bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐material distributed recycling via material extrusion: recycled high density polyethylene and poly (ethylene terephthalate) mixture
Authors: Suescun Gonzalez Catalina , Cruz Sanchez Fabio A. , Boudaoud Hakim , Nouvel Cécile , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: January 2024

The high volume of plastic waste and the extremely low recycling rate have created a serious challenge worldwide. Local distributed recycling and additive manufacturing (DRAM) offers a solution by economically incentivizing local recycling. One DRAM technology capable of processing large quantities of plastic waste is fused granular fabrication, where solid shredded plastic waste can be reused directly as 3D printing feedstock. This study presents an experimental assessment of multi‐material recycling printability using two of the most common thermoplastics in the beverage industry, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and the feasibility of mixing PET and HDPE to be used as a feedstock material for large‐scale 3‐D printing. After the material collection, shredding, and cleaning, the characterization and optimization of parameters for 3D printing were performed. Results showed the feasibility of printing a large object from rPET/rHDPE flakes, reducing production costs by up to 88%.

Highlights

Study: multi‐material recycling printability of PET‐HDPE.

Large‐scale fused particle‐based 3‐D printing technically possible.

Direct waste 3‐D printing rPET/rHDPE flakes, reducing production costs up to 88%.
Mycobacterium abscessus extracellular vesicles increase mycobacterial resistance to clarithromycin in vitro
Authors: Vermeire Charlie A. , Tan Xuejuan , Liang Yurong , Kotey Stephen K. , Rogers Janet , Hartson Steven D. , Liu Lin , Cheng Yong
Published: January 2024

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of emerging bacterial pathogens that have been identified in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with microbial lung infections. The treatment of NTM infection in CF patients is challenging due to the natural resistance of NTM species to many antibiotics. Mycobacterium abscessus is one of the most common NTM species found in the airways of CF patients. In this study, we characterized the extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by drug‐sensitive M. abscessus untreated or treated with clarithromycin (CLR), one of the frontline anti‐NTM drugs. Our data show that exposure to CLR increases mycobacterial protein trafficking into EVs as well as the secretion of EVs in culture. Additionally, EVs released by CLR‐treated M. abscessus increase M. abscessus resistance to CLR when compared to EVs from untreated M. abscessus. Proteomic analysis further indicates that EVs released by CLR‐treated M. abscessus carry an increased level of 50S ribosomal subunits, the target of CLR. Taken together, our results suggest that EVs play an important role in M. abscessus resistance to CLR treatment.
Changes and predictors of social support in adolescent and young adult cancer survivors—Results of a 7‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Merz Sabrina , Friedrich Michael , Brock Hannah , Leuteritz Katja , Geue Kristina , Richter Diana , Mehnert‐Theuerkauf Anja , Sender Annekathrin
Published: January 2024

Objective

As social support has been shown to have beneficial effects on coping with cancer, our study aims to close the research gap on perceived social support in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors.

Methods

AYAs evaluated their perceived positive social support (PS) and detrimental interactions (DI) by completing the Illness‐Specific Social Support Scale (ISSS‐8) upon completion of acute treatment (t1) as well as 1 year (t2) and 7 years (t6) later. Temporal changes of social support were examined. Sociodemographic, psychological and medical factors were investigated as predictors for PS and DI by using mixed effects models.

Results

We analyzed data from 319 cancer survivors (74.9% women). At baseline, survivors reported an average score of 13.73 (SD = 2.52) for PS and 3.92 (SD = 2.85) for DI. Average perceived PS changed over time, while DI remained stable. Males, AYAs without a partner and AYAs with clinically meaningful anxiety or depression levels reported fewer PS. Higher effort to cope with the disease and clinically significant anxiety and depression levels were associated with more perceived DI.

Conclusions

Existing social networks and perceived social support should be evaluated regularly in AYA‐cancer survivorship. The identification and discussion of mental health of AYAs should also be a standard component in survivor consultations both during treatment and follow‐up care, as elevated depression and anxiety levels were associated with fewer PS and more perceived DI.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in adolescence following extremely premature birth
Authors: Amitai Nofar , Stafler Patrick , Blau Hannah , Kaplan Eytan , Mussaffi Huda , Levine Hagit , Bar‐On Ophir , Steuer Guy , Bar‐Yishay Ephraim , Klinger Gil , Mei‐Zahav Meir , Prais Dario
Published: January 2024

Background

Although extremely premature birth disrupts lung development, adolescent survivors of extreme prematurity show good clinical and physiologic outcomes. Cardiopulmonary limitations may not be clinically evident at rest. Data regarding exercise limitation in adolescents following preterm birth in the postsurfactant era are limited.

Research Question

What are the long‐term effects of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and extreme prematurity (<29 weeks) on ventilatory response during exercise in adolescents in the postsurfactant era?

Study Design and Methods

We followed a longitudinally recruited cohort of children aged 13–19 years who were born at a gestational age of <29 weeks (study group ‐ SG). We compared the cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) results of those with and without BPD, to their own CPET results from elementary school age (mean 9.09 ± 1.05 years).

