bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concrete containing recycled concrete coarse aggregate and crushed glass sand: Mitigating the effect of alkali–silica reaction
Authors: Gholampour Aliakbar , Memarzadeh Armin , Nematzadeh Mahdi , Valizadeh Kiamahalleh Mohammad , Ngo Tuan D.
Published: February 2024

The utilization of recycled concrete and glass aggregates in concrete production has emerged as a highly promising method to significantly increase the recycling rate of waste materials. However, the interaction between alkaline environment and silica present in concrete detrimentally impacts mechanical properties and durability of the concrete due to the significant silica content of the aggregates. This study aims to develop a high‐performance and sustainable concrete to resist alkali–silica reaction (ASR). The study focuses on the use of a blend of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash (FA) as binder materials to mitigate negative effects of the ASR on the mechanical properties and and durability of concrete made with crushed glass sand and coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). Various tests, including ASR expansion, flow, slump, density, compression, three‐point bending, water absorption, and chloride attack, were conducted. Furthermore, microanalysis using scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy was performed. Based on the results, it is found that the GGBS is less effective than the FA in reducing the ASR expansion of the concrete, with only 3%, 9%, and 12% decreased expansion as a result of the addition of 20%, 40%, and 70% GGBS to the concrete containing 30% FA, respectively. It is also shown that combining 20% GGBS with 30% FA in the RCA concrete containing glass sand develops similar compressive and flexural strengths and water absorption compared to that containing natural sand. This can be related to the pozzolanic reaction of the FA and GGBS, which helps to retain the alkalis for reducing the crack development and propagation in the concrete. However, further GGBS content leads to a decrease in the strengths and an increase in the water absorption of the concrete. The results of this study point to the significant potential of combining FA and GGBS at an optimum ratio to mitigate the ASR effect on RCA concretes containing crushed glass sand. This approach helps in minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases and other pollutants generated during cement production, thereby mitigating environmental pollution. Additionally, it helps the preservation of natural resources by reducing the depletion of natural sand and coarse aggregate.
Male reproductive output and sperm competition as indicated by gonadosomatic index in Paddlefish stocks
Authors: Scarnecchia Dennis L. , Schooley Jason D. , Slominski Aaron , Backes K. Michael , Brown Brandon , Gordon Brent D. , Lim Youngtaik
Published: February 2024

Objective

We investigated if large Paddlefish Polyodon spathula invest in testis weight disproportionately more than smaller males, as expressed by the gonadosomatic index (GSI). The approach was to assess the relation between testis weight F (i.e., the combined weight of both testes) and fish weight W in the expression F = aWb. The hypothesis was that sperm competition in Paddlefish would be expected (with b > 1) based on observations of several male fish attending a female spawner in a past study in the Osage River, Missouri.

Methods

We used a large, three-state data set from three fisheries (Montana, North Dakota, and Oklahoma) to evaluate isometry and allometry in the power function relationship between fish weight and testis weight.

Result

All three data sets showed hyperallometric increases in testis weight with fish weight (i.e., b > 1). For Montana males, hyperallometry was greatest (b = 1.56; n = 8798), followed by North Dakota (b = 1.36; n = 8209) and Oklahoma (b = 1.22; n = 9571). Paddlefish from Montana and North Dakota had much lower testis weights through age 18 and much lower fish weights through age 25 than Oklahoma Paddlefish. By ages 17–25, mean male GSI in Oklahoma declined, whereas it remained level at about 1.5 for combined Montana and North Dakota Paddlefish. Throughout their lives, at each age, Montana and North Dakota Paddlefish allocated a higher percentage of their total weight to testis weight and reached a higher asymptotic GSI (GSI∞) than did Oklahoma Paddlefish; GSI∞ was 1.50 for Montana fish, 1.44 for North Dakota fish, and 1.26 for Oklahoma fish.

Conclusion

Results provide evidence supporting the occurrence sperm competition (i.e., b > 1), as would occur when two or more males compete to fertilize the eggs of a female spawning Paddlefish. Comparisons among species and stocks are made but were limited by an acute shortage of data on male testis weights and other testis characteristics (e.g., sperm size, energy content), and reproductive investment in Paddlefish and most other fishes in other localities.
Surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy: A case study on anti‐Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Nguyen Linh T. T. , Nguyen Tien A. , No Kwangsoo , Phan Tuan D.
Published: February 2024

This study aims to improve the antibacterial effectiveness against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) of Ti6Al4V alloy by employing functional Ag coating on the alloy's surface. In this study, Ag coating was prepared on Ti6Al4V surface via RF magnetron sputtering, then investigated characteristics and anti‐S. mutans properties of the modified surface's alloy before and after immersing in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for one month. Data showed that the two coatings inhibited the development of S. mutans colony‐forming units (CFU) at an incubation time until seven days. This study provides a research foundation for further development of surface modification of Ti6Al4V alloy for dental implants to meet the demand of reducing peri‐implant diseases caused by bacteria.
Improving the quality assessment for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) stored at 0 °C
Authors: Tam Le Nhat , Anh Huynh Nguyen Que , Khue Doan Nhu , Uyen Phan Thuy Xuan , Thien Van Hong , Huong Nguyen Thi , Tuan Pham Minh , An Tran Thien
Published: February 2024

