bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weiterbildungsbeteiligung älterer Dialysemitarbeitenden
Authors: Janda Esfir
Published: August 2024

Zusammenfassung: Mithilfe der Mitarbeiterbefragung konnte eine Kausalität zwischen Alter und Weiterbildungsbeteiligung nachgewiesen werden. Gleichzeitig wurde die Bedeutung der zielgruppenorientierten Konzeption von Weiterbildungsmaßnahmen und Möglichkeiten zur Erhöhung von Teilnehmerquoten herausgestellt. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse wurden zur Generierung von Empfehlungen für den Transfer in die Praxis verwendet.
Channel Morphological Characteristics and Morphodynamic Processes of Large Braided Rivers in Response to Climate‐Driven Water and Sediment Flux Change in the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: He Yucong , Li Zhiwei , Xia Junqiang , Deng Shanshan , Zhou Yinjun
Published: August 2024

With rising air temperature and precipitation, water and sediment fluxes in the Source Region of the Yangtze River (SRYR) have increased since 2000s. Nonetheless, the response of braided river morphology to climate‐driven water and sediment flux change is still unknown. Water bodies of 9 large braided rivers from 1990 to 2020 were extracted based on Google Earth Engine platform, and impacts of climate change on morphological indices and morphodynamic processes were quantified. A new segmentation method is presented to more precisely extract braided river water body when the branch width is less than an image pixel size. The warming and wetting trend led to vegetation cover increase. With the increase of water flux, the water area of each braided reach has increased in both flood and non‐flood season. The 3–5 years mean annual erosion and accretion intensity (newly proposed in this study) of the channel shows three different trends of increasing, weakening, and unchanged over time. These three trends can be classified into three patterns in response to climate‐change driven water and sediment flux change in the SRYR as follows: sediment increase constrained pattern (weakening or unchanged), sediment increase dominated pattern (increasing), and water increase dominated pattern (increasing or unchanged). In summary, the braided rivers in the SRYR showing consistent increasing of water area, general expansion of active channel, and increasing of erosion and accretion intensity for some of the rivers, with the climate‐driven increasing water and sediment flux.
A Learning‐Based Multiscale Model for Reactive Flow in Porous Media
Authors: Karimi Mina , Bhattacharya Kaushik
Published: August 2024

We study solute‐laden flow through permeable geological formations with a focus on surface reactions that lead to changes in flow and formation. As the fluid flows through the permeable medium, it reacts with the medium, thereby changing the morphology and properties of the medium; this in turn, affects the flow conditions and chemistry. These phenomena occur at various lengths and time scales and make the problem extremely complex. Multiscale modeling addresses this complexity by dividing the problem into those at individual scales, and systematically passing information from one scale to another. However, accurate implementation of these multiscale methods is still prohibitively expensive. We present a methodology to overcome this challenge that is computationally efficient and quantitatively accurate. We introduce a surrogate for the solution operator of the lower scale problem in the form of a recurrent neural operator, train it using one‐time off‐line data generated by repeated solutions of the lower scale problem, and then use this surrogate in application‐scale calculations. The result is the accuracy of concurrent multiscale methods, at a cost comparable to those of classical models. We study various examples, and show the efficacy of this method in understanding the evolution of the morphology, properties and flow conditions over time in geological formations.
Future Climate Change in the Thermosphere Under Varying Solar Activity Conditions
Authors: Brown M. K. , Lewis H. G. , Kavanagh A. J. , Cnossen I. , Elvidge S.
Published: August 2024

Increasing carbon dioxide concentrations in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere are increasing radiative cooling in the upper atmosphere, leading to thermospheric contraction and decreased neutral mass densities at fixed altitudes. Previous studies of the historic neutral density trend have shown a dependence upon solar activity, with larger F10.7 values resulting in lower neutral density reductions. To investigate the impact on the future thermosphere, the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with ionosphere and thermosphere extension has been used to simulate the thermosphere under increasing carbon dioxide concentrations and varying solar activity conditions. These neutral density reductions have then been mapped onto the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The neutral density reductions can also be used as a scaling factor, allowing commonly used empirical models to account for CO2 trends. Under the “best case” SSP1‐2.6 scenario, neutral densities reductions at 400 km altitude peak (when CO2 = 474 ppm) at a reduction of 13%–30% (under high and low solar activity respectively) compared to the year 2000. Higher CO2 concentrations lead to greater density reductions, with the largest modeled concentration of 890 ppm resulting in a 50%–77% reduction at 400 km, under high and low solar activity respectively.
Altered lipid metabolism promoting cardiac fibrosis is mediated by CD34+ cell-derived FABP4+ fibroblasts
Authors: Du Luping , Wang Xuyang , Guo Yan , Tao Tingting , Wu Hong , Xu Xiaodong , Zhang Bohuan , Chen Ting , Xu Qingbo , Guo Xiaogang
Published: August 2024

