bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lectins CGL and MTL, representatives of mytilectin family, exhibit different antiproliferative activity in Burkitt's lymphoma cells
Authors: Kuzmich Alexandra S. , Filshtein Alina P. , Likhatskaya Galina N. , Gorpenchenko Tatiana Y. , Chikalovets Irina V. , Mizgina Tatyana O. , Hua Kuo‐Feng , von Amsberg Gunhild , Dyshlovoy Sergey A. , Chernikov Oleg V.
Published: August 2024

Lectins are carbohydrate‐binding proteins, whose biological effects are exerted via binding to glycoconjugates expressed on the surface of cells. Exposure to lectins can lead not only to a change in the structure and properties of cells but also to their death. Here, we studied the biological activity of lectins from the mussels Crenomytilus graynus (CGL) and Mytilus trossulus (MTL) and showed that these proteins can affect the proliferation of human lymphoma cells. Both lectins suppressed the formation of colonies as well as cell cycle progression. The mechanism of action of these lectins was not mediated by reactive oxygen species but included damaging of mitochondria, inhibition of key cell cycle points, and activation of MAPK signaling pathway in tumor cells. Computer modeling suggested that various effects of CGL and MTL on lymphoma cells may be due to the difference in the energy of binding of these lectins to carbohydrate ligands on the cell surface. Thus, molecular recognition of residues of terminal carbohydrates on the surface of tumor cells is a key factor in the manifestation of the biological action of lectins.
Systematic position of Gisekia L. – A numerical assessment
Authors: Narayana P. S. , Narayana L. L.
Published: August 2024

The genus Gisekia L. has a disputed taxonomic position. It was assigned to different ranks such as genus, tribe and family by various systematists and placed in different families, namely, Aizoaceae, Molluginaceae and Phytolaccaceae. Recent systematists favoured its inclusion in Phytolaccaceae. In the light of the findings from the present investigation together with the available data from collateral disciplines, it is tentatively suggested that Gisekia be treated under Aizoaceae and that it may be considered as a probable connecting link between the betalain families, Aizoaceae and Phytolaccaceae and anthocyanin containing Moîluginaceae.
Textile waste pretreatment for anaerobic digestion: a review and technology feasibility study
Authors: Tharmarajah Naveenrajah , Shahbaz Kaveh , Baroutian Saeid
Published: August 2024

The increasing volume of textile waste in landfills and incineration poses severe environmental challenges. Waste valorisation of textile waste via anaerobic digestion (AD) is preferable, as it offers economic and environmental benefits, but it is hindered by textile complexity, necessitating effective pretreatment technologies to improve biogas production. This study aims to evaluate various pretreatment technologies for biogas production from textile fibres via AD. A weighted‐scoring analysis (WSA) assessed pretreatment methods based on technical, economic, environmental and operational criteria. Hydrothermal pretreatment emerged as the most technically effective method, scoring 140 owing to its substantial methane enhancement. Economically, shredding was the most viable option, scoring 125, as a consequence of low capital and O&M cost. Environmentally, hydrothermal and deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatments were top performers with 100 points owing to low environmental impact and positive heat reactions. In a case study conducted in the Auckland region, the potential environmental impact (PEI) obtained from hydrothermal and DES were 169 and 92 per year, respectively, resulting in minimal environmental impact. Operationally, ultrasonic and biological pretreatments scored highest owing to their ease of operation, and minimal health and safety requirements. Overall, hydrothermal pretreatment achieved the highest WSA score of 340, reflecting its balanced performance across all criteria. Hydrothermal pretreatment is the most promising technology for enhancing biogas production from textile waste. Its technical efficiency, economic feasibility and environmental benefits regarding the WSA score make it suitable for upscaling and providing a viable solution for managing textile waste in the AD plant. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Qualitative and Quantitative MR Imaging of the Cartilaginous Endplate: A Review
Authors: Wei Zhao , Athertya Jiyo S. , Chung Christine B. , Bydder Graeme M. , Chang Eric Y. , Du Jiang , Wenhui Yang , Ma Yajun
Published: August 2024

The cartilaginous endplate (CEP) plays a pivotal role in facilitating the supply of nutrients and, transport of metabolic waste, as well as providing mechanical support for the intervertebral disc (IVD). Recent technological advances have led to a surge in MR imaging studies focused on the CEP. This article describes the anatomy and functions of the CEP as well as MRI techniques for both qualitative and quantitative assessment of the CEP. Effective CEP MR imaging sequences require two key features: high spatial resolution and relatively short echo time. High spatial resolution spoiled gradient echo (SPGR) and ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences, fulfilling these requirements, are the basis for most of the sequences employed in CEP imaging. This article reviews existing sequences for qualitative CEP imaging, such as the fat‐suppressed SPGR and UTE, dual‐echo subtraction UTE, inversion recovery prepared and fat‐suppressed UTE, and dual inversion recovery prepared UTE sequences. These sequences are employed together with other techniques for quantitative CEP imaging, including measurements of T2*, T2, T1, T1ρ, magnetization transfer, perfusion, and diffusion tensor parameters.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Determination of xanthophylls in egg yolk using a combination of spectrophotometric and diol phase high‐performance liquid chromatography methods
Authors: Nguyen Anh Van , Deineka Victor Ivanovic , Burzhinskaya T. G. , Blinova Irina Petrovna , Deineka Lyudmila Aleksandrovna , Vu Anh Thi Ngoc
Published: August 2024

