionally applied to a LE test strip (Combur 10 Test, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany).

Results

A total of 249 patients were examined (mean age 67.12 ± 11.89; gender distribution man/woman 139 (55.8%)/110(44.2%), hip/knee 71(28.5%)/178 (71.5%). According to EBJIS criteria, PJI was diagnosed in 54 (21.7%) patients. AD showed excellent results with an AUC of 0.930 (sensitivity/specificity 0.870/0.990). LE yielded very good results with an AUC of 0.820 (sensitivity/specificity 0.722/0.918). Both parameters showed a strong positive correlation.

Conclusion

LE is a rapidly available alternative in PJI diagnostics. The simultaneous determination of both markers may enhance diagnostic reliability. A routine usage may shorten the time from diagnosis to treatment of PJI.
Long-term home ranging in the large sea cucumber, Holothuria fuscopunctata
Authors: Purcell Steven W. , Rallings Sophie L. , Hammond Alison R.
Published: August 2023

Long-term movements of adult marine animals predicate spatial management measures. Sea cucumbers are intensely exploited worldwide, yet few studies have assessed their long-term movement potential. Elephant trunkfish, Holothuria (Microthele) fuscopunctata, is a large coral reef holothuroid. At four sites at Lizard Island, northern Great Barrier Reef, we photographically marked and georeferenced 36 H. fuscopunctata, ranging 1.4–5.1 kg in weight. In broader searches one year later, we recaptured 92% of the animals. Their displacements were comparable among sites and averaged 8.7 m yr−1. None of the movements could be characterised as nomadic; the maximum displacement was 21 m. Contrary to expectations, smaller animals tended to roam further than larger animals (p = 0.025). Our study shows that certain large-bodied sea cucumbers might not displace far over annual timescales. This empirical evidence of home ranging reshapes our understanding of echinoderm mobility and reveals a behaviour that would exacerbate Allee effects at low population densities.
Hyponatremia and other potential markers of ultrasound abnormalities after a first febrile urinary tract infection in children
Authors: González-Bertolín Isabel , Barbas Bernardos Guillermo , García Suarez Leire , López López Rosario , García Sánchez Paula , Bote Gascón Patricia , Calvo Cristina
Published: August 2023

Urinary tract infections are the initial manifestation in 30% of urinary tract malformations. Identifying these patients, who could benefit from a specific treatment, is still challenging. Hyponatremia during urinary tract infection has been proposed as a urinary tract malformation marker. We evaluate the prevalence of hyponatremia during febrile urinary tract infections and its association with subjacent urinary tract malformations. We performed a retrospective study of healthy patients under 16 years, diagnosed with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection, who had undergone blood testing in the acute episode and at least one renal ultrasound during follow-up (January 2014-November 2020). Hyponatremia was defined as (serum sodium ≤ 130 mEq/L). According to imaging findings, we classified patients into three groups: normal kidney ultrasound, mild pelviectasis, and significant urinary tract malformation. We performed logistic regression models to identify independent risk factors for urinary tract malformation and mild pelviectasis. We included 492 patients and 2.8% presented hyponatremia. We identified normal ultrasound in 77%, mild pelviectasis in 10.8%, and urinary tract malformation in 12% of patients. We found an association between mild pelviectasis and hyponatremia [OR 6.6 (CI95% 1.6–26.6)]. However, we found no association between hyponatremia and urinary tract malformation. The parameters that were associated with malformations were presenting a non-E. coli infection, C-reactive-protein levels over 80 mg/L, and bacteremia.

Conclusion: Hyponatremia during the first episode of febrile urinary tract infection is present in 2.8% of patients and is associated with mild pelviectasis in imaging. However, hyponatremia does not indicate a greater need for complementary tests to screen for urinary tract malformations.

What is Known:• Urinary tract infection is the first manifestation in 30% of children with urinary tract malformation.• Hyponatremia could be a marker to identify these children and guide the imaging approach.

