bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional principal component analysis for incomplete space–time data
Authors: Palummo Alessandro , Arnone Eleonora , Formaggia Luca , Sangalli Laura M.
Published: March 2024

Environmental signals, acquired, e.g., by remote sensing, often present large gaps of missing observations in space and time. In this work, we present an innovative approach to identify the main variability patterns, in space–time data, when data may be affected by complex missing data structures. We formalize the problem in the framework of functional data analysis, proposing an innovative method of functional principal component analysis (fPCA) for incomplete space–time data. The functional nature of the proposed method permits to borrow information from measurements observed at nearby spatio-temporal locations. The resulting functional principal components are smooth fields over the considered spatio-temporal domain, and can lead to interesting insights in the spatio-temporal dynamic of the phenomenon under study. Moreover, they can be used to provide a reconstruction of the missing entries, also under severe missing data patterns. The proposed model combines a weighted rank-one approximation of the data matrix with a roughness penalty. We show that the estimation problem can be solved using a majorize–minimization approach, and provide a numerically efficient algorithm for its solution. Thanks to a discretization based on finite elements in space and B-splines in time, the proposed method can handle multidimensional spatial domains with complex shapes, such as water bodies with complicated shorelines, or curved spatial regions with complex orography. As shown by simulation studies, the proposed space–time fPCA is superior to alternative techniques for Principal Component Analysis with missing data. We further highlight the potentiality of the proposed method for environmental problems, by applying space–time fPCA to the study of the lake water surface temperature (LWST) of Lake Victoria, in Central Africa, starting from satellite measurements with large gaps. LWST is considered one of the fundamental indicators of how climate change is affecting the environment, and is recognized as an essential climate variable.
Life-course social participation and physical activity in midlife: longitudinal associations in the 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70)
Authors: Tsoli Stergiani , Fancourt Daisy , Sullivan Alice , Hamer Mark , Ploubidis George B. , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: March 2024

A hypothesized benefit of social participation is that it encourages people to be more physically active. However, limited evidence exists on the association between social participation over the life-course and physical activity in midlife. We sought to apply a life-course framework to examine the association of social participation and device measured physical activity in midlife in the UK. We used the 1970 British Birth Cohort Study (BCS70), which includes all people born in Britain during a single week in 1970. Social participation was assessed at ages 16, 30, 34 and 42. Physical activity was measured by accelerometery at age 46, as mean daily step count and time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The associations of social participation and physical activity were tested using two different life-course models: the sensitive period model and the accumulation model. Individuals with medium and high participation compared to no social participation over their life-course had higher mean daily step count and MVPA in midlife, supporting the accumulation model. In the sensitive period model, only those that actively participated at age 42 had higher mean daily steps and MVPA compared to those who did not participate. Our study provides empirical evidence on the importance of sustaining social participation at all ages over the life-course rather than at a particular timepoint of someone’s life. If our findings reflect causal effects, interventions to promote social participation throughout the life-course could be an avenue to promote physical activity in middle life.
Visual analysis of contaminated site studies in recent 30 years based on bibliometrics and knowledge graph
Authors: Gao Le , Xue Ziru , Gnanachandrasamy Gopalakrishnan
Published: March 2024

The problem of contaminated sites is a hot and difficult issue in global environmental sustainable development. Because the contaminated site carries a large number of harmful substances (heavy metal ions, organic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, toxic gases, etc.), it brings great security risks to the environmental ecological security and people's health. Effective identification of the characteristics of contaminated sites and understanding of the research status and development trend of contaminated sites are of great significance to environmental sustainable development and environmental governance and restoration. Based on Web of Science database, this study systematically, quantitatively and visually analyzes the research status of contaminated sites by bibliometrics and knowledge graph technology. The results show that bibliometrics and knowledge graph are effective in information retrieval and visualization. It can display the information of different scales and different times in the study of contaminated sites, and find the distribution characteristics of popular keywords. The cluster cases of this study show that the problems of contaminated site research mainly focus on suspended particulate matter pollution, water pollution, heavy metal pollution, organic pollution, pollution reduction and bioremediation technology research. In the future, the hot issues of contaminated site remediation and environmental sustainable development will focus on strengthening the research of microbial remediation technology, nanomaterial technology, composite material adsorption technology and so on.
Knockout of OsHMA3 in an indica rice increases cadmium sensitivity and inhibits plant growth
Authors: Yan Huijing , Jiao Xiaozhen , Chen Yuye , Liang Huan , Liang Weihong , Liu Chaolei
Published: March 2024

