bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability in headwater chemical signatures across a dynamic flow regime in a highly urbanized Piedmont catchment
Authors: Wheeler Christopher T. , Ledford Sarah H.
Published: February 2023

Urbanization has substantially altered low‐order streams, which show systematic degradation in water quality. Studying the spatiotemporal character of catchment scale solute dynamics is a crucial part of understanding the hydrology of urban catchments. The objectives of our study were to characterize spatial and temporal variability of solutes in headwater streams of the Upper South River, Atlanta, GA, and to examine relationships between solute concentrations and stream discharge during storm events across the watershed. Synoptic sampling was performed at 18 nested sites in the watershed during summer and fall 2020. Storm samples were also collected at three of these sites, all collocated with USGS stream gages. Samples were analysed for major ions including Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl−, SO42−, and NO3−. Synoptic sampling showed an unexpectedly high level of spatial stability over time at all first‐order sites, meaning that the relative ranks of concentrations among headwater sites remain consistent over time. This is even more unexpected considering the extremely flashy and dynamic nature of the highly urbanized watershed. Contrary to stormflow studies in other settings, examination of concentration‐discharge relationships showed a homogeneous response among storms, sites, and solutes, with most hysteresis loops exhibiting a dilutive response with clockwise rotation. This indicates source‐limited behaviour for solutes in this system, where groundwater represents the highest‐concentration component of stormflow. Taken together, baseflow and stormflow solute data show that this system retains consistent headwater signals across a highly dynamic flow regime. Furthermore, such stability drives a consistent solute signature at the watershed outlet. This type of information may prove useful for understanding sources and flow paths that drive urban stream geochemistry, particularly where budget constraints limit the number of locations where instrumentation may be installed.
Risk of hepatitis B reactivation in HBsAg−/HBcAb+ patients after biologic or JAK inhibitor therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hong Xuezhi , Xiao Yanhua , Xu Liyan , Liu Lei , Mo Hailu , Mo Hanyou
Published: February 2023

Background

The risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after biologic and targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/tsDMARDs) therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) combined with HBsAg–/HBcAb+ is still inconsistent.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of existing databases from 1977 to August 22, 2021. Studies of RA patients combined with HBsAg−/HBcAb +, treated with b/tsDMARDs and the reported number of HBV reactivation were included.

Results

We included 26 studies of 2252 HBsAg−/HBcAb+ RA patients treated with b/tsDMARDs. The pooled HBV reactivation rate was 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01−0.04; I2 = 66%, p < .01). In the subgroup analysis, the HBV reactivation rate of rituximab (RTX), abatacept, and inhibitors of Janus kinase (JAK), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were 9.0% (95% CI: 0.04−0.15; I2 = 61%, p = .03), 6.0% (95% CI: 0.01−0.13; I2 = 40%, p = .19), 1.0% (95% CI: 0.00−0.03; I2 = 41%, p = .19), 0.0% (95% CI: 0.00−0.02; I2 = 0%, p = .43), 0.0% (95% CI: 0.00−0.01; I2 = 0%, p = .87), respectively. While HBsAb‐ patients have a significant risk of reactivation (odds ratio [OR] = 4.56, 95% CI = 2.45−8.48; I2 = 7%, p = .37), low HBsAb+ group also display a significant risk of reactivation (OR = 5.45, 95% CI: 1.35−21.94; I2 = 0%, p = .46).

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis demonstrates the highest potential risk of HBV reactivation in HBsAg−/HBcAb+ RA patients receiving RTX treatment, especially HBsAb− patients. Our study furthers the understanding of the prophylactic use of anti‐HBV drugs in such patients. However, it is relative safety to use the inhibitors of IL‐6, TNF‐α, and JAK in these patients.
Creating Value with MBSE in the High‐Tech Equipment Industry
Authors: Hendriks Teun , van den Aker Joris , Suermondt Wouter Tabingh , Wesselius Jacco
Published: February 2023

The Netherlands has a strong presence in the high‐tech equipment industry sector with world‐wide renowned organizations. Systems engineering is a key capability that is well‐established in this sector. The industry now sees model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) as indispensable to bringing systems engineering capabilities to the next level. Despite this, MBSE is not a fully established practice in this sector as in other industries. ESI has initiated a study to understand the background of the sector's interest in MBSE, the challenges to address with MBSE, experiences with, and fit of current MBSE methodologies versus the characteristics of this sector. This article reports on the results of this study. It highlights innovation in MBSE to address the needs and characteristics of the high‐tech equipment industry.
Merging Agile/DevSecOps into the US DoD Space Acquisition Environment — A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Orosz Michael , Spear Grant , Duffy Brian , Charlton Craig
Published: February 2023

Over the past five years, with funding from the US Air Force and the US Space Force, SERC researchers at the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute have undertaken a series of case studies that have focused on the introduction of agile and DevSecOps practices into a space‐based software‐only acquisition environment. These studies have identified best practices and revealed useful lessons learned. While the initial baseline DoDI 5000.02 project was entirely waterfall‐based, subsequent projects have introduced agile/DevSecOps methods in progressively increasing levels, with the second project consisting of a roughly a 50/50 hybrid agile/waterfall mix and with the current project consisting of an approximately 70/30 hybrid agile/waterfall mix effort. All projects exhibit similar code complexity and size.
Roxadustat induces hepatotoxicity in zebrafish embryos via inhibiting Notch signaling
Authors: Yang Dou , Xiao Juhua , Wan Mengqi , Liu Jieping , Huang Ling , Li Xue , Zhang Li , Liu Fasheng , Liang Desheng , Zheng Yongliang , Xie Baogang , Liao Xinjun , Xiong Guanghua , Lu Huiqiang , Cao Zigang , Zhang Shouhua
Published: February 2023

Roxadustat is a novel and effective small‐molecule inhibitor of hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase (HIF‐PHI). However, little research has been done on its toxicity to vertebrate embryonic development. In this study, we used zebrafish to assess the effects of roxadustat on early embryonic development. Exposure to 14, 28, and 56 μM roxadustat resulted in abnormal embryonic development in zebrafish embryos, such as shortened body length and early liver developmental deficiency. Roxadustat exposure resulted in liver metabolic imbalance and abnormal liver tissue structure in adult zebrafish. In addition, roxadustat could up‐regulate oxidative stress, and astaxanthin (AS) could partially rescue liver developmental defects by down‐regulation of oxidative stress. After exposure to roxadustat, the Notch signaling is down‐regulated, and the use of an activator of Notch signaling can partially rescue hepatotoxicity. Therefore, our research indicates that roxadustat may induce zebrafish hepatotoxicity by down‐regulating Notch signaling. This study provides a reference for the clinical use of roxadustat.
The intriguing role of the aqueous matrix in advanced water disinfection: can a harmonic relationship be achieved?
Authors: Kyriazi Aphroditi , Gounaki Iosifina , Mantzavinos Dionissios , Venieri Danae
Published: February 2023

This perspective article primarily discusses the role of water matrix for the advanced treatment of watercourses. This relies on experimental work regarding the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus by an advanced oxidation process, namely activated persulfate, in five matrices of varying complexity, (i.e., from as simple as deionized water to secondary treated effluent). For comparison purposes, respective tests were performed with ultraviolet (UVC) radiation, a conventional disinfection process, while results from recent literature are also discussed. Only in deionized water can activated persulfate (i.e., 150 mg L−1 sodium persulfate and 30 mg L−1 ferrous ions) completely inactivate all three bacteria in the course of several minutes, but the process is ineffective in other matrices (i.e., bottled, tap, or lake water, as well as wastewater), where 1–2 orders of magnitude longer times are needed for partial inactivation, which decreases in the order E. coli > E. faecalis ~ V. parahaemolyticus. Conversely, UVC (at 30 W nominal value) is highly efficient against all bacteria and in all matrices in a matter of just a few seconds. The general perception is that treatment efficiency decreases with increasing matrix complexity in terms of total concentration and/or individual components composition, irrespective of the applied treatment method and its objectives (i.e., disinfection, decontamination, or mineralization). However, there are always exceptions the rule, further highlighting how case‐specific advanced water treatment can be. The matrix itself should be given particular emphasis for the rational design of efficient water treatment processes. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Characterizing patients hospitalized without an acute care indication: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Rosenthal Molly A. , Ranji Sumant R. , Kanzaria Hemal K. , Ortiz Gabriel M. , Chase Jack , Chodos Anna H. , Nguyen Oanh K. , Rodriguez Eric G. , Makam Anil N.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hospitalizations by patients who do not meet acute inpatient criteria are common and overburden healthcare systems. Studies have characterized these alternate levels of care (ALC) but have not delineated prolonged (pALC) versus short ALC (sALC) stays.

Objective

To descriptively compare pALC and sALC hospitalizations—groups we hypothesize have unique needs.

Designs, Settings, and Participants

A retrospective study of hospitalizations from March‐April 2018 at an academic safety‐net hospital.

Main Outcome and Measures

Levels of care for pALC (>3 days) and sALC (1–3 days) were determined using InterQual©, an industry standard utilization review tool for determining the clinical appropriateness of hospitalization. We examined sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

Of 2365 hospitalizations, 215 (9.1%) were pALC, 277 (11.7%) were sALC, and 1873 (79.2%) had no ALC days. There were 17,683 hospital days included, and 28.3% (n = 5006) were considered ALC. Compared to patients with sALC, those with pALC were older and more likely to be publicly insured, experience homelessness, and have substance use or psychiatric comorbidities. Patients with pALC were more likely to be admitted for care meeting inpatient criteria (89.3% vs. 66.8%, p < .001), had significantly more ALC days (median 8 vs. 1 day, p < .001), and were less likely to be discharged to the community (p < .001).

Conclusions

Patients with prolonged ALC stays were more likely to be admitted for acute care, had greater psychosocial complexity, significantly longer lengths of stay, and unique discharge needs. Given the complexity and needs for hospitalizations with pALC days, intensive interdisciplinary coordination and resource mobilization are necessary.
Dysregulation of memory B cells and circulating T follicular helper cells is a predictor of poor immune recovery in HIV‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Liu Yan , Li Zhen , Lu Xiaofan , Kuang Yi‐Qun , Kong Deshenyue , Zhang Xin , Yang Xiaodong , Wang Xiuwen , Mu Tingting , Wang Hu , Zhang Yihang , Jin Junyan , Xia Wei , Wu Hao , Zhang Tong , Moog Christiane , Su Bin
Published: February 2023

T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and their interactions with B cells within the germinal center play extensive roles in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pathology. However, their association with immune reconstitution during antiretroviral therapy (ART) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of Tfh and memory B cell function on T helper cell recovery in patients with acute or chronic HIV infection. A total of 100 HIV‐infected individuals were enrolled in our study, classified into acute and chronic HIV infection groups (60 and 40, respectively), and subsequently classified into immunological responder (IR) and immunological nonresponder (INR) subgroups according to immune recovery outcomes after 96 weeks of ART. Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to quantify the temporal regulation patterns of B and CD4+ T‐cell profiles among patients, and flow cytometry was used to investigate certain subsets of B and T cells. Here we showed that the prevalence of Tfh cells in the T helper cell population correlated negatively with CD4+ T‐cell recovery. The proportion of CXCR3− Tfh cells in patients with acute or chronic infection was associated with CD4+ T‐cell count recovery, and the proportion of CD21+ memory B cells at baseline was significantly higher in those with improved immune recovery outcomes. Universal proteomic dysregulation of B and CD4+ T cells at baseline was detected in patients with acute infected and poor CD4+ T‐cell recovery. Proteomics analysis revealed distinct temporal regulation profiles of both T helper cells and B cells between IRs and INRs among patients with acute infection. Our results suggest that the functions of memory B cells in INRs are dysregulated at the early stage of ART, possibly through disruption of Tfh cell function. The frequency and function of Tfh cells and their subsets are potential predictors of poor immune recovery.
Previous legume crop influences winter barley yield, N fertilizer response, and malting quality in Missouri
Authors: Maw Michael Joseph William , Lepcha Isaac , Naumann Harley D.
Published: February 2023

The rapid growth in the craft brewing industry is increasing the demand for winter barley production. Little recent research exists on producing winter barley for malting in the lower Midwestern United States, with a lack of understanding how previous legumes crops grown in rotation with winter barley interact with nitrogen (N) fertilization rates to affect grain yield and malting quality. To investigate these topics, a preliminary, 1‐year study was conducted in Missouri, USA, to test how growing soybean, a common rotational crop, and sunn hemp, a specialty forage crop, prior to winter barley, as well as two fall N fertilization rates (22.4 and 44.8 kg N ha−1), affected barley grain yield. Barley grain yield was unaffected by the previous legume crop choice or the fall N fertilization rate, suggesting that either crop provided adequate residual N to the succeeding barley crop. Additionally, malting quality was analyzed from representative grain samples to reveal adequate levels suitable for use in the craft brewing industry. This study's results reveal preliminary data supporting winter barley production in the lower Midwestern United States, with an indication that previously grown legume crops impact crop yield greater than fall N fertilizer rate.
Toward Arbitrary Spin‐Orbit Flat Optics Via Structured Geometric Phase Gratings
Authors: Li Chun‐Yu , Liu Si‐Jia , Yu Bing‐Shi , Wu Hai‐Jun , Rosales‐Guzmán Carmelo , Shen Yijie , Chen Peng , Zhu Zhi‐Han , Lu Yan‐Qing
Published: February 2023

Reciprocal spin‐orbit coupling (SOC) via geometric phase with flat optics provides a promising platform for shaping and controlling paraxial structured light. Current devices, from the pioneering q‐plates to the recent J‐plates, provide only spin‐dependent wavefront modulation without amplitude control. However, achieving control over all the spatial dimensions of paraxial SOC states requires spin‐dependent control of corresponding complex amplitude, which remains challenging for flat optics. Here, to address this issue, a new type of flat‐optics elements termed structured geometric phase gratings is presented, that is capable of conjugated complex‐amplitude control for orthogonal input circular polarizations. By using a microstructured liquid crystal photoalignment technique, a series of flat‐optics elements is engineered and their excellent precision in arbitrary SOC control is shown. This principle unlocks the full‐field control of paraxial structured light via flat optics, providing a promising way to develop an information exchange and processing units for general photonic SOC states, as well as extra‐/intracavity mode convertors for high‐precision laser beam shaping.
The fractional evolution equations associated with the quantum fractional number operator
Authors: Missaoui Sonia , Rguigui Hafedh
Published: February 2023

The Liouville–Caputo and Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives have been two of the most useful operators for modeling nonlocal behaviors by fractional differential equations. In terms of Mittag–Leffler function and convolution product, using the Laplace transform, we give the exact values of the solutions of the Liouville–Caputo and Riemann–Liouville time fractional evolution equations associated with the Quantum fractional number operator. Therefore, we study the attractiveness of these solutions.
Insight on the cellular and molecular basis of blood vessel formation: A specific focus on tumor targets and therapy
Authors: Stephen Nimish Mol , Deepika Udayawara Rudresh , Maradagi Tehreem , Sugawara Tatsuya , Hirata Takashi , Ganesan Ponesakki
Published: February 2023

The cellular and molecular switches that govern angiogenesis are considered therapeutic targets for several diseases like tumors and atherosclerosis. Thus, understanding the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of the new blood vessel is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies. The formation of a new blood vessel (angiogenesis) is tightly regulated by balancing pro‐ and antiangiogenic molecules. Dysregulated angiogenesis contributes to the pathogenicity of several diseases, including tumors associated with uncontrolled vessel growth. Experimental and clinical studies emphasize that angiogenesis is a critical step for the transition of the tumor to a life‐threatening malignancy. In recent years, angiogenesis has been targeted as one of the primary therapeutic goals for treating tumors, and rapid progress has been made by modulating its molecular regulators. Hence, the mechanisms of how blood vessel formation occurs could provide molecular insight into future angiogenic therapy. This review summarizes briefly the molecular players of blood vessel formation comprising vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and their role in tumor progression alongside antiangiogenic therapy.
Inpatient resources used in organic versus functional neurological disorders
Authors: Newman Hannah , Greig Timothy , O'Gara Michael
Published: February 2023

Patients with functional neurological symptoms (FNS) such as functional weakness and non‐epileptic attacks may present to acute hospital services. However, there are few good data on the proportion of neurological admissions they account for, or the utilisation of inpatient resources associated with them.
Observer‐based event triggered ADP approach for input‐constrained nonlinear systems with disturbances
Authors: Hu Chuanhao , Zou Yuanyuan , Li Shaoyuan
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes an ADP‐based event‐triggered control (ETC) approach for input‐constrained nonlinear systems with external disturbances to effectively save computational cost. An observer is established to estimate unknown disturbances, and a novel performance index function is introduced to suppress the negative effect of disturbances and tackle the control constraints. Under the event‐triggered mechanism, the corresponding nonquadratic Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equation is further formulated. With the aid of the modified performance index, an event‐triggered condition is designed to reduce the controller updating times with guaranteed system stability. Furthermore, a single critic neural‐network (NN) is constructed to approximate the optimal control policy by using the ADP technique. In order to relax the requirement of initial admissible control, a modification term is added to the critic weight updating law. According to the Lyapunov stability theorem, the closed‐loop nonlinear system and the weight estimation error of the critic NN are both guaranteed to be uniformly ultimately bounded. Finally, simulation results and comparison studies justify the effectiveness of the proposed ADP‐based ETC method.
HPLC analysis, Phytochemical Content, and Biological Effects of Centaurea kilae Against Some Metabolic Enzymes: In Vitro and In Silico Studies
Authors: Kısa Dursun , Imamoglu Rizvan , Genc Nusret , Taslimi Parham , Kaya Zafer , Taskin‐Tok Tugba
Published: February 2023

The aim of this work was to quantify and identify the phenolic composition of Centaurea kilae Bosse and record the anti‐alzheimer, anti‐urease, anti‐lipase, antidiabetic, anti‐melanogenesis, and antibacterial properties. IC50 values for enzymes were obtained between 0.370–180.1 μg/mL and this plant inhibited HMG_CoA R and urease enzymes more with IC50 values of 0.370 and 39.09 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking calculations were done subsequently, using targets, HMGCoA_R, glucosidase, amylase, and lipase to detect the structural necessity in activity for the phenolic compounds of Centaurea kilae plant. Chemical compounds of methanolic extracts of Centaurea kilae determined in this work. Finally, antibacterial and antifungal effects of this plant investigated.
Multifunctional Photoabsorber for Highly Efficient Interfacial Solar Steam Generation and Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Mehrkhah Roya , Goharshadi Kimiya , Goharshadi Elaheh K. , Sajjadizadeh Halimeh‐Sadat
Published: February 2023

Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) is a sustainable and environmental‐friendly technology for seawater desalination and wastewater purification using green and sustainable solar energy. Herein, a robust and efficient interfacial solar steam generation device or photoabsorber for ISSG of seawater and wastewater treatment was designed by coating wood with trace amount of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO). High evaporation flux of 5.25 kg m−2 h−1 was achieved by Pd20/RGO80/wood (a piece of wood was coated with 80 and 20 mg L−1 of Pd NPs and RGO as a top and bottom layer, respectively) under 3 kW m−2. The value of electrical conductivity of seawater decreased from 6000.0 to 5.8 μS cm−1 after desalination. The durability test showed the photoabsorber was stable for 30 cycles. The total cost to evaporation rate of the device was calculated as 0.29
0.003 USD/(cm3 h−1). The photoabsorber also showed excellent performance in wastewater treatment in removal of dyes of methylene blue and Reactive blue 5. Also, the concentration of heavy metals of Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Fe2+, Ni2+, and Cr6+ reduced from 1000 ppm to near zero in the presence of photoabsorber.
Amino acid and Dicyclohexylurea Linked Pyrazole Analogues: Synthesis, In Silico and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Cetin Adnan , Donmez Ali , Dalar Abdullah , Bildirici Ishak
Published: February 2023

Pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitors have received considerable attention by several researchers because of its ability to hydrolyse the triglycerides in the small intestine. This study reports the (i) synthesize of new pyrazole derivatives binding amino acid and Dicyclohexylurea (DCU), (ii) their pharmaceutical potentials‐ via enzyme inhibitory activity towards PL and antioxidant activities (using complementary antioxidant methods including FCR, FRAP and ORAC), (iii) the possible interactions between pyrazole compounds and PL enzyme through in silico studies, and the pharmacokinetic properties of the tetra‐substituted pyrazole analogues by PreADMET. Enzyme activities with IC50 values of the pyrazole analogues were found to be in a high range of 6.6±0.4 μM to 13.5±0.2 μM. However, antioxidant activities of the pyrazole analogues exhibited low binding affinities against FCR, FRAP, and ORAC. The pyrazole analogues with docking scores were in the range of −7.3 to −15.2 and their SAR analysis were demonstrated to highlight the importance of amino acid and DCU linked scaffolds. Two web tools were utilized for the purpose of predicting ADMET parameters of drugs and drug‐like pyrazole analogues. These results suggested that the amino acid and DCU linked pyrazole analogues have potential as PL inhibitors.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Five‐membered Nitrogen Heterocycles Induced by Palladium Ions and Complexes
Authors: Molnár Árpád
Published: February 2023

