bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review of improvement of machinability and surface integrity in machining on aluminum alloys
Authors: Pimenov Danil Yu , Kiran Maitri , Khanna Navneet , Pintaude Giuseppe , Vasco Marina Cardozo , da Silva Leonardo Rosa Ribeiro , Giasin Khaled
Published: November 2023

Aluminum alloys are widely used in many industries, including aerospace, automotive, civil, and electrical engineering. When compared to pure aluminum, most aluminum alloys have lower electrical and thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, and weldability, as well as a low density and specific gravity. At the same time, the properties of aluminum alloys vary significantly depending on the group, which has a significant impact on their machinability. This review article is focused on the study of machining characteristics of aluminum alloys, such as machinability, surface integrity, tool wear and tool life, material removal rate (MRR), and chip morphology. The directions of increasing machinability by controlling cutting parameters, cutting environment, such as dry machining, conventional cooling systems, minimum quantity of lubricant (MQL), cryogenic lubrication (CL), with tool geometry, and textured tools, are also considered; tool materials include coating, vibration, thermally, and hybrid assisted machining. The article discusses the main types of machining, namely, turning, milling, drilling, and grinding. It shows ways to increase the machinability of machining on aluminum alloys, as well as the advantages and disadvantages. From the literature, it can be concluded that tool wear when machining aluminum alloys is 30–40% lower than when machining steel alloys due to their higher ductility and lower strength. Surface integrity, affected by the cutting parameters and cutting temperatures — which can reach between 200 and 400 °C — can vary by up to 15% in hardness and 20% in surface roughness. Cutting tool characteristics can enhance surface finish by up to 25% and extend tool life, reducing edge formation by up to 30%. Chip morphology, influenced by factors such as cutting parameters and tool material, can improve tool life by up to 35%. Vibration techniques can reduce thermal effects and improve surface finish by up to 40%, reducing cutting forces by around 30%.
Comments and corrections to: “Ellipsoidal spectral properties of the Earth’s gravitational potential and its first and second derivatives” by Bölling and Grafarend (2005) in J. Geod. 79(6-7):300-330
Authors: Šprlák Michal
Published: November 2023

In this contribution, we comment on and thoroughly identify errors which occur in the research article titled “Ellipsoidal spectral properties of the Earth’s gravitational potential and its first and second derivatives” by Bölling and Grafarend (2005) published in J.Geod. 79(6-7):300-330. The major issues affecting the main theoretical results by Bölling and Grafarend (J Geod 79(6-7):300-330, 2005) are as follows: (1) The tangential-tangential tensor spherical harmonics are not orthogonal for different harmonic degrees and the same harmonic orders. Consequently, the corresponding solution of the spherical gradiometric boundary value problem and the spherical integral formulas relating the tangential-tangential components of the incremental gravity gradient tensor are invalid. (2) The tangential-tangential, tangential-shear, tangential-dilation, tangential-normal, and normal-normal tensor ellipsoidal harmonics are not orthogonal for different harmonic degrees and the same harmonic orders. As a result, the solutions of the ellipsoidal gradiometric boundary value problems and the ellipsoidal integral formulas transforming the components of the incremental gravity gradient tensor among themselves are incorrect.
A fluorogenic micrococcal nuclease-based probe for fast detection and optical imaging of Staphylococcus aureus in prosthetic joint and fracture-related infections
Authors: Schoenmakers Jorrit W.A. , López‑Álvarez Marina , IJpma Frank F.A. , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan , McNamara James O. , van Oosten Marleen , Jutte Paul C. , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common and impactful multi-drug resistant pathogen implicated in (periprosthetic) joint infections (PJI) and fracture-related infections (FRI). Therefore, the present proof-of-principle study was aimed at the rapid detection of S. aureus in synovial fluids and biofilms on extracted osteosynthesis materials through bacteria-targeted fluorescence imaging with the ‘smart-activatable’ DNA-based AttoPolyT probe. This fluorogenic oligonucleotide probe yields large fluorescence increases upon cleavage by micrococcal nuclease, an enzyme secreted by S. aureus.

Methods

Synovial fluids from patients with suspected PJI and extracted osteosynthesis materials from trauma patients with suspected FRI were inspected for S. aureus nuclease activity with the AttoPolyT probe. Biofilms on osteosynthesis materials were imaged with the AttoPolyT probe and a vancomycin-IRDye800CW conjugate (vanco-800CW) specific for Gram-positive bacteria.

