bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digestion of Proteins in Human Milk, Human Milk Fortifier, and Preterm Formula in Infant Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Lindberg Tor , Engberg Staffan , Jakobsson Irene , Lönnerdal Bo
Published: February 2024

Background:

There is limited information in the literature on the capacity of the preterm infant to digest human and bovine milk proteins. We therefore studied in vivo the luminal phase of the hydrolysis of proteins in human milk, human milk fortifier, and preterm formula in preterm rhesus monkeys and in infant rhesus monkeys at 6 weeks and 7 months of age.

Methods:

Protein hydrolysis was followed by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis and electroimmunoassay. The serum level of absorbed unhydrolyzed human α‐lactalbumin was measured by a radioimmunoassay method. Trypsin and elastase activities in duodenal contents were measured before and after the meal.

Results:

In 6‐week‐old monkeys, the enzyme activities decreased by 50% postprandially, whereas they increased in 7‐month‐old monkeys. In preterm and in 6‐week‐old monkeys, hydrolysis of human and bovine whey proteins was slow, and in 6‐week‐old monkeys, 30‐50% of the proteins could still be detected immunochemically in duodenal contents after 60 min. At these ages, serum levels of absorbed α‐lactalbumin were high. At 7 months of age, no or small (lactoferrin and bovine serum albumin) amounts of the proteins could be detected in duodenal contents after 15 min. At this age α‐lactalbumin was not measurable in serum.

Conclusion:

The low capacity to digest whey proteins in suckling monkeys may depend upon an immaturity of the exocrine pancreas to respond to secretogogues.
Experimental Colitis Impairs Linear Bone Growth Independent of Nutritional Factors
Authors: Koniaris Soula G. , Fisher Stanley E. , Rubin Clinton T. , Chawla Anupama
Published: February 2024

Background

Poor linear growth frequently complicates chronic inflammatory bowel disease in children. Circulating inflammatory mediators may play a role in this growth delay. We evaluated the effect of experimental colitis on bone growth in a nutritionally controlled rat model.

Methods

Experimental colitis was induced in male Sprague‐Dawley rats (125‐150 g) by enema with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid in 50% ethanol on day 1 and 11 of a 14‐day protocol. Control animals were pair‐fed and all animals received a liquid rat diet (1 kcal/ml). Twenty‐four‐hour urine, collected on days 2 and 12 and serum samples, collected at death, were analyzed for calcium, zinc, and magnesium. Serum samples from a separate set of animals were studied for serial interleukin‐6 levels. Right proximal tibias were processed for growth‐plate histo‐morphometry, in which linear growth is proportional to the heights of the proliferative zone, and terminal hypertrophic chondrocyte, but inversely proportional to the height of the resting zone.

Results

Histology confirmed active inflammation in the animals given trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Weight gain and both urinary excretion and serum levels of zinc, calcium, and magnesium did not differ between treatment and nontreatment groups. Histologically, there was impaired linear bone growth. The resting zone was greater in the colitis group (94.5 ± 32.6 μm versus 3.9 ± 5.4 μm; p < 0.05); the proliferative zone was smaller in the colitis group (123.7 ± 18.2 μm versus 78.9 ± 11.2; p < 0.05 μm); the terminal hypertrophic chondrocyte was reduced in the colitis group (19.5 ± 1.4 μm versus 28.8 ± 3.6 μm; p < 0.05). At 6 and 24 hours after induction, the level of interleukin‐6 was elevated in the colitis group.

Conclusions

Experimental colitis results in a decreased linear bone growth, independent of nutritional intake. Circulating cytokines derived from intestinal inflammation may contribute to the suppression of bone growth.
Casein Phosphopeptides Improve Zinc and Calcium Absorption from Rice‐Based but not from Whole‐Grain Infant Cereal
Authors: Hansen Marianne , Sandström Brittmarie , Jensen Mikael , Sørensen Sven S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Casein phosphopeptides (CPP) are phosphorus‐rich peptide fragments of casein, assumed to contribute to the high bioavailability of calcium from milk.

Methods:

The effect of casein phosphopeptides on calcium and zinc absorption from infant foods was investigated. Twenty‐two men and women were given single test meals extrinsically labeled with Ca and Zn. Absorption was calculated from measurements on whole‐body retention of the radioisotopes. Each subject was given either rice‐based cereal (n = 11) or whole‐grain cereal (n = 11) on three occasions together with 250 ml water and added 0, 1, and 2 g CPP in random order. One serving of rice‐based cereal contained 481 mg Ca and 1.29 mg Zn: whole‐grain cereal contained 541 mg Ca and 1.77 mg Zn. One and 2 g of CPP contributed with additional 69 and 138 mg Ca, respectively.

