bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of magnesium and vitamin D status with grip strength and fatigue in older adults: a 4-week observational study of geriatric participants undergoing rehabilitation
Authors: Kettig Eva , Kistler-Fischbacher Melanie , de Godoi Rezende Costa Molino Caroline , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A. , Frundi Devine Shimbagha
Published: June 2023

Background

Low magnesium and vitamin D levels negatively affect individuals’ health.

Aims

We aimed to investigate the association of magnesium status with grip strength and fatigue scores, and evaluate whether this association differs by vitamin D status among older participants undergoing geriatric rehabilitation.

Methods

This is a 4-week observational study of participants aged ≥ 65 years undergoing rehabilitation. The outcomes were baseline grip strength and fatigue scores, and 4-week change from baseline in grip strength and fatigue scores. The exposures were baseline magnesium tertiles and achieved magnesium tertiles at week 4. Pre-defined subgroup analyses by vitamin D status (25[OH]D < 50 nmol/l = deficient) were performed.

Results

At baseline, participants (N = 253, mean age 75.7 years, 49.4% women) in the first magnesium tertile had lower mean grip strength compared to participants in the third tertile (25.99 [95% CI 24.28–27.70] vs. 30.1 [95% CI 28.26–31.69] kg). Similar results were observed among vitamin D sufficient participants (25.54 [95% CI 22.65–28.43] kg in the first magnesium tertile vs. 30.91 [27.97–33.86] kg in the third tertile). This association was not significant among vitamin D deficient participants. At week 4, no significant associations were observed between achieved magnesium tertiles and change in grip strength, overall and by vitamin D status. For fatigue, no significant associations were observed.

Conclusions

Among older participants undergoing rehabilitation, magnesium status may be relevant for grip strength, particularly among vitamin D sufficient individuals. Magnesium status was not associated with fatigue, regardless of vitamin D status.

Study registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03422263; registered February 5, 2018.
Improvement of Low Plasticity Clay with Crushed Glass: A Mechanical and Microstructural Study
Authors: Perera Salpadoru Tholkamudalige Anupiya M. , Saberian Mohammad , Zhu Jiasheng , Roychand Rajeev , Li Jie , Ren Gang , Yamchelou Morteza Tahmasebi
Published: June 2023

Low plasticity clays are found in abundance worldwide, exerting undue stresses on civil structures, road pavements and railway infrastructure, owing to the periodic settlement caused by their low bearing capacity and slight swelling potential. They are often encountered as natural soil when constructing road subgrade and have the potential to compromise the integrity of the entire pavement system unless improved appropriately. Furthermore, the accumulation of vast quantities of non-biodegradable glass waste is identified as a challenge in many countries. Considering the above, this paper aims to provide a sustainable solution by studying the effect of crushed glass (CG) at varied inclusions of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% in a clay subgrade. The testing procedure implemented includes three distinct testing phases, namely, material properties, microstructural properties and mechanical strength tests. The material property tests involved particle size distribution, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) testing. Microstructural tests considered include scanning electron microscope (SEM) and micro-CT (CT) testing, which enabled a vital understanding of how the introduction of glass affects the internal structure of the clay matrix, where an increase in the porosity was evident upon adding CG. The mechanical testing phase involved standard compaction, unconfined comprehensive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), resilient modulus and swelling–shrinkage tests. It can be concluded that introducing CG improved the clay’s mechanical strength with respect to UCS, CBR and resilient modulus whilst also reducing its swelling potential, where the optimum inclusion of CG at 15% best enhanced the mechanical strength properties of the low plasticity clay.
Generation of rainfall data series by using the Markov Chain model in three selected sites in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Authors: Hajani Evan , Sarma Gaheen
Published: June 2023

Rainfall forecasting can play a significant role in the planning and management of water resource systems. This study employs a Markov chain model to examine the patterns, distributions and forecast of annual maximum rainfall (AMR) data collected at three selected stations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using 32 years of 1990 to 2021 rainfall data. A stochastic process is used to formulate three states (i.e., decrease—"d"; stability—"s"; and increase—"i") in a given year for estimating quantitatively the probability of making a transition to any other one of the three states in the following year(s) and in the long run. In addition, the Markov model is also used to forecast the AMR data for the upcoming five years (i.e., 2022–2026). The results indicate that in the upcoming 5 years, the probability of the annual maximum rainfall becoming decreased is 44%, that becoming stable is 16%, and that becoming increased is 40%. Furthermore, it is shown that for the AMR data series, the probabilities will drop slowly from 0.433 to 0.409 in about 11 years, as indicated by the average data of the three stations. This study reveals that the Markov model can be used as an appropriate tool to forecast future rainfalls in such semi-arid areas as the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Urban Aesthetics in Early Modern London
Authors: D'Addario Christopher
Published: June 2023

Tracing the demonstrative aesthetic shift in literary writings of fashionable London during the late 1590s, this book argues that the new forms which emerged during this period were intimately linked, arising out of a particular set of geographic, intellectual, and social circumstances that existed in these urban environs. In providing a cohesive view of these disparate generic interventions, Christopher D'Addario breaks new ground in significant ways. By paying attention to the relationship between environment and individual imagination, he provides a fresh and detailed sense of the spaces and social worlds in which the writings of prominent authors, including Thomas Nashe and John Donne, were produced and experienced. In arguing that the rise of the metaphysical aesthetic occurred across a number of urban genres throughout the 1590s, not just in lyric, but also earlier in Nashe's prose, as well as in the verse satire, he rewrites English Renaissance literary history itself.
Measuring the suboptimality of dividend controls in a Brownian risk model
Authors: Eisenberg Julia , Krühner Paul
Published: June 2023

We consider an insurance company modelling its surplus process by a Brownian motion with drift. Our target is to maximise the expected exponential utility of discounted dividend payments, given that the dividend rates are bounded by some constant. The utility function destroys the linearity and the time-homogeneity of the problem considered. The value function depends not only on the surplus, but also on time. Numerical considerations suggest that the optimal strategy, if it exists, is of a barrier type with a nonlinear barrier. In the related article of Grandits et al. (Scand. Actuarial J.2, 2007), it has been observed that standard numerical methods break down in certain parameter cases, and no closed-form solution has been found. For these reasons, we offer a new method allowing one to estimate the distance from an arbitrary smooth-enough function to the value function. Applying this method, we investigate the goodness of the most obvious suboptimal strategies—payout on the maximal rate, and constant barrier strategies—by measuring the distance from their performance functions to the value function.
A thermomechanical model for frost heave and subglacial frozen fringe
Authors: Meyer Colin R. , Schoof Christian , Rempel Alan W.
Published: June 2023

Ice-infiltrated sediment, or frozen fringe, is responsible for phenomena such as frost heave, ice lenses and metres of debris-rich ice under glaciers. Understanding frozen fringes is important as frost heave is responsible for damaging infrastructure at high latitudes and sediment freeze-on at the base of glaciers can modulate subglacial friction, influencing the rate of global sea level rise. Here we describe the thermomechanics of liquid water flow and freezing in ice-saturated sediments, focusing on the conditions relevant for subglacial environments. The force balance that governs the frozen fringe thickness depends on the weight of the overlying material, the thermomolecular force between ice and sediments across liquid premelted films and the water pressure required by Darcy flow. We combine this mechanical model with an enthalpy method that conserves energy across phase change interfaces on a fixed computational grid. The force balance and enthalpy model together determine the evolution of the frozen fringe thickness and our simulations predict frost heave rates and ice lens spacing. Our model accounts for premelting at ice–sediment contacts, partial ice saturation of the pore space, water flow through the fringe, the thermodynamics of the ice–water–sediment interface and vertical force balance. We explicitly account for the formation of ice lenses, regions of pure ice that cleave the fringe at the depth where the interparticle force vanishes. Our model results allow us to predict the thickness of a frozen fringe and the spacing of ice lenses in subaerial and subglacial sediments.
Hormonelle Ursachen des vermehrten Schwitzens
Authors: Krützfeldt Jan
Published: June 2023

Zusammenfassung: Vermehrtes Schwitzen gehört zu den häufigen Problemen in der Hausarztpraxis, wird aber von manchen Patientinnen und Patienten erst nach gezielter Nachfrage berichtet. Hinsichtlich der Ursachen gibt die Unterscheidung in vermehrtes Nachtschwitzen und generell vermehrtes Schwitzen erste Aufschlüsse. Reiner Nachtschweiss sollte aufgrund der Häufigkeit auch die Frage nach Panikattacken oder Schlafstörungen auslösen. Die häufigsten hormonellen Ursachen des vermehrten Schwitzens sind die Menopause mit Hot Flashes sowie die Hyperthyreose. Der Hypogonadismus beim alternden Mann ist eine eher seltene Differenzialdiagnose bei übermässigem Schwitzen und erfordert das Vorliegen von Sexualproblemen und eines wiederholt bestätigten erniedrigten Testosteronwerts am Morgen. Dieser Artikel zeigt eine Übersicht über die häufigsten endokrinen Ursachen des vermehrten Schwitzens und die diagnostische Abklärung.
CME: Hypertriglyzeridämie
Authors: Müller Magdalena , Heim Classen Martina , Kamber Niklaus
Published: June 2023

Zusammenfassung: Die European Society of Cardiology definiert die Hypertriglyzeridämie als Nüchtern-Triglyzeride >1,7mmol/l. Die meisten Patientinnen und Patienten sind asymptomatisch. Hypertriglyzeridämie ist assoziiert mit einem erhöhten Risiko für kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen und geht mit einer erhöhten Inzidenz von akuten Pankreatitiden einher. Die Therapie besteht in erster Linie aus einer Änderung des Lebensstils, die medikamentöse Therapie spielt eine untergeordnete Rolle.
Drastic Fluctuation in Water Exchange Between the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea Caused by Typhoon Lekima in August 2019: A Numerical Study
Authors: Yan Junjie , Zhai Fangguo , Gu Yanzhen , Liu Xingchuan , Li Peiliang , Liu Zizhou , Wang Yucheng
Published: June 2023

Connecting the Bohai Sea (BS) and Yellow Sea (YS), the Bohai Strait is vital in controlling physical‐biogeochemical conditions in the East Asian marginal seas. In August 2019, Typhoon Lekima moved northward inland into eastern China and caused drastic water exchange through the Bohai Strait. The specific variation and underlying dynamics involved were investigated with observations and high‐resolution numerical simulations. Volume transport featured an intense inflow followed by an intense outflow, with a fluctuation magnitude of 1.88 Sv, which was much greater than the seasonal‐interannual variations. The corresponding current patterns presented three phases: strait‐wide inflow, strait‐wide outflow, and outflow in the south and inflow in the north. The strait‐wide inflow was driven by strong east‐northeasterly winds through local Ekman dynamics. The strait‐wide outflow resulted from the dynamic adjustment of ocean currents accompanying the rapid weakening of easterly winds. The third current pattern was part of a large‐scale cyclonic circulation in the BS and North YS and was governed by different factors in the southern and northern straits. Further comparisons indicated that transport caused by winter storms and other typhoons in the year had opposite phase variations to that caused by Lekima. The underlying dynamics mainly involved local Ekman dynamics and/or remote wind forcing via the propagation of coastal trapped waves but could differ greatly from events. Finally, we found that to a large extent, geostrophic transport derived from the sea surface height difference across the Bohai Strait could be used as actual transport during synoptic weather events.
Multiscale Temporal Variability of the Global Air‐Sea CO2 Flux Anomaly
Authors: Gu Yuanyuan , Katul Gabriel G. , Cassar Nicolas
Published: June 2023

The global air‐sea CO2 flux (F) impacts and is impacted by a plethora of climate‐related processes operating at multiple time scales. In bulk mass transfer formulations, F is driven by physico‐ and bio‐chemical factors such as the air‐sea partial pressure difference (∆pCO2), gas transfer velocity, sea surface temperature, and salinity–all varying at multiple time scales. To de‐convolve the impact of these factors on variability in F at different time scales, time‐resolved estimates of F were computed using a global data set assembled between 1988 and 2015. The F anomalies were defined as temporal deviations from the 28‐year time‐averaged value. Spectral analysis revealed four dominant timescales of variability in F–subseasonal, seasonal, interannual, and decadal with relative amplitude differences varying across regions. A second‐order Taylor series expansion was then conducted along these four timescales to separate drivers across differing regions. The analysis showed that on subseasonal timescales, wind speed variability explains some 66% of the global F anomaly and is the dominant driver. On seasonal, interannual, and decadal timescales, the ∆pCO2 effect controlled by the ∆pCO2 anomaly, explained much of the F anomaly. On decadal timescales, the F anomaly was almost entirely governed by the ∆pCO2 effect with large contributions from high latitudes. The main drivers across timescales also dominate the regional F anomaly, particularly in the mid‐high latitude regions. Finally, the driver of the ∆pCO2 effect was closely connected with the relative strength of atmospheric pCO2 and the nonthermal component of oceanic pCO2 anomaly associated with dissolved inorganic carbon and alkalinity.
Seasonal Environmental Controls on Soil CO2 Dynamics at a High CO2 Flux Sites (Piton de la Fournaise and Mayotte Volcanoes)
Authors: Bénard B. , Di Muro A. , Liuzzo M. , Gurrieri S. , Boissier P. , Brunet C. , Desfete N. , Kowalski P. , Lauret F.
Published: June 2023

Environmental parameters drive seasonal soil CO2 efflux toward the atmosphere. However, their influence is not fully understood in contexts of high CO2 fluxes where CO2 accumulates in the subsurface. A prime example are volcanoes subject to continuous CO2 diffuse degassing rising from deep magmatic reservoirs, through the subsurface and up to the atmosphere. For many of these volcanoes where soil CO2 is monitored, a seasonal influence of the atmosphere and water table is observed but not characterized. Here, we compare variations of air temperature, atmospheric pressure, rainfall and water table level with near‐surface soil CO2 concentration by performing a time‐lagged detrended cross‐correlation analysis on years‐long time series from the volcanoes of Piton de la Fournaise and Mayotte. At Piton de la Fournaise, soil CO2 variations correlate best with air temperature variations (0.81) and water table variations (0.74). In Mayotte, soil CO2 variations correlate best with atmospheric pressure variations (−0.95). We propose that at Piton de la Fournaise, the thick vadose zone and high permeability favor CO2 transfer by thermal convection. Additionally, energy transfer is decoupled from mass transfer. Slow heat transfer from the atmosphere down to the accumulated CO2 layers in the subsurface results in a delayed influence of air temperature and of the water table level on the thermal gradient between the subsurface and the atmosphere, and consequently on the efficiency of the CO2 transfer. In Mayotte, we propose that the thin vadose zone and the presence of a network of large fractures favor CO2 transfer by barometric pumping.
Mold-free self-assembled scalable microlens arrays with ultrasmooth surface and record-high resolution
Authors: Liu Zhihao , Hu Guangwei , Ye Huapeng , Wei Miaoyang , Guo Zhenghao , Chen Kexu , Liu Chen , Tang Biao , Zhou Guofu
Published: June 2023

