bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relocation of 3 April 2017 Moiyabana Earthquake in Botswana Using Seismological Data from Local Network of Autonomously Recording Seismographs and International Monitoring System Stations
Authors: Simon Rapelang E. , King J. G. , Moffat L. C. , Moidaki M. D. , Kwadiba M. T. O. , Jackson K. G. , Ntibinyane O. , Ranganai R. T.
Published: March 2024

On the 3rd April 2017 a widely felt Moiyabana earthquake shook Botswana and the rest of southern Africa. Previous Moiyabana earthquake locations used mainly teleseismic or regional seismograms; and/or non-seismic methods which include Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), and magnetotelluric (MT). These results did not agree, as evidenced by the depth of the earthquake that ranged from zero to 30 km (i.e. indicating either a man-made event or a natural event); thus motivating us to re-assess the location parameters. Unfiltered seismic waveform data from the recent project of the Network of Autonomously Recording Seismographs (NARS) in Botswana was complimented with stations from the International Monitoring System (IMS) to relocate the event. Relocated parameters are origin time, epicentre, focal depth, and magnitude. Geotool software from the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and the Regional Seismic Travel Time model (RSTT) were used to process vertical components waveforms from 9 NARS and 32 IMS stations. Geotool results are: earthquake epicentre (22.645 °S: 25.220 °E); origin time of 17:40:16.9 (UTC); hypocentral depth range of 22 to 24 km; body magnitude (mb) and local magnitude (ml) of 6.3 ± 0.6 and 6.0 ± 0.8, respectively. RSTT results are: earthquake epicentre (22.667 °S: 25.257 °E); origin time of 17:40:16.95 (UTC); hypocentral depth of 25 km; and mb of 6.65 ± 0.03. The seismological location parameters from Geotool and RSTT, agree very well within experimental uncertainties with the non-seismic geophysical methods.
Monitoring climatic impacts on the moisture uptake of the first Swiss wildlife bridge made of wood
Authors: Ghazi Wakili Karim , Schiere Marcus , Bonifacio Sébastien , Kauz Ulrich , Maurer Jan , Rüegsegger Lukas , Müller Andreas
Published: March 2024

Wildlife bridges represent a major component of any sustainable strategy to counteract the negative consequences of cutting the natural habitat of wildlife into disconnected parts by motorways and rail. This is especially true for a small and densely populated country such as Switzerland with diverse wildlife scattered through its territory. Up to now all wildlife bridges in Switzerland have been made of concrete with steel reinforcement. The wildlife bridge under investigation here is the first one in Switzerland made of wood-based materials. The idea of building a wildlife bridge by using wood-based materials represents besides a challenging technological endeavor also an ecological progress regarding embodied energy. A further advantage which resulted after realizing the construction, was the short interruption time it needed for installation on a motorway in operation. The most urgent question with respect to the wood-based elements is their moisture uptake when subjected to weather conditions. The present paper reports on a long-term monitoring of this wooden wildlife bridge over a period of approximately 2 years. Different kind of sensors, data from a nearby meteorological station, data regarding hourly number of different kind of vehicles passing beneath the wildlife bridge as well as lab measurements have been used to enable a robust and reliable statement on wooden wildlife bridges subjected to Swiss flatland weather conditions.
Black yeasts in hypersaline conditions
Authors: Gostinčar Cene , Gunde-Cimerman Nina
Published: March 2024

Extremotolerant and extremophilic fungi are an important part of microbial communities that thrive in extreme environments. Among them, the black yeasts are particularly adaptable. They use their melanized cell walls and versatile morphology, as well as a complex set of molecular adaptations, to survive in conditions that are lethal to most other species. In contrast to extremophilic bacteria and archaea, these fungi are typically extremotolerant rather than extremophilic and exhibit an unusually wide ecological amplitude. Some extremely halotolerant black yeasts can grow in near-saturated NaCl solutions, but can also grow on normal mycological media. They adapt to the low water activity caused by high salt concentrations by sensing their environment, balancing osmotic pressure by accumulating compatible solutes, removing toxic salt ions from the cell using membrane transporters, altering membrane composition and remodelling the highly melanized cell wall. As protection against extreme conditions, halotolerant black yeasts also develop different morphologies, from yeast-like to meristematic. Genomic studies of black yeasts have revealed a variety of reproductive strategies, from clonality to intense recombination and the formation of stable hybrids. Although a comprehensive understanding of the ecological role and molecular adaptations of halotolerant black yeasts remains elusive and the application of many experimental methods is challenging due to their slow growth and recalcitrant cell walls, much progress has been made in deciphering their halotolerance. Advances in molecular tools and genomics are once again accelerating the research of black yeasts, promising further insights into their survival strategies and the molecular basis of their adaptations.