The quality of Pacific white shrimp stored at 0 °C during the 10 days was evaluated by the combination of sensory, microbiological and biochemical measurements. Quality index methods (QIM) have been developed to evaluate sensory attributes of shrimp. Total visible count (TVC), K value, histamine, and pH are used to assess microbiological and biochemical indices. The results of TVC and QIM showed that shrimps showed signs of spoilage (lg cfu = 6.4; quality index (QI) = 21.37), which is unacceptable to consumers on day 9. QI quality score increased linearly with storage days. The remaining shelf life of shrimp was estimated from the linear regression equation. The results have found the linear regression equations between the QI, histamine, K value, and hypoxanthine. In addition, the results also showed that hypoxanthine could be considered as an independent quality index such as the K index. The quality of Pacific white shrimp could be classified into four grades: excellent, good, moderately acceptable, and just acceptable basing on the results of sensory and biochemical evaluation.
Transport, dispersion, and degradation of nonpoint source contaminants during flood‐managed aquifer recharge
Authors: Perzan Zach , Maher Kate
Published: February 2024

In water‐stressed regions of the world, the inundation of working landscapes to replenish aquifers—known as flood‐managed aquifer recharge (flood‐MAR)—has become a valuable tool for sustainable groundwater management. Due to their diverse land use histories, however, many potential recharge sites host nonpoint source contaminants (such as salts, pesticides, and fertilizers) within the vadose zone that may flush to groundwater during recharge operations. To identify the controls on contaminant migration, we perform stochastic simulations of flood‐MAR through a heterogeneous alluvial aquifer and apply transient particle tracking to evaluate conservative and reactive contaminant transport over 80 years of recharge operations. With semi‐annual recharge events, the water table begins to rise 0.13–1.84 years after the first inundation event while solutes take much longer (11 to 80 years) to transit the 45‐m thick unsaturated zone. We derive a parametric expression for the ratio of celerity (or rate of pressure transmission) to velocity of the flood‐MAR wetting front and show that this simplified expression agrees with values calculated from heterogeneous model simulations. Slow solute velocities (0.25–1.75 m year−1) allow for significant contaminant removal through denitrification, but the contaminant plume experiences minimal dispersion or dilution over this time, reaching the water table as a sharp front. Our results suggest that minimizing groundwater velocity and maximizing groundwater celerity during flood‐MAR should optimize increases in water supply while limiting water quality degradation.
LEAP-ASIA-2019 Simulation Exercise: Calibration of Constitutive Models and Simulations of the Element Tests
Authors: Ueda Kyohei , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Sahare Anurag , Elgamal Ahmed , Qiu Zhijian , Wang Rui , Zhu Tong , Zhou Chuang , Zhang Jian-Min , Parra Andres Reyes , Barrero Andres , Taiebat Mahdi , Yuyama Waka , Iai Susumu , Hyodo Junichi , Ichii Koji , Elbadawy Mohamed A. , Zhou Yan-Guo , Fasano Gianluca , Chiaradonna Anna , Bilotta Emilio , Arduino Pedro , Zeghal Mourad , Manzari Majid , Tobita Tetsuo
Published: February 2024

This chapter presents a summary of the calibration exercises (i.e., element test simulations) submitted by nine numerical simulation teams that participated in the LEAP-ASIA-2019 prediction campaign. The standard sand selected for the campaign is Ottawa F-65, and researchers have developed several efforts to increase the database of laboratory tests to characterize the physical and mechanical properties of this sand (Carey TJ, Stone N, Kutter BL, Grain Size Analysis and Maximum and Minimum Dry Density of Ottawa F-65 Sand for LEAP-UCD-2017. Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-UCD-2017. Springer, 2019; El Ghoraiby MA, Park H, Manzari MT. Physical and mechanical properties of Ottawa F65 sand. In: Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-UCD-2017, Springer, 2019; Ueda K, Vargas RR, Uemura K, LEAP-Asia-2018: Stress-strain response of Ottawa sand in Cyclic Torsional Shear Tests, DesignSafe-CI [publisher], Dataset, https://doi.org/10.17603/DS2D40H, 2018; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 133:106111, 2020; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Dynamic torsional shear tests of Ottawa F-65 Sand for LEAP-ASIA-2019. Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-ASIA-2019, Springer, 2023). The objective of this element test simulation exercise is to assess the performance of the constitutive models used by the simulation teams for simulating the experimental results of a series of undrained stress-controlled cyclic torsional shear tests on Ottawa F-65 sand for two different relative densities (Dr = 50% and 60%) (Ueda K, Vargas RR, Uemura K, LEAP-Asia-2018: Stress-strain response of Ottawa sand in Cyclic Torsional Shear Tests, DesignSafe-CI [publisher], Dataset, https://doi.org/10.17603/DS2D40H, 2018; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Soil Dyn Earthq Eng 133:106111, 2020; Vargas RR, Ueda K, Uemura K, Dynamic torsional shear tests of Ottawa F-65 sand for LEAP-ASIA-2019. Model tests and numerical simulations of liquefaction and lateral spreading: LEAP-ASIA-2019, Springer, 2023). The simulated liquefaction strength curves demonstrate that majority of the constitutive models are capable of reasonably capturing the measured liquefaction strength curves both for Dr = 50% and 60%. However, the simulated stress paths and stress-strain relationships show some differences from the corresponding laboratory tests in some cases.
Thermal energy of a charm-meson molecule in a pion gas
Authors: Braaten Eric , He Li-Ping , Ingles Kevin , Jiang Jun
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The thermal corrections to the propagator of a loosely bound charm-meson molecule in a pion gas are calculated to next-to-leading order in the heavy-meson expansion using a zero-range effective field theory. Ultraviolet divergences in the charm-meson-pair self energy are canceled by corrections to the charm-meson-pair contact vertex. Terms that are singular at the charm-meson-pair threshold can be absorbed into thermal corrections to the rest energies and kinetic masses of the charm-meson constituents. The remaining terms reduce to a thermal correction to the binding momentum that is proportional to the pion number density and suppressed by the pion/charm-meson mass ratio. The correction gives a tiny decrease in the binding energy of the charm-meson molecule relative to the charm-meson-pair threshold in the pion gas and a change in its thermal width that is small compared to the thermal widths of the charm-meson constituents. These results are encouraging for the prospects of observing X(3872) and $$ {T}_{cc}^{+}(3875) $$