Normal‐phase (NP) liquid chromatography is one of the most effective methods for separating isomers with sensitive structural features, including xanthophyll isomers. In this work, reverse‐phase (RP) and NP liquid chromatography (LC), with silica gel and diol phase, respectively, were evaluated for the separation of xanthophyll isomers. The results showed that RP LC with monomeric C18 phase not only poorly separate all xanthophyll isomers in egg yolk but also requires additional sample preparation to eliminate triacylglycerols in egg yolk. The diol phase of NP‐LC provided the highest efficiency for separating lutein, zeaxanthin, and their cis‐isomers with isocratic separation using mobile phases consisting of n‐hexane and polar modifiers (such as acetone, methyl tert‐butyl ether, or ethyl acetate). To determine the xanthophyll content, peak areas from LC and total absorbance from spectrophotometry measurements were used. The approach was applied to analyze the xanthophylls of nine commercial egg samples. The results revealed that five out of nine analyzed samples contained a high level of canthaxanthin, which contributes to color enhancement but not to prevent age‐related macular degeneration. Together, it shows that NP LC with diol phase combined with spectrophotometry is a powerful tool to monitor xanthophylls in eggs.
Advances in the selection of functional monomers for molecularly imprinted polymers: A review
Authors: Niu Jiaqi , Du Min , Wu Wanqing , Yang Jianlei , Chen Qing
Published: August 2024

Molecularly imprinted polymers, a type of special polymer materials, are widely used in biosensing and other fields due to their ability to specifically recognize target molecules, often called “artificial receptors.”. Nowadays, researchers are constantly exploring new design and synthesis methods for molecularly imprinted materials to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of molecularly imprinted materials. Among them, the selection of functional monomers has attracted great attention. This review comprehensively analyzes and discusses the selection methods of functional monomers. The most commonly used functional monomers among different types of templates are screened based on the structural properties of the template molecules, including the selection of functional monomers among ion‐imprinted polymers, protein‐imprinted polymers, and bacterial imprinted polymers. The rich binding sites and functional group types of multifunctional monomers are also highlighted to advance the development of molecular imprinting technology. The article further explores the current challenges and prospects in the selection of functional monomers and emphasizes multiplex experiments and computer simulations as important directions for future research. This review provides comprehensive information and constructive guidelines for researchers in selecting functional monomers in areas such as analytical chemistry and biosensors.
Tagging of water masses with covariance of trace metals and prokaryotic taxa in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Zhang Rui , Blain Stéphane , Baudet Corentin , Planquette Hélène , Vivier Frédéric , Catala Philippe , Crispi Olivier , Guéneuguès Audrey , Marie Barbara , Debeljak Pavla , Obernosterer Ingrid
Published: August 2024

Marine microbes are strongly interrelated to trace metals in the ocean. How the availability of trace metals selects for prokaryotic taxa and the potential feedback of microbial processes on the trace metal distribution in the ocean remain poorly understood. We investigate here the potential reciprocal links between diverse prokaryotic taxa and iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) as well as apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) across 12 well‐defined water masses in the Southern Indian Ocean (SWINGS—South West Indian Ocean GEOTRACES GS02 Section cruise). Applying partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis, we show that the water masses are associated with particular latent vectors that are a combination of the spatial distribution of prokaryotic taxa, trace elements, and AOU. This approach provides novel insights on the potential interactions between prokaryotic taxa and trace metals in relation to organic matter remineralization in distinct water masses of the ocean.
Toward structure and metabolism of glycogen C1‐C6 in humans at 7 T by localized 13C MRS using low‐power bilevel broadband 1H decoupling
Authors: Serés Roig Eulalia
Published: August 2024

This work aims to develop and implement a pulse‐acquire sequence for three‐dimensional (3D) single‐voxel localized 13C MRS in humans at 7 T, in conjunction with bilevel broadband 1H decoupling, and to test its feasibility in vitro and in vivo in human calf muscle with emphasis on the detection of glycogen C1‐C6. A localization scheme suitable for measuring fast‐relaxing 13C signals in humans at 7 T was developed and implemented using the outer volume suppression (OVS) and one‐dimensional image selected in vivo spectroscopy (ISIS‐1D) schemes, similar to that which was previously reported in humans at 4 T. The 3D 13C localization scheme was followed by uniform 13C adiabatic excitation, all complemented with an option for bilevel broadband 1H decoupling to improve both 13C sensitivity and spectral resolution at 7 T. The performance of the pulse‐acquire sequence was investigated in vitro on phantoms and in vivo in the human calf muscle of three healthy volunteers, while measuring glycogen C1‐C6. In addition, T1 and T2 of glycogen C1‐C6 were measured in vitro at 7 T, as well as T1 of glycogen C1 in vivo. The glycerol C2 and C1,3 lipid resonances were efficiently suppressed in vitro at 7 T using the OVS and ISIS‐1D schemes, allowing distinct detection of glycogen C2‐C6. While some glycerol remained in calf muscle in vivo, the intense lipid at 130 ppm was efficiently suppressed. The 13C sensitivity and spectral resolution of glycogen C1‐C6 in vitro and glycogen C1 in vivo were improved at 7 T using bilevel broadband 1H decoupling. The T1 and T2 of glycogen C1‐C6 in vitro at 7 T were consistent compared with those at 8.5 T, while the T1 of glycogen C1 in vivo at 7 T resulted similar to that in vitro. Localized 13C MRS is feasible in human calf muscle in vivo at 7 T, and this will allow further extension of this method for 13C MRS measurements such as in the brain.
Hospital nurse managers' perspectives of the Magnet Recognition Program using an importance‐performance analysis: A quantitative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ryoo Eunha , Jeong Seok Hee , Shin Na Yeon , Yu Soyoung
Published: August 2024

Aim

To explore the perspectives of nursing managers in Korean hospitals on the Magnet Recognition Program using importance–performance analysis.