Key points

• Black yeasts show remarkable adaptability to environmental stress

• Black yeasts are part of microbial communities in hypersaline environments

• Halotolerant black yeasts utilise various molecular and morphological adaptations
PbS QDs and rGO-decorated PbS QDs induced optical properties variations on P3HT:PC61BM composite thin films
Authors: El-Khalawany L. M. , Zidan T. A. , Zedan I. T. , El-Menyawy E. M.
Published: March 2024

PbS QDs and PbS QDs decorated with reduced graphene (rGO) are prepared by hot-injection method using PbO and hexamethyldisilathiane (HMDS) as Pb and S sources, respectively. PbS QDs and PbS QDs:rGO are used as an addition to poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC61BM) composite. The effect of their addition on the morphological, topographical and optical properties of spin-coated P3HT:PC61BM thin films are investigated. These additions tune the films to be more homogenous and more flatness as investigated in terms of field scanning electron microscope. The topographical properties of the films are explored by atomic force microscope. The results show decreasing in the grain size and the surface roughness in P3HT:PbSQDs:PC61BM film compared to other composites films. The optical properties of the films are studied over the spectral range 200–2500 nm. On one hand, the absorption coefficient of different films is computed and the optical band gap of the films is found to decrease after addition of PbS QDs and PbS QDs:rGO. On the other hand, the refractive index of the films is explained according to the single-oscillator model to get the dispersion parameters. In addition, the lattice dielectric constant and the ratio of the free-carriers concertation to their effective mass are evaluated.
Regional lymph node evaluation in pediatric conventional melanoma subtype: a single-center 10-year review
Authors: Sutthatarn Pattamon , Davidoff Andrew M. , Bahrami Armita , Richard Celine , Shalini Bhatia , Santiago Teresa C. , Shulkin Barry L. , Pappo Alberto S. , Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To assess the prognostic and therapeutic significance of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in pediatric conventional melanoma (CM), while evaluating potential predictive factors for outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records spanning 2009–2020, focusing on patients aged 18 or younger with localized cutaneous conventional melanoma.

Results

Among the 33 patients, SLNB detected metastasis in 57.6% of cases, with 52.6% undergoing CLND. Positive SLN patients had higher relapse risk (HR 5.92; 95% CI 1.27–27.7; P = 0.024) but similar overall survival (HR 3.19; 95% CI 0.31–33.1, P = 0.33).

No significant differences in disease-free survival (DFS) and OS were found between patients who underwent CLND and those who did not (HR 1.91; 95% CI 0.49–7.43, P = 0.35, and HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.03–8.32, P = 0.64, respectively). Univariate analysis showed age at diagnosis (P = 0.02) correlated with higher recurrence risk, with a 21% hazard increase per additional year of age.

Conclusions

Positive SLN status and age at diagnosis were associated with worse DFS in CM patients. Our study did not find any prognostic or therapeutic value in CLND for pediatric melanoma. Further multicenter trials are needed to confirm our single-institution experience.

Level of evidence

Level IV.
Symptoms and signs did not predict outcome after surgery: a prospective study of 143 patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Andrén Kerstin , Wikkelsø Carsten , Laurell Katarina , Kollén Lena , Hellström Per , Tullberg Mats
Published: March 2024

Objective

To determine the utility of symptoms, signs, comorbidities and background variables for the prediction of outcome of treatment in iNPH.

Methods

A prospective observational study of consecutively included iNPH patients, who underwent neurological, physiotherapeutic and neuropsychological assessments before and after shunt surgery. The primary outcome measure was the total change on the iNPH scale, and patients were defined as improved postoperatively if they had improved by at least five points on that scale.

Results

143 iNPH patients were included, and 73% of those were improved after surgery. None of the examined symptoms or signs could predict which patients would improve after shunt surgery. A dominant subjective complaint of memory problems at baseline was predictive of non-improvement. The reported comorbidities, duration of symptoms and BMI were the same in improved and non-improved patients. Each of the symptom domains (gait, neuropsychology, balance, and continence) as well as the total iNPH scale score improved significantly (from median 53 to 69, p < 0.001). The proportions of patients with shuffling gait, broad-based gait, paratonic rigidity and retropulsion all decreased significantly.

Discussion

This study confirms that the recorded clinical signs, symptoms, and impairments in the adopted clinical tests are characteristic findings in iNPH, based on that most of them improved after shunt surgery. However, our clinical data did not enable predictions of whether patients would respond to shunt surgery, indicating that the phenotype is unrelated to the reversibility of the iNPH state and should mainly support diagnosis. Absence of specific signs should not be used to exclude patients from treatment.
Placing vacuum sponges in esophageal anastomotic leaks — how we do it
Authors: Hentschel Florian , Mollenhauer Götz , Siemssen Björn , Paasch Christoph , Mantke René , Lüth Stefan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Endoluminal vacuum sponge therapy has dramatically improved the treatment of anastomotic leaks in esophageal surgery. However, the blind insertion of vacuum sponge kits like Eso-Sponge® via an overtube and a pusher can be technically difficult.

Methods

We therefore insert our sponges under direct visual control by a nonstandard “piggyback” technique that was initially developed for the self-made sponge systems preceding these commercially available kits.