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that poses harm to both plants and humans. OsHMA3, a member of the heavy metal ATPase (HMA) family, plays a crucial role in sequestering Cd into the vacuoles of roots, thereby limiting its accumulation in rice grains. However, the response of rice plants to Cd under complete loss-of-function of OsHMA3 remains unclear. In this study, we successfully generated OsHMA3 null mutants in an indica variety 93 − 11 using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. A Cd resistance experiment revealed that the Oshma3 mutants exhibited increased sensitivity to Cd compared to the wild-type at a tested concentration of 10 µM CdCl2. Furthermore, the seedlings of Oshma3 mutant lines displayed inhibited plant growth in the presence of 1 µM Cd, specifically suppressing aboveground growth. As expected, knockout lines of OsHMA3 showed lower Cd accumulation in roots but higher concentrations in shoots compared to wild-type plants, highlighting the role of OsHMA3 in root-to-shoot Cd translocation. We further performed RNA sequencing analysis on wild-type and Oshma3 plants under control and Cd treatment conditions and found that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in metal ion binding, integral component of the membranes, and biosynthesis pathways for secondary metabolites triggered by exposure to Cd. When grown in a paddy field, the Oshma3 mutants exhibited shorter plant height, lower seed setting rate, and higher Cd accumulation in grains compared to wild-type plants. Our results indicate that knockout of OsHMA3 in the 93 − 11 variety increases sensitivity to Cd and inhibits plant growth.
Comprehensive 3D Analysis of the Renal System and Stones: Segmenting and Registering Non-Contrast and Contrast Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Xiao Chuda , Liu Yang , Hassan Haseeb , Li Dan , Liu Jun , Li Haoyu , Xie Weiguo , Zhong Wen , Huang Bingding
Published: March 2024

Detecting and accurately locating kidney stones, which are common urological conditions, can be challenging when using imaging examinations. Therefore, the primary objective of this research is to develop an ensemble model that integrates segmentation and registration techniques. This model aims to visualize the inner structure of the kidney and accurately identify any underlying kidney stones. To achieve this, three separate datasets, namely non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans, corticomedullary CT scans, and CT excretory scans, are annotated to enhance the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the kidney’s complex anatomy. Initially, the research focuses on utilizing segmentation models to identify and annotate specific classes within the annotated datasets. Subsequently, a registration algorithm is employed to align and combine the segmented results, resulting in a comprehensive 3D representation of the kidney’s anatomical structure. Three cutting-edge segmentation algorithms are employed and evaluated during the segmentation phase, with the most accurate segments being selected for the subsequent registration process. Ultimately, the registration process successfully aligns the kidneys across all three phases and combines the segmented labels, producing a detailed 3D visualization of the complete kidney structure. For kidney segmentation, Swin UNETR exhibited the highest Dice score of 95.21%; for stone segmentation, ResU-Net achieved the highest Dice score of 87.69%. Regarding Artery, Cortex, and Medulla segmentation, ResU-Net and 3D U-Net show comparable performance with similar Dice scores. Considering the Collecting System and Parenchyma, ResU-Net and 3D U-Net demonstrate similar performance in Dice scores. In conclusion, the proposed ensemble model shows potential in accurately visualizing the internal structure of the kidney and precisely localizing kidney stones. This advancement improves the diagnosis process and preoperative planning in percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
The Prospective Predictive Power of Parent-Reported Personality Traits and Facets in First-Onset Depression in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Zhong Yiming , Perlman Greg , Klein Daniel N. , Jin Jingwen , Kotov Roman
Published: March 2024

Certain personality traits and facets are well-known risk factors that predict first-onset depression during adolescence. However, prior research predominantly relied on self-reported data, which has limitations as a source of personality information. Reports from close informants have the potential to increase the predictive power of personality on first-onsets of depression in adolescents. With easy access to adolescents’ behaviors across settings and time, parents may provide important additional information about their children’s personality. The same personality trait(s) and facet(s) rated by selves (mean age 14.4 years old) and biological parents at baseline were used to prospectively predict depression onsets among 442 adolescent girls during a 72-month follow-up. First, bivariate logistic regression was used to examine whether parent-reported personality measures predicted adolescent girls’ depression onsets; then multivariate logistic regression was used to test whether parent reports provided additional predictive power above and beyond self-reports of same trait or facet. Parent-reported personality traits and facets predicted adolescents’ depression onsets, similar to findings using self-reported data. After controlling for the corresponding self-report measures, parent-reported higher openness (at the trait level) and higher depressivity (at the facet-level) incrementally predicted first-onset of depression in the sample. Findings demonstrated additional variance contributed by parent-reported personality measures and validated a multi-informant approach in using personality to prospectively predict onsets of depression in adolescent girls.
Changes to butterfly phenology versus elevation range after four decades of warming in the mountains of central Spain
Authors: Goded Marta , Ursul Guim , Baz Arturo , Wilson Robert J.
Published: March 2024

Shifts over time (phenology) and space (latitude and elevation range) represent common ecological responses to climate change. However, the factors determining how changes in phenology and distribution interact, and the consequences for conservation, remain uncertain. Here, we assess how phenology responded to temperature over four decades of warming across the elevation ranges of 18 univoltine butterfly species in four mountain regions of Spain. Using count data from intermittent surveys in 166 sites between 1985 and 2022, we tested for (1) effects of monthly temperature and elevation on mean annual flight date; (2) changes to flight dates between 1985–2005 and 2017–2022; and (3) whether shifts in flight date were related to shifts in the average elevation occupied. Mean flight dates were later in years with cooler springs, and at higher sites, with a mean delay of nearly twenty days per km elevation increase. As conditions warmed over time, average flight date advanced for two thirds of species, especially those whose average elevation was stable over time. Species with stable flight dates showed greater indication of upward range shifts, although only one species showed a significant shift in average elevation. Implications for insect conservation: We show that spring temperatures influence mountain butterfly phenology, and that shifts in phenology and elevation range could compensate for each other in determining population exposure and responses to climate change. Monitoring these changes over time, including by employing evidence from historical surveys and scientific collections, can help to understand constraints on species adaptive capacity to climate change.
China’s safe and just space during 40 years of rapid urbanization and changing policies
Authors: Bian Hongyan , Gao Jie , Liu Yanxu , Yang Dewei , Wu Jianguo
Published: March 2024

