bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conserved but structurally divergent loop in acyl protein thioesterase 1 regulates its catalytic activity, ligand binding, and folded stability
Authors: Harris William Trey , Altieri Isabelle , Gieck Isabella , Johnson R. Jeremy
Published: January 2024

Human acyl protein thioesterases (APTs) catalyze the depalmitoylation of S‐acylated proteins attached to the plasma membrane, facilitating reversible cycles of membrane anchoring and detachment. We previously showed that a bacterial APT homologue, FTT258 from the gram‐negative pathogen Francisella tularensis, exists in equilibrium between a closed and open state based on the structural dynamics of a flexible loop overlapping its active site. Although the structural dynamics of this loop are not conserved in human APTs, the amino acid sequence of this loop is highly conserved, indicating essential but divergent functions for this loop in human APTs. Herein, we investigated the role of this loop in regulating the catalytic activity, ligand binding, and protein folding of human APT1, a depalmitoylase connected with cancer, immune, and neurological signaling. Using a combination of substitutional analysis with kinetic, structural, and biophysical characterization, we show that even in its divergent structural location in human APT1 that this loop still regulates the catalytic activity of APT1 through contributions to ligand binding and substrate positioning. We confirmed previously known roles for multiple residues (Phe72 and Ile74) in substrate binding and catalysis while adding new roles in substrate selectivity (Pro69), in catalytic stabilization (Asp73 and Ile75), and in transitioning between the membrane binding β‐tongue and substrate‐binding loops (Trp71). Even conservative substitution of this tryptophan (Trp71) fulcrum led to complete loss of catalytic activity, a 13°C decrease in total protein stability, and drastic drops in ligand affinity, indicating that the combination of the size, shape, and aromaticity of Trp71 are essential to the proper structure of APT1. Mixing buried hydrophobic surface area with contributions to an exposed secondary surface pocket, Trp71 represents a previously unidentified class of essential tryptophans within α/β hydrolase structure and a potential allosteric binding site within human APTs.
Inhibition of glycolysis and SIRT1/GLUT1 signaling ameliorates the apoptotic effect of Leptosidin in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Park Youngsang , Lee Hyo‐Jung , Sim Deok Yong , Park Ji Eon , Ahn Chi‐Hoon , Park Su‐Yeon , Lee Yu‐Chan , Shim Bum‐Sang , Kim Bonglee , Kim Sung‐Hoon
Published: January 2024

Since the silent information regulation 2 homolog‐1 (sirtuin, SIRT1) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) are known to modulate cancer cell metabolism and proliferation, the role of SIRT1/GLUT1 signaling was investigated in the apoptotic effect of Leptosidin from Coreopsis grandiflora in DU145 and PC3 human prostate cancer (PCa) cells. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell cycle analysis, Western blotting, cBioportal correlation analysis, and co‐immunoprecipitation were used in this work. Leptosidin showed cytotoxicity, augmented sub‐G1 population, and abrogated the expression of pro‐poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (pro‐PARP) and pro‐cysteine aspartyl‐specific protease (pro‐caspase3) in DU145 and PC3 cells. Also, Leptosidin inhibited the expression of SIRT1, GLUT1, pyruvate kinase isozymes M2 (PKM2), Hexokinase 2 (HK2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) in DU145 and PC3 cells along with disrupted binding of SIRT1 and GLUT1. Consistently, Leptosidin curtailed lactate, glucose, and ATP in DU145 and PC3 cells. Furthermore, SIRT1 depletion enhanced the decrease of GLUT1, LDHA, and pro‐Cas3 by Leptosidin in treated DU145 cells, while pyruvate suppressed the ability of Leptosidin in DU145 cells. These findings suggest that Leptosidin induces apoptosis via inhibition of glycolysis and SIRT1/GLUT1 signaling axis in PCa cells.
Post‐traumatic pleural effusion: Don't forget the chylothorax!
Authors: Bovy Valentin , De Keukeleire Tom , Van Schoote Elke , Vanslembrouck Inge , Bogaert Anne‐Marie
Published: January 2024

In this case we describe a 58‐year‐old male with bilateral pleural effusion after a blunt trauma to the back. A pleural puncture revealed a chylothorax. An additional computed tomography scan showed a vertebral fracture at level D8 with rupture of the nearby thoracic duct. Our patient could be treated with a conservative approach. This case highlights the importance of ruling out a chylothorax in any post‐traumatic pleural effusion. Despite the low prevalence, we consider it a don't‐miss diagnosis given the specific treatment requirements.
Farming of ZnO−SnO2 Nanocubes for Chemiresistive NO2 Gas Detection
Authors: Dhage Swapnali B. , Patil Vithoba L. , Yelpale Arvind M. , Malghe Yuvraj S.
Published: January 2024