T
cc
+

3875

in the expanding hadron gas produced by heavy-ion collisions.
Beyond the Standard Model prospects for kaon physics at future experiments
Authors: D’Ambrosio G. , Mahmoudi F. , Neshatpour S.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Rare kaon decays offer a powerful tool for investigating new physics in s → d transitions. Currently, many of the interesting decay modes are either measured with rather large uncertainties compared to their theoretical predictions or have not yet been observed. The future HIKE programme at CERN will provide unprecedented sensitivity to rare kaon decays, allowing for strong constraints on new physics scenarios with lepton flavour universality violation. We present the overall picture that emerges from a study of the different decay modes with a global analysis considering projections based on the HIKE programme, both with and without KOTO-II future measurements. We also highlight the most relevant decays and identify that in addition to the “golden channel”, $$ {K}^{+}\to {\pi}^{+}\nu \overline{\nu} $$

K
+

→

π
+

ν

ν
¯

, the rare $$ {K}_L\to {\pi}^0\ell \overline{\ell} $$

K
L

→

π
0

ℓ

ℓ
¯

decay, especially in the electron sector offers strong constraints on short-distance physics.
Bounds on field range for slowly varying positive potentials
Authors: van de Heisteeg Damian , Vafa Cumrun , Wiesner Max , Wu David H.
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In the context of quantum gravitational systems, we place bounds on regions in field space with slowly varying positive potentials. Using the fact that $$ V<{\Lambda}_s^2 $$
V
<

Λ
s
2

, where Λs(ϕ) is the species scale, and the emergent string conjecture, we show this places a bound on the maximum diameter of such regions in field space: ∆ϕ ≤ a log(1/V) + b in Planck units, where a ≤ $$ \sqrt{\left(d-1\right)\left(d-2\right)} $$

d
−
1

d
−
2

, and b is an 𝒪(1) number and expected to be negative. The coefficient of the logarithmic term has previously been derived using TCC, providing further confirmation. For type II string flux compactifications on Calabi-Yau threefolds, using the recent results on the moduli dependence of the species scale, we can check the above relation and determine the constant b, which we verify is 𝒪(1) and negative in all the examples we studied.
Towards the full Heisenberg-Euler effective action at large N
Authors: Karbstein Felix
Published: February 2024

Abstract

We study the Heisenberg-Euler effective action in constant electromagnetic fields $$ \overline{F} $$

F
¯

for QED with N charged particle flavors of the same mass and charge e in the large N limit characterized by sending N → ∞ while keeping Ne2 ∼ $$ e\overline{F} $$
e

F
¯

∼ N0 fixed. This immediately implies that contributions that scale with inverse powers of N can be neglected and the resulting effective action scales linearly with N . Interestingly, due to the presence of one-particle reducible diagrams, even in this limit the Heisenberg-Euler effective action receives contributions of arbitrary loop order. In particular for the special cases of electric- and magnetic-like field configurations we construct an explicit expression for the associated effective Lagrangian that, upon extremization for two constant scalar coefficients, allows to evaluate its full, all-order result at arbitrarily large field strengths. We demonstrate that our manifestly nonperturbative expression correctly reproduces the known results for the Heisenberg-Euler effective action at large N , namely its all-loop strong field limit and its low-order perturbative expansion in powers of the fine-structure constant.
Observer Design for Nonlinear Descriptor Systems: A Survey on System Nonlinearities
Authors: Tripathi Meenakshi , Moysis Lazaros , Gupta Mahendra Kumar , Fragulis George F. , Volos Christos
Published: February 2024