Results

Thirty‐seven children aged 15.73 ± 1.31 years, mean gestational age 26 weeks ( ± 1.19), completed the study. CPET parameters in adolescence were within the normal range for age, including mean V̇O2 peak of 91% predicted. The BPD and non‐BPD subgroups had similar results. In the longitudinal analysis of the SG, improvement was observed in adolescence, compared with elementary school age, in breathing reserve (36.37 ± 18.99 vs. 26.58 ± 17.92, p = 0.044), tidal volume as a fraction of vital capacity achieved at maximal load (0.51 ± 0.13 vs. 0.37 ± 0.08, p < 0.001), and respiratory exchange ratio at maximal load (1.18 ± 0.13 vs. 1.11 ± 0.10, p = 0.021).

Interpretation

In the current cohort, adolescents born extremely premature have essentially normal ventilatory response during exercise, unrelated to BPD diagnosis. CPET results in this population improve over time.
Quantitative Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy–High‐Angle‐Annular Dark‐Field Study of the Structure of Pseudo‐2D Sb2Te3 Films Grown by (Quasi) Van der Waals Epitaxy
Authors: Sever Vitomir , Bernier Nicolas , Térébénec Damien , Sabbione Chiara , Paterson Jessy , Castioni Florian , Quéméré Patrick , Jannaud Audrey , Rouvière Jean‐Luc , Roussel Hervé , Raty Jean‐Yves , Hippert Françoise , Noé Pierre
Published: January 2024

Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques are used to improve the understanding of out‐of‐plane oriented Sb2Te3 thin films deposited by sputtering on SiO2 and Si substrates. Nanobeam precession electron diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and high‐angle‐annular dark‐field imaging show that the presence of 1–2 atomic planes of Te on top of the substrate is a crucial factor for successful growth of such films, which can be achieved by optimizing cosputtering of Te and Sb2Te3 targets. The formation of an actual van der Waals (vdW) gap between the substrate and the first Sb2Te3 quintuple layer allows for vdW epitaxy. This gap is larger than those separating Te planes in the pseudo‐2D Sb2Te3 structure. HAADF image analysis provides detailed information on the atomic arrangement such as interplanar distances, vdW gaps, and Debye–Waller coefficients, all these with a few pm precision. For the anisotropic atomic displacements, a new methodology is introduced based on the statistical analysis of atomic column positions that provides information on the low‐frequency phonon modes. Ab initio calculations are used to support our results. Overall, this study provides quantitative STEM tools particularly well suited for nonperiodic pseudo‐2D materials, such as Sb2Te3/GeTe superlattices.
Why do teachers vary in their instructional change during science PD? The role of noticing students in an iterative change process
Authors: Preminger Linda , Hayes Kathryn N. , Bae Christine L. , O'Connor Dawn
Published: January 2024

Instructional shifts required by equitable, reform‐based science instruction are challenging, especially in the elementary context. Such shifts require professional development (PD) that supports teacher internalization of new pedagogical strategies as well as changes in beliefs about how students learn. Because of this complexity, many PD programs struggle to foster lasting pedagogical shifts, necessitating further investigation into why some teachers successfully embrace reform practices while others do not. This qualitative study uses a nonlinear, iterative model of teacher learning (Interconnected Model of Professional Growth; Clarke & Hollingsworth, 2002) alongside professional noticing to help understand why elementary teachers in science PD differentially make sense of and internalize new pedagogies. Findings indicate that teachers most likely to adopt reform‐based instructional practices from the PD were those who clearly connected student learning to their instructional moves. In addition, teachers who more actively attended to student sensemaking and productive struggle took up pedagogies from the PD more substantively than did colleagues who attended solely to student engagement and affect. Finally, teachers who attended to and valued novel ideas from students’ lived experiences were more likely to change their beliefs about students’ capacity to learn science, and thus more likely to see the value of instructional practices from the PD. In sum, structuring PD to build on these specific teacher noticing skills can encourage more teachers to move away from traditional, teacher‐directed instructional practice, and more fully support reform‐based instructional practices.
Pyridinium trifluoroacetate ionic liquids as proficient catalysts for synthesis of 3,5,5‐trimethyl‐2‐pyrazoline
Authors: Jiao Nianming , Cui Junjie , Liu Long , Yao Yuan , Xia Yangfeng , Zhang Yanqiang
Published: January 2024

In this work, pyridinium trifluoroacetate ionic liquids, as a protonic acid catalyst, were used to catalyze intramolecular cyclization of ketazine to synthesize 2‐pyrazoline. The investigation encompassed the impact of temperature, solvent, dosage of ionic liquid catalyst, and the structure‐activity relationship in the cyclization reaction of 2‐propyl ketazine. The optimal catalytic performance was achieved at 100 °C with 8 mol % of 3,5‐dimethylpyridinium trifluoroacetate in a solvent‐free environment. Moreover, thermodynamic and kinetic data were determined through density functional theory calculations and calorimetric experiments. These protonic acid ionic liquids address the issue of excessive traditional protonic acid dosage in the intramolecular cyclization of ketazine, while also presenting a viable pathway for the catalytic synthesis of 2‐pyrazolines.
Methamphetamine Removal from Aquatic Environments by Magnetic Microrobots with Cyclodextrin Chiral Recognition Elements
Authors: Mayorga–Burrezo Paula , Mayorga–Martinez Carmen C. , Kuchař Martin , Pumera Martin
Published: January 2024

