bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavior, site use and demographics of shortfin devil rays, Mobula kuhlii, at a newly-discovered cleaning area in South Africa
Authors: Carpenter M. M. , Perryman R. J. Y. , Marshall A. D. , Griffiths C. L.
Published: May 2024

Many shark and ray species show affinity to specific sites, making these areas critical for their survival. These include cleaning stations: locations on reefs where cleaner fish remove parasites and clean wounds, which is important for maintaining health. Cleaning stations also function as social gathering sites, or resting points, where courtship and mating can occur. In this study, we identify an aggregation site for the shortfin devil ray, Mobula kuhlii (Family Mobulidae) within the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, and document their behavior. Remote underwater video was used to collect footage of M. kuhlii being cleaned by blue streak cleaner wrasse, Labroides dimidiatus. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were used to assess environmental predictors of M. kuhlii presence on Aliwal Shoal. Mixed models were used to assess the same environmental predictors and their correlation with mean M. kuhlii cleaning duration and number of L. dimidiatus bites per second at the identified cleaning station site. M. kuhlii were present in 56% of observation days, with group numbers up to > 150 individuals. Sea surface temperature was a significant predictor for M. kuhlii presence, while a north to south current was significantly associated with longer mean cleaning durations. These results support findings of mobulid studies in KZN that show increased habitat use during summer temperatures (24–25 °C) and suggest these sites to be important for individual health and social interaction. We hope these findings can be used for development of location-specific management plans to safeguard this Endangered species.
Evaluation of the antitumor effect of neoantigen peptide vaccines derived from the translatome of lung cancer
Authors: Lian Fenbao , Yang Haitao , Hong Rujun , Xu Hang , Yu Tingting , Sun Gang , Zheng Guanying , Xie Baosong
Published: May 2024

Emerging evidence suggests that tumor-specific neoantigens are ideal targets for cancer immunotherapy. However, how to predict tumor neoantigens based on translatome data remains obscure. Through the extraction of ribosome-nascent chain complexes (RNCs) from LLC cells, followed by RNC-mRNA extraction, RNC-mRNA sequencing, and comprehensive bioinformatic analysis, we successfully identified proteins undergoing translatome and exhibiting mutations in the cells. Subsequently, novel antigens identification was analyzed by the interaction between their high affinity and the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC). Neoantigens immunogenicity was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay (ELISpot). Finally, in vivo experiments in mice were conducted to evaluate the antitumor effects of translatome-derived neoantigen peptides on lung cancer. The results showed that ten neoantigen peptides were identified and synthesized by translatome data from LLC cells; 8 out of the 10 neoantigens had strong immunogenicity. The neoantigen peptide vaccine group exhibited significant tumor growth inhibition effect. In conclusion, neoantigen peptide vaccine derived from the translatome of lung cancer exhibited significant tumor growth inhibition effect.
Codonopsis pilosula-derived glycopeptide dCP1 promotes the polarization of tumor-associated macrophage from M2-like to M1 phenotype
Authors: Liu Hongxu , Yao Maojin , Ren Jiaoyan
Published: May 2024

The majority of the immune cell population in the tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM), which are the main players in coordinating tumor-associated inflammation. TAM has a high plasticity and is divided into two main phenotypes, pro-inflammatory M1 type and anti-inflammatory M2 type, with tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions, respectively. Considering the beneficial effects of M1 macrophages for anti-tumor and the high plasticity of macrophages, the conversion of M2 TAM to M1 TAM is feasible and positive for tumor treatment. This study sought to evaluate whether the glycopeptide derived from simulated digested Codonopsis pilosula extracts could regulate the polarization of M2-like TAM toward the M1 phenotype and the potential regulatory mechanisms. The results showed that after glycopeptide dCP1 treatment, the mRNA relative expression levels of some M2 phenotype marker genes in M2-like TAM in simulated TME were reduced, and the relative expression levels of M1 phenotype marker genes and inflammatory factor genes were increased. Analysis of RNA-Seq of M2-like TAM after glycopeptide dCP1 intervention showed that the gene sets such as glycolysis, which is associated with macrophage polarization in the M1 phenotype, were significantly up-regulated, whereas those of gene sets such as IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway, which is associated with polarization in the M2 phenotype, were significantly down-regulated. Moreover, PCA analysis and Pearson's correlation also indicated that M2-like TAM polarized toward the M1 phenotype at the transcriptional level after treatment with the glycopeptide dCP1. Lipid metabolomics was used to further explore the efficacy of the glycopeptide dCP1 in regulating the polarization of M2-like TAM to the M1 phenotype. It was found that the lipid metabolite profiles in dCP1-treated M2-like TAM showed M1 phenotype macrophage lipid metabolism profiles compared with blank M2-like TAM. Analysis of the key differential lipid metabolites revealed that the interconversion between phosphatidylcholine (PC) and diacylglycerol (DG) metabolites may be the central reaction of the glycopeptide dCP1 in regulating the conversion of M2-like TAM to the M1 phenotype. The above results suggest that the glycopeptide dCP1 has the efficacy to regulate the polarization of M2-like TAM to M1 phenotype in simulated TME.
Asymptotic Analysis for the Generalized Langevin Equation with Singular Potentials
Authors: Duong Manh Hong , Nguyen Hung Dang
Published: May 2024