Hyperlipidemia and hypertension might play a role in cardiac fibrosis, in which a heterogeneous population of fibroblasts seems important. However, it is unknown whether CD34+ progenitor cells are involved in the pathogenesis of heart fibrosis. This study aimed to explore the mechanism of CD34+ cell differentiation in cardiac fibrosis during hyperlipidemia. Through the analysis of transcriptomes from 50,870 single cells extracted from mouse hearts and 76,851 single cells from human hearts, we have effectively demonstrated the evolving cellular landscape throughout cardiac fibrosis. Disturbances in lipid metabolism can accelerate the development of fibrosis. Through the integration of bone marrow transplantation models and lineage tracing, our study showed that hyperlipidemia can expedite the differentiation of non-bone marrow-derived CD34+ cells into fibroblasts, particularly FABP4+ fibroblasts, in response to angiotensin II. Interestingly, the partial depletion of CD34+ cells led to a notable reduction in triglycerides in the heart, mitigated fibrosis, and improved cardiac function. Furthermore, immunostaining of human heart tissue revealed colocalization of CD34+ cells and fibroblasts. Mechanistically, our investigation of single-cell RNA sequencing data through pseudotime analysis combined with in vitro cellular studies revealed the crucial role of the PPARγ/Akt/Gsk3β pathway in orchestrating the differentiation of CD34+ cells into FABP4+ fibroblasts. Through our study, we generated valuable insights into the cellular landscape of CD34+ cell-derived cells in the hypertrophic heart with hyperlipidemia, indicating that the differentiation of non-bone marrow-derived CD34+ cells into FABP4+ fibroblasts during this process accelerates lipid accumulation and promotes heart failure via the PPARγ/Akt/Gsk3β pathway.
Prenatal diagnosis of tracheo-oesophageal fistula/oesophageal atresia: is MRI helpful?
Authors: Wilson Louise , Whitby Elspeth H.
Published: August 2024

Background

Oesophageal atresia (OA) with or without tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TOF) affects 2.75 per 10,000 births within the UK. It is most frequently suspected on antenatal imaging when the stomach is absent or appears small. Studies have shown fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has greater diagnostic accuracy than ultrasound; however, there remains uncertainty over what size constitutes a small stomach and how frequently this correlates with a diagnosis of TOF/OA.

Methods

A retrospective study of patients referred for fetal MRI due to suspicions of TOF/OA on antenatal ultrasound from 2011 to 2022. We also included patients with a fetal MRI suspecting TOF/OA who had been referred for other reasons. The indication, MRI findings and postnatal outcome were compared to assess diagnostic accuracy. For each case, the size of the stomach bubble was measured on MRI, and stomach volumes in a control group were measured for comparison.

Results

The positive predictive value for USS was 45.5% and 51.7% for fetal MRI. Fetal MRI had a negative predictive value and sensitivity of 100% (p = 0.027). The control group showed a strong positive correlation between stomach size and increasing gestational age (R2 = 0.69, p < 0.001), but this correlation was less positive in the TOF/OA group (R2 = 0.26, p = 0.03), and the stomach volumes in TOF/OA were consistently lower than the control group. The receiver operating characteristic curve illustrates that an absent stomach or unmeasurably small stomach is more diagnostic of TOF/OA as volumes ≤0.06 ml had 90% sensitivity.

Conclusion

Fetal MRI can accurately exclude TOF/OA but only has marginally improved positive predictive value over ultrasound. Research with larger numbers is required to further aid the development of a cut-off value for what can be considered a pathologically small stomach.

Impact

There are several features on imaging that raise the suspicion of TOF/OA.

Fetal MRI has some improved diagnostic accuracy compared with antenatal ultrasound alone; however, it is only marginally better.

Absence of stomach bubble and presence of oesophageal dilatation combined on fetal MRI are more diagnostic of TOF/OA.
Peds1 deficiency in zebrafish results in myeloid cell apoptosis and exacerbated inflammation
Authors: Arroyo Ana B. , Tyrkalska Sylwia D. , Bastida-Martínez Eva , Monera-Girona Antonio J. , Cantón-Sandoval Joaquín , Bernal-Carrión Martín , García-Moreno Diana , Elías-Arnanz Montserrat , Mulero Victoriano
Published: August 2024

Plasmalogens are glycerophospholipids with a vinyl ether bond that confers unique properties. Recent identification of the gene encoding PEDS1, the desaturase generating the vinyl ether bond, enables evaluation of the role of plasmalogens in health and disease. Here, we report that Peds1-deficient zebrafish larvae display delayed development, increased basal inflammation, normal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell emergence, and cell-autonomous myeloid cell apoptosis. In a sterile acute inflammation model, Peds1-deficient larvae exhibited impaired inflammation resolution and tissue regeneration, increased interleukin-1β and NF-κB expression, and elevated ROS levels at the wound site. Abnormal immune cell recruitment, neutrophil persistence, and fewer but predominantly pro-inflammatory macrophages were observed. Chronic skin inflammation worsened in Peds1-deficient larvae but was mitigated by exogenous plasmalogen, which also alleviated hyper-susceptibility to bacterial infection, as did pharmacological inhibition of caspase-3 and colony-stimulating factor 3-induced myelopoiesis. Overall, our results highlight an important role for plasmalogens in myeloid cell biology and inflammation.
Bithionol eliminates acute myeloid leukaemia stem-like cells by suppressing NF-κB signalling and inducing oxidative stress, leading to apoptosis and ferroptosis
Authors: Dias Ingrid R. S. B. , Costa Rafaela G. A. , Rodrigues Ana Carolina B. da C. , Silva Suellen L. R. , Oliveira Maiara de S. , Soares Milena B. P. , Dias Rosane B. , Valverde Ludmila F. , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa A. , Cairns Lauren V. , Mills Ken I. , Bezerra Daniel P.
Published: August 2024