Results

Using this technique, we inserted or changed 56 Eso-Sponges® in seven patients between 2018 and 2023. Apart from one secondary sponge dislocation, no intraprocedural complications were encountered. One patient died due to unrelated reasons. In all others, the defects healed and they were dismissed from the hospital. Long-term follow-up showed three strictures that were successfully treated by dilatation.

Conclusion

We conclude that sponge placement via piggyback technique is a fast, safe, and successful alternative to the standard method of insertion.
Dr. Google to Dr. ChatGPT: assessing the content and quality of artificial intelligence-generated medical information on appendicitis
Authors: Ghanem Yazid K. , Rouhi Armaun D. , Al-Houssan Ammr , Saleh Zena , Moccia Matthew C. , Joshi Hansa , Dumon Kristoffel R. , Hong Young , Spitz Francis , Joshi Amit R. , Kwiatt Michael
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have recently been posited as potential sources of online medical information for patients making medical decisions. Existing online patient-oriented medical information has repeatedly been shown to be of variable quality and difficult readability. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the content and quality of AI-generated medical information on acute appendicitis.

Methods

A modified DISCERN assessment tool, comprising 16 distinct criteria each scored on a 5-point Likert scale (score range 16–80), was used to assess AI-generated content. Readability was determined using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) scores. Four popular chatbots, ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Claude-2, were prompted to generate medical information about appendicitis. Three investigators independently scored the generated texts blinded to the identity of the AI platforms.

Results

ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Claude-2 had overall mean (SD) quality scores of 60.7 (1.2), 62.0 (1.0), 62.3 (1.2), and 51.3 (2.3), respectively, on a scale of 16–80. Inter-rater reliability was 0.81, 0.75, 0.81, and 0.72, respectively, indicating substantial agreement. Claude-2 demonstrated a significantly lower mean quality score compared to ChatGPT-4 (p = 0.001), ChatGPT-3.5 (p = 0.005), and Bard (p = 0.001). Bard was the only AI platform that listed verifiable sources, while Claude-2 provided fabricated sources. All chatbots except for Claude-2 advised readers to consult a physician if experiencing symptoms. Regarding readability, FKGL and FRE scores of ChatGPT-3.5, ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Claude-2 were 14.6 and 23.8, 11.9 and 33.9, 8.6 and 52.8, 11.0 and 36.6, respectively, indicating difficulty readability at a college reading skill level.

Conclusion

AI-generated medical information on appendicitis scored favorably upon quality assessment, but most either fabricated sources or did not provide any altogether. Additionally, overall readability far exceeded recommended levels for the public. Generative AI platforms demonstrate measured potential for patient education and engagement about appendicitis.
Nachhaltige Entwicklungsziele und die Kreislaufwirtschaft: Bewertung von Handlungsoptionen
Authors: Allesch A. , Rossegger C. , Griebler A. , Schrack D. , Hansen E. G. , Kreiner H. , Langergraber G.
Published: March 2024

Die UN-Agenda 2030 für nachhaltige Entwicklung bietet einen gemeinsamen Plan für Frieden und Wohlstand für die Menschen und den Planeten. Im Mittelpunkt stehen die 17 Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs), die einen dringenden Aufruf zum Handeln aller Länder darstellen. In Österreich haben sich dazu aktuell 23 Partnerorganisationen (Universitäten, Fachhochschulen etc.) zu einer Plattform zusammengeschlossen, um im Rahmen des Projekts UniNEtZ die SDGs systematisch zu betrachten und Handlungsempfehlungen zur Realisierung der SDGs in Österreich abzugeben. Im Rahmen dieses Beitrags werden ausgewählte, im Projekt UniNEtZ entwickelte Optionen aus dem Bereich der Abfall- und Kreislaufwirtschaft beschrieben und deren Interaktion mit den SDG-Unterzielen aufgezeigt und diskutiert. Generell zeigt sich, dass sich eine nachhaltige Entwicklung nur dann erreichen lässt, wenn das Prinzip der Unteilbarkeit von wirtschaftlichem Wohlstand, ökologischer Nachhaltigkeit, sozialem Fortschritt und wirksamer demokratischer Regierungsführung berücksichtigt wird. Interdisziplinäres Denken und Arbeiten ist daher unerlässlich und muss für eine nachhaltige Entwicklung zur Selbstverständlichkeit werden.
The 90% effective concentration of alfentanil combined with 0.075% ropivacaine for epidural labor analgesia: a single-center, prospective, double-blind sequential allocation biased-coin design
Authors: Jia Chang , Zou Bin , Sun Ying-Jie , Han Bo , Diao Yu-Gang , Li Ya-Ting , Cao Hui-Juan
Published: March 2024

Purpose

More literature studies have reported that alfentanil is safe and effective for labor analgesia. However, there is no unified consensus on the optimal dosage of alfentanil used for epidural analgesia. This study explored the concentration at 90% of minimum effective concentration (EC90) of alfentanil combined with 0.075% ropivacaine in patients undergoing epidural labor analgesia to infer reasonable drug compatibility and provide guidance for clinical practice.