This review aims to collect and analyze recent results with respect to the use of varied palladium preparations in the synthesis of five‐membered nitrogen heterocycles including condensed derivatives. Results have been selected with focus on studies of the last three years. Furthermore, a common feature of all methods treated here is that the nitrogen‐containing five‐membered ring is formed via ring closing of appropriate starting materials. Selected examples discussed will reveal that a plethora of products from small monocycles to condensed multi‐ring systems can be successfully accessed. Major features are wide product ranges, high product yields and stereoselectivities often achieved under mild reaction conditions.
Mobile crowdsourced test report prioritization based on text and image understanding
Authors: Wu Yifan , Tong Yao , Liu An , Zhao Lei , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: February 2023

In the process of mobile crowdsourced testing, a large number of test reports are generated, which often consist of short text and rich image information. One of the critical issues is how to review these reports efficiently. Researchers have recently proposed clustering, classification, and prioritization techniques to solve this problem. However, existing studies directly use related technologies to text description and segment the text content without further understanding of the text content. By deeply digging into the text information and distinguishing it according to its actual meaning, the sentences described in the text can be categorized into two types: Describing abnormal system behavior and describing reproduction steps. This paper proposes a mobile crowdsourced test report prioritization technique to improve performance. First, we use a TextCNN trained on large‐scale projects to distinguish the text descriptions of reports, then extract features from the text and screenshot information, respectively. Then we apply a clustering technique to gather similar reports. Finally, the inspection order is sampled from the clustering results. To validate our approach, we conduct experiments on six industrial crowdsourced projects. The results show that our method can detect all bugs faster in a limited time than existing prioritization methods, which can improve the bug reports review efficiency.
Mechanical properties of ambient cured fly ash‐slag‐based engineered geopolymer composites with different types of fibers
Authors: Li Zeya , Sheikh M. Neaz , Feng Hu , Hadi Muhammad N. S.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, low‐strength polyvinyl alcohol (L‐PVA) fibers, high‐strength polyvinyl alcohol (H‐PVA) fibers, and polyethylene (PE) fibers were used to prepare ambient cured fly ash‐slag‐based engineered geopolymer composites (EGC). The effects of fiber types and fiber volume fractions (1.5%, 1.75%, 2.0%, 2.25%, and 2.5%) on the compressive strength and tensile performance of EGC were evaluated. It was found that by increasing the fiber volume fraction from 1.5% to 2.5%, L‐PVA fibers had the lowest influence, whereas PE fibers had the highest influence on the compressive strength of EGC. The optimum fiber volume fractions of L‐PVA, H‐PVA, and PE fibers were 1.75%, 2.25%, and 1.5%, respectively, for EGC to achieve the best tensile performance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) investigations showed that the bonding performance of PE fibers to the EGC matrix was higher than those of L‐PVA and H‐PVA fibers to the EGC matrix.
Long‐term reproductive effects in male rats prenatally exposed to sodium arsenite
Authors: Souza Ana Cláudia F. , Bastos Daniel S. S. , Couto‐Santos Felipe , Guimarães‐Ervilha Luiz Otávio , Araújo Larissa S. , Souza Pedro H. C. A. , Coimbra John L. P. , Oliveira Leandro L. , Guimarães Simone E. F. , Machado‐Neves Mariana
Published: February 2023

Arsenic is an environmental toxicant known to be a carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. Maternal exposure to arsenic has been associated with fetus malformation and reproductive disorders in male offspring. However, it is unclear the extent to which those effects remain during postnatal development and adulthood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the long‐term effects of prenatal arsenic exposure on reproductive parameters of male offspring at peripubertal and adult periods. Pregnant female Wistar rats were exposed to 0 or 10 mg/L sodium arsenite in drinking water from gestational day 1 (GD 1) until GD 21 and male pups were analyzed at postnatal day 44 (PND 44) and PND 70. We observed that some reproductive parameters were affected differently by arsenic exposure at each age evaluated. The body and reproductive organs weights, as well as testicular and epididymal morphology were strongly affected in peripubertal animals and recovered at adult period. On the other hand, the antioxidant genes expression (SOD1, SOD2, CAT and GSTK1) and the endogenous antioxidant system were affected in the testes and epididymides from both peripubertal and adult rats. Finally, an impairment in daily sperm production and in sperm parameters was observed in adult animals. Taken together, our findings show that prenatal arsenic exposure affected reproductive parameters of peripubertal and adult male rats mainly due to oxidative stress. Collectively, those alterations may be affecting fertility potential of adult animals.
Effects of zinc chloride on boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C
Authors: Hu Qimeng
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of zinc chloride (ZnCl2) at 20, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL on the quality of seminal plasma‐free boar sperm stored at 17°C for 7 days and to explore the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Boar sperm were collected and incubated in non‐capacitation/capacitation medium to analyze sperm quality.

Results

In the non‐capacitated state, the addition of ZnCl2 at 20 and 50 μg/mL improved the survival rate and plasma membrane integrity of boar sperm (p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the addition of ZnCl2 significantly increased total antioxidative capacity and CuZn superoxide dismutase activity, while reducing the malondialdehyde content (p < 0.05). ZnCl2 at 100 and 200 μg/mL significantly decreased sperm motility, protein kinase A (PKA) substrate phosphorylation, and tyrosine phosphorylation. These proteins were mainly located on the mid‐pieces of the flagellum. The addition of ZnCl2 at 20 and 50 μg/mL conveyed a protective effect to boar sperm stored at 17°C. Furthermore, ZnCl2 at 100 and 200 μg/mL inhibited sperm motility via tyrosine phosphorylation, thus preventing the ‘capacitation‐like’ state. In the capacitated state, there was no change in PKA substrate phosphorylation and tyrosine phosphorylation of the mid‐pieces of the flagellum compared to the control groups, indicating that the addition of Zn2+ did not negatively affect capacitation of preserved sperm.

Conclusions

ZnCl2 showed protective capacity to the preservation extender used for boar sperm during the process of 17°C storage, and the optimal concentration of ZnCl2 for the preservation extender was 100 μg/mL.
The Archaeology of Forced Migration in Greece: A Layered Pedagogy
Authors: Kourelis Kostis
Published: February 2023

How does the academic teaching of archaeology in the United States respond to the urgent questions surrounding this migration to Europe? The ad hoc urbanism of Greece’s migrant camps offers a rich entry point for the study of contemporary migration and its relationship to historical landscapes. Since its foundation in 1830, modern Greece has experienced continuous episodes of forced migration, emigration, internal displacement, war, economic collapse, destruction, abandonment, and ruination. Its countryside is layered with migrant sites, artifacts, and memories. Starting in the seventeenth century, European intellectuals valorized the Greek landscape as an idyllic Arcadia that was central to Western civilization’s relationship to nature. Representing universal values, Greece’s antiquities stand as foils to the mutability and degeneration of modernity and form the subject of archaeology as a discipline.
Teaching Forced Displacement with Geospatial Technology in Refugee Camps: Lessons from Rwanda and Jordan
Authors: Tomaszewski Brian
Published: February 2023

Forced displacement is inherently spatial, with aspects operating at multiple scales. At the individual scale, space shapes a survivor’s experience. At the regional scale, space mediates our understanding of global processes of forced displacement and shapes our local responses to these worldwide trends. As long as there has been forced displacement, some form of geographic mapping has been used to understand, represent, and reason about forced displacement. In modern times, mapping technology comes in the form of geospatial technologies that can range from a displaced person using Google Maps on their phone to navigate in an unfamiliar environment as they migrate from their home country, to powerful geographic information systems (GISs) that drive core operations of organizations such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), supporting countries hosting refugees and international humanitarian operations.
On the Pedagogical Value of Not Going There: Mobility, Fossil Fuel Consumption, and the Production of Refugees
Authors: Nevins Joseph
Published: February 2023

Herein, I consider the work that long-distance travel courses do to contribute to some of the very factors that underlie “forced” and illegalized human movement across international divide. I do so by examining the ties between climate change, fossil fuel consumption, and associated inequities. I argue that the very exercise of mobility that travel courses engage in is a form of world-making; it helps produce a world of people who need refuge outside their home areas. In the end, I suggest that the exercise of immobility on the part of students and faculty concerned with forced migration can enrich the learning experience for all. It can also help to challenge the socio-ecological inequities that contribute to forced migration and the nation-state apparatuses of exclusion that limit the mobility of refugees and other people on the move.
Reading Eveline in Jakarta: Community Learning with Hazara Refugees
Authors: Gelmi Alberto , Akhlaqi Halima
Published: February 2023

This chapter outlines an intensive class that took place over approximately two weeks in the summer of 2018 at the Cisarua Refugee Learning Center (CRLC), a school in Western Indonesia that serves refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are Hazaras. The class combined language and literacy instruction for ESL learners and also aimed to provide professional development for teachers in the form of metacognitive reflection on the course itself. This article argues that, in this unique scenario, the Humanities and Liberal Arts should take the lead as disciplines that teach interdisciplinarity and care for language, the powerful tool that regulates our interactions as individuals and as groups.
Learning Together: Exploring Visual and Textual Narration with Students Affected by Forced Migration
Authors: Murray Brittany
Published: February 2023

In the summer of 2019, Vassar hosted its New Americans Summer Program. For two weeks, eighteen high school students came together to take academic classes, engage in artistic projects, and explore life on a liberal arts college campus, where they learned about possible courses of study and prepared for higher education. Participants, who had arrived in the United States within the previous two to three years, brought with them knowledge gleaned from Afghanistan, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Honduras, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, and other nations. Participants completed STEM and humanities coursework, experimented with digital storytelling and filmmaking, painted a mural with the help of a guest artist, learned about the college admissions process, and joined social activities on campus as well as weekend field trips.
Systematisches Risikomanagement für eine geplante Gasabschaltung im High-Care-Bereich eines Universitätsklinikums
Authors: Heller Axel R. , Eberlein-Gonska Maria , Held Hanns C. , Koch Thea
Published: February 2023

Hintergrund

Im Rahmen von Erweiterungsbaumaßnahmen am Uniklinikum Dresden war die Abschaltung der zentralen medizinischen Gasversorgung in einem Gebäude mit 3 intensivmedizinischen Teilstationen mit 22 Betten, einem OP-Trakt mit 5 OP und 6 Normalstationen mit je 28 Betten im laufenden Betrieb erforderlich. Damit bestand der Bedarf für die betroffenen Funktionseinheiten, für die Baumaßnahme eine interimistische dezentrale Gasversorgung mit Nullfehlertoleranz zu schaffen.

Methodik

Nach etablierten Verfahren der Risiko- und Fehlermöglichkeitsanalyse wurde durch den Notfall- und Katastrophenschutzbeauftragten des Klinikums eine Projektgruppe ins Leben gerufen, die einen Projektplan, eine Bedarfsabschätzung und einen Kommunikationsplan erarbeitete.

Ergebnisse

Eine Vielzahl von Risikofaktoren, für die geeignete Gegenmaßnahmen zu konzipieren waren, wurde systematisch ermittelt. Die Bedarfsabschätzung auf Basis physiologischer Parameter für die maximal 22 zu belegenden Beatmungsplätze über 4 h ergab je 26.000 l Sauerstoff und Druckluft. Sieben Einspeisungspunkte wurden mit je zwei 50-l-Flaschen Sauerstoff und Druckluft bestückt, mit einer Gesamtverfügbarkeit von je 175.000 l der beiden Gase. Je 8 weitere Flaschen waren zusätzlich in Reserve. Die Maßnahme wurde an einem Samstag ohne Elektivoperationsprogramm durchgeführt, sodass die betroffenen OP gesperrt werden konnten. Der Zeitpunkt wurde so gewählt, dass während des Nachmittagsschichtwechsels die doppelte Besetzung des Intensivpflegepersonals verfügbar war. Im Vorfeld wurden möglichst viele der Beatmungspatienten klinikintern verlegt. Neun Beatmungspatienten mussten allerdings verbleiben. Der technische Eingriff in die Gasversorgung dauerte lediglich 2 h, ohne Beeinflussung des Patientenzustands. Während der 2‑stündigen Interimsversorgung wurden auf den High-Care-Stationen 16.500 l Druckluft und 8000 l Sauerstoff verbraucht. Pro Beatmungspatient ergab sich rechnerisch ein Stundenverbrauch von 917 l Luft (15 l/min) und von 444 l Sauerstoff (7 l/min). Die vorausberechnete Menge auf Basis intensivmedizinischer Erfahrungswerte war deutlich geringer. Die 10fache Vorhaltung der Gasmenge und die vorhersehbar geringere Anzahl von Beatmungspatienten als die zugrunde gelegte Maximalbelegung haben dies mehr als kompensiert.

Schlussfolgerung

Für technische Eingriffe in Hochrisikobereichen ist eine sorgfältige Planung und Durchführung in einem effektiven Team erforderlich. Etablierte Verfahren des Projektmanagements und der Risikobewertung helfen in der Fehlervermeidung.
Einteilung und Nomenklatur der aktuellen Materialien zur Kompressionstherapie
Authors: Protz K. , Eder S. , Läuchli S. , Partsch H. , Stücker M. , Traber J. , Dissemond J.
Published: February 2023

Die Kompressionstherapie ist seit mehreren Hunderten von Jahren ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der konservativen Therapie bei Menschen mit chronischen Wunden und Ödemen der unteren Extremitäten. Die dann eingeleitete Therapie kann in die Phasen der Entstauung, Erhaltung und Prävention unterteilt werden. Die Auswahl der jeweiligen Kompressionsversorgung orientiert sich u. a. an den Therapiephasen, dem klinischen Stadium und Symptomen, den Bedürfnissen Betroffener und deren körperlichen Fähigkeiten. Für die Kompressionstherapie steht heute eine Vielzahl an unterschiedlichen Materialien und Methoden zur Verfügung. Daher gestaltet es sich zunehmend schwieriger, einen Überblick über diese Behandlungsoptionen zu behalten, zumal die verwendete Nomenklatur der Hersteller oft nicht einheitlich ist. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden daher die aktuell im deutschsprachigen Raum verfügbaren Materialien und Methoden zur Kompressionstherapie mit ihren Einsatzmöglichkeiten erläutert. Zudem wird eine einheitliche Nomenklatur vorgeschlagen, auf deren Basis eine sachgerechte Dokumentation und Kommunikation aller an der Versorgung von Menschen mit Kompressionstherapie Beteiligten gewährleistet ist.
Liposome-based high-throughput and point-of-care assays toward the quick, simple, and sensitive detection of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in patient sera
Authors: Streif Simon , Neckermann Patrick , Spitzenberg Clemens , Weiss Katharina , Hoecherl Kilian , Kulikowski Kacper , Hahner Sonja , Noelting Christina , Einhauser Sebastian , Peterhoff David , Asam Claudia , Wagner Ralf , Baeumner Antje J.
Published: February 2023