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a lethal bone marrow neoplasm caused by genetic alterations in blood cell progenitors. Leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) are responsible for the development of AML, drug resistance and relapse. Bithionol is an old anthelmintic drug with potential antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-Alzheimer, and antitumour properties. In this work, we focused on the anti-AML LSC properties of bithionol. This compound inhibited the viability of both solid and haematological cancer cells, suppressed AML stem-like cells, and inhibited AML growth in NSG mice at a dosage of 50 mg/kg, with tolerable systemic toxicity. Bithionol significantly reduced the levels of phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser529) and phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser536) and nuclear NF-κB p65 translocation in AML cells, indicating that this molecule can suppress NF-κB signalling. DNA fragmentation, nuclear condensation, cell shrinkage, phosphatidylserine externalisation, loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential, caspase-3 activation and PARP-(Asp 214) cleavage were detected in bithionol-treated AML cells, indicating the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, this compound increased mitochondrial superoxide levels, and bithionol-induced cell death was partially prevented by cotreatment with the selective ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1, indicating the induction of ferroptosis. In addition, bithionol synergised with venetoclax in AML cells, indicating the translational potential of bithionol to enhance the effects of venetoclax in patients with AML. Taken together, these data indicate that bithionol is a potential new anti-AML drug.
An atlas of the human liver diurnal transcriptome and its perturbation by hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Mukherji Atish , Jühling Frank , Simanjuntak Yogy , Crouchet Emilie , Del Zompo Fabio , Teraoka Yuji , Haller Alexandre , Baltzinger Philippe , Paritala Soumith , Rasha Fahmida , Fujiwara Naoto , Gadenne Cloé , Slovic Nevena , Oudot Marine A. , Durand Sarah C. , Ponsolles Clara , Schuster Catherine , Zhuang Xiaodong , Holmes Jacinta , Yeh Ming-Lun , Abe-Chayama Hiromi , Heikenwälder Mathias , Sangiovanni Angelo , Iavarone Massimo , Colombo Massimo , Foung Steven K. H. , McKeating Jane A. , Davidson Irwin , Yu Ming-Lung , Chung Raymond T. , Hoshida Yujin , Chayama Kazuaki , Lupberger Joachim , Baumert Thomas F.
Published: August 2024

Chronic liver disease and cancer are global health challenges. The role of the circadian clock as a regulator of liver physiology and disease is well established in rodents, however, the identity and epigenetic regulation of rhythmically expressed genes in human disease is less well studied. Here we unravel the rhythmic transcriptome and epigenome of human hepatocytes using male human liver chimeric mice. We identify a large number of rhythmically expressed protein coding genes in human hepatocytes of male chimeric mice, which includes key transcription factors, chromatin modifiers, and critical enzymes. We show that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, a major cause of liver disease and cancer, perturbs the transcriptome by altering the rhythmicity of the expression of more than 1000 genes, and affects the epigenome, leading to an activation of critical pathways mediating metabolic alterations, fibrosis, and cancer. HCV-perturbed rhythmic pathways remain dysregulated in patients with advanced liver disease. Collectively, these data support a role for virus-induced perturbation of the hepatic rhythmic transcriptome and pathways in cancer development and may provide opportunities for cancer prevention and biomarkers to predict HCC risk.
Climate change will exacerbate land conflict between agriculture and timber production
Authors: Bousfield Christopher G. , Morton Oscar , Edwards David P.
Published: August 2024

Timber and agricultural production must both increase throughout this century to meet rising demand. Understanding how climate-induced shifts in agricultural suitability will trigger competition with timber for productive land is crucial. Here, we combine predictions of agricultural suitability under different climate change scenarios (representative concentration pathways RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5) with timber-production maps to show that 240–320 Mha (20–26%) of current forestry land will become more suitable for agriculture by 2100. Forestry land contributes 21–27% of new agricultural productivity frontiers (67–105 Mha) despite only occupying 10% of the surface of the land. Agricultural frontiers in forestry land occur disproportionately in key timber-producing nations (Russia, the USA, Canada and China) and are closer to population centres and existing cropland than frontiers outside forestry land. To minimize crop expansion into forestry land and prevent shifting timber harvests into old-growth tropical and boreal forests to meet timber demand, emissions must be reduced, agricultural efficiency improved and sustainable intensification invested in.
Evaluation of newly synthesized 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-indole derivatives as anticancer agents against HCT-116 cell proliferation via cell cycle arrest and down regulation of miR-25
Authors: Abdelazeem Nagwa M. , Gouhar Shaimaa A. , Fahmy Cinderella A. , Elshahid Zeinab A. , El-Hussieny Marwa
Published: August 2024