Results

38 synovial fluid samples were collected and analyzed. Significantly higher fluorescence levels were measured for S. aureus-positive samples compared to, respectively, other Gram-positive bacterial pathogens (p < 0.0001), Gram-negative bacterial pathogens (p = 0.0038) and non-infected samples (p = 0.0030), allowing a diagnosis of S. aureus-associated PJI within 2 h. Importantly, S. aureus-associated biofilms on extracted osteosynthesis materials from patients with FRI were accurately imaged with the AttoPolyT probe, allowing their correct distinction from biofilms formed by other Gram-positive bacteria detected with vanco-800CW within 15 min.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the potential clinical value of the AttoPolyT probe for fast and accurate detection of S. aureus infection in synovial fluids and biofilms on extracted osteosynthesis materials.
Prolactin levels in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea: a retrospective case–control study
Authors: Selzer Clara , Ott Johannes , Dewailly Didier , Marculescu Rodrig , Steininger Johanna , Hager Marlene
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is due to hypothalamic dysregulation. Literature lacks data about prolactin in FHA women, although both prolactin levels and FHA are associated with stress. Moreover, polycystic ovarian morphology is common in FHA and there is an association between FHA and polycystic ovary syndrome. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess prolactin levels in FHA patients and controls with a special focus on factors influencing prolactin levels, that could be considered as “sensors” of the hypothalamic–pituitary dysregulation.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, 140 women with clearly defined FHA were compared to 70 healthy, normally ovulating women matched for age. The main outcome parameter was prolactin. Factors associated with prolactin levels > 12 µg/L were tested using a multivariable binary logistic regression model.

Results

The median prolactin level was 11.5 µg/L (interquartile range, IQR 7.5–14.4), which was similar to the control group (median 10.7, IQR 8.3–14.5; p = 0.065). Only two women had hyperprolactinemia (prolactin > 25 µg/L; 1.4%). In a multivariable binary logistic regression model eating disorder (odds ratio, OR 0.206; p = 0.040), excessive exercise (OR 0.280; p = 0.031) and TSH (OR 1.923; p = 0.020) were significantly associated with prolactin levels > 12 µg/L.

Conclusion

Women with FHA have similar prolactin levels to healthy age-matched individuals. Eating disorders and excessive exercise where associated with prolactin levels < 12 µg/L, in contrast to TSH.
Grapevine woody tissues accumulate stilbenoids following bud burst
Authors: Noronha Henrique , Silva Angélica , Garcia Virginie , Billet Kévin , Dias Alberto C. P. , Lanoue Arnaud , Gallusci Philippe , Gerós Hernâni
Published: November 2023

Main conclusion

After bud burst, a transcriptional reprogramming of the shikimate and phenylpropanoid pathways occurs in grapevine canes resulting in the accumulation of stilbenoids like resveratrol and viniferin.

Stilbenoids are phenylpropanoid compounds with important biological properties and biotechnological applications that are synthesized in grapevine in response to different stresses. Although they are found in woody tissues, such as canes and buds, their biosynthesis and accumulation have been essentially described in berries. We have previously shown that transcripts encoding secondary metabolism enzymes accumulate in grapevine canes following the transition from dormancy (E-L 1) to bud burst (E-L 4) suggesting that secondary metabolites may accumulate in grapevine canes during this transition. In the present study, using UPLC-MS we demonstrate the accumulation of important metabolites such as ferulic acid and the stilbenoids E-resveratrol, E-piceatannol and E-ε-viniferin. Stilbenoids accumulation correlated with the increased expression of several stilbene synthase genes and of VviMYB14, encoding a transcription factor that regulates stilbene biosynthesis. In addition, a general stimulation of the plastidial shikimate pathway was observed. Taken together, results show that important secondary metabolites accumulate in the woody canes during bud burst. These findings may aid biotechnological approaches aimed at extracting biologically active phenolic compounds, including stilbenoids, from grapevine woody tissues.
High-flow nasal cannula use in pediatric patients for other indications than acute bronchiolitis—a scoping review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kuitunen Ilari , Salmi Heli , Wärnhjelm Elina , Näse-Ståhlhammar Saija , Kiviranta Panu
Published: November 2023

The objective of the study is to summarize current literature on high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) use for different indications in pediatric patient excluding acute bronchiolitis and neonatal care. The study design is a systematic scoping review. Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in February, 2023. All abstracts and full texts were screened by two independent reviewers. Randomized controlled trials focusing on HFNC use in pediatric patients (age < 18 years) were included. Studies focusing on acute bronchiolitis and neonatal respiratory conditions were excluded. Study quality was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool. The main outcomes are patient groups and indications, key outcomes, and risk of bias. After screening 1276 abstracts, we included 22 full reports. Risk of bias was low in 11 and high in 5 studies. We identified three patient groups where HFNC has been studied: first, children requiring primary respiratory support for acute respiratory failure; second, perioperative use for either intraprocedural oxygenation or postoperative respiratory support; and third, post-extubation care in pediatric intensive care for other than postoperative patients. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed as key outcomes. None of the studies analyzed cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion: This systematic scoping review provides an overview of current evidence for HFNC use in pediatric patients. Future studies should aim for better quality and include economic evaluation with cost-effectiveness analysis.

Protocol registration: Protocol has been published https://osf.io/a3y46/.

What is Known:• High flow nasal cannula has been effective in acute bronchiolitis and neonatal respiratory care.• The use of HFNC on other conditions is also common and increasing, but the evidence supporting this has not been previously summarized.