In general, the construction of observers for nonlinear descriptor systems depends on the solvability of a linear matrix inequality involving system matrices, and it is based on the system’s nonlinearity. Therefore, the type of nonlinearity present in the system heavily affects the observer design process. There are significant developments in the literature for observer design for descriptor systems with various types of nonlinearity. Motivated by this, the current work reviews the literature on observer design for nonlinear descriptor systems with an extensive discussion on the type of nonlinearities that are considered. Here, an analysis and the comparison on the most common nonlinearities is presented, providing a roadmap to all researchers in the field. Furthermore, less common nonlinearities have been identified, presenting under-explored areas within the literature, and can open new domains for future research.
Lithium-ion batteries and fertility in Africa
Authors: Malpede Maurizio
Published: February 2024

This study investigates how the global adoption of modern electrical batteries influenced women’s fertility choices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a country rich in cobalt, an essential component of lithium-ion batteries. The findings reveal that women living in cobalt-rich villages experience higher fertility rates and a greater desire for children relative to those in non-cobalt-rich communities. I attribute this phenomenon to the use of children in cobalt mines, as opposed to other mineral mining activities, which leads to a short-term increase in household wealth and motivates parents to have more children. These results provide novel insights into our understanding of the complex relationship between economic development, natural resources, and fertility decisions in developing economies.
Generation of normal distributions revisited
Authors: Umeda Takayuki
Published: February 2024

Normally distributed random numbers are commonly used in scientific computing in various fields. It is important to generate a set of random numbers as close to a normal distribution as possible for reducing initial fluctuations. Two types of samples from a uniform distribution are examined as source samples for inverse transform sampling methods. Three types of inverse transform sampling methods with new approximations of inverse cumulative distribution functions are also discussed for converting uniformly distributed source samples to normally distributed samples.
Combining discrete and continuous information for multi-criteria optimization problems
Authors: Teichert Katrin , Seidel Tobias , Süss Philipp
Published: February 2024

In multi-criteria optimization problems that originate from real-world decision making tasks, we often find the following structure: There is an underlying continuous, possibly even convex model for the multiple outcome measures depending on the design variables, but these outcomes are additionally assigned to discrete categories according to their desirability for the decision maker. Multi-criteria deliberations may then take place at the level of these discrete labels, while the calculation of a specific design remains a continuous problem. In this work, we analyze this type of problem and provide theoretical results about its solution set. We prove that the discrete decision problem can be tackled by solving scalarizations of the underlying continuous model. Based on our analysis we propose multiple algorithmic approaches that are specifically suited to handle these problems. We compare the algorithms based on a set of test problems. Furthermore, we apply our methods to a real-world radiotherapy planning example.
Intracolony variability in winter feeding and migration strategies of Atlantic puffins and black-legged kittiwakes
Authors: Charrier Julie , Anker-Nilssen Tycho , Fort Jérôme , Jessopp Mark , Strøm Hallvard , Espinasse Boris
Published: February 2024

Polar ecosystems are subjected to many stressors, including climate change, that impact their overall functioning. Seabirds are good bioindicators of these systems as they readily respond to changes in environmental conditions. To quantify how environmental changes affect their life history, data on seabird diet, spatial distribution and body condition are needed to reveal the underlying mechanisms. We explored possible drivers of the winter distribution of single-colony populations of Atlantic puffinsFratercula arcticaand black-legged kittiwakesRissa tridactyla, two of the most numerous seabird species in the North Atlantic. Based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopic data from feathers moulted during winter migration, we identified three groups of Atlantic puffins and two groups of black-legged kittiwakes occupying different isotopic niches. We then used geolocator tracking data for the same birds to determine if these groups reflected parallel differences in the location of moulting grounds rather than differences in their diet. We found that the isotopic niches of the three Atlantic puffin groups likely resulted from their use of different habitats during winter moult. In contrast, the isotopic niches of the two black-legged kittiwake groups were more likely a result of differences in their diet, as both groups were distributed in the same area. These findings suggest that different winter feeding and/or migration strategies may play a role in shaping the body condition of individuals for their following breeding season. We discuss the role of environmental conditions encountered by seabirds during winter migration to further elucidate such intracolony divergence in strategies. As polar ecosystems experience rapid changes in environmental conditions, the approach presented here may provide valuable information for the development of effective conservation measures (taking both intra- and intercolony variability into account), and to better predict future impacts of climate change.
No sign of reproductive cessation in the old workers of a queenless ponerine ant
Authors: Kishino Kodai , Sakiyama Keiko , Fujioka Haruna , Okada Yasukazu
Published: February 2024

In many social hymenopterans, workers of different ages engage in different tasks; younger workers remain inside the nest as intranidal workers, while older workers go outside the nest as extranidal workers (i.e., age polyethism). Previous studies have shown that ovarian activity is diminished in old, extranidal workers, but it remains unclear whether workers’ reproductive ability persists for life or whether they exhibit post-reproductive lifespans. In this study, we investigated the age-dependence of worker reproductive ability in a monomorphic ponerine antDiacammacf.indicum. InDiacammaants, all females in a colony have reproductive ability, but effective reproduction is limited to one or a few dominant females, and the remaining females act as sterile helpers. Using long-term laboratory rearing, we investigated whether worker reproductive ability lasts throughout a worker’s lifetime. The ages of workers were accurately tracked, and the reproductive ability of young and old workers was examined by creating several gamergate-less sub-colonies. Results showed that at least one individual in each sub-colony developed ovaries, even in the sub-colonies that solely consisted of very old workers (> 252 days old). Interestingly, in the presence of younger workers, old workers rarely showed ovarian development. Besides age, we found a positive correlation between the amount of fat (i.e., nutritional condition) and ovarian development in old workers. Our data suggest that reproductive activity of old workers is low but maintained throughout their life inDiacamma.