Context

China’s high-speed economic development was accompanied by rapid urbanization for forty years, guided by a series of changing policies enacted by the central government. However, did China become more sustainable both economically and environmentally? Or more specifically, did it operate within or towards a safe and just space (SJS)? Although numerous relevant studies exist, these questions have not been adequately addressed, and a multi-scale landscape perspective is needed.

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to examine China’s urbanization trends, associated institutional changes, and their impacts on the nation’s sustainability trajectory during the past four decades. Specifically, we intended to analyze the impacts of urbanization and related policies on the spatial patterns, temporal trends, shortfalls, and complex nexus of the different dimensions of SJS across scales in China.

Methods

We apply the SJS framework, which integrates eight environmental ceilings and seven social justice foundations, to examine China’s urbanization, socioeconomic dynamics, and institutional changes, as well as their impacts on sustainability at multiple spatial scales. Segmented regression and correlation analysis were used to analyze the relationship of SJS with landscape urbanization and governance across China.

Results

Since the implementation of China’s Western Development Plan, China has faced increasing challenges of overshoots in CO2 emissions, phosphorus and nitrogen loading, ecological footprint, and material footprint on a per capita basis. However, our analysis showed that, by 2015, China met nearly all basic social justice needs. The pattern of SJS showed geospatial gradients of increasing social justice (except material footprint), multi-footprints, and CO2 from eastern to central, northeastern, and western regions, and from developed to developing provinces. The tradeoffs between social justice, environmental safety, and regional equality remain pronounced across heterogeneous landscapes with different levels of urbanization. The western region’s material footprint expanded enormously, but mainly for consumption in the eastern region of China.

Conclusions

China’s development in the past four decades is characterized by enormous economic growth, rapid urbanization, much improved living standards, highly fragmented landscapes, and increasing environmental problems. To promote sustainability, China should continue to implement the strategy of high-quality development and promote ecological civilization. Regional landscape-based approaches are needed to explicitly recognize geospatial heterogeneity and disparities, and better understand the urbanization-governance-landscape nexus for promoting a safer and more just China.
Abnormal upregulation of NUBP2 contributes to cancer progression in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lan Danfeng , Wang Junyu , Sun Guishun , Jiang Lixia , Chen Qiyun , Li Sha , Qu Haiyan , Wang Yibo , Wu Bian
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC), a digestive tract malignancy with high mortality and morbidity, lacks effective biomarkers for clinical prognosis due to its complex molecular pathogenesis. Nucleotide binding protein 2 (NUBP2) plays a vital role in the assembly of cytosolic Fe/S protein and has been implicated in cancer progression. In this study, we found that NUBP2 was highly expressed in CRC by TCGA database analysis. Subsequently, we verified the expression of NUBP2 in CRC tumor tissues and para-carcinoma tissues using IHC staining, and further investigated its association with clinicopathological parameters. In vitro cell experiments were conducted to assess the role of NUBP2 in CRC by evaluating cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis upon NUBP2 dysregulation. Furthermore, we established a subcutaneous CRC model to evaluate the impact of NUBP2 on tumor growth in vivo. Additionally, we performed mechanistic exploration using a Human Phospho-Kinase Array-Membrane. Our results showed higher expression of NUBP2 in CRC tissues, which positively correlated with the pathological stage, indicating its involvement in tumor malignancy. Functional studies demonstrated that NUBP2 knockdown reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and impaired migration ability. Moreover, NUBP2 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in mice. We also observed significant changes in the phosphorylation level of GSK3β upon NUBP2 knockdown or overexpression. Additionally, treatment with CHIR-99021 HCl, an inhibitor of GSK3β, reversed the malignant phenotype induced by NUBP2 overexpression. Overall, this study elucidated the functional role of NUBP2 in CRC progression both in vitro and in vivo, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying CRC and potential implications for targeted therapeutic strategies.
Exclusive soliton solutions arise in mono-mode optical fibre connecting to nonlinear Fokas system
Authors: Islam Md. Tarikul , Alsaud Huda , Rahman Tobibur , Inc Mustafa
Published: March 2024