Design

A descriptive quantitative cross‐sectional design with a survey methodology was used to evaluate nursing managers' perceptions of the Magnet Recognition Program criteria.

Methods

After the Magnet Recognition Program's content validity was confirmed, an online survey was administered to 150 nursing managers from 10 hospitals. The results were analysed using importance–performance analysis.

Results

The average importance of the questionnaire for the developed Magnet Recognition Program criteria was 3.19 ± 135 and the performance was 2.90 ± 222. Items corresponding to the areas ‘Concentrate here’, ‘Keep up the good work’, ‘Possible overkill’ and ‘Low priority’ were identified using two importance–performance analysis frames. The items corresponding to ‘Concentrate here’ included evidence‐based nursing practice, the nursing professional practice model, nurses' participation in improving turnover rate and cases of innovation in nursing.

Conclusion

This study highlights areas for improvement within the Magnet Recognition Program as perceived by Korean nursing managers, emphasizing evidence‐based practice, professional models and nurses' involvement in turnover reduction and fostering innovation.

Public Contribution

To achieve Magnet recognition, hospitals must understand nursing managers' perspectives on the Magnet Recognition Program criteria. This study provides insights into enhancing the work environment for nurses in South Korean hospitals and lays the groundwork for developing effective Magnet certification programs. Introducing the Magnet program into South Korean hospitals may improve the overall nursing work environment and mitigate the serious problem of nursing staff turnover.

Reporting Method

The findings were reported using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.
Tunable crystalline assemblies using surface‐engineered protein cages
Authors: Lach Marcel , Rütten Michael , Beck Tobias
Published: August 2024

Assembly of nanoparticles into superlattices yields nanomaterials with novel properties. We have recently shown that engineered protein cages are excellent building blocks for the assembly of inorganic nanoparticles into highly structured hybrid materials, with unprecedented precision. In this study, we show that the protein matrix, composed of surface‐charged protein cages, can be readily tuned to achieve a number of different crystalline assemblies. Simply by altering the assembly conditions, different types of crystalline structures were produced, without the need to further modify the cages. Future work can utilize these new protein scaffolds to create nanoparticle superlattices with various assembly geometries and thus tune the functionality of these hybrid materials.
Novel evaluation of pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic lung disease using perfusion SPECT/CT: A pilot study
Authors: Atsumi Kenichiro , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Tanaka Yosuke , Nishima Shunichi , Tanaka Toru , Seike Masahiro , Kubota Yoshiaki , Kimura Hiroshi
Published: August 2024

In pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with chronic lung disease (CLD), identifying patients who would benefit from pulmonary vasodilators is a significant clinical challenge because the presence of PH is associated with poorer survival. This study evaluated the severity of pulmonary circulation impairment in patients with CLD‐PH using pulmonary perfusion single‐photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). This single‐center, observational study enrolled patients with CLD‐PH who had a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) ≥ 25 mmHg, as confirmed by right heart catheterization. The primary outcome was to measure the percentage of pulmonary perfusion defect (%PPD), calculated by dividing the perfusion defect volume from perfusion SPECT images by the lung volume from CT scan images. The secondary outcome was to assess the correlation between %PPD and baseline characteristics. The median %PPD was 52.4% (interquartile range, 42.5%–72.3%) in 22 patients. In multivariate linear regression analysis, both forced vital capacity (β = 0.58, p = 0.008) and mean PAP (β = 0.68, p = 0.001) were significantly correlated with %PPD. In conclusion, significant correlation between mean PAP and %PPD in patients with CLD‐PH was observed. This noninvasive assessment of %PPD may be useful for evaluating the severity of pulmonary circulation impairment in CLD‐PH.
Analysis for Satellite‐Based High‐Dimensional Extended B92 and High‐Dimensional BB84 Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Dutta Arindam , Muskan  , Banerjee Subhashish , Pathak Anirban
Published: August 2024