The growing consumption of drugs of abuse together with the inefficiency of the current wastewater treatment plants toward their presence has resulted in an emergent class of pollutants. Thus, the development of alternative approaches to remediate this environmental threat is urgently needed. Microrobots, combining autonomous motion with great tunability for the development of specific tasks, have turned into promising candidates to take on the challenge. Here, hybrid urchin‐like hematite (α‐Fe2O3) microparticles carrying magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles and surface functionalization with organic β‐cyclodextrin (CD) molecules are prepared with the aim of on‐the‐fly encapsulation of illicit drugs into the linked CD cavities of moving microrobots. The resulting mag‐CD microrobots are tested against methamphetamine (MA), proving their ability for the removal of this psychoactive substance. A dramatically enhanced capture of MA from water with active magnetically powered microrobots when compared with static passive CD‐modified particles is demonstrated. This work shows the advantages of enhanced mass transfer provided by the externally controlled magnetic navigation in microrobots that together with the versatility of their design is an efficient strategy to clean polluted waters.
Strong Oxidizing Molten Salts for Strengthening Structural Restoration Enabling Direct Regeneration of Spent Layered Cathode
Authors: Xiao Zhiming , Yang Yuxuan , Li Yizhuo , He Xinyou , Shen Jixue , Ye Long , Yu Fangyong , Zhang Bao , Ou Xing
Published: January 2024

As a mainstream technology for recycling spent lithium‐ion batteries, direct regeneration is rapidly developed due to its high efficiency and green characteristics. However, efficient reuse of spent LiNixCoyMn1‐x‐yO2 cathode is still a significant challenge, as the rock salt/spinel phase on the surface hinders the Li replenishment and phase transformation to the layered structure. In this work, the fundamental understanding of the repair mechanism is confirmed that the oxidizing atmosphere is the crucial factor that can greatly improve the rate and degree of phase restoration. Particularly, a ternary‐component molten salt system (LiOH‐Li2CO3‐LiNO3) is proposed for direct regeneration of LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM523), which can in situ generate the strong oxidizing intermediate of superoxide radicals. Additionally, it shows a liquid‐like reaction environment at a lower temperature to acceclerate the transport rate of superoxide‐ions. Therefore, the synergistic effect of LiOH‐Li2CO3‐LiNO3 system can strengthen the full restoration of rock salt/spinel phases and achieve the complete Li‐supplement. As anticipated, the regenerated NCM523 delivers a high cycling stability with a retention of 91.7% after 100 cycles, which is even competitive with the commercial NCM523. This strategy provides a facile approach for the complete recovery of layer structure cathode, demonstrating a unique perspective for the direct regeneration of spent lithium‐ion batteries.
On‐demand JSON: A better way to parse documents?
Authors: Keiser John , Lemire Daniel
Published: January 2024

JSON is a popular standard for data interchange on the Internet. Ingesting JSON documents can be a performance bottleneck. A popular parsing strategy consists in converting the input text into a tree‐based data structure—sometimes called a Document Object Model or DOM. We designed and implemented a novel JSON parsing interface—called On‐Demand—that appears to the programmer like a conventional DOM‐based approach. However, the underlying implementation is a pointer iterating through the content, only materializing the results (objects, arrays, strings, numbers) lazily. On recent commodity processors, an implementation of our approach provides superior performance in multiple benchmarks. To ensure reproducibility, our work is freely available as open source software. Several systems use On Demand: for example, Apache Doris, the Node.js JavaScript runtime, Milvus, and Velox.
Comparative study of electro‐Fenton and photoelectro‐Fenton processes using a novel photocatalytic fuel cell electro‐Fenton system with g‐C3N4@N‐TiO2 and Ag/CNT@CF as electrodes
Authors: Ma Boya , Li Jinying , Yang Chunwei , Wang Dong
Published: January 2024

In this study, a novel photocatalytic fuel cell electro‐Fenton (PFC‐EF) system was constructed using g‐C3N4@N‐TNA and Ag/CNT@CF as electrodes. The composition, structure, and morphology of the electrodes were obtained. The g‐C3N4@N‐TNA, with its 2.37 eV band gap and 100 mV photovoltage, has excellent excitation properties for sunlight. Ag/CNT@CF with abundant pores, CNT 3D nanostructures, and Ag crystals on the surface can improve the electro‐Fenton efficiency. A comparative study of rhodamine B (RhB) degradation was performed in this system. It has been shown that electric fields can greatly enhance the oxidation efficiency of both anode photocatalysis and the cathode electro‐Fenton process. Under optimal conditions, RhB can be completely removed by the photoelectro‐Fenton (PEF) process. The energy consumption of the PEF system was obtained. The electrical energy per order (EE/O) is only 9.2 kWh/m3·order, which is only 16.5% of EF and 2.2% of PFC‐EF system. The mineralization current efficiency (MCE) of the PEF system reached 93.3% for a 2‐h reaction. Therefore, the PEF system has the advantage of saving energy. The kinetic analysis shows that the RhB removal follows a first‐order kinetic law, and the reaction rate constant reaches 0.1304 min−1, which is approximately 5.2 times larger and 4.0 times larger than the electro‐Fenton and PFC‐EF processes, respectively. RhB removal is a coupling multimechanism in which an electric field enhances photoelectron migration, Ag loading improves H2O2 generation, UV light coupled with H2O2 promotes hydroxyl radical (٠OH) generation, and the nanoconfinement effect of CNTs promotes ٠OH accumulation in favor of RhB degradation.

Practitioner Points

Novel efficiency photocatalytic fuel cell electro‐Fenton system was constructed.