We consider a system of interacting particles governed by the generalized Langevin equation (GLE) in the presence of external confining potentials, singular repulsive forces, as well as memory kernels. Using a Mori–Zwanzig approach, we represent the system by a class of Markovian dynamics. Under a general set of conditions on the nonlinearities, we study the large-time asymptotics of the multi-particle Markovian GLEs. We show that the system is always exponentially attractive toward the unique invariant Gibbs probability measure. The proof relies on a novel construction of Lyapunov functions. We then establish the validity of the small-mass approximation for the solutions by an appropriate equation on any finite-time window. Important examples of singular potentials in our results include the Lennard–Jones and Coulomb functions.
Endoscopic intervention versus radical nephroureterectomy for the management of localized upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies
Authors: Giulioni Carlo , Brocca Carlo , Tramanzoli Pietro , Stramucci Silvia , Mantovan Matteo , Perpepaj Leonard , Cicconofri Andrea , Gauhar Vineet , Merseburger Axel Stuart , Galosi Andrea Benedetto , Castellani Daniele
Published: May 2024

Objective

Localized Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma (UTUC) is an uncommon cancer typically detected at an advanced stage. Currently, radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) with bladder cuff excision is the standard treatment for high-risk UTUC. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the 5-year overall and cancer-specific survival and bladder recurrence rates in studies comparing endoscopic kidney-sparing surgeries (E-KSS) with RNU in localized UTUC.

Evidence acquisition

We performed a literature search on 20th April 2023 through PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICOS model was used for study inclusion: P: adult patients with localized UTUC; I: E-KSS. C: RNU; O: primary: overall survival (OS); secondary: cancer-specific survival (CSS), bladder recurrence rate, and metastasis-free survival (MFS). S: retrospective, prospective, and randomized studies.

Evidence synthesis

Overall, 11 studies involving 2284 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis, 737 in the E-KSS group and 1547 in the RNU group. E-KSS showed a similar overall 5-year OS between E-KSS and RNU, and for low-grade tumors, while 5-year OS favored RNU for high-grade tumors (RR 1.84, 95% CI 1.26–2.69, p = 0.002). No difference emerged for 5-year CSS between the two groups, even when the results were stratified for low- and high grade tumors. Bladder recurrence rate and 5-year MFS were also similar between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our review showed that E-KSS is a viable option for patients with localized UTUC with non-inferior oncological outcomes as compared with RNU, except for 5-year OS in high-grade tumors which favoured RNU.
Ipsilateral pubic ramus fracture during total hip arthroplasty is not rare: does it matter?
Authors: Ko Young-Seung , Lee Han Jin , Kim Hong Seok , Yoo Jeong Joon
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Periprosthetic fractures in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been well described and studied. However, there is a lack of reports on ipsilateral pubic ramus fractures during THA due to the rare occurrence of such fractures and ambiguity of symptoms. With the use of postoperative computed tomography (CT) examinations, we have identified that asymptomatic ipsilateral pubic ramus fractures occur frequently during THA. This study aims to evaluate the incidence, location, clinical outcomes, and risk factors of ipsilateral pubic ramus fractures during THA.

Methods

From May 2022 to March 2023, a single surgeon performed 203 THAs in 183 patients at a single institution. All patients underwent postoperative CT scans three days after THA. The patients with ipsilateral pubic ramus fractures were followed up for a minimum of six months. Basic demographics, osteoporosis, general conditions of the operations, and outcomes of THA were investigated in all patients.

Results

Twenty-two cases (10.8%) of ipsilateral pubic ramus fractures were identified on postoperative CT scans. All fractures were located near the origin of the superior or inferior pubic ramus. Five fractures were detected on simple postoperative radiographs. The fractures did not cause any further complications at a minimum of six-month postoperative follow-up. Univariate and multivariate analyses did not identify any risk factors associated with these fractures.

Conclusions

Although the incidence of ipsilateral pubic ramus fractures during THA is high, treatment is not required as they do not cause any significant clinical symptoms or affect the prognosis of THA. However, the possibility of occurrence of these fractures must be explained to the patients before surgery.
Effective Bounds for Induced Size-Ramsey Numbers of Cycles
Authors: Bradač Domagoj , Draganić Nemanja , Sudakov Benny
Published: May 2024

The induced size-Ramsey number $$\hat{r}_\text {ind}^k(H)$$

r
^

ind
k

(
H
)

of a graph H is the smallest number of edges a (host) graph G can have such that for any k-coloring of its edges, there exists a monochromatic copy of H which is an induced subgraph of G. In 1995, in their seminal paper, Haxell, Kohayakawa and Łuczak showed that for cycles, these numbers are linear for any constant number of colours, i.e., $$\hat{r}_\text {ind}^k(C_n)\le Cn$$

r
^

ind
k

(

C
n

)

