bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global well‐posedness and finite time blow‐up for a class of wave equation involving fractionalp‐Laplacian with logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Boudjeriou Tahir
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we consider the following class of wave equation involving fractionalp‐Laplacian with logarithmic nonlinearitywhere is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary, , , and is the critical exponent in the Sobolev inequality. First, via the Galerkin approximations, the existence of local solutions are obtained when . Next, by combining the potential well theory with the Nehari manifold, we establish the existence of global solutions when . Then, via the Pohozaev manifold, the existence of global solutions are obtained when . By virtue of a differential inequality technique, we prove that the local solutions blow‐up in finite time with arbitrary negative initial energy and suitable initial values. Moreover, we discuss the asymptotic behavior of solutions as time tends to infinity. Here, we point out that the main difficulty is the lack of logarithmic Sobolev inequality concerning fractionalp‐Laplacian.
Specialized Versus Generic Allied Health Therapy and the Risk of Parkinson's Disease Complications
Authors: Talebi Amir H. , Ypinga Jan H.L. , De Vries Nienke M. , Nonnekes Jorik , Munneke Marten , Bloem Bas R. , Heskes Tom , Ben‐Shlomo Yoav , Darweesh Sirwan K.L.
Published: November 2022

Background

Specialized versus generic physiotherapy (PT) reduces Parkinson's disease (PD)–related complications. It is unclear (1) whether other specialized allied heath disciplines, including occupational therapy (OT) and speech and language therapy (S<), also reduce complications; (2) whether there is a synergistic effect among multiple specialized disciplines; and (3) whether each allied health discipline prevents specific complications.

Objectives

To longitudinally assessed whether the level of expertise (specialized vs. generic training) of PT, OT, and S< was associated with the incidence rate of PD‐related complications.

Methods

We used claims data of all insured persons with PD in the Netherlands between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018. ParkinsonNet‐trained therapists were classified as specialized, and other therapists as generic. We used mixed‐effects Poisson regression models to estimate rate ratios adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

The population of 51,464 persons with PD (mean age, 72.4 years; standard deviation 9.8) sustained 10,525 PD‐related complications during follow‐up (median 3.3 years). Specialized PT was associated with fewer complications (incidence rate ratio [IRR] of specialized versus generic = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, [0.74–0.83]; P < 0.0001), as was specialized OT (IRR = 0.88 [0.77–0.99]; P = 0.03). We found a trend of an association between specialized S< and a lower rate of PD‐related complications (IRR = 0.88 [0.74–1.04]; P = 0.18). The inverse association of specialized OT persisted in the stratum, which also received specialized PT (IRR = 0.62 [0.42–0.90]; P = 0.001). The strongest inverse association of PT was seen with orthopedic injuries (IRR = 0.78 [0.73–0.82]; P < 0.0001) and of S< with pneumonia (IRR = 0.70 [0.53–0.93]; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

These findings support a wider introduction of specialized allied health therapy expertise in PD care and conceivably for other medical conditions. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Gut Microbiome Analysis for Personalized Nutrition: The State of Science
Authors: Simon Marie‐Christine , Sina Christian , Ferrario Paola G. , Daniel Hannelore ,   Working Group “Personalized Nutrition” of the German Nutrition Society
Published: November 2022

Whereas most concepts of personalized nutrition (PN) in the past, included genotyping, recent years have brought new approaches that include microbiome analysis to optimize recommendations for diet and lifestyle changes. The new approach, offered by companies, that microbiome analysis provides a real benefit to either more concise recommendations or for increased compliance to PN, is largely lacking scientific validation. Although the microbiome field shows enormous proliferation, it has some major flaws that make its use in the public health domain currently critical. Starting with the quality and representative character of the stool samples, its processing and analysis as well as assembly of metagenome data and the interpretation. Moreover, there is still no consensus of what constitutes a “normal/healthy” microbiome, nor what features characterize a dysbiotic microbiome. And, based on hundreds of individual parameters and environmental factors, the intestinal microbiome shows a huge variability and consequently changing one factor—such as food intake—is likely to have a limited impact in achieving optimized health. The present review intends to summarize the state of consolidated knowledge on human gut microbiome in the context of diet and disease, its key features, and its influencing factors as well as its “add‐on” quality for PN offers.
Uncertainty‐aware physics‐driven deep learning network for free‐breathing liver fat and R2* quantification using self‐gated stack‐of‐radial MRI
Authors: Shih Shu‐Fu , Kafali Sevgi Gokce , Calkins Kara L. , Wu Holden H.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To develop a deep learning‐based method for rapid liver proton‐density fat fraction (PDFF) and R2* quantification with built‐in uncertainty estimation using self‐gated free‐breathing stack‐of‐radial MRI.

Methods

This work developed an uncertainty‐aware physics‐driven deep learning network (UP‐Net) to (1) suppress radial streaking artifacts because of undersampling after self‐gating, (2) calculate accurate quantitative maps, and (3) provide pixel‐wise uncertainty maps. UP‐Net incorporated a phase augmentation strategy, generative adversarial network architecture, and an MRI physics loss term based on a fat–water and R2* signal model. UP‐Net was trained and tested using free‐breathing multi‐echo stack‐of‐radial MRI data from 105 subjects. UP‐Net uncertainty scores were calibrated in a validation dataset and used to predict quantification errors for liver PDFF and R2* in a testing dataset.