Results:

From rice‐based cereal, fractional calcium absorption was not affected by CPP addition (mean ± SD): 16.0 ± 4.0% (no CPP), 17.6 ± 4.5% (1 g CPP), and 15.8 ± 4.3% (2 g CPP), while the total quantity of calcium absorbed was significantly improved: 7 ± 19 mg, 97 ± 25 mg, and 98 ± 26 mg, respectively (p = 0.0004). Fractional zinc absorption as well as total quantity of zinc absorbed were increased with addition of CPP: 19.4 ± 9.0% (0.25 ± 0.12 mg), 25.2 ± 7.5% (0.33 ± 0.10 mg) and 23.9 ± 5.4% (0.31 ± 0.07 mg) at the three CPP levels (p = 0.04). From whole‐grain cereal, CPP had no effect on the percentage or actual quantity of calcium absorbed: 17.0 ± 3.2% (92 ± 18 mg), 17.2 ± 4.5% (105 ± 27 mg), and 15.0 ± 4.6% (102 ± 31 mg), respectively. Zinc absorption was also not influenced by CPP: 16.0 ± 5.1% (0.28 ± 0.09 mg), 15.3 ± 3.1% (0.27 ± 0.06 mg) and 18.1 ± 4.4% (0.32 ± 0.08 mg), respectively.

Conclusions:

CPP addition improved calcium and zinc absorption from rice‐based cereal, while no effect was seen from whole‐grain cereal.
Neonatal Hemochromatosis: Outcomes of Pharmacologic and Surgical Therapies
Authors: Sigurdsson Luther , Reyes Jorge , Kocoshis Samuel A. , Hansen Thor W. R. , Rosh Joel , Knisely A. S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Neonatal hemochromatosis (NH), also known as perinatal hemochromatosis or neonatal iron storage disease, is a disorder in fetuses and newborn infants. A retrospective study was conducted to report management of patients with NH.

Methods:

Retrospective analysis was conducted by chart review and by review of histologic material from patients with NH.

Results:

Neonatal hemochromatosis was diagnosed in 14 patients between 1985 and 1995. All were considered for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX). From 1993 onward, all patients were treated with an antioxidant‐chelation“cocktail,” consisting of deferoxamine, vitamin E,N‐acetylcysteine, selenium, and prostaglandin‐El. Of 6 patients with NH diagnosed before 1993, 4 underwent OLTX; only 1 is still alive. Of 8 patients with NH diagnosed after 1993 and treated with the cocktail, 7 expired before OLTX. One stabilized on therapy, but having never recovered full synthetic liver function, underwent OLTX and is now alive and well.

Conclusion:

Neonatal hemochromatosis carries a grim prognosis; however, successful OLTX is curative. The use of an antioxidant‐chelation cocktail did not improve outcome in the patients studied. Earlier (perinatal) diagnosis may be required for optimal results. Further study of other interventions, including antenatal diagnosis and earlier institution or modification of cocktail therapy appears warranted.
Aluminum in Total Parenteral Nutrition Solutions Produces Portal Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Demircan Mehmet , Ergün Orkan , Çoker Canan , Yilmaz Funda , Avanoglu Sibel , Özok Geylani
Published: February 2024

Background:

Aluminum contaminates parenteral nutrition solutions and accumulates in bone and liver of patients receiving total parenteral nutrition therapy. Although previous reports have shown that parenteral administration of aluminum in pharmacologic doses to rats results in the production of elevated total serum bile acid concentrations alone or in combination with decreased bile flow, they have failed to demonstrate any abnormalities in the histologic appearance of liver tissue. The effects of aluminum in total parenteral nutrition and of aluminum chloride on total serum bile acid concentrations, aluminum contents of the liver, and histopathologic changes in the liver were studied in rats.

Methods:

The aluminum concentrations in the aluminum chloride solution and total parenteral nutrition formula were equal (300 μg/l). They were given intraperitoneally as follows: control group, 0.9% saline for 14 days; T7 group, total parenteral nutrition for 7 days; A7 group, aluminum chloride for 7 days; A14 group, aluminum chloride for 14 days; T7A7 group, total parenteral nutrition for 7 days and aluminum chloride for the next 7 days; and T7O7 group, total parenteral nutrition for 7 days and 0.9% saline for the next 7 days. Volumes of 0.9% saline, aluminum chloride, and total parenteral nutrition given to rats were equal. During the experiment, rats were maintained on rat chow and water ad libitum. Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bile acid concentrations and aluminum content of the liver were measured. The liver was evaluated histopathologically by light microscope, and a morphologic portal inflammation index was calculated.

Results:

Portal inflammation was present in all groups except the control group. The morphologic portal inflammation correlated with hepatic aluminum accumulation in all groups and was the highest in the T7A7 group. Levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase did not correlate with the histopathologic findings, but serum bile acid concentrations correlated with morphologic portal inflammation and hepatic aluminum accumulation in all groups. Hepatic aluminum accumulation also correlated with the duration of exposure to total parenteral nutrition and aluminum chloride concentration.

Conclusion:

Aluminum in contaminating doses, not in pharmacologic doses, accumulates in the liver and can produce hepatobiliary dysfunction characterized by portal inflammation detectable in histologic examination of liver tissue.
Primary Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children: Successful Treatment with Oral Corticosteroids
Authors: Liacouras Chris A. , Wenner William J. , Brown Kurt , Ruchelli Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Background:

The histologic appearance of esophageal eosinophils has been correlated with esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease in children. