bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of obesity-associated inflammation in Clostridium difficile susceptibility
Authors:   , Curatola Ashley R. , Kutzler Michele A
Published: July 2024

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) causes 15,000 deaths annually, a 300% increase since 1999. The major risk factors for CDI include advanced age, previous antibiotic use, length of hospital stay, and comorbidities like obesity, which affects 35% of US adults. Currently, the mechanistic link between obesity and susceptibility to CDI is unclear, with less diverse intestinal microbiota and underlying chronic inflammation being implicated. Obese individuals suffer from chronic inflammation- a result of adipocytes and surrounding activated immune cells releasing a multitude of inflammatory molecules including TNF-alpha, IL-1[beta], IL-6, and leptin. In this thesis research project, I developed an in vitro model of a polarized monolayer of intestinal epithelium to test the effects of leptin on tight junction permeability and function using 3 methods to measure the integrity of the barrier: transepithelial electrical resistance, lucifer yellow diffusion, and immunofluorescence staining of tight junction markers ZO-1 and F-actin. With the models in hand, I tested the hypothesis that in the presence of leptin, pro-inflammatory cytokines disrupt tight junctions thereby increasing intestinal permeability and subsequent apoptosis caused by CDI leading to more severe disease in obese patients. First, I tested the direct effects of physiological concentrations of leptin on CACO-2 cell tight junction function and showed modest effects comparable to assay controls, suggesting that the effects of leptin on tight junction function is complex. Interestingly, when in the presence of a junction perturbing agent, for example, Clostridium difficile toxin or EGTA, at 24 hours leptin induced a significant synergistic increase in caspase 3/7 activation that correlates with an 2 to 4 fold increase in the frequency of dying CACO-2 cells (Annexin V positive) when compared to Clostridium difficile toxin or EGTA treatment alone. These data suggest the requirement of an inflammatory trigger in order for leptin to mediate its detrimental effects on cellular permeability. To fully address our hypothesis we plan to measure inflammatory cytokines secreted following leptin treatment to determine whether TNF-alpha, IL-1[beta], and IL-6 mediate the leptin-induced changes in intestinal barrier structure and/or apoptosis. Taken together, these experiments will provide an important cellular mechanism by which obese individuals are more susceptible to CDI.
The Central Contribution of CD4+ T Cells to Neurotropic Virus Control and Neuropathogenesis
Authors:   , Solomos Andreas Constantine , Rall Glenn
Published: July 2024

Infections of cells within the brain can occur following challenge with many viruses and other pathogens. Such infections often result in the activation of parenchymal cells as well as substantial infiltration of blood borne lymphocytes. Recent discoveries reject the notion that the central nervous system (CNS) is "immune privileged". However, it is also true that immune effectors and outcomes are notably different from canonical responses that occur in the periphery. I have investigated the contribution of T cells and B cells in controlling a neuron restricted virus infection, and have discovered that CD4+ T cells play a critical role in immune cell education and consequences following challenge. Specifically, I have shown that survival of permissive mice challenged with measles virus (MV) is CD4+ T cell dependent, but that either B cells or CD8+ T cells must also be present to ensure pathogenesis-free survival. Interestingly, even with an intact immune response, MV RNA is detectable in healthy immune competent adult mice 90-120 days post infection (dpi), suggesting that sterile clearance of infection does not occur in the CNS, allowing the establishment of a life-long subacute infection. In addition, I sought to determine whether the host response to multiple, concurrent antigenic challenges could interact and disrupt the finely tuned balance that occurs in the single neurotropic MV challenge model. To do so, a two virus, tissue-restricted model was developed in which mice are infected with neurotropic MV and viscerotropic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Double-infected mice experience a fatal neuropathogenic disease following co-infection, resulting from edema mediated by CD8+ T cells. To better understand how a concurrent immune response could alter a non-pathogenic MV response in the brain, I used an adoptive transfer approach, and showed that, while CD8+ T cells are necessary for pathogenesis, they are not sufficient. Rather, CD4+ T cells, activated by an allogeneic immune challenge, appear to "convert" MV-specific CD8+ T cells to a neuropathogenic phenotype. Taken together, these results further dissect the complex interplay of T lymphocytes following neurotropic virus infection, and have revealed novel pathogenic mechanisms that occur in the CNS following polymicrobial challenge
Particle simulations of monatomic and polyatomic gases for radio-frequency plasma discharges
Authors:   , Nagayama Katsuya , Farouk Bakhtier
Published: July 2024

The objectives of this research are to develop predictive numerical models and carry out simulations of low pressure radio-frequency (RF) glow discharges for diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film deposition. Understanding the mechanisms of glow discharge such as electron and ion transport, gas phase reaction and deposition is important to optimize the glow discharge systems. Particle modeling is a powerful means to simulate such non-equilibrium phenomena. While charged particles were previously modeled, the new model included neutral motion. The model was extended to CH4 (polyatomic gas) plasma, which is an important process for DLC film deposition. Particle-in-cell Monte Carlo simulations (PIC/MC) of one-dimensional capacitively coupled RF glow discharges were carried out for low pressure Argon plasmas. The present scheme includes the motions and collisions of both neutrals and charged particles. Present results agree with results from similar studies. The model is also applied to cases with a heated electrode, for which conventional PIC models cannot be applied. PIC/MC method for polyatomic gas, which has been used in non plasma situations, was applied to low pressure heat transfer in developing flow between parallel plates. Results of this method were compared to the Graetz solution (simplified continuum solution). It indicates that the MC method is appropriate for simulating low pressure gas flow. CH4 plasma was modeled by combining the models of the PIC/MC method for RF plasma and polyatomic gas collision scheme. The model considers the motions of CH4, CH4+, CH3, C2H5, H2, H and electrons. Detailed information such as space and time dependent electric field, reaction rate and particle energy distributions was obtained. Deposition rate, which is obtained by sampling impinging particles to the electrode, shows that radicals are the major species for film formation as past literature reported. The developed CH4 plasma model was also applied to various conditions such as pressure, applied voltage, electrode gap. The effects of each operating parameter were studied. The model was also applied to CH4/H2 plasmas. Results show that hydrogen tends to suppress the formation of undesirable polyatomic hydrocarbons and decreases the deposition rate.
Strain hardening at large strains in aluminum alloys
Authors:   , Rollett Anthony David
Published: July 2024

The strain hardening properties of high purity Al, commercial purity Al, Al-Mn, Al-Mg and Al-Cu alloys have been investigated at large strains in the temperature range 77-473K. Torsion of short thin walled cylinders was chosen as the deformation method because large strains can be achieved without such problems as friction and redundant work. The results of the tests indicated that the stage of strain hardening known as Stage IV occurs even in pure face centered metals in torsion. The term Stage IV is derived from studies of single crystal plasticity and is the nearly constant hardening rate observed at large strains in many metals. The hardening rate in Stage IV is approximately 2.10-4 where the hardening rate has been reduced by the shear modulus and a Taylor factor in order to put it in terms of critical resolved shear stresses on a single slip system. A plot of hardening rate versus stress characteristically shows a sharp transition from steadily decreasing hardening rate in Stage III to constant Stage IV. Stage IV does not appear at high homologous temperatures. Alloying generally extends the occurrence of Stage IV to higher temperatures than in pure metals. A model has been developed that is based on the accumulation of dislocation debris such as dipoles and prismatic loops. This model is able to account for the characteristics of Stage IV, such as the sharp transition observed on a plot of hardening rate versus stress.
The effects of therapeutic interventions on cortical neurons in adult rats with neonatal mid-thoracic transections
Authors:   , Kao Tina , Moxon Karen Anne
Published: July 2024

Many therapeutic interventions for spinal cord injury (SCI) are presumed to exert their effects at, or below, the level of the injured spinal cord. These interventions include exercise, and the administration of pharmacological agents. While there are clearly beneficial effects of these interventions at or below the injury site, their effects at supraspinal levels are not well understood and rarely addressed. In rats, a T8/T9 transection eliminates the primary source of activation to the hindlimb representation of the primary somatosensory cortex. We therefore studied whether different therapeutic interventions, such as treadmill exercise or the systemic administration of the 5-HT 2C receptor agonist, m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), modifies the somatotopic organization of the hindlimb representation in the primary somatosensory cortex of adult rats with neonatal T8/T9 transections (spinalized rats). Our outcome measures included the percentage of cells that respond to sensory stimulations of the forelimb skin and by the response magnitude of these cells to sensory and sensorimotor stimulations of the forelimb periphery. Our data suggest that neonatal T8/T9 transection alone does not modify the hindlimb representation of adult rats, but treadmill exercise after neonatal T8/T9 transection does modify the somatotopic organization of the hindlimb representation. This was assessed by comparing the percentage of cells in the hindlimb cortex that responded to sensory stimulations of the forelimb skin. In exercised spinalized rats, the magnitude of the response of cells in hindlimb representation to process sensory and sensorimotor information from the forelimb was greater than that of normal rats. In addition, a subset of spinalized rats that were given daily treadmill exercise respond to the systemic administration of a single dose of mCPP with greater numbers of steps that support their hindquarters during treadmill induced locomotion. The systemic administration of a single dose of mCPP to these rats improved the ability of cells in their hindlimb representations to process sensory input, but had little effect on the response of these cells to sensorimotor inputs. Our results suggest that the effects of therapeutic interventions on cortical cells should be considered in developing rehabilitative strategies for spinal cord injury.
Mechanisms regulating breast cancer invasion in response to ionizing radiation
Authors:   , Kambach Diane Marie , Clifford Jane , Reginato Mauricio J
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer is the second most common malignancy among women in the U.S. Approximately 20-25% of U.S. diagnoses are of the premalignant condition, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Though DCIS is considered a direct stepping stone between normal and malignant tissue, the course of untreated disease is poorly understood. ErbB2 is frequently expressed in DCIS; however, little is known about how it contributes to carcinogenesis. Here we show that clinically relevant doses of ionizing radiation (IR) activate ErbB2 and induce invasion of ErbB2-expressing breast cancer cells as well as MCF10A cells overexpressing ErbB2. ErbB2-negative breast cancer cells do not invade following treatment with IR, nor do MCF10A cells overexpressing EGFR. ErbB2 becomes phosphorylated at Y877 in a dose- and time- dependent manner following exposure to X-rays, and activates downstream signaling cascades including PI3K/Akt. Inhibition of these pathways, as well as inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with antioxidants, prevents IR-induced invasion. Activation of ErbB2 and Akt results in upregulation of the forkhead family transcription factor, FoxM1, and its transcriptional targets, including MMP2. Inhibition of FoxM1 by RNAi prevented induction of invasion by IR, and overexpression of FoxM1 in MCF10A cells was sufficient to promote IR-induced invasion. Moreover, we found that 14-3-3[zeta] is also upregulated by IR in cancer cells in a ROS-dependent manner, is required for IR-induced invasion in ErbB2- and FoxM1-positive breast cancer cells and together with FoxM1 is sufficient for invasion in ErbB2-negative breast cancer cells. Thus, our data show that IR-mediated activation of ErbB2 and induction of 14-3-3[zeta] collaborate to regulate FoxM1 and promote invasion of breast cancer cells. This work has identified ErbB2, and more specifically FoxM1 and 14-3-3[zeta] as potential biomarkers for differentiating pre-invasive DCIS from less aggressive lesions. Furthermore, novel antagonists targeting these molecules may yield innovative neoadjuvant therapies for radiosensitization and/or overcoming drug resistance in ErbB2-positive tumors.
Developing strategies of cell transplantation and gene therapy to treat spinal cord injury
Authors:   , Liu Yi , Faber Donald S
Published: July 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition that affects more than 10,000 people in the US each year. Today, even though most SCI patients benefited from the rapid development in treatment and care and live much longer, currently there is no cure for this condition. In the past two decades, developments in neurotransplantation and gene transfer techniques have introduced a spectrum of promising strategies for treatment of SCI, including in vivo and ex vivo gene therapy. In the in vivo approach, vectors encoding therapeutic genes are used directly to transduce host cells to induce expression of the therapeutic products. In the ex vivo approach, cells are genetically modified in vitro and grafted into the host as a vehicle for delivery of the therapeutic agents. Gene therapy encompasses three dimensions: the therapeutic genes, the vectors and the donor cells. Examples of valuable therapeutic agents include the neurotrophic/neurotropic factors and their receptors; anti-apoptotic factors, growth associated proteins, cell adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix molecules. A variety of vectors are designed for in vivo and ex vivo gene delivery, such as herpes simplex virus, adenovius, retrovirus, adenoviral-associated virus, lentivirus and some non-viral vectors. Several types of donor cells have been studied, including primary cells, immortalized cell lines and stem cells/cell lines. The goal of this thesis is to develop strategies of in vivo and ex vivo intraspinal gene delivery and to apply them to experimental models of SCI. All dimensions of gene therapy were explored. A variety of viral vectors (adenoviral and retroviral vectors) and donor cells (primary fibroblasts and immortalized neural stem cells) were employed to deliver therapeutic genes (NT-3 and BDNF) and reporter genes (lacZ and GFP) into intact or injured spinal cord. In chapters 3 and 4, recombinant adenoviral vectors encoding reporter genes were used to demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo and ex vivo intraspinal gene delivery. In chapter 5, an immortalized neural stem cell line was genetically modified by a retroviral vector encoding the NT-3 gene and xenografted into adult rat spinal cord to demonstrate the feasibility of ex vivo intraspinal gene delivery with neural stem cells. Finally in chapters 6 and 7, primary fibroblasts engineered to produce BDNF were grafted into a cervical spinal cord hemisection cavity to demonstrate their effects on promoting rubrospinal axon regeneration and functional recovery and preventing axotomy induced retrograde neuron death and atrophy in the Red Nucleus. Results presented in this thesis provided direct evidence that gene therapy may eventually prove effective for treatment of human SCI.
The development of Chinese television in the United States
Authors:   , Wang Huixuan , Salas Philip W. , Tedesco Albert S.
Published: July 2024

In this master's thesis, the author will provide an introduction to Chinese American television's history, development process and limitations. The author's research will examine how the slowly developing Chinese-American media underserve the Asian demographic, failing to meet the needs of the audience. A survey will be conducted among Asian demographics. The author will also explore the current media atmosphere in China. China's economy is increasing rapidly, as are its online TV shows, potentially causing a loss of viewing to existing American-Chinese channels.
Characterization of the role of transcription factor Sp1 and its ATM-mediated phosphorylation in the cellular response to DNA damage
Authors:   , Kelly Crystal Marie , Clifford Jane
Published: July 2024

DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), the most lethal form of DNA damage, are caused by endogenous and exogenous sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In response to DSBs, the MRN complex, Mre11, Nbs1, and Rad50, localizes to DSBs and activates the ataxia telangiectasia muted kinase (ATM), resulting in phosphorylation of substrates involved in DNA damage recognition and repair, checkpoint activation and apoptosis. We have found that exposure to DNA damaging agents, such as H₂O₂, ionizing radiation (IR), ultraviolet light (UV), and several chemotherapeutic drugs induces phosphorylation of Sp1, a transcription factor regulating expression of proteins involved in DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression. We have identified serine 101 of Sp1 to be a specific target of ATM in response to ail of these agents. Mutation of S101 to alanine results in greatly reduced phosphorylation of Sp1 in response to DNA damaging agents. Cells depleted of Sp1 by siRNA show decreased viability which can be rescued by expression of Wt Sp1 but not by expression of Sp1S101A. We have made a phospho-specific Sp1 antibody to serine 101 ([gamma]Sp1101). The phosphorylation of Sp1 is rapid and transient in response to H₂O₂, IR, and some drugs, which parallels the phosphorylation of histone variant, [gamma]H2AX, a marker of DSBs. Using immunofluorescence, we have demonstrated in cells treated with IR (0.5 Gy) that [gamma]Sp1101 forms discrete foci which co-localize with [gamma]H2AX. Using laser micro-irradiation and by creating DSBs at specific endogenous endonuclease sites, we have demonstrated that ySp1101 is specifically recruited to DSBs. The recruitment of Sp1 to the DSB appears to be through interaction with Nbs1; depletion of Nbs1 using siRNA abolishes the phosphorylation of Sp1 and its recruitment to DSBs. In contrast, the phosphorylation of Sp1 in response to UV is delayed compared to H2AX. Localization of [gamma]Sp l01 in response to UV varies throughout the cell cycle, and largely overlaps with the distribution of phospho-ATM and [gamma]H2AX. The phosphorylation of S101 is inhibited in cell lines deficient in nucleotide excision repair. Together, these data provide evidence for a role of Sp1 in the cellular response to DNA damage and as a potential biomarker.
Electroencephalograph (EEG) analysis of oscillatory networks supporting human short-term memory
Authors:   , Payne Lisa , Kounios John
Published: July 2024

Functional imaging studies have demonstrated that short-term memory (STM), the ability to store information that is no longer available in the environment, involves prefrontal, parietal, and temporal areas. In order to form a complete understanding of this important phenomenon, functional models must combine neuroanatomical substrates with oscillatory network dynamics. Although electroencephalograph (EEG) oscillations in the theta band (4-7 Hz) have been associated with STM, there are inconsistencies in its response to increasing memory demand. In addition, recent reports of alpha frequency activity during STM tasks challenge the historical view that alpha oscillations represent cortical-idling and demands that we interpret its functional role. The first aim was to utilize EEG wavelet coherence to analyze how memory load-related increases in alpha power correspond to changes in STM network coherence and if coherence would be a more sensitive measure of load-related changes in network theta activity. Results revealed that frontal-midline theta and posterior alpha both exhibit demand-induced correlations with left hemisphere temporal and parietal regions associated with verbal STM retention. The finding that frontal-midline theta and parietal-midline alpha exhibit a nexus of coherence with left temporal/parietal sites is indirect evidence, consistent with functional neuroimaging studies, that this region supports retention. These results support the notion that these interactions represent complimentary mechanisms supporting retention through top-down selective strengthening of memory representations and gating of potentially interfering bottom-up inputs. The next goal was to test the hypothesis that posterior alpha activity serves to inhibit the flow of potentially interfering bottom-up sensory processing during STM retention with an experiment that required participants to attend to a fixation point on display while retaining consonants in memory. In accordance with inhibition theory, it was found that the requirement to visually attend during the retention interval did significantly decrease alpha power. The requirement to attend also altered the coherent relationships of the retention network. The interactions between frontal and parietal sites depicted in the control condition did not occur when the retention interval was varied, indicating that these long-distance coherent alpha relationships during retention are more likely to occur when external stimuli can be ignored.
The effect of metal anisotropy on the shaped-charge performance
Authors:   , Liu Yar-Fine , Chou Pei Chi
Published: July 2024

In this thesis, both numerical and experimental approaches are used to study the effects of metal anisotropy on warhead performance. In the numerical approach, the anisotropic plastic flow rule is implemented into the hydrocode DEFEL. The theory, along with its application to the problem of shaped-charge jet stability is presented. In the experimental approach, static tests of three types of anisotropic properties are measured. These are the shear coupling effect, the anisotropic flow stress and the anisotropic hardening effect. By including the generalized Hooke's law, Hill's yield criterion, and the anisotropic flow rule, the DEFEL code is extended to include orthotropic materials. The instability of an orthotropic jet is calculated with this version of the code. The effect of the anisotropic yield strength on the growth of necks is demonstrated. The experimental study of the plastic shear-coupling effect is implemented here. Shear strains induced by normal compression of anisotropic copper plates are measured. In the flow stress tests, the nature and magnitude of the anisotropy in rotary-forged plates are displayed. The effect of heat treatment on metal anisotropy is also presented. In the anisotropic work-hardening test, tension and compression preload-compression reload tests are carried out to determine the tendency towards anisotropic hardening after preloading. The results show that preloading does introduce anisotropy.
Bipedal standing/balance
Authors:   , Reisinger Kim Denise , Moskowitz Gordon D
Published: July 2024

A bipedal locomotion system is studied in an effort to understand and characterize the previously uninvestigated phases of the bipedal locomotion process, specifically, the standing/balance phase and the transition phases of initiation and stopping. Two and three dimensional-three element models, consisting of two lower limbs and a body are employed for the study. The former is utilized for the purpose of identifying the mechanism(s) responsible for a stopped, standing/balance gait. The latter is employed for a structural stability analysis of the system under perturbations to the system parameters. The equations governing the motion of the system are obtained via Lagrangian dynamics techniques; retained in their nonlinear form; and the discontinuous, impulsive contact events of impact and transfer of support are incorporated into the model. Impulsive torques applied to the support limb in the direction of impending motion result in a standing/balance gait characterized by a continuous sequence of impact and switching with only a small finite displacement of the tip of each limb above the ground. We also address the issues of gait initiation and stopping and show that the system is capable of undergoing a stable transition between a steady progression gait and the standing/balance gait. Furthermore, we show that a steady progression gait can also be established via the application of impulsive torques. In summary, we show that impulsive control is sufficient for establishing all phases of the bipedal locomotion process. Finally, we show through phase space portraits and Poincare mapping techniques that the bipedal locomotion system is structurally stable for a large range of values of the system parameters.
Prediction of aqueous solubility and Henry's constant from molecular structure
Authors:   , Nirmalakhandan Nagamany , Speece Richard E.
Published: July 2024

Aqueous Solubility and Henry's Constant data from the literature were compiled for a wide range of chemicals of environmental concern. Using a semi-theoretical approach, the solute-solvent interactions were modeled by Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (QSAR) techniques to derive predictive equations for the two properties, without reliance on any experimental inputs. Molecular connectivity indices and a polarizability parameter were used to model the cavity formation and the dipole-dipole phenomena in solute-solvent interactions. A training data set of 145 mixed class of solid and liquid solutes was used to derive a general model for aqueous solubility with an r of 0.970 and standard error of 0.311. The predictive ability of the model was demonstrated using a testing set of 55 new chemicals. Appropriate statistical tests were used to demonstrate the integrity of the general model. Finally, the model was shown to fit the data for an expanded data set of 315 compounds with an r of 0.974 and standard error of 0.291. In the study of Henry's Constant, a data set of 180 chemicals was used to derive a preliminary model with an r of 0.965 and standard error of 0.445. By introducing a simple indicator variable, this model was refined to fit the data more precisely with an r of 0.99 and standard error of 0.262. The robustness of this model too was demonstrated, as well as its predictive ability, by applying it on a testing data set of 20 miscellaneous chemicals. The maximum error on these 20 chemicals was -0.63 log units, and for 10 of them, the error was within +/-0.2 log units. The connectivity-polarizability approach developed in this study was shown to be a simple and powerful one to model solute-solvent interactions in partitioning phenomena. The primary advantage of this approach is the simple to formulate descriptors, calculable by rigid and consistent algorithms for all classes of compounds from their molecular structure, without any experimental inputs. To make this approach more useful and to demonstrate the utility of QSAR techniques, the entire study was carried out in a personal computer environment.
A heuristic search approach to solving the software clustering problem
Authors:   , Mitchell Brian S. , Mancoridis Spiros
Published: July 2024

Most interesting software systems are large and complex, and as a consequence, understanding their structure is difficult. One of the reasons for this complexity is that source code contains many entities (e.g., classes, modules) that depend on each other in intricate ways (e.g., procedure calls, variable references). Additionally, once a software engineer understands a system's structure, it is difficult to preserve this understanding, because the structure tends to change during maintenance. Research into the software clustering problem has proposed several approaches to deal with the above issue by defining techniques that partition the structure of a software system into subsystems (clusters). Subsystems are collections of source code resources that exhibit similar features, properties or behaviors. Because there are far fewer subsystems than modules, studying the subsystem structure is easier than trying to understand the system by analyzing the source code manually. Our research addresses several aspects of the software clustering problem. Specifically, we created several heuristic search algorithms that automatically cluster the source code into subsystems. We implemented our clustering algorithms in a tool named Bunch, and conducted extensive evaluation via case studies and experiments. Bunch also includes a variety of services to integrate user knowledge into the clustering process, and to help users navigate through complex system structures manually. Since the criteria used to decompose the structure of a software system into subsystems vary across different clustering algorithms, mechanisms that can compare different clustering results objectively are needed. To address this need we first examined two techniques that have been used to measure the similarity between system decompositions, and then created two new similarity measurements to overcome some of the problems that we discovered with the existing measurements. Similarity measurements enable the results of clustering algorithms to be compared to each other, and preferably to be compared to an agreed upon "benchmark" standard. Since benchmark standards are not documented for most systems, we created another tool, called CRAFT, that derives a "reference decomposition" automatically by exploiting similarities in the results produced by several different clustering algorithms.
Particle stimulation nucleation of recrystallization in two-phase Al-Mg₂Si alloys
Authors:   , Liu John , Doherty Roger D
Published: July 2024

