bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Overview of Baboon Phylogenetic History
Authors: Kopp Gisela H. , Sithaldeen Riashna , Trede Franziska , Grathwol Franziska , Roos Christian , Zinner Dietmar
Published: March 2023

Baboons (genus Papio) are an intriguing study system to investigate complex evolutionary processes and the evolution of social systems. An increasing number of studies over the last 20 years has shown that considerable incongruences exist between phylogenies based on morphology, mitochondrial, and nuclear sequence data of modern baboons, and hybridization and introgression have been suggested as the main drivers of these patterns. Baboons, therefore, present an excellent opportunity to study these phenomena and their impact on speciation. Advances both in geographic and genomic coverage provide increasing details on the complexity of the phylogeography of baboons. Here, we compile the georeferenced genetic data of baboons and review the current knowledge on baboon phylogeny, discuss the evolutionary processes that may have shaped the patterns that we observe today, and propose future avenues for research.
Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms as Biomarkers of Antipsychotic-Induced Akathisia: Systematic Review
Authors: Nasyrova Regina F. , Vaiman Elena E. , Repkina Vera V. , Khasanova Aiperi K. , Asadullin Azat R. , Shipulin German A. , Altynbekov Kuanysh S. , Al-Zamil Mustafa , Petrova Marina M. , Shnayder Natalia A.
Published: March 2023

Antipsychotic-induced akathisia (AIA) is a movement disorder characterized by a subjective feeling of inner restlessness or nervousness with an irresistible urge to move, resulting in repetitive movements of the limbs and torso, while taking antipsychotics (APs). In recent years, there have been some associative genetic studies of the predisposition to the development of AIA. Objective: The goal of our study was to review the results of associative genetic and genome-wide studies and to systematize and update the knowledge on the genetic predictors of AIA in patients with schizophrenia (Sch). Methods: We searched full-text publications in PubMed, Web of Science, Springer, Google Scholar, and e-Library databases from 1977 to 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) quality scale was used for the critical selection of the studies. Results: We identified 37 articles, of which 3 were included in the review. Thus, the C allele of rs1800498 (59414 C>T) and the A allele of rs1800497 (17316 G>A) (TaqIA) from the DRD2 gene as well as the TT genotype rs13212041 (77461407 C>T) from the HTR1B gene were found to be associated with AIA. Conclusions: Uncovering the genetic biomarkers of AIA may provide a key to developing a strategy for the personalized prevention and treatment of this adverse neurological drug reaction of APs in patients with Sch in real clinical practice.
Chromosome-Length Assembly of the Baikal Seal (Pusa sibirica) Genome Reveals a Historically Large Population Prior to Isolation in Lake Baikal
Authors: Yakupova Aliya , Tomarovsky Andrey , Totikov Azamat , Beklemisheva Violetta , Logacheva Maria , Perelman Polina L. , Komissarov Aleksey , Dobrynin Pavel , Krasheninnikova Ksenia , Tamazian Gaik , Serdyukova Natalia A. , Rayko Mike , Bulyonkova Tatiana , Cherkasov Nikolay , Pylev Vladimir , Peterfeld Vladimir , Penin Aleksey , Balanovska Elena , Lapidus Alla ,   DNA Zoo Consortium, OBrien Stephen J. , Graphodatsky Alexander , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , Kliver Sergei
Published: March 2023

Pusa sibirica, the Baikal seal, is the only extant, exclusively freshwater, pinniped species. The pending issue is, how and when they reached their current habitat—the rift lake Baikal, more than three thousand kilometers away from the Arctic Ocean. To explore the demographic history and genetic diversity of this species, we generated a de novo chromosome-length assembly, and compared it with three closely related marine pinniped species. Multiple whole genome alignment of the four species compared with their karyotypes showed high conservation of chromosomal features, except for three large inversions on chromosome VI. We found the mean heterozygosity of the studied Baikal seal individuals was relatively low (0.61 SNPs/kbp), but comparable to other analyzed pinniped samples. Demographic reconstruction of seals revealed differing trajectories, yet remarkable variations in Ne occurred during approximately the same time periods. The Baikal seal showed a significantly more severe decline relative to other species. This could be due to the difference in environmental conditions encountered by the earlier populations of Baikal seals, as ice sheets changed during glacial–interglacial cycles. We connect this period to the time of migration to Lake Baikal, which occurred ~3–0.3 Mya, after which the population stabilized, indicating balanced habitat conditions.
Historical Overview of Geoheritage in France
Authors: De Wever Patrick , Rouget Isabelle
Published: March 2023

In recent years, interest in geoheritage among scientists and the broader public alike seems to be growing. However, concern for geological heritage is relatively late, compared to that of living heritage. Actions for protections have long remained marginal. The increase in the number of views on this notion has gone along with a reflection on its meaning and a multiplication of the number of laws to accommodate situations and be able to take into account the diversity of possible cases. In this paper, after a historical review, we propose a synthesis of this notion of geoheritage, as it is currently underway in France. We support our point on specific examples, and especially those that have an echo at the international level: in stratigraphy, for example, with the list of stages based on French localities, as well as in petrography and mineralogy with the lithotypes or minerals whose name is linked to the territory. Finally, we deal with the legal aspects, which apply to objects (movable geoheritage), geosites, especially with recent developments because of these texts, and databases that govern the operation and current development of geoheritage.
Prevalence and Related Factors of Lower Urinary Tract Infection in Frail Older Adults Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Thangrom Warin , Roopsawang Inthira , Aree-Ue Suparb
Published: March 2023