Results

Compared with images reconstructed using compressed sensing (CS), UP‐Net achieved structural similarity index >0.87 and normalized root mean squared error <0.18. Compared with reference quantitative maps generated using CS and graph‐cut (GC) algorithms, UP‐Net achieved low mean differences (MD) for liver PDFF (−0.36%) and R2* (−0.37 s−1). Compared with breath‐holding Cartesian MRI results, UP‐Net achieved low MD for liver PDFF (0.53%) and R2* (6.75 s−1). UP‐Net uncertainty scores predicted absolute liver PDFF and R2* errors with low MD of 0.27% and 0.12 s−1 compared to CS + GC results. The computational time for UP‐Net was 79 ms/slice, whereas CS + GC required 3.2 min/slice.

Conclusion

UP‐Net rapidly calculates accurate liver PDFF and R2* maps from self‐gated free‐breathing stack‐of‐radial MRI. The pixel‐wise uncertainty maps from UP‐Net predict quantification errors in the liver.
Signal‐to‐noise ratio penalties from a loss of stimulated echoes when using slab‐selective excitation in three‐dimensional fast spin echo imaging with long echo trains
Authors: Snyder Jeff , Seres Peter , Wilman Alan H.
Published: November 2022

Three‐dimensional fast spin echo imaging with long echo trains combines high resolution with reasonable acquisition times and reduced specific absorption rate due to low refocusing flip angles. Typically, an entire volume is encoded (nonselective excitation) or localization can be performed with slab select excitation, which uses a long 90° pulse for precise localization, followed by a preliminary nonselective 180° pulse bounded by spoiler gradients to destroy signal outside of the volume of interest. Subsequent flip angles in the train are nonselective and identical between the two methods. The inclusion of the initial selective pulse and spoiler gradients results in a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) penalty for slab selection, beyond the slice‐averaging dependence, arising from a loss of stimulated echoes. SNR differences are explored using Bloch equation simulations of a T2‐weighted 96 echo train sequence with varying parameters including T2, T1, and B1+ and compared with phantom and in vivo brain, neck, and knee experiments. In vivo SNR measurements in the three regions showed a maximum decrease of selective SNR by 29% (gastrocnemius muscle), 25% (pons), and 22% (globus pallidus), despite similar experimental parameters to nonselective experiments. Decreased SNR was compounded by B1+ variation affecting prescribed flip angles with further smaller reductions with T2 and T1 times. In conclusion, the elimination of coherences via the preliminary nominal 180° pulse and spoiler gradients in addition to the extended echo timing from the long excitation pulse resulted in a reduction in SNR compared with the nonselective case. Consideration of the required SNR and chosen anatomy as well as sequence restrictions should be weighed before choosing slab‐selective excitation.
Error estimates of an operator‐splitting finite element method for the time‐dependent natural convection problem
Authors: Yang Yun‐Bo , Huang Bin‐Chao , Jiang Yao‐Lin
Published: November 2022

In this article, an operator‐splitting (or a fractional‐step) finite element method is proposed for the numerical solution of the time‐dependent natural convection problem. We first analyze the time‐discrete fractional‐step scheme, which decouples the considered system into three subproblems, and each subproblem can be solved more easily than the original one. Under some mild regularity assumptions, the stability and error estimates for the velocity and the temperature are established rigorously. In addition, a full discrete fractional‐step scheme based on the time‐discrete scheme is proposed and the rigorous error analysis is presented. We derive the temporal–spatial error estimates of for the velocity and the temperature in the discrete space under the constraint Δt ≥ Ch. Numerical experiments are performed to confirm the theoretical predictions and demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
Targeting histone deacetylases in testicular germ cell tumours: an encouraging treatment approach for the future†
Authors: Tavares Nuno Tiago , Henrique Rui , Jerónimo Carmen , Lobo João
Published: November 2022

Epidrugs, specifically histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), have been increasingly used in preclinical studies for the treatment of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs). SINHCAF was recently described as a potential oncogene in TGCTs located on chromosome 12p, the hallmark of type II (malignant) TGCTs. The findings contribute to the field by further supporting the efficacy of HDACi in the treatment of TGCTs, promoting the design of more preclinical studies and providing the motivation for future implementation of clinical studies with these compounds. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Assembling the best of two worlds: Biomolecule‐polymer nanoparticles via polymerization‐induced self‐assembly
Authors: Shirinichi Farbod , Ibrahim Tarek , Rodriguez Mia , Sun Hao
Published: November 2022