Methods

In this prospective, single-center, double-blind study, a total of 45 singleton term primiparas with vaginal delivery who volunteered for epidural labor analgesia were recruited. The first maternal was administered with 3 μg/mL alfentanil combined with 0.075% ropivacaine with the infusion of 10 mL of the mixture every 50 min at a background dose of 3 mL/h. In the absence of PCEA, a total of 15 mL of the mixture is injected per hour. The subsequent alfentanil concentration was determined on the block efficacy of the previous case, using an up-down sequential allocation with a bias-coin design. 30 min after epidural labor analgesia, the block of patient failed with visual analog score (VAS) > 3, the alfentanil concentration was increased in a 0.5 μg/mL gradient for the next patient, while the block was successful with VAS ≤ 3, the alfentanil concentration was remained or decreased in a gradient according to a randomized response list for the next patient. EC90 and 95% confidence interval were calculated by linear interpolation and prediction model with R statistical software.

Results

In this study, the estimated EC90 of alfentanil was 3.85 μg/mL (95% confidence interval, 3.64–4.28 μg/mL).

Conclusion

When combined with ropivacaine 0.075%, the EC90 of alfentanil for epidural labor analgesia is 3.85 μg/mL in patients undergoing labor analgesia.
Occurrence and relevance of Mycoplasma sturni in free ranging barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) in Germany
Authors: Klostermann Theresa Sophie , Kramer Lea , Möller Palau-Ribes Franca , Lierz Michael
Published: March 2024

In poultry industry, mycoplasmas cause large economic losses. The pathogenic significance of mycoplasmas varies widely between species. In birds where vocalization is crucial for reproductive success, mycoplasmas seem to be absent. Birds with high mycoplasma prevalence like birds of prey and storks do not rely on their vocalization for reproduction. Corvids with an intermediate prevalence use other strategies besides vocalization for mating. It is hypothesized that mycoplasma prevalence and vocalization used for reproduction is evolutionary related. Barn swallows have two traits relevant for mating: tail feather length and vocalization. An intermediate prevalence is expected. Little is known about mycoplasmas in barn swallows and their role as vector or reservoir for poultry pathogenic mycoplasmas. This study investigates the prevalence of mycoplasmas in barn swallows and their relevance for mycoplasma transmission to poultry. Choanal swabs from 188 healthy barn swallow nestlings of 59 different nests from ten different colonies on farms were examined for mycoplasmas by cultivation and genus-specific PCR including molecular biological differentiation of the species. In total, in 31 of 188 barn swallows (16.49%) and in 14 of the 59 nests (23.73%), mycoplasmas were detected. The occurrence of mycoplasmas per colony ranged from 0 to 50% independent of poultry being kept on the farm. In all positive samples, Mycoplasma sturni was identified. Mycoplasma sturni seems not to be an obligatory pathogen for barn swallows and occurs with an expected intermediate prevalence in them, so the results support the described hypothesis and underline a minor role of barn swallows for mycoplasma infection in poultry.
The Brief Solastalgia Scale: A Psychometric Evaluation and Revision
Authors: Christensen Bruce K. , Monaghan Conal , Stanley Samantha K. , Walker Iain , Leviston Zoe , Macleod Emily , Rodney Rachael M. , Greenwood Lisa-Marie , Heffernan Timothy , Evans Olivia , Sutherland Stewart , Reynolds Julia , Calear Alison L. , Kurz Tim , Lane Jo
Published: March 2024

Witnessing degradation and loss to one’s home environment can cause the negative emotional experience of solastalgia. We review the psychometric properties of the 9-item Solastalgia subscale from the Environmental Distress Scale (Higginbotham et al. (EcoHealth 3:245–254, 2006)). Using data collected from three large, independent, adult samples (N = 4229), who were surveyed soon after the 2019/20 Australian bushfires, factor analyses confirmed the scale’s unidimensionality, while analyses derived from Item Response Theory highlighted the poor psychometric performance and redundant content of specific items. Consequently, we recommend a short-form scale consisting of five items. This Brief Solastalgia Scale (BSS) yielded excellent model fit and internal consistency in both the initial and cross-validation samples. The BSS and its parent version provide very similar patterns of associations with demographic, health, life satisfaction, climate emotion, and nature connectedness variables. Finally, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated comparable construct architecture (i.e. configural, metric, and scalar invariance) across validation samples, gender categories, and age. As individuals and communities increasingly confront and cope with climate change and its consequences, understanding related emotional impacts is crucial. The BSS promises to aid researchers, decision makers, and practitioners to understand and support those affected by negative environmental change.
Of lakes and knowledges: between disciplinary enclosures and the pursuit of “full transdisciplinarity”
Authors: Castro Jose Esteban
Published: March 2024

