bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ABJM Amplituhedron
Authors: He Song , Huang Yu-tin , Kuo Chia-Kai
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we take a major step towards the construction and applications of an all-loop, all-multiplicity amplituhedron for three-dimensional planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 Chern-Simons matter theory, or the ABJM amplituhedron. We show that by simply changing the overall sign of the positive region of the original amplituhedron for four-dimensional planar $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super-Yang-Mills (sYM) and performing a symplectic reduction, only three-dimensional kinematics in the middle sector of even-multiplicity survive. The resulting form of the geometry, combined with its parity images, gives the full loop integrand. This simple modification geometrically enforces the vanishing of odd-multiplicity cuts, and manifests the correct soft cuts as well as two-particle unitarity cuts. Furthermore, the so-called “bipartite structures” of four-point all-loop negative geometries also directly generalize to all multiplicities. We introduce a novel approach for triangulating loop amplituhedra based on the kinematics of the tree region, resulting in local integrands tailored to “prescriptive unitarity”. This construction sheds fascinating new light on the interplay between loop and tree amplituhedra for both ABJM and $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 sYM: the loop geometry demands that the tree region must be dissected into chambers, defined by the simultaneous positivity of maximal cuts. The loop geometry is then the “fibration” of the tree region. Using the new construction, we give explicit results of one-loop integrands up to ten points and two-loop integrands up to eight points by computing the canonical form of ABJM loop amplituhedron.
Pole-skipping as order parameter to probe a quantum critical point
Authors: Abbasi Navid , Landsteiner Karl
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The holographic system described by Einstein-Maxwell-Chern-Simons dynamics in the bulk of AdS exhibits a chiral magnetic effect and a quantum critical point. Through numerical calculations, we find that the butterfly velocity can serve as a new identifier for the quantum critical point in this system. We show that the critical point is the point at which the butterfly velocity is equal to the speed of light in the direction of the magnetic field, while in the opposite direction the butterfly propagation vanishes. Furthermore, by studying the pole-skipping points of the response function of the operator dual to the tensor part of the metric perturbation in the bulk, we discover a set of order parameters that distinguish the two states of the system near the quantum critical point. Each of these order parameters is the sum of the absolute values of the real parts of momentum at all pole-skipping points associated with a particular frequency. This quantity vanishes in the disordered state while taking a positive value in the ordered state. In addition, our results confirm the idea that the chiral magnetic effect can manifest macroscopically through quantum chaos.
Anwendung des Vorsorgeprinzips nach Artikel 7 der Verordnung (EG) Nr. 178/2002: Allgemeine Grundsätze und Bewertung von Cannabidiol in Lebensmitteln
Authors: Sproll Constanze , Walch Stephan G. , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: September 2023

Das Vorsorgeprinzip ist in der Rechtsprechung und Gesetzgebung der Europäischen Union (EU) fest verankert. Im Lebensmittelrecht wurde das Vorsorgeprinzip in Art. 7 der Lebensmittel-Basisverordnung (EG) Nr. 178/2002 (BasisVO) etabliert. Dennoch findet das Vorsorgeprinzip sowohl in der Überwachungspraxis als auch in der nationalen Rechtsprechung nicht die angemessene Beachtung. Neben der historischen Entwicklung und der Anwendung in der nationalen und europäischen Rechtsprechung werden in diesem Beitrag die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Anwendung des Vorsorgeprinzips nach Art. 7 BasisVO am Beispiel von cannabidiolhaltigen (CBD) Produkten beleuchtet. Im Ergebnis wird festgestellt, dass die Behörden im Sinne des Vorsorgeprinzips aufgrund eines wahrscheinlichen Gesundheitsrisikos prioritäre Schutzmaßnahmen ergreifen können, die über die ohnehin erforderlichen Maßnahmen der Novel Food-Verordnung hinausgehen.
Serum concentration of dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) in psoriatic arthritis in the context of bone remodelling
Authors: Biedroń Grzegorz , Czepiel Marcin , Siedlar Maciej , Korkosz Mariusz
Published: September 2023

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterised by the pathological occurrence of two opposite phenomena—osteoresorption and osteogenesis. Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) which inhibits the Wingless protein (Wnt) signalling pathway has been shown to be a master regulator of bone remodeling in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. However, the exact relationship between DKK1 serum level and bone remodelling is not clear. The goal of this study is to review state-of-the-art knowledge on the association of serum DKK1 with a bone remodelling in PsA. The MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and DOAJ databases were searched for appropriate papers. The English terms: ‘DKK1’, ‘Dickkopf-1’ ‘Dickkopf related protein 1’, ‘psoriatic arthritis’ and ‘PsA’ were used for search purposes. Eight original articles and two reviews were identified up to August 2023. In four out of 8 discussed studies DKK1 serum level was higher in PsA patients than in healthy controls [Dalbeth, p < 0.01; Diani, p < 0.001; Chung, p < 0.01; Abd el Hamid, p < 0.001)], it was comparable in another (Daousiss, p = 0.430) and was lower in two (Fassio2017, p < 0.05; Fassio2019, p < 0.05). In one study, the comparative groups included patients with axial spondyloarthritis, where DKK1 serum levels were lower in PsA groups [Jadon, peripheral PsA, p = 0.01]. The true relative serum concentration of DKK1 in PsA, as well as its influence on osteogenesis and osteoresorption, is still equivocal. Further studies on this matter with consistent and stringent methodology are warranted.
Does controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with a history of borderline tumor influence recurrence rate?
Authors: Gao Han , Wei Wei , Li Yibing , Wei Heng , Wang Ning
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To determine the recurrence rate in the women with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation after a history of borderline ovarian tumors (BOT).