Biomolecule‐polymer nanoparticles are recently emerging as a new class of biomolecule‐polymer conjugates. They represent promising nanomaterials in a wide range of applications including but not limited to therapeutics, drug delivery systems, antimicrobial agents, sensors, and catalysis. In the past 5 years, there has been a significant effort applied to expand the family of biomolecule‐polymer nanoparticles via polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) approach. Given the excellent functional group tolerance of PISA process which relies on controlled polymerization methods, a broad spectrum of biomolecules has been incorporated into polymer nanoparticles with various morphologies. In this mini‐review, we will highlight the biomolecule‐polymer nanoparticles that have been achieved by PISA approach, including (1) protein‐polymer nanoparticles, (2) oligopeptide‐polymer nanoparticles, (3) nucleic acid‐polymer nanoparticles, as well as (4) polysaccharide‐polymer nanoparticles. In addition, various PISA strategies based on different controlled polymerization methods will be covered. Potential applications, challenges, and future perspectives of this new library of biomolecule‐polymer conjugates are discussed. It is clear from recent research in this field that PISA represents a powerful synthetic tool towards biomolecule‐polymer nanoparticles with novel structures and properties previously inaccessible by other synthetic approaches.
Interactions of heparin derivatives with recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor: Structural stability and bioactivity effect study
Authors: Kalhor Hourieh , Abolhasani Hoda , Kalhor Reyhaneh , komeili Movahhed Tahereh , Rahimi Hamzeh
Published: November 2022

Heparin and heparan sulfate are important glycosaminoglycans that can regulate the activities of many vital proteins, especially the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family. Because FGF7 (KGF) has an important role in tissue repair and maintaining the integrity of the mucosal barrier, recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (rhKGF, palifermin) has been approved for the treatment of wound healing and oral cavity. Due to heparin plays an important role in the KGF signaling pathway, a more detailed study of the drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between rhKGF and heparin at the atomic level and investigating their synergistic effect on each other in terms of biology, especially in silico, is necessary for a better understanding of DDIs. In this study, DDIs between rhKGF and low‐molecular weight heparin types (LMWH) were investigated. In this regard, scrutiny of the influence of the synergistic heparin types on the structure and biostability of rhKGF is accomplished using computational methods such as molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations (MDs). Subsequently, the motion behavior of rhKGF in interaction with LMWHs was evaluated based on eigenvectors by using principal component analysis (PCA). Also, the binding free energies of rhKGF‐LMWH complexes were calculated by the molecular mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM‐BPSA) method. The result showed that rhKGF‐idraparinux (−6.9 kcal/mol) and rhKGF‐heparin (−6.0 kcal/mol) complexes had significant binding affinity as well as they had a more stable binding to rhKGF than to other LMWH during 100 ns simulation. However, in order to confirm the curative effect of these drugs, clinical trials must be done.
Integrated gut microbiota and serum metabolomics reveal the protective effect of oleanolic acid on liver and kidney‐injured rats induced by Euphorbia pekinensis
Authors: Wang Kuilong , Xu Xiaofen , Shan Qiyuan , Ding Rui , Lyu Qiang , Huang Lichuang , Chen Xinyi , Han Xin , Yang Qiao , Sang Xianan , Peng Mengyun , Hao Min , Cao Gang
Published: November 2022

Euphorbia pekinensis (EP) is a commonly used Chinese medicine treating edema with potential hepatorenal toxicity. However, its toxic mechanism and prevention are remained to be explored. Oleanolic acid (OA) is a triterpene acid with potential hepatorenal protective activities. We investigated the protective effect and potential mechanism of OA on EP‐induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this study, rats were given total diterpenes from EP (TDEP, 16 mg/kg) combined with OA (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) by gavage for 4 weeks. The results showed that TDEP administration could lead to a 3–4‐fold increasement in hepatorenal biochemical parameters with histopathological injuries, while OA treatment could ameliorate them in a dose‐dependent manner. At microbial and metabolic levels, intestinal flora and host metabolism were perturbed after TDEP administration. The disturbance of bile acid metabolism was the most significant metabolic pathway, with secondary bile acids increasing while conjugated bile acids decreased. OA treatment can improve the disorder of intestinal flora and metabolic bile acid spectrum. Further correlation analysis screened out that Escherichia‐Shigella, Phascolarctobacterium, Acetatifactor, and Akkermansia were closely related to the bile acid metabolic disorder. In conclusion, oleanolic acid could prevent hepatorenal toxicity induced by EP by regulating bile acids metabolic disorder via intestinal flora improvement.
Adverse adult experiences and health outcomes: Racial and ethnic differences in a low‐income sample
Authors: Mersky Joshua , Plummer Lee ChienTi , Janczewski Colleen
Published: November 2022