A systematic analysis of the advantages and challenges associated with the satellite‐based implementation of the high dimensional extended B92 (HD‐Ext‐B92) and high‐dimensional BB84 (HD‐BB84) protocol is analyzed. The method used earlier for obtaining the key rate for the HD‐Ext‐B92 is modified here and subsequently the variations of the key rate, probability distribution of key rate (PDR), and quantum bit error rate (QBER) with respect to dimension and noise parameter of a depolarizing channel is studied using the modified key rate equation. Further, the variations of average key rate (per pulse) with zenith angle and link length in different weather conditions in day and night considering extremely low noise for dimension are investigated using elliptic beam approximation. The effectiveness of the HD‐(extended) protocols used here in creating satellite‐based quantum key distribution links (both up‐link and down‐link) are established by appropriately modeling the atmosphere and analyzing the variation of average key rates with the probability distribution of the transmittance (PDT). The analysis performed here has revealed that in higher dimensions, HD‐BB84 outperforms HD‐Ext‐B92 in terms of both key rate and noise tolerance. However, HD‐BB84 experiences a more pronounced saturation of QBER in high dimensions.
Exploring the Diverse Biological Frontiers of Isoxazole: A Comprehensive Review of its Pharmacological Significance
Authors: Shinde Yogesh , Khairnar Bhushan , Bangale Sachin
Published: August 2024

This review delves into the multifaceted biological activity of isoxazole, a versatile heterocyclic compound that has garnered significant attention in the realm of medicinal chemistry. Isoxazole derivatives have exhibited a wide array of pharmacological properties, ranging from antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities to anticancer and neuroprotective effects. This comprehensive examination aims to provide a detailed overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological actions of isoxazole, exploring its potential as a promising scaffold for drug development. The review encompasses recent advancements, structure‐activity relationships, and key findings from both in vitro and in vivo studies, offering insights into the therapeutic potential of isoxazole in various disease contexts. By synthesizing the current state of knowledge, this article aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners interested in the medicinal significance of isoxazole and its derivatives.
Study on the Structure and Properties of PBAT‐Based Biocomposite with High Starch Content
Authors: Liu Yunguo , Jiang Sike , Weng Fangqing , Luo Zimu , Wang Huiling , Wu Qiangxian
Published: August 2024

This study uses biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and renewable natural polymer corn starch (CS) as raw materials to prepare a high starch content PBAT/CS composite material. The composite is prepared by blending corn starch in a higher proportion with biodegradable PBAT, using polyurethane prepolymer as a compatibilizer. The effects of CS content on the properties of the composites are investigated. The results of SEM show that the interface compatibility between PBAT and CS improves considerably with the addition of PCL‐based polyurethane pre‐polymer (PCLPU). Compared with PBAT/CS composites without PCLPU, the elongation at break of PBAT/CS composites with 10 wt% PCLPU is 31.9% (at the condition of 50% CS content), which is nearly 21 times higher, and the tensile strength is 18.9 MPa, which is almost two times higher. Moreover, the obtained compatible PBAT/CS composites show good thermal and hydrophilic properties. The results demonstrate that the addition of PCLPU compatibilizer has a positive impact on the fabrication of PBAT‐based polymer composites that contain high proportion of biomass. Moreover, PBAT‐based polymer composites with a high starch content hold promising prospects in the realm of biodegradable materials.
The Anti‐Metastatic Action of Oxyresveratrol via Suppression of Phosphoryl‐ERK/‐PKCα‐Mediated Sp1/MMP1 Signaling in Human Renal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Wu Tsai‐Kun , Hsieh Yi‐Hsien , Hung Tung‐Wei , Lin Yi‐Chen , Lin Chia‐Liang , Liu Yu‐Jou , Pan Ying‐Ru , Tsai Jen‐Pi
Published: August 2024

Oxyresveratrol (OxyR) exerts biological and pharmacological effects in a variety of tumor cells, including antioxidant action, antitumor activity, and proapoptotic effects. However, the regulation of targeted signaling pathways by OxyR and the mechanism underlying these effects in human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have been less studied. We observed that OxyR at noncytotoxic doses did not affect the growth of human RCC cells or normal kidney HK2 cells. OxyR inhibited ACHN and Caki‐1 cell migration and invasion through targeting matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression. Analysis of clinical databases showed that high MMP1 expression is associated with lower overall survival (OS) in these cancers (p < 0.01). OxyR significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of Sp1. Furthermore, luciferase assay results showed that OxyR inhibited Sp1 transcriptional activity. Additionally, OxyR preferentially suppressed the activation of ERK and PKCα. Treatment with U0126 (MEK inhibitor) or G06976 (PKCα inhibitor) clearly decreased Sp1 and MMP1 expression and inhibited RCC cell migration and invasion. In conclusion, OxyR may be a potential antitumor therapy for the inhibition of migration and invasion by controlling p‐ERK/Sp1 and p‐PKCα/Sp1‐mediated MMP1 expression in RCC.
Markov Model Decodes Cuttack's Landscape Shifts: Geospatial Insights Into Urban Metamorphosis
Authors: Patra Prasanta Kumar , Behera Duryadhan , Goswami Shreerup , Chatterjee Tanmoy , Jena Krishna Manjari
Published: August 2024

Modeling the prediction of land use/land cover (LULC) change is necessary for sustainable management of natural resources and effective planning for proper urban development. The Markov chain model is the most commonly used prediction model for assessing LULC changes. This study aims to assess changes in LULC in Cuttack City from 1990 to 2020 and to predict LULC modification in 2050. For the analysis, Landsat satellite data were collected from the USGS website for 1990, 2005, and 2020. The satellite images were masked with our area of interest and classified using the maximum likelihood classifier tool in ArcGIS 10.2. The result of the multi‐temporal classification shows that the built‐up area percentage reached 45.927% in 1990 and 57.827% in 2020. Most areas of vegetation and water bodies were affected by this impromptu growth. Using the chi‐square test, the results of the Markov model are validated, which shows no significant differences between the classified and simulated areas. This model can, therefore, be accepted for our prediction. Built‐up growth has already achieved its peak in Cuttack City. There may be further growth in built‐up areas in the city shortly. These findings draw the attention of urban planners and policymakers to the stress of urban sprawl and prompt them to take stringent action to deal with this pressing issue.
Retrospective study of the relative frequency of cattle respiratory disease pathogens in clinical laboratory samples submitted by UK veterinary practices
Authors: Denholm Katharine , Evans Neil P. , Baxter‐Smith Katharine , Burr Paul
Published: August 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to explore the relative frequency and seasonality of bovine respiratory pathogens in the UK, based on clinical case submission for laboratory PCR testing.