≤
C
n

for some $$C=C(k)$$

C
=
C
(
k
)

. The constant C comes from the use of the regularity lemma, and has a tower type dependence on k. In this paper we significantly improve these bounds, showing that $$\hat{r}_\text {ind}^k(C_n)\le O(k^{102})n$$

r
^

ind
k

(

C
n

)

≤
O

(

k
102

)

n

when n is even, thus obtaining only a polynomial dependence of C on k. We also prove $$\hat{r}_\text {ind}^k(C_n)\le e^{O(k\log k)}n$$

r
^

ind
k

(

C
n

)

≤

e

O
(
k
log
k
)

n

for odd n, which almost matches the lower bound of $$e^{\Omega (k)}n$$

e

Ω
(
k
)

n

. Finally, we show that the ordinary (non-induced) size-Ramsey number satisfies $$\hat{r}^k(C_n)=e^{O(k)}n$$

r
^

k

(

C
n

)

=

e

O
(
k
)

n

for odd n. This substantially improves the best previous result of $$e^{O(k^2)}n$$

e

O
(

k
2

)

n

, and is best possible, up to the implied constant in the exponent. To achieve our results, we present a new host graph construction which, roughly speaking, reduces our task to finding a cycle of approximate given length in a graph with local sparsity.
Interdisziplinäres, kollaboratives D-A-CH Konsensus-Statement zur Diagnostik und Behandlung von Myalgischer Enzephalomyelitis/Chronischem Fatigue-Syndrom
Authors: Hoffmann Kathryn , Hainzl Astrid , Stingl Michael , Kurz Katharina , Biesenbach Beate , Bammer Christoph , Behrends Uta , Broxtermann Wolfgang , Buchmayer Florian , Cavini Anna Maria , Fretz Gregory Sacha , Gole Markus , Grande Bettina , Grande Tilman , Habermann-Horstmeier Lotte , Hackl Verena , Hamacher Jürg , Hermisson Joachim , King Martina , Kohl Sonja , Leiss Sandra , Litzlbauer Daniela , Renz-Polster Herbert , Ries Wolfgang , Sagelsdorff Jonas , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Schieffer Bernhard , Schön Lena , Schreiner Claudia , Thonhofer Kevin , Strasser Maja , Weber Thomas , Untersmayr Eva
Published: May 2024

Myalgische Enzephalomyelitis/Chronisches Fatigue-Syndrom (ME/CFS) ist eine schwere, chronische Multisystemerkrankung, die je nach Ausprägung zu erheblichen körperlichen und kognitiven Einschränkungen, zum Verlust der Arbeitsfähigkeit bis hin zur Pflegebedürftigkeit einschließlich künstlicher Ernährung und in sehr schweren Fällen sogar zum Tod führen kann.
Das Ziel dieses D-A-CH-Konsensusstatements ist es, 1) den aktuellen Wissensstand zu ME/CFS zusammenzufassen, 2) in der Diagnostik die kanadischen Konsensuskriterien (CCC) als klinische Kriterien mit Fokus auf das Leitsymptom post-exertionelle Malaise (PEM) hervorzuheben und 3) vor allem im Hinblick auf Diagnostik und Therapie einen Überblick über aktuelle Optionen und mögliche zukünftige Entwicklungen aufzuzeigen. Das D-A-CH-Konsensusstatement soll Ärzt:innen, Therapeut:innen und Gutachter:innen dabei unterstützen, Patient:innen mit Verdacht auf ME/CFS mittels adäquater Anamnese und klinisch-physikalischen Untersuchungen sowie der empfohlenen klinischen CCC zu diagnostizieren und dabei die präsentierten Fragebögen sowie die weiteren Untersuchungsmethoden zu nutzen. Der Überblick über die zwei Säulen der Therapie bei ME/CFS, Pacing und die symptomlindernden Therapieoptionen sollen nicht nur Ärzt:innen und Therapeut:innen zur Orientierung dienen, sondern auch Entscheidungsträger:innen aus der Gesundheitspolitik und den Versicherungen darin unterstützen, welche Therapieoptionen bereits zu diesem Zeitpunkt bei der Indikation „ME/CFS“ von diesen erstattbar sein sollten.
Relationships of emerging biomarkers of cancer cachexia with quality of life, appetite, and cachexia
Authors: Lipshitz M. , Visser J. , Anderson R. , Nel DG. , Smit T. , Steel HC. , Rapoport BL.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Quality of life (QoL), appetite, cachexia, and biomarkers [albumin, hemoglobin (Hb), neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) and citrullinated histoneH3 (H3Cit)] were compared for 40 cases with advanced cancer and 40 healthy controls. Baseline differences and significant relationships were explored for biomarkers with QoL, appetite, and cachexia.

Methods

In a prospective case–control, age and sex matched study, the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life–C30 questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) for QoL, the Functional Assessment of Anorexia and Cachexia Therapy assessment (FAACT A/CS-12) for appetite, and a five-factor cachexia assessment tool for cachexia assessment were performed. Routine hematological measurements and blood chemistry analyses together with ELISA procedures and a Multiplex® bead array platform, were used for biomarker analysis. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were undertaken. P < 0.05 defined statistical significance.