The ZnO−SnO2 nanocomposite has been synthesized using the simple and low‐cost co‐precipitation method. The physicochemical characterization of the prepared nanocomposites was carried out by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE‐SEM), High‐resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR‐TEM), Energy Dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) and UV‐visible spectroscopy techniques. In XRD confirmed that, hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO with the tetragonal rutile phase of SnO2 was found to be in the pure form. The particle size of the ZnO−SnO2 nanocomposite was fund to be ~23 nm in size. The nano cubes like surface morphology of the ZnO−SnO2 nanocomposite has been investigated using FESEM. Based on this various characterization, the ZnO−SnO2 nanocomposite has been used for the development of the chemiresistive gas sensor application. The gas sensitivity is found to be 29.30 % for 100 ppm NO2 gas at 200 °C operating temperature. This work has been used for the development of gas sensor devices for practical application.
Underwater Bionic Self‐Healing Superhydrophobic Coating with the Synergetic Effect Of Hydrogen Bonds and Self‐Formed Bubbles
Authors: Li Hao , Xin Lei , Gao Jian , Shao Yanlong , Zhang Zhihui , Ren Luquan
Published: January 2024

The self‐healing ability of superhydrophobic surfaces in air has attracted tremendous additions in recent years. Once the superhydrophobic surface is damaged underwater, water seeps into gaps among micro/nano structures. The air film diffuses into water and eventually disappears during immersion without actively replenishing the gas, which results in the impossible of self‐healing. Here, an underwater self‐healing superhydrophobic coating with the synergetic effect of hydrogen bonds and self‐formed bubbles via the spraying method is fabricated. The movement of hydrogen bonds of the prepared polyurethane enables microstructures to reconstruct at room temperature and self‐formed bubbles of effervescent materials underwater actively replenish gas before microstructures completely self‐healing, achieving the self‐healing property of the superhydrophobic coating. Moreover, the hydrophilic effervescent material is sprayed along with unmodified micron‐scaled particles because modified nano‐scale particles are key factors for the realization of superhydrophobic coating. An underwater stable superhydrophobic surface with pressure resistance (4.9 kPa) is demonstrated. This superhydrophobic coating also shows excellent drag reduction, anti‐icing, and anti‐corrosion properties. This facile and scalable method offers a new route that an underwater self‐healing superhydrophobic coating executes the gas film recovery.
Hot Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of 2Cr12Ni4Mo3VNbN Steel Used for Last‐Stage Large Blades of Steam Turbine
Authors: Xin Rui‐shan , Zhou Mao‐hua , Wang Hao‐yu , Yu Zhan‐yang , Wu Zhi‐wei , Wang Li‐wei , He Yi , Kang Ju
Published: January 2024

The hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of a recently developed 2Cr12Ni4Mo3VNbN martensitic stainless steel are examined through hot compression tests conducted within the temperature range of 900–1200 °C and the strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1. The constitutive equation and processing maps corresponding to hot deformation are established. The activation energy for hot deformation of 2Cr12Ni4Mo3VNbN steel is determined to be ≈457491.77 J mol−1. Simultaneously, the microstructure evolution during hot deformation is studied. Based on the processing maps and microstructure evolution analysis, it is concluded that the optimal windows for hot processing are within the temperature range of 1106–1150 °C and the strain rate range of 0.01–2.7 s−1, as well as at 1200 °C within the strain rate range of 1–2.7 s−1, exhibiting a power dissipation efficiency of 0.32. As the temperature increases and the strain rate decreases, the degree of dynamic recrystallization escalates.
Thermomechanical Control of Microstructure and Precipitation in Vanadium Microalloyed Steel: Influence of Finish Rolling and Coiling Temperatures
Authors: Wu Zhangqin , Yang Wen , Tang Zhenghua , Siyasiya Charles W. , Zhang Jianhua
Published: January 2024

Six hot compression tests are conducted using the Gleeble3500 thermomechanical simulator to investigate the microstructural evolution and precipitation behavior in low‐C–Mn V‐microalloyed steel. The specimens are subjected to hot isothermal compression deformation of 87%. The optical microscopy and transmission electron microscopy using carbon extraction replica method are used to characterize the microstructures and precipitation after the simulated thermomechanical controlled process and coiling. The results indicate that increasing the finish rolling temperature benefits the refinement of ferrite grains but has little influence on the refinement of the precipitates. It is also observed that lower coiling temperatures (CTs) promote the formation of fine precipitates. When the CT is 500 °C, the average precipitate size is found to be 86 nm. Furthermore, it is found that the CT significantly influences the nucleation sites of the precipitates inter alia, the matrix, interphase, grain boundaries, and dislocations. As expected, at higher CTs, nucleation is predominantly on the defects rather than the matrix.
Multifaceted application of modified biochar for water and wastewater treatment
Authors: Mohit Aggarwal , Remya Neelancherry , Priyadarshini Upasana
Published: January 2024