Methods

This study used retrospective data generated by a central Scotland laboratory using 407 clinical (pooled) samples collected by 95 veterinary practices located throughout the UK between November 2020 and September 2022. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive spatial analysis (choropleth maps), chi‐squared analysis, Poisson and logistic regression modelling.

Results

The majority (77.6%) of the samples had more than one species of bacteria identified, and 17.7% had multiple viruses identified. In comparison with the colder months of autumn and winter (September to February), the warmer months (March to August) were significantly associated with lower odds of respiratory disease caused by certain pathogens. Poisson models showed small but significant univariable associations between total viruses (coefficient = ‒0.01, standard error [SE] = 0.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] = ‒0.02 to ‒0.003) and total pathogens (coefficient = ‒0.005, SE = 0.002, 95% CI = ‒0.008 to 0.002) and increasing weekly age.

Limitations

This is an inherently biased population because it only comprises clinical samples submitted to a single UK laboratory, and the data were analysed retrospectively.

Conclusions

A large majority of clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD) samples were multipathogenic, and pathogens such as bovine coronavirus (which has generally not been considered a significant contributing pathogen in the BRD complex in the UK) were prevalent.
Non-uniqueness of Admissible Solutions for the 2D Euler Equation with $$L^p$$ Vortex Data
Authors: Mengual Francisco
Published: August 2024

For any$$2<p<\infty $$2<p<∞we prove that there exists an initial velocity field$$v^\circ \in L^2$$v∘∈L2with vorticity$$\omega ^\circ \in L^1\cap L^p$$ω∘∈L1∩Lpfor which there are infinitely many bounded admissible solutions$$v\in C_tL^2$$v∈CtL2to the 2D Euler equation. This shows sharpness of the weak–strong uniqueness principle, as well as sharpness of Yudovich’s proof of uniqueness in the class of bounded admissible solutions. The initial data are truncated power-law vortices. The construction is based on finding a suitable self-similar subsolution and then applying the convex integration method. In addition, we extend it for$$1<p<\infty $$1<p<∞and show that the energy dissipation rate of the subsolution vanishes at$$t=0$$t=0if and only if$$p\ge \nicefrac {3}{2}$$p≥32, which is the Onsager critical exponent in terms of$$L^p$$Lpcontrol on vorticity in 2D.
Assessing heavy metal contamination and health risks in playground dust near cement factory: exposure levels in children
Authors: Birgül Aşkın
Published: August 2024

Heavy metals pose significant threats to human health, particularly children. This study aimed to assess heavy metal pollution in children's playgrounds using surface dust as an indicator and to ascertain the associated exposure levels and health risks. A total of one hundred twenty dust samples were collected from the surface of playground toys in areas surrounding the cement factory in Bursa, Türkiye, on precipitation-free days. The heavy metal content of the samples was analyzed using ICP-MS. The average total concentration of heavy metals ranged from 2401 to 6832 mg/kg across the sampling sites, with the highest values observed at PG4, PG3, PG2, and PG1, respectively. The most commonly detected heavy metals in the samples included Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, and Ni. Statistical analysis revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.01) among Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Pb, As, and Ni, with Cu and Pb also showing correlation (p < 0.05). PCA analysis identified three principal components explaining 79.905% of the total variance. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) and Hazard Index values for heavy metals were found to be below the safe threshold (HQ < 1). Quantitative techniques such as the geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor are used to determine pollution levels at the sampling sites. Overall, the results indicate that cement factories significantly contribute to heavy metal pollution, with observed values varying based on proximity to the emission source.
Failure to Comprehend Determinism or Failure to Measure Comprehension? Methodological Issues in Experimental Philosophy of Free Will
Authors: Cova Florian , Martinez Tristan
Published: August 2024

In the past 20 years, experimental philosophers have been investigating folk intuitions about the compatibility of determinism with free will and moral responsibility using vignettes depicting agents in deterministic universes. However, recent research suggests that participants massively fail to understand these vignettes. Moreover, it has also been proposed that these comprehension errors might even be systematic and thus unavoidable, threatening the project of probing folk intuitions about free will and determinism through vignettes. Through five studies, we suggest that past studies have overestimated participants’ failure to understand vignettes depicting deterministic universes, mainly by relying on unreliable samples and by using non-validated measures. We also show that using new vignettes that take more time to better describe what determinism is substantially reduces comprehension errors and their impact on participants’ intuitions. We conclude that, at least in the current state of the art, skepticism about the possibility to probe folk intuitions about the compatibility of determinism with free will and moral responsibility through the use of vignettes is premature.
COVID-19 experience and student wellbeing amongst publicly funded higher education students in South Africa after the first, and second waves
Authors: Wildschut Angelique , Wilson-Fadiji Angelina
Published: August 2024