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 275 patients with BOT undergoing surgery for fertility preservation in our hospital between 2001 and 2017. Cases were divided into an assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment group (n = 15) and a non-ART treatment group (n = 260). We compared the recurrence rate, survival rate and pregnancy outcomes between these two groups.

Results

The ART group had a higher recurrence rate (33.33% vs. 10.80%, P = 0.023). Survival analysis indicated that the recurrence time in patients undergoing ART was significantly shorter (P = 0.026). A low pregnancy rate before diagnosis, and high intraoperative blood loss, were associated with postoperative ART treatment (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ART treatment and bilateral lesions both significantly increased the risk of recurrence (P < 0.05). The pathological type of recurrent tumors was often the same as the initial tumor.

Conclusion

The postoperative use of ART in patients with BOT significantly increased the recurrence rate, but does not significantly affect the overall survival rate of patients. Therefore, ART in such patients should be individualized, and close follow-up is necessary after ART.
Early factors associated with continuous positive airway pressure failure in moderate and late preterm infants
Authors: Tourneux Pierre , Debillon Thierry , Flamant Cyril , Jarreau Pierre-Henri , Serraz Benjamin , Guellec Isabelle
Published: September 2023

To determine the early factors associated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure in moderate-to-late preterm infants (32 + 0/7 to 36 + 6/7 weeks’ gestation) from the NEOBS cohort study. The NEOBS study was a multi-center, prospective, observational study in 46 neonatal intensive care units in France, which included preterm and late preterm infants with early neonatal respiratory distress. This analysis included a subset of the NEOBS population who had respiratory distress and required ventilatory support with CPAP within the first 24 h of life. CPAP failure was defined as the need for tracheal intubation within 72 h of CPAP initiation. Maternal and neonatal clinical parameters in the delivery room and clinical data at 3 h of life were analyzed. CPAP failure occurred in 45/375 infants (12%), and compared with infants with CPAP success, they were mostly singletons (82.2% vs. 62.1%; p < 0.01), had a lower Apgar score at 10 min of life (9.1 ± 1.3 vs. 9.6 ± 0.8; p = 0.02), and required a higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2; 34.4 ± 15.9% vs. 22.8 ± 4.1%; p < 0.0001) and a higher FiO2*positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3; p < 0.0001) at 3 h. FiO2 value of 0.23 (R2 = 0.73) and FiO2*PEEP of 1.50 (R2 = 0.75) best predicted CPAP failure. The risk of respiratory distress and early CPAP failure decreased 0.7 times per 1-week increase in gestational age and increased 1.7 times with every one-point decrease in Apgar score at 10 min and 19 times with FiO2*PEEP > 1.50 (vs. ≤ 1.50) at 3 h (R2 of the overall model = 0.83).

  Conclusion: In moderate-to-late preterm infants, the combination of singleton pregnancy, lower Apgar score at 10 min, and FiO2*PEEP > 1.50 at 3 h can predict early CPAP failure with increased accuracy.

What is Known:

•Respiratory distress syndrome (RSD) represents an unmet medical need in moderate-to-late preterm births and is commonly treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to reduce mortality and the need for additional ventilatory support.

• Optimal management of RSD is yet to be established, with several studies suggesting that identification of predictive factors for CPAP failure can aid in the prompt treatment of infants likely to experience this failure.

What is New:

•Secondary analysis of the observational NEOBS study indicated that oxygen requirements during CPAP therapy, especially the product of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), are important factors associated with early CPAP failure in moderate-to-late term preterm infants.

•The combination of a singleton pregnancy, low Apgar score at 10 minutes, and high FiO2*PEEP at 3 hours can predict early CPAP failure with increased accuracy, highlighting important areas for future research into the prevention of CPAP failure.
Difference in the Electromyographic Behavior of the Masticatory and Swallowing Muscles During Cued Versus Spontaneous Swallowing
Authors: Saito Naoya , Ogawa Toru , Shiraishi Naru , Koide Rie , Komine Hideya , Yokoyama Masayoshi , Hanawa Soshi , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: September 2023

The risk of dysphagia and/or aspiration is determined using screening tests, such as the repeated saliva swallowing test and modified water swallowing test, which evaluate cued swallowing. However, humans masticate and swallow foods with various consistencies, forms, and amounts, without conscious awareness. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the difference in the behavior of masticatory and swallowing muscles during spontaneous versus cued swallowing through a series of mastication and swallowing processes by evaluating surface electromyogram (sEMG) signals. The effect of the consistency and amount of food on the behavior of these muscles was also investigated. The sEMG recordings of the masseter muscles and anterior belly of the digastric muscle for 12 subjects, and genioglossus muscle for 5 subjects were obtained. The genioglossus activity was recorded using custom-made ball electrodes. The test foods were cookies and tofu, in amounts of 2 g and 4 g. The normalized muscle activity (integrated EMG), duration of the muscle activity, initial activation timepoint of each muscle, and total duration of swallowing were compared among four conditions. The activity of each muscle was significantly higher during the swallowing of cookies than tofu, for 4 g vs 2 g, and for cued versus spontaneous swallowing. The duration of each muscle activity, initial activation timepoint, and total duration of swallowing were significantly longer for cookies versus tofu, for 4 g vs 2 g, and for spontaneous versus cued swallowing. These results suggest that the behavior of the masticatory and swallowing muscles is affected by cued swallowing and by the consistency and amount of food.
Associations between anemia and FGF23 in the CKiD study
Authors: Thomas Elizabeth , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Laster Marciana L. , Furth Susan L. , Warady Bradley A. , Salusky Isidro B. , Hanudel Mark R.
Published: September 2023

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a bone-derived hormone that plays a central role in chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder and is associated with CKD progression and cardiovascular morbidity. Factors related to CKD-associated anemia, including iron deficiency, can increase FGF23 production. This study aimed to assess whether anemia and/or iron deficiency are associated with increased circulating concentrations of FGF23 in the large, well-characterized Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study cohort.

Methods

Hemoglobin concentrations, iron parameters, C-terminal (total) FGF23, intact FGF23, and relevant covariables were measured in cross-sectional analysis of CKiD study subjects.

Results

In 493 pediatric patients with CKD (median [interquartile range] age 13 [9, 16] years), the median estimated glomerular filtration rate was 48 [35, 61] ml/min/1.73 m2, and 103 patients (21%) were anemic. Anemic subjects had higher total FGF23 concentrations than non-anemic subjects (204 [124, 390] vs. 109 [77, 168] RU/ml, p < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression modeling, anemia was independently associated with higher total FGF23, after adjustment for demographic, kidney-related, mineral metabolism, and inflammatory covariables (standardized β (95% confidence interval) 0.10 (0.04, 0.17), p = 0.002). In the subset of subjects with available iron parameters (n = 191), iron deficiency was not associated with significantly higher total FGF23 concentrations. In the subgroup that had measurements of both total and intact FGF23 (n = 185), in fully adjusted models, anemia was significantly associated with higher total FGF23 (standardized β (95% CI) 0.16 (0.04, 0.27), p = 0.008) but not intact FGF23 (standardized β (95% CI) 0.02 (−0.12, 0.15), p = 0.81).

Conclusions

In this cohort of pediatric patients with CKD, anemia was associated with increased total FGF23 levels but was not independently associated with elevated intact FGF23, suggesting possible effects on both FGF23 production and cleavage. Further studies are warranted to investigate non-mineral factors affecting FGF23 production and metabolism in CKD.

Graphical abstract
Assessing the alerting capabilities of the Earthquake Network early warning system in Haiti with Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Finazzi Francesco , Massoda Tchoussi Frank Yannick
Published: September 2023

Smartphone-based earthquake early warning systems implemented by citizen science initiatives are characterised by significant variability in their smartphone network geometry. This has a direct impact on the earthquake detection capability and system performance. Here, a Monte Carlo-based simulation framework is implemented to infer relevant earthquake detection quantities such as detection distance from the epicentre, detection delay, and warning time for people exposed to high ground shaking levels. The framework is applied to Haiti, which has experienced deadly earthquakes in recent decades, and to the Earthquake Network citizen science initiative, which is popular in the country. It is found that warning times of up to 12 s for people exposed to intensities between 7.5 and 8.5 on the modified Mercalli scale are possible starting from a relatively low involvement of citizens in the initiative (i.e., from 1 Haitian in 10,000).
Better-than-$$\frac{4}{3}$$-approximations for leaf-to-leaf tree and connectivity augmentation
Authors: Cecchetto Federica , Traub Vera , Zenklusen Rico
Published: September 2023

The Connectivity Augmentation Problem (CAP) together with a well-known special case thereof known as the Tree Augmentation Problem (TAP) are among the most basic Network Design problems. There has been a surge of interest recently to find approximation algorithms with guarantees below 2 for both TAP and CAP, culminating in the currently best approximation factor for both problems of 1.393 through quite sophisticated techniques. We present a new and arguably simple matching-based method for the well-known special case of leaf-to-leaf instances. Combining our work with prior techniques, we readily obtain a $$(4/3+\varepsilon )$$

(
4
/
3
+
ε
)

-approximation for Leaf-to-Leaf CAP by returning the better of our solution and one of an existing method. Prior to our work, a $$4/3$$

4
/
3

-guarantee was only known for Leaf-to-Leaf TAP instances on trees of height 2. Moreover, when combining our technique with a recently introduced stack analysis approach, which is part of the above-mentioned 1.393-approximation, we can further improve the approximation factor to 1.29, obtaining for the first time a factor below $$\frac{4}{3}$$

4
3

for a nontrivial class of TAP/CAP instances.
Modeling Long-Term Facilitation of Respiration During Interval Exercise in Humans
Authors: Yamashiro Stanley M. , Kato Takahide , Matsumoto Takaaki
Published: September 2023

Long-term facilitation (LTF) of respiration has been mainly initiated by intermittent hypoxia and resultant chemoreceptor stimulation in humans. Comparable levels of chemoreceptor stimulation can occur in combined exercise and carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation and lead to LTF. This possibility was supported by data collected during combined interval exercise and 3% inhaled CO2 in seven normal subjects. These data were further analyzed based on the dynamics involved using mathematical models in this study. Previously estimated peripheral chemoreceptor sensitivity during light exercise (40 W) with air or 3% inhaled CO2 approximately doubled resting sensitivity. Ventilation after a delay increased by 17.0 ± 2.48 L/min (p < 0.001) during recovery following 45% maximal oxygen uptake ($$V_{{{\text{O}}_{2} \max }}$$

V

O
2

max

) exercise consistent with LTF which exceeded what can be achieved with intermittent hypoxia. Model fitting of the dynamic responses was used to separate neural from chemoreceptor-mediated CO2 responses. Exercise of 45% $$V_{{{\text{O}}_{2} \max }}$$

V

O
2

max

was followed by ventilation augmentation following initial recovery. Augmentation of LTF developed slowly according to second-order dynamics in accordance with plasticity involving a balance between self-excitatory and self-inhibitory neuronal pools.
Monitoring and simulating landscape changes: how do long-term changes in land use and long-term average climate affect regional biophysical conditions in southern Malawi?
Authors: Nkolokosa C. , Stothard Russell , Jones Christopher M. , Stanton Michelle , Chirombo James , Tangena Julie-Anne Akiko
Published: September 2023

We set out to reveal the effects of long-term changes in land use and long-term average climate on the regional biophysical environment in southern Malawi. Object-oriented supervised image classification was performed on Landsat 5 and 8 satellite images from 1990 to 2020 to identify and quantify past and present land use-land cover changes using a support vector machine classifier. Subsequently, using 2000 and 2010 land use-land cover in an artificial neural network, land use-land cover for 2020 driven by elevation, slope, precipitation and temperature, population density, poverty, distance to major roads, and distance to villages data was simulated. Between 1990 and 2020, area of land cover increased in built-up (209%), bare land (10%), and cropland (10%) and decreased in forest (30%), herbaceous (4%), shrubland (20%), and water area (20%). Overall, the findings reveal that southern Malawi is dominantly an agro-mosaic landscape shaped by the combined effects of urban and agricultural expansions and climate. The findings also suggest the need to enhance the machine learning algorithms to improve capacity for landscape modelling and, ultimately, prevention, preparedness, and response to environmental risks.
A near-UV reconnaissance of metal-poor massive stars
Authors: Evans Chris , Marcolino Wagner , Bouret Jean-Claude , Garcia Miriam
Published: September 2023

We use synthetic model spectra to investigate the potential of near-ultraviolet (3000-4050 Å) observations of massive O-type stars. We highlight the He I $$\lambda $$
λ
3188 and He II $$\lambda $$
λ
3203 pair as a potential temperature diagnostic in this range, supported by estimates of gravity using the high Balmer series lines. The near-ultraviolet also contains important metallic lines for determinations of chemical abundances (oxygen in particular) and estimates of projected rotational velocities for O-type spectra. Using the model spectra we present performance estimates for observations of extragalactic massive stars with the Cassegrain U-Band Efficient Spectrograph (CUBES) now in construction for the Very Large Telescope. The high efficiency of CUBES will open-up exciting new possibilities in the study of massive stars in external galaxies. For instance, CUBES will provide new insights into the physical properties of O-type stars, including oxygen abundances, in metal-poor irregular galaxies at $$\sim $$
∼
1 Mpc from integrations of just 2-3 hrs. Moreover, CUBES will bring quantitative spectroscopy of more distant targets within reach for the first time, such as the O-type star (V $$\sim $$
∼
 21.5 mag) in Leo P (at 1.6 Mpc) in only half a night of observations.
Metal oxide stabilized zirconia modified bio-derived carbon nanosheets as efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Abo-Zeid Menna M. , El-Moghny Muhammad G. Abd , Shawkey H. , Daher A. M. , Abdelkader Amr M. , El-Deab Mohamed S.
Published: September 2023