Results

Global health status (QL-G), functional scales (QL-FS), and symptom scales (QL-SS) differed for cases and controls (p < 0.01). In cases, differences were observed for QL-G (p < 0.01), QL-FS (p < 0.01), and QL-SS (p = 0.01) compared to standardized references values. FAACT A/CS-12 scores differed significantly between cases and controls (p < 0.01) and 30% of cases scored “poor” appetites. Cachexia was present in 60% of cases. Albumin, lymphocytes, platelets, Hb, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), CRP, TNFα, all at p < 0.01, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.02), IL-6 (p < 0.04), and IL-8 (p = 0.02) differed significantly between cases and controls. No difference was found for CXCL5 or H3Cit. Albumin NLR, Hb, PLR, SII, TNFα, IL-8, and CRP showed significant relationships with all aspects of QoL. QL-FS was significantly related to CXCL5 (p = 0.04), significant relationships with FAACT A/CS-12 included: NLR (p = 0.002), Hb (p < 0.001), and PLR (p < 0.01). NLR, PLR, SII, TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, and CRP correlated positively to cachexia and albumin while Hb and lymphocyte count correlated negatively to cachexia.

Conclusion

CXCL5 and H3Cit were not reliable biomarkers for cancer cachexia, nor significantly related to QoL, appetite or cachexia. Albumin, NLR, Hb, PLR, SII, TNFα, IL-8, and CRP were reliable indicators of QoL, appetite, and cachexia. Future research should include other novel biomarkers namely growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), fractakline, interferon gamma (IFN-y), IL-16, macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), and macrophage procoagulant–inducing factor (MPIF).
Development of sliding mode control based on diagonal recurrent neural network for coupled tank system
Authors: El-Nagar Ahmad M. , Abdo Mohamed I.
Published: May 2024

This study presents the development of sliding mode control (SMC) using the diagonal recurrent neural network (DRNN) for nonlinear systems. Firstly, the SMC for linear systems is developed for nonlinear coupled tank system. Second, the DRNN is used to design the equivalent part of the SMC law, which is performed to approximate the dynamics of a controlled process. Third, the sliding surface for the switching control is developed using the DRNN. The DRNN parameters are tuned using Lyapunov function to achieve the controlled process stability. For the developed scheme, discontinuous signum function is used to compensate the chattering phenomenon. The developed scheme is applied for controlling the uncertain nonlinear coupled tank system. The simulation results indicate that the developed scheme can respond to the effects of system uncertainties compared to other existing schemes.
Comparison of transposition and interposition methods in microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm: an analysis of 109 cases performed by a single surgeon in a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Owashi Etsuko , Ohmura Kazufumi , Shoda Kenji , Yamada Tetsuya , Kano Kiyomitsu , Nakayama Noriyuki , Iwama Toru
Published: May 2024

Background

Microvascular decompression (MVD), the standard surgical approach for hemifacial spasm (HFS), can be divided into the interposition and transposition methods. Although the risk of HFS recurrence following interposition has been reported, there is limited data comparing long-term outcomes between both methods performed by a single surgeon. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of MVD techniques on HFS by comparing surgical outcomes performed by a single surgeon in a single-center setting.

Methods

A total of 109 patients who underwent MVD were analyzed and divided into the transposition (86 patients) and interposition (23 patients) groups. Postoperative outcomes at 1 month and 1 year were assessed and compared, including rates of spasm relief, complications, and recurrence.

Results

Outcome assessment revealed higher rates of early spasm relief in the interposition group (66.3% vs. 100%, transposition vs. interposition, respectively, p = 0.0004), although spasm relief at 1-year postoperatively was comparable between the two groups (84.9% vs. 95.7%, transposition vs. interposition, respectively, p = 0.2929). No significant differences were observed in complication and recurrence rates. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated no significant differences in the duration of spasm resolution by MVD method (p = 0.4347, log-rank test).

Conclusion

This study shows that both the transposition (Surgicel® and fibrin glue) and interposition (sponge) methods were excellent surgical techniques. The interposition method may achieve earlier spasm resolution compared to the transposition method.
New insights into the photoassisted anodic reactions of n-type 4H SiC semiconductors
Authors: Mairhofer Katharina , Larisegger Silvia , Foelske Annette , Sauer Markus , Friedbacher Gernot , Fafilek Günter
Published: May 2024