Biochar, a carbon‐rich material produced through the pyrolysis of biomass, has been shown to have the potential to remove contaminants from water and wastewater. However, due to the weak adsorption capacity and narrow adsorption range of pure biochar, it is modified, either chemically or physically, in order to optimize its applications in water and wastewater treatment. This study summarizes the recent advancements in the application of modified biochar for water and wastewater treatment. Modification of biochar increases its surface area and porous structure, which makes it an effective adsorbent to immobilize a range of contaminants, such as heavy metals, dyes, and organic contaminants. It can also be used as a catalyst in the biodegradation of organic pollutants as it can provide a substrate for microbial growth and metabolism, enhancing pollutant degradation. This study also summarizes various biochar modifications such as gas, acid, alkali, metal, organic compounds, and oxidizing agents. Among the metal‐modified biochar, Iron‐modified biochar has shown the highest tetracycline (TC) removal efficiency (90.7%) and nitrate adsorption capacity (32.33 mg g−1). N‐doped biochars were found to be the most effective biochars for removing heavy metals such as Cd2+ or Cu2+ and aromatic compounds as they can increase the adsorption of raw biochar by up to 70%. Increasing the number of functional groups on the surface of the biochar by using organic compounds like acrylonitrile and chitosan showed a two to three‐fold increase in the adsorption capacity of pollutants such as Cd2+ and Hg2+. According to this review, modified biochar technology is a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment method.
Metal levels in Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) and their health risk assessment for consumers
Authors: Bat Levent , Yardım Öztekin , Öztekin Ayşah
Published: January 2024

The current study was conducted to determine the residues of Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd, Hg, Pb, and As in the edible tissues of Sander lucioperca. Total of 20 fish individuals collected from Lake Balık, Samsun were analysed by using ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometer). All metal values in the muscle of S. lucioperca were quite low. Fe is the highest concentration (4.07 mg/kg), whereas Cd had the lowest Cd (0.007 mg/kg). Therefore, it can be said that the bioaccumulation of metals in pike‐perch did not go over the acceptable limits established for these metals by national and international organisations. The hazard quotients (HQs) for individual elements and the hazard index (HI) were all <1 in S. lucioperca, showing no danger by these chemicals when consumed by infants, children, and adults. The RIs for Pb were between 1.45 × 10−7 and 4.30 × 10−7, indicating their insignificant carcinogenic risks, whereas for As these values were between 2.78 × 10−5 and 1.06 × 10−4, indicating their tolerable or acceptable carcinogenic risks.
Participant completion of longitudinal assessments in an online cognitive aging registry: The role of medical conditions
Authors: Ashford Miriam T. , Jin Chengshi , Neuhaus John , Diaz Adam , Aaronson Anna , Tank Rachana , Eichenbaum Joseph , Camacho Monica R. , Fockler Juliet , Ulbricht Aaron , Flenniken Derek , Truran Diana , Mackin Robert Scott , Weiner Michael W. , Mindt Monica Rivera , Nosheny Rachel L.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to understand whether older adults’ longitudinal completion of assessments in an online Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD)–related registry is influenced by self‐reported medical conditions.

METHODS

Brain Health Registry (BHR) is an online cognitive aging and ADRD‐related research registry that includes longitudinal health and cognitive assessments. Using logistic regressions, we examined associations between longitudinal registry completion outcomes and self‐reported (1) number of medical conditions and (2) eight defined medical condition groups (cardiovascular, metabolic, immune system, ADRD, current psychiatric, substance use/abuse, acquired, other specified conditions) in adults aged 55+ (N = 23,888). Longitudinal registry completion outcomes were assessed by the completion of the BHR initial questionnaire (first questionnaire participants see at each visit) at least twice and completion of a cognitive assessment (Cogstate Brief Battery) at least twice. Models included ethnocultural identity, education, age, and subjective memory concern as covariates.

RESULTS

We found that the likelihood of longitudinally completing the initial questionnaire was negatively associated with reporting a diagnosis of ADRD and current psychiatric conditions but was positively associated with reporting substance use/abuse and acquired medical conditions. The likelihood of longitudinally completing the cognitive assessment task was negatively associated with number of reported medical conditions, as well as with reporting cardiovascular conditions, ADRD, and current psychiatric conditions. Previously identified associations between ethnocultural identity and longitudinal assessment completion in BHR remained after accounting for the presence of medical conditions.

DISCUSSION

This post hoc analysis provides novel, initial evidence that older adults’ completion of longitudinal assessments in an online registry is associated with the number and types of participant‐reported medical conditions. Our findings can inform future efforts to make online studies with longitudinal health and cognitive assessments more usable for older adults with medical conditions. The results need to be interpreted with caution due to selection biases, and the under‐inclusion of minoritized communities.
The assessment and management of cirrhotic patients with encephalopathy
Authors: Kibble H. , Shawcross Debbie L.
Published: January 2024

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a debilitating complication associated with both acute and chronic liver injury. It is associated with a greater risk of death than any other significant hepatic decompensation event. It manifests as a wide spectrum of neuropsychological abnormalities ranging from subtle impairments in higher cognitive function, to confusion and coma. The pathophysiological role of ammonia in the development of HE is well known, but there is increasing recognition that the gut microbiome, gut‐derived systemic inflammation and development of infection can serve as drivers of HE in patients with cirrhosis. The development of HE portents to the severity of cirrhosis and the prognosis is poor without liver transplantation. A referral for liver transplantation should therefore be considered early in those who are eligible. This review covers the pragmatic assessment of HE in patients with cirrhosis, as well as the current evidence base for the best practice management of HE in such patients.
David Fergusson Wishart
Authors: Meldrum Keith , Crawford Iain , Miller David
Published: January 2024

An exceptional student, researcher, leader, voluntary worker and golfer.
Industrieschnee: An overview of some European anthropogenic snowfall events, with a case study from Bern (Switzerland)
Authors: Graham Edward
Published: January 2024