Nonlinear partial evolution equations are mostly significant to illustrate critical phenomena in wave theory concerning real-world problems. The current study deals with the (2 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear Fokas model depicting the nonlinear pulse through the mono-mode optical fibers. Improved auxiliary equation and improved tanh schemes are executed on the considering governing system. Subsequently, a variety of optical soliton solutions with the nature of dynamic nonlinear waves are made accessible throughout the present exploration. Some of constructed solutions are figured out in 3D, 2D and contour sense for the visualization to the readers for making them understand of the characteristics of dynamic waves. The solitons are visible to be bright, dark, kink, anti-kink, singular kink, periodic, compacton, anti-compacton etc. in the current exploration. Involved free parameters are assigned with various numerical values and brought out the effects of nonlinear pulses in wave propagation along mono-mode optical fibers. The entire work might claim to be recorded in the literature as new aspects of research.
An Overview of Mechanisms of the Degradation of Promising ATF Cladding Materials During Oxidation at High Temperatures
Authors: Steinbrueck Martin , Grosse Mirco , Tang Chongchong , Stuckert Juri , Seifert Hans Juergen
Published: March 2024

Accident tolerant fuel (ATF) cladding is a new type of nuclear fuel cladding designed to improve the safety and performance of nuclear reactors. In this paper, the kinetics and degradation mechanisms during high-temperature oxidation in steam of the three most promising ATF cladding materials, i.e., chromium-coated zirconium alloys, FeCrAl alloys, and silicon carbide-based composites, are described. Each system has its own degradation mechanisms leading to different maximum survival temperatures. After providing general information and data to understand the oxidation and degradation processes, illustrative examples obtained at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are given for each type of cladding. The maximum temperatures at which the barrier effect of the cladding can be maintained for a reasonable period of time during nuclear accident scenarios are 1200–1300 °C for Cr-coated Zr alloys, 1400 °C for FeCrAl alloys, and 1700 °C for SiC-based composite claddings.
Eucalyptus Oils Phytochemical Composition in Correlation with Their Newly Explored Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Potential: in Vitro and in Silico Approaches
Authors: El-Shiekh Riham A. , Okba Mona M. , Mandour Asmaa A. , Kutkat Omnia , Elshimy Rana , Nagaty Hany A. , Ashour Rehab M.
Published: March 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the latest arisen contagious respiratory pathogen related to the global outbreak of atypical pneumonia pandemic (COVID-19). The essential oils (EOs) of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. ficifolia F. Muell., E. citriodora Hook, E. globulus Labill, E. sideroxylon Cunn. ex Woolls, and E. torquata Luehm. were investigated for its antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2. The EOs phytochemical composition was determined using GC/MS analysis. Correlation with the explored antiviral activity was also studied using multi-variate data analysis and Pearson’s correlation. The antiviral MTT and cytopathic effect inhibition assays revealed very potent and promising anti SARS-CoV-2 potential for E. citriodora EO (IC50 = 0.00019 µg/mL and SI = 26.27). The multivariate analysis revealed α-pinene, α-terpinyl acetate, globulol, γ -terpinene, and pinocarvone were the main biomarkers for E. citriodora oil. Pearson’s correlation revealed that globulol is the top positively correlated compound in E. citriodora oil to its newly explored potent anti SARS-CoV-2 potential. A molecular simulation was performed on globulol via docking in the main active sites of both SARS-CoV-2 viral main protease (Mpro) and spike protein (S). In silico predictive ADMET study was also developed to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile and predict globulol toxicity. The obtained in silico, in vitro and Pearson’s correlation results were aligned showing promising SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory activity of E. citriodora and globulol. This study is a first record for E. citriodora EO as a novel lead exhibiting potent in vitro, and in silico anti SARS-CoV-2 potential and suggesting its component globulol as a promising candidate for further extensive in silico, in vitro and in vivo anti-COVID studies.
Moons and Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer (MAJIS) on Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE)
Authors: Poulet F. , Piccioni G. , Langevin Y. , Dumesnil C. , Tommasi L. , Carlier V. , Filacchione G. , Amoroso M. , Arondel A. , D’Aversa E. , Barbis A. , Bini A. , Bolsée D. , Bousquet P. , Caprini C. , Carter J. , Dubois J.-P. , Condamin M. , Couturier S. , Dassas K. , Dexet M. , Fletcher L. , Grassi D. , Guerri I. , Haffoud P. , Larigauderie C. , Le Du M. , Mugnuolo R. , Pilato G. , Rossi M. , Stefani S. , Tosi F. , Vincendon M. , Zambelli M. , Arnold G. , Bibring J.-P. , Biondi D. , Boccaccini A. , Brunetto R. , Carapelle A. , Cisneros González M. , Hannou C. , Karatekin O. , Le Cle’ch J.-C. , Leyrat C. , Migliorini A. , Nathues A. , Rodriguez S. , Saggin B. , Sanchez-Lavega A. , Schmitt B. , Seignovert B. , Sordini R. , Stephan K. , Tobie G. , Zambon F. , Adriani A. , Altieri F. , Bockelée D. , Capaccioni F. , De Angelis S. , De Sanctis M.-C. , Drossart P. , Fouchet T. , Gérard J.-C. , Grodent D. , Ignatiev N. , Irwin P. , Ligier N. , Manaud N. , Mangold N. , Mura A. , Pilorget C. , Quirico E. , Renotte E. , Strazzulla G. , Turrini D. , Vandaele A.-C. , Carli C. , Ciarniello M. , Guerlet S. , Lellouch E. , Mancarella F. , Morbidelli A. , Le Mouélic S. , Raponi A. , Sindoni G. , Snels M.
Published: March 2024