The electric field greatly enhances the photocatalytic fuel cell electro‐Fenton system.

Multiple coupling mechanisms of UV/H2O2, UV/Fenton and photo‐electro‐Fenton have been revealed.
Culls effective for reducing mute swans in New Jersey
Authors: Nichols Theodore C. , Clark Lisa A.
Published: January 2024

Mute swans (Cygnus olor) have increased in New Jersey at ~7%/yr since the mid‐1980s with the population peaking at 1,890 mute swans by 2005. Wildlife agencies have implemented management programs to reduce mute swan numbers to population objectives; however, evaluation of these programs is lacking. Given the detrimental impacts of mute swans on wetland habitats, we implemented a cull program in 2007 in New Jersey through shooting, mostly during mid‐summer, and focused cull efforts on key molting sites. Our primary objective was to measure the impact of culls on mute swan population trends. We also examined population response of mute swans at key molting sites over time after culls began. We conducted 61 field operations at 21 sites and culled 2,038 mute swans over 11 years. We achieved a mean annual statewide cull rate of 0.15 and reduced the 2005 mute swan population 56% by 2017. The statewide mute swan population declined (P = 0.038) at nearly 8%/yr following commencement of culls. Four heavily used molting sites comprised 79% of the mute swans culled and population response varied across the 4 key cull sites. We fit a linear model using a derived annual cull rate and mute swan abundance data to describe the effect of culls on population growth (λ) and determined that a cull rate >0.09 was required to reduce (λ < 1) the mute swan population in New Jersey. Our work should benefit wildlife agencies who are considering implementing mute swan management programs.
Two circular incompressible liquid inclusions
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: January 2024

We apply Muskhelishvili's complex variable method to solve the plane strain problem associated with two circular incompressible liquid inclusions embedded in an infinite isotropic elastic matrix subjected to uniform remote in‐plane normal stresses. An analytical solution to the problem is derived primarily with the aid of conformal mapping and analytic continuation. To demonstrate our analytical solution, we present detailed numerical results characterizing the internal uniform hydrostatic stresses within the two liquid inclusions, the nonuniform hoop stresses along the two circular liquid‐solid interfaces on the matrix side and the nonuniform rigid body rotations within the two circular liquid inclusions.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of circulating adhesion molecules in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mangoni Arduino A. , Zinellu Angelo
Published: January 2024

Background

The availability of robust biomarkers of endothelial activation might enhance the identification of subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated this issue by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of cell adhesion molecules in RA patients.

Methods

We searched electronic databases from inception to 31 July 2023 for case–control studies assessing the circulating concentrations of immunoglobulin-like adhesion molecules (vascular cell, VCAM-1, intercellular, ICAM-1, and platelet endothelial cell, PECAM-1, adhesion molecule-1) and selectins (E, L, and P selectin) in RA patients and healthy controls. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the JBI checklist and GRADE, respectively.

Results

In 39 studies, compared to controls, RA patients had significantly higher concentrations of ICAM-1 (standard mean difference, SMD = 0.81, 95% CI 0.62–1.00, p < 0.001; I2 = 83.0%, p < 0.001), VCAM-1 (SMD = 1.17, 95% CI 0.73–1.61, p < 0.001; I2 = 95.8%, p < 0.001), PECAM-1 (SMD = 0.82, 95% CI 0.57–1.08, p < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.90), E-selectin (SMD = 0.64, 95% CI 0.42–0.86, p < 0.001; I2 = 75.0%, p < 0.001), and P-selectin (SMD = 1.06, 95% CI 0.50–1.60, p < 0.001; I2 = 84.8%, p < 0.001), but not L-selectin. In meta-regression and subgroup analysis, significant associations were observed between the effect size and use of glucocorticoids (ICAM-1), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (VCAM-1), study continent (VCAM-1, E-selectin, and P-selectin), and matrix assessed (P-selectin).

Conclusions

The results of our study support a significant role of cell adhesion molecules in mediating the interplay between RA and atherosclerosis. Further studies are warranted to determine whether the routine use of these biomarkers can facilitate the detection and management of early atherosclerosis in this patient group.

PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42023466662.
Phenotype and predictors of insulin independence in adults presenting with diabetic ketoacidosis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Raubenheimer Peter J. , Skelton Joanna , Peya Bukiwe , Dave Joel A. , Levitt Naomi S.
Published: January 2024

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this work was to describe the phenotype of adults presenting with a first episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Cape Town, South Africa, and identify predictors of insulin independence at 12 and 60 months after presentation.

Methods

A prospective, descriptive cohort study of all individuals, 18 years or older, presenting for the first time with DKA to four public-sector hospitals of the Groote Schuur Academic Health Complex was performed. Clinical, biochemical and laboratory data including GAD antibody and C-peptide status were collected at baseline. Insulin was systematically weaned and stopped in individuals who achieved normoglycaemia within the months after DKA. Individuals were followed for 12 months and then annually until 5 years after initial presentation with ketoacidosis.