Industrieschnee or anthropogenic snowfall is a local winter hazard in many European cities and towns under suitable anticyclonic conditions and in the vicinity of persistent local water vapour sources and air pollution. Here, we overview the formation of Industrieschnee and describe a case study event from Bern, Switzerland, comparing the estimated mass of snow deposited with the water vapour emissions from a local incinerator. We speculate that previous European Industrieschnee events may have been considerably under‐reported, or falsely attributed to surface hoar frost (reif) or the accretion of rime (raureif).
Feasibility and diagnostic performance of sentinel node biopsy for staging cN0 oral squamous cell carcinoma in a previously treated neck
Authors: Mørch Therese , Tvedskov Jesper F. , Wessel Irene , Charabi Birgitte W. , Jakobsen Kathrine K. , Grønhøj Christian , Kiss Katalin , Lelkaitis Giedrius , Mortensen Jann , Kjaer Andreas , von Buchwald Christian , Christensen Anders
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Staging of the cN0 neck with sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is validated in patients with a previously untreated neck. We aimed to investigate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of SNB and unexpected drainage patterns in patients with cT1‐T2N0 OSCC and a history of previous head and neck cancer comprising treatment of the neck, that is, surgery, radiotherapy, or both.

Methods

Fifty patients with a previously treated neck diagnosed with a new primary or recurrent cN0 OSCC between 2014 and 2021 were included and retrospectively analyzed. Feasibility was assessed by the rate of successfully performed SNB neck staging procedures. Based on follow‐up data, the diagnostic performance of SNB was evaluated by calculation of negative predictive value (NPV) and false omission rate (FOR).

Results

A SNB staging procedure was successfully performed in 76% (38/50) of the patients. Technical failures were due to the lack of drainage preoperatively or failure in intraoperative SN detection. In patients successfully staged with SNB, the rate of a positive SN was 13% (5/38). In the SNB‐negative group, no patients were diagnosed with a regional node recurrence during follow‐up, and the NPV and FOR were 100% and 0%, respectively. Unexpected lymphatic drainage occurred in 32% (12/38) of the patients.

Conclusion

SNB is technically feasible in cT1‐2N0 OSCC patients with a previously treated neck with a high diagnostic accuracy. Importantly, SNB enables the detection of individual and unexpected lymphatic drainage patterns.
The Need for Sustainable Agricultural Land-Use Systems: Benefits from Integrated Agroforestry Systems
Authors: Veste Maik , Sheppard Jonathan P. , Abdulai Issaka , Ayisi Kwabena K. , Borrass Lars , Chirwa Paxie W. , Funk Roger , Kapinga Kondwani , Morhart Christopher , Mwale Saul E. , Ndlovu Nicholas P. , Nyamadzaw George , Nyoka Betserai I. , Sebola Patricia , Seifert Thomas , Senyolo Mmapatla P. , Sileshi Gudeta W. , Syampungani Stephen , Kahle Hans-Peter
Published: January 2024

This chapter introduces the different agroforestry systems (AFSs) as part of the diversification of agricultural landscapes and gives examples of their use in different related crop production systems in southern Africa. The introduction of trees into agriculture has several benefits and can mitigate the effects of climate change. For example nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs contribute significantly to nutrient recycling and benefit soil conservation, which is particularly important for smallholder farms. In addition, shelterbelts play an important role in reducing wind speeds, and thus, evapotranspiration, and modifying the microclimatic conditions, which is an important factor for the adaptation of cropping systems to climate change. These integrated AFS landscapes provide important ecosystem services for soil protection, food security and for biodiversity. However, deficiencies in the institutional and policy frameworks that underlie the adoption and stimulus of AFS in the southern African region were identified. Furthermore, the following factors must be considered to optimise AFS: (1) selection of tree species that ensure maximum residual soil fertility beyond 3 years, (2) size of land owned by the farmer, (3) integrated nutrition management, where organic resources are combined with synthetic inorganic fertilisers and (4) tree-crop competition in the root zone for water.
Effective brane field theory with higher-form symmetry
Authors: Hidaka Yoshimasa , Kawana Kiyoharu
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We propose an effective field theory for branes with higher-form symmetry as a generalization of ordinary Landau theory, which is an extension of the previous work by Iqbal and McGreevy for one-dimensional objects to an effective theory for p-dimensional objects. In the case of a p-form symmetry, the fundamental field ψ[Cp] is a functional of p-dimensional closed brane Cp embedded in a spacetime. As a natural generalization of ordinary field theory, we call this theory the brane field theory. In order to construct an action that is invariant under higher-form transformation, we generalize the idea of area derivative for one-dimensional objects to higher-dimensional ones. Following this, we discuss various fundamental properties of the brane field based on the higher-form invariant action. It is shown that the classical solution exhibits the area law in the unbroken phase of U(1) p-form symmetry, while it indicates a constant behavior in the broken phase for the large volume limit of Cp. In the latter case, the low-energy effective theory is described by the p-form Maxwell theory. We also discuss brane-field theories with a discrete higher-form symmetry and show that the low-energy effective theory becomes a BF-type topological field theory, resulting in topological order. Finally, we present a concrete brane-field model that describes a superconductor from the point of view of higher-form symmetry.
Twisted Fibrations in M/F-theory
Authors: Anderson Lara B. , Gray James , Oehlmann Paul-Konstantin
Published: January 2024