What is New:• Around 12% of children with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection have a urinary tract malformation.• Non-E. coli infection, C-reactive protein levels over 80 mg/L, and bacteremia are markers for malformations to guide diagnostic imaging tests, but hyponatremia (Na ≤ 130 mEq/l) is not a reliable marker.
The promoting effects of GPR176 expression on proliferation, chemoresistance, lipogenesis and invasion of oesophageal cancer
Authors: Yun Wen-jing , Li Jun , Yin Nan-chang , Zhang Cong-yu , Cui Zheng-guo , Zhang Li , Zheng Hua-chuan
Published: August 2023

Purpose

As a member of the G-protein-coupled receptor 1 family, the G-protein-coupled receptor 176 (GPR176) gene encodes a glycosylated protein made up of 515 amino acids. The current study was performed to evaluate the impact of GPR176 on the clinicopathology and prognosis of oesophageal cancer, as well as uncover its molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Bioinformatics and clinical tissue samples were used to detect the expression and clinicopathological significance of GPR176 in oesophageal cancer. The expression, proliferation, migration and invasion, apoptosis and lipid droplet formation of GPR176 gene in oesophageal cancer were performed as phenotypic readouts.

Results

Here, RT-PCR and bioinformatic analyses revealed that GPR176 mRNA expression was significantly higher in oesophageal cancer than in normal mucosa (p < 0.05). GPR176 mRNA expression was associated with low weight and BMI, low T stage, low N and clinicopathological stage, low histological grade and favourable clinical outcome of oesophageal cancer (p < 0.05). The differential genes of GPR176 mRNA were involved in protein digestion and absorption, extracellular matrix constituent, endoplasmic reticulum lumen, among others (p < 0.05). GPR176-related genes were classified as being involved in oxidoreductase activity, actin and myosin complexes, lipid localisation and transport, among others (p < 0.05). GPR176 knockdown suppressed proliferation, anti-apoptotic and anti-pyroptotic properties, migration, invasion, chemoresistance and lipid droplet formation in oesophageal cancer cells (p < 0.05), while ACC1 and ACLY overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of GPR176 silencing on lipid droplet formation and chemoresistance.

Conclusion

These findings indicated that upregulated expression of GPR176 might be involved in oesophageal carcinogenesis and subsequent progression, aggressiveness, and induced chemoresistance by ACC1- and ACLY-mediated lipogenesis and lipid droplet assembly.
In vitro antineoplastic effects of MK0752 in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Varatanovic Sara , Stoiber Stefan , Haas Markus , Lein Alexander , Kadletz-Wanke Lorenz , Brkic Faris F.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Gamma-secretase inhibitor MK0752 has shown a high therapeutic potential in different solid malignant tumors. Up to now, its antineoplastic effects were not investigated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and particularly in human-papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumors.

Methods

We conducted cytotoxic, migration, and clonogenic assays in two HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines (Cal27 and FaDu) and one HPV-positive cell line (SCC154). Furthermore, in order to assess the pro-apoptotic effects of MK0752, a Caspase 3/7 Glo assay was performed.

Results

Our experiments revealed antineoplastic effects of MK0752 in all three cell lines. Strong cytotoxic and antimigratory potential was shown in all cell lines, with strongest effects observed in the HPV-positive cell line. Meanwhile, anticlonogenic effects were only shown in Cal27 and SCC154. Most importantly, MK0752 induced apoptosis solely in HPV-positive SCC154.

Conclusions

Our novel findings indicate a therapeutic potential of MK0752 in HPV-positive HNSCC. Indeed, further investigation is needed for validation of our results and for the assessment of the mechanistic background.
The combined signatures of G protein-coupled receptor family and immune landscape provide a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Chen Shengyue , Luo Xukai , Yang Baicai , Zhuang Jingming , Guo Jinshuai , Zhu Yingjie , Mo Jiahang
Published: August 2023

G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) are one of the largest surface receptor superfamilies, and many of them play essential roles in biological processes, including immune responses. In this study, we aim to construct a GPR- and tumor immune environment (TME-i)-associated risk signature to predict the prognosis of patients with endometrial carcinoma (EC). The GPR score was generated by applying univariate Cox regression and the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) Cox regression in succession. This involved identifying the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the Cancer Genome Atlas-Uterine Corpus Endometrioid Carcinoma (TCGA-UCEC) cohort. Simultaneously, the CIBERSORT algorithm was applied to identify the protective immune cells for TME score construction. Subsequently, we combined the GPR and TME scores to establish a GPR-TME classifier for conducting clinical prognosis assessments. Various functional annotation algorithms were used to conduct biological process analysis distinguished by GPR-TME subgroups. Furthermore, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to depict the tumor somatic mutations landscapes. Finally, we compared the immune-related molecules between GPR-TME subgroups and resorted to the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) for immunotherapy response prediction. The mRNA and protein expression of GPR-related gene P2RY14 were, respectively, validated by RT-PCR in clinical samples and HPA database. To conclude, our GPR-TME classifier may aid in predicting the EC patients’ prognosis and immunotherapy responses.
The use of hybrid operating rooms in neurosurgery, advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives: a systematic review
Authors: Gharios Maria , El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Frisk Henrik , Ohlsson Marcus , Omar Artur , Edström Erik , Elmi-Terander Adrian
Published: August 2023

Background

Hybrid operating rooms (hybrid-ORs) combine the functionalities of a conventional surgical theater with the advanced imaging technologies of a radiological suite. Hybrid-ORs are usually equipped with CBCT devices providing both 2D and 3D imaging capability that can be used for both interventional radiology and image guided surgical applications. Across all fields of surgery, the use of hybrid-ORs is gaining in traction, and neurosurgery is no exception. We hence aimed to comprehensively review the use of hybrid-ORs, the associated advantages, and disadvantages specific to the field of neurosurgery.

Materials and methods

Electronic databases were searched for all studies on hybrid-ORs from inception to May 2022. Findings of matching studies were pooled to strengthen the current body of evidence.

Results

Seventy-four studies were included in this review. Hybrid-ORs were mainly used in endovascular surgery (n = 41) and spine surgery (n = 33). Navigation systems were the most common additional technology employed along with the CBCT systems in the hybrid-ORs. Reported advantages of hybrid-ORs included immediate assessment of outcomes, reduced surgical revision rate, and the ability to perform combined open and endovascular procedures, among others. Concerns about increased radiation exposure and procedural time were some of the limitations mentioned.

Conclusion

In the field of neurosurgery, the use of hybrid-ORs for different applications is increasing. Hybrid-ORs provide preprocedure, intraprocedure, and end-of-procedure imaging capabilities, thereby increasing surgical precision, and reducing the need for postoperative imaging and correction surgeries. Despite these advantages, radiation exposure to patient and staff is an important concern.
Assessment of Membrane and Electrochemical Technologies for the Treatment of a Selenium-Bearing Mine water: Technology Performance and Effect on Toxicity and Bioaccumulation
Authors: Baghbanzadeh Mohammadali , Dillon Sylvain , Volchek Konstantin , Rickwood Carrie , Goulet Richard R.
Published: August 2023

Nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), electrodialysis (ED), and electrocoagulation (EC), were all tested at the bench scale for removing selenium (Se) from mine water. All of these technologies reduced the concentration of total Se from 216 µg/L (i.e. 120.1 µg/L of selenate; 59.1 µg/L of selenite, and 0.6 µg/L methyl-selenic acid) in the raw mine water to about 2 µg/L or less in the treated water, equivalent to more than 99% removal. Electrodialysis was found to be the most effective, removing more than 99.5% of the Se. The untreated mine water was toxic to algae. In contrast, RO and NF reduced the toxicity of the mine water, allowing algae to grow between 15,000 to 25,000 cells/mL, while ED and EC did not allow algal growth, likely due to complete removal of essential minerals (ED) or the presence of other contaminants (EC), such as copper. The Se speciation did not change as a result of membrane filtration; however, selenite in the effluent was almost fully transformed to selenate in the brines from the ED and EC treatment processes. The effluent treated by NF and EC generated seleno-cyanate at 0.37 and 1.01 µg/L, respectively. Further testing is recommended at the pilot-scale with the same mine water as well as different mine water.
A review of contrast-enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography for pancreatic solid tumors
Authors: Otsuka Yasuo , Kamata Ken
Published: August 2023

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is superior to other imaging modalities in the detection of pancreatic masses, although differentiating the types of pancreatic masses detected on EUS remains challenging. However, the value of contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS (CH-EUS) using ultrasound contrast agents for this differentiation has been reported. CH-EUS plays a pivotal role in analysis of small lesions that can only be detected with EUS. Recently, CH-EUS was used for staging and/or determining the resectability of pancreatic cancer in several clinical trials. In addition, it is used to estimate the response of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy and to determine the prognosis in cases of pancreatic cancer and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. It is also postulated that CH-EUS improves the diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNAB) through complementary diagnoses using CH-EUS and EUS-FNAB, or CH-EUS-guided EUS-FNAB. Thus, CH-EUS has been employed for various qualitative diagnoses, including differentiation of pancreatic masses. Second-generation contrast agents such as Sonazoid are used clinically for ultrasound diagnostic imaging of liver and breast disease. The positioning of CH-EUS with Sonazoid as a test for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic tumors is an issue for further studies.
Assessing resilience at different scales: from single assets to complex systems
Authors: Fuggini Clemente , Solari Celina , De Stefano Rita , Bolletta Fabio , De Maio Florencia Victoria
Published: August 2023

Nowadays, critical infrastructure and systems are getting more and more interconnected, while facing increasing and more intensive hazards: from man-made to natural ones, including those exacerbated by effects of the climate change. The demand for their robustness and resiliency against all these threats is finding ground to organizations or states’ ambitions, implementations, and policies. Moreover, their distributed network spanning from local areas to cities, from regions to cross-country extension, make them a target for malicious actions aimed to damage or even disrupt their critical supplied and therefore the availability of the service they deliver. The paper focuses on a review from an engineering perspective of past efforts (namely those related to the H2020 Secure Gas project) and provides evidence of application cases where the network/system dimension of the critical infrastructure is a key point to be taken into account and to be safeguarded. Finally, an outlook on future perspectives and potentials in the application of resilience at local, urban and territorial/national level is described, with incoming and emerging threats at local and global level.
“Every Day has Enough of Its Own Torment”—A Narrative Study of Life’s Greatest Challenge Among Men in Late Adulthood
Authors: Wängqvist Maria , Eriksson Py Liv
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate stories of life’s greatest challenge among men in late adulthood from a narrative and developmental perspective. The investigations focused on narrative processes and the content of challenge narratives in relation to satisfaction with life and generativity. Narrative processes were analyzed using existing frameworks (Eriksson et al. Identity 20:157–169, 2020). The study showed negative, neutral/vague, redemptive, and a combination of positive and negative emotional sequences, among which negative sequencing was the most common. An additional narrative theme, metareflections of challenges as part of life, involved the conclusion that hardship is simply part of what one may expect from life. Analyses of types of challenges revealed six categories and a secondary coding the adversity of the challenges. In contrast to expectations, redemptive sequencing was not associated with either higher satisfaction with life or generativity. The few differences that emerged in the subsequent analyses showed that participants whose challenges were coded as not expected and potentially disruptive had significantly lower satisfaction with life and lower mean age when the challenge occurred. In conclusion, the study demonstrated the saliency of the challenges’ timing and adversity. Negative framing was common in the challenge narratives of the men in late adulthood, without being negatively associated with satisfaction with life or generativity. The role of negative emotional sequencing in this study adds new perspectives to the emphasis on redemption and positive emotionality for well-being and generativity in later adulthood.
Qβ, Qc, Qi, Qs of the Gargano Promontory (Southern Italy)
Authors: Lucente Salvatore , Ninivaggi Teresa , de Lorenzo Salvatore , Del Pezzo Edoardo , Filippucci Marilena , Prosser Giacomo , Tallarico Andrea
Published: August 2023