Although higher education students have been identified as one of the social groups most affected by the impact of COVID-19, higher education literature appears to focus more on documenting implications for teaching and learning, curriculum and institutions, than student wellbeing. This has resulted in gaps to our understanding and approaches to intervene positively in, student wellbeing within the higher education space ‘post-COVID-19’. Drawing on a novel survey data set administered in November 2021, of the 6877 higher education (University and TVET College) students in South Africa, this paper aims to contribute through cross-sectional data that allows analysis of student experience of COVID-19 and its relationship to student wellbeing. As expected, our findings confirm COVID-19 experience as a significant predictor of student wellbeing. We also identify satisfaction with interventions from higher education stakeholders in response to COVID-19 as the strongest, and the extent to which students felt impacted by changes to their routine behaviours as the weakest, predictors of wellbeing. The paper adds to existing international literature, the South African context with a large sample. Secondly, the analysis provides a more comprehensive view of the link between COVID-19 and higher education student wellbeing, as TVET College students are included. The composite measurement of COVID-19 experience is a further contribution. Finally, the findings add to the literature on COVID-19 and higher education student wellbeing, the experience of disadvantaged students. The findings underscore the emotional health of students as a critical area for higher education policy and intervention during times of uncertainty or disruption.
Differentiability of the Nonlocal-to-local Transition in Fractional Poisson Problems
Authors: Jarohs Sven , Saldaña Alberto , Weth Tobias
Published: August 2024

Let $$u_{s}$$

u
s

denote a solution of the fractional Poisson problem $$\begin{aligned} (-\Delta )^{s} u_{s} = f\quad \text { in }\Omega ,\qquad u_{s}=0\quad \text { on }{\mathbb {R}}^{N}\setminus \Omega , \end{aligned}$$

(
-
Δ
)

s

u
s

=
f

in

Ω
,

u
s

=
0

on

R

N

\
Ω
,

where $$N\ge 2$$

N
≥
2

and $$\Omega \subset {\mathbb {R}}^{N}$$

Ω
⊂

R

N

is a bounded domain of class $$C^{2}$$

C
2

. We show that the solution mapping $$s\mapsto u_{s}$$

s
↦

u
s

is differentiable in $$L^\infty (\Omega )$$

L
∞

(
Ω
)

at s = 1, namely, at the nonlocal-to-local transition. Moreover, using the logarithmic Laplacian, we characterize the derivative $$\partial _{s} u_{s}$$

∂
s

u
s

as the solution to a boundary value problem. This complements the previously known differentiability results for s in the open interval (0, 1). Our proofs are based on an asymptotic analysis to describe the collapse of the nonlocality of the fractional Laplacian as s approaches 1. We also provide a new representation of $$\partial _{s} u_{s}$$

∂
s

u
s

for s$$\in (0,1)$$

∈
(
0
,
1
)

which allows us to refine previously obtained Green function estimates.
Morphological and molecular identification of metacestodes infecting teleost fishes of Moreton Bay, Australia
Authors: Cutmore Scott C. , Bennett Michael B. , Cribb Thomas H.
Published: August 2024

In a parasitological survey of fishes from Moreton Bay (southeastern Queensland, Australia), 169 teleost fishes, representing 54 species from 28 families, were examined for larval cestodes. Of these 54 species, 36 were found to be infected by metacestodes. Metacestodes were characterised by morphological and molecular data (the D1-D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene); these data were analysed in parallel to inform larval type allocation. Metacestodes collected represented eight morphological types, seven previously reported (Types I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, and X) and one novel type (Type XVI). Phylogenetic analyses were conducted to genetically match larval types to adult cestodes. Six of the eight larval types found were matched to adult forms: Type I metacestodes matched species of Phoreiobothrium Linton, 1889 (Onchobothriidae); Type II metacestodes matched species of Acanthobothrium van Beneden, 1849 (Onchobothriidae); Type IV metacestodes matched species of Scyphophyllidium Woodland, 1927 and Alexandercestus Ruhnke & Workman, 2013 (Phyllobothriidae); Type VI metacestodes matched species of Anthobothrium van Beneden, 1850 (Tetraphyllidea incertae sedis); Type X metacestodes matched species of Ambitalveolus Caira & Jensen, 2022 (Tetraphyllidea incertae sedis); and Type XVI metacestodes matched species of Platybothrium Linton, 1890 (Onchobothriidae). Based on phylogenetic topology, Type V metacestodes are inferred to match Pedibothrium Linton, 1909 (Balanobothriidae) and Type VII metacestodes are inferred to match Spongiobothrium Linton, 1889 (Rhinebothriidae). These findings support and extend the unified morphological type system proposed previously, but suggest that morphological types will ultimately be informative to identify metacestodes to a group of related genera rather than any distinct genus.
Infected nursery stock and poor silvicultural practices contribute to development of Ceratocystis manginecans wilt and canker disease in Eucalyptus pellita
Authors: Indrayadi H. , Glen Morag , Kurniawan Y. R. , Fahrizawati  , Beadle C. , Ratkowsky D. , Tjahjono B. , Mohammed C.
Published: August 2024