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 caused an increased interest in neutralizing antibody tests to determine the immune status of the population. Standard live-virus-based neutralization assays such as plaque-reduction assays or pseudovirus neutralization tests cannot be adapted to the point-of-care (POC). Accordingly, tests quantifying competitive binding inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 by neutralizing antibodies have been developed. Here, we present a new platform using sulforhodamine B encapsulating liposomes decorated with RBD as foundation for the development of both a fluorescent, highly feasible high-throughput (HTS) and a POC-ready neutralizing antibody assay. RBD-conjugated liposomes are incubated with serum and subsequently immobilized in an ACE2-coated plate or mixed with biotinylated ACE2 and used in test strip with streptavidin test line, respectively. Polyclonal neutralizing human antibodies were shown to cause complete binding inhibition, while S309 and CR3022 human monoclonal antibodies only caused partial inhibition, proving the functionality of the assay. Both formats, the HTS and POC assay, were then tested using 20 sera containing varying titers of neutralizing antibodies, and a control panel of sera including prepandemic sera and reconvalescent sera from respiratory infections other than SARS-CoV-2. Both assays correlated well with a standard pseudovirus neutralization test (r = 0.847 for HTS and r = 0.614 for POC format). Furthermore, excellent correlation (r = 0.868) between HTS and POC formats was observed. The flexibility afforded by liposomes as signaling agents using different dyes and sizes can hence be utilized in the future for a broad range of multianalyte neutralizing antibody diagnostics.

Graphical abstract
Variabilities in global DNA methylation and β-sheet richness establish spectroscopic landscapes among subtypes of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Szymoński Krzysztof , Lipiec Ewelina , Sofińska Kamila , Skirlińska-Nosek Katarzyna , Czaja Michał , Seweryn Sara , Wilkosz Natalia , Birarda Giovanni , Piccirilli Federica , Vaccari Lisa , Chmura Łukasz , Szpor Joanna , Adamek Dariusz , Szymoński Marek
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Knowledge about pancreatic cancer (PC) biology has been growing rapidly in recent decades. Nevertheless, the survival of PC patients has not greatly improved. The development of a novel methodology suitable for deep investigation of the nature of PC tumors is of great importance. Molecular imaging techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Raman hyperspectral mapping (RHM) combined with advanced multivariate data analysis, were useful in studying the biochemical composition of PC tissue.

Methods

Here, we evaluated the potential of molecular imaging in differentiating three groups of PC tumors, which originate from different precursor lesions. Specifically, we comprehensively investigated adenocarcinomas (ACs): conventional ductal AC, intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma, and ampulla of Vater AC. FTIR microspectroscopy and RHM maps of 24 PC tissue slides were obtained, and comprehensive advanced statistical analyses, such as hierarchical clustering and nonnegative matrix factorization, were performed on a total of 211,355 Raman spectra. Additionally, we employed deep learning technology for the same task of PC subtyping to enable automation. The so-called convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to recognize spectra specific to each PC group and then employed to generate CNN-prediction-based tissue maps. To identify the DNA methylation spectral markers, we used differently methylated, isolated DNA and compared the observed spectral differences with the results obtained from cellular nuclei regions of PC tissues.

Results

The results showed significant differences among cancer tissues of the studied PC groups. The main findings are the varying content of β-sheet-rich proteins within the PC cells and alterations in the relative DNA methylation level. Our CNN model efficiently differentiated PC groups with 94% accuracy. The usage of CNN in the classification task did not require Raman spectral data preprocessing and eliminated the need for extensive knowledge of statistical methodologies.

Conclusions

Molecular spectroscopy combined with CNN technology is a powerful tool for PC detection and subtyping. The molecular fingerprint of DNA methylation and β-sheet cytoplasmic proteins established by our results is different for the main PC groups and allowed the subtyping of pancreatic tumors, which can improve patient management and increase their survival. Our observations are of key importance in understanding the variability of PC and allow translation of the methodology into clinical practice by utilizing liquid biopsy testing.
Data Processing Scheme for Laser Spot Thermography Applied for Nondestructive Testing of Composite Laminates
Authors: Roemer Jakub , Khawaja Hassan , Moatamedi Mojtaba , Pieczonka Lukasz
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a data processing scheme for laser spot thermography (LST) applied for nondestructive testing (NDT) of composite laminates. The LST involves recording multiple thermographic sequences, resulting in large amounts of data that have to be processed cumulatively to evaluate the diagnostic information. This paper demonstrates a new data processing scheme based on parameterization and machine learning. The approach allows to overcome some of the major difficulties in LST signal processing and deliver valuable diagnostic information. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated on an experimental dataset acquired for a laminated composite sample with multiple simulated delaminations. The paper discusses the theoretical aspects of the proposed signal processing and inference algorithms as well as the experimental arrangements necessary to collect the input data.
Knudsen Layer Behaviour and Momentum Accommodation from Surface Roughness Modelling
Authors: Kratzer Matthew M. , Bhatia Suresh K. , Klimenko Alexander Y.
Published: February 2023

This work analyses the formation of the Knudsen layer in micro/nanoscale flows by linking a rough wall collision model to a continuum flow model via asymptotic matching. Expressions for the accommodation coefficients in terms of the surface characteristics are derived, allowing for boundary layer analysis of rarefied flows without the use of prior determined accommodation coefficients. This derived model, through use of the Lennard–Jones parameters for a nanoscale system, allows for a prediction of the the effective Tangential Momentum Accommodation Coefficient (TMAC) in flows against ordered nanoscale surfaces.