This study aims to investigate the photoelectrochemical behavior of the n-type 4H-SiC, focusing on aqueous, hydroxide-based electrolytes. Despite its high stability, this wide-bandgap semiconductor material undergoes electrochemical reactions, such as anodic oxidation or etching, under specific conditions. Since electrons are the majority charge carriers in n-type semiconductors, oxidation processes require above-bandgap illumination. Then, the reaction rate is influenced by the number of electron holes available for an oxidation process and the velocity of the transport of hydroxide ions to/from the surface. The goal is to focus on the essential reaction parameters (i.e., potential and electrolyte concentration) to clarify the reaction mechanism in aqueous (alkaline) electrolytes. Methods with controllable hydrodynamic conditions are required to investigate the transport processes in the electrolyte. Even though the rotating disk electrode (RDE) is a commonly used and powerful method, it is not well suited for our purpose. Photoelectrochemical etching of SiC is extraordinary because it involves both mass transfer phenomena and gas evolution but also needs high-intensity illumination from an appropriate light source. Hence, a new concept for an inverted rotating cell was developed and implemented. This setup was used to study the effect of the mass transport of hydroxide ions on the photoelectrochemical behavior of SiC in each potential region at varying rotation speeds. In order to interpret the experimental findings, a distinct electrical network model was formulated for simulating the results, aiding in unraveling the underlying reaction mechanism. Electrochemical measurements were complemented by surface-sensitive analytical techniques. XPS was the method of choice to investigate the composition of the sample surface before and after etching. SEM and AFM allow the characterization of the surface morphology in the initial stages of etching. The totality of this information provides a complete picture of the complex processes in the vicinity of the semiconductor electrode.

Graphical abstract
Physico-mechanical parameters of rock materials used in open pit reclamation – a case study of CTL Maczki-Bór S.A. mine in Poland
Authors: Bukowska Mirosława , Niedbalska Katarzyna , Bukowski Przemysław , Smolorz Anna
Published: May 2024

The aim of the research was to assess the variability of selected physical and mechanical properties of Carboniferous barren rocks in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and to analyze the impact of time and increasing vertical pressure on the mechanical parameters of the mixture of these rocks used in the reclamation of the open pit. Both type of tests were conducted in a strength press. For lithologically and stratigraphically differentiated rock samples, strength parameters in various states of humidity (air-dried and capillary saturation state) were determined, including compressive strength, cohesion and the angle of internal friction. It was found that the strength of all types of rock increases with geological age, however saturation of these rocks with water causes their structural weakening, which is especially noticeable in the case of sandstone and claystone. In the case of mudstone, due to their structure, the reduction of strength after saturation with water is not so significantly noticeable. In the second part of the laboratory tests, 5 samples of Carboniferous post-mining waste with different storage times in the open pit were subjected to the assessment of changes in density and compressibility in relation to increasing values of vertical pressure. It was found that the long-term depositing of waste in the excavation is conducive to the intensive development of hypergenic processes. This contributes to the disintegration of sedimentary rocks, which causes changes in their physical and mechanical parameters. This phenomenon is additionally intensified by the increasing vertical pressure with thickness of waste layers.
Potential of activated sludge-derived mixed microbial culture enriched on acetate to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates from various substrates
Authors: Ren Yu , Inoue Daisuke , Ike Michihiko
Published: May 2024

The use of waste activated sludge (WAS) as a biocatalyst to produce polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from waste streams may help promote the beneficial use of WAS for low-carbon, sustainable wastewater treatment. However, it remains unclear which types of substrates can be used for efficient PHA production, and how the PHA production can be maximized. This study aimed to assess the substrate versatility of mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) constructed from WAS by enriching PHA-accumulating bacteria using an aerobic dynamic discharge (ADD) process fed with acetate. Twelve different substrates, including organic acids, saccharides, and alcohols, were selected as the test substrates. In single-batch assays, the highest PHA production (583–680 mg/L) was achieved using butyrate, acetate, and pyruvate. In fed-batch assays, > 30 wt% PHA content was achieved using acetate, butyrate, propionate, lactate, and ethanol, with the highest content (60.3 wt%) using acetate. These results indicate that acetate-fed MMC by the ADD process could efficiently produce PHA from volatile fatty acids, lactate, pyruvate, and ethanol. Polyhydroxybutyrate was preferentially produced from acetate, butyrate, pyruvate, lactate, and ethanol, whereas polyhydroxyvalerate was notably produced from propionate. The results suggest that PHA can be efficiently produced from a wide range of substrates using MMCs enriched on a single substrate.
Partial Fourier in the presence of respiratory motion in prostate diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging
Authors: McTavish Sean , Van Anh T. , Peeters Johannes M. , Weiss Kilian , Harder Felix N. , Makowski Marcus R. , Braren Rickmer F. , Karampinos Dimitrios C.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To investigate the effect of respiratory motion in terms of signal loss in prostate diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and to evaluate the usage of partial Fourier in a free-breathing protocol in a clinically relevant b-value range using both single-shot and multi-shot acquisitions.

Methods

A controlled breathing DWI acquisition was first employed at 3 T to measure signal loss from deep breathing patterns. Single-shot and multi-shot (2-shot) acquisitions without partial Fourier (no pF) and with partial Fourier (pF) factors of 0.75 and 0.65 were employed in a free-breathing protocol. The apparent SNR and ADC values were evaluated in 10 healthy subjects to measure if low pF factors caused low apparent SNR or overestimated ADC.