Significance statement

Females of social animals, such as cetaceans, are known to stop reproducing before the end of their lifespan. It is suggested that the reproductive ability of ant queens does not decline and is maintained throughout their lives; however, it is unclear whether this is also true in ant workers. We maintained ant colonies for more than 500 days and then tested whether the reproductive ability of ant workers is maintained throughout their lifespan. Even in small groups composed of only very old workers (> 252 days old), at least one individual in each group always reproduced actively. Interestingly, the presence of young workers seemed to suppress the reproduction of old workers. In addition, fat content was positively associated with the individual’s reproductive potential.
Comparing transfusion reactions between pre-storage and post-storage leukoreduced apheresis platelets: an analysis using propensity score matching
Authors: Chien Sheng-Hsuan , Huang Hsin-Yi , Chen Ying-Ju , Tsai Yu-Chen , Lu Shu-Hua , Lee Li-Hsuan , Liu Hsueng-Mei , Chen Wen-Chun , Liu Yao-Chung , Lin Ting-An , Liu Chun-Yu
Published: February 2024

Transfusion reactions induced by platelet transfusions may be reduced and alleviated by leukocyte reduction of platelets. Although leukoreduction of apheresis platelets can be performed either pre-storage or post-storage, seldom studies directly compare the incidence of transfusion reaction in these two different blood products. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the transfusion reactions between pre-storage and post-storage leukoreduced apheresis platelets. We reviewed the general characteristics and the transfusion reactions, symptoms, and categories for inpatients who received pre-storage or post-storage leukoreduced apheresis platelets. Propensity-score matching was performed to adjust for baseline differences between groups. A total of 40,837 leukoreduction apheresis platelet orders were reviewed. 116 (0.53%) transfusion reactions were reported in 21,884 transfusions with pre-storage leukoreduction, and 174 (0.91%) reactions were reported in 18,953 transfusions with post-storage leukoreduction. Before propensity-score matching, the odds ratio for transfusion reactions in the pre-storage group relative to the post-storage group was 0.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.72, P < 0.01); the odds ratio after matching was 0.63 (95% CI 0.49–0.80, P < 0.01). A two-proportion z-test revealed pre-storage leukoreduction significantly decreases the symptoms of chills, fever, itching, urticaria, dyspnea, and hypertension as compared with those in post-storage leukoreduction. Pre-storage leukoreduced apheresis platelet significantly decreased febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction as compared with post-storage groups. This study suggests pre-storage leukoreduction apheresis platelet significantly decreases the transfusion reaction as compared with those in post-storage leukoreduction.
Statistical analysis of flow field variations via independent component analysis
Authors: Laichter J. , Kranz P. , Kaiser S. A.
Published: February 2024

The link between in-cylinder flow and subsequent combustion in a single-cylinder gasoline spark-ignition engine is analyzed via independent component analysis (ICA). Experimentally, the two in-plane components of the velocity are measured in the central cylinder plane by high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV) with the engine running slightly lean at 1500 rpm in skip-fired mode. In 213 cycles, measurements are made during the late compression stroke before ignition with approximately 1° crank-angle temporal resolution. ICA then decomposes the set of 213 flow fields at each time step, yielding a set of “source” flow patterns—the independent components (IC). The temporal coherence between the ICs is then examined in a persistence analysis, comparing each IC with the one from the previous time step starting at ignition timing and going backwards in time. The results show which ICs persist how long throughout the compression stroke. To investigate the link between the ICs and combustion, the crank angle at which 10% of the fuel are burned (CA10) in each cycle is correlated with the extent to which a given IC can be found in each flow field. The most persistent IC can be traced over more than half of the 70 degrees crank angle over which images were acquired. The IC that correlates best with CA10 visually more resembles some of the flow features found in conditional averaging of fast-burning versus slow-burning cycles.
Impact of olfactory disorders on personal safety and well-being: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Lee Liam , Luke Louis , Boak Duncan , Philpott Carl
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Investigate safety perceptions, quantify hazardous events, and analyse their manifestations in individuals with olfactory dysfunction through an online cross-sectional survey.

Methods

An online survey, available from 25th February to 28th September 2022, captured data on demographics, olfactory disorder causes, safety concerns, and experienced hazardous events. Distributed via Fifth Sense channels, it targeted individuals with self-claimed olfactory dysfunction.