Extending research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), this study aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of and outcomes associated with adverse adult experiences vary among racial and ethnic subgroups. Survey data were collected from 1566 low‐income women in Wisconsin using the Adult Experiences Survey (AES). Ten major adult adversities were assessed, including items that reference an intimate partner or household member (e.g., physical or emotional abuse, substance use) along with other social and economic stressors such as homelessness and discrimination. Adverse adult experiences were highly prevalent overall, but even more so among non‐Hispanic Whites than their Black and Hispanic counterparts. The results reinforce prior research on ACEs in low‐income populations. Lending further credence to these findings, tests of measurement invariance indicated that the AES demonstrated acceptable configural and scalar invariance across racial and ethnic groups. As expected, greater exposure to adult adversity was significantly related to poorer physical and mental health. These associations manifested cross‐sectionally and longitudinally for observed and latent measures of adult adversity—even after controlling for ACEs. Associations between adult adversity and health were not moderated by race/ethnicity. In sum, adverse adult experiences were unequally distributed across racial/ethnic groups, but the consequences associated with adversity appeared to be evenly dispersed.
Cell‐Mimic Directional Cargo Transportation in a Visible‐Light‐Activated Colloidal Motor/Lipid Tube System
Authors: Ghellab Salah Eddine , Zhang Xinyuan , Yang Yicheng , Wang Shuo , Basharat Majid , Zhou Xuemao , Lei Lijie , Zhou Ye , Wang Yufeng , Fang Hui , Gao Yongxiang
Published: November 2022

Active tether and transportation of cargoes on cytoskeletal highway enabled by molecular motors is key for accurate delivery of vesicles and organelles in the complex intracellular environment. Here, a hybrid system composed of colloidal motors and self‐assembled lipid tubes is designed to mimic the subcellular traffic system in living cells. The colloidal motors, composed of gold‐coated hematite, display light‐activated self‐propulsion tunable by the light intensity and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide fuel. Importantly, the motors show light‐switchable binding with lipid cargoes and attachment to the lipid tubes, whereby the latter act as the motor highways. Upon assembly, the colloidal motor/lipid tube system demonstrates directional delivery of lipid vesicles, emulating intracellular transportation. The assembly and function of the hybrid system are rationalized by a cooperative action of light‐triggered electrophoretic and hydrodynamic effects, supported by finite element analysis. A synthetic analog of the biological protein motor/cytoskeletal filament system is realized for the manipulation and delivery of different matter at the microscale, which is expected to be a promising platform for various applications in materials science, nanotechnology, microfluidics, and synthetic biology.
Copper‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework Induces NO Generation for Synergistic Tumor Therapy and Antimetastasis Activity
Authors: Ren Debao , Cheng Yibin , Xu Wenxuan , Qin Wenjun , Hao Tonghui , Wang Fei , Hu Yun , Ma Lixin , Zhang Cheng
Published: November 2022

The interaction between platelets and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) contributes to distal tumor metastasis by protecting CTCs from immunological assault and shear stress, which can be disrupted by nitric oxide (NO) through inhibiting platelet‐mediated adhesion. To eradicate primitive tumors and inhibit CTC‐based pulmonary metastasis, a novel biomimetic nanomedicine (mCuMNO) is designed by encapsulating Cu+‐responsive S‐nitrosoglutathione as a NO donor into a copper‐based metal‐organic framework (CuM). This work discovers that mCuMNO can target tumor regions and deplete local glutathione (GSH) to reduce Cu2+ to Cu+, followed by triggering NO release and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) production, thereby interrupting platelet/CTC interplay and contributing to chemodynamic therapy. Detailed studies demonstrate that mCuMNO exhibits high efficiency and safety in tumor therapy and antimetastasis activity, sheding new light on the development of CuM‐based tumor synthetic therapy.
The influence of fiber on salt frost resistance of hydraulic face slab concrete
Authors: Wang Ruijun , Cao Zhiliang , Li Yang , Shi Qi
Published: November 2022

As an important antiseepage structure of concrete face rockfill dam, the durability of concrete face slab is very important for the long‐term safe operation of the dam. Polypropylene fiber (PPF) and polyacrylonitrile fiber (PANF) are used as research objects to study the salt frost resistance of dual fiber Face slab concrete. The corrosion resistance of PPF and PANF concrete under different fiber volume was compared. The mass loss, residual compressive strength, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity and microstructure were evaluated in salt freezing environment. The results show that adding PPF and PANF to concrete can effectively improve the frost resistance of concrete, and the performance law is similar under the coupling failure of chloride and freeze–thaw cycles. Under the same volume, the effect of PPF concrete is more significant than PPF concrete, and the effect of adding two kinds of fibers at the same time is better than adding one fiber alone. Within the evaluation range, choosing 0.5% PPF and 0.5% PPF as additives is the best choice to improve the salt frost resistance. The results of scanning electron microscopy microstructure analysis of corrosion products are consistent with that of macro property analysis.
Botulinum toxin antibody titres: measurement, interpretation, and practical recommendations
Authors: Dressler Dirk , Rothwell John C. , Bhatia Kailash , Kopp Bruno , Bigalke Hans , Adib Saberi Fereshte
Published: November 2022