Results

Eighty-eight individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes when presenting with DKA were included and followed for 5 years. The mean ± SD age was 35±10 years and the median (IQR) BMI at diagnosis was 28.5 (23.3–33.4) kg/m2. Overall, 46% were insulin independent 12 months after diagnosis and 26% remained insulin independent 5 years after presentation. Forty-one participants (47%) tested negative for anti-GAD and anti-IA-2 antibodies and had C-peptide levels >0.3 nmol/l; in this group, 68% were insulin independent at 12 months and 37% at 5 years after diagnosis. The presence of acanthosis nigricans was strongly associated with insulin independence (OR 27.1 [95% CI 7.2, 102.2]; p<0.001); a positive antibody status was associated with a lower likelihood of insulin independence at 12 months (OR 0.10 [95% CI 0.03, 0.36]; p<0.001). On multivariable analysis only acanthosis (OR 11.5 [95% CI 2.5, 53.2]; p=0.004) was predictive of insulin independence 5 years after diagnosis.

Conclusions/interpretation

The predominant phenotype of adults presenting with a first episode of DKA in Cape Town, South Africa, was that of ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes. These individuals presented with obesity, acanthosis nigricans, negative antibodies and normal C-peptide and could potentially be weaned off insulin at follow-up. Classic type 1 diabetes (lower weight, antibody positivity, low or unrecordable C-peptide levels and long-term insulin dependence) was less common. The simple clinical sign of acanthosis nigricans is a strong predictor of insulin independence at 12 months and 5 years after initial presentation.

Graphical Abstract
Domestic violence perception and gender stereotypes
Authors: Grembi Veronica , Rosso Anna C. , Barili Emilia
Published: January 2024

Using a survey of more than 4500 Italian women, we address the link between gender stereotypes and perceptions of domestic violence. We define a new measure of stereotypes at the individual level and show that women with stronger stereotypes are less likely to state that violence is common in their area of residence and are more likely to classify physical violence as less severe than privacy breaches. This ranking is associated with a victim-blaming mindset among respondents with stronger stereotypes, who are also more likely to attribute violent behaviors to event-specific circumstances (e.g., economic distress) than to personal characteristics of abusers (e.g., psychological issues) and to advise a hypothetical victim not to react to violence.
Quantitative surface characterisation and stress concentration of additively manufactured NiTi lattice struts
Authors: Zheng Mengna , Ghabraie Kazem , Yang Yu-shuang , Elambasseril Joe , Xu Wei , Wang Yanan
Published: January 2024

With the advancement of metal additive manufacturing (AM), lattice structures become a promising solution to situations that require lightweight design and yet maintain adequate mechanical strength. Limited by the quality of feedstock materials, the layer-wise process characteristic and the dynamic nature of thermal environment, lattice structures made by AM often suffer from process-induced imperfections such as poor surface finish and notable geometric deviation. In this study, systematic quantitative characterisation methods are developed to address surface quality and geometric discrepancy of NiTi lattice struts made by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), with a special focus on fatigue-related features such as stress concentration factors. The results show that for the examined strut diameters and inclination angles, the strut diameter plays a significant role in geometry inaccuracy and the inclination angle has a greater effect on surface texture and stress concentration factor distribution on the surface. Lattice struts with diameters greater than 0.7 mm and inclination angles over 40° with respect to the platform exhibit superior manufacturing quality among all configurations of the struts. The proposed approach not only opens a new avenue to evaluate μ-CT data in a more quantitative way but also offers opportunities to develop guidelines for lattice structure design.
Hyperbolic systems with non-diagonalisable principal part and variable multiplicities, III: singular coefficients
Authors: Garetto Claudia , Sabitbek Bolys
Published: January 2024

In this paper we continue the analysis of non-diagonalisable hyperbolic systems initiated in [25, 26]. Here we assume that the system has discontinuous coefficients or more in general distributional coefficients. Well-posedness is proven in the very weak sense for systems with singularities with respect to the space variable or the time variable. Consistency with the classical theory is proven in the case of smooth coefficients.
Gluten-free beer with unmalted millet
Authors: Dymchenko Alan , Kirilenko Yulia , Ochkolyas Olena , Bal-Prylypko Larysa
Published: January 2024

The possibility of using unmalted millet with the help of the enzymes for the production of gluten-free beer was investigated. The enzymes under different conditions were examined to completely saccharify the wort. The optimal conditions for enzymes activity were 85 °C 60 min for amylosubtilin and 60 °C 60 min for glucavamarin and β-glucanase. Since the gluten-free beverage has no colour, roasted buckwheat and boiled coffee as colourants were used. Sample with 30% roasted buckwheat showed good results in colouring the drink and had the best overall impression. Gluten-negative results were obtained for beer samples and all ingredients separately. Nevertheless, further improvements in brewing methods of gluten-free beer are needed. Almost all samples tasted more like cider than beer, without foam and with low pH values (3.5–3.8). The production of gluten-free beer provides an opportunity to attract new customers with gluten intolerance. Imperfect competition is a great advantage for manufacturers.
Localized Phase for the Erdős–Rényi Graph
Authors: Alt Johannes , Ducatez Raphael , Knowles Antti
Published: January 2024

We analyse the eigenvectors of the adjacency matrix of the Erdős–Rényi graph $${\mathbb {G}}(N,d/N)$$