What is New:• We found that HFNC has been studies in relatively few studies in children for other indication than bronchiolitis.• We indetified three main patient populations for which HFNC has been studied: perioperative patients, postintubation patients in intensive care units, and as primary support in acute respiratory failures. None of the studies have estimated possible cost-effectiveness of HFNC, compared to alternative strategies.
Machado-Joseph disease in a Sudanese family links East Africa to Portuguese families and allows reestimation of ancestral age of the Machado lineage
Authors: Martins Sandra , Yahia Ashraf , Costa Inês P. D. , Siddig Hassab E. , Abubaker Rayan , Koko Mahmoud , Corral-Juan Marc , Matilla-Dueñas Antoni , Brice Alexis , Durr Alexandra , Leguern Eric , Ranum Laura P. W. , Amorim António , Elsayed Liena E. O. , Stevanin Giovanni , Sequeiros Jorge
Published: November 2023

Machado-Joseph disease (MJD/SCA3) is the most frequent dominant ataxia worldwide. It is caused by a (CAG)n expansion. MJD has two major ancestral backgrounds: the Machado lineage, found mainly in Portuguese families; and the Joseph lineage, present in all five continents, probably originating in Asia. MJD has been described in a few African and African-American families, but here we report the first diagnosed in Sudan to our knowledge. The proband presented with gait ataxia at age 24; followed by muscle cramps and spasticity, and dysarthria, by age 26; he was wheel-chair bound at 29 years of age. His brother had gait problems from age 20 years and, by age 21, lost the ability to run, showed dysarthria and muscle cramps. To assess the mutational origin of this family, we genotyped 30 SNPs and 7 STRs flanking the ATXN3_CAG repeat in three siblings and the non-transmitting father. We compared the MJD haplotype segregating in the family with our cohort of MJD families from diverse populations. Unlike all other known families of African origin, the Machado lineage was observed in Sudan, being shared with 86 Portuguese, 2 Spanish and 2 North-American families. The STR-based haplotype of Sudanese patients, however, was distinct, being four steps (2 STR mutations and 2 recombinations) away from the founder haplotype shared by 47 families, all of Portuguese extraction. Based on the phylogenetic network constructed with all MJD families of the Machado lineage, we estimated a common ancestry at 3211 ± 693 years ago.
Robust mixed FE for analyses of higher-order electromechanical coupling in piezoelectric solids
Authors: Serrao Prince Henry , Kozinov Sergey
Published: November 2023

Direct flexoelectricity is a size-dependent phenomenon, very prominent at smaller scales, that connects the strain gradients and the electric field. The very existence of strain gradients enhances noncentrosymmetry and heightens the interaction between piezoelectricity and flexoelectricity, demanding fully coupled higher-order electromechanical formulations. The numerical instability of the existing finite elements used to model flexoelectricity alone is revealed due to their reliance on the stabilization parameter. Thus, two new finite elements () and () are proposed for mixed FEM that are numerically robust without any need of such stabilization parameters. Additionally, the existing finite element [ in (Deng et al. in J Appl Mech 84:081004, 2017)], is implemented from scratch to replicate known results and benchmark the performance of newly proposed finite elements. To verify the robustness of these elements, various benchmark problems for flexoelectricity in dielectric solids, such as a thick cylinder and truncated pyramid are simulated. The great agreement of the numerical results with the existing ones reflects the foundational nature of the proposed elements. Furthermore, the proposed mixed finite elements were used to successfully analyze cantilever beam and truncated pyramid problems where piezoelectric effects were taken into account for the first time. Current results are intrumental in simulating flexoelectricity and piezoelectricity together to highlight their interactions using newly proposed numerically robust finite elements.
Circulating serotonin and dopamine concentrations in osteoarthritis patients: a pilot study on the effect of pelotherapy
Authors: Gálvez Isabel , Hinchado María Dolores , Otero Eduardo , Navarro María Carmen , Ortega-Collazos Eduardo , Martín-Cordero Leticia , Torres-Piles Silvia Teresa , Ortega Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Balneotherapy has demonstrated clinical efficacy in the management of pathologies involving low-grade inflammation and stress. In rheumatic conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA), this therapy presents anti-inflammatory properties and potential to improve psychological well-being. Although the neurohormones serotonin and dopamine are known to be involved in these processes, surprisingly they have not been studied in this context. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a cycle of balneotherapy with peloids (pelotherapy) on circulating serotonin and dopamine concentrations in a group of aged individuals with OA, after comparing their basal state to that of an age-matched control group. In our pilot study, a pelotherapy program (10 days) was carried out in a group of 16 elderly patients with OA, evaluating its effects on circulating serotonin and dopamine concentrations (measured by ELISA). Individuals with OA showed higher levels of serotonin and lower dopamine levels, in line with the inflammatory roles of these mediators. After pelotherapy, serotonin concentrations significantly decreased, potentially contributing to the previously reported anti-inflammatory effects of balneotherapy.
Quality–diversity optimization of decision trees for interpretable reinforcement learning
Authors: Ferigo Andrea , Custode Leonardo Lucio , Iacca Giovanni
Published: November 2023