Results

Controlled breathing experiments showed a difference in signal coefficient of variation between shallow and deep breathing. In free-breathing single-shot acquisitions, the pF 0.65 scan showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher apparent SNR than pF 0.75 and no pF in the peripheral zone (PZ) of the prostate. In the multi-shot acquisitions in the PZ, pF 0.75 had a significantly higher apparent SNR than 0.65 pF and no pF. The single-shot pF 0.65 scan had a significantly lower ADC than single-shot no pF.

Conclusion

Deep breathing patterns can cause intravoxel dephasing in prostate DWI. For single-shot acquisitions at a b-value of 800 s/mm2, any potential risks of motion-related artefacts at low pF factors (pF 0.65) were outweighed by the increase in signal from a lower TE, as shown by the increase in apparent SNR. In multi-shot acquisitions however, the minimum pF factor should be larger, as shown by the lower apparent SNR at low pF factors.
Use of proteomic-based MALDI-TOF mass spectra for identification of bacterial pathogens in aquaculture: a review
Authors: Çağatay İfakat Tülay
Published: May 2024

The fisheries and aquaculture sectors are growing rapidly, reflecting their importance in meeting the ever-increasing human population’s demands for animal protein. Production progress in this sector, however, is challenging as a result of increased deaths from epidemics caused by bacterial infectious diseases in aquaculturally important species. In order to minimize the impact of such diseases, quick and reliable diagnosis of pathogens, timely intervention, and control of the disease are essential to ensure the health of aquaculture and fisheries stocks. Thus, high-throughput proteomics-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been used as a rapid, accurate, and species-specific tool for the identification of bacterial fish pathogens and antibiotic resistance. The aim of this article is to review and evaluate the results of nearly three hundred papers published from 2010 to 2023 on the application of MALDI-TOF MS in aquaculture, showing that this method has been increasingly used over the years for the species-level identification and antibiotic resistance of fifty different gram-positive and negative bacterial aquatic pathogens encountered in wild or cultured fish, shellfish, invertebrates, and crustaceans. In addition, the history and general principles of the MALDI-TOF MS method are also mentioned in the article so that fish disease researchers interested in the use of this technology can see all aspects of the topic.
Mining exploration infrastructure affects biophysical habitat characteristics and ground-dwelling arthropod communities
Authors: Fernandes Kristen , Clark-Ioannou Sophia , Saunders Benjamin J. , Majer Jonathan , Bateman Philip W. , Bunce Michael , Nevill Paul
Published: May 2024

Monitoring of environmental impacts of mining activities typically focuses on the main operation footprint, neglecting exploration infrastructure like tracks, roads, and drill pads. These areas are cleared of native vegetation and impacts on the surrounding environment can be both cumulative and enigmatic. Here, we study the impacts of mining exploration infrastructure on habitat characteristics and ground-dwelling arthropod communities in the Midwest region of Western Australia. The study was conducted at three mine sites, each with three infrastructure types: maintained tracks, unmaintained tracks, and drill pads along transects extending 100 m away from the disturbance into remnant vegetation. Habitat characteristics were measured, and arthropods collected from pitfall traps along these transects and identified using COI metabarcoding. The overall arthropod community and two indicator groups, ants (Formicidae) and springtails (Collembola) - were used to measure arthropod responses to changes in response to habitat disturbance. Whilst changes in habitat were only visible to 10 m from the disturbance, impacts on arthropod communities could be detected up to 100 m into the remnant vegetation, and these responses were more complex. In general, we found similar patterns expressed in the compositional changes for arthropods overall and between our chosen indicator groups, but they were not the same across all sites and infrastructure types. Our results demonstrate the utility of bulk arthropod metabarcoding and different arthropod indicator groups for documenting the effects of fine-scale habitat destruction, degradation, or disturbance. They also highlight the need to monitor the negative impacts of mineral exploration on the environment.
Do People Respond to the Climate Impact of their Behavior? The Effect of Carbon Footprint Information on Grocery Purchases
Authors: Fosgaard Toke R. , Pizzo Alice , Sadoff Sally
Published: May 2024

Food production is a primary contributor to climate change, and one way to mitigate its effect is through consumption choices. Finding the most effective way to achieve emissions reduction via consumers behavioral change has recently raised policy-makers' interest but experimental evidence about this is still scarce. In this study, we examine the impact of individualized information about greenhouse gas emissions on grocery purchases. Using a randomized field experiment, we compare the effects of individualized information on the carbon footprint of grocery purchases to individualized information on grocery spending provided through a smartphone app. Compared to the spending information, the carbon footprint information decreases emissions from groceries by 27% in the first month of treatment, with 45% reductions in emissions from beef, the highest emissions food group. Treatment effects fade in the longer run along with app engagement but persist among those engaged with the app. Our results suggest that the provision of emissions information, in particular when paired with sufficient engagement, is a promising avenue for policies to turn food consumption greener.
Morphological characterization and molecular marker-assisted selection for resistance to Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) in S2 population of capia pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Şavkan Ayşe Nur , Başak Hakan , Uncu Ali Tevfik , Türkmen Önder
Published: May 2024