The MAJIS (Moons And Jupiter Imaging Spectrometer) instrument on board the ESA JUICE (JUpiter ICy moon Explorer) mission is an imaging spectrometer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral range from 0.50 to 5.55 μm in two spectral channels with a boundary at 2.3 μm and spectral samplings for the VISNIR and IR channels better than 4 nm/band and 7 nm/band, respectively. The IFOV is 150 μrad over a total of 400 pixels. As already amply demonstrated by the past and present operative planetary space missions, an imaging spectrometer of this type can span a wide range of scientific objectives, from the surface through the atmosphere and exosphere. MAJIS is then perfectly suitable for a comprehensive study of the icy satellites, with particular emphasis on Ganymede, the Jupiter atmosphere, including its aurorae and the spectral characterization of the whole Jupiter system, including the ring system, small inner moons, and targets of opportunity whenever feasible. The accurate measurement of radiance from the different targets, in some case particularly faint due to strong absorption features, requires a very sensitive cryogenic instrument operating in a severe radiation environment. In this respect MAJIS is the state-of-the-art imaging spectrometer devoted to these objectives in the outer Solar System and its passive cooling system without cryocoolers makes it potentially robust for a long-life mission as JUICE is. In this paper we report the scientific objectives, discuss the design of the instrument including its complex on-board pipeline, highlight the achieved performance, and address the observation plan with the relevant instrument modes.
SYCL in the edge: performance and energy evaluation for heterogeneous acceleration
Authors: Faqir-Rhazoui Youssef , García Carlos
Published: March 2024

Edge computing is essential to handle increasing data volumes and processing capacities. It provides real-time and secure data processing near data sources, like smart devices, alleviating cloud computing energy use, and saving network bandwidth. Specialized accelerators, like GPUs and FPGAs, are vital for low-latency edge computing but the requirements to customized code for different hardware and vendors suppose important compatibility issues. This paper evaluates the potential of SYCL in addressing code portability issues encountered in edge computing. We employed the Polybench suite to compare various SYCL implementations, specifically DPC++ and AdaptiveCpp, with the native solution, CUDA. The disparity between SYCL implementations was negligible, at just 5%. Furthermore, we evaluated SYCL in the context of specific edge computing applications such as video processing using three different optical flow algorithms. The results revealed a slight performance gap of 3% when transitioning from CUDA to SYCL. Upon evaluating energy consumption, the observed difference ranged from $$\pm 10\%$$

±
10
%

, depending on the application utilized. These gaps are the price one may need to pay when achieving the ability to successfully run the same code on two distinct edge boards. These findings underscore SYCL’s capacity to increase productivity in terms of development costs and facilitate IoT deployment without being locked into a particular platform or manufacturer.
Why Practical Wisdom Cannot be Eliminated
Authors: De Caro Mario , Navarini Claudia , Vaccarezza Maria Silvia
Published: March 2024

Practical wisdom eliminativism has recently been proposed in both philosophy and psychology, on the grounds of the alleged redundancy of practical wisdom (Miller 2021) and its purported developmental/psychological implausibility (Lapsley 2021). Here we respond to these challenges by drawing on an improved version of a view of practical wisdom, the “Aretai model”, that we have presented elsewhere (De Caro et al. 2021; Vaccarezza et al. 2023; De Caro et al. forthcoming). According to this model, practical wisdom is conceptualized: (i) as virtuousness tout court, i.e., as the ratio essendi of the virtues, and (ii) as a form of ethical expertise. By appealing to the first thesis, we counter the charge of psychological implausibility, while we rely on the second thesis to address the accusation of redundancy. In conclusion we argue that the Aretai model implies a significant paradigm shift in virtue ethics. Practical wisdom emerges as both necessary and sufficient for virtuousness, thereby downsizing – without eliminating entirely – the role that individual virtues play in our ethical lives.
A MWCNTs@CuAl2O4@SiO2 Nanocomposite for the Speciation of Cr(III), Cr(VI), and Total Chromium Prior to High-Resolution Continuum Source Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Determination
Authors: Ahmed Hassan Elzain Hassan , Soylak Mustafa
Published: March 2024

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method had been applied to speciate chromium in natural and wastewater samples. MWCNTs@CuAl2O4@SiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by sol–gel and calcination methods and then characterized using SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques. MWCNTs@CuAl2O4@SiO2 was used to extract Cr(VI) as pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate chelates. Some analytical parameters involving pH, ligand (APDC) and adsorbent amounts, sample initial and final volume, and the effects of matrices were tested and optimized. For the oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI), potassium permanganate was used, and after that, the presented method was applied to determine the total chromium levels. The calculations were carried out to obtain Cr(III) concentration by finding differences between total chromium and Cr(VI) concentrations. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were found to be 6.2 µg L−1 and 20.8 µg L−1, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for chromium speciation in wastewater samples.
Inter-night variability of in-home, overnight pulse oximetry screening in an asymptomatic older adult population
Authors: Chaudhary Attiqa , Abbott Carla J. , Wu Zhichao , Fang Wendy Y. , Raj Palaniraj R. , Naughton Matthew T. , Guymer Robyn H.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is common, yet often undiagnosed. Self-administered, overnight pulse oximetry (OPO) could screen for OSA in asymptomatic, older populations. However, the inter-night variability of OPO in an asymptomatic, older population is unknown. We determined the inter-night variability of home OPO parameters in an older population and correlated with sleep questionnaires.