In the present study, we prepared new sixteen different derivatives. The first series were prepared (methylene)bis(2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-indole) derivatives which have (indole and thiophene rings) by excellent yield from the reaction (2 mmol) 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-indole and (1 mmol) from aldehyde. The second series were synthesized (2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-indol-3-yl) methyl) aniline derivatives at a relatively low yield from multicomponent reaction of three components 2-(thiophen-2-yl)-1H-indole, N-methylaniline and desired aldehydes. The anticancer effect of the newly synthesized derivatives was determined against different cancers, colon, lung, breast and skin. The counter screening was done against normal Epithelial cells (RPE-1). The effect on cell cycle and mechanisms underlying of the antitumor effect were also studied. All new compounds were initially tested at a single dose of 100 μg/ml against this panel of 5 human tumor cell lines indicated that the compounds under investigation exhibit selective cytotoxicity against HCT-116 cell line and compounds (4g, 4a, 4c) showed potent anticancer activity against HCT-116 cell line with the inhibitory concentration IC50 values were, 7.1±0.07, 10.5± 0.07 and 11.9± 0.05 μΜ/ml respectively. Also, the active derivatives caused cell cycle arrest at the S and G2/M phase with significant(p < 0.0001) increase in the expression levels of tumor suppressors miR-30C, and miR-107 and a tremendous decrease in oncogenic miR-25, IL-6 and C-Myc levels. It is to conclude that the anticancer activity could be through direct interaction with tumor cell DNA like S-phase-dependent chemotherapy drugs. Which can interact with DNA or block DNA synthesis such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, or 5-fluorouracil and which were highly effective in killing the cancer cells. This data ensures the efficiency of the 3 analogues on inducing cell cycle arrest and preventing cancer cell growth. The altered expressions explained the molecular mechanisms through which the newly synthesized analogues exert their anticancer action.
An experimental approach on dynamic occlusal fingerprint analysis to simulate use-wear localisation and development on stone tools
Authors: Rausch Hannah , Marreiros João , Kullmer Ottmar , Schunk Lisa , Gneisinger Walter , Calandra Ivan
Published: August 2024

Information about the use of stone tools in the past is encoded in the wear patterns left on their surface; however, post-depositional processes can modify and obstruct these traces. One aim in the field of lithic functional analysis is to develop methods to detect and quantify these traces on stone tools. The occlusal fingerprint analysis (OFA) is a well-established method in dental wear studies to virtually simulate dental occlusal (contact between teeth) stroke movements and thus locate and quantify the sequential contact between opposing tooth crowns. Reaching across disciplines, we conducted controlled experiments to test the applicability of the OFA method on stone tools to address the challenge of use-wear quantification and localisation, and therefore the identification of post-depositional wear. Our findings reveal a clear overlap between zones of experimentally produced use-wear and OFA-calculated contact areas. We demonstrate OFA as a potential method to generate models of multiscale use-wear that can be used as references on experimental tools to identify post-depositional surface modifications on stone tool artefacts.
Understanding period product use among young women in rural and urban India from a geospatial perspective
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Alam Asraful , Islam Nazrul , Roy Ranjan , Satpati Lakshminarayan
Published: August 2024

Ensuring proper menstrual hygiene management remains a significant challenge for young women in India. The term "exclusive use of hygienic period products during menstruation" refers to relying solely on period products like sanitary pads, tampons, or menstrual cups. Poor menstrual hygiene practices not only increase the risk of reproductive tract infections but also lead to various negative health outcomes, including discomfort and potential complications. This study explores factors associated with the exclusive use of period products during menstruation aged 15–24, investigates geographic disparities, examines rural–urban gaps, and assesses inequality in India. Utilizing data from the fifth National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), responses from 2,41,180 women aged 15 to 24 were analysed using logistic regression and multivariate decomposition analyses to explore socioeconomic predictors. Moran's I statistics also assessed spatial dependency, while Lorenz curves and Gini coefficients measured inequality. Quintile and LISA maps visualized regional disparities. The study found that 76.15% of women in India reported exclusive use of hygienic period products during menstruation. Rural areas reported a lower percentage of exclusive use of hygienic period products (72.32%) during menstruation compared to urban areas (89.37%). Key factors associated with the exclusive use of hygienic period products among 15–24-year-old women in India include age, education, place of residence, wealth, access to media, and healthcare discussions. Geographically, central districts exhibited the lowest coverage (< 65%), while the Southern region reported the highest (> 85). The GINI coefficient of 0.39 highlighted moderate inequality in distribution. Decomposition analysis revealed that household wealth contributed 49.25% to rural–urban differences, followed by education (13.41%), media access (7.97%), and region (4.97%). This study highlights significant regional disparities and low utilization of hygienic period products among young women in India, particularly in central districts. Policymakers should prioritize interventions targeting these regions, addressing socio-economic disparities. Strategies to promote education, improve media access, and enhance household wealth can facilitate menstrual hygiene adoption. Initiatives to reduce sanitary napkin costs and increase accessibility, particularly in rural areas, are crucial to mitigating geographical disparities nationwide.
Exploring the neuroprotective potential of Nrf2-pathway activators against annonacin toxicity
Authors: Costa Márcia F. D. , Rösler Thomas W. , Höglinger Günter U.
Published: August 2024