Microlens arrays (MLAs) based on the selective wetting have opened new avenues for developing compact and miniaturized imaging and display techniques with ultrahigh resolution beyond the traditional bulky and volumetric optics. However, the selective wetting lenses explored so far have been constrained by the lack of precisely defined pattern for highly controllable wettability contrast, thus limiting the available droplet curvature and numerical aperture, which is a major challenge towards the practical high-performance MLAs. Here we report a mold-free and self-assembly approach of mass-production of scalable MLAs, which can also have ultrasmooth surface, ultrahigh resolution, and the large tuning range of the curvatures. The selective surface modification based on tunable oxygen plasma can facilitate the precise pattern with adjusted chemical contrast, thus creating large-scale microdroplets array with controlled curvature. The numerical aperture of the MLAs can be up to 0.26 and precisely tuned by adjusting the modification intensity or the droplet dose. The fabricated MLAs have high-quality surface with subnanometer roughness and allow for record-high resolution imaging up to equivalently 10,328 ppi, as we demonstrated. This study shows a cost-effective roadmap for mass-production of high-performance MLAs, which may find applications in the rapid proliferating integral imaging industry and high-resolution display.
Reconstructive spectrometers taper down in price
Authors: Cui Xiaoqi , Zhang Yi , Liapis Andreas C. , Sun Zhipei
Published: June 2023

The development of a low-cost compact reconstructive spectrometer paves the way towards portable pm-resolution spectroscopy.
High speciation rate of niche specialists in hot springs
Authors: He Qing , Wang Shang , Feng Kai , Michaletz Sean T , Hou Weiguo , Zhang Wenhui , Li Fangru , Zhang Yidi , Wang Danrui , Peng Xi , Yang Xingsheng , Deng Ye
Published: June 2023

Ecological and evolutionary processes simultaneously regulate microbial diversity, but the evolutionary processes and their driving forces remain largely unexplored. Here we investigated the ecological and evolutionary characteristics of microbiota in hot springs spanning a broad temperature range (54.8–80 °C) by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes. Our results demonstrated that niche specialists and niche generalists are embedded in a complex interaction of ecological and evolutionary dynamics. On the thermal tolerance niche axis, thermal (T) sensitive (at a specific temperature) versus T-resistant (at least in five temperatures) species were characterized by different niche breadth, community abundance and dispersal potential, consequently differing in potential evolutionary trajectory. The niche-specialized T-sensitive species experienced strong temperature barriers, leading to completely species shift and high fitness but low abundant communities at each temperature (“home niche”), and such trade-offs thus reinforced peak performance, as evidenced by high speciation across temperatures and increasing diversification potential with temperature. In contrast, T-resistant species are advantageous of niche expansion but with poor local performance, as shown by wide niche breadth with high extinction, indicating these niche generalists are “jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none”. Despite of such differences, the T-sensitive and T-resistant species are evolutionarily interacted. Specifically, the continuous transition from T-sensitive to T-resistant species insured the exclusion probability of T-resistant species at a relatively constant level across temperatures. The co-evolution and co-adaptation of T-sensitive and T-resistant species were in line with the red queen theory. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that high speciation of niche specialists could alleviate the environmental-filtering-induced negative effect on diversity.
Super enhancers targeting ZBTB16 in osteogenesis protect against osteoporosis
Authors: Yu Wenhui , Xie Zhongyu , Li Jinteng , Lin Jiajie , Su Zepeng , Che Yunshu , Ye Feng , Zhang Zhaoqiang , Xu Peitao , Zeng Yipeng , Xu Xiaojun , Li Zhikun , Feng Pei , Mi Rujia , Wu Yanfeng , Shen Huiyong
Published: June 2023

As the major cell precursors in osteogenesis, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are indispensable for bone homeostasis and development. However, the primary mechanisms regulating osteogenic differentiation are controversial. Composed of multiple constituent enhancers, super enhancers (SEs) are powerful cis-regulatory elements that identify genes that ensure sequential differentiation. The present study demonstrated that SEs were indispensable for MSC osteogenesis and involved in osteoporosis development. Through integrated analysis, we identified the most common SE-targeted and osteoporosis-related osteogenic gene, ZBTB16. ZBTB16, positively regulated by SEs, promoted MSC osteogenesis but was expressed at lower levels in osteoporosis. Mechanistically, SEs recruited bromodomain containing 4 (BRD4) at the site of ZBTB16, which then bound to RNA polymerase II-associated protein 2 (RPAP2) that transported RNA polymerase II (POL II) into the nucleus. The subsequent synergistic regulation of POL II carboxyterminal domain (CTD) phosphorylation by BRD4 and RPAP2 initiated ZBTB16 transcriptional elongation, which facilitated MSC osteogenesis via the key osteogenic transcription factor SP7. Bone-targeting ZBTB16 overexpression had a therapeutic effect on the decreased bone density and remodeling capacity of Brd4fl/flPrx1-cre mice and osteoporosis (OP) models. Therefore, our study shows that SEs orchestrate the osteogenesis of MSCs by targeting ZBTB16 expression, which provides an attractive focus and therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
The efficacy of direct oral anticoagulants in patients on concomitant treatment with levetiracetam
Authors: Mavri Alenka , Ilc Sara
Published: June 2023