Zirconia is a promising candidate for many applications, especially when stabilized with metal oxide nanoparticles such as yttria and ceria. Zirconium oxide-based materials supported on carbon nanomaterials have shown excellent performance electrocatalysts due to their outstanding catalytic activities and high stability. In this work, a one-pot hydrothermal method was used to prepare porous stabilized zirconia nanoparticles with yttria and ceria (YSZ and CSZ) anchored on carbon nanosheets derived from molasses fiber waste as a sustainable source and annealing at various temperatures (MCNSs). The prepared composites YSZ/MCNSs and CSZ/MCNSs exhibit superior oxygen evolution reaction performance in alkaline medium. Various physicochemical analysis techniques such as SEM, EDX, HR-TEM, BET, XRD and XPS are employed to characterize the designed catalysts. The results showed that the doping of molasses fibers exfoliated into 2D nanosheets controlled the growth of the YSZ particles into the nanosize and increased their crystallinity. This improves the electrochemical surface area and stability, and modulates the electronic structure of zirconium, yttrium and cerium which facilitate the adsorption of OH− ions, and all contribute to the higher catalytic activity.

Graphical Abstract
Shell Midden Archaeology: Current Trends and Future Directions
Authors: Rick Torben C.
Published: September 2023

Since the 19th century, the study of shell middens has played an important role in archaeological research. Shell midden and broader coastal archaeology have transformed our understanding of human relationships with aquatic habitats, demonstrating the importance of marine environments to human evolution and ecology, the colonization of islands and establishment of maritime trade networks, changing social and political dynamics, and a variety of other issues. During the past two decades, shell midden research has greatly increased, marking an exciting time for new discoveries and heightened collaboration with Indigenous communities. Several key research trends in shell midden archaeology during the past 10–15 years include research on site distribution and temporality, underwater archaeology, historical ecology, terraforming, landscape legacies, and community collaboration. These research trends demonstrate the ways in which shell midden archaeologists are shaping our understanding of the human past and environmental change around the world.
Integral equation method for the 1D steady-state Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations
Authors: Chao Zhen , Geng Weihua , Krasny Robert
Published: September 2023

An integral equation method is presented for the 1D steady-state Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations modeling ion transport through membrane channels. The differential equations are recast as integral equations using Green’s 3rd identity yielding a fixed-point problem for the electric potential gradient and ion concentrations. The integrals are discretized by a combination of midpoint and trapezoid rules, and the resulting algebraic equations are solved by Gummel iteration. Numerical tests for electroneutral and non-electroneutral systems demonstrate the method’s 2nd order accuracy and ability to resolve sharp boundary layers. The method is applied to a 1D model of the K$$^+$$

+

 ion channel with a fixed charge density that ensures cation selectivity. In these tests, the proposed integral equation method yields potential and concentration profiles in good agreement with published results.
Spatial patterns on tourism establishments in five CIP´s in Mexico, 2010–2022
Authors: Prudencio-Vázquez Jaime A. , Martínez-Rodríguez Alvaro , Pérez-Victorino Leonardo , Álvarez-García José
Published: September 2023

Studies on the spatial patterns of economic activity contribute to economic performance management, planning, and promotion. Investors, policymakers, and social organizations have access to valuable information on the concentration and location of activity. Spatial patterns of tourism have been studied to better organize tourist flows, optimize existing infrastructure, plan new facilities, and promote new destinations. In the late 1960s, the Central Mexican government started projects aimed at constructing large tourism facilities primarily for foreign visitors. These were called centros integralmente planeados or “fully planned centers” (CIP’s) and were headed by Fondo Nacional de Fomento al Turismo (National Tourism Promotion Fund) FONATUR. The objective of this study is to explore the spatial distribution patterns of tourism establishments in five municipalities where CIP?s are located. The study uses exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) tools, such as average nearest neighbor index, standard deviation ellipse, spatial kernel density, global and local indicator of spatial autocorrelation, applied to geographic information system (GIS) data representing tourism establishments. The results show changes in establishment distribution and orientation, as well as spatial concentration in all cases and years. All CIP?s experienced a significant reduction in establishments, particularly small and medium-sized businesses. This paper is one of the first to analyze simultaneously the spatial distribution and concentration of tourism establishments in five municipalities where CIP’s are located.
Spent coffee ground: transformation from environmental burden into valuable bioactive metabolites
Authors: Singh Tanim Arpit , Pal Namrata , Sharma Poonam , Passari Ajit Kumar
Published: September 2023

Spent coffee ground (SCG) is a primary by-product obtained during soluble coffee processing and could be used for high-value products due to its protein content. The SCG is a rich source of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, lipids and proteins. The bioactive peptide obtained after protein hydrolysis has great potential as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-mutagenic agent and a better understanding is a prerequisite for proper utilization of the natural and renewable source of protein to attain a sustainable approach. Moreover, by utilizing SCG-derived peptides we can reduce the contamination of these residues at an agronomical scale. In this review, we discussed the spent coffee ground protein-based peptides and also high-lightened the properties of these valuable bioactive peptides in addition to other industrially important metabolites. Conclusively, the SCG peptides can be an interesting substitute to plant protein with functional properties in food industries, and at the same time utilization of SCG would reduce the bio-waste burden.