Modulation of the Nrf2 pathway, a master regulator of the antioxidant response and cellular metabolism, has been suggested as a promising therapeutic strategy in tauopathies, a heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by intracellular proteinaceous inclusions of abnormally phosphorylated tau. Here, we explored the neuroprotective potential of different Nrf2-pathway activators in human immortalized dopaminergic neurons against annonacin-induced toxicity, a mitochondrial inhibitor associated with a PSP-like syndrome and capable of mimicking tauopathy-like features. Interestingly, we observed heterogenous and compound-dependent neuroprotective effects among the different Nrf2-pathway activators. With the exception of Fyn inhibitors, all the selected Nrf2-pathway activators improved cell viability and the oxidative status, and reduced the annonacin-induced tau hyperphosphorylation and neurite degeneration, particularly the p62-activators. However, improvement of the impaired mitochondrial function was only observed by the Bach-1 inhibitor. Surprisingly, we found evidence that ezetimibe, an approved drug for hypercholesterolemia, prevents the transcriptional upregulation of 4R-tau triggered by annonacin insult. Overall, our results suggest that the neuroprotective effects of the Nrf2-pathway activators against annonacin toxicity may rely on the specific mechanism of action, intrinsic to each compound, and possibly on the concomitant modulation of additional signaling pathways. Further research will be needed to fully understand how synergistic modulation of metabolic adaptation and cell survival can be exploit to develop new therapeutical strategies for tauopathies and eventually other neurodegenerative diseases.
Enhancement of rider comfort by magnetorheological elastomer based damping treatment at strategic locations of an electric two wheeler
Authors: Krishna Keerthan , Mahesha G. T. , Hegde Sriharsha , Shenoy B. Satish
Published: August 2024

The vibrations generated in the two-wheeled vehicles like motorcycles due to road irregularities such as cracks, potholes, and bumps on the road cause discomfort for the rider as well as the pillion. These vibrations are reported to cause lower back pains, musculoskeletal effects, fatigue, and long-term health issues. Particularly, electric two-wheelers are more susceptible to these vibrations caused by the road and need attention. This paper presents an innovative technique for the reduction of vibrations at prominent locations in the electric two-wheeler to improve the rider’s comfort. All measured accelerations are about vertical direction (along z-axis as per ISO 2631-1 standard). Passive and Semi-active damping treatments namely, Room temperature vulcanizing Silicone rubber and Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) were applied on the test vehicle at strategic locations of vibration. Both were compared for their effectiveness in reducing the vibrations. Results showed that MRE based damping technique proved better vibration isolation at the strategic locations. The weighted root mean square acceleration as well as vibration dose values were found to decrease with the help of damping treatments thus improving the rider’s overall comfort level.
Quantifying thoracolumbar fascia deformation to discriminate acute low back pain patients and healthy individuals using ultrasound
Authors: Brandl Andreas , Wilke Jan , Horstmann Thomas , Reer Rüdiger , Egner Christoph , Schmidt Tobias , Schleip Robert
Published: August 2024

Reduced shear strain and deformability of the thoracolumbar fascia has been linked to low back pain. A number of ultrasound examination methods have been developed for laboratory rather than clinical practice. The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and discriminative validity (patients vs. healthy individuals) of an ultrasound (US) measurement method for the quantification of thoracolumbar fascia deformation (TLFD). A cross-sectional study with US assessment and rater blinding was conducted in a manual therapy clinic and a university laboratory. 16 acute low back pain (aLBP) patients and 15 healthy individuals performed a standardized trunk extension task. US measurements of TLFD were carried out independently by two raters by imaging the TLF in the starting and ending positions of the movement. Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and minimal detectable changes (MDC) were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off for TLFD to discriminate the study groups. Kappa statistics were performed to assess rater agreement in discrimination. Intra-rater reliability was excellent (ICC: .92, MDC: 5.54 mm, p < .001) and inter-rater reliability was good (ICC: .78, MDC: 8.70 mm, p < .001). The cut-off for TLFD was 6 mm with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93.75% and the raters agreed moderately (κ = 0.74, p < .001) when distinguishing patients and controls. The reliability of the US method for assessing TLFD is moderate to excellent, and the ability to discriminate aLBP patients from healthy individuals is moderate. The method could be used to capture an additional parameter in morphological aLBP screenings.
Physics-Informed Masked Autoencoder for active sparse imaging
Authors: McEvoy Luke , Tafone Daniel , Sua Yong Meng , Huang Yuping
Published: August 2024

Imaging technology based on detecting individual photons has seen tremendous progress in recent years, with broad applications in autonomous driving, biomedical imaging, astronomical observation, and more. Comparing with conventional methods, however, it takes much longer time and relies on sparse and noisy photon-counting data to form an image. Here we introduce Physics-Informed Masked Autoencoder (PI-MAE) as a fast and efficient approach for data acquisition and image reconstruction through hardware implementation of the MAE (Masked Autoencoder). We examine its performance on a single-photon LiDAR system when trained on digitally masked MNIST data. Our results show that, with $$1.8\times 10^{-6}$$

1.8
×

10

-
6

or less detected photons per pulse and down to 9 detected photons per pixel, it achieves high-quality image reconstruction on unseen object classes with 90% physical masking. Our results highlight PI-MAE as a viable hardware accelerator for significantly improving the performance of single-photon imaging systems in photon-starving applications.
SLAPSHOT reveals rapid dynamics of extracellularly exposed proteome in response to calcium-activated plasma membrane phospholipid scrambling
Authors: Tuomivaara Sami T. , Teo Chin Fen , Jan Yuh Nung , Wiita Arun P. , Jan Lily Y.
Published: August 2024