We have provided the first estimate of scattering and intrinsic attenuation for the Gargano Promontory (Southern Italy) analyzing 190 local earthquakes with ML ranging from 1.0 to 2.8. To separate the intrinsic $${Q}_{i}$$

Q
i

and scattering $${Q}_{s}$$

Q
s

quality factors with the Wennerberg approach (1993), we have measured the direct S waves and coda quality factors ($${Q}_{\beta }$$

Q
β

, $${Q}_{c}$$

Q
c

) in the same volume of crust. $${Q}_{\beta }$$

Q
β

parameter is derived with the coda normalization method (Aki 1980) and $${Q}_{c}$$

Q
c

factor is derived with the coda envelope decay method (Sato 1977). We selected the coda envelope by performing an automatic picking procedure from $${T}_{\mathrm{start}}=1.5{T}_{S}$$

T
start

=
1.5

T
S

up to 30 s after origin time (lapse time $${T}_{L}$$

T
L

). All the obtained quality factors clearly increase with frequency. The $${Q}_{c}$$

Q
c

values correspond to those recently obtained for the area. The estimated $${Q}_{i}$$

Q
i

are comparable to the $${Q}_{c}$$

Q
c

at all frequencies and range between 100 and 1000. The $${Q}_{s}$$

Q
s

parameter shows higher values than $${Q}_{i}$$

Q
i

, except for 8 Hz, where the two estimates are closer. This implies a predominance of intrinsic attenuation over the scattering attenuation. Furthermore, the similarity between $${Q}_{i}$$

Q
i

and $${Q}_{c}$$

Q
c

allows us to interpret the high $${Q}_{c}$$

Q
c

anomaly previously found in the northern Gargano Promontory up to a depth of 24 km, as a volume of crust characterized by very low seismic dumping produced by conversion of seismic energy into heat. Moreover, most of the earthquake foci fall in high $${Q}_{i}$$

Q
i

areas, indicating lower level of anelastic dumping and a brittle behavior of rocks.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the trihelix transcription factor family in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) under abiotic stress
Authors: Zhao Yunyan , Liang Junchao , Wang Zhiqi , Yan Tingxian , Yan Xiaowen , Wei Wenliang , Le Meiwang , Sun Jian
Published: August 2023

Background

The plant trihelix gene family is among the earliest discovered transcription factor families, and it is vital in modulating light, plant growth, and stress responses.

Methods

The identification and characterization of trihelix family members in the sesame genome were analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and the expression patterns of sesame trihelix genes were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

There were 34 trihelix genes discovered in the genome of sesame, which were irregularly distributed among 10 linkage groups. Also, the genome contained 5 duplicate gene pairs. The 34 trihelix genes were divided into six sub-families through a phylogenetic study. A tissue-specific expression revealed that SiTH genes exhibited spatial expression patterns distinct from other trihelix genes in the same subfamily. The cis-element showed that the SiTHs gene promoter contained various elements associated with responses to hormones and multiple abiotic stresses. Additionally, the expression patterns of 8 SiTH genes in leaves under abiotic stresses demonstrated that all selected genes were significantly upregulated or downregulated at least once in the stress period. Furthermore, the SiTH4 gene was significantly induced in response to drought and salt stress, showing that SiTH genes may be engaged in the stress response mechanisms of sesame.

Conclusion

These findings establish a foundation for further investigation of the trihelix gene-mediated response to abiotic stress in sesame.
Immuno markers in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients underwent Stupp protocol after neurosurgery: a retrospective series
Authors: Gurrieri Lorena , Mercatali Laura , Ibrahim Toni , Fausti Valentina , Dall’Agata Monia , Riva Nada , Ranallo Nicoletta , Pasini Giuseppe , Tazzari Marcella , Foca Flavia , Bartolini Daniela , Riccioni Luca , Cavatorta Chiara , Morigi Federico Paolo , Bulgarelli Jenny , Cocchi Claudia , Ghini Virginia , Tosatto Luigino , Martinelli Giovanni , Pession Andrea , Ridolfi Laura
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The aims of our retrospective study investigated the role of immune system in glioblastoma (GBM), which is the most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults characterized by a poor prognosis. The recurrence rate remains high, probably due to “immune-desert” tumor microenvironment (TME) making GBM hidden from the anti-tumoral immune clearance. Considering this, we aimed to create a panel of prognostic markers from blood and tumor tissue correlating with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Methods