Results

Of 432 responses, the majority were female (79.6%), aged 41–70, with 20.6% non-UK residents from 21 countries. Leading causes of dysfunction were Covid-19 (22%), idiopathic (20.8%), and congenital (14.4%). Safety concerns were high (85.9%), with gas, smoke, and food as major worries. Over 5 years, 32.2% faced ≥ 1 food incident, 14.8% ≥ 1 gas incident, 34.5% ≥ 1 gas scare, and 18.5% ≥ 1 work incident. Preventative measures were taken by 60.2% at home. Key limitations of this study were self-reported data and sampling bias of charity members.

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant impact of smell loss on personal safety and emotional well-being. There is an unmet need in mitigating safety concerns/events for individuals with olfactory dysfunction. We suggest collaborate strategies such as educating the public sector and high-risk sectors (e.g. gas companies), and introducing safety ‘scratch and sniff’ cards as a screening method. Regular assessment of an individual’s olfactory ability, similar to routine assessments for other sensory systems (sight, hearing) may allow proactive identification of at-risk people and corrective measures to take place.
Effect of exercise intensity and apnea on splenic contraction and hemoglobin increase in well-trained cross-country skiers
Authors: Lindblom Hampus , Pernett Frank , Schagatay Erika , Holmström Pontus
Published: February 2024

The human spleen acts as a reservoir for red blood cells, which is mobilized into the systemic circulation during various conditions such as hypoxia and physical exertion. Cross-country (XC) skiers, renowned for their exceptional aerobic capacity, are regularly exposed to high-intensity exercise and local oxygen deficits. We investigated a putative dose-dependent relationship between splenic contraction and concomitant hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) elevation across four exercise intensities in well-trained XC skiers. Fourteen male XC skiers voluntarily participated in a 2-day protocol, encompassing a serial apnea test and a $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max test (day 1), followed by three submaximal exercise intensities on a roller skiing treadmill corresponding to 55, 70, and 85% of $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max (day 2). Spleen volume was measured via ultrasonic imaging, and venous blood samples were used to determine [Hb] levels. Baseline spleen volume was similar (266(35) mL) for all conditions (NS). Notably, all conditions induced significant splenic contractions and transient [Hb] elevations. The $$\dot{V}$$

V
˙

O2max test exhibited the most pronounced splenic contraction (35.8%, p < 0.001) and a [Hb] increase of 8.1%, while the 85% exercise intensity led to 27.1% contraction and the greatest [Hb] increase (8.3%, < 0.001) compared to baseline. The apnea test induced relatively smaller responses (splenic contraction: 20.4%, [Hb] = 3.3%, p < 0.001), akin to the response observed at the 70% exercise intensity (splenic contraction = 23%, [Hb] = 6.4%, p < 0,001) and 55% (splenic contraction = 20.0%, [Hb] = 4.8%, p < 0.001). This study shows a discernible dose-dependent relationship between splenic contraction and [Hb] increase with levels of exercise, effectively distinguishing between submaximal and maximal exercise intensity.
Outcomes of patients with gallbladder cancer presenting with acute cholecystitis
Authors: Franco Nunzio F , Lau Ngee-Soon , Liu Wai M , Rahim Aadil , Fadia Mitali , Chua Yu Jo , Jain Ankit , Yip Desmond , Gananadha Sivakumar
Published: February 2024

The main purpose of this study is to explore the outcomes of patients found to have gallbladder cancer during investigation and diagnosis of acute cholecystitis. The incidence of primary gallbladder cancer co-existing in acute cholecystitis is not well defined in the literature, with anecdotal reports suggesting that they experience worse outcomes than patients with gallbladder cancer found incidentally.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients with gallbladder cancer managed at the Canberra Health Service between 1998 and May 2022 were identified and reviewed.

Results

A total of 65 patients were diagnosed with primary gallbladder cancer during the study period with a mean age of 70.4 years (SD 11.4, range 59–81.8 years) and a female preponderance (74% versus 26%) with a ratio of 2.8. Twenty (31%) patients presented with acute calculus cholecystitis and were found to have a primary gallbladder cancer. This group of patients were older and predominantly female, but the difference was not statistically significant. The overall 5-year survival in the cohort was 20% (stage 1 63%, stage 2 23%, stage 3 16%, and stage 4 0%). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between those who presented with acute cholecystitis vs other presentations.