G
(
N
,
d
/
N
)

for $$\sqrt{\log N} \ll d \lesssim \log N$$

log
N

≪
d
≲
log
N

. We show the existence of a localized phase, where each eigenvector is exponentially localized around a single vertex of the graph. This complements the completely delocalized phase previously established in Alt et al. (Commun Math Phys 388(1):507–579, 2021). For large enough d, we establish a mobility edge by showing that the localized phase extends up to the boundary of the delocalized phase. We derive explicit asymptotics for the localization length up to the mobility edge and characterize its divergence near the phase boundary. The proof is based on a rigorous verification of Mott’s criterion for localization, comparing the tunnelling amplitude between localization centres with the eigenvalue spacing. The first main ingredient is a new family of global approximate eigenvectors, for which sharp enough estimates on the tunnelling amplitude can be established. The second main ingredient is a lower bound on the spacing of approximate eigenvalues. It follows from an anticoncentration result for these discrete random variables, obtained by a recursive application of a self-improving anticoncentration estimate due to Kesten.
CRISPR/Cas9 system is a suitable gene targeting editing tool to filamentous fungus Monascus pilosus
Authors: Gong Yunxia , Li Shengfa , Liu Qianrui , Chen Fusheng , Shao Yanchun
Published: January 2024

Monascus pilosus has been used to produce lipid-lowering drugs rich in monacolin K (MK) for a long period. Genome mining reveals there are still many potential genes worth to be explored in this fungus. Thereby, efficient genetic manipulation tools will greatly accelerate this progress. In this study, we firstly developed the protocol to prepare protoplasts for recipient of CRISPR/Cas9 system. Subsequently, the vector and donor DNA were co-transformed into recipients (106 protoplasts/mL) to produce 60–80 transformants for one test. Three genes (mpclr4, mpdot1, and mplig4) related to DNA damage response (DDR) were selected to compare the gene replacement frequencies (GRFs) of Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation (ATMT) and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system (CGES) in M. pilosus MS-1. The results revealed that GRF of CGES was approximately five times greater than that of ATMT, suggesting that CGES was superior to ATMT as a targeting gene editing tool in M. pilosus MS-1. The inactivation of mpclr4 promoted DDR via the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and increased the tolerances to DNA damaging agents. The inactivation of mpdot1 blocked DDR and led to the reduced tolerances to DNA damaging agents. The inactivation of mplig4 mainly blocked the NHEJ pathway and led to obviously reduced tolerances to DNA damaging agents. The submerged fermentation showed that the ability to produce MK in strain Δmpclr4 was improved by 52.6% compared to the wild type. This study provides an idea for more effective exploration of gene functions in Monascus strains.

Key points

• A protocol of high-quality protoplasts for CGES has been developed in M. pilosus.

• The GRF of CGES was about five times that of ATMT in M. pilosus.

• The yield of MK for Δmpclr4 was enhanced by 52.6% compared with the wild type.
A novel Escherichia coli cell–based bioreporter for quantification of salicylic acid in cosmetics
Authors: Kim Yeonhong , Jeon Yangwon , Jang Geupil , Kim Bong-Gyu , Yoon Youngdae
Published: January 2024

Transcription factor–based bioreporters have been extensively studied for monitoring and detecting environmental toxicants. In Escherichia coli, the multiple antibiotic resistance regulator (MarR) induces transcription upon binding to salicylic acid (SA). We generated SA-specific E. coli cell–based bioreporters utilizing the operator region of the mar operon and MarR as components of the reporter and sensing domains, respectively. Although bioreporters based on endogenous MarR and wild-type E. coli cells responded to SA, their sensitivity and selectivity were insufficient for practical sample monitoring. To improve these parameters, we genetically engineered host strains for optimal MarR expression, which enhanced the sensitivity of the biosensor to micromolar quantities of SA with increased selectivity. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the biosensor could quantify SA in environmental samples. For validation, the SA concentration in artificially contaminated SA-containing cosmetic samples was determined using the developed biosensor. Reliability assessment by comparing the concentrations determined using LC–MS/MS revealed > 90% accuracy of the bioreporters. Although bioreporters are not considered standard tools for environmental monitoring, bacterial cell–based bioreporters may serve as alternative tools owing to their affordability and simplicity. The SA biosensor developed in this study can potentially be a valuable tool for monitoring SA in environmental systems.

Key points

• SA-responsive bioreporter is generated by employing mar operon system in E. coli

• SA specificity and selectivity were enhanced by genetic/biochemical engineering

• The novel bioreporter would be valuable for SA monitoring in environmental systems
Imaging of lower extremity infections: predisposing conditions, atypical infections, mimics, and differentiating features
Authors: Matcuk George R. , Katal Sanaz , Gholamrezanezhad Ali , Spinnato Paolo , Waldman Leah E. , Fields Brandon K. K. , Patel Dakshesh B. , Skalski Matthew R.
Published: January 2024

Imaging evaluation for lower extremity infections can be complicated, especially in the setting of underlying conditions and with atypical infections. Predisposing conditions are discussed, including diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease, neuropathic arthropathy, and intravenous drug abuse, as well as differentiating features of infectious versus non-infectious disease. Atypical infections such as viral, mycobacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections and their imaging features are also reviewed. Potential mimics of lower extremity infection including chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, foreign body granuloma, gout, inflammatory arthropathies, lymphedema, and Morel-Lavallée lesions, and their differentiating features are also explored.
Diagnostic performance of 3D automated breast ultrasound (3D-ABUS) in a clinical screening setting—a retrospective study
Authors: Klein Wolterink Femke , Ab Mumin Nazimah , Appelman Linda , Derks-Rekers Monique , Imhof-Tas Mechli , Lardenoije Susanne , van der Leest Marloes , Mann Ritse M.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic performance of 3D automated breast ultrasound (3D-ABUS) in breast cancer screening in a clinical setting.