Methods

Participants > 50 years without a diagnosis of OSA undertook home OPO for three consecutive nights and completed two sleep questionnaires (STOP-BANG (SBQ) and Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS)). Analysis was performed with linear mixed models and Spearman’s correlation coefficient.

Results

There was no difference in oxygen desaturation index (ODI), MeanSpO2, MinimumSpO2, and time spent with SpO2 < 90% (T90) across two or three nights (P ≥ 0.282). However, the variability of all parameters across nights increased with the magnitude of departure from normal values (P ≤ 0.002). All OPO parameters were associated with age (P ≤ 0.034) and body mass index (P ≤ 0.049). There was a weak correlation between three OPO parameters and SBQ (absolute ρ = 0.22 to 0.32; P ≤ 0.021), but not ESS (P ≥ 0.254).

Conclusion

Inter-night variability of home OPO was minimal when values were near-normal in an older population. However, as values depart from normal, the inter-night variability increases, indicating the need for multiple night recordings. Low correlation to sleep questionnaires suggest the need for more robust OSA questionnaires in an asymptomatic population.
Microscopic origins of shape effects on migration and clogging of fines in porous media using coupled CFD-iDEM
Authors: Xiong Hao , Zhang Zhimin , Yin Zhen-Yu , Chen Xiangsheng , Zhou Wanhuan
Published: March 2024

The unstable mechanical behavior of soil particles during suffusion, including migration and clogging of fine particles in porous media, is prone to induce seepage catastrophes. Mechanical behavior of migratory fines and porous soils during suffusion is significantly influenced by the particle shape, which remains unclear. In this study, a coupled computational fluid dynamics and the irregular discrete element method (CFD-iDEM) framework is developed to investigate the migration and clogging mechanisms. A series of numerical simulations that consider spheres and irregular particles with different levels of aspect ratio are carried out to elucidate the microscopic origins of shape effects on clogging. Migratory fine particles are discharged from the grain inlet and enter the coarse particle skeleton by imposing a downward seepage flow. The subsequent migration and clogging phenomena and microscopic mechanisms are investigated. The results reveal that irregular particles present varying degrees of ability to develop clogging clusters, and spheres are more prone to traverse deeper into soil skeleton. The proposed CFD-iDEM method is able to reproduce macroscopic phenomena of saturated porous medium as well as to analyze microscopic origins of fluid–particle interactions, which contributes to practical guidance for engineering applications.
Successful Life Conduct in Very Old Age: Theoretical Implications and Empirical Support from a Population-Based Study
Authors: Kaspar Roman , Albrecht Andrea , Brijoux Thomas , Fey Jonas , Geithner Luise , Oswald Veronica , Reissmann Marcella , Wagner Michael , Wenner Judith , Zank Susanne , Zimmermann Jaroslava
Published: March 2024

Social survey data on those aged 80 years or older is sparse. Based on a representative sample, this paper validates a multidimensional model proposed for understanding of quality of life (QoL) in very old age. Towards this goal, this paper estimated levels and heterogeneity of personal and environmental resources, well-being, autonomy, and perceived appreciation by society in the population of the very old in Germany. Next, the contribution of personal and environmental resources to QoL outcomes and overlap between these outcomes was estimated using a multivariate approach. Results were based on a representative survey on QoL of the very old in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populous state. The survey included comprehensive information on socio-demographics, health, social and personal QoL resources including objective testing of cognitive function. The sample comprised 1,863 individuals (mean age 86.5 years, range 80–102 years), including 211 individuals residing in non-private dwellings. Interviews with proxy informants were conducted for 176 individuals that were willing to participate but could not conduct the interview themselves due to limited ability to communicate (PLC). Pronounced differences were found for PLC with respect to environmental and personal resources and QoL outcomes. Pronounced differences were also found both with respect to lower observed levels of QoL outcomes (e.g., autonomy) and predictors of QoL outcomes (e.g., effect of negative “external” appreciation on subjective well-being). Contrary to the deficit-oriented model of old age, a high degree of autonomy was observed. However, substantial and consequential negative “external” appreciation of very old age was also apparent.
Machine learning approach using 18F-FDG-PET-radiomic features and the visibility of right ventricle 18F-FDG uptake for predicting clinical events in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis
Authors: Nakajo Masatoyo , Hirahara Daisuke , Jinguji Megumi , Ojima Satoko , Hirahara Mitsuho , Tani Atsushi , Takumi Koji , Kamimura Kiyohisa , Ohishi Mitsuru , Yoshiura Takashi
Published: March 2024

Objectives

To investigate the usefulness of machine learning (ML) models using pretreatment 18F-FDG-PET-based radiomic features for predicting adverse clinical events (ACEs) in patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (CS).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included 47 patients with CS who underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan before treatment. The lesions were assigned to the training (n = 38) and testing (n = 9) cohorts. In total, 49 18F-FDG-PET-based radiomic features and the visibility of right ventricle 18F-FDG uptake were used to predict ACEs using seven different ML algorithms (namely, decision tree, random forest [RF], neural network, k-nearest neighbors, Naïve Bayes, logistic regression, and support vector machine [SVM]) with tenfold cross-validation and the synthetic minority over-sampling technique. The ML models were constructed using the top four features ranked by the decrease in Gini impurity. The AUCs and accuracies were used to compare predictive performances.