Botulinum toxin (BT) therapy may be blocked by antibodies (BT-AB) resulting in BT-AB induced therapy failure (ABF). BT-AB may be detected by the mouse lethality assay (MLA), the mouse diaphragm assay (MDA) and the sternocleidomastoid test (SCMT). For the first time, we wanted to compare all three BT-AB tests and correlate them to subjective complaint of complete or partial secondary therapy failure in 37 patients with cervical dystonia (25 females, 12 males, age 51.2 ± 11.4 years, disease duration 12.4 ± 6.3 years). Complaint of therapy failure was not correlated with any of the BT-AB tests. MDA and MLA are closely correlated, indicating that the MDA might replace the MLA as the current gold standard for BT-AB measurement. The SCMT is closely correlated with MDA and MLA confirming that BT-AB titres and BT's paretic effect are in a functional balance: low BT-AB titres are reducing BT's paretic effect only marginally, whereas high BT-AB titres may completely block it. When therapy failure is classified as secondary and permanent, BT-AB evaluation is recommended and any BT-AB test may be applied. For MDA > 10 mU/ml, MLA > 3 and SCMT < 25%, ABF is highly likely. MDA < 0.6 mU/ml are therapeutically irrelevant. They are neither correlated with pathologic MLA nor with pathologic SCMT. They should not be the basis for treatment decisions, such as switching dystonia therapy to deep brain stimulation. All other results are intermediate results. Their interactions with therapy efficacy is unpredictable. In these cases, BT-AB tests should be repeated or one or two additional test methods should be applied.
Immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptor alpha in the maxillary sinus, pulp, and periodontal ligament of adjacent teeth in late pregnancy in rats
Authors: Hassan Gihan S. , Helal Mai B. , Ibrahim H. F.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to assess the histological changes in the maxillary sinus and its adjacent dental tissues as pulp and periodontal ligament during pregnancy and investigate the role of estrogen hormone in these changes through the detection of estrogen receptors in these tissues. Sixteen adult female rats were used and were allocated into two groups: control non-pregnant (n = 8) and pregnant (n = 8). They were sacrificed and their heads were prepared for histological and immunohistochemical examination for estrogen receptor alpha. Our results revealed that pregnant rats revealed inflammatory changes in the sinus as thick epithelial lining, loss of cilia, swollen goblet cells, intraepithelial and interstitial edema. The lamina propria demonstrated considerable infiltration of inflammatory cells, glandular hyperplasia with vacuolar degeneration, and vascular congestion. Periodontal ligament and pulp revealed hyperemia and vascular congestion. Immunohistochemical examination of estrogen receptor alpha in the maxillary sinus and adjacent dental tissues (Periodontal ligament and pulp) in pregnant rats revealed a significant increase in its expression in all examined tissues. In conclusion, there was an increase in expression of ERα in the sinus mucosa and dental tissues during pregnancy together with slight inflammatory changes in these tissues. Hence, dentists should be aware of the effect of these changes on the pregnant women avoiding teeth extraction due to misdiagnosis of dental, periodontal or sinus pain after exclusion of true pathologies.
Emotion contagion in agent-based simulations of crowds: a systematic review
Authors: van Haeringen E. S. , Gerritsen C. , Hindriks K. V.
Published: November 2022

Emotions are known to spread among people, a process known as emotion contagion. Both positive and negative emotions are believed to be contagious, but the mass spread of negative emotions has attracted the most attention due to its danger to society. The use of agent-based techniques to simulate emotion contagion in crowds has grown over the last decade and a range of contagion mechanisms and applications have been considered. With this review we aim to give a comprehensive overview of agent-based methods to implement emotion contagion in crowd simulations. We took a systematic approach and collected studies from Web of Science, Scopus, IEEE and ACM that propose agent-based models that include a process of emotion contagion in crowds. We classify the models in three categories based on the mechanism of emotion contagion and analyse the contagion mechanism, application and findings of the studies. Additionally, a broad overview is given of other agent characteristics that are commonly considered in the models. We conclude that there are fundamental theoretical differences among the mechanisms of emotion contagion that reflect a difference in view on the contagion process and its application, although findings from comparative studies are inconclusive. Further, while large theoretical progress has been made in recent years, empirical evaluation of the proposed models is lagging behind due to the complexity of reliably measuring emotions and context in large groups. We make several suggestions on a way forward regarding validation to eventually justify the application of models of emotion contagion in society.
Wood lignocellulosic stabilizers: effect of their characteristics on stability and rheological properties of emulsions
Authors: Ho Thao Minh , Abik Felix , Hietala Sami , Isaza Ferro Estefania , Pitkänen Leena , Juhl Dennis W. , Vosegaard Thomas , Kilpeläinen Petri O. , Mikkonen Kirsi S.
Published: November 2022

Lignocellulosic materials from the forest industry have shown potential to be used as sustainable hydrocolloids to stabilize emulsions for many applications in life science and chemical industries. However, the effect of wood species and recovery method on the product’s properties and ability to stabilize emulsions of isolated lignocellulosic compounds is not well understood. Hemicelluloses, abundant lignocellulosic side stream, exhibit differences in their water solubility, anionic character, lignin content, and degree of acetylation. Here, we explored stability and rheological properties of model emulsions (5% hexadecane and 1% stabilizer, w/w) stabilized by different grades of sprucewood galactoglucomannan (GGM) and birchwood glucuronoxylan (GX) hemicelluloses. The results were compared to known soluble, insoluble, charged, and non-charged cellulosic stabilizers, namely methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), anionic- and nonionic-cellulose nanocrystals (aCNC and dCNC). The results showed that GX emulsions were highly stable compared to GGM emulsions, and that deacetylation and lignin removal markedly reduced emulsion stability of GGM. Carboxymethylation to increase anionic characters enhanced the emulsion stabilization capacity of GGM, but not that of GX. Investigating flow behaviors of emulsions indicated that hemicelluloses primarily stabilize emulsions by adsorption of insoluble particles, as their flow behaviors were similar to those of cellulose nanocrystals rather than those of soluble celluloses. Understanding the impact of the variations in composition and properties of hemicellulose stabilizers to stabilize emulsions allows tailoring of their recovery processes to obtain desirable hydrocolloids for different applications.
Harry Potter and the Social Construct. Does Gender-Swap Fanfiction Show Us That We Need to Re-consider Gender Within Children’s Literature?
Authors: Oulton Harry
Published: November 2022