Urinary tract infections are the most common complication after surgery in older adults, resulting in poor operative outcomes and reduced quality of life after discharge. However, there is limited research investigating the relationships between urinary tract infection and associated factors in frail older surgical patients, particularly in Thailand. This retrospective study included 220 frail older patients aged ≥ 60 years who had undergone major noncardiac surgery at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand from January 2015 to December 2019. The sample was recruited using the criteria indicated in the modified Frailty Index-11 and having the blood glucose level determined within 2 h before surgery. The prevalence of lower urinary tract infections was 15% post-surgery. Firth’s logistic regression analysis revealed that the equation could predict the accuracy of lower urinary tract infections by 88.5%. Frailty, blood glucose levels, complication during admission, and personal factors together predicted the variability of lower urinary tract infections. Adjusting for other variables, being an older adult with severe frailty and complications during hospital admission significantly increased the risk of developing lower urinary tract infections (odds ratio = 3.46, p < 0.05; odds ratio = 9.53, p < 0.001, respectively).
Metabolic Syndrome and Chronic Disease Risk in South Asian Immigrants: A Review of Prevalence, Factors, and Interventions
Authors: Mahadevan Meena , Bose Mousumi , Gawron Kelly M. , Blumberg Renata
Published: March 2023

South Asians (SAs) are among the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the U.S. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition that is characterized by multiple health factors that increase the risk for chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. MetS prevalence among SA immigrants ranges from 27–47% in multiple cross-sectional studies using different diagnostic criteria, which is generally higher compared to other populations in the receiving country. Both genetic and environmental factors are attributed to this increased prevalence. Limited intervention studies have shown effective management of MetS conditions within the SA population. This review reports MetS prevalence in SAs residing in non-native countries, identifies contributing factors, and discusses ways to develop effective community-based strategies for health promotion targeting MetS among SA immigrants. There is a need for more consistently evaluated longitudinal studies to facilitate the development of directed public health policy and education to address chronic diseases in the SA immigrant community.
Physical and Mechanical Characterization of Lime Pastes and Mortars for Use in Restoration
Authors: Navarro-Mendoza Elena G. , Alonso-Guzman Elia M. , Sanchez-Calvillo Adria , Bedolla-Arroyo Juan A. , Becerra-Santacruz Habid , Navarro-Ezquerra Antonia , Gonzalez-Sanchez Belén , Martinez-Molina Wilfrido
Published: March 2023

Slaked lime is traditionally a suitable material for use in construction activities in historic and traditional buildings whose constitutive characteristics demand compatible and appropriate material solutions. Therefore, knowing the physical and mechanical characterization of lime pastes and mortars for use in restoration is considered an important step in the process of scientific development of a material that, in the Mexican case, has lacked scientific rigor in its production, use and commercialization. With this in mind, the present article aims to investigate the characteristics of lime pastes and mortars that have been used in the traditional way and the new limes that exist in the market, offering suitable options for restoration, for which an integrated methodology was used consisting of physical tests such as surface area, electrical resistivity, pulse velocity, colorimetry, and mechanical tests such as compressive strength, giving as a result that “traditional slaked” lime is more likely to deteriorate than powdered lime, which leads us to conclude that powdered hydrated lime has optimal characteristics for restoration activities.
The Idea of Cultural Heritage in Border Neighbourhoods of West-Berlin in 1976–1978
Authors: Domènech-Rodríguez Marta , López López David
Published: March 2023

The celebration of the European Year of Architectural Heritage in 1975 in Amsterdam had a great impact on architectural debate in West Berlin, which held a similar event one year later entitled A future for our past. There was a climate of great tension in the city between the precursors of the urban development plans and the social movements in the affected neighborhoods. The article discusses the extent to which a methodological change was possible, from an approach that obliterated the existing new proposals in order to readjust the role of heritage in the urban reconstruction. The idea of declaring existing urban fabric as patrimony became the central debate of this period, in which the idea of demolition and replacement became an expression of social inequality. This article comparatively analyzes the celebration of two proposals promoted by Berlin’s architectural senator Hans C. Müller in 1976: The pilot project for Block 118 in Charlottenburg and the Symposium on Urban Structure and Urban Form in Tiergarten Süd. Two innovative and methodologically distinct approaches were to establish the principles that would regulate the internationally known reconstruction of the IBA, both the Old and the New, two years later.
Practical Use of Damage Functions for Environmental Preventive Conservation and Sustainability—Examples from Naturally Ventilated Buildings
Authors: Thickett David
Published: March 2023

This work explores the potential of using damage functions to assess cultural heritage environments. Changes caused by dimensional variation due to fluctuations in relative humidity are assessed using two accessible functions, and a third is discussed. The risk of mould growth is assessed from a time series of temperature and RH data. The results of previous studies comparing predictions from four functions to observed mould formation are reviewed, and the practical aspects of using the functions are described. Two situations related to metal and stone risk are described, comparing environments for display and assessing new or refitted buildings for storage. The use of functions to improve sustainability and their combination with performance models to predict carbon footprints are discussed.
Physiological Response of Four Widely Cultivated Sunflower Cultivars to Cadmium Stress
Authors: Tan Dingquan , Zhang Lingling , Zhang Sheng , Cui Bei
Published: March 2023