Firstly, we analyzed the inflammatory markers NLR and PLR as the ratio of the absolute neutrophil count and absolute platelet count by the absolute lymphocyte count respectively, collected at different time points in the peripheral blood of 95 patients. Furthermore, in 31 patients of the same cohort, we analyzed the formalin-fixed paraffin embedded samples to further compare the impact of circulating and inflammatory markers within the TME.

Results

Patients aged < 60 years and with methylated MGMT showed better OS. While, pre-chemotherapy Systemic Inflammatory Index (SII) < 480 was related to a better OS and PFS, we observed that only CD68+macrophage and CD66b+neutrophils expressed in vascular/perivascular area (V) showed a statistically significant prognostic role in median OS and PFS.

Conclusions

Thus, we underscored a role of SII as predictive value of response to STUPP protocol. Regarding the TME-related markers, we suggested to take into consideration for future studies with new immunotherapy combinations, each component relating to expression of immune infiltrating subsets.
Renormalized Von Neumann entropy with application to entanglement in genuine infinite dimensional systems
Authors: Gielerak Roman
Published: August 2023

A renormalized version of the von Neumann quantum entropy (which is finite and continuous in general, infinite dimensional case) which obeys several of the natural physical demands (as expected for a “good” measure of entanglement in the case of general quantum states describing bipartite and infinite-dimensional systems) is proposed. The renormalized quantum entropy is defined by the explicit use of the Fredholm determinants theory. To prove the main results on continuity and finiteness of the introduced renormalization, the fundamental Grothendick approach, which is based on the infinite dimensional Grassmann algebra theory, is applied. Several features of majorization theory are preserved under the introduced renormalization as it is proved in this paper. This fact allows to extend most of the known (mainly, in the context of two-partite, finite-dimensional quantum systems) results of the LOCC comparison theory to the case of genuine infinite-dimensional, two-partite quantum systems.
Conversion of waste biomass to designed and tailored activated chars with valuable properties for adsorption and electrochemical applications
Authors: Januszewicz Katarzyna , Kazimierski Paweł , Cymann-Sachajdak Anita , Hercel Paulina , Barczak Beata , Wilamowska-Zawłocka Monika , Kardaś Dariusz , Łuczak Justyna
Published: August 2023

Waste biomass, a renewable energy source, is inexpensive material that has great potential in sorption and electrochemical application. The selected waste materials (corncobs, coconut shells, walnuts, and pistachio husks) allow to close the production cycle and enable material recycling, which are important aspects in the hierarchy of waste management. The proposed methodology for production and activation of biochars can be used industrially due to highly porous structure, developed surface area, and sorption ability of the obtained activated carbons (AC). A significant increase (from 4 up to more than 10 times) in specific surface area (SSA) is observed for all samples after the CO2 activation process (0.5 h at 800 °C) up to 725 m2 g−1 for corncobs, 534.9 m2 g−1 for pistachio husks, 523 m2 g−1 for coconut shells, and 393 m2 g−1 for walnut husks. The highest value of SSA is achieved for the AC derived from corncobs. This material is evaluated for use as an adsorbent, revealing 99% removal of Rhodamine B (dye/AC ratio of 0.0017) and 69% removal of chromium (dye/AC ratio of 0.0028). Based on the adsorption kinetics analysis, it is demonstrated that the Cr(VI) undergoes physical adsorption, while RhB undergoes chemisorption. In addition, corncob-derived AC exhibits superior electrochemical performance in 6 M KOH compared to the nonactivated biochar. A specific capacitance of 70 F g−1 at 5 A g−1 is achieved, along with outstanding rate capability (45 F g−1 at 50 A g−1) and cycling stability (94% at 10 A g−1 after 10,000 cycles). In contrast, the nonactivated sample shows only 34 F g−1 at 5 A g−1 and 13 F g−1 at 50 A g−1, with a stability of 91.4%.
Playbacktheater als Instrument zum Konfliktmanagement
Authors: Schubbe Oliver
Published: August 2023