In this paper I look at how gender is performed in fanfiction, specifically in gender-swap stories within the Harry Potter fandom. Fanfiction is not constrained by any editorial oversight, and there are no financial considerations attached to either reading or writing it, two facts which make it a unique and essential part of the discourse surrounding children’s literature. Anyone can write and read it, and there are very few narrative constraints, both of which make the characters and the worlds open to almost infinite types of adaptation. Rather than being closed off within a printed text, the characters take on an elasticity which allows them to exist in worlds, relationships and stories outside their source material. This narrative freedom means fan fictions act not just as textual adaptations, but also social commentaries, narrative sites which are plastic enough to allow writers to project themselves and their opinions onto pre-existing and familiar characters. This elasticity and textual fluidity lends itself very well to a study of contemporary performances of gender, which in turn reveals how the offline publishing market’s adherence to a patriarchal hegemony continues to produce a gender imbalance in terms of both subject and author privilege, something which doesn’t adequately reflect either the desires or the reading habits of contemporary children and young adults.
A Dilemma for the Russo–Williamson Thesis
Authors: Wilde Michael
Published: November 2022

The Russo–Williamson thesis maintains that establishing a causal claim in medicine normally requires establishing both a correlation and a mechanism. In this paper, I present a dilemma for defenders of this thesis: a strong version of the thesis requires denying a plausible counterexample, but as the thesis is weakened, its defenders must give up their favoured account of the explanatory role of causal claims in medicine. I appeal to some recent work in epistemology on infallibilism to propose a way out of this dilemma, where this way out requires neither denying the plausible counterexample nor giving up the favoured account. I think this shows that even apparently abstract debates in epistemology can provide resources that may help to resolve debates in the philosophy of science and medicine.
Genetic diversity of pea (Pisum sativum L.) genotypes differing in leaf type using SNP markers
Authors: Tran Chi Thanh , Beissinger Timothy M. , Becker Heiko C. , Horneburg Bernd
Published: November 2022

A collection of 46 pea (Pisum sativum L.) accessions, mostly from Europe, were analysed for genetic diversity using the GenoPea 13.2 K SNP Array chip. Of these accessions were 24 nomal-leaved and 22 semi-leafless. Principal components analysis (PCA) separated the peas into two groups characterized by the two different leaf types, although some genotypes were exceptions and appeared in the opposite group. Cluster analysis confirmed the two groups. A dendrogram showed larger genetic distances between genotypes in the normal-leafed group compared to semi-leafless genotypes. Both PCA and cluster analysis show that the two leave types are genetically divergent. So normal-leaved peas are an interesting genetic resource, even if the breeding goal is to develop semi-leafless varieties.
Sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale IOL: a review on the novel designed lens
Authors: Carlà Matteo Mario , Boselli Francesco , Giannuzzi Federico , Caporossi Tomaso , Gambini Gloria , Mosca Luigi , Savastano Alfonso , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: November 2022

Background: Complicated cataract surgery is the main cause of secondary lens implantation surgery. Several approaches have been introduced to face those circumstances. As it concerns scleral-fixated IOLs for the posterior chamber, many types of IOL can be implanted. The aim of article is to review the single piece sutureless scleral fixation Carlevale lens; Methods: Narrative review; Results: Several works described as safe the IOL implantation utilizing the handshake approach, without tactile manipulation, which allows for self-centration and lens firm fixation in uncomplicated surgery. This allows to reduce high order aberration such as astigmatism and coma, with a very good postoperative BCVA Conclusions: Carlevale lens is one of the best option to manage insufficient capsular support.
Stress, Eating Behavior and Adverse Health in Parents of Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: van der Lubbe Anna , Swaab Hanna , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M. , Ester Wietske A.
Published: November 2022

Mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often experience chronic stress and are at risk for adverse health. However, little is known about fathers, especially when their child is in early childhood. Parenting stress, eating behavior and physical health was evaluated in mothers (n = 48) and fathers (n = 43) of young children (3–7 years) with ASD by questionnaires and physical measurements. Mother’s prevalence rates of obesity (39.1%), abdominal obesity (59.6%) and metabolic syndrome (21.6%) were higher than the norm. In fathers, the prevalence rate of clinical parenting stress (33%) was higher than the norm. Parenting stress was positively related to disinhibited eating in mothers, not in fathers. It is crucial to monitor stress and health of parents of children with ASD.
Therapeutic Hypothermia Combined with Hydrogen Sulfide Treatment Attenuated Early Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption and Brain Edema Induced by Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation in Rat Model
Authors: Cai Shenquan , Li Qian , Fan Jingjing , Zhong Hao , Cao Liangbin , Duan Manlin
Published: November 2022