Materials and methods

All patients who had 3D-ABUS between January 2014 and January 2022 for screening were included in this retrospective study. The images were reported by 1 of 6 breast radiologists based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (BI-RADS). The 3D-ABUS was reviewed together with the digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). Recall rate, biopsy rate, positive predictive value (PPV) and cancer detection yield were calculated.

Results

In total, 3616 studies were performed in 1555 women (breast density C/D 95.5% (n = 3455/3616), breast density A/B 4.0% (n = 144/3616), density unknown (0.5% (n = 17/3616)). A total of 259 lesions were detected on 3D-ABUS (87.6% (n = 227/259) masses and 12.4% (n = 32/259) architectural distortions). The recall rate was 5.2% (n = 188/3616) (CI 4.5–6.0%) with only 36.7% (n = 69/188) cases recalled to another date. Moreover, recall declined over time. There were 3.4% (n = 123/3616) biopsies performed, with 52.8% (n = 65/123) biopsies due to an abnormality detected in 3D-ABUS alone. Ten of 65 lesions were malignant, resulting in a positive predictive value (PPV) of 15.4% (n = 10/65) (CI 7.6–26.5%)). The cancer detection yield of 3D-ABUS is 2.77 per 1000 screening tests (CI 1.30–5.1).

Conclusion

The cancer detection yield of 3D-ABUS in a real clinical screening setting is comparable to the results reported in previous prospective studies, with lower recall and biopsy rates. 3D-ABUS also may be an alternative for screening when mammography is not possible or declined.

Clinical relevance statement

3D automated breast ultrasound screening performance in a clinical setting is comparable to previous prospective studies, with better recall and biopsy rates.

Key Points

• 3D automated breast ultrasound is a reliable and reproducible tool that provides a three-dimensional representation of the breast and allows image visualisation in axial, coronal and sagittal.

• The diagnostic performance of 3D automated breast ultrasound in a real clinical setting is comparable to its performance in previously published prospective studies, with improved recall and biopsy rates.

• 3D automated breast ultrasound is a useful adjunct to mammography in dense breasts and may be an alternative for screening when mammography is not possible or declined.
Intramedullary spinal capillary hemangioma with secondary neurulation defect in children
Authors: Lee Jong Seok , Lee Ji Yeoun , Park Sung-Hye , Wang Kyu-Chang , Kim Kyung Hyun
Published: January 2024

Intramedullary spinal capillary hemangioma is a rare occurrence in pediatric patients, and only limited cases have been reported. This study presents the first two cases of spinal capillary hemangioma co-present with retained medullary cord and one case of spinal capillary hemangioma with lumbosacral lipomatous malformation. Previous literature on ten patients with this pathology was reviewed. We speculated pathogenesis, imaging features, and histopathologic findings of the disease.
Soluble terminal complement complex blood levels are elevated in schizophrenia
Authors: Savukoski Susa , Mannes Marco , Wohlgemuth Lisa , Schultze Anke , Guest Paul C. , Meyer-Lotz Gabriela , Dobrowolny Henrik , Relja Borna , Huber-Lang Markus , Steiner Johann
Published: January 2024

The role of the complement system in schizophrenia (Sz) is inconclusive due to heterogeneity of the disease and study designs. Here, we assessed the levels of complement activation products and functionality of the classical pathway in acutely ill unmedicated Sz patients at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment versus matched controls. The study included analyses of the terminal complement complex (sTCC) and C5a in plasma from 96 patients and 96 controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sub-group analysis of serum was conducted for measurement of C4 component and activity of the classical pathway (28 and 24 cases per cohort, respectively). We found no differences in levels of C5a, C4 and classical pathway function in patients versus controls. Plasma sTCC was significantly higher in patients [486 (392–659) ng/mL, n = 96] compared to controls [389 (304–612) ng/mL, n = 96] (p = 0.027, δ = 0.185), but not associated with clinical symptom ratings or treatment. The differences in sTCC between Sz and controls were confirmed using an Aligned Rank Transformation model considering the covariates age and sex (p = 0.040). Additional analysis showed that sTCC was significantly associated with C-reactive protein (CRP; p = 0.006). These findings suggest that sTCC plays a role in Sz as a trait marker of non-specific chronic immune activation, as previously described for CRP. Future longitudinal analyses with more sampling time points from early recognition centres for psychoses may be helpful to better understand the temporal dynamics of innate immune system changes during psychosis development.
Relation between task-related activity modulation and cortical inhibitory function in schizophrenia and healthy controls: a TMS–EEG study
Authors: Fernández-Linsenbarth Inés , Mijancos-Martínez Gema , Bachiller Alejandro , Núñez Pablo , Rodríguez-González Víctor , Beño-Ruiz-de-la-Sierra Rosa M. , Roig-Herrero Alejandro , Arjona-Valladares Antonio , Poza Jesús , Mañanas Miguel Ángel , Molina Vicente
Published: January 2024