In Indonesia and Malaysia, Eucalyptus pellita has replaced large areas of Acacia mangium plantations as the latter species is highly susceptible to C. manginecans. This strategy may not be effective in the long term as E. pellita is also susceptible to Ceratocystis wilt and canker disease though it has higher tolerance than A. mangium. Furthermore, the pathogen has the capacity to evolve and adapt to new hosts. To highlight the need for careful sanitation in nurseries and the potential impact of wounding during silvicultural operations, two experiments were conducted to (i) demonstrate the ability of cryptic Ceratocystis infections in nursery plants to develop into Ceratocystis wilt and canker disease after planting out and (ii) assess the risk of Ceratocystis infection and disease development from different wound types. In the nursery, three-month-old mini-cuttings of seven E. pellita clones were artificially wounded and inoculated with two isolates of Ceratocystis manginecans near the base of the stem. The disease incidence and lesion length were measured one month later, just prior to planting out. After four months of growth in the plantation, the trees were harvested and stems sliced longitudinally to measure the length of xylem discolouration. Six of 36 ramets of susceptible clones died and the length of xylem discolouration was significantly greater in susceptible clones than in tolerant clones. The second experiment was based on inoculation of 12-month-old plantation-grown trees of one clone of E. pellita with one isolate of C. manginecans using six different wounding methods. The inoculated wounds on the trees all produced xylem discolouration, except for those that only penetrated the outer bark. Disease incidence was greater at stem heights of 30 to 90 cm than on the basal stem or branch stub. The experiment emphasised the importance of minimising the risk of C. manginecans infection following wounding in the nursery and in the field as the discolouration is an indication of xylem blockage that can lead to tree mortality.
Axial rod slip at the end-of-construct screw in scoliosis surgery: relevance, occurrence and prevention
Authors: Schlösser T. P. , Blaauw I. , van der Valk M. R. , van Solinge Guido , Faber C. , Kruyt M. C.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Despite standardized biomechanical tests for spinal implants, we recently recognized pedicle screw failure to maintain the rod fixated as a clinical concern in scoliosis surgery. This occurrence study investigates the risk and magnitude of axial rod slip (ARS), its relation with technique and preventive measures.

Methods

Retrospective multicenter review of all primary scoliosis cases (2018–2020) with > 1 year FU from three centers, instrumented with uniplanar screws and 5.5 mm CoCr rods (Mesa 2, Stryker Corporation, Kalamazoo, MI, USA). ARS was defined as > 1 mm change in residual distal rod length from the screw in the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) and assessed by two independent observers. Slip distance, direction, relation to distal screw density and time of observation were recorded, as well as the effect of ARS on caudal curve increase. To prevent slip, more recent patients were instrumented with a different end-of-construct screw (Reline, NuVasive Inc. San Diego, CA, USA) and analyzed for comparison.

Results

ARS risk was 27% (56/205) with a distance of 3.6 ± 2.2 mm, predominantly convex. 42% occurred before 4 months, the rest before 1 year. The caudal curve substantially increased three times more often in patients with ARS. Interobserver reliability was high and slip was in the expected direction. ARS was unrelated to distal screw density. Remarkable variation in ARS rates (53%, 31%, 13%) existed between the centers, while there was no difference in mean screw density (≈1.3 screws/level) or curve correction (≈60%). Revision surgery for ARS was required in 2.9% (6/207). Using the different end-of-construct screw, ARS risk was only 2% (1/56) and no revisions were required.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the prevalence of axial rod slip at the end of construct in scoliosis surgery and its clinical relevance. While minimal ARS can be subclinical, ARS should not be mistaken for adding on. The most severe ARS predominantly occurred convex at the high-loaded distal screw when L3 was the LIV. Longer constructs (LIV L3 or L4) have a higher risk of ARS. The minimal risk of ARS with another end-of-construct screw underscores the influence of screw type on ARS occurrence in our series. Further research is essential to refine techniques and enhance patient outcomes.
History in Flames
Authors: Bartlett Robert
Published: August 2024

To what extent does our knowledge of the past rely upon written sources? And what happens when these sources are destroyed? Focusing on the manuscripts of the Middle Ages, History in Flames explores cases in which large volumes of written material were destroyed during a single day. This destruction didn't occur by accident of fire or flood but by human forces such as arson, shelling and bombing. This book examines the political and military events that preceded the moment of destruction, from the Franco-Prussian War and the Irish Civil War to the complexities of World War II; it analyses the material lost and how it came to be where it was. At the same time, it discusses the heroic efforts made by scholars and archivists to preserve these manuscripts, even partially. History in Flames reminds us that historical knowledge rests on material remains, and that these remains are vulnerable.
Tasks, Knowledge, and Practice: Long-Distance Resource Acquisition at Goat Spring Pueblo (LA285), Central New Mexico
Authors: Eckert Suzanne L. , Huntley Deborah L. , Habicht-Mauche Judith A. , Ferguson Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2024