In the current Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape, addressing explainability and interpretability in Machine Learning (ML) is of critical importance. In fact, the vast majority of works on AI focus on Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), which are not interpretable, as they are extremely hard to inspect and understand for humans. This is a crucial disadvantage of these methods, which hinders their trustability in high-stakes scenarios. On the other hand, interpretable models are considerably easier to inspect, which allows humans to test them exhaustively, and thus trust them. While the fields of eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) and Interpretable Artificial Intelligence (IAI) are progressing in supervised settings, the field of Interpretable Reinforcement Learning (IRL) is falling behind. Several approaches leveraging Decision Trees (DTs) for IRL have been proposed in recent years. However, all of them use goal-directed optimization methods, which may have limited exploration capabilities. In this work, we extend a previous study on the applicability of Quality–Diversity (QD) algorithms to the optimization of DTs for IRL. We test the methods on two well-known Reinforcement Learning (RL) benchmark tasks from OpenAI Gym, comparing their results in terms of score and “illumination” patterns. We show that using QD algorithms is an effective way to explore the search space of IRL models. Moreover, we find that, in the context of DTs for IRL, QD approaches based on MAP-Elites (ME) and its variant Covariance Matrix Adaptation MAP-Elites (CMA-ME) can significantly improve convergence speed over the goal-directed approaches.
Open reduction and internal fixation of modified Mason type III/IV radial head fractures with more than three fragments: an analysis of the clinical outcome and reoperation rate
Authors: Helmstetter Timothée , Maniglio Mauro , Fornaciari Paolo , Tannast Moritz , Vial Philippe
Published: November 2023

Purpose

It is generally accepted that a radial head fracture (RHF) with more than three parts is not suitable for repair; therefore, most authors suggest straightforward radial head arthroplasty (RHA). With up to 20% risk for reoperation after RHA, improvement in reduction and fixation techniques may represent a valuable alternative before further extending the indications for arthroplasty. To determine the functional results and radiological failure rate after osteosynthesis of multi-fragmentary RHF with more than three articular fragments. We specifically determined (1) the one-year Broberg and Morrey functional elbow score, (2) duration of fracture healing, (3) complication rate, and (4) number of patients converted to RHA.

Methods

This study is a retrospective single-center case series. All patients who underwent primary osteosynthesis for RHF between 2012 and 2019 were included. Nine patients with an average age of 52 years had an average clinical and/or radiological follow-up of 49 months.

Results

The preoperative imaging identified nine fractures with four fragments. Three patients underwent osteosynthesis with plates and screws, whereas six patients underwent osteosynthesis with only screws. The mean Broberg and Morrey score was 95 points. Overall, eight of the nine patients had satisfactory results. All patients retained their radial heads and showed radiological fracture healing. Only two patients presented with low-grade complications requiring no further surgery.

Conclusion

Our study showed that osteosynthesis of RHF with up to four fragments can achieve good functional results with a low complication rate and seems to be a valid alternative to RHA.
Rhizospheric Addition of Hydrogel Polymer and Zeolite Plus Glutathione Mitigate the Hazard Effects of Water Deficiency On Common Bean Plants Through Enhancing the Defensive Antioxidants
Authors: Doklega Samar M. A. , Saudy Hani S. , El-Sherpiny M. A. , El-Yazied Ahmed Abou , Abd El-Gawad Hany G. , Ibrahim Mohamed F. M. , Abd El-Hady Mahmoud A. M. , Omar Mohamed M. A. , Metwally Amr A.
Published: November 2023

Currently, the world is facing many troubles in crop production and the irrigation water deficit is the most harmful among them. Saving irrigation water is the main target for all countries of the world, especially in arid areas. Field trial was executed aiming to assess the influence of irrigation regimes (100, 80 and 60% of irrigation requirements, IR (IR100, IR80 and IR60, respectively), water-absorbent substances (control, hydrogel polymer and zeolite as soil addition) and foliar application of glutathione (GSH) [with GSH or without] on the performance of common bean plants. Findings clarified that plant fresh weight obtained with the combination of IR80 × zeolite × GSH had no significant differences with the superior combination of IR100 × hydrogel polymer or zeolite × GSH. Hydrogel polymer plus GSH supply showed distinctive enhancements for N, P and K accumulation in common bean leaves. Application of zeolite plus GSH reduced the accumulation of POX and CAT by 21.8 and 15.5% under IR80 and 16.1 and 7.6% under IR60, respectively. Spraying of GSH × hydrogel polymer under IR100, IR80 and IR60 significantly increased the value of pods yield by 26.5%, 25.23% and 32.80, respectively, as compared to corresponding control treatment. the interaction of IR100 and hydrogel polymer whether with or without GSH showed the highest significant values of N, P, protein, fiber, carbohydrates percentages and TDS. Briefly, it can be concluded that water holding amendments i.e., polymer and zeolite as well as low-molecular-weight antioxidants i.e., glutathione can mitigate the hazard impacts of elevated reactive oxygen species production under drought. Practically, common bean growers are advised to treat the soil with available soil amendment (hydrogel polymer, 0.24 t ha−1 or zeolite, 1.20 t ha−1) and spraying common bean plants by glutathione, 1.0 mM to sustain the crop productivity and quality under shortage water conditions
Re-visiting the call for translation of cancer survivorship research: collaborative multidisciplinary approaches to improve translation and dissemination
Authors: Risendal Betsy , Thomson Cynthia A. , Seaman Aaron , Hirschey Rachel , Overholser Linda
Published: November 2023