Playbacktheater ist eine Form des Improvisationstheaters, die sich aus Psychodrama, Stegreifspiel und mündlichen Erzähltraditionen entwickelt hat. Dieser Artikel der Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie beschreibt den Einsatz im Rahmen sozialen Konfliktmanagements. Es wird gezeigt, wie Rahmen, Regeln und Rituale des Playbacktheaters es Konfliktparteien erleichtern können, sich in einem moderierten Prozess zu begegnen, in dem Momente der Deeskalation, positive soziale Resonanz und verbindende Ideen entstehen können. Darüber hinaus wird die Möglichkeit diskutiert, traumatische Erfahrungen in einem solchen Rahmen aufzuarbeiten und zur Weiterentwicklung des kollektiven Selbstverständnisses von sozialen Gruppen beizutragen. Anhand von Beispielen aus Aufführungen wird die Befreiung von belastenden Geschichten gezeigt, und wie im Laufe der Aufführung ein thematischer „Roter Faden“ entsteht.
SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in children and adolescents with and without type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Karavanaki Kyriaki , Karanasios Spyridon , Soldatou Alexandra , Tsolia Maria
Published: August 2023

Adults with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have increased risk of severe clinical presentation during COVID-19 infection, while children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have the same mild clinical course as their healthy peers, especially those with optimal glycemic control. The present review focuses on the necessity of COVID-19 vaccination among children and adolescents with T1D, and also in their non-diabetic peers. The efficacy and safety of COVID-19 vaccines are also discussed, as well as their various side-effects, ranging from common mild to very rare and serious ones. Furthermore, the results of COVID-19 vaccination of adolescents with and without T1D are reported, as well as the efficacy and concerns about childhood vaccination. It is concluded that patients with DM of all age groups should maintain optimal diabetic control in order to avoid glycemic deterioration during COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, despite the very rare and serious complications of COVID-19 vaccines, vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended for children and adolescents with T1D to prevent glycemic deterioration and rare but serious complications of COVID-19 infection.
Management of adults with Alagille syndrome
Authors: Ayoub Mohammed D. , Bakhsh Ahmad A. , Vandriel Shannon M. , Keitel Verena , Kamath Binita M.
Published: August 2023

Alagille syndrome (ALGS) is a complex rare genetic disorder that involves multiple organ systems and is historically regarded as a disease of childhood. Since it is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner in 40% of patients, it carries many implications for genetic counselling of patients and screening of family members. In addition, the considerable variable expression and absence of a clear genotype–phenotype correlation, results in a diverse range of clinical manifestations, even in affected individuals within the same family. With recent therapeutic advancements in cholestasis treatment and the improved survival rates with liver transplantation (LT), many patients with ALGS survive into adulthood. Although LT is curative for liver disease secondary to ALGS, complications secondary to extrahepatic involvement remain problematic lifelong. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive review of ALGS to adult clinicians who will take over the medical care of these patients following transition, with particular focus on certain aspects of the condition that require lifelong surveillance. We also provide a diagnostic framework for adult patients with suspected ALGS and highlight key aspects to consider when determining eligibility for LT in patients with this syndrome.
A Nonparametric Bootstrap Method for Heteroscedastic Functional Data
Authors: Fernández-Casal Rubén , Castillo-Páez Sergio , Flores Miguel
Published: August 2023

The objective is to provide a nonparametric bootstrap method for functional data that consists of independent realizations of a continuous one-dimensional process. The process is assumed to be nonstationary, with a functional mean and a functional variance, and dependent. The resampling method is based on nonparametric estimates of the model components. Numerical studies were conducted to check the performance of the proposed procedure, by approximating the bias and the standard error of two estimators. A practical application of the proposed approach to pollution data has also been included. Specifically, it is employed to make inference about the annual trend of ground-level ozone concentration at Yarner Wood monitoring station in the United Kingdom. Supplementary material to this paper is provided online.