Schizophrenia has been associated with a reduced task-related modulation of cortical activity assessed through electroencephalography (EEG). However, to the best of our knowledge, no study so far has assessed the underpinnings of this decreased EEG modulation in schizophrenia. A possible substrate of these findings could be a decreased inhibitory function, a replicated finding in the field. In this pilot study, our aim was to explore the association between EEG modulation during a cognitive task and the inhibitory system function in vivo in a sample including healthy controls and patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesized that the replicated decreased task-related activity modulation during a cognitive task in schizophrenia would be related to a hypofunction of the inhibitory system. For this purpose, 27 healthy controls and 22 patients with schizophrenia (including 13 first episodes) performed a 3-condition auditory oddball task from which the spectral entropy modulation was calculated. In addition, cortical reactivity—as an index of the inhibitory function—was assessed by the administration of 75 monophasic transcranial magnetic stimulation single pulses over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Our results replicated the task-related cortical activity modulation deficit in schizophrenia patients. Moreover, schizophrenia patients showed higher cortical reactivity following transcranial magnetic stimulation single pulses over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared to healthy controls. Cortical reactivity was inversely associated with EEG modulation, supporting the idea that a hypofunction of the inhibitory system could hamper the task-related modulation of EEG activity.
Forensic age estimation of the knee by post-mortem DR, CT, and MR imaging: a comparative study
Authors: Khatam-Lashgari Apameh , Harving Mette Lønstrup , Villa Chiara , Lynnerup Niels , Larsen Sara Tangmose
Published: January 2024

It is believed by many that reference data for age estimation purposes must be imaging-modality specific. A study from our department has however proven otherwise. We therefore found it interesting to investigate this further by looking at the level of agreement between different imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of agreement between the three radiological modalities, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital radiography (DR), in assessing the ossification of the epiphyses of the knee. A total of 34 deceased individuals of 10–25 years of age, brought in for a medicolegal autopsy at our department, were scanned by CT, MRI, and DR. The ossification stages of the three bones of the right knee, distal femoral, proximal tibial, and proximal fibular epiphysis were assessed using the established combined staging method by Schmeling et al. and Kellinghaus et al. Analysis of the results by Cohen’s weighted kappa showed a good agreement between CT and DR (K = 0.61–0.70), and MRI and DR (K = 0.68–0.79) but only moderate agreement between CT and MRI (K = 0.55–0.57). This leads us to conclude that different radiological images cannot be used interchangeably for age estimation purposes, so reference material needs to be imaging-modality specific. However, to make a more general conclusion research on a larger population is needed.
Real-world evidence of epidemiology, patient characteristics, and mortality in people with drug-resistant epilepsy in the United Kingdom, 2011–2021
Authors: Shankar Rohit , Marston Xiaocong Li , Danielson Vanessa , Do Rego Bronwyn , Lasagne Reginald , Williams Oliver , Groves Lara
Published: January 2024

Background

A third of people with epilepsy are drug resistant. People with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) have a higher risk of mortality and physical injuries than those who respond to anti-seizure medication (ASM). This study describes patient characteristics, comorbidities, and mortality in people with DRE in the UK.

Methods

The Clinical Practice Research Datalink was utilised to select people with DRE prescribed a third ASM between 1 January 2011 and 31 March 2021. Annual incidence and prevalence of DRE, patient characteristics, comorbidities, and mortality rates were analysed. Subgroup analysis was performed by age, sex, presence of intellectual disabilities and time from epilepsy diagnosis to DRE.

Results

A total of 34,647 people with DRE were included (mean ± SD age 42.68 ± 23.59 years, 52.6% females). During the study period, annual DRE incidence ranged from 1.99% to 3.12%. As of 31 March 2021, DRE prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 26.3%–26.8%). A greater proportion of people with DRE resided in the most deprived regions, with 21.1% and 16.7% in the top two quintiles of the Index of Multiple Deprivation respectively, compared to < 15% in the three less deprived regions. All-cause mortality ranged from 3,687 to 4,802 per 100,000 persons with DRE, four times higher than that in the general population in the UK. Variations existed across subgroups.

Conclusions

Considerable disease burden was observed in people with DRE in the UK. The findings emphasise the importance of early DRE diagnosis and appropriate disease management in people who develop DRE.
Studying the topology of peroxisomal acyl-CoA synthetases using self-assembling split sfGFP
Authors: Chornyi Serhii , Koster Janet , IJlst Lodewijk , Waterham Hans R.
Published: January 2024

Peroxisomes are membrane-bounded organelles that contain enzymes involved in multiple lipid metabolic pathways. Several of these pathways require (re-)activation of fatty acids to coenzyme A (CoA) esters by acyl-CoA synthetases, which may take place inside the peroxisomal lumen or extraperoxisomal. The acyl-CoA synthetases SLC27A2, SLC27A4, ACSL1, and ACSL4 have different but overlapping substrate specificities and were previously reported to be localized in the peroxisomal membrane in addition to other subcellular locations. However, it has remained unclear if the catalytic acyl-CoA synthetase sites of these enzymes are facing the peroxisomal lumen or the cytosolic side of the peroxisomal membrane. To study this topology in cellulo we have developed a microscopy-based method that uses the previously developed self-assembling split superfolder (sf) green fluorescent protein (GFP) assay. We show that this self-assembling split sfGFP method can be used to study the localization as well as the topology of membrane proteins in the peroxisomal membrane, but that it is less suited to study the location of soluble peroxisomal proteins. With the method we could demonstrate that the acyl-CoA synthetase domains of the peroxisome-bound acyl-CoA synthetases SLC27A2 and SLC27A4 are oriented toward the peroxisomal lumen and the domain of ACSL1 toward the cytosol. In contrast to previous reports, ACSL4 was not found in peroxisomes.