To facilitate our understanding of proteome dynamics during signaling events, robust workflows affording fast time resolution without confounding factors are essential. We present Surface-exposed protein Labeling using PeroxidaSe, H2O2, and Tyramide-derivative (SLAPSHOT) to label extracellularly exposed proteins in a rapid, specific, and sensitive manner. Simple and flexible SLAPSHOT utilizes recombinant soluble APEX2 protein applied to cells, thus circumventing the engineering of tools and cells, biological perturbations, and labeling biases. We applied SLAPSHOT and quantitative proteomics to examine the TMEM16F-dependent plasma membrane remodeling in WT and TMEM16F KO cells. Time-course data ranging from 1 to 30 min of calcium stimulation revealed co-regulation of known protein families, including the integrin and ICAM families, and identified proteins known to reside in intracellular organelles as occupants of the freshly deposited extracellularly exposed membrane. Our data provide the first accounts of the immediate consequences of calcium signaling on the extracellularly exposed proteome.
Efflux pump-mediated resistance to new beta lactam antibiotics in multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Dulanto Chiang Augusto , Dekker John P.
Published: August 2024

The emergence and spread of bacteria resistant to commonly used antibiotics poses a critical threat to modern medical practice. Multiple classes of bacterial efflux pump systems play various roles in antibiotic resistance, and members of the resistance-nodulation-division (RND) transporter superfamily are among the most important determinants of efflux-mediated resistance in gram-negative bacteria. RND pumps demonstrate broad substrate specificities, facilitating extrusion of multiple chemical classes of antibiotics from the bacterial cell. Several newer beta-lactams and beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations (BL/BLI) have been developed to treat infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria. Here we review recent studies that suggest RND efflux pumps in clinically relevant gram-negative bacteria may play critical but underappreciated roles in the development of resistance to beta-lactams and novel BL/BLI combinations. Improved understanding of the genetic and structural basis of RND efflux pump-mediated resistance may identify new antibiotic targets as well as strategies to minimize the emergence of resistance.
Morphological analysis of mercury in solid wastes from natural gas processing plants: optimization of a temperature-programmed decomposition and desorption method
Authors: Wu Shengji , Hu Guiyuan , Shen Yutao , Tang Rui , Yang Fan , Che Lei , Yang Wei
Published: August 2024

The EPA 3200 method optimized TPDD process could overcome the drawbacks of the EPA 3200 method and TPDD method. The mercury compounds over solid waste were completely separated and specified by this process.
Structure and luminescence properties of EuF3 and SrF2:Eu nanoparticles after microwave plasma annealing in “methane–hydrogen”
Authors: Tiazhelov I. A. , Sedov V. S. , Martyanov A. K. , Popovich A. F. , Alexandrov A. A. , Ermakova Yu. A. , Voronov V. V. , Tsorieva A. V. , Korshunov V. M. , Taydakov I. V. , Kuznetsov S. V.
Published: August 2024

Recently, progress has been made in fabricating diamond-based scintillators with integrated rare-earth luminescent particles.
Dual functionality of charge extraction and interface passivation by self-assembled monolayers in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Azam Muhammad , Du Tian , Wan Zhongquan , Zhao Heng , Zeng Huaibiao , Wei Runmin , Brabec Christoph J. , Luo Junsheng , Jia Chunyang
Published: August 2024

This review overviews the challenges at the buried interface of PSCs, defect passivation capabilities of SAMs, and its effectiveness compared to other passivating agents.
Tailored MXene-derived nano-heterostructure oxides for peroxymonosulfate activation in the treatment of municipal wastewaters
Authors: Atri Shalu , Loni Elham , Dyrcikova Zuzana , Zazimal Frantisek , Caplovicova Maria , Dvoranova Dana , Plesch Gustav , Kabatova Miroslava , Brigante Marcello , Naguib Michael , Monfort Olivier
Published: August 2024

Innovative TiNbOx nano-heterostructure oxides as promising catalysts in municipal wastewater treatment.
Comparative study of the antiproliferative activity of heterometallic carbene gold(i)–platinum(ii) and gold(i)–palladium(ii) complexes in cancer cell lines
Authors: Dietl Martin C. , Maag Melina , Ber Sophia , Rominger Frank , Rudolph Matthias , Caligiuri Isabella , Andele Pacome K. , Mkhalid Ibraheem A. I. , Rizzolio Flavio , Nogara Pablo A. , Orian Laura , Scattolin Thomas , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: August 2024

The stepwise, one-pot synthesis of heterobimetallic carbene gold(i) platinum(ii) complexes from readily available starting materials is presented and their cytotoxic properties are evaluated.
Cascade-responsive size/charge bidirectional-tunable nanodelivery penetrates pancreatic tumor barriers
Authors: Shi Yiqi , Liao Jinghan , Zhang Cuiyun , Wu Qi , Hu Shanshan , Yang Ting , Liu Jihong , Zhu Zhirong , Zhu Wei-Hong , Wang Qi
Published: August 2024

A cascade-responsive nanodelivery (btND, G/R@TKP/HA) with size/charge bidirectional-tunability could navigate through almost all pancreatic tumor delivery obstacles simultaneously, thereby augmenting the drug delivery depth and anticancer efficacy.
Engineered hole-free, spacer-free dye-sensitized light harvesters for indoor photovoltaic and self-powered applications
Authors: George Andrew Simon , Pradhan Sourava Chandra , Unni K. N. Narayanan , Soman Suraj
Published: August 2024

We have custom-engineered dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) by eliminating spacers and holes, fabricating hole-free, spacer-free (HF-SF) DSCs with a 96% active area to total area ratio.
Symmetry-informed design of magnetoelectric coupling in the manganite perovskite CeBaMn2O6
Authors: Simpson Struan , Scott Cameron A. M. , Pomiro Fernando , Tidey Jeremiah P. , Dey Urmimala , Orlandi Fabio , Manuel Pascal , Lees Martin R. , Hong Zih-Mei , Chen Wei-tin , Bristowe Nicholas C. , Senn Mark S.
Published: August 2024