Conclusions

A third of the patients with gallbladder cancer presented with acute cholecystitis. There was no statistically significant difference in survival in those with bile spillage during cholecystectomy as well those presenting with acute cholecystitis.
The assessment of fatigue and sleep quality among children and adolescents with familial Mediterranean fever: A case-control and correlation study
Authors: İncesu Çağla , Kayaalp Gülşah Kavrul , Demirkan Fatma Gül , Köker Oya , Çakmak Figen , Akgün Özlem , Ayaz Nuray Aktay , Ömeroğlu Rukiye Nurten
Published: February 2024

To evaluate the sleep quality and fatigue levels in children with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) in comparison to healthy children. The Pediatric Quality of Life Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (PedsQL-MFS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were the instruments utilized to assess fatigue and sleep quality in children with FMF and controls, respectively. Spearman’s rank coefficient was decisive in determining the association between patient-reported outcome measures and disease-related features. Two hundred twenty-five (59.3% female) patients and 182 (51.6% female) healthy counterparts were enrolled in the study. In PSQI, where high scores indicate sleep disturbance, the median score was significantly higher in the patient group (5; 3–6) than the control group (3; 2–4) (p < 0.001). PEDsQL-MFS demonstrated significantly lower fatigue levels in the control group than patients (p = 0.01). The level of fatigue in the patient group was found to increase in correlation with sleep problems (r: − 0.750, p < 0.001). Additionally, a high correlation was present between the PSQI/PedsQL-MFS scores and the number of attacks in the last year (r: − 0.645, p < 0.001/r: 0.721, p < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference in terms of fatigue and sleep disorders between mutations (homozygous, heterozygous, or compound heterozygous) in the MEFV gene (p > 0.05).

    Conclusion: High disease activity has a significant negative impact on the sleep quality and fatigue levels of patients with FMF. This study emphasizes the importance of assessing fatigue and sleep quality with objective outcome tools periodically in FMF patients throughout the disease course.

What is Known:• Fatigue is a common matter that often accompanies rheumatic diseases and causes disability.• Chronic rheumatic diseases often experience poor sleep quality.

What is New:• In high correlation with the disease severity of familial Mediterranean fever, sleep quality decreases and fatigue level increases significantly.• In familial Mediterranean fever patients, a negative correlation is present between age and the general fatigue and sleep/rest related fatigue scores (low scores indicating greater fatigue) and sleep quality is poorer in the adolescent age group.
Gastrointestinal challenges in nephropathic cystinosis: clinical perspectives
Authors: Joseph Mark W. , Stein Deborah R. , Stein Adam C.
Published: February 2024

Gastrointestinal (GI) sequelae, such as vomiting, hyperacidity, dysphagia, dysmotility, and diarrhea, are nearly universal among patients with nephropathic cystinosis. These complications result from disease processes (e.g., kidney disease, cystine crystal accumulation in the GI tract) and side effects of treatments (e.g., cysteamine, immunosuppressive therapy). GI involvement can negatively impact patient well-being and jeopardize disease outcomes by compromising drug absorption and patient adherence to the strict treatment regimen required to manage cystinosis. Given improved life expectancy due to advances in kidney transplantation and the transformative impact of cystine-depleting therapy, nephrologists are increasingly focused on addressing extra-renal complications and quality of life in patients with cystinosis. However, there is a lack of clinical data and guidance to inform GI-related monitoring, interventions, and referrals by nephrologists. Various publications have examined the prevalence and pathophysiology of selected GI complications in cystinosis, but none have summarized the full picture or provided guidance based on the literature and expert experience. We aim to comprehensively review GI sequelae associated with cystinosis and its treatments and to discuss approaches for monitoring and managing these complications, including the involvement of gastroenterology and other disciplines.
Adaptive neuro-fuzzy based hybrid classification model for emotion recognition from EEG signals
Authors: Bardak F. Kebire , Seyman M. Nuri , Temurtaş Feyzullah
Published: February 2024

Emotion recognition using physiological signals has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential applications in various domains, such as healthcare and entertainment. EEG signals have been particularly useful in emotion recognition due to their non-invasive nature and high temporal resolution. However, the development of accurate and efficient algorithms for emotion classification using EEG signals remains a challenging task. This paper proposes a novel hybrid algorithm for emotion classification based on EEG signals, which combines multiple adaptive network models and probabilistic neural networks. The research aims to improve the recognition accuracy of three and four emotions, which has been a challenge for existing approaches. The proposed model consists of N adaptively neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) classifiers designed in parallel, in which N is the number of emotion classes. The selected features with the most appropriate distribution for classification are given as input vectors to the ANFIS structures, and the system is trained. The outputs of these trained ANFIS models are combined to create a feature vector, which provides the inputs for adaptive networks, and the system is trained to acquire the emotional recognition output. The performance of the proposed model has been evaluated for classification on well-known emotion benchmark datasets, including DEAP and Feeling Emotions. The study results indicate that the model achieves an accuracy rate of 73.49% on the DEAP datasets and 95.97% on the Feeling Emotions datasets. These results demonstrate that the proposed model efficiently recognizes emotions and exhibits a promising classification performance.
3D basin modeling of the Hils Syncline, Germany: reconstruction of burial and thermal history and implications for petrophysical properties of potential Mesozoic shale host rocks for nuclear waste storage
Authors: Castro-Vera Leidy , Amberg Sebastian , Gaus Garri , Leu Katharina , Littke Ralf
Published: February 2024