Graphical abstract
Initial Investigation of Wave Interactions During Simultaneous Valve Closures in Hydraulic Piping Systems
Authors: Urbanowicz Kamil , Haluch Igor , Bergant Anton , Deptuła Adam , Śliwiński Paweł
Published: September 2023

The effects of interference of pressure waves in simple piping systems were studied. A freeware computer code Allievi developed at the University of Valencia was used to simulate dynamic waveforms in simple and complex networks. The tests were carried out according to three scenarios. No pressure increases significantly exceeding the Joukowsky pressure in simple cases were noticed. When the effects of the simultaneous closing of three valves located at the three pressure reservoirs with pipes of the same diameter connected at "Y" junction were tested, it was shown that wave interference (between primary and reflected waves) is influenced strongly by the length of the analyzed pipes. Additionally, when a change of diameter was assumed at the "Y" junction, secondary waves appear, which are responsible for increased pressure in this type of the system (even when the lengths of the lines are identical). Water supply pipe systems are subject to cyclical loads and wave interference of similar types even during standard operations, that’s why the understanding of this issue is crucial to effectively protect the systems from the risk of possible cracks, bursts, and leaks.
Senescence, regulators of alternative splicing and effects of trametinib treatment in progeroid syndromes
Authors: Bramwell Laura R. , Harries Lorna W.
Published: September 2023

Progeroid syndromes such as Hutchinson Gilford Progeroid syndrome (HGPS), Werner syndrome (WS) and Cockayne syndrome (CS), result in severely reduced lifespans and premature ageing. Normal senescent cells show splicing factor dysregulation, which has not yet been investigated in syndromic senescent cells. We sought to investigate the senescence characteristics and splicing factor expression profiles of progeroid dermal fibroblasts. Natural cellular senescence can be reversed by application of the senomorphic drug, trametinib, so we also investigated its ability to reverse senescence characteristics in syndromic cells. We found that progeroid cultures had a higher senescence burden, but did not always have differences in levels of proliferation, DNA damage repair and apoptosis. Splicing factor gene expression appeared dysregulated across the three syndromes. 10 µM trametinib reduced senescent cell load and affected other aspects of the senescence phenotype (including splicing factor expression) in HGPS and Cockayne syndromes. Werner syndrome cells did not demonstrate changes in in senescence following treatment. Splicing factor dysregulation in progeroid cells provides further evidence to support this mechanism as a hallmark of cellular ageing and highlights the use of progeroid syndrome cells in the research of ageing and age-related disease. This study suggests that senomorphic drugs such as trametinib could be a useful adjunct to therapy for progeroid diseases.
Assessment of the influence of an Australian native eucalypt, Corymbia maculata, on soil desiccation in a temperate climate
Authors: Sun Xi , Li Jie , Cameron Donald , Zhou Annan , Bayetto Peter , Moore Gregory
Published: September 2023

Expansive soils undergo significant moisture change under prevailing climate conditions, resulting in shrinkage and swelling in dry and wet months. Such seasonal movements of expansive soils can greatly affect the serviceability and performance of lightweight structures founded on shallow footing systems. The extent of movement may be exacerbated if trees are present since large amounts of water can be absorbed by the root system of trees, leading to localized settlement due to soil shrinkage. This study established a well-instrumented site that included a row of Australian native eucalypts located in an eastern suburb of Melbourne, Australia. A tree from this row was chosen for the monitoring of soil movements, soil moisture and suction over a period of 44 months. A sap flow instrument was used to monitor the transpiration and water uptake by the tree. The results showed that noticeable shrinkage settlement occurred at a radial distance of 7.8 m from the trunk of the tree, attributable in part to the increased water demand of the tree. This study promotes a better understanding of the process of expansive soil–tree root interaction. The field data presented can assist geotechnical engineers and practitioners with footing design in the presence of trees.
Production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from apple pomace in deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Lehtinen Jatta , Rusanen Annu , Kärkkäinen Johanna , Lappalainen Katja
Published: September 2023

Apple pomace is a waste stream produced by fruit processing industry millions of tons annually. It is rich in carbohydrates making it a potential feedstock for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), one of the most valuable platform chemicals. In this work, the conversion of apple pomace carbohydrates to HMF was studied in a choline chloride:glycolic acid (1:3) deep eutectic solvent. To prevent undesired side reactions of HMF methyl isobutyl ketone was added to the reaction system as an extractive phase. The effect of reaction conditions, i.e., the amount of water added to the reaction system, the presence of Lewis acid co-catalyst, as well as the reaction temperature and time, on HMF yield were studied. The highest total HMF yield (44.5%) was achieved at 110 °C in 10 min with 15 wt% H2O, and 0.01 g CrCl3 as co-catalyst. Without the co-catalyst, the highest achieved HMF yield was 37.3% (120 °C, 20 min, 15 m% H2O). The results indicated that apple pomace can be used as the feedstock for HMF production but the reaction procedure, especially the extraction process of HMF from deep eutectic solvent needs to be studied further.