Background

The number of cancer survivors in the US is dramatically increasing and survivors are living longer, making the ongoing care and quality of life in this growing population an important public health issue. Although there has been significant progress in cancer survivorship research, gaps in translating this research to real-world settings to benefit survivors remain.

Methods

The number and type of cancer survivorship research activities in past and current projects were gathered in reports and work plans from the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN). Additionally, current cross-center projects were aligned with common constructs in dissemination and implementation science to provide a narrative review of progress on translational research.

Results

A review of historical activities in the CPCRN indicates that there has been consistent engagement in survivorship from multiple institutions over the last decade, generating 84 grants, 168 papers and 162 presentations. The current membership of the Survivorship Workgroup includes multiple disciplines and all 8 participating institutions. Together these Workgroup members have developed 6 projects, all of which address multiple domains in translational research such as feasibility, practicality, and organizational and cultural factors that affect implementation.

Conclusions

This review of past and ongoing activities in the CPCRN suggests that survivorship has been a consistent priority including the translation of evidence-based approaches into practice. Specific gaps in the translational research agenda that could be the focus of future investigations by Workgroup members and others include the practical and logistic aspects of interventions such as cost and policy.
Does Logic Have a History at All?
Authors: Lemanski Jens
Published: November 2023

To believe that logic has no history might at first seem peculiar today. But since the early 20th century, this position has been repeatedly conflated with logical monism of Kantian provenance. This logical monism asserts that only one logic is authoritative, thereby rendering all other research in the field marginal and negating the possibility of acknowledging a history of logic. In this paper, I will show how this and many related issues have developed, and that they are founded on only one prominent statement by Kant. I will argue, however, that this statement takes on a very different meaning in a broader context of the history and philosophy of science, and that Kant and his supporters never advocated the logical monism that they are still said to hold today.
Simulation of ground motion emissions from wind turbines in low mountain ranges: implications for amplitude decay prediction
Authors: Gaßner Laura , Gärtner Marie A. , Ritter Joachim
Published: November 2023

The characterization and prediction of wind turbine (WT) emissions are important steps in reducing their impact on humans or sensitive technologies such as seismic stations or physics experiments. Here, WT ground motion emissions are studied along two measurement lines set up at two wind farms on the Eastern Swabian Alb, southwest Germany. The main purpose of the data analysis is to estimate amplitude decay rates from vertical component data and surface wave phase velocities excited by the permanent motion of the WT towers. Phase velocities as well as geological information serve as input to build realistic subsurface models for numerical wave field simulations. Amplitude A decay rates are characterized by b-values through $$A\sim 1/r^b$$

A
∼
1
/

r
b

depending on distance r and are derived from peaks in power spectral density (PSD). We find an increase of $$b_\text {PSD}$$

b
PSD

with frequency from 0.5 to 3.2 for field data. For low frequencies (1.2 Hz and 3.6 Hz), $$b_\text {PSD}$$

b
PSD

ranges from 0.5 to 1.1, hence close to the geometrical spreading factor of surface waves ($$b_\text {PSD}=1$$

b
PSD

=
1

). Anelastic damping and scattering seem not to be significant at these frequencies which also shows in numerical simulations for quality factors $$Q=50-200$$

Q
=
50
-
200

. We also find that the emitted wavefields from several WTs interfere, especially in the near-field, and produce strong local ground motion amplitudes. The inclusion of a steep topography present in low mountain ranges adds more wave field distortions which can further increase the amplitudes. This needs to be considered when predicting WT induced ground motions.
Rhizosheath formation depends on mucilage concentration and water content
Authors: Rahim Riffat , Jahromi Omid Esmaeelipoor , Amelung Wulf , Kroener Eva
Published: November 2023

Aims

Root exudates contain polymers that form crosslinks and can create a jelly like substance known as mucilage, which adheres to soil and thus promotes the formation of rhizosheaths, i.e. soil that remains attached to the roots after gentle shaking. We hypothesized that rhizosheath formation is optimal at an intermediate chia seed mucilage concentration and water content, but that its formation is limited at both a high concentration of chia seed mucilage and under dry conditions as well as at a low concentration of chia seed mucilage and under wet conditions. We used an artificial root soil system in which soil moisture and mucilage concentrations could be varied independently from one another with respect to their effect on rhizosheath formation.

Methods

Jute cords were disposed in sandy loam soil and in quartz sand. In a subsequent study, they were also amended to different moisture contents with five different concentrations of mucilage (from 0 to 0.2 g dry mucilage g−1 water), before being isolated from chia and flaxseed mucilage after swelling of the respective seeds in distilled water for 15 min.