Guidelines do not support the combination of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and the antiepileptic drug levetiracetam, due to potential relevant P-glycoprotein (P-gp) mediated interaction that might result in decreased DOACs concentrations and increased thromboembolic risk. However, there is no systematic data on the safety of this combination. The aim of this study was to find patients concurrently treated with levetiracetam and DOAC, assess their plasma concentrations of DOAC, and the incidence of thromboembolic events. From our registry of patients on anticoagulation drugs we identified 21 patients concomitantly treated with levetiracetam and DOAC, 19 patients with atrial fibrillation and two patients with venous thromboembolism. Eight patients received dabigatran, 9 apixaban and 4 rivaroxaban. For each subject blood samples were collected for determination of trough DOAC and trough levetiracetam concentrations. The average age was 75 ± 9 years, 84% were males, HAS-BLED score was 1.8 ± 0.8, and in patients with atrial fibrillation CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4.6 ± 2.0. The average trough concentration level of levetiracetam was 31.0 ± 34.5 mg/L. Median trough concentrations of DOACs were for dabigatran 72 (range 25–386) ng/mL, for rivaroxaban 47 (range 19–75) ng/mL, and for apixaban 139 (range 36–302) ng/mL. During the observation period of 1388 ± 994 days none of the patients suffered a thromboembolic event. Our results did not demonstrate a reduction in DOACs plasma levels during levetiracetam treatment, suggesting that levetiracetam could not be an important P-gp inducer in humans. DOAC in combination with levetiracetam remained effective therapy to protect against thromboembolic events.
Imaging of atherosclerosis with [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-TATE in a translational head-to-head comparison study with [18F]FDG, and Na[18F]F in rabbits
Authors: Grandjean Constance E. , Pedersen Sune F. , Christensen Camilla , Dibenedetto Altea , Eriksen Thomas , Binderup Tina , Kjaer Andreas
Published: June 2023

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the larger arteries that may lead to cardiovascular events. Identification of patients at highest risk of cardiovascular events is challenging, but molecular imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) may prove useful. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare head-to-head three different PET tracers. Furthermore, tracer uptake is compared to gene expression alterations of the arterial vessel wall. Male New Zealand White rabbits (control group; n = 10, atherosclerotic group; n = 11) were used for the study. Vessel wall uptake was assessed with the three different PET tracers: [18F]FDG (inflammation), Na[18F]F (microcalcification), and [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-TATE (macrophages), using PET/computed tomography (CT). Tracer uptake was measured as standardized uptake value (SUV), and arteries from both groups were analyzed ex vivo by autoradiography, qPCR, histology, and immunohistochemistry. In rabbits, the atherosclerotic group showed significantly higher uptake of all three tracers compared to the control group [18F]FDG: SUVmean 1.50 ± 0.11 versus 1.23 ± 0.09, p = 0.025; Na[18F]F: SUVmean 1.54 ± 0.06 versus 1.18 ± 0.10, p = 0.006; and [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-TATE: SUVmean 2.30 ± 0.27 versus 1.65 ± 0.16; p = 0.047. Of the 102 genes analyzed, 52 were differentially expressed in the atherosclerotic group compared to the control group and several genes correlated with tracer uptake. In conclusion, we demonstrated the diagnostic value of [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-TATE and Na[18F]F for identifying atherosclerosis in rabbits. The two PET tracers provided information distinct from that obtained with [18F]FDG. None of the three tracers correlated significantly to each other, but [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-TATE and Na[18F]F uptake both correlated with markers of inflammation. [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-TATE was higher in atherosclerotic rabbits compared to [18F]FDG and Na[18F]F.
Expressive language sampling and outcome measures for treatment trials in fragile X and down syndromes: composite scores and psychometric properties
Authors: Abbeduto Leonard , del Hoyo Soriano Laura , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Sterling Audra , Edgin Jamie O. , Abdelnur Nadia , Drayton Andrea , Hoffmann Anne , Hamilton Debra , Harvey Danielle J. , Thurman Angela John
Published: June 2023

The lack of psychometrically sound outcome measures has been a barrier to evaluating the efficacy of treatments proposed for core symptoms of intellectual disability (ID). Research on Expressive Language Sampling (ELS) procedures suggest it is a promising approach to measuring treatment efficacy. ELS entails collecting samples of a participant’s talk in interactions with an examiner that are naturalistic but sufficiently structured to ensure consistency and limit examiner effects on the language produced. In this study, we extended previous research on ELS by analyzing an existing dataset to determine whether psychometrically adequate composite scores reflecting multiple dimensions of language can be derived from ELS procedures administered to 6- to 23-year-olds with fragile X syndrome (n = 80) or Down syndrome (n = 78). Data came from ELS conversation and narration procedures administered twice in a 4-week test–retest interval. We found that several composites emerged from variables indexing syntax, vocabulary, planning processes, speech articulation, and talkativeness, although there were some differences in the composites for the two syndromes. Evidence of strong test–retest reliability and construct validity of two of three composites were obtained for each syndrome. Situations in which the composite scores would be useful in evaluating treatment efficacy are outlined.
Real-time measurements of vascular permeability in the mouse eye using vitreous fluorophotometry
Authors: Colé Nadine , Thoele Janina , Ullmer Christoph , Foxton Richard H.
Published: June 2023