Graphical abstract
The Link Between Age and Partner Preferences in a Large, International Sample of Single Women
Authors: Botzet Laura J. , Shea Amanda , Vitzthum Virginia J. , Druet Anna , Sheesley Maddie , Gerlach Tanja M.
Published: September 2023

Women’s capacity to reproduce varies over the life span, and developmental goals such as family formation are age-graded and shaped by social norms about the appropriate age for completing specific developmental tasks. Thus, a woman’s age may be linked to her ideas about what an ideal partner should be like. With the goals of replicating and extending prior research, in this study we examined the role of age in women’s partner preferences across the globe. We investigated associations of age with ideal long-term partner preferences in a cross-cultural sample of 17,254 single (i.e., unpartnered) heterosexual women, ages 18 to 67, from 147 countries. Data were collected via an online questionnaire, the Ideal Partner Survey. Confirming our preregistered hypotheses, we found no or only negligible age effects on preferences for kindness-supportiveness, attractiveness, financial security-successfulness, or education-intelligence. Age was, however, positively associated with preferences for confidence-assertiveness. Consistent with family formation goals, age was associated with an ideal partner’s parenting intentions (high until approximately age 30, then decreasing afterward). Age range deemed acceptable (and in particular, the discrepancy between one’s own age and the minimum ideal age of a partner) increased with age. This latter pattern also replicated in exploratory analyses based on subsamples of lesbian and bisexual women. In summary, age has a limited impact on partner preferences. Of the attributes investigated, only preference for confidence-assertiveness was linked with age. However, age range deemed acceptable and an ideal partner’s parenting intention, a dimension mostly neglected in earlier research, substantially vary with age.
Lifespan Development Seen through Niche Construction Theory
Authors: Christensen Bo Allesøe
Published: September 2023

I will here pick up on a suggestion made by Greve (2023) in this journal, namely that a proper understanding of lifespan development means defending a non-reductionist psychology taking biological processes seriously, but without reducing psychology to physiology. I will here suggest and argue for the use of niche construction theory as a way of providing a psychological theoretical perspective on lifespan development broad enough to contain both naturalistic and normative elements in a non-reductionist manner.
Emotional intelligence moderates the stress-depression link in college students before and during COVID
Authors: Robbins Michelle M. , Brown Kristina Groce , Marks Alan , Ransbotham Emily M.
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated college students’ normative experiences of stress, leading to a mental health crisis. One factor that may protect against the consequences of stress is emotional intelligence (EI), which is associated with a wide range of social, mental health, and academic outcomes. The present study aims to determine whether EI might buffer the effects of life, recent, spillover, and pandemic stress on students’ depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. A secondary aim is to assess whether the hypothesized EI-buffering effect is unique to stress experienced during the pandemic. In 2013, 90 undergraduate students completed measures of EI, recent and life stress, spillover stress, and depression. Another 382 students completed the same survey in 2021, with an additional measure of pandemic stress. Regression analyses investigated the moderating effects of EI on the impact of stress on depression. As hypothesized, EI significantly moderated associations between combined recent and life stress [F(1, 460) = 16.11, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.020], as well as spillover stress [F(1,460) = 6.43, p = 0.012, η2 = 0.008], and depression symptoms for both samples. Also as predicted, EI significantly moderated COVID-related stress and depression symptoms [F(1,373) = 7.44, p = 0.007, η2 = 0.011]. Findings indicate that EI serves as a stress buffer for college students during normatively stressful times as well as during the heightened stress of a global pandemic, although its benefit may differ by type of stress. Future research should explore the possible specificity of EI’s buffering effects on the relationship between different types of stress experienced by college students and depression.
Trihalomethane Levels in Municipal Drinking Water of Madrid (Spain) and Health Risk Assessment for Oral Exposure
Authors: Almonacid Garrido Mª Concepción , Villanueva-Suárez Mª José , Álamo Gómez Alberto , Garcia-Alonso Alejandra , Tenorio Sanz Mª Dolores
Published: September 2023

Trihalomethanes (THMs) are generated in the drinking water treatment plant, due to the reaction of the halogenated disinfection compounds with the natural organic matter (NOM). They are related to health problems both from the point of view of cancer development and other important diseases. This study aimed to assess the quality of tap water in Madrid in terms of prevention and control of THMs risks in the supply water treated by Canal de Isabel II (CYII) in a total of 108 samples throughout 2015 to 2020, to distinguish the problems of the different 21 districts or types of buildings, the seasonality and to estimate the risk of exposure to THMs from tap water in the population of Madrid. The variables considered include year, seasonality, district of Madrid and sampling point. The concentrations of THMs detected in all samples were within the current legal limit (100 µg/l). Chloroform was the compound with the highest contribution to the sum of THMs. A decreasing trend in THMs concentrations was observed over the years of the study related to the removal of NOM and the use of chloramines. THM levels were higher in the central area than in the peripheral districts and the lowest concentrations were detected in summer. Regarding risk assessment, the results of the non-carcinogenic risk indicate that there is no potential risk from tap water consumption for the adult population. For the carcinogenic risk, only water samples with THM concentrations between 50 and 75 µg/l could constitute a risk for high consumers.
The spatial distribution and source apportionment of heavy metals in soil of Shizuishan, China
Authors: Bai Yiru , Zhang Yuhan , Liu Xu , Wang Youqi
Published: September 2023