Brain injury remains a major problem in patients suffering cardiac arrest (CA). Disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is an important factor leading to brain injury. Therapeutic hypothermia is widely accepted to limit neurological impairment. However, the efficacy is incomplete. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a signaling gas molecule, has protective effects after cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. This study showed that combination of hypothermia and H2S after resuscitation was more beneficial for attenuated BBB disruption and brain edema than that of hypothermia or H2S treatment alone. CA was induced by ventricular fibrillation for 4 min. Hypothermia was performed by applying alcohol and ice bags to the body surface under anesthesia. We used sodium hydrosulphide (NaHS) as the H2S donor. We found that global brain ischemia induced by CA and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) resulted in brain edema and BBB disruption; Hypothermia or H2S treatment diminished brain edema, decreased the permeability and preserved the structure of BBB during the early period of CA and resuscitation, and more importantly, improved the neurologic function, increased the 7-day survival rate after resuscitation; the combination of hypothermia and H2S treatment was more beneficial than that of hypothermia or H2S treatment alone. The beneficial effects were associated with the inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, attenuated the degradation of the tight junction protein occludin, and subsequently protected the structure of BBB. These findings suggest that combined use of therapeutic hypothermia and hydrogen sulfide treatment during resuscitation of CA patients could be a potential strategy to improve clinical outcomes and survival rate.
Partisan Stability During Turbulent Times: Evidence from Three American Panel Surveys
Authors: Green Donald P. , Platzman Paul
Published: November 2022

The past decade has witnessed profound changes in the tenor of American party politics. These changes, in tandem with growing affective polarization and residential segregation by party, raise the question of whether party identification is itself changing. Using three multi-wave panel surveys that stretch from the first Obama Administration through the Trump Administration, this paper takes a fresh look at the stability of party identification, using several different statistical approaches to differentiate true partisan change from response error. Perhaps surprisingly, the pace of partisan change observed between 2011 and 2020 is quite similar to the apparent rates of change in panel surveys dating back to the 1950s. Few respondents experience appreciable change in party identification in the short run, but the pace at which partisanship changes implies that substantial changes are relatively common over a voter’s lifespan.
Organising for Resilience to Climate Change in Critical Infrastructures: The Application of Viable System Model in an Oil Refinery
Authors: Adamides Emmanuel D. , Katopodis Theodoros , Mountouris Antonios , Sfetsos Athanasios
Published: November 2022

Oil refineries are among industrial installations that are vulnerable to climate extreme events, whose frequency and intensity have been increasing over the last decades. Building resilience in resources to withstand climate-related hazards and to recover fast at low human and material cost, for changing climate conditions, is required. In this paper, we present an action research effort for the design of a viable decentralized climate-resilience-providing virtual organization in an oil refinery in Greece using the Viable System Model. The VIPLAN method was employed for the methodological design of a distributed Climate Resilience Providing Organisation for the case of a refinery facility in Greece. The paper presents the process and the results of this effort.
Putnam’s model-theoretic argument (meta)reconstructed
Authors: Jobczyk Krystian
Published: November 2022

In “Models and Reality”, H. Putnam formulated his model-theoretic argument against “metaphysical realism”. The article proposes a meta-reconstruction of Putnam’s model-theoretic argument in the light of two mutually compatible interpretations of it–elaborated by Manuel Garcia-Carpintero and Igor van Douven. A critical reflection on these interpretations and their adequacy for Putnam’s argument allows us to expose new theses coherent with Putnam’s reasoning and indicate new paths to improve this argument for our reconstruction task. In particular, we show that Putnam’s position may be coherent with van Douven’s versions of Global Descriptivism under some conditions, but Putnam cannot reject realism as quickly as Carpintero suggests. We show that Suszko’s canonic axiomatic system and Sneed’s concept of theory may provide valuable support for Putnam’s argument. Finally, we critically evaluate Carpintero’s theses about the genesis of unintended interpretations of our languages, adopting the machinery of the Upward Skolem–Loewenheim Theorem and Knight’s Theorem.
Going Deeper than Tracking: A Survey of Computer-Vision Based Recognition of Animal Pain and Emotions
Authors: Broomé Sofia , Feighelstein Marcelo , Zamansky Anna , Carreira Lencioni Gabriel , Haubro Andersen Pia , Pessanha Francisca , Mahmoud Marwa , Kjellström Hedvig , Salah Albert Ali
Published: November 2022

Advances in animal motion tracking and pose recognition have been a game changer in the study of animal behavior. Recently, an increasing number of works go ‘deeper’ than tracking, and address automated recognition of animals’ internal states such as emotions and pain with the aim of improving animal welfare, making this a timely moment for a systematization of the field. This paper provides a comprehensive survey of computer vision-based research on recognition of pain and emotional states in animals, addressing both facial and bodily behavior analysis. We summarize the efforts that have been presented so far within this topic—classifying them across different dimensions, highlight challenges and research gaps, and provide best practice recommendations for advancing the field, and some future directions for research.
Escaping from hunger before WW1: the nutritional transition and living standards in Western Europe and USA in the late nineteenth century
Authors: Gazeley Ian , Holmes Rose , Newell Andrew , Reynolds Kevin , Rufrancos Hector Gutierrez
Published: November 2022