Jurassic sedimentary sequences suitable for nuclear waste storage in northern Germany consist of organic-lean claystone and were uplifted to < 100 m depth in the Hils Syncline area (southern Lower Saxony Basin). This Hils Syncline, showcasing a northwestward increase in thermal maturity, facilitates the study of shale petrophysical properties influenced by burial history. This study introduces a 3D-thermally calibrated numerical model of the Hils Syncline area to analyze its geodynamic evolution and maturity variations. It provides new vitrinite reflectance and sonic velocity data for modeling calibration and erosion estimation. The Hils Syncline area has undergone continuous subsidence, interrupted by a Cretaceous uplift documented by an erosional unconformity. During the latest Early Cretaceous, Jurassic rocks underwent maximum burial reaching up to several thousand meters depth and temperatures up to 160 °C in the northwest. The Late Cretaceous inversion caused stronger erosion towards the northwest removing up to 3300 m of sediment compared to about 1300 m in the south, according to vitrinite reflectance-based estimations. Numerical modeling results along the study area indicate decreasing porosity and permeability northwestward with increasing thermal maturity. Porosity and vertical permeability decreased to 5–14% and 2.8 × 10–23 to 1.5 × 10–19 m2 [1 mD = 10−15 m2], respectively, while vertical thermal conductivity increased to 1.30–2.12 (W/m/K). These trends of porosity/permeability and thermal conductivity with burial align with sonic velocity and published experimental porosity data, except for the thermally most mature region (Haddessen). This anomaly is tentatively attributed here to localized overpressure generation in the Posidonia Shale during maximum burial, affecting both the underlying Pliensbachian and overlying Doggerian units.

Graphical abstract

3D numerical model of the Hils Syncline and surrounding area revealing that a northwestward increase in maximum burial resulted in higher temperatures and varying maturity levels. While most locations align well with calibration data (i.e. measured vitrinite reflectance and porosity), discrepancies arise in the Haddessen/Bensen area. The mismatch between porosity, vitrinite reflectance, and sonic velocity response indicates local overpressure in the northernmost region mainly during the Cretaceous. It was likely caused by gas generation in the Posidonia Shale affecting nearby Lower and Middle Jurassic units.
SNAT2-mediated regulation of estrogen and progesterone in the proliferation of goat mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Ma Xiaoyue , Liu Hanling , Jia Qianqian , Chen Jianguo , Ding Yi , Sun Ming , Zhu Hongmei
Published: February 2024

The development of the goat mammary gland is mainly under the control of ovarian hormones particularly estrogen and progesterone (P4). Amino acids play an essential role in mammary gland development and milk production, and sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 2 (SNAT2) was reported to be expressed in the mammary gland of rats and bovine mammary epithelial cells, which may affect the synthesis of milk proteins or mammary cell proliferation by mediating prolactin, 17β-estradiol (E2) or methionine function. However, whether SNAT2 mediates the regulatory effects of E2 and P4 on the development of the ruminant mammary gland is still unclear. In this study, we show that E2 and P4 could increase the proliferation of goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) and regulate SNAT2 mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Further investigation revealed that SNAT2 is abundantly expressed in the mammary gland during late pregnancy and early lactation, while knockdown and overexpression of SNAT2 in GMECs could inhibit or enhance E2- and P4-induced cell proliferation as well as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. We also found that the accelerated proliferation induced by SNAT2 overexpression in GMECs was suppressed by the mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor rapamycin. This indicates that the regulation of GMECs proliferation mediated by SNAT2 in response to E2 and P4 is dependent on the mTOR signaling pathway. Finally, we found that the total content of the amino acids in GMECs changed after knocking-down and overexpressing SNAT2. In summary, the results demonstrate that the regulatory effects of E2 and P4 on GMECs proliferation may be mediated by the SNAT2-transported amino acid pathway. These results may offer a novel nutritional target for improving the development of the ruminant mammary gland and milk production.
Whole-family programmes for families living with parental mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moltrecht B. , Lange Aurelie M. C. , Merrick H. , Radley J.
Published: February 2024

Several interventions have been developed to support families living with parental mental illness (PMI). Recent evidence suggests that programmes with whole-family components may have greater positive effects for families, thereby also reducing costs to health and social care systems. This review aimed to identify whole-family interventions, their common characteristics, effectiveness and acceptability. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A literature search was conducted in ASSIA, CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and PsycINFO in January 2021 and updated in August 2022. We double screened 3914 abstracts and 212 papers according to pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used for quality assessment. Quantitative and qualitative data were extracted and synthesised. Randomised-control trial data on child and parent mental health outcomes were analysed separately in random-effects meta-analyses. The protocol, extracted data, and meta-data are accessible via the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/9uxgp/). Data from 66 reports—based on 41 independent studies and referring to 30 different interventions—were included. Findings indicated small intervention effects for all outcomes including children’s and parents’ mental health (dc = −0.017, −027; dp = −0.14, −0.16) and family outcomes. Qualitative evidence suggested that most families experienced whole-family interventions as positive, highlighting specific components as helpful, including whole-family components, speaking about mental illness, and the benefits of group settings. Our findings highlight the lack of high-quality studies. The present review fills an important gap in the literature by summarising the evidence for whole-family interventions. There is a lack of robust evidence coupled with a great need in families affected by PMI which could be addressed by whole-family interventions. We recommend the involvement of families in the further development of these interventions and their evaluation.