Environmental pollution of heavy metals in the typical coal industrial city should be paid more attentions nowadays. The spatial distribution and source apportionment of 8 heavy metals (i.e., Cd, Cr, Co, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Mn) from topsoil samples (158) of Shizuishan city in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China were investigated using principal component analysis/absolute principal component scores (PCA/APCS) receptor model and geographic information system (GIS). These results showed that the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Co, Zn, Ni, Cu and Pb were higher than their soil background values in Ningxia. 99.36% of soil samples were heavily polluted according to analysis of integrated Nemerow pollution index (PN), whereas 81.65% of soil samples exhibited the highly strong potential ecological risk by ERI (the comprehensive of potential ecological risk index) values. The source apportionment results showed that eight heavy metals in soil were mainly from natural (32.39%), industrial (26.56%), traffic emission/coal consumption (20.18%) and atmospheric deposition source (12.73%). Typically, Zn, Mn and Ni were derived from natural source, whereas Cr and Co were mainly derived from industrial sources. Cu was from the multiple sources, whereas Pb and Cd were weighted primarily from traffic emission/coal consumption source and atmospheric deposition source, respectively. These findings were crucial for the prevention and control of heavy metals pollution in Shizuishan city.
Coherent at face value: Integration of forest carbon targets in Finnish policy strategies
Authors: Pitzén Samuli , Lukkarinen Jani , Primmer Eeva
Published: September 2023

Carbon sequestration and capture have gained a central position in forest governance, alongside wood production and biodiversity conservation, resulting in calls for policy coherence and integration across the EU. While coherence is often a target in the technical assessment of the policy design, it is important to understand how incoherent policies are supported by disconnected or incongruent knowledge claims and epistemologies. We address the coherence of forest policy by analysing the content and knowledge claims in forest, bioeconomy, and biodiversity strategies of Finland, an EU member state in which forests have a strong economic, political, and cultural status. Focussing on the argumentation regarding forest carbon, our analysis shows that the policy domains remain largely disconnected and rely on differentiated knowledge bases. Despite the explicit claims about policy coherence, few genuine attempts have been made towards integration and coordination between the domains. Our analysis reveals the different logics with which climate change is to be governed, and the types of knowledge utilised and produced in the integration of forest carbon as a policy object. Our analysis suggests that policy strategies with sectoral foci facilitate incoherent policymaking due to unresolved trade-offs and knowledge disagreements. Knowledge used in the policy design and implementation processes should be discussed thoroughly, and thereby integrated.
Endothelial-derived small extracellular vesicles support B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia development
Authors: Huang Dan , Yuan Yamin , Cao Liyuan , Zhang Difan , Jiang Yu , Zhang Yaping , Chen Chiqi , Yu Zhuo , Xie Li , Wei Yujuan , Wan Jiangbo , Zheng Junke
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The bone marrow niche plays an important role in leukemia development. However, the contributions of different niche components to leukemia development and their underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear.

Method

Cre/LoxP-based conditional knockout technology was used to delete VPS33B or ANGPTL2 gene in niche cells. Murine B-ALL model was established by overexpressing the N-Myc oncogene in hematopoietic stem progenitor cells. The frequency of leukemia cells and immunophenotypic B220+ CD43+ LICs was detected by flow cytometry. SEVs was isolated by sequential centrifugation and mass spectrometry was performed to analyze the different components of SEVs. Immunoprecipitation and western blot were used to measure the interaction of VPS33B and ANGPTL2.

Results

Here, we showed that specific knockout of vascular protein sorting 33b (Vps33b) in endothelial cells (ECs), but not megakaryocytes or mesenchymal stem cells, resulted in a significant decrease in the secretion of small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) and a delay in the development of B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Vps33b knockdown endothelial cells contained much lower levels of SEVs that contained angiopoietin-like protein 2 (ANGPTL2) than the control cells. Importantly, conditional knockout of Angptl2 in ECs significantly delayed B-ALL progression. Moreover, C-terminal region of ANGPTL2 (aa247-471) could directly interact with Sec1-like domain 1 of VPS33B (aa1-aa146). We further demonstrated that the point mutations R399H and G402S in ANGPTL2 led to a dramatic decrease in the secretion of ANGPTL2-SEVs. We also showed that wild-type ANGPTL2-containing SEVs, but not mutant ANGPTL2-containing SEVs, significantly enhanced B-ALL development.

Conclusion

In summary, our findings indicate that the secretion of ANGPTL2-containing SEVs in ECs sustains the leukemogenic activities of B-ALL cells, which is fine-tuned by the direct interaction of VPS33B and ANGPTL2. These findings reveal that niche-specific SEVs play an important role in B-ALL development.

Graphical abstract