Designing a new magnetoelectric multiferroic perovskite through an innovative symmetry-informed design approach.
HR-GO
Authors: Sitnova T. M. , Yuan Z. , Matsuno T. , Mashonkina L. I. , Alexeeva S. A. , Holmbeck E. , Sestito F. , Lombardo L. , Banerjee P. , Martin N. F. , Jiang F.
Published: August 2024

Context. Dwarf galaxy streams encode vast amounts of information essential to understanding early galaxy formation and nucleosynthesis channels. Due to the variation in the timescales of star formation history in their progenitors, stellar streams serve as ‘snapshots’ that record different stages of galactic chemical evolution.

Aims. This study focusses on the Cetus stream, stripped from a low-mass dwarf galaxy. We aim to uncover its chemical evolution history as well as the different channels of its element production from detailed elemental abundances.

Methods. We carried out a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of 22 member stars based on their high-resolution spectra. We derived abundances for up to 28 chemical species from C to Dy and, for 20 of them, we account for the departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE effects).

Results. We confirm that the Cetus stream has a mean metallicity of [Fe/H] = −2.11 ± 0.21. All observed Cetus stars are α enhanced with [α/Fe] ≃ 0.3. The absence of the α-‘knee’ implies that star formation stopped before iron production in type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) became substantial. Neutron capture element abundances suggest that both the rapid (r-) and the main slow (s-) processes contributed to their origin. The decrease in [Eu/Ba] from a typical r-process value of [Eu/Ba] = 0.7–0.3 with increasing [Ba/H] indicates a distinct contribution of the r- and s-processes to the chemical composition of different Cetus stars. For barium, the r-process contribution varies from 100 to 20% in different sample stars, with an average value of 50%.

Conclusions. Our abundance analysis indicates that the star formation in the Cetus progenitor ceased after the onset of the main s-process in low- to intermediate-mass asymptotic giant branch stars but before SNe Ia played an important role. A distinct evolution scenario is revealed by comparing the abundances in the Ursa Minor dwarf spheroidal galaxy, showing the diversity in – and uniqueness of – the chemical evolution of low-mass dwarf galaxies.
Sulfur monoxide (SO) as a shock tracer in protoplanetary disks: Case of AB Aurigae
Authors: Dutrey A. , Chapillon E. , Guilloteau S. , Tang Y. W. , Boccaletti A. , Bouscasse L. , Collin-Dufresne T. , Di Folco E. , Fuente A. , Piétu V. , Rivière-Marichalar P. , Semenov D.
Published: August 2024

Context. Sulfur monoxide (SO) is known to be a good shock tracer in molecular clouds and protostar environments, but its abundance is difficult to reproduce, even with state-of-the-art astrochemical models.

Aims. We investigate the properties of the observed SO emission in the protoplanetary disk of AB Auriga, a Herbig Ae star of 2.4 M⊙ in mass, located at 156 pc. The AB Aur system is unique because it exhibits a dust trap and at least one young putative planet orbiting at about 30 au from the central star.

Methods. We reduced ALMA archival data (projects 2019.1.00579.S, 2021.1.00690.S, and 2021.1.01216.S) and analyzed the three detected SO lines (SO 65 − 54, 67 − 56 and 56 − 45). We also used C17O and C18O 2–1 data to complement the interpretation of the SO data.

Results. For the three SO lines, the maximum SO emission in the ring is not located in the dust trap. Moreover, the inner radius of the SO ring is significantly larger than the CO emission inner radius, ∼160 au versus ∼90 au. The SO emission traces gas located in part beyond the dust ring. This emission likely originates from shocks at the interface of the outer spirals, observed in CO and scattered light emission, as well as those in the molecular and dust ring. Also, SO is detected within the cavity, at a radius of ∼20 − 30 au and with a rotation velocity compatible with the protoplanet P1. We speculate that this SO emission originates from accretion shocks onto the circumplanetary disk of the putative protoplanet P1.

Conclusions. These observations confirm that SO is a good tracer of shocks in protoplanetary disks and could serve as a powerful new tool for detecting embedded (proto)planets.
Determination of Decay Tank Capacity and Minimum Storage Time for Liquid Radioactive Effluent in Nuclear Medicine Departments Based on Environmental Requirements
Authors: Yunwen Ge.
Published: August 2024

According to China's environmental protection requirements, liquid radioactive effluent containing excreta from patients undergoing radionuclide treatments, such as iodine-131 and lutetium-177, must be temporarily stored in decay tanks until it meets discharge standards. The specific and total activity of the discharged liquid effluent are strictly regulated by China’s environmental standards and regulatory documents. Before constructing a nuclear medicine department, hospitals must conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) and obtain approval from regulatory authorities. In the EIA, hospitals must demonstrate that the intended capacity of the decay tanks and the storage time for liquid effluent during the operation of the nuclear medicine department will ensure compliance with regulatory discharge requirements. This paper presents a formula for calculating the total activities of iodine-131 and lutetium-177 in decay tanks. Base on the analysis of most restrictive environmental requirements, this paper provides a method for determining the necessary decay tank capacity and minimum storage time for liquid radioactive effluent to ensure compliant discharge. The findings offer guidance for the construction of decay tanks, the management of liquid effluent discharge in nuclear medicine departments, and inspection by regulatory authorities.
Zielgerichtete Mitarbeiterführung: Objectives-and-Key-Results-Methode in der Krankenhauslogistik
Authors: Kriegel Johannes
Published: August 2024

Neben Digitalisierung und Automation stellen die Mitarbeiter eine erfolgskritische Komponente in der Krankenhauslogistik dar. Zielgerichtete und Kennzahlen-basierte Mitarbeiterführung ist hierbei ein zentraler Stellhebel zum Erfolg.
Clinical, Laboratory, Molecular, and Reproductive Aspects of Combined Deficiency of Factors V and VIII
Authors: Yakovleva Elena , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2024

Congenital combined deficiency of factor V (FV) and factor VIII (FVIII; F5F8D, OMIM 227300) is a rare hereditary coagulopathy and accounts for approximately 3% of cases of rare coagulation disorders. The prevalence of this disease in the general population is estimated to be 1:1,000,000 and is significantly higher in regions where consanguineous marriages are permitted, such as the Mideast and South Asia. The disease has an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance and therefore occurs with an equal incidence among males and females. Heterozygous mutation carriers usually do not have clinical manifestations. The molecular basis of this disease differs from that of stand-alone congenital deficiencies of FVIII and FV. F5F8D is caused by mutations in either LMAN1 or MCFD2, which encode components of a cargo receptor complex for endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport of FV and FVIII, leading to defects in an intracellular transport pathway shared by these two coagulation factors. Congenital combined deficiency of FV and FVIII is characterized by decreased activities of both FV and FVIII in plasma, usually to 5 to 30% of normal. Clinical manifestations in most cases are represented by mild or moderate hemorrhagic syndrome. The simultaneous decreases of two coagulation factors present complications in the diagnosis and management of the disease. In female patients, the disease requires a special approach for family planning, pregnancy management, and parturition. This review summarizes recent progress in clinical, laboratory, and molecular understanding of this disorder.
Congenital Umbilical Cord Hernia: Prenatal and Postnatal Management
Authors: Rodriguez Stephanie , Marty Daisy , Folga Barbara , Alrahmani Layan
Published: August 2024

Congenital umbilical cord hernia is often misdiagnosed and easily confused with a small omphalocele. It is different from postnatally diagnosed umbilical hernias and is believed to arise from persistent physiological mid-gut herniation. Its incidence is estimated to be 1 in 5,000, although some articles reported the incidence rate of approximately 0.2%. It is very important to clearly diagnose these cases in the antenatal period so that the patients receive appropriate management postnatally and to decrease the stress in the parents as well. Umbilical cord hernias have not been associated with other chromosomal anomalies.

In this article, we describe a case of a patient who was diagnosed with an umbilical cord mass for which the course prenatally and postnatally was uncomplicated. It is very important to avoid misdiagnosing these cases, so that patients are appropriately treated in the postnatal course and to prevent complications such as bowel injury during cord clamping.
Towards an ecological transition from below: insights from a workers' mobilization in the automotive sector
Authors: Andretta Massimiliano , Imperatore Paola
Published: August 2024

This article aims to shed light on the processes and conditions that enable workers to maintain employment stability and wage security while reorganizing production to effectively address the ongoing climate crisis. By thoroughly analysing a case of workers' mobilization within the automotive sector at the GKN plant in Campi Bisenzio (Florence—Italy), we underline the conditions under which workers may support a transformative ecological transition. Their campaign has rapidly become emblematic of a national movement that integrates social and environmental concerns. Through qualitative analysis of social media content, self-produced documents, and in-depth interviews, we illustrate how these workers, by stepping into a gap left by both the state and the market, have advocated for a credible and radical bottom-up transition plan. This plan challenges the power imbalances within the production system and positions workers and the local community as key stakeholders in plant management, as well as guardians of the local territory and its environment. Their organizational model and identity, strategic alliances, and the specific territorial context in which they operate are conducive to this endeavour.
Investigation on materials removal rate and surface roughness of temperature resisted Waspaloy during electric spark machining utilizing gray relational analysis
Authors: Veerappan G. , Logesh Kamaraj , Mohanavel V. , Ravichandran M. , Ibrahim Ahmed Ahmed , Khan Salahuddin , Kumar S. Suresh , Kannan Sathish , Giri Jayant
Published: August 2024

Waspaloy, a nickel-based super alloy, has much potential in gas turbine component production. Machining this type of material using the traditional manufacturing method is very hard. Hence, electrical discharge machining (EDM) was selected for the investigation of the machining characteristics of Waspaloy by choosing the control parameters, namely, current, voltage, pulse on time, pulse off time, and spark gap. Gray relational analysis is carried out using 18 experiments according to an orthogonal array (L18) to determine the gray relation grade for this machining process with multiple machining characteristics such as material removal rate (MR), tool wear rate (TW), and surface roughness (SR). The significant objective of the multi objective optimization to attain high MR, low TW, and low SR is found out. From gray relation optimization, the optimum machining conditions for EDM, namely, current: 26 A, voltage: 200 V, pulse on time: 120 μs, pulse on time: 10 μs, and spark gap: 0.15 m, have been identified. The foremost parameter affecting the responses was found to be peak current.