The article discusses the challenges and opportunities facing interdisciplinary attempts to produce knowledge about water and lake-related processes. It examines key aspects of the long-standing debates on this topic and discusses the state of the art providing empirical examples. The article argues that, notwithstanding the significant progress achieved in disciplines and fields of knowledge relevant to water-related research, the development of interdisciplinary coordination, particularly between the physical–natural and the social sciences remains underdeveloped. However, the fact that the extreme global crisis affecting water and life in the planet, more generally, has a primarily anthropogenic nature suggests that there are urgent reasons to promote greater collaboration between different forms of knowledge relevant to these processes. The main objective is contributing to raise awareness about obstacles and opportunities for enhanced interdisciplinary coordination in these areas, to tackle the urgent problems facing the socio-hydrosphere.
Enhancing Generalization in Few-Shot Learning for Detecting Unknown Adversarial Examples
Authors: Liu Wenzhao , Zhang Wanli , Yang Kuiwu , Chen Yue , Guo Kaiwei , Wei Jianghong
Published: March 2024

Deep neural networks, particularly convolutional neural networks, are vulnerable to adversarial examples, undermining their reliability in visual recognition tasks. Adversarial example detection is a crucial defense mechanism against such attacks but often relies on empirical observations and specialized metrics, posing challenges in terms of data efficiency, generalization to unknown attacks, and scalability to high-resolution datasets like ImageNet. To address these issues, we propose a prototypical network-based method using a deep residual network as the backbone architecture. This approach is capable of extracting discriminative features of adversarial and normal examples from various known adversarial examples by constructing few-shot adversarial detection tasks. Then the optimal mapping matrix is computed using the Sinkhorn algorithm from optimal transport theory, and the class centers are iteratively updated, enabling the detection of unknown adversarial examples across scenarios. Experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms existing methods in the cross-adversary benchmark and achieves enhanced generalization on a subset of ImageNet in detecting both new adversarial attacks and adaptive white-box attacks. The proposed approach offers a promising solution for improving the safety of deep neural networks in practical applications.
A framework to link climate change, food security, and migration: unpacking the agricultural pathway
Authors: Tuholske Cascade , Di Landro Maria Agustina , Anderson Weston , van Duijne Robbin Jan , de Sherbinin Alex
Published: March 2024

Researchers have long hypothesized linkages between climate change, food security, and migration in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). One such hypothesis is the “agricultural pathway,” which postulates that negative climate change impacts on food production harm livelihoods, which triggers rural out-migration, internally or abroad. Migration is thus an adaptation to cope with the impacts of climate change and bolster livelihoods. Recent evidence suggests that the agriculture pathway is a plausible mechanism to explain climate-related migration. But direct causal connections from climate impacts on food production to livelihood loss to rural out-migration have yet to be fully established. To guide future research on the climate-food-migration nexus, we present a conceptual framework that outlines the components and linkages underpinning the agricultural pathway in LMICs. We build on established environmental-migration conceptual frameworks that have informed empirical research and deepened our understanding of complex human-environmental systems. First, we provide an overview of the conceptual framework and its connection to the agricultural pathway hypothesis in the climate mobility literature. We then outline the primary components and linkages of the conceptual framework as they pertain to LMIC contexts, highlighting current research gaps and challenges relating to the agricultural pathway. Last, we discuss possible future research directions for the climate-food-migration nexus. By highlighting the complex, multiscale, interconnected linkages that underpin the agricultural pathway, our framework unpacks the multiple causal connections that currently lie hidden in the agricultural pathway hypothesis.
IRT for voting advice applications: a multi-dimensional test that is adaptive and interpretable
Authors: Sigfrid Karl
Published: March 2024

Voting advice applications rely on user input to match user preferences to political parties or candidates. Providing the input can be time-consuming, which may have a negative effect on participation. For individuals who are under time constraints or who are affected by survey fatigue, the participation threshold may be lowered if there is an option to conclude the test without answering all question items. The test result should ideally be close to the result that the participant would have gotten after answering the full battery of questions. We propose a method that allows respondents to conclude a VAA early and still get results with sufficient accuracy.The method proposed here extends the Graded Response Model and the Maximum Information Criterion, used in Item Response Theory. The aim of the method is to allow the user to control the length of the test. Furthermore, we want a simpler interpretation of multidimensional parameter estimates than we get from traditional MIRT. To achieve this, we propose an algorithm for adaptive IRT capable of selecting from a pool of items that belong to separate unidimensional scales. Using both simulated data and response data from a voting advice application project, we evaluate the accuracy of shorter tests implemented with our adaptive method. When only a few test items are answered, our proposed method outperforms a static-order IRT test of equal length in identifying the best match. We expect that implementation of the method can increase participation and engagement in voting advice applications.
Evaluation of molecular typing methods for some scab-causing Streptomyces strains from Turkey
Authors: Karagoz Kenan , Dadasoglu Fatih , Alaylar Burak , Kotan Recep
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted for identifying phylogenetic relationships between 15 scab-causing Streptomyces species including S. bottropensis, S. europaeiscabiei, S. scabiei, S. stelliscabiei and, other 11 Streptomyces sp. All of the strains were originally isolated from symptomatic potatoes in Erzurum Province, The Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Some morphological and biochemical properties of the strains were defined in our former research. Then, 16 s rRNA regions of them were sequenced. After the sequence data assembly, phylogenetic analyzes were performed. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the strains are involved in the same major group and, substantially similar to reference strains. Additionally, some subgroup formations were also recorded. Moreover, Repetitive element-based PCR (Rep-PCR), Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR), and BOX-PCR fingerprinting molecular typing methods were used for as molecular typing methods. According to our knowledge, this is the first report on phylogenetic relationships of scab-causing Streptomyces species from Turkey. However, the identification of most pathogenic strains remained at the species level.
Dietary habits and plasma lipid concentrations in a general Japanese population
Authors: Sato Mitsuharu , Hishinuma Eiji , Matsukawa Naomi , Shima Yoshiko , Saigusa Daisuke , Motoike Ikuko N. , Kogure Mana , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Yamamoto Masayuki , Koshiba Seizo , Kinoshita Kengo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Accumulating data on the associations between food consumption and lipid composition in the body is essential for understanding the effects of dietary habits on health.