A series of Al-Mg₂Si alloys was produced with the original intention of studying particle stimulated recrystallization for grain size control. Dispersions with independent variation of particle size and spacing were required for the study. A finite difference diffusion model was developed to generate the appropriate cooling curves for their production. From metallographic sections, 2-D particle size and distribution were measured by an image analyzer. To characterize the dispersions in more detail, all particles were approximated as spheroids. From the measured 2-D particle parameters, 3-D particle size and distribution were calculated by the Saltykov/DeHoff analysis. Log-normal distribution was found. The 90 percent cold rolled and annealed (350°C) conditions were studied using measurements of hardness, electrical conductivity, optical metallography, SEM and TEM. The technique of convergent beam electron diffraction was used to obtain Kikuchi patterns, which were digitized and analyzed to obtain crystallographic information. TEM results of rolling plane samples showed gross heterogeneity in the misorientation development around particles. These were attributed to the interaction of shear bands and particles. The shear bands were clearly revealed by transverse section TEM foils prepared with a newly developed technique. They appear to form in single-phase alloy as well, but seem to be intensified by the presence of particles. A hypothesis was put forward to explain the interaction of shear bands with particle deformation zones which overlap. Particle stimulated nucleation of recrystallization (PSN) also appears to be operative to some extent. Extra solute inhibits dynamic recovery. Particle pinning slows down the recrystallization kinetics. The findings of this study raise some questions on the currently accepted models of recrystallization in two-phase alloys. With the assumption of macroscopically homogeneous strain, these models predict the conditions for PSN or recrystallized grain size based on the imposed strain and particle size distribution. The assumption of macroscopically homogeneous strain is no longer valid for alloys which show strain localization in the form of shear bands. It appears that shear banding is a more common phenomenon than generally thought. The role of shear banding on the microstructural development and the resultant mechanical properties is worth further studying.
Mulch en la conservación del agua y rendimiento del frijol en una zona semiárida de Perú
Authors: Solano Ramos Rómulo Agustín , Tineo Bermúdez Alex Lázaro , http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5234-4345 Orlando Fidel Sulca Castilla , Carrillo Medina Pelayo , Aronés Quispe Raúl Javier , Villantoy Palomino Abraham , Sánchez Campos Yaquelin Alexis
Published: July 2024

Una alternativa para optimizar el uso del agua de lluvia en regiones semiáridas para la producción de cultivos, es el uso de coberturas vegetales (mulch). El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la influencia de dos fuentes de mulch bajo dos niveles de uso en el rendimiento de frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris) var. Red Kidney y en la reducción de la evaporación del agua del suelo en Canaán, Ayacucho. El experimento consistió en un ensayo factorial 2x2 (fuentes de mulch: residuos de trigo y de grass; niveles de uso: 5 y 10 t ha-1) más un testigo, en parcelas de 8,75 m2, bajo el Diseño de bloques completos al azar. Se utilizaron evaporímetros de balanza para determinar la reducción relativa de la evaporación del agua del suelo (Reas), en suelos con mulch respecto al suelo sin mulch. Los resultados mostraron que la evaporación del agua en suelos con mulch es significativamente menor que en suelos sin mulch; la Reas por aplicación de mulch es superior en los suelos con mulch a base de residuos de grass. La aplicación de 7.5 t ha-1 permite una Reas de 69% con residuos de trigo y 77% con residuos de grass. Los rendimientos de frijol también están influenciados por la fuente y niveles de mulch, siendo superior hasta un 98% al utilizar 10 t ha-1 de mulch de residuos de grass y hasta un 49% con residuos de trigo.
Mix-­and­-match Implantation of Multifocal and Extended Depth of Focus IOLs
Authors: Pershin K. B. , Pashinova N. F. , Tsygankov А. Yu. , Antonov E. A. , Kosova I. V. , Batalina L. V.
Published: July 2024

Purpose: Analysis of results of combined implantation of non­diffractive IOL with extended depth of focus and multifocal IOL.

Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients (80 eyes) after cataract phacoemulsification or clear lens removal with a mean follow­up of 15.4 ± 1.2 (12–22) months. Women accounted for 60 % (n = 24) and men for 40 % (n = 16). 20 patients (40 eyes) with bilateral AcrySof IQ Vivity implantation formed the minimonovision group (group I), and 20 patients (40 eyes) with AcrySof IQ Vivity implantation in the dominant eye (n = 20) and Acrysof IQ Panoptix implantation in the non­dominant eye (n = 20) formed the group of mix­-and­-match implantation (group II).