We examine provenance data collected from three types of geological resources recovered at Goat Spring Pueblo in central New Mexico. Our goal is to move beyond simply documenting patterns in compositional data; rather, we develop a narrative that explores how people's knowledge and preferences resulted in culturally and materially determined choices as revealed in those patterns. Our analyses provide evidence that residents of Goat Spring Pueblo did not rely primarily on local geological sources for the creation of their glaze paints or obsidian tools. They did, however, utilize a locally available blue-green mineral for creation of their ornaments. We argue that village artisans structured their use of raw materials at least in part according to multiple craft-specific and community-centered ethnomineralogies that likely constituted the sources of these materials as historically or cosmologically meaningful places through their persistent use. Consequently, the surviving material culture at Goat Spring Pueblo reflects day-to-day beliefs, practices, and social relationships that connected this village to a broader mosaic of interconnected Ancestral Pueblo taskscapes and knowledgescapes.
Asymptotics of the centre-mode instability in viscoelastic channel flow: with and without inertia
Authors: Kerswell Rich R. , Page Jacob
Published: August 2024

Motivated by the recent numerical results of Khalid et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 127, 2021, 134502), we consider the large-Weissenberg-number (

$W$

) asymptotics of the centre mode instability in inertialess viscoelastic channel flow. The instability is of the critical layer type in the distinguished ultra-dilute limit where

$W(1-\beta )=O(1)$

as

$W \rightarrow \infty$

(

$\beta$

is the ratio of solvent-to-total viscosity). In contrast to centre modes in the Orr–Sommerfeld equation,

$1-c=O(1)$

as

$W \rightarrow \infty$

, where

$c$

is the phase speed normalised by the centreline speed as a central ‘outer’ region is always needed to adjust the non-zero cross-stream velocity at the critical layer down to zero at the centreline. The critical layer acts as a pair of intense ‘bellows’ which blows the flow streamlines apart locally and then sucks them back together again. This compression/rarefaction amplifies the streamwise-normal polymer stress which in turn drives the streamwise flow through local polymer stresses at the critical layer. The streamwise flow energises the cross-stream flow via continuity which in turn intensifies the critical layer to close the cycle. We also treat the large-Reynolds-number (

$Re$

) asymptotic structure of the upper (where

$1-c=O(Re^{-2/3})$

) and lower branches of the

$Re$

–

$W$

neutral curve, confirming the inferred scalings from previous numerical computations. Finally, we remark that the viscoelastic centre-mode instability was actually first observed in viscoelastic Kolmogorov flow by Boffetta et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 523, 2005, pp. 161–170).
On the flow dynamics around a surface-mounted cube and boundary layer effects
Authors: da Silva Barbara L. , Sumner David , Bergstrom Donald J.
Published: August 2024

Motivated by contradicting or insufficient information regarding the large-scale flow dynamics around surface-mounted finite-height square prisms of small aspect ratio, the present study investigates the dominant vortex shedding and low-frequency dynamics around a surface-mounted cube. These flow modes were obtained from the spectral proper orthogonal decomposition of large-eddy simulation results, at a Reynolds number of

$\textit {Re}=1\times 10^4$

and two different types of boundary layer: a thin and laminar boundary layer with thickness

$\delta /D=0.2$

and a thick and turbulent boundary layer with

$\delta /D=0.8$

. The main antisymmetric mode pair revealed a new flow pattern with the alternate shedding of streamwise flow structures, indicating a transition from the half-loops of taller prisms to only streamwise strands (i.e. no vertical core) for smaller aspect ratio. The formation process of the streamwise structures is due to a reorientation of the vorticity of the arch vortex in the streamwise direction characteristic of the shed structures. The low-frequency drift mode affected the length of the recirculation region, the strength of vortex shedding, and the near-wall flow field and pressure distribution on the cube's faces, leading to low-frequency variations in the fluctuating drag and normal force coefficients. These large-scale flow dynamics were similar for both boundary layers, but minor differences were identified, related mostly to the occurrence of flow attachment and the formation of a headband vortex for the thicker boundary layer.
Large Glacier‐Like Forms on Mars: Insights From Crater Morphologies and Crater Retention Ages
Authors: Driver G. , El‐Maarry M. R. , Hubbard B. , Brough S.
Published: August 2024

Glacier‐Like Forms (GLFs) are a subset of ice‐rich landforms known as Viscous Flow Features that populate Mars' mid‐latitudes. GLFs are morphologically similar to terrestrial valley glaciers and are thought to result from the redistribution of water ice from the Martian poles during periods of high obliquity throughout the Amazonian period. Their ages, formation, and evolutionary processes are poorly constrained. We selected the 100 largest GLFs from the most recent GLF population data set, and by analyzing their superimposing crater morphologies and populations, we calculated their Crater Retention Ages (CRAs) and identified any relationships between CRAs, crater morphologies, and GLF geometries. We also organized the crater morphologies into states of degradation based on the understood erosional sequences. 3,630 craters were mapped, which we classified into 15 different crater morphologies. We calculated 98 CRAs, ranging from ∼2.88 Ma to ∼3.5 Ga. On average, GLFs in the southern hemisphere have younger CRAs, higher average slopes, smaller crater populations, and show less variability in crater morphological development than in the northern hemisphere. GLFs with higher mean slopes display less crater morphology variety, suggesting that shallow GLFs experience less reworking than steeper GLFs. We propose that these regional and hemispheric differences are due to a combination of favorable topography and climate conditions, both during and between high obliquity periods. We present several scenarios for the GLFs observed in this study and suggest that the glacial and erosional processes that affect GLF evolution are likely locale‐dependent.