Objectives

As part of omics research in the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-Based Cohort Study, this study sought to reveal the dietary impact on plasma lipid concentration in a Japanese population.

Methods

We conducted a correlation analysis of food consumption and plasma lipid concentrations measured using mass spectrometry, for 4032 participants in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Results

Our analysis revealed 83 marked correlations between six food categories and the concentrations of plasma lipids in nine subclasses. Previously reported associations, including those between seafood consumption and omega-3 fatty acids, were validated, while those between dairy product consumption and odd-carbon-number fatty acids (odd-FAs) were validated for the first time in an Asian population. Further analysis suggested that dairy product consumption is associated with odd-FAs via sphingomyelin (SM), which suggests that SM is a carrier of odd-FAs. These results are important for understanding odd-FA metabolism with regards to dairy product consumption.

Conclusion

This study provides insight into the dietary impact on plasma lipid concentration in a Japanese population.
Longitudinal metabolite profiling of Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: den Hartog Ilona , Zwep Laura B. , Meulman Jacqueline J. , Hankemeier Thomas , van de Garde Ewoudt M. W. , van Hasselt J. G. Coen
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Longitudinal biomarkers in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) may help in monitoring of disease progression and treatment response. The metabolic host response could be a potential source of such biomarkers since it closely associates with the current health status of the patient.

Objectives

In this study we performed longitudinal metabolite profiling in patients with CAP for a comprehensive range of metabolites to identify potential host response biomarkers.

Methods

Previously collected serum samples from CAP patients with confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection (n = 25) were used. Samples were collected at multiple time points, up to 30 days after admission. A wide range of metabolites was measured, including amines, acylcarnitines, organic acids, and lipids. The associations between metabolites and C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, CURB disease severity score at admission, and total length of stay were evaluated.

Results

Distinct longitudinal profiles of metabolite profiles were identified, including cholesteryl esters, diacyl-phosphatidylethanolamine, diacylglycerols, lysophosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelin, and triglycerides. Positive correlations were found between CRP and phosphatidylcholine (34:1) (cor = 0.63) and negative correlations were found for CRP and nine lysophosphocholines (cor = − 0.57 to − 0.74). The CURB disease severity score was negatively associated with six metabolites, including acylcarnitines (tau = − 0.64 to − 0.58). Negative correlations were found between the length of stay and six triglycerides (TGs), especially TGs (60:3) and (58:2) (cor = − 0.63 and − 0.61).

Conclusion

The identified metabolites may provide insight into biological mechanisms underlying disease severity and may be of interest for exploration as potential treatment response monitoring biomarker.
Use of Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Imaging for Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Early Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stenz Nadja A. , Morand Gregoire B. , Schoch Manuel , Werner Jonas , Rajan Gunesh P.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The current established technique for sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is preoperative injection of 99mtechnetium-labeled nanosized colloids (99mTc) followed by single photon emission computed tomography and standard computed tomography (SPECT/CT) with subsequent intraoperative gamma probe-guided excision of the SLN. It is however time and resource consuming, causes radiation exposure and morbidity for the patient as the injection is done in the awake patient. Recently near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green (ICG) gained importance in SLN biopsy as a faster and more convenient technique. The objective of our study was to investigate the feasibility of SLN biopsy using ICG-imaging in early oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

Single-centre pilot study of five patients with early-stage OSCC. For all patients, both techniques (99mTc and ICG) were performed. We injected 99mTc preoperatively in the awake patient, followed by SPECT/CT imaging. Intraoperatively ICG was injected around the primary tumor. Then the neck incision was performed according to the SPECT/CT images and SLN were detected by using a gamma probe and near-infrared fluorescence imaging of the ICG-marked lymph nodes intraoperatively. The excised lymph nodes were sent to histopathological examination according to the SLN dissection protocol.