Using the US Commissioner of Labor household survey, we estimate calories available to workers’ households in USA, Belgium, Britain, France and Germany in 1888/90. We make raw comparisons of the data and utilise propensity score matching techniques to attempt to overcome differences between the nature of the country samples included in the original survey. We find that US households had on average 500 daily calories per capita more than French and Germans households, with the Belgians and British households closer to the USA. We ask if US workers had more energy for work, once likely differences in stature between national sub-samples are taken into account, and conclude it was a minor advantage. Finally, we ask if economic migration leads to taller children. We find that US-based British households were able to provide more calories than those in Britain in response to an additional child, so that, other things being equal, their children would grow taller.
Ethics of Autonomous Collective Decision-Making: The Caesar Framework
Authors: Frasheri Mirgita , Struhar Vaclav , Papadopoulos Alessandro Vittorio , Causevic Aida
Published: November 2022

In recent years, autonomous systems have become an important research area and application domain, with a significant impact on modern society. Such systems are characterized by different levels of autonomy and complex communication infrastructures that allow for collective decision-making strategies. There exist several publications that tackle ethical aspects in such systems, but mostly from the perspective of a single agent. In this paper we go one step further and discuss these ethical challenges from the perspective of an aggregate of autonomous systems capable of collective decision-making. In particular, in this paper, we propose the Caesar approach through which we model the collective ethical decision-making process of a group of actors—agents and humans, as well as define the building blocks for the agents participating in such a process, namely Caesar agents. Factors such as trust, security, safety, and privacy, which affect the degree to which a collective decision is ethical, are explicitly captured in Caesar. Finally, we argue that modeling the collective decision-making in Caesar provides support for accountability.
Value Profiles Among Finnish Adolescents and Their Associations With Subjective and Social Well-Being
Authors: Mannerström Rasmus , Hietajärvi Lauri , Kuusisto Arniika , Salmela-Aro Katariina , Kallioniemi Arto
Published: November 2022

Previous research on Schwartz’s theory of basic human values has mostly applied a variable-oriented approach. This study took a person-oriented approach and investigated how values co-occur and are manifested in individuals, that is, what kind of value profiles exist and how they differ in terms of subjective (i.e., life satisfaction) and social well-being (i.e., sense of belonging). In a sample of Finnish adolescents (N = 973; women 59.6%; Mage = 16.8, SD = .70), three value profiles emerged: personal-focus, growth-focus and self-protective, of which the personal-focus group scored highest on life satisfaction, the growth-focus group scored lowest on belonging to social media and the self-protective group scored highest on belonging to organizations. In all, subjective and social well-being were differently related to opposing values. The findings are discussed within a cultural and contextual framework.
Sustainable Pistachio Dehulling Waste Management and Its Valorization Approaches: A Review
Authors: Toghiani Javad , Fallah Narges , Nasernejad Bahram , Mahboubi Amir , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. , Afsham Neda
Published: November 2022

Purpose of Review

In countries such the USA, Iran, and Turkey, pistachio nut is considered one of the most economically valuable agricultural products. Pistachio production and related dehulling processes generate a large quantity of organic waste, containing green hull, cluster woody part, shells, and leaves. The inadequate conventional management of such wastes calls for sustainable and economical strategies not only to enhance resource efficiency but also to create value.

Recent Findings

Pistachio residues have a high content of total extractives and essential oils and a considerable amount of phenolic compounds that explain their good antioxidant activities and other potential human health benefits. Furthermore, considering the generation volume (about 660,000 tons) and lignocellulosic structure, pistachio residues can also be sustainably used to produce value-added products, such as biofuels, phytochemicals, activated carbon, and other potential bioproducts such as filamentous fungi as protein enriched biomass, single-cell protein (SCP), and volatile fatty acids. In general, recent studies have not  comprehensively investigated all value-added potential products.

This review provides a thourough insight into the present pistachio processing industries, and pistachio waste chemical composition and characteristics. Furthermore, the applications of pistachio residues as a renewable source for the production of potential value-added products by various thermochemical (pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction), physicochemical (solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and extraction by pressurized liquids (PLE)), and biological (anaerobic digestion (AD) and fermentation (solid-state and submerged)) processes are presented including an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of such methods. In this regard, production of new products such as edible filamentous fungi and antioxidant, and their market appeal has been briefly considered.
Gender equality progress in a decade: health, education, and employment
Authors: Zheng Zhenzhen
Published: November 2022

Health, education and employment not only reflect women’s status, but also affect other dimensions of the status. This commentary reviews changes in women’s health, education, and employment from 2010 to 2020 by the information released from the Survey on Social Status of Women in China, and discusses challenges in further eliminating gender gap and push forward gender equality in China.