Selection of sunflower varieties with greater cadmium (Cd) tolerance and detecting physiological variation under different Cd concentrations are important to study the potential of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in the phytoremediation of Cd. The aim of this study was to investigate the variation in the Cd tolerance among four sunflower varieties (79−79, 363, 8361, ADT). Photosynthesis was determined using a Li−6400 XT portable photosynthesis system. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to detect the accumulation of Cd in different plant parts (leaf, stem and root). Subsequently, the Cd amount per plant, bio−concentration factor (BCF), and translocation factor (TF) were calculated. Cd exposure caused a decline in photosynthesis in four sunflower varieties. The 79−79 species displayed the highest Cd concentrations in tissues and 363 displayed a higher BCF in aerial parts under Cd exposure among the four species. Under Cd stress, the total soluble sugars in roots remained unaffected in 363. Based on the results of this experiment, the cultivar of 79−79 and 363 were more tolerant to Cd when compared to the other sunflower cultivars ADT and 8361. The present investigation results indicate that 79−79 and 363 can be further applied in the field trials of phytoremediation practices in contaminated soil.
Ectopic Expression of PgF3′5′H in Commercial Gypsophila paniculata Cultivar through Optimized Agrobacterium-Mediated Transformation
Authors: Jin Chunlian , Sun Dan , Ma Lulin , Mo Xijun , Yang Chunmei , Li Fan
Published: March 2023

Gypsophila paniculata is one of the most popular cut flowers in the world whose major cultivars are blooming white. As is well known, blue flowers could be generated via the overexpression of the gene encoding flavonoid 3′5′-hydroxylase (F3′5′H) in species that naturally lack it. In this study, we established the regeneration and a genetic transformation system for the commercial cultivar ‘YX4’ of G. paniculata and introduced the F3′5′H of Platycodon grandiflorus (PgF3′5′H) successfully into ‘YX4’ using the established protocol. A total of 281 hygromycin (Hyg)-resistant plantlets were obtained, and 38 of them were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positive, indicating a 13.5% transformation efficiency. Shoot apex without meristem was more suitable for explant due to its high regeneration capacity, and the supplement of thidiazuron (TDZ) provided the most efficient promotion of adventitious bud induction, whereas the supplement of 6-Benzyladenine (6-BA) and 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) did not affect much. Additionally, the combination of 1 day (d) pre-culture, 5 d co-culture, 10 min infection, 30 mg·L−1 additional acetosyringone (AS) supplement, and 10 mg·L−1 Hyg selection formed the optimized system for ‘YX4’ transformation. This reliable and efficient agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the valuable commercial cultivar ‘YX4’ will contribute not only to the creation and improvement of G. paniculata cultivars, but also to the function research of genes associated with important ornamental traits.
Value Relevance of Board Attributes: The Mediating Role of Key Audit Matter
Authors: Jaffar Romlah , Abu Nor Asyiqin , Hassan Mohamat Sabri , Rahmat Mohd Mohid
Published: March 2023

The presence of board members with good governance attributes is value-relevant since it influences investors’ investment decisions. The value relevance is expected to improve with the newly introduced extended audit report to disclose key audit matters (KAMs). KAM disclosure provides information about issues faced by external auditors in the auditing of a company’s financial statement. Since the disclosure of KAM involves discussion and negotiation between the board and external auditor, it gives an indication that board value relevance can be affected by KAM disclosure. Using 931 firm-year observations from firms listed on the Bursa Malaysia between 2016 and 2019, this study re-examined the value relevance of the board and whether such value relevance improves with the disclosure of KAMs. The findings indicated that some board attributes influenced investors’ reactions negatively. The disclosure of KAM served as both an indirect mediator and a complementary mediator to increase the board’s value relevance. Investors reacted less negatively with KAM disclosure and companies’ values improved. The findings provide an insight into the role of KAM disclosure in reducing information asymmetry and assisting investors in making investment decisions. The findings support policymakers’ decisions to mandate the implementation of ISA 701, which requires the disclosure of KAMs.
Sickle Cell Disease Newborn Screening—An Audit of a Twin Island State Pilot Program
Authors: Belle Jarvis Shivon , Hadeed Edda , Lee Ketty , Hardy-Dessources Marie-Dominique , Knight-Madden Jennifer M. , Richardson Claudine
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) within the Caribbean region remains second only to that of West Africa. The Newborn Screening (NBS) Program in Antigua and Barbuda remains heavily dependent on grants, therefore ultimately facing sustainability challenges. Early intervention and implementation of preventative measures post-NBS result in significant improvements in morbidity, quality of life, and survival. This audit reviewed the pilot SCD NBS Program in Antigua and Barbuda from September 2020 to December 2021. A conclusive result was received by 99% of babies eligible for screening, 84.3% of which were HbFA, whilst 9.6% and 4.6% were HbFAS and HbFAC, respectively. This was comparable to other Caribbean countries. Sickle Cell Disease was noted in 0.5% of babies screened, which translates to 1 in 222 live births. Eighty-two percent of mothers were aware of their sickle cell status, compared to 3% of fathers. The importance of instituting a quality improvement team post the initiation of a screening program and the need for a robust public education program have been demonstrated by this audit.
Screening of Carbon-Supported Platinum Electrocatalysts Using Frumkin Adsorption Isotherms
Authors: Mensharapov Ruslan M. , Spasov Dmitry D. , Ivanova Nataliya A. , Zasypkina Adelina A. , Smirnov Sergey A. , Grigoriev Sergey A.
Published: March 2023