Results

In all five patients sentinel lymph nodes were identified. A total of 7 SLN were identified after injection of 99mTc, imaging with SPECT/CT and intraoperative use of a gamma probe. All these SLN were fluorescent and visible with the ICG technique. In two patients, we could identify additional lymph nodes using the ICG technique. Pathological analysis demonstrated occult metastasis in two of the cases.

Conclusions

Our study shows that ICG-guided SLN biopsy is a feasible technique, especially in combination with conventional radioisotope method and may help for intraoperative localization of SLN. Validation studies with bigger patient cohorts are needed to prove our results.
Residual Stress Mapping in Heat-Assisted Additive Manufacturing of IN 718: An X-Ray Diffraction Study
Authors: Ramineni Lakshmi , Almotari Abdalmageed , Ali Majed , Algamal Anwar , Qattawi Ala
Published: March 2024

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a type of additive manufacturing (AM) technique characterized by multiple localized thermal processes that result in rapid heating and cooling. The thermal variations observed in the LPBF process can generate residual stress (RS) inside the fabricated part, impacting the surface integrity and geometric tolerances of the manufactured components. To reduce thermal variation during manufacturing, heat-assisted AM was employed, thereby minimizing RS and any thermal distortion that could occur during the fabrication of materials. The present research utilizes non-destructive x-ray diffraction to analyze the influence of an in-situ heated building plate and processing parameters on the RS distribution in Inconel 718 (IN718) fabricated by LPBF. This study examines the impact of two scanning procedures and three laser power levels and offers critical insights into both measurement techniques and RS characterization. By understanding the effect of the processing parameters on RS, we aim to enhance the quality of manufactured parts through process optimization. Post-processing heat treatment consistently reduced RS in all samples, regardless of laser power levels or scanning strategies. Combining a chess scanning strategy with 270 W laser power resulted in the most significant RS reduction in IN718.
Foraging Activity of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L., 1758) and Exposure to Cadmium: a Review
Authors: Knoll Stephane , Cappai Maria Grazia
Published: March 2024

Honey bees are commonly exposed to a broad spectrum of xenobiotics, including heavy metals. Heavy metal toxicity is of concern in the context of global pollinator declines, especially since honey bees seem to be particularly susceptible to xenobiotics in general. Here we summarize current knowledge on the interplay between cadmium, one of the most toxic and mobile elements in the environment, and honey bees, the primary managed pollinator species worldwide. Overall, cadmium pollution has been shown to be ubiquitous, affecting industrial, urban and rural areas alike. Uptake of this heavy metal by plants serves as the primary route of exposure for bees (through pollen and nectar). Reported cadmium toxicity consists of lethal and sublethal effects (reduced development and growth) in both adult and larval stages, as well as various molecular responses related to detoxification and cellular antioxidant defence systems. Other effects of cadmium in honey bees include the disruption of synaptic signalling, calcium metabolism and muscle function.
Selective Medial Septum Lesions in Healthy
Rats Induce Longitudinal Changes in Microstructure of Limbic Regions, Behavioral
Alterations, and Increased Susceptibility to Status
Epilepticus
Authors: Luna-Munguia Hiram , Gasca-Martinez Deisy , Garay-Cortes Alejandra , Coutiño Daniela , Regalado Mirelta , de los Rios Ericka , Villaseñor Paulina , Hidalgo-Flores Fernando , Flores-Guapo Karen , Benito Brandon Yair , Concha Luis
Published: March 2024

Septo-hippocampal pathway, crucial for physiological functions and
involved in epilepsy. Clinical monitoring during epileptogenesis is complicated. We
aim to evaluate tissue changes after lesioning the medial septum (MS) of normal rats
and assess how the depletion of specific neuronal populations alters the animals’
behavior and susceptibility to establishing a pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were
injected into the MS with vehicle or saporins (to deplete GABAergic or cholinergic
neurons; n = 16 per group). Thirty-two animals
were used for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI); scanned before surgery and 14 and
49 days post-injection. Fractional anisotropy and apparent diffusion coefficient
were evaluated in the fimbria, dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, dorso-medial
thalamus, and amygdala. Between scans 2 and 3, animals were submitted to diverse
behavioral tasks. Stainings were used to analyze tissue alterations. Twenty-four
different animals received pilocarpine to evaluate the latency and severity of the
status epilepticus 2 weeks after surgery.
Additionally, eight different animals were only used to evaluate the neuronal damage
inflicted on the MS 1 week after the molecular surgery. Progressive changes in DTI
parameters in both white and gray matter structures of the four evaluated groups
were observed. Behaviorally, the GAT1-saporin injection impacted spatial memory
formation, while 192-IgG-saporin triggered anxiety-like behaviors. Histologically,
the GABAergic toxin also induced aberrant mossy fiber sprouting, tissue damage, and
neuronal death. Regarding the pilocarpine-induced status
epilepticus, this agent provoked an increased mortality rate.
Selective septo-hippocampal modulation impacts the integrity of limbic regions
crucial for certain behavioral skills and could represent a precursor for epilepsy
development.
Data-Centric Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Jakubik Johannes , Vössing Michael , Kühl Niklas , Walk Jannis , Satzger Gerhard
Published: March 2024