Abstract

In this work we investigate 5-dimensional theories obtained from M-theory on genus one fibered threefolds which exhibit twisted algebras in their fibers. We provide a base-independent algebraic description of the threefolds and compute light 5D BPS states charged under finite sub-algebras of the twisted algebras. We further construct the Jacobian fibrations that are associated to 6-dimensional F-theory lifts, where the twisted algebra is absent. These 6/5-dimensional theories are compared via twisted circle reductions of F-theory to M-theory. In the 5-dimensional theories we discuss several geometric transitions that connect twisted with untwisted fibrations. We present detailed discussions of $$ {\mathfrak{e}}_6^{(2)} $$

e
6

2

, $$ {\mathfrak{so}}_8^{(3)} $$

so
8

3

and $$ {\mathfrak{su}}_3^{(2)} $$

su
3

2

twisted fibers and provide several explicit example threefolds via toric constructions. Finally, limits are considered in which gravity is decoupled, including Little String Theories for which we match 2-group symmetries across twisted T-dual theories.
Six-year outcomes of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy versus volumetric modulated arc therapy for localized prostate cancer: A propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Noda Michio , Taguchi Satoru , Shiraishi Kenshiro , Fujimura Tetsuya , Naito Akihiro , Kawai Taketo , Kamei Jun , Akiyama Yoshiyuki , Yamada Yuta , Sato Yusuke , Yamada Daisuke , Nakagawa Tohru , Yamashita Hideomi , Nakagawa Keiichi , Abe Osamu , Fukuhara Hiroshi , Kume Haruki
Published: January 2024

Background

Although robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy are the leading respective techniques of prostatectomy and radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer, almost no study has directly compared their outcomes; none have compared mortality outcomes.

Methods

We compared 6‑year outcomes of RARP (n = 500) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT, a rotational intensity-modulated radiotherapy, n = 360) in patients with cT1-4N0M0 prostate cancer. We assessed oncological outcomes, namely overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), radiological recurrence-free survival (rRFS), and biochemical recurrence-free survival (bRFS), using propensity score matching (PSM). We also assessed treatment-related complication outcomes of prostatectomy and radiotherapy.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 79 months (> 6 years). PSM generated a matched cohort of 260 patients (130 per treatment group). In the matched cohort, RARP and VMAT showed equivalent results for OS, CSS, and rRFS: both achieved excellent 6‑year outcomes for OS (> 96%), CSS (> 98%), and rRFS (> 91%). VMAT had significantly longer bRFS than RARP, albeit based on different definitions of biochemical recurrence. Regarding complication outcomes, patients who underwent RARP had minimal (2.6%) severe perioperative complications and achieved excellent continence recovery (91.6 and 68.8% of the patients achieved ≤ 1 pad/day and pad-free, respectively). Patients who underwent VMAT had an acceptable rate (20.0%) of grade ≥ 2 genitourinary complications and a very low rate (4.4%) of grade ≥ 2 gastrointestinal complications.

Conclusion

On the basis of PSM after a 6-year follow-up, RARP and VMAT showed equivalent and excellent oncological outcomes, as well as acceptable complication profiles.
Modification of plywood with phenol–formaldehyde resin: substitution of phenol by pyrolysis cleavage products of softwood kraft lignin
Authors: Karthäuser Johannes , Raskop Salomé , Slabohm Maik , Militz Holger
Published: January 2024

The modification by impregnation of veneers for the production of plywood with phenol–formaldehyde resins is a well-known method to improve the dimensional stability and fungal resistance. Because phenol is obtained from non-renewable resources, finding substitutes has been a topic of research. Due to similarities in chemical structure and availability, lignin cleavage products present a promising alternative. In this study, microwave-assisted pyrolysis cleavage products of softwood kraft lignin have been used to substitute 30% of phenol in phenol–formaldehyde resins. Scots pine veneers were impregnated with the resin, and five-layered plywoods were produced. The influence of the substitution on the bonding quality, the dimensional stability, and the leaching of resin from the specimens were studied. Mechanical properties such as the bending strength, the modulus of elasticity, as well as the dynamic impact bending strength of the plywood were analyzed. Both treatments led to plywood with good dimensional stability, and the resin was stable against leaching. The substitution of phenol with lignin cleavage products led to slightly reduced brittleness of the specimens compared to pure phenol–formaldehyde resin. This study presents a method to reduce the use of non-renewable resources, increase the use of currently underutilized lignin sources, and produce plywood with promising properties for exterior applications.
2H-NMR study of molecular reorientation of D2O confined into the slit-shaped micropores of activated carbon fiber
Authors: Asada Takumi , Iwatsuki Rin , Iiyama Taku , Ueda Takahiro
Published: January 2024