TMV (Tobacco mosaic virus) and TSWV (Tomato spotted wilt virus) are the most common virus diseases that causes loss of productivity in pepper cultivation. The most effective method in the fight against viral diseases is the use of resistant cultivars. This study was conducted to determine the similarities and differences of 120 Capia pepper lines in the S2 stage, consisted of local populations, standard and hybrid cultivars, in terms of morphological variation and to determine the resistance levels of the lines to TSWV and TMV. As a result of molecular analysis, genotypes 34, 35, 36, 46, 47, 48, 84, and 85 were found to be homozygous resistant to L4 allele and the Tsw gene. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to determine the relationship between the lines determined as a result of single plant selection. A dendrogram was prepared to evaluate morphological similarity between the lines. In the cluster analysis, 10 groups were identified based on 25 variables. The PCA explained 69.9% of the total variation based on 10 PC axes. At the end of the study, morphological variability was found high among the pepper lines. This evaluation of plant trait variability can assist geneticists and breeders to identify populations with desirable characteristics for inclusion in pepper breeding programs. In addition, the levels of resistance to these two diseases are crucial for breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars resistant to diseases.
Status of the Deep Learning-Based Shattered Pellet Injection Shard Tracking at ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Illerhaus Johannes , Treutterer W. , Heinrich P. , Miah M. , Papp G. , Peherstorfer T. , Sieglin B. , Toussaint U. v. , Zohm H. , Jenko F. ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: May 2024

Plasma disruptions pose an intolerable risk to large tokamaks, such as ITER. If a disruption can no longer be avoided, ITER’s last line of defense will be the Shattered Pellet Injection. An experimental test bench was created at ASDEX Upgrade to inform the design decisions for controlling the shattering of the pellets and develop the techniques for the generation of the fragment distributions necessary for optimal disruption mitigation. In an effort to analyze the videos resulting from the more than 1000 tests and determine the impact of different settings on the resulting shard cloud, an analysis pipeline, based on traditional computer vision (CV), was created. This pipeline enabled the analysis of 173 of the videos, but at the same time showed the limits of traditional CV when applied in applications with a highly heterogeneous dataset such as this. We created a machine learning-based (ML) alternative as a drop-in replacement to the original image processing code using a semantic segmentation model to exploit the innate adaptability and robustness of deep learning models. This model is capable of labeling the entire dataset quickly, accurately and reliably. This contribution details the implementation of the ML model and the current state and future plans of the project.
Periodic Optimal Control of a Plug Flow Reactor Model with an Isoperimetric Constraint
Authors: Yevgenieva Yevgeniia , Zuyev Alexander , Benner Peter , Seidel-Morgenstern Andreas
Published: May 2024

We study a class of nonlinear hyperbolic partial differential equations with boundary control. This class describes chemical reactions of the type “$$A \rightarrow $$

A
→

product” carried out in a plug flow reactor (PFR) in the presence of an inert component. An isoperimetric optimal control problem with periodic boundary conditions and input constraints is formulated for the considered mathematical model in order to maximize the mean amount of product over the period. For the single-input system, the optimality of a bang-bang control strategy is proved in the class of bounded measurable inputs. The case of controlled flow rate input is also analyzed by exploiting the method of characteristics. A case study is performed to illustrate the performance of the reaction model under different control strategies.
Effects of temperature and nanoparticle mixing ratio on the thermophysical properties of GNP–Fe2O3 hybrid nanofluids: an experimental study with RSM and ANN modeling
Authors: Borode Adeola , Tshephe Thato , Olubambi Peter , Sharifpur Mohsen , Meyer Josua
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the impact of temperature and nanoparticle mixing ratio on the thermophysical properties of hybrid nanofluids (HNFs) made with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3). The results showed that increased temperature led to higher thermal conductivity (TC) and electrical conductivity (EC), and lower viscosity in HNFs. Higher GNP content relative to Fe2O3 also resulted in higher TC but lower EC and viscosity. Artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM) were used to model and correlate the thermophysical properties of HNFs. The ANN models showed a high degree of correlation between predicted and actual values for all three properties (TC, EC, and viscosity). The optimal number of neurons varied for each property. For TC, the model with six neurons performed the best, while for viscosity, the model with ten neurons was optimal. The best ANN model for EC contained 18 neurons. The RSM results indicated that the 2-factor interaction term was the most significant factor for optimizing TC and EC; while, the linear term was most important for optimizing viscosity. The ANN models performed better than the RSM models for all properties. The findings provide insights into factors affecting the thermophysical properties of HNFs and can inform the development of more effective heat transfer fluids for industrial applications.
Senescence of endothelial cells promotes phenotypic changes in adventitial fibroblasts: possible implications for vascular aging
Authors: Sarad Katarzyna , Jankowska Urszula , Skupien-Rabian Bozena , Babler Anne , Kramann Rafael , Dulak Józef , Jaźwa-Kusior Agnieszka
Published: May 2024