Results

We found that in dry soil, rhizosheath formation peaked at an intermediate chia seed mucilage concentration. This behavior was supported by our conceptual model of mucilage spreading and rhizosheath formation, which relies on a radial diffusion equation and assumes that at low mucilage concentration, molecule numbers are insufficient to support polymer-like networks that stick soil particles together. In a very concentrated gel, however, mucilage is too sticky to diffuse far into the soil. Increasing soil moisture promotes rhizosheath formation both in a low and a high mucilage concentration range, although only up to an intermediate volumetric water content of 0.15cm3 cm–3.

Conclusions

We conclude that both water and chia seed mucilage concentration are important drivers of rhizosheath formation. The effects are not additive but can combine to an optimum range, with a maximum formation of rhizosheaths observed in this study at 0.12 g mucilage g−1 rhizosphere water.
Identified senescence endotypes in aged cartilage are reflected in the blood metabolome
Authors: Boone Ilja , Tuerlings Margo , Coutinho de Almeida Rodrigo , Lehmann Johannes , Ramos Yolande , Nelissen Rob , Slagboom Eline , de Keizer Peter , Meulenbelt Ingrid
Published: November 2023

Heterogeneous accumulation of senescent cells expressing the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) affects tissue homeostasis which leads to diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA). In this study, we set out to characterize heterogeneity of cellular senescence within aged articular cartilage and explored the presence of corresponding metabolic profiles in blood that could function as representative biomarkers. Hereto, we set out to perform cluster analyses, using a gene-set of 131 senescence genes (N = 57) in a previously established RNA sequencing dataset of aged articular cartilage and a generated metabolic dataset in overlapping blood samples. Using unsupervised hierarchical clustering and pathway analysis, we identified two robust cellular senescent endotypes. Endotype-1 was enriched for cell proliferating pathways, expressing forkhead box protein O4 (FOXO4), RB transcriptional corepressor like 2 (RBL2), and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B); the FOXO mediated cell cycle was identified as possible target for endotype-1 patients. Endotype-2 showed enriched inflammation-associated pathways, expressed by interleukin 6 (IL6), matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)1/3, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)C and SASP pathways were identified as possible targets for endotype-2 patients. Notably, plasma-based metabolic profiles in overlapping blood samples (N = 21) showed two corresponding metabolic clusters in blood. These non-invasive metabolic profiles could function as biomarkers for patient-tailored targeting of senescence in OA.
IAP inhibitor plus chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of bulky anal canal carcinoma
Authors: De Felice Francesca , Franco Pierfrancesco
Published: November 2023

The aim of this editorial is to focus on the urgent need to improve clinical outcomes in patients with bulky primary anal canal carcinoma.
Exploring the Therapeutic Effects and Mechanisms of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation on Improving Walking Ability in Stroke Patients via Modulating Cerebellar Gamma Frequency Band—a Narrative Review
Authors: Feng Tingyi , Zhang Lichao , Wu Yuwei , Tang Lin , Chen Xixi , Li Yuanli , Shan Chunlei
Published: November 2023

The cerebellum plays an important role in maintaining balance, posture control, muscle tone, and lower limb coordination in healthy individuals and stroke patients. At the same time, the relationship between cerebellum and motor learning has been widely concerned in recent years. Due to the relatively intact structure preservation and high plasticity after supratentorial stroke, non-invasive neuromodulation targeting the cerebellum is increasingly used to treat abnormal gait in stroke patients. The gamma frequency of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is commonly used to improve motor learning. It is an essential endogenous EEG oscillation in the gamma range during the swing phase, and rhythmic movement changes in the gait cycle. However, the effect of cerebellar tACS in the gamma frequency band on balance and walking after stroke remains unknown and requires further investigation.
Wie, wat en hoe? De weg naar een gezondere supermarktomgeving
Authors: Middel Cédric N. H. , Schuitmaker-Warnaar Tjerk Jan , Mackenbach Joreintje D. , Broerse Jacqueline E. W.
Published: November 2023

Samenvatting

Inleiding

Gezondheidsinterventies in supermarkten kunnen gezonder eetgedrag stimuleren. Helaas wordt de implementatie bemoeilijkt door weerstand vanuit het Nederlandse voedselsysteem. Dit onderzoek gebruikt een ‘roadmapping’-methode uit de systeemwetenschappen om de weg naar een gezondere voedselomgeving in Nederlandse supermarkten in kaart te brengen.

Methode

Er werd een dialoogworkshop gehouden met vertegenwoordigers (n = 13) van belanghebbenden in het Nederlandse voedselsysteem. Een jaar later werden nieuwe (n = 13) en terugkerende (n = 1) vertegenwoordigers geïnterviewd. Afsluitend werd een consensusworkshop gehouden met oud-participanten uit beide jaren (n = 5). De deelnemers bespraken doelstellingen voor een gezondere supermarkt-voedselomgeving, en bijbehorende acties, barrières, facilitatoren en relevante actoren. De uitkomsten werden kwalitatief geanalyseerd en gecombineerd in één routekaart.