Results. At the maximum follow­up period of 3 months, UCNVA in group I was 0.61 ± 0.14, in group II — 0.82 ± 0.09 (p = 0.048), BCNVA — 0.66 ± 0.17 and 0.92 ± 0.14, respectively (p = 0.039). No significant differences were found between groups comparing UCIVA, BCIVA, UCDVA and BCDVA (p > 0.1), but slightly higher values were determined in patients after bilateral implantation of Acrysof IQ Vivity IOLs. In group I, 2 patients (10 %) had glare and 2 (10 %) had halo. Patients did not complain about difficulties in driving in the darkness. In 9 cases out of 20 (45 %) patients required spectacle correction for reading. In group II, adverse optical phenomena were identified in 7 patients (35 %), of which 4 patients (20 %) had glare and 3 (15 %) had halo. None of the patients required spectacle correction for reading. In both groups, 95 % of cases (19 patients) rated the surgical outcome as “excellent” and 5 % (1 patient) as “good”.

Conclusion. For the first time in Russia, the results of combined (mix­-and­match) implantation of EDOF and trifocal IOLs in comparison with bilateral IOL implantation in presbyopic patients were analyzed. The advantage of combined implantation for achieving better near visual acuity and comparable incidence of adverse optical phenomena was shown.
Vision Deficit Is a New Marker of Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Agarkov N. M. , Kopylov A. E. , Osmanov R. E. , Popova N. V. , Neudakhin M. A. , Titov A. A.
Published: July 2024

Despite the frequent combination of cognitive impairments in patients with cataracts and glaucoma, the latter remain insufficiently studied with various visual deficits. The purpose: to study the association of visual deficits in cataracts and primary open–angle glaucoma with cognitive impairment. The clinical study involved 326 elderly patients with cataracts and 318 elderly patients with primary open­angle glaucoma. The diagnosis of this ophthalmology was performed according to generally accepted methods. The degree of cognitive impairment was determined according to the Mini­-Mental­-State­-Examination (MMSE) scale. Visual deficit was assessed by visual acuity without correction. It was found that with low visual deficit (visual acuity without correction of 0,51–0,60 and over 0,61) in the examined patients with cataract, the average score on the MMSE scale varied from 28,7 ± 0,4 to 28,8 ± 0,6 points, and in patients with primary open­-angle glaucoma from 28,3 ± 0.5 to 28,5 ± 0.6 points with no significant differences in both cases. With severe visual deficit (visual acuity without correction to 0,20 and 0,21–0,30), the average score on the MMSE scale varied from 15,2 ± 0,3 to 17,4 ± 0,4 and from 13,8 ± 0,4 to 17,6 ± 0,3, respectively. The correlation coefficient between visual acuity without correction and the average MMSE score in patients with cataract was +0,436, and in patients with glaucoma — r = +0,482. The presence of an association of visual acuity without correction with cognitive dysfunction is also confirmed by regression analysis, which allows us to consider vision deficiency as a marker of cognitive impairment and can be used in monitoring them in patients with cataracts and glaucoma.
Subtotal Serous Retinal Detachment after Non­-Penetrating Glaucoma Surgery. Clinical Case
Authors: Konovalov M. E. , Zenina M. L. , Burdel K. V. , Reznikova A. B. , Konovalova M. M.
Published: July 2024

Purpose: to provide a clinical case of serous retinal detachment after non­penetrating antiglaucoma surgery. A patient with hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus underwent a non­penetrating deep sclerectomy in our clinic against the background of uncompensated glaucoma. Subtotal serous retinal detachment was found in the early postoperative period. Against the background of steroid therapy, the detachment resolved within 2 weeks. We believe that the cause of serous detachment is a significant gradient in the decrease in intraocular pressure against the background of uncompensated glaucoma as a result of surgery against the background of uncompensated glaucoma and endothelial dysfunction due to common diseases. Patients with comorbidities and initially severe condition require more thorough preoperative preparation, monitoring and correction of treatment in the postoperative period.
Volume and Structure of the Population’s Need for High-Tech Ophthalmological Care in Azerbaijan
Authors: Gadzhieva B. Kh.
Published: July 2024

Purpose. Determine the volume and structure of high­tech ophthalmological care in Azerbaijan.

Materials and methods. Materials from medical histories of patients hospitalized at the National Center of Ophthalmology named after Academician Z. Aliyeva (12 882 cases) for 2019 (from January 1 to December 31) were used. The need of hospitalized patients for high­tech ophthalmological care was determined in accordance with the list of types of high­tech medical care. The volume of demand of the population of Azerbaijan for GPs by type of indications and interventions was established per 100 thousand population with the determination of the average error of the indicator.

Results. 14.5 ± 0.3 % of ophthalmological patients received high­tech ophthalmological care. The main types of high­tech ophthalmological care necessary to meet the needs of the population are transpupillary, microinvasive energetic optical­reconstructive and endovitreal 23.25 gage surgery for vitreoretinal pathologies of various origins (75.3 % of all types of operations; 16.63 ± 0.44 operations per 100 thousand population). The second place in the structure is occupied by complex surgical treatment of glaucoma, including microinvasive energy optical­reconstructive and laser surgery with possible implantation of silicone valve or metal drainage (11.3 % of all operations; 2.48 ± 0.17 operations per 100 thousand population).