Data-centric artificial intelligence (data-centric AI) represents an emerging paradigm that emphasizes the importance of enhancing data systematically and at scale to  build effective and efficient AI-based systems. The novel paradigm complements recent model-centric AI, which focuses on improving the performance of AI-based systems based on changes in the model using a fixed set of data. The objective of this article is to introduce practitioners and researchers from the field of Business and Information Systems Engineering (BISE) to data-centric AI. The paper defines relevant terms, provides key characteristics to contrast the paradigm of data-centric AI with the model-centric one, and introduces a framework to illustrate the different dimensions of data-centric AI. In addition, an overview of available tools for data-centric AI is presented and this novel paradigm is differenciated from related concepts. Finally, the paper discusses the longer-term implications of data-centric AI for the BISE community.
Softening effect in the heat-affected zone of laser-welded joints of high-strength low-alloyed steels
Authors: Mičian Miloš , Frátrik Martin , Brůna Marek
Published: March 2024

The softening effect, which occurs as an undesirable consequence of microstructural changes in the heat-affected zone as a result of the welding process, is an inherent aspect of welding high-strength low-alloyed steels. One of the recommended ways to minimize these changes is the application of laser beam welding as a lower heat input technology. Hence, this work compares and investigates the effects of laser beam welding on the weld joint properties of S690QL, S960QL, S1100QL, S700MC, S960MC, and S1100MC steels. This research operates on the assumption that the mechanical properties of the zones surrounding the soft zone—base metal and weld metal—affect the mechanical properties of weld joints as well. The work shows that the total value of yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation of welded joints increases when the value of the strength of the weld metal and the soft zone increases and when the width of the soft zone narrows, and vice versa. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the amount of C, Cr, Mn, Mo, Cu, and Ni in steel as well as the thermal cycle is directly associated to strength in these zones. The findings indicate that although the welded joints’ yield strength and tensile strength values remained over 96% of the base metal’s value, in certain cases the elongation values decreased to a mere 21% of the base metal’s value.
Holorailway: an augmented reality system to support assembly operations in the railway industry
Authors: Garcia Clara , Ortega Mario , Ivorra Eugenio , Contero Manuel , Mora Pau , Alcañiz Mariano L.
Published: March 2024

During the last two decades, industrial applications of augmented reality (AR) have been incorporated in sectors such as automotive or aeronautics in tasks including manufacturing, maintenance, and assembly. However, AR’s potential has yet to be demonstrated in the railway sector due to its complexity and difficulties in automating tasks. This work aims to present an AR system based on HoloLens 2 to assist the assembly process of insulation panels in the railway sector significantly decreasing the time required to perform the assembly. Along with the technical description of the system, an exhaustive validation process is provided where the assembly using the developed system is compared to the traditional assembly method as used by a company that has facilitated a case study. The results obtained show that the system presented outperforms the traditional solution by 78% in the time spent in the localization subtask, which means a 47% decrease in the global assembly time. Additionally, it decreases the number of errors in 88% of the cases, obtaining a more precise and almost error-free assembly process. Finally, it is also proven that using AR removes the dependence on users’ prior knowledge of the system to facilitate assembly.
Progranulin and neuropathological features of Alzheimer’s disease: longitudinal study
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Zafari Rasa ,   Alzheimer’s disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: March 2024

Background

Progranulin is an anti-inflammatory protein that plays an essential role in the synapse function and the maintenance of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). It has been shown that the CSF level of progranulin increases in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and is associated with the deposition of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau in the brain tissue. In this study, we aimed to assess the longitudinal changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) progranulin levels during different pathophysiological stages of AD and investigate associated AD pathologic features.

Methods

We obtained the CSF and neuroimaging data of 1001 subjects from the ADNI database. The participants were classified into four groups based on the A/T/N framework: A + /TN + , A + /TN−, A−/TN + , and A−/TN−.

Results

Based on our analysis there was a significant difference in CSF progranulin (P = 0.001) between ATN groups. Further ANOVA analysis revealed that there was no significant difference in the rate of change of CSF-progranulin ATN groups. We found that the rate of change of CSF progranulin was associated with baseline Aβ-PET only in the A−/TN + group. A significant association was found between the rate of change of CSF progranulin and the Aβ-PET rate of change only in A−/TN + 

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that an increase in CSF progranulin over time is associated with faster formation of Aβ plaques in patients with only tau pathology based on the A/T/N classification (suspected non-Alzheimer’s pathology). Together, our findings showed that the role of progranulin-related microglial activity on AD pathology can be stage-dependent, complicated, and more prominent in non-AD pathologic changes. Thus, there is a need for further studies to consider progranulin-based therapies for AD treatment.