Resultaten

Acht themaclusters werden geïdentificeerd: 1) kennisontwikkeling, 2) educatie van consumenten, 3) (zelf)regulering, 4) individuele verandering (door supermarkten), 5) gezondere producten, 6) prijsbeleid, 7) ruimtelijke ordening en 8) marketing. Een belangrijke bevinding was het belang van een ‘gelijk speelveld’ voor supermarkten, via overheidsbeleid, om te voorkomen dat klanten overlopen naar ‘niet-gezondheidsbevorderende’ concurrenten.

Conclusie

De routekaart beschrijft hoe de Nederlandse supermarkt-voedselomgeving gezonder kan worden. Hierin heeft de overheid de cruciale taak om een gelijk speelveld met gezonde prikkels te creëren voor supermarkten en voedselproducenten. Het vergroten van het maatschappelijk draagvlak en identificeren van effectieve beleidsmaatregelen zijn daarbij belangrijke randvoorwaarden.
Theta Frequency Electromagnetic Stimulation Enhances Functional Recovery After Stroke
Authors: Okabe Naohiko , Hovanesyan Mary , Azarapetian Srbui , Dai Weiye , Weisinger Batsheva , Parabucki Ana , Balter Shira Reznik , Shohami Esther , Segal Yaron , Carmichael S. Thomas
Published: November 2023

Extremely low-frequency, low-intensity electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) therapy is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that can modulate neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. ELF-EMF was recently shown to enhance recovery in human stroke in a small pilot clinical trial (NCT04039178). ELF-EMFs encompass a wide range of frequencies, typically ranging from 1 to 100 Hz, and their effects can vary depending on the specific frequency employed. However, whether and to what extent the effectiveness of ELF-EMFs depends on the frequency remains unclear. In the present study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of different frequency-intensity protocols of ELF-EMF in promoting functional recovery in a mouse cortical stroke model with treatment initiated 4 days after the stroke, employing a series of motor behavior tests. Our findings demonstrate that a theta-frequency ELF-EMF (5 Hz) effectively enhances functional recovery in a reach-to-grasp task, whereas neither gamma-frequency (40 Hz) nor combination frequency (5–16-40 Hz) ELF-EMFs induce a significant effect. Importantly, our histological analysis reveals that none of the ELF-EMF protocols employed in our study affect infarct volume, inflammatory, or glial activation, suggesting that the observed beneficial effects may be mediated through non-neuroprotective mechanisms. Our data indicate that ELF-EMFs have an influence on functional recovery after stroke, and this effect is contingent upon the specific frequency used. These findings underscore the critical importance of optimizing the protocol parameters to maximize the beneficial effects of ELF-EMF. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and refine the protocol parameters for optimal therapeutic outcomes in stroke rehabilitation.
A Fischer type decomposition theorem from the apolar inner product
Authors: Aldaz J. M. , Render H.
Published: November 2023

We continue the study initiated by H. S. Shapiro on Fischer decompositions of entire functions, showing that such decomposition exist in a weak sense (we do not prove uniqueness) under hypotheses regarding the order of the entire function f to be expressed as $$f= P\cdot q+r$$

f
=
P
·
q
+
r

, the polynomial P, and bounds on the apolar norm of homogeneous polynomials of degree m. These bounds, previously used by Khavinson and Shapiro, and by Ebenfelt and Shapiro, can be interpreted as a quantitative, asymptotic strengthening of Bombieri’s inequality. In the special case where both the dimension of the space and the degree of P are two, we characterize for which polynomials P such bounds hold.
Influence of seasonal air density fluctuations on wind speed distribution in complex terrains in the context of energy yield
Authors: Hoxha Bukurije , Kuriqi Alban , Filkoski Risto V.
Published: November 2023

Given the variable nature of wind speed and the importance of accurately determining the energy that can be generated at a given site, understanding the wind speed at different time scales is crucial. In addition to differences within a very short period (i.e., hourly and daily), these changes are also pronounced throughout the seasons. They are affected by the atmospheric conditions and the terrain's complexity. Therefore, this study investigates the seasonal wind speed variability and its impact on the potential energy generation in a representative study case of Koznica, the mountainous region in Kosovo. The wind speed measurements campaign started in May 2019 and ended in April 2020; the measurements were made at a 10 min time scale. Ground measurements show that the wind direction is mainly northwest and southeast. Then, the wind speed and potential energy generation variability analysis were conducted for three different measurement heights. The results show that winter and spring have the highest potential wind energy capacity with an average speed of 6.7 m/s. In comparison, the average wind speed is 6.12 m/s. Potential energy generation for each season (i.e., spring, summer, autumn, and winter is as follows: 64,396.7, 22,040.3, 42,539.3, and 46,417.2 MWh/year, respectively, while the average capacity factor is 25%. Solution-oriented findings from this study might provide valuable insights to policymakers and investors regarding wind power energy exploration in Kosovo and other places with similar geo-climatic conditions.
Optimal design and characteristics of sustainable eco-friendly ultra-high-performance concrete
Authors: Mashaly Asmaa A. , Mahdy Mohamed G. , Elemam Walid E.
Published: November 2023