Aging is the most important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Senescent cells release plethora of factors commonly known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, which can modulate the normal function of the vascular wall. It is currently not well understood if and how endothelial cell senescence can affect adventitial niche. The aim of this study was to characterize oxidative stress-induced endothelial cells senescence and identify their paracrine effects on the primary cell type of the adventitia, the fibroblasts. Human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) were treated with hydrogen peroxide to induce premature senescence. Mass spectrometry analysis identified several proteomic changes in senescent HAEC with top upregulated secretory protein growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15). Treatment of the human adventitial fibroblast cell line (hAdv cells) with conditioned medium (CM) from senescent HAEC resulted in alterations in the proteome of hAdv cells identified in mass spectrometry analysis. Majority of differentially expressed proteins in hAdv cells treated with CM from senescent HAEC were involved in the uptake and metabolism of lipoproteins, mitophagy and ferroptosis. We next analyzed if some of these changes and pathways might be regulated by GDF-15. We found that recombinant GDF-15 affected some ferroptosis-related factors (e.g. ferritin) and decreased oxidative stress in the analyzed adventitial fibroblast cell line, but it had no effect on erastin-induced cell death. Contrary, silencing of GDF-15 in hAdv cells was protective against this ferroptotic stimuli. Our findings can be of importance for potential therapeutic strategies targeting cell senescence or ferroptosis to alleviate vascular diseases.
Crashworthiness capability comparison of a 3D Greek cross fractal structure additively manufactured with polyamide and thermoplastic polyurethane
Authors: Viccica Marco , Serra Gabriel Ferreira , de Sousa Ricardo Alves , Galati Manuela
Published: May 2024

Designers are continuously searching for materials or meta-structures, also inspired by nature, that exhibit favourable strength-to-weight ratios, substantial heat transfer capabilities, and efficient energy absorption. One particular example includes fractal geometries, which usually consist of intricate three-dimensional geometrical structures and are challenging to produce through traditional manufacturing methods. In this regard, this study analyses the performance of a three-dimensional cross-based fractal structure (3D-CFS) designed for energy absorption and manufactured using polymeric materials. Mathematically, the geometry is obtained using a 3D Greek cross repeated in the 3D space according to the fractal principle. Owing to the intricate final structure, samples are fabricated using an Additive Manufacturing system based on powder bed fusion with a laser beam and infrared light. The study is carried out using two polymeric materials, polyamide and thermoplastic polyurethane, and the mechanical response of the structure is analysed under dynamic compression tests. The tested geometries consisted of samples with a single 3D-CFS cell, various volume fractions and a configuration with multiple cells that emulated a possible layout for linear helmet application. The findings indicate that the 3D-CFS is a promising geometry for eventual implementation into shock absorption applications, specifically in personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.
Development of a convolutional neural network based regional flood frequency analysis model for South-east Australia
Authors: Afrin Nilufa , Ahamed Farhad , Rahman Ataur
Published: May 2024

Flood is one of the worst natural disasters, which causes significant damage to economy and society. Flood risk assessment helps to reduce flood damage by managing flood risk in flood affected areas. For ungauged catchments, regional flood frequency analysis (RFFA) is generally used for design flood estimation. This study develops a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) based RFFA technique using data from 201 catchments in south-east Australia. The CNN based RFFA technique is compared with multiple linear regression (MLR), support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree (DT) based RFFA models. Based on a split-sample validation using several statistical indices such as relative error, bias and root mean squared error, it is found that the CNN model performs best for annual exceedance probabilities (AEPs) in the range of 1 in 5 to 1 in 100, with median relative error values in the range of 29–44%. The DT model shows the best performance for 1 in 2 AEP, with a median relative error of 24%. The CNN model outperforms the currently recommended RFFA technique in Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR) guideline. The findings of this study will assist to upgrade RFFA techniques in ARR guideline in near future.
Educationally Tracked Democratic Equalizers: How Citizenship Education Moderates the Effect of a Political Home Environment on Internal Political Efficacy Across Educational Tracks
Authors: Matthieu Joke , Junius Nino
Published: May 2024

Citizenship education aims to compensate for the lack of a stimulating political home environment. However, not all scholars are convinced that schools are great equalizers, as citizenship education might reinforce rather than reduce socioeconomic inequalities. This paper investigates whether citizenship education compensates, reproduces, or accelerates inequality in students’ internal political efficacy (IPE) and how this relationship differs across educational tracks. IPE is considered a key political attitude that predicts political participation and taps into self-confidence in a political setting. This political attitude is especially interesting considering the stigmatizing effects of educational tracks. We study the effect of citizenship education among senior high school students in Flanders. We examine three kinds of citizenship education: civic learning experiences, an open classroom climate, and active student participation at school. We conduct three-way interactions in multilevel models to study the moderating effect of these types of citizenship education at school on the relationship between a political home environment and IPE across educational tracks. We show compensating effects for the three citizenship education types. However, looking across educational tracks, there is a clearer compensation in the academic track compared to the technical and vocational tracks. Our findings indicate that citizenship education contributes to a democratic society where all citizens feel confident participating in the political arena. Still, technical and vocational tracked students not only receive less citizenship education, but the reduction of socioeconomic inequalities in feelings of IPE when receiving higher amounts is also less articulated than in the academic track.