Breakdown of blood-retinal barrier integrity underpins pathological changes in numerous ocular diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Whilst anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies have revolutionised disease treatment, novel therapies are still required to meet patients' unmet needs. To help develop new treatments, robust methods are needed to measure changes in vascular permeability in ocular tissues in animal models. We present here a method for detecting vascular permeability using fluorophotometry, which enables real-time measurements of fluorescent dye accumulation in different compartments of the mouse eye. We applied this method in several mouse models with different increased vascular leakage, including models of uveitis, diabetic retinopathy and choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Furthermore, in the JR5558 mouse model of CNV, we observed with anti-VEGF post-treatment a longitudinal reduction in permeability, in the same animal eyes. We conclude fluorophotometry is a useful method for measuring vascular permeability in the mouse eye, and can be used over multiple time points, without the need to sacrifice the animal. This method has the potential to be used in both basic research for studying the progression and factors underlying disease, but also for drug discovery and development of novel therapeutics.
A comparison of peripapillary vessel density between subjects with normal-tension glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma with similar extents of glaucomatous damage
Authors: Lee Min-Woo , Yu Hwa-Young , Park Kee-Sup , Jin Sun-Young , Kim Jin-Soo
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in retinal microvasculature impairments between patients with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and those with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with similar extents of structural and visual field damage. Participants with glaucoma-suspect (GS), NTG, POAG, and normal controls were consecutively enrolled. Peripapillary vessel density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) were compared among the groups. Linear regression analyses were performed to identify the relationship between VD, PD and visual field parameters. The VDs of the full areas were 18.3 ± 0.7, 17.3 ± 1.7, 16.5 ± 1.7, and 15.8 ± 2.3 mm−1 in the control, GS, NTG, and POAG groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The VDs of the outer and inner areas and the PDs of all areas also differed significantly among the groups (all P < 0.001). In the NTG group, the VDs of the full, outer, and inner areas were significantly associated with all visual field parameters including the mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), and visual field index (VFI). In the POAG group, the VDs of the full and inner areas were significantly associated with PSD and VFI but not with MD. In conclusion, with similar degrees of retinal nerve fiber layer thinning and visual field damage in both groups, the POAG group showed a lower peripapillary VD and PD than the NTG group. VD and PD were significantly associated with visual field loss.
Oxidative damage contributes to bisphenol S-induced development block at 2-cell stage preimplantation embryos in mice through inhibiting of embryonic genome activation
Authors: Ning Anfeng , Xiao Nansong , Wang Hu , Guan Chunyi , Ma Xu , Xia Hongfei
Published: June 2023

Although bisphenol S (BPS), as a bisphenol A (BPA) substitute, has been widely used in the commodity, it is embryotoxic in recent experiments. Nowadays, it remains unclear how BPS affects preimplantation embryos. Here, my team investigated the effects of BPS on preimplantation embryos and the possible molecular mechanisms in mice. The results showed that 10–6 mol/L BPS exposure delayed the blastocysts stage, and exposure to 10–4 mol/L BPS induced 2-cell block in mice preimplantation embryos. A significant increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and antioxidant enzyme genes Sod1, Gpx1, Gpx6, and Prdx2 expression were shown, but the level of apoptosis was normal in 2-cell blocked embryos. Further experiments demonstrated that embryonic genome activation (EGA) specific genes Hsp70.1 and Hsc70 were significantly decreased, which implied that ROS and EGA activation have the potential to block 2-cell development. Antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and folic acid (FA) were used to further explore the roles of ROS and EGA in 2-cell block. Only 1200 U/mL SOD was found to alleviate the phenomenon of 2-cell block, reduce oxidative damage, and restore the expression of EGA-specific genes Hsp70.1 and Hsc70. Conclusively, this study demonstrates for the first time that BPS can induce 2-cell block, which is mainly mediated by ROS aggregation and results in the failure of EGA activation.
Calibration and verification of DEM parameters of wet-sticky feed raw materials
Authors: Peng Fei , Zhang Limei , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Jianming
Published: June 2023

In order to improve the accuracy of the parameters needed in the discrete element method (DEM) simulation process of wet-sticky feed raw materials, the JKR contact model in DEM was used to calibrate and verify the physical parameters of wet-sticky feed raw materials. Firstly, the parameters that have a significant effect on the angle of repose were screened using a Plackett–Burman design, and the screened parameters were: MM rolling friction coefficient, MM static friction coefficient, and JKR surface energy. Then, the three screened parameters were selected as the influencing factors and the accumulation angle of repose was selected as evaluating indicator; thus, the performance optimization experiments were carried out with the quadratic orthogonal rotation design. Taking the experimentally measured angle of repose value of 54.25°as the target value, the significance parameters were optimized, and the optimal combination was obtained : MM rolling friction factor was 0.21, MM static friction factor was 0.51, and JKR surface energy was 0.65. Finally, the angle of repose and SPP tests were compared under the calibrated parameters. The results showed that the relative error of experimental and simulated tests in angle of repose was 0.57%, and the compression displacement and compression ratio of the experimental and simulated tests in SPP were 1.01% and 0.95%, respectively, which improved the reliability of the simulated results. The research findings provide a reference basis for simulation study and optimal design of related equipment for feed raw materials.
Experimental study on the reasonable proportions of rock-like materials for water-induced strength degradation in rock slope model test
Authors: Cui Yuan , Xu Chao , Xue Lei , Dong Jinyu , Jiang Tong
Published: June 2023