An important stage in the development of platinum electrocatalysts on carbon support is the analysis of their basic parameters. Cyclic voltammetry is an effective tool for analyzing the structural and electrochemical properties of such electrocatalysts. Using Frumkin adsorption isotherms, the contribution of the platinum surface to the hydrogen adsorption region was well described by three peaks corresponding to different crystal structures. The screening was carried out for platinum black and platinum electrocatalysts supported by carbon black, reduced graphene oxide (RGO), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and nanofibers (CNFs). For most samples, the peak contribution to the electrochemical surface area (ESA) and corresponding hydrogen adsorption energies had close values, but the parameters deviated for Pt black and RGO-based samples was observed. The dependence of the calculated peak parameters on the number of accelerated stress test cycles was used to evaluate the effect of the type of carbon support on the stability of the electrocatalyst and the structure of platinum nanoparticles. The experimental results indicate a high degree of stability and differences in the degradation mechanisms of electrocatalysts based on nanostructured carbon compared to carbon black, which are explained by differences in the metal-support interaction and corrosion resistance of nanostructured carbon supports.
Neptunyl(VI) Nitrate Coordination Polymer with Bis(2-pyrrolidone) Linkers Highlighting Crystallographic Analogy and Solubility Difference in Actinyl(VI) Nitrates
Authors: Takeyama Tomoyuki , März Juliane , Ono Ryoma , Tsushima Satoru , Takao Koichiro
Published: March 2023

NpO2(NO3)2 units are connected by bis(2-pyrrolidone) linker molecules with the trans-1,4-cyclohexyl bridging part (L1) to form a one-dimensional coordination polymer, [NpO2(NO3)2(L1)]n. Molecular and crystal structures of this compound are nearly identical to that of the UO22+ analogue, while its aqueous solubility is greatly enhanced, probably owing to weaker thermodynamic stability of the complexation in NpO22+ compared with that in UO22+.
“What Did I Tell This Sad Person?”: Memory for Emotional Destinations in Korsakoff’s Syndrome
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Ndobo André , Moustafa Ahmed A. , Allain Philippe
Published: March 2023

We investigated destination memory, defined as the ability to remember to whom a piece of information was previously transmitted, for emotional destinations (i.e., a happy or sad person) in Korsakoff’s syndrome (KS). We asked patients with KS and control participants to tell facts to neutral, positive, or negative faces. On a subsequent recognition task, participants had to decide to whom they told each fact. Compared with control participants, patients with KS demonstrated lower recognition of neutral, emotionally positive, and emotionally negative destinations. Patients with KS demonstrated lower recognition of emotionally negative than for emotionally positive or neutral destinations, but there were no significant differences between recognition of neutral and emotionally positive destinations. Our study demonstrates a compromised ability to process negative destinations in KS. Our study highlights the relationship between memory decline and impaired emotional processing in KS.
Consequences of Obesity on Short-Term Outcomes in Patients Who Underwent Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery
Authors: Krasivskyi Ihor , Djordjevic Ilija , Ivanov Borko , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Großmann Clara , Reichert Stefan , Radwan Medhat , Sandoval Boburg Rodrigo , Sabashnikov Anton , Schlensak Christian , Wahlers Thorsten , Rustenbach Christian Jörg
Published: March 2023

The correlation between off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery and obesity-related outcomes is still uncertain. The aim of our study was to analyse the pre-, intra-, and postoperative short-term outcomes between obese and non-obese patients after off-pump bypass surgery. We performed a retrospective analysis from January 2017 until November 2022, including a total of 332 (non-obese (n = 193) and obese (n = 139)) patients who underwent an OPCAB procedure due to coronary artery disease (CAD). The primary outcome was all-cause in-hospital mortality. Our results showed no difference regarding mean age of the study population between both groups. The use of the T-graft technique was significantly higher (p = 0.045) in the non-obese group compared to the obese group. The dialysis rate was significantly lower in non-obese patients (p = 0.019). In contrast, the wound infection rate was significantly higher (p = 0.014) in the non-obese group compared to the obese group. The all-cause in-hospital mortality rate did not differ significantly (p = 0.651) between the two groups. Furthermore, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and reoperation were relevant predictors for in-hospital mortality. Therefore, OPCAB surgery remains a safe procedure even in obese patients.
COVID-19 Patients with Early Gastrointestinal Symptoms Show Persistent Deficits in Specific Attention Subdomains
Authors: Schmidt Juliana , Cruz Maria , Tolentino Julio , Carmo Aureo , Paes Maria , de Lacerda Glenda , Gjorup Ana , Schmidt Sergio
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have shown that COVID-19 inpatients exhibited significant attentional deficits on the day of discharge. However, the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) has not been evaluated. Here, we aimed to verify: (1) whether COVID-19 patients with GIS exhibited specific attention deficits; (2) which attention subdomain deficits discriminated patients with GIS and without gastrointestinal symptoms (NGIS) from healthy controls. On admission, the presence of GIS was recorded. Seventy-four physically functional COVID-19 inpatients at discharge and sixty-eight controls underwent a Go/No-go computerized visual attentional test (CVAT). A Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) was performed to examine group differences in attentional performance. To discriminate which attention subdomain deficits discriminated GIS and NGIS COVID-19 patients from healthy controls, a discriminant analysis was applied using the CVAT variables. The MANCOVA showed a significant overall effect of COVID-19 with GIS on attention performance. The discriminant analysis indicated that the GIS group could be differentiated from the controls by variability of reaction time and omissions errors. The NGIS group could be differentiated from controls by reaction time. Late attention deficits in COVID-19 patients with GIS may reflect a primary problem in the sustained and focused attention subsystems, whereas in NGIS patients the attention problems are related to the intrinsic-alertness subsystem.
Accuracy Evaluation of an Alternative Approach for a CAD-AM Mandibular Reconstruction with a Fibular Free Flap via a Novel Hybrid Roto-Translational and Surface Comparison Analysis
Authors: Bevini Mirko , Vitali Francesco , Ceccariglia Francesco , Badiali Giovanni , Tarsitano Achille
Published: March 2023

Although the fibula free flap represents the gold standard for mandibular reconstructions, when implanted as a single barrel, this flap does not have the cross-sectional requisites to restore the native mandibular height, which is in turn required for the implant-supported dental rehabilitation of the patient. Our team has developed a design workflow that already considers the predicted dental rehabilitation, positioning the fibular free flap in the correct craniocaudal position to restore the native alveolar crest. The remaining height gap along the inferior mandibular margin is then filled by a patient-specific implant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy in transferring the planned mandibular anatomy resulting from said workflow on 10 patients by means of a new rigid body analysis method, derived from the evaluation of orthognathic surgery procedures. The analysis method has proved to be reliable and reproducible, and the results obtained show that the procedure already has satisfactory accuracy (4.6° mean total angular discrepancy, 2.7 mm total translational discrepancy, 1.04 mm mean neo-alveolar crest surface deviation), while also pointing out possible improvements to the virtual planning workflow.
Sedimentological and Petrographical Characterization of the Cambrian Abbottabad Formation in Kamsar Section, Muzaffarabad Area: Implications for Proto-Tethys Ocean Evolution
Authors: Ali Syed Kamran , Lashari Rafiq Ahmad , Sahito Ali Ghulam , Kontakiotis George , Janjuhah Hammad Tariq , Mughal Muhammad Saleem , Bilal Ahmer , Mehmood Tariq , Majeed Khawaja Umair
Published: March 2023

The current sedimentological and petrographical research of the Abbottabad Formation has been carried out in order to understand the formation and evolution of the Proto-Tethys Ocean during the Cambrian on the northern margin of the Indian Plate. The Muzaffarabad region is located east of the Upper Indus Basin and the southern part of the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis. The geological history of the region varies from the Precambrian to the recent period. The Cambrian Abbottabad Formation is well exposed along the Hazara Kashmir Syntaxis at the core of the 500-m-thick Muzaffarabad anticline. The Abbottabad Formation is an unconformity-bounded allo-stratigraphic unit. It has an unconformable lower contact with the Late Precambrian Dogra Formation and an unconformable upper contact with the Paleocene Hangu Formation. The Abbottabad Formation has been divided into four lithofacies, from bottom to top, namely, thinly interbedded dolomite and shale, cherty-stromatolitic dolomite, oxidized limonitic-brecciated zone, and quartzite, with significant lithological changes. Petrographic studies revealed four types of dolomites: fine crystalline dolomite (Dol. I), dolomitic cryptocrystalline chert (Dol. II), algal mat-stromatolitic dolomite (Dol. III), and intraclastic-dolo-grain stone (Dol. IV). The mineral composition of dolostone was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and found to be consistent with previous petrographic studies. The dolomite mineral content decreased from base to top, while chert increased towards the top. Elemental weight percentages through energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis show different elements constitute the minerals found in the dolostone, as confirmed by petrographic and XRD analysis. Using outcrop data, facies information, and geochemical data, a modified depositional model of the Abbottabad Formation was developed. During the Early Cambrian period, the formation was deposited in a shallow subtidal to supratidal setting of the Proto-Tethys Ocean. The top of this deposit marks the Cambrian–Paleocene boundary. Because of the progressively coarsening outcrop sequences, this formation seems to be at the very top of the Proto-Tethys Ocean’s shallow marine system.
A Critical Review on Improving the Fatigue Life and Corrosion Properties of Magnesium Alloys via the Technique of Adding Different Elements
Authors: Reza Kashyzadeh Kazem , Amiri Nima , Maleki Erfan , Unal Okan
Published: March 2023

Magnesium is the eighth-most abundant element in the world and its alloys have a widespread application in various industries such as electronic and transport (i.e., air, land, and sea) engineering, due to their significant mechanical properties, excellent machinability, high strength to weight ratios, and low cost. Although monolithic Mg metal is known as the lightest industrial metal (magnesium density is 30% less than the density of the aluminum, and this unique property increases the attractiveness of its usage in the transportation industry), one of the significant limitations of magnesium, which affects on its applications in various industries, is very high reactivity of this metal (magnesium with an electronegativity of 31.1 can give electrons to almost all metals and corrodes quickly). To overcome this problem, scholars are trying to produce magnesium (Mg) alloys that are more resistant to a variety of loads and environmental conditions. In this regard, Mg alloys include well-known materials such as aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn), Silicon (Si), and Copper (Cu), etc., and their amount directly affects the properties of final products. In the present review paper, the authors attempted to present the latest achievements, methods, and influential factors (finish-rolling, pore defects, pH value, microstructure, and manufacturing processes, etc.) on the fatigue life and corrosion resistance of most significant Mg alloys, including AM50, AM60, AZ31, AZ61, AZ80, AZ91, ZK60, and WE43, under various conditions. The summarized results and practical hints presented in this paper can be very useful to enhance the reliability and quality of Mg-made structures.
Study Regarding the Influence of Blade Rotation Angle Deviations on the Hydraulic Pulsation Characteristics of a Mixed-Flow Pump
Authors: Li Yanjun , Sun Danghang , Meng Fan , Zheng Yunhao , Zhong Yi
Published: March 2023

Mixed-flow pumps with adjustable blades are widely used in municipal, agricultural, and hydropower applications. However, a limitation of adjustable blades is that the influence of the water pressure in the pump causes the rotation angle to deviate, which not only reduces the hydraulic efficiency of the pump and increases energy consumption, but it is also detrimental to the stable operation of the pump. To investigate the influence of blade rotation angle deviations (BRADs) on the hydraulic pulsation characteristics of a mixed-flow pump, in this study, a three-dimensional unsteady numerical simulation was adopted to analyze the effects of seven BRAD design schemes on the energy performance, pressure pulsation characteristics, and axial and radial forces in the impeller. When the rotation angle of a single blade deviated counterclockwise, the optimal hydraulic efficiency point of the mixed-flow pump moved toward larger flow rates, and vice versa. Unlike a situation with no BRADs, when there were BRADs, the central symmetry of the low-pressure area near the suction surface of the impeller blades was destroyed. BRADs led to increases in the pressure pulsation amplitudes at the inlet and outlet of the impeller. The dominant pressure pulsation frequencies near the shroud side at the inlet and outlet of the impeller were not affected by BRADs (both of them were equal to the blade frequency). However, the amplitude of the dominant pressure pulsation frequency at the impeller outlet and the radial force of the impeller both increased with increases in the absolute value of the deviation angle. Moreover, when the rotation angle of a single blade was only in the counterclockwise direction, the axial force of the impeller increased. This study can provide an engineering reference for the stability of mixed-flow pumps with BRADs.
Variations of Bottom Boundary Layer Turbulence under the Influences of Tidal Currents, Waves, and Raft Aquaculture Structure in a Shallow Bay
Authors: Fan Renfu , Wei Hao , Lu Youyu , Zhao Liang , Zhao Wei , Nie Hongtao
Published: March 2023

High-frequency measurements of tides, waves, and turbulence were made using the bottom-mounted tripod equipped with the Nortek 6-MHz acoustic Doppler velocimetry during 20–23 February 2016 (winter) and 12–26 June 2017 (summer) in Heini Bay, Yellow Sea. The synchro-squeezed wavelet transform was applied for wave-turbulence decomposition, and an iterative procedure was developed to identify the turbulence inertial subrange in the bottom boundary layer. The analysis results reveal the dependency of the inertial subrange on the tidal current and turbulence intensities. The flood-ebb tidal flows are different between the summer and winter seasons, without and with the presence of dense raft aquaculture for kelp, respectively. In summer, the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), turbulent Reynolds stress (TRS), and dissipation rate (ε) of TKE increase smoothly with the increasing tidal flow magnitude, and ε is approximately in balance with TKE production related to the vertical shear. The presence of heavy kelp aquaculture in winter causes the reduction in flow speeds and TRS, while keeping TKE and ε at high levels.
Paleontological Evidence for Dinoflagellates and Ciliates as Early Eukaryotes
Authors: Dale Barrie
Published: March 2023

Molecular trees and geochemical markers suggest the divergence of dinoflagellates as early eukaryotes (~650 million years ago), but the traditional fossil record of cysts (dinocysts) starts during the Triassic (~230 million years ago). A re-evaluation of the pre-Triassic record shows that many acritarchs (microfossils of uncertain affinities) are dinocysts representing “missing” fossil evidence. Traditional diagnostic criteria for dinocysts, based on morphologic comparisons with motile stages, are biased towards thecate species. The approach proposed here, based on the more natural comparison with living cysts, includes athecate species. Many living cysts of athecate species would be “acritarchs” if found as fossils, and many earlier acritarchs would be accepted as dinoflagellate cysts if found living. The earliest acritarchs represent an innovation with profound implications for evolution: a cell wall of sporopollenin-like material enabling survival from microbial attack, in a then microbial-dominated world. Related cell wall material most likely evolved as protection for crucial stages in sexual reproduction (e.g., cysts in ciliates and dinoflagellates, and spores and pollen in algae and plants). Ciliates and dinoflagellates may have evolved in response to extreme climatic conditions in the Cryogenian, where a robust resting cyst would be advantageous. Thecate dinoflagellates most likely evolved from athecate forms, possibly in response to predatory pressure.
Coupled Vibration Analysis of Ice–Wind–Vehicle–Bridge Interaction System
Authors: Wu Tianyu , Qiu Wenliang , Wu Hao , Yao Guowen , Guo Zengwei
Published: March 2023

Bridges built in ice-covered water regions are mostly in complex marine environments, they not only need to withstand strong wind but also resist the impact of drift ice. However, at present, there is a lack of vehicle–bridge coupling vibration analysis and driving safety assessment under combined ice and wind. Therefore, this study constructs a complete analysis framework of ice–wind–vehicle–bridge interaction to investigate the dynamic responses of the coupled system. Ice load is simulated by a linearized ice–structure interaction model, which is based on the self-excited vibration theory. Wind load on the bridge deck includes steady-state force and buffeting force. Wind load on the vehicle is simulated based on the quasi-steady model. Subsequently, ice load, wind load, soil–structure interaction (SSI), and additional water mass are all integrated into a full bridge model based on a sea-crossing bridge with running vehicles in the Bohai Sea. The results indicate that ice load has a greater impact on the lateral dynamic response of the bridge, the combined action of ice and wind has no superimposed effect on the movement of the bridge but has a restraining effect. Wind load presents a more significant influence on the lateral dynamic response of the vehicle, the coupled dynamic responses of the vehicle cannot be combined by the superposition under separate ice and wind. The combined effect of ice and wind obviously increases the sideslip risk of running vehicles and reduces driving safety.
A Novel PAX6 Frameshift Mutation Identified in a Large Chinese Family with Congenital Aniridia
Authors: Wang Chenghu , Yang Weihua , Li Xiumiao , Zhou Chenchen , Liu Jinghua , Jin Ling , Jiang Qin , Wang Yun
Published: March 2023

Congenital aniridia is a rare autosomal dominant congenital ocular disorder. Genetic studies suggest that heterozygous mutations in the developmental regulator PAX6 gene or the related regulatory regions leading to haploinsufficiency are the main cause of congenital aniridia. In this study, the clinical characteristics and pathogenic mutation of a four-generation Chinese family with congenital aniridia were investigated. All members recruited in this study underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations. Targeted gene capture sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to screen and confirm the candidate pathogenicity gene and its mutation. A multiple alignment of homologous sequences covering the identified mutation from different species was investigated, and the mutant protein structure was predicted using Swiss-Model. Additionally, the prediction of pathogenicity was analyzed using the ACMG Guidelines. Thirteen patients in this pedigree were diagnosed with congenital aniridia. A novel heterozygous frameshift mutation (c.391_398dupATACCAAG, p.Ser133Argfs*8) in exon 7 of the PAX6 gene was identified in all affected individuals in the family. This study demonstrates that this frameshift mutation of the PAX6 gene might be the causative genetic defect of congenital aniridia in this family. This mutation is predicted to cause the premature truncation of the PAX6 protein, leading to the functional haploinsufficiency of PAX6, which may be the major molecular mechanism underlying the aniridia phenotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a novel pathogenic PAX6 gene variant c.391_398dupATACCAAG(p.Ser133Argfs*8) identified in a Chinese family with congenital aniridia.
“Ab Interno” Surgery of the Schlemm’s Canal in Postuveitic Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Tanev Ivan , Kirkova Radina
Published: March 2023

Background: Patients with uveitis have a higher risk of developing glaucoma not only because of the disease by itself, but also because of the ongoing corticosteroid therapy. The pathogenesis of uveitic glaucoma is characterized by a complex of biochemical and cellular processes, as well as morphological changes in the trabecular meshwork. Treatment of secondary chronic glaucoma is challenging and often requires different approaches and solutions. Purpose: To present the “ab interno” procedure of the Schlemm‘s canal (SC) performed with the help of TrabEx+ (MST, Redmond, WA, USA) in postuveitic glaucoma patients. Methods: The observed group included patients with postuveitic secondary glaucoma, which consisted of 12 pseudophakic patients (12 eyes). Patients are with intraocular pressure higher than 25 mmHg and on maximal local therapy. Due to insufficient conservative control on IOP, surgical solutions are needed. We describe a new, minimally invasive surgical procedure–the technique of the operation, the postoperative results and complications. Results: We present the achieved intraocular pressure (on the first day, 2 weeks, 1 month, 6, 8 12 and 18 months). The morphology of the trabecular area was demonstrated by gonioscopy. The effects of the therapy on the glaucoma progression, was evaluated with perimetry and OCT. Discussion: The following procedure is a minimally invasive procedure and provides good control of intraocular pressure. Aqueous veins in the conjunctiva are significantly preserved compared to conventional filtration trabeculectomy. This potentially modulates the physiological outflow pathways by ablating trabeculum strip the cause of increased outflow resistance-the inner wall of the SC. Conclusion: Removal of the inner wall of the SC, using Trabex+ (MST, Redmond, WA, USA), demonstrates promising results in the selected patients with a minimally invasive nature.
Personalized and Precision Medicine 2022
Authors: Caminade Anne-Marie
Published: March 2023

This Special Issue, “Personalized and Precision Medicine 2022” (https://www [...]
Effects of Rapid Maxillary Expander and Delaire Mask Treatment on Airway Sagittal Dimensions in Pediatric Patients Affected by Class III Malocclusion and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Caruso Sara , Lisciotto Emanuela , Caruso Silvia , Marino Alessandra , Fiasca Fabiana , Buttarazzi Marco , Sarzi Amadè David , Evangelisti Melania , Mattei Antonella , Gatto Roberto
Published: March 2023

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a sleep-related breathing disorder that is very common in pediatric patients. In the literature, there are very few studies concerning the association between OSAS and class III malocclusion in children. The use of a rapid maxillary expander (RME) in association with the Delaire mask is a common treatment protocol for class III malocclusion. The aim of this work was to evaluate the cephalometric variations of upper airway dimensions and OSA-related clinical conditions after orthodontic treatment with an RME and the Delaire mask, as recorded in pediatric patients with a class III malocclusion who were affected by OSAS. In this preliminary study, 14 pediatric patients with mixed dentition, aged between 6 and 10 years, were selected. All patients were treated with an RME and the Delaire mask. Pre- and post-treatment cephalometric radiographs were traced, analyzed, and compared. The results demonstrated a significant increase in the upper airway linear measurements and the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal dimensions (p ≤ 0.05). This increase creates an improvement in airway patency and in OSAS-related clinical conditions. The use of the RME in association with the Delaire mask can be effective in the treatment of pediatric patients with a class III malocclusion who are affected by OSAS.
Co-Simulation Modeling and Multi-Objective Optimization of Dynamic Characteristics of Flow Balancing Valve
Authors: Hou Jianjun , Li Shuxun , Pan Weiliang , Yang Lingxia
Published: March 2023

The poor dynamic characteristics of the flow balance valve used in a ship’s HVAC system are the main reasons for the hydraulic imbalance and high energy consumption of the system. A new adjustable dynamic flow balance valve structure is designed, which is composed of a self-operated pressure regulator and an electric V-shaped ball valve in series. When the V-shaped ball valve is fully opened at the 20 t/h flow level, the dynamic characteristics of the flow balance valve cannot meet the requirements. A new co-simulation method that combines MATLAB/Simulink and the UDF dynamic grid is proposed to study the dynamic characteristics of a flow balance valve with a 20 t/h flow rate under different pressure drop step signal interference. When the calculation of each micro-element time converges, the valve core motion parameters, the pressure boundary conditions, the valve core axial medium force, and the valve outlet flow are interactively transmitted in the two simulation environments. The discrepancy between the co-simulation and test results is less than 5%, which verifies the accuracy of the co-simulation model. Aiming at the most severe dynamic characteristic working condition where the pressure drop is stepped from 30 to 300 kPa, the influence of different structural parameters on the dynamic characteristics of the balance valve is analyzed. A new surrogate model combining RSM and RBF with the co-simulation method improves the optimization efficiency and fitting accuracy. To improve the convergence of the traditional NSGA-II algorithm, key structural parameters are optimized by combining the NSGA-II algorithm and SDR. The test results show that the dynamic characteristics of the optimized valve are improved, the discrepancy between the stabilized flow rate and 20 t/h does not exceed 4.5%, and the flow is relatively constant. Therefore, the proposed co-simulation and optimization method can be applied to the dynamic characteristic prediction of self-operated valves, such as dynamic flow balance valves, to provide guidance for developing high-precision self-operated valves.
Diverse Magnetic Properties of Two New Binuclear Complexes Affected by [FeN6] Octahedral Distortion: Two-Step Spin Crossover versus Antiferromagnetic Interactions
Authors: Gao Yue , Li Yu-Qin , Li Yao , Dai Jing-Wei , Wang Jin-Hua , Wu Ying-Ying , Yamashita Masahiro , Li Zhao-Yang
Published: March 2023

Polymetallic complexes with covalently bridged metal centers that interact magnetically are important in the molecular magnetism field, with binuclear compounds receiving special attention because they represent the simplest type of multinuclear species with covalently bridged metal centers. Herein, we report the synthesis and properties of two new binuclear FeII complexes, namely, {[Fe(abpt-TPE)(NCS)2]2(bpym)}·2MeOH·2MeCN (1) and {[Fe(abpt-TPE)(NCS)2]2(bpym)}·2CH2Cl2 (2) (bpym = 2,2′-bipyrimidine). The crystal structure is analyzed at different temperatures, and its properties are analyzed by variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility and variable-temperature fluorescence emission spectroscopy tests. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements of two binuclear compounds show different types of magnetic behavior. Complex 1 exhibits two-step spin transition behavior with an intermediate state near 150 K (Tc1 = 191 K, Tc2 = 111 K); 1 undergoes an [LS–LS] ↔ [LS–HS] ↔ [HS–HS] spin transition during thermal induction. On the other hand, complex 2 exhibits intramolecular antiferromagnetic coupling, with J = −0.47 cm−1. The analysis of correlations between the structural characteristics and different types of magnetic behaviors for two binuclear complexes, revealed that the different magnetic behaviors shown by the two complexes are attributable to different degrees of [FeN6] octahedral distortion caused by different lattice solvents, ligand strain and crystal stacking.