Conclusions. In Azerbaijan, the leading reasons for providing high­tech ophthalmological care are: cataracts complicated by lens luxation, glaucoma, pathology of the vitreous body, retina and choroid (27.0 % of all reasons; 5.96 ± 0.26 cases per 100 thousand population); retinal detachment and tears, tractional retinal detachment, other forms of retinal detachment in adults and children, complicated by pathology of the cornea, lens, vitreous body (22.1 % of all cases, 4.89 ± 0.24 cases per 100 thousand population). The most common type of hightech ophthalmological care is transpupillary, microinvasive energetic optical­reconstructive and endovitreal surgery for vitreoretinal pathologies of various origins (75.3 % of all types; 16.63 ± 0.44 cases per 100 thousand population).
Heart Rate, Oxygen Uptake and Anaerobic Thresholds During a Maximal Treadmill Test with World Class Mixed Martial Arts Fighters
Authors: Sanders Gabriel J. , Howard Mason , Carpenter Rebekah , Peacock Corey A. , Byers Peter
Published: July 2024

Measuring heart rate responses during a competitive mixed martial arts (MMA) fight is not feasible; therefore, a method is needed to assess physiological responses in MMA fighters outside of competition. Quantifying and evaluating heart rate, oxygen uptake, and anaerobic threshold during a maximal treadmill test can provide interpretation for in-competition physiological responses of MMA fighters The retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 world-class MMA fighters predating the beginning of their fight camps (ages 29.0 ± 4.8 years old). A maximal treadmill test utilizing a ramp protocol was conducted eight weeks prior to a professional competition. Fighters’ data were divided in two groups based on weight status: lighter, < 185 pounds (n = 12) and heavier, ≥ 185 pounds (n = 8) weight groups. Heart rate (HR), anaerobic thresholds from respiratory exchange rate (RER-AT), and oxygen uptake (VO2max) were recorded and compared between weight groups. VO2max was the only physiological variable measured that differed between lighter (53.4 ± 4.5 ml . kg−1 . min−1) and heavier (48.1 ± 5.7 ml . kg−1 . min−1) fighters (p = 0.033). Previous literature has commonly used 1.0 RER to determine the breaking point in anaerobic thresholds. All other variables were not different (p ≥ 0.204) between groups. Differences in VO2max between lighter and heavier fighters is likely due to differences in body mass. While there were no differences in heart rates at RER-AT or time to exhaustion between weight status groups, using RER-AT at 0.95 or 1.0 RER may be a valuable way to ensure an MMA athlete achieve anaerobic training in fight preparation. Performance coaches may utilize physiological variables such as RER-AT acquired from maximal treadmill testing to guide the training demands of MMA competition.
Reverse Remodeling of Methamphetamine-Associated Cardiomyopathy: An Update on Mechanisms for Recovery
Authors: Richards John , Danielson Aaron , Stuart Rory , Richards Andrew , Richards Andrew , Laurin Erik
Published: July 2024

Methamphetamine (MA) use continues to rise worldwide. The adverse effects of MA on the cardiovascular system include cardiomyopathy, dysrhythmias, coronary arterial vasospasm, and atherosclerosis. Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MACM) affects predominantly younger male patients and is responsible for an increasing proportion of heart failure emergency department visits, hospital admissions/readmissions, morbidity, and mortality. Reverse remodeling of MACM and full cardiac recovery is achievable in patients who cease using MA and remain abstinent with self-direction, cognitive behavioral therapy, brief interventions, contingency management, motivational interviewing, and residential rehabilitation. Recovery is further enhanced by the addition of an exercise program and guideline-based pharmacotherapy for heart failure, which includes β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors. Alternative heart failure treatment with isosorbide dinitrate plus hydralazine, ivabradine, vericiguat, and omecamtiv mecarbil represent further adjuncts which may promote reverse remodeling. Antioxidant compounds such as coenzyme-Q10, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, resveratrol, and cannabidiol may aid in cardiac restoration. Diet changes, metformin and glucose control, stem cell therapy, melatonin, and sleep quality improvement are further steps on the road to recovery. In this article we review the cardiotoxicity of MA, pathogenesis of MACM, and evidence behind pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions to reverse its progression.
Professional and Personality Competency in Prophetic Counseling: A Phenomenological Study of School Counselors
Authors: Casmini Casmini , Hasanah Enung
Published: July 2024

Balancing transcendental and worldly values through prophetic counseling is crucial for preventing mental disorders and addressing global socio-cultural challenges. Prophetic counseling focuses on spiritual and afterlife concerns, unlike traditional counseling which centers on worldly matters. The purpose of this study is to explore prophetic values and internalization experienced by counselors at school. This study is a qualitative research that used Descriptive Phenomenological Psychology. Data were obtained by interviewing 3 guidance and counseling teachers from Islamic schools. Data analysis was carried out by arranging the description and categorization based on the founding of the theme that intrigued and internalized the values of prophetic counseling at school. The result showed that prophetic in school counseling by the counselors was drawn into two aspects: professional competency, which is applied in approach, strategy, technique, or method of guidance and counseling, and personality competency, which tends to reflect their personality character. Internalization of prophetic values gradually occurred through the relationship of counselor-counselee in the guidance and counseling that have been turned into a method for adding new knowledge and improving counselor attitude and behavior.