Water-induced strength deterioration of rock mass is a crucial factor for rock slope instability. To better show the degradation process of rock slope water–rock interaction, we used bentonite as a water-sensitive regulator to build a new rock-like material that matches the features of water-induced strength degradation based on the cement-gypsum bonded materials. Twenty-five schemes of the material mixture proportion were designed using the orthogonal design method considering four factors with five variable levels, and a variety of experiments were conducted to obtain physico-mechanical parameters. In addition, one group of rock-like material proportion was selected and applied to the large-scale physical model test. The experiment results reveal that: (1) The failure mode of this rock-like material is highly similar to that of natural rock masses, and the physico-mechanical parameters vary over a wide range; (2) The bentonite content has a significant influence on the density, elastic modulus, and tensile strength of rock-like materials; (3) It is feasible to obtain the regression equation based on the linear regression analysis to determine the proportion of rock-like material; (4) Through application, the new rock-like material can effectively simulate or reveal the startup mechanism and instability characteristics of rock slopes under water-induced degradation. These studies can serve as a guide for the fabrication of rock-like material in the other model tests.
Noncyclic continuous Pancharatnam—Berry phase in dual-beam interference
Authors: Leinonen Aleksi , Hannonen Antti , Partanen Henri , Heikkinen Janne , Setälä Tero , Friberg Ari T. , Hakala Tommi K.
Published: June 2023

The geometric phase for classical electromagnetic light beams, in its original formulation as introduced by Pancharatnam, concerns fields experiencing cyclic, discrete in-phase polarization-state changes. A similar phase was later recognized by Berry to govern the behavior of adiabatic quantum systems, with consequent extensions to nonadiabatic and noncyclic evolutions of the quantum state. However, no optical counterpart for the noncyclic, adiabatic (continuous) evolution has been demonstrated. Here we employ a modified Young’s two-pinhole setup with controlled pinhole polarizations and intensities to generate on interference an arbitrary continuous spatial evolution of the polarization state, an optical analogue to the adiabatic case. The customized arrangement allows separating at any point the accumulated dynamical and geometric phases from the total phase, enabling a detailed study of the noncyclic Pancharatnam–Berry phase in a continuous transformation. Our theoretical and experimental results are in excellent agreement and consistent with the geodesic rule for noncyclic evolutions.
Mechanical Properties of Soft Composites Fabricated from Two Different Magnetorheological Materials
Authors: Park Yu-Jin , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: June 2023

In this chapter there is a description of a soft composite that is fabricated from two different magnetorheological materials: magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) and magnetorheological fluid (MRF) and how its field-dependent mechanical property is experimentally investigated. Initially, an MRE skin is manufactured with two different void patterns of the rhombus and rectangular type. Then, the soft composite is fabricated by filling MRF into the voids and bonding the upper/lower MRE skins. Prior to testing, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image is taken to check the uniform dispersion of the carbonyl iron particle (CIP) of the MRE skin and observe the chain-like columns of the MRF due to the magnetic field. Subsequently, the force–displacement curve is directly measured from the tensile machine with three different design parameters: different void patterns of the MRE skin, CIP concentration of the MRE skin and the existence of the MRF in the void. It is identified from a comparative work among three different design parameters that the effect of the void pattern to the stiffness change (or effective Young's modulus (EYM)) is small, while the effect of the CIP concentration and MRF is significant. This result indicates that an appropriate composite showing a desirable tuning range of the stiffness can be fabricated using two different magnetorheological materials.
Dynamics of Ferromagnetic Colloids at Liquid Interfaces Under Unsteady Magnetic Fields in 2D
Authors: Snezhko Alexey
Published: June 2023

This chapter focuses on nontrivial collective dynamics and self-organization in 2D ferromagnetic colloidal dispersions energized by time-dependent magnetic fields. The complexity of magnetic and hydrodynamic interactions between ferromagnetic particles in such colloids result in a plethora of remarkable phenomena ranging from unconventionally ordered dynamic architectures, spontaneous symmetry breaking, self-propulsion, active turbulence and collective transport. Some of the features of the complex self-organization and collective dynamics in those out-of-equilibrium systems have been successfully captured in theoretical models and simulations. From a technological viewpoint, active magnetic colloids provide access to new self-assembled structures and functionalities which are generally not accessible through conventional equilibrium techniques.
N2binding to the E0–E4states of nitrogenase
Authors: Jiang Hao , Ryde Ulf
Published: June 2023

We study the binding of N2to nitrogenase in the E0–E4state with QM/MM and four DFT functionals. In general, structures with two hydride ions bridging the same pair of Fe ions and a sulfide ion dissociated from one Fe ion are low in energy.
Molecularly dispersed nickel complexes on N-doped graphene for electrochemical CO2reduction
Authors: Juthathan Methasit , Chantarojsiri Teera , Chainok Kittipong , Butburee Teera , Thamyongkit Patchanita , Tuntulani Thawatchai , Leeladee Pannee
Published: June 2023

In this work, new hybrid catalysts based on molecularly dispersed nickel complexes on N-doped graphene were developed for electrochemical CO2reduction (ECR) in aqueous electrolyte.
Metallocycles and metallocages
Authors: Xu Lin , Haynes Cally J. E. , Lewis James E. M.
Published: June 2023

Guest Editors Lin Xu, Cally Haynes and James Lewis introduce the spotlight collection: Metallocycles and metallocages.
Applications of the octanol–air partitioning ratio: a critical review
Authors: Baskaran Sivani , Wania Frank
Published: June 2023

Although prediction methods exist for the partitioning between air and various environmental and biological phases, that do not depend on octanol, the KOA still serves a role as a single parameter quantifying compound volatility from different phases.
Strategies for the design of ruthenium-based electrocatalysts toward acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Hou Liqiang , Gu Xiumin , Cui Xuemei , Tang Jiachen , Li Zijian , Liu Xien , Cho Jaephil
Published: June 2023

This review provides a thorough discussion of fundamental mechanistic understanding, attempts at advanced Ru-based acidic OER catalysts, and future research opportunities.
Seven-membered ring nucleobases as inhibitors of human cytidine deaminase and APOBEC3A
Authors: Kurup Harikrishnan M. , Kvach Maksim V. , Harjes Stefan , Jameson Geoffrey B. , Harjes Elena , Filichev Vyacheslav V.
Published: June 2023

A DNA hairpin possessing 1,3-diazepin-2-one 2′-deoxyriboside or 5-fluoro-2′-deoxyzebularine in its loop inhibits APOBEC3A in the nM rangein vitro.
Advances in polymer electrolytes for solid-state zinc–air batteries
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Chen Zhuo , Shang Nuo , Wang Keliang , Zuo Yayu , Wei Manhui , Wang Hengwei , Zhong Daiyuan , Pei Pucheng
Published: June 2023

Schematic illustration of the main research characteristics of polymer electrolytes for solid-state zinc–air batteries.
Effect of poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] side chain length on the brush swelling behavior in A/B/A–B ternary blends with polystyrene
Authors: Zheng Caini , Zhang Bo , Bates Frank S. , Lodge Timothy P.
Published: June 2023

Three families of ternary blends composed of poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (POEGMAn)/polystyrene (PS)/POEGMAn–PS were prepared to study the effect of side chain length on brush swelling and phase behavior.
A coordination driven ‘heat-set’ Zr-gel: efficient fluorophore probe for selective detection of Fe3+ and nitrofuran-based antibiotics and smart approach for UV protection
Authors: Mondal Sumit , Sarma Debajit
Published: June 2023

A water-stable coordination polymer gel-based luminescent sensor for selective detection of Fe3+, NFT and as a smart UV protector.
Rheological responses of microgel suspensions with temperature-responsive capillary networks
Authors: Guan Zhecun , Tang Lisa , Bae Jinhye
Published: June 2023

Tunable rheological responses are obtained by coupling temperature-responsive capillary networks with jammed microgels, which facilitate complex structures and scale-ups by 3D printing.
Alkali element (Li, Na, K, and Rb) doping of Cu2BaGe1−xSnxSe4 films
Authors: Kim Yongshin , Hempel Hannes , Harvey Steven P. , Rivera Nelson A. , Unold Thomas , Mitzi David B.
Published: June 2023

Alkali elements (Li, Na, K, and Rb) were used as prospective p-type dopants for Cu2BaGe1−xSnxSe4 films to address the low hole carrier density, and associated changes in film properties were investigated.
Elucidating solid electrolyte interphase formation in sodium-based batteries: key reductive reactions and inorganic composition
Authors: Liu Yue , Sun Qintao , Yue Baitong , Zhang Yanyan , Cheng Tao
Published: June 2023

Sodium-based batteries, due to their abundant and inexpensive resources, have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation high-energy battery systems.
Cellulose-complexing strategy induced surface regulation towards ultrahigh utilization rate of Zn
Authors: Li Xin , Yao Hong , Li Yuhang , Liu Xiangjie , Yuan Du , Chen Yingqian , Wong Ming Wah , Zhang Yizhou , Zhang Haitao
Published: June 2023

A cellulose-complexing strategy is developed for zinc electrolytes to achieve dendrite-free Zn anodes with ultrahigh Zn utilization rate, driving the development of a robust artificial SEI fabrication methodviaa dissolution–regeneration mechanism.
Electrocatalytic activity of gold and gold-based bimetallic nanoparticles derived from their surface topography
Authors: Wang Jin , Wang Jing , Li Hong , Fan Weiliu , Wang Dayang , Xia Haibing
Published: June 2023

The electrocatalytic activity of gold and gold-based bimetallic nanoparticles depends on their surface topography, especially the defects on (111) facets.
Chromogenic enzyme substrates based on [2-(nitroaryl)ethenyl]pyridinium and quinolinium derivatives for the detection of nitroreductase activity in clinically important microorganisms
Authors: Cellier-Rastit Marie , Chalansonnet Valérie , James Arthur L. , Johnston Annette , Orenga Sylvain , Perry John D. , Roger-Dalbert Celine , Salwatura Vindhya L. , Stanforth Stephen P. , Sykes Hannah E. , Truong Viet T. , Turnbull Graeme
Published: June 2023

A series of [2-(nitroaryl)ethenyl]pyridinium and quinolinium derivatives have been synthesised as potential indicators of microbial nitroreductase activity.
Exploring Gaussian elimination based solution methods of electric systems using circuit principles
Authors: Duan Tong , Dinavahi Venkata
Published: June 2023

In power system simulation, the mathematical solution methods are typically regarded as pure numerical operations, which are independent of the circuit principles. In this letter, it is demonstrated that the computational procedures in the commonly used numerical solution methods for circuit equations are essentially equivalent to the basic principles of electricity. The computational procedures of the representative Gaussian elimination based solution methods (including GE and pivoting method for sparsity of GE/LU) are comprehensively analyzed and their deep relationships with the circuit principles are revealed: the computation process of these mathematics based numerical solution methods can be completely explained using circuit principles. The interesting findings could help understand the computational process of solution methods from the circuit perspective, which may also guide the design of new circuit solution methods.