Herein, the reorientation of heavy water (D2O) molecules adsorbed in the slit-type micropores of activated carbon fibers is investigated using the 2H-nuclear magnetic resonance technique. The rotational correlation times (τc) of D2O are evaluated from the 2H spin–lattice relaxation time (T1). The obtained τc values are significantly influenced by both the pore-filling ratio (ϕ) and temperature, thus suggesting that the adsorption of D2O into activated carbon fibers (ACF) effectively influences the reorientation of the D2O molecules within the ACF. The reorientational motion of D2O is examined by the extended jump model. According to this model, the nanoconfinement effect, which results from the reduction in free volume around D2O, is attributed to the transition-state excluded volume effect, whereas the effect of hydrogen bonding between the D2O and surface functional groups is attributed to the transition-state hydrogen bonding effects. Furthermore, the dependence of τc on ϕ is explained by the chemical exchange between the pore surface adsorption sites and the central space of the pore. Thus, the dynamic behavior of adsorbed D2O molecules reveals the mechanism of D2O adsorption into the ACF micropores.
Standardized validation of vehicle routing algorithms
Authors: Jastrzab Tomasz , Myller Michal , Tulczyjew Lukasz , Blocho Miroslaw , Kawulok Michal , Czornik Adam , Nalepa Jakub
Published: January 2024

Designing routing schedules is a pivotal aspect of smart delivery systems. Therefore, the field has been blooming for decades, and numerous algorithms for this task have been proposed for various formulations of rich vehicle routing problems. There is, however, an important gap in the state of the art that concerns the lack of an established and widely-adopted approach toward thorough verification and validation of such algorithms in practical scenarios. We tackle this issue and propose a comprehensive validation approach that can shed more light on functional and non-functional abilities of the solvers. Additionally, we propose novel similarity metrics to measure the distance between the routing schedules that can be used in verifying the convergence abilities of randomized techniques. To reflect practical aspects of intelligent transportation systems, we introduce an algorithm for elaborating solvable benchmark instances for any vehicle routing formulation, alongside the set of quality metrics that help quantify the real-life characteristics of the delivery systems, such as their profitability. The experiments prove the flexibility of our approach through utilizing it to the NP-hard pickup and delivery problem with time windows, and present the qualitative, quantitative, and statistical analysis scenarios which help understand the capabilities of the investigated techniques. We believe that our efforts will be a step toward the more critical and consistent evaluation of emerging vehicle routing (and other) solvers, and will allow the community to easier confront them, thus ultimately focus on the most promising research avenues that are determined in the quantifiable and traceable manner.
When graph convolution meets double attention: online privacy disclosure detection with multi-label text classification
Authors: Liang Zhanbo , Guo Jie , Qiu Weidong , Huang Zheng , Li Shujun
Published: January 2024

With the rise of Web 2.0 platforms such as online social media, people’s private information, such as their location, occupation and even family information, is often inadvertently disclosed through online discussions. Therefore, it is important to detect such unwanted privacy disclosures to help alert people affected and the online platform. In this paper, privacy disclosure detection is modeled as a multi-label text classification (MLTC) problem, and a new privacy disclosure detection model is proposed to construct an MLTC classifier for detecting online privacy disclosures. This classifier takes an online post as the input and outputs multiple labels, each reflecting a possible privacy disclosure. The proposed presentation method combines three different sources of information, the input text itself, the label-to-text correlation and the label-to-label correlation. A double-attention mechanism is used to combine the first two sources of information, and a graph convolutional network is employed to extract the third source of information that is then used to help fuse features extracted from the first two sources of information. Our extensive experimental results, obtained on a public dataset of privacy-disclosing posts on Twitter, demonstrated that our proposed privacy disclosure detection method significantly and consistently outperformed other state-of-the-art methods in terms of all key performance indicators.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in Sweden—Did it differ across socioeconomic groups?
Authors: Norström Thor , Ramstedt Mats
Published: January 2024

The characterization of the socioeconomic profile of COVID-19 mortality is limited. Likewise, the mapping of potential indirect adverse outcomes of the pandemic, such as suicide and alcohol abuse, along socioeconomic lines is still meagre. The main aim of this paper is to (i) depict SES-differences in COVID-19 mortality, and (ii) to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicide and alcohol mortality across socioeconomic groups. We used Swedish monthly data spanning the period January 2016–December 2021. We chose education as indicator of socioeconomic status (SES). The following causes of deaths were included in the analysis: COVID-19, all-cause mortality excluding COVID-19, suicide and a composite index of alcohol-specific deaths. SARIMA-modelling was used to assess the impact of the pandemic on suicide and alcohol-specific mortality. Two alternative measures of the pandemic were used: (1) a dummy that was coded 1 during the pandemic (March 2020 and onwards), and 0 otherwise, and (2) the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker’s Stringency Index. There was a marked SES-gradient in COVID-19 mortality in the working-age population (25–64) which was larger than for other causes of death. A SES-gradient was also found in the old-age population, but this gradient did not differ from the gradient for other causes of death. The outcome from the SARIMA time-series analyses suggested that the pandemic did not have any impact on suicide or alcohol-specific mortality in any of the educational and gender groups.
How to bridge the last mile in agro-climate service adoption? The importance of farmers’ needs, attitudes and interpersonal relations in understanding impact pathways
Authors: Luu Thi Thu Giang , Luedeling Eike , Biber-Freudenberger Lisa , Whitney Cory
Published: January 2024