Results

Patients who developed ACEs presented with a significantly higher surface area and gray level run length matrix run length non-uniformity (GLRLM_RLNU), and lower neighborhood gray-tone difference matrix_coarseness and sphericity than those without ACEs (each, p < 0.05). In the training cohort, all seven ML algorithms had a good classification performance with AUC values of > 0.80 (range: 0.841–0.944). In the testing cohort, the RF algorithm had the highest AUC and accuracy (88.9% [8/9]) with a similar classification performance between training and testing cohorts (AUC: 0.945 vs 0.889). GLRLM_RLNU was the most important feature of the modeling process of this RF algorithm.

Conclusion

ML analyses using 18F-FDG-PET-based radiomic features may be useful for predicting ACEs in patients with CS.
SiC-YAG Coating Microstructure Optimization Through Powder Feedstock Manufacturing Process Control
Authors: Perello-Badia D. , Espallargas N.
Published: March 2024

A silicon carbide/yttrium aluminum garnet (SiC/YAG) composite powder feedstock material developed and patented by NTNU (Norway) in 2012 has been used to produce industrial SiC thermal spray coatings since 2014. This powder is the first of its kind in the thermal spray industry. The commercial powder is produced by the agglomerated and sintered route (A&S), making it suitable mostly for High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel, but it can also be produced by the sintered and crushed (S&C) manufacturing route for Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS). In this work, a S&C route is proposed using jaw crusher, hammer mill, and ball milling techniques. The resulting powders were then deposited using APS and were compared with the reference A&S powder. The chemistry and the microstructure of the powders and coatings were characterized using electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Vickers microhardness. The S&C powders showed a density higher than the A&S powder and a blocky morphology. The S&C powders had almost no internal porosity and kept the same chemical composition as the A&S version. The coatings obtained with the S&C powders outperformed the A&S coatings, having less porosity, higher hardness, and no secondary phases.
Optimizing outcome reporting after robotic flexible ureteroscopy for management of renal calculi: Introducing the concept of tetrafecta
Authors: Salah Morshed , Laymon Mahmoud , Gul Tawiz , Alnawasra Hossameldin , Ibrahim Mohammed , Tallai Bela , Ebrahim Mohamed , Alrayashi Maged , Abdelkareem Mohamed , Al-Ansari Abdulla
Published: March 2024

Robotic flexible ureteroscopy (RFURS) has shown encouraging results in terms of stone free rate (SFR) and better ergonomics compared to conventional FURS. However, few studies have reported its outcomes. The goal of this study was to report our initial results of RFURS, furthermore we proposed a novel metrics for composite outcome reporting named tetrafecta. A retrospective analysis of electronic records of 100 patients treated with RFURS for renal stones between 2019 till 2023 was performed. Tetrafecta criteria included, complete stone removal after a single treatment session, without auxiliary procedures, absence of high-grade complications (GIII-V) and same-day hospital discharge. Mean patient age and stone size were 40.7 ± 9.2 and 11.7 ± 5.8 mm, respectively. Median stone volume was 916 (421–12,235) mm3. Twenty-eight patients had multiple renal stones. Staghorn stones were seen in 12 patients. Preoperative DJ stent was fixed in 58 patients. Median operative time and stone treatment time were 116 min (97–148) and 37 (22–69) min. The median stone treatment efficiency (STE) was 21.6 (8.9–41.6). A strong positive correlation between stone volume and STE (R = 0.8, p < 0.0001). Overall, 73 patients were stone free after the initial treatment session while tetrafecta was achieved in 70 patients. Univariate analysis showed that the stone size (p = 0.008), acute infundibulopelvic angle (p = 0.023) and preoperative stenting (p = 0.017) had significant influence on achieving tetrafecta. Multivariate analysis identified preoperative stenting (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.8, p = 0.019) as the only independent predictor of tetrafecta achievement. A comprehensive reporting methodology for reporting outcomes of RFURS is indicated for patient counseling and comparing different techniques. Tetrafecta was achieved in 70% of cases. Presence of significant residual stones ≥ 3mm was the leading cause of missing tetrafecta. Absence of preoperative stent was the only predictor of missing tetrafecta.
Type 2 and Non-type 2 Inflammation in the Upper Airways: Cellular and Molecular Alterations in Olfactory Neuroepithelium Cell Populations
Authors: Marin Concepció , Alobid Isam , López-Chacón Mauricio , VanStrahlen Camilo R. , Mullol Joaquim
Published: March 2024

Purpose of Review

Neurogenesis occurring in the olfactory epithelium is critical to continuously replace olfactory neurons to maintain olfactory function, but is impaired during chronic type 2 and non-type 2 inflammation of the upper airways. In this review, we describe the neurobiology of olfaction and the olfactory alterations in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (type 2 inflammation) and post-viral acute rhinosinusitis (non-type 2 inflammation), highlighting the role of immune response attenuating olfactory neurogenesis as a possibly mechanism for the loss of smell in these diseases.