Sustainable eco-friendly ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a remarkable innovation in construction technology. This research aims to develop sustainable UHPC by incorporating various supplementary materials, including silica fume (SF), glass powder (GLP), fly ash (FA), limestone powder (LP), and granite powder (GrP), as partial replacements for cement and fine aggregate. To achieve this goal, a total of twenty-seven concrete mixtures were designed using response surface methodology (RSM) and tested in order to determine the optimal combination of these supplementary materials for enhancing the mechanical properties of UHPC. Mathematical models were constructed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The results of the study suggest that it is indeed possible to produce sustainable UHPC with reduced CO2 emissions and improved mechanical properties by utilizing the suggested supplementary materials. In particular, the compressive and flexural strengths of the concrete significantly improved when high proportions of LP, SF and GLP, and low proportions of FA and GrP were used. Among the various mixtures tested, the mixture containing 12.5% SF, 15% FA, and 10% GLP as partial replacements of cement, along with 12.5% GrP and 50% LP as partial replacements of fine aggregate, exhibited the highest compressive and flexural strength at all curing ages, the compressive strength was 133, 175.8, 180.2 MPa at age 7, 28 and 90 days, respectively, meanwhile the flexural strength was 38.5 MPa at age 28 days. The SEM results revealed that the higher proportion of LP, FA, and GLP contributed to an enhanced concrete microstructure, further validating the positive impact of these supplementary materials on UHPC's mechanical properties.
Antibacterial activity of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles using Kombucha extract
Authors: El-Fallal Amira A. , Elfayoumy Reham A. , El-Zahed Mohamed M.
Published: November 2023

Antibacterial resistance is a growing global vital medical problem when the innovation and development of new antibiotics are dwindling. Different nanomaterials were synthesized and developed as safe and effective alternative antimicrobial agents. The current study highlights the effect of the antibacterial activity of newly biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) obtained from Kombucha extract. Production of ZnO NPs was optimized and the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta potential and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The optimum conditions for ZnO NPs production were at temperature 30 °C, pH 9 and 25 mM of Zn(NO3)2.6H2O. The ZnO NPs biosynthesis was detected in the extract within 24 h. at 35 °C in dark conditions. The XRD pattern displayed 100, 101, 110, and 103 crystal planes. FTIR spectrum showed bands of 1° and 2° amines at 2922.6 cm−1 and a stretching vibration band of vinyl at 1657.5 cm−1. In addition, the results confirmed the positive charge (19 ± 3 mV) and crystalline nature of spherical-shaped ZnO NPs with an average size of 23 ± 1.5 nm. The antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs was tested against different American-type culture collection strains. ZnO NPs exhibited minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) values of 25 µg/ml against Escherichia coli ATCC25922, 30 µg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853, 35 µg/ml against Serratia liquefaciens OQ071699.1 and S. saprophyticus OQ071703.1 and 40 µg/ml against Lysinibacillus fusiformis OQ071701.1 and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC33495. Ultrastructure TEM study of the treated bacteria by MIC of ZnO NPs confirmed their highly toxic action on the bacterial cell wall, resulting in bacterial cell membrane rupture. Treated bacteria appeared as extensively damaged cells with the formation of vacuoles and lipids. The provided approach of ZnO NPs in combination with Kombucha SCOBY has a promising future in overcoming bacterial resistance problems in place of using antibiotics.
Simultaneous Extraction of Valuable Metals from Iron-Containing Residues by Selective Chlorination and Evaporation
Authors: Steinlechner S. , Witt K.
Published: November 2023

In different nonferrous metal-producing industry sectors, the impurity element iron has to be removed from the process solution. Examples for the arising residues are jarosite or goethite precipitates from nickel or zinc production but also red mud from aluminum production. Regardless of environmental concerns, the material is landfilled in almost any case, although valuables such as indium, silver, nickel, or zinc are present in considerable amounts. Within the presented research, a low carbon dioxide emitting multi-metal recovery from such iron-containing residues by means of a selective chlorination extraction has been fundamentally evaluated by experiments but also by comprehensive thermodynamic calculations. The paper summarizes the thermodynamic fundamental concept exploited to separate the dominating iron matrix from the valuable elements and shows verification experiments in a lab size of several grams. Through thermodynamic calculations and small-scale experiments with pure metal oxides and sulfates, it has been proven that the metal chlorides AlCl3∙6H2O, FeCl3∙6H2O, and MgCl2∙6H2O are viable and effective reactants for chlorination. In trials with actual industrial iron precipitation residues from the zinc industry, especially, the use of MgCl2∙6H2O and FeCl3∙6H2O leads to high extraction rates for the investigated valuable metals Ag, Au, Bi, Cu, In, Pb, Sn, and Zn.