Climate services can support multiple Sustainable Development Goals. However, in agricultural contexts, the “last-mile” delivery of agro-climate services (ACS) struggles with numerous barriers that prevent smallholder farmers from receiving crucial information. We sought to assess the processes by which farmers adopt ACS in order to support the scaling of ACS. We developed a procedure to serve as a rapid test to provide an overview of impact pathway relations in ACS adoption. We generated ACS adoption pathways through focus group discussions, quantified the overall adoption rate and tested relationships between factors and their causal influence on adoption. To showcase our method, we used the case study of CARE in Vietnam (CVN), a non-governmental organization attempting to improve the provision of ACS to smallholder farmers since 2015. In CVN’s projects, ACS were co-generated and subsequently delivered to farmers through structured meetings or on an ad-hoc basis in village meetings. We found that farmers who participated in structured groups were very likely to demand, access, read, discuss, understand, positively perceive and adopt ACS and recommend them to peers. About half of the farmers in non-structured groups continued to have difficulties understanding ACS. Nevertheless, these farmers still had a positive attitude toward ACS. While different impact pathways were attributed to the two groups, they still shared similar adoption rates (98%). The results suggest that adoption of ACS at a critical mass might be sufficient to trigger systemic changes within social groups and interactions between its members. Employing a pathway approach can be beneficial for designing and evaluating development interventions.
Left atrial posterior wall isolation using pulsed-field ablation: procedural characteristics, safety, and mid-term outcomes
Authors: Badertscher Patrick , Mannhart Diego , Weidlich Simon , Krisai Philipp , Voellmin Gian , Osswald Stefan , Knecht Sven , Sticherling Christian , Kühne Michael
Published: January 2024

Background

Non-pulmonary vein (PV) ablation targets such as posterior wall isolation (PWI) have been tested in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) offers a novel ablation technology possibly able to overcome the obstacles of incomplete PWI and concerns of damage to adjacent structures compared to thermal energy sources. Our aim was to assess procedural characteristics, safety, and mid-term outcomes of patients undergoing PWI using PFA in a clinical setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing PFA-PVI with PWI were included. First-pass isolation was controlled using a multipolar mapping catheter.

Results

One hundred consecutive patients were included (median age 69 [IQR 63–75] years, 33 females (33%), left atrial size 43 [IQR 39–47] mm, paroxysmal AF 24%). Median procedure time was 66 (IQR 59–77) min, and fluoroscopy time was 11 (8–14) min. PWI using PFA was achieved in 100% of patients with a median of 19 applications (IQR 14–26). There were no major complications. Overall, in 15 patients (15%), recurrent AF/AT was noted during a median follow-up of 144 (94–279) days.

Conclusions

PWI using PFA appears safe and results in high acute isolation rates and high arrhythmia survival during mid-term follow-up. Further randomized trials are essential and warranted.

Graphical abstract
Broken wills and ill beliefs: Szaszianism, expressivism, and the doubly value-laden nature of mental disorder
Authors: Núñez de Prado-Gordillo Miguel
Published: January 2024

Critical psychiatry has recently echoed Szasz’s longstanding concerns about medical understandings of mental distress. According to Szaszianism, the analogy between mental and somatic disorders is illegitimate because the former presuppose psychosocial and ethical norms, whereas the latter merely involve deviations from natural ones. So-called “having-it-both-ways” views have contested that social norms and values play a role in both mental and somatic healthcare, thus rejecting that the influence of socio-normative considerations in mental healthcare compromises the analogy between mental and somatic disorders. This paper has two goals. Firstly, I argue that having-it-both-ways views fail to provide a compelling answer to Szasz’s challenge. The reason is that what is essential to Szasz’s argument is not that mental disorder attributions involve value judgements, but that mental attributions in general do. Mental disorders are thus doubly value-laden and, qua mental, only metaphorically possible. To illustrate this, I construe Szasz’s view and Fulford’s having-it-both-ways approach as endorsing two different kinds of expressivism about mental disorders, pointing out their different implications for the analysis of delusions. Secondly, I argue, against Szaszianism, that Szasz’s rejection of the analogy is relatively irrelevant for discussions about the appropriateness of medicalizing mental distress. Specifically, I draw from socio-normative approaches to the psychopathology/social deviance distinction and mad and neurodiversity literature to argue that a) it is still possible to distinguish social deviance from psychopathology once we reject the analogy; and b) that both medicalizing and normalizing attitudes to mental distress can harmfully wrong people from relevant collectives.
Why a Gricean-style defense of the vacuous truth of counterpossibles won’t work, but a defense based on heuristics just might
Authors: Puczyłowski Tomasz
Published: January 2024

Counterpossibles are counterfactuals with an impossible antecedent. According to the orthodox view of counterfactuals, all counterpossibles are vacuously true. This is puzzling because some counterpossible statements seem to be false. The paper analyzes two approaches to explaining why certain counterpossibles, though perhaps true, may appear to be false. The first, which appeals to the Gricean mechanism of conversational implicatures, asserts that some counterpossibles appear to be false because their assertion carries with it a false conversational implicature. However, I argue that, under a closer scrutiny, this approach collapses. I therefore turn to a second approach, proposed by Timothy Williamson. It appeals to a heuristic according to which speakers may regard a counterpossible to be false if they have previously accepted its opposite. Since the applicability of Williamson’s solution is limited, I suggest a more general account. Its underlining idea is that a counterpossible is rejected if the speaker cannot find what they regard as a universally true conditional function derivable from the counterpossible by substitutions and syntactic transformations.
Residual Stresses in a Wire and Arc-Directed Energy-Deposited Al–6Cu–Mn (ER2319) Alloy Determined by Energy-Dispersive High-Energy X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Klein T. , Spoerk-Erdely P. , Schneider-Broeskamp C. , Oliveira J. P. , Abreu Faria G.
Published: January 2024

In order to enable and promote the adoption of novel material processing technologies, a comprehensive understanding of the residual stresses present in structural components is required. The intrinsically high energy input and complex thermal cycle during arc-based additive manufacturing typically translate into non-negligible residual stresses. This study focuses on the quantitative evaluation of residual stresses in an Al–6Cu–Mn alloy fabricated by wire and arc-directed energy deposition. Thin, single-track aluminum specimens that differ in their respective height are investigated by means of energy-dispersive high-energy X-ray diffraction. The aim is to assess the build-up of stresses upon consecutive layer deposition. Stresses are evaluated along the specimen build direction as well as with respect to the lateral position within the component. The residual stress evolution suggests that the most critical region of the specimen is close to the substrate, where high tensile stresses close to the material’s yield strength prevail. The presence of these stresses is due to the most pronounced thermal gradients and mechanical constraints in this region.
The Diagnostic Potential of the L Score for ABO Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Li Yike , Deng Jun
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the L score, a novel scoring system, in distinguishing between ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABO-HDN) and non-hemolytic disease of newborn hyperbilirubinemia (NHDNH).

Methods

A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the L score in distinguishing between ABO-HDN (n = 118) and NHDNH (n = 213). Blood routine examination results were collected, and relevant statistical analyses were performed to identify clinically significant parameters. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between the L score and the development of these conditions, considering relevant variables.

Results

Our study identified the red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, red blood cell distribution width—coefficient of variation, and red blood cell distribution width—standard deviation as independent risk factors for distinguishing ABO-HDN from other high bilirubinemia conditions (P < 0.001). The L score demonstrated superior predictive performance for ABO-HDN, exhibiting an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.746, with an optimal cutoff value of − 3.0816. The RBC-L score exhibited superior predictive performance (z: 5.596, P < 0.0001) compared to the single-factor RBC indicator, indicating its efficacy in accurately identifying the desired outcome.

Conclusion

The L score represents a valuable tool for predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and hemolytic disease, facilitating differentiation, and guiding early intervention for improved outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate and expand the applicability of the L score in clinical practice.
Moral Identity, Moral Integration, and Autobiographical Narrative
Authors: Vanello Daniel
Published: January 2024

Moral identity theorists argue that moral action is explained by the centrality of moral values to a person’s identity. Moral identity theorists refer to moral integration as both the process by which moral values become central to a person’s identity and the state an individual is in when a given moral value is central to their identity. While moral identity theorists appeal to autobiographical narratives to determine the state of moral integration in an individual, they have little to say about the role of autobiographical narratives in articulating the process of moral integration. The aim of this paper is to argue that appealing to autobiographical narratives supports the view that moral integration is a learning process the outcome of which is the acquisition of an understanding of moral concepts that is exercised in moral deliberation. Since moral identity theorists argue that moral integration is empirically correlated to a sustained commitment to moral action, the upshot of the argument of this paper is an account that elucidates the relationship between moral identity, moral action and moral deliberation.
Chromatinopathies: insight in clinical aspects and underlying epigenetic changes
Authors: Bukowska-Olech Ewelina , Majchrzak-Celińska Aleksandra , Przyborska Marta , Jamsheer Aleksander
Published: January 2024

Chromatinopathies (CPs), a group of rare inborn defects characterized by chromatin state imbalance, have evolved from initially resembling Cornelia de Lange syndrome to encompass a wide array of genetic diseases with diverse clinical presentations. The CPs classification now includes human developmental disorders caused by germline mutations in epigenes, genes that regulate the epigenome. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing have enabled the association of 154 epigenes with CPs, revealing distinctive DNA methylation patterns known as episignatures.

It has been shown that episignatures are unique for a particular CP or share similarities among specific CP subgroup. Consequently, these episignatures have emerged as promising biomarkers for diagnosing and treating CPs, differentiating subtypes, evaluating variants of unknown significance, and facilitating targeted therapies tailored to the underlying epigenetic dysregulation.

The following review was conducted to collect, summarize, and analyze data regarding CPs in such aspects as clinical evaluation encompassing long-term patient care, underlying epigenetic changes, and innovative molecular and bioinformatic methodologies that have been devised for the assessment of CPs. We have also shed light on promising novel treatment options that have surfaced in recent research and presented a synthesis of ongoing clinical trials, contributing to the current understanding of the dynamic and evolving nature of CPs investigation.