Recent Findings

Several studies have provided relevant insights into the role of basal stem cells as direct participants in the progression of chronic inflammation identifying a functional switch away from a neuro-regenerative phenotype to one contributing to immune defense, a process that induces a deficient replacement of olfactory neurons. The interaction between olfactory stem cells and immune system might critically underlie ongoing loss of smell in type 2 and non-type 2 inflammatory upper airway diseases.

In this review, we describe the neurobiology of olfaction and the olfactory alterations in type 2 and non-type 2 inflammatory upper airway diseases, highlighting the role of immune response attenuating olfactory neurogenesis, as a possibly mechanism for the lack of loss of smell recovery.
Pregnancy and delivery in an advanced cancer survivor with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes: a case report
Authors: Sugai Keiji , Miwa Takashi , Kojima Junya , Ueda Yuri , Tsukahara Kiyoaki , Nishi Hirotaka , Suzuki Ryo
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Given the rarity and elderly onset of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced type 1 diabetes (ICI-T1DM), cases leading to delivery are rare.

Method

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of childbirth in a patient with ICI-T1DM after cancer survival. A 32-year-old woman was started on Nivolumab for metastatic parotid cancers one year after total parotidectomy.

Result

The patient developed ICI-T1DM after 43 cycles and started multiple daily insulin therapy and self-monitoring of blood glucose. Complete response was maintained for 2 years by nivolumab, and she finished nivolumab in 77 cycles to attempt pregnancy. During the follow-up period, she began using a sensor-augmented pump (SAP). She had undetectable serum and urinary C-peptide when she started SAP. Her HbA1c level decreased from 7.8 to 6.6% without increasing hypoglycemia in one year. The patient remained in complete response after ICI discontinuation, and embryo transfer was initiated. Pregnancy was confirmed after a second embryo transfer (21 months after ICI discontinuation). At 36 weeks and 6 days, an emergency cesarean section was performed due to the onset of preeclampsia. The baby had hypospadias and bifid scrotum but no other complications or neonatal intensive care unit admission.

Conclusion

Because ICI discontinuation and ICI-T1DM carry risks for the patient and child, the decision regarding pregnancy warrants careful consideration. Diabetologists should collaborate with patients and other clinical departments to develop a treatment plan for childbirth.
Updates to the Melbourne Children’s Regional Infant Brain Software Package (M-CRIB-S)
Authors: Adamson Chris L. , Alexander Bonnie , Kelly Claire E. , Ball Gareth , Beare Richard , Cheong Jeanie L. Y. , Spittle Alicia J. , Doyle Lex W. , Anderson Peter J. , Seal Marc L. , Thompson Deanne K.
Published: March 2024

The delineation of cortical areas on magnetic resonance images (MRI) is important for understanding the complexities of the developing human brain. The previous version of the Melbourne Children's Regional Infant Brain (M-CRIB-S) (Adamson et al. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 10, 2020) is a software package that performs whole-brain segmentation, cortical surface extraction and parcellation of the neonatal brain. Available cortical parcellation schemes in the M-CRIB-S are the adult-compatible 34- and 31-region per hemisphere Desikan-Killiany (DK) and Desikan-Killiany-Tourville (DKT), respectively. We present a major update to the software package which achieves two aims: 1) to make the voxel-based segmentation outputs derived from the Freesurfer-compatible M-CRIB scheme, and 2) to improve the accuracy of whole-brain segmentation and cortical surface extraction. Cortical surface extraction has been improved with additional steps to improve penetration of the inner surface into thin gyri. The improved cortical surface extraction is shown to increase the robustness of measures such as surface area, cortical thickness, and cortical volume.
Determination of the onset of yielding and the Young’s modulus after a change in the loading direction
Authors: Norz Roman , Vitzthum Simon , Gruber Maximilian , Maier Lorenz , Kornmeier Joana Rebelo , Maawad Emad , Valencia Fabuer R. , Gerke Steffen , Brünig Michael , Volk Wolfram
Published: March 2024

The onset of plastic deformation is an important parameter for an accurate description of the flow curve and the Young’s modulus. Determining the actual physical start of flow is already experimentally challenging for classic sheet metal materials. In addition to the experimental challenge, the onset of flow depends on numerous parameters such as strain rate, temperature and forming history. Non-proportional load paths in particular can significantly influence the onset of flow. Three different materials, a micro-alloyed steel HC340LA, a dual-phase steel CR330Y590-DP and an aluminium alloy AA6016-T4 are investigated in this publication. The physical onset of flow of the materials is determined at three different pre-strain levels as well as without and with a change in the load direction. Temperature-based approaches are used for this purpose. In-situ synchrotron diffraction is used to validate the results obtained. Those results can help to improve existing material models and springback prediction. Such models rely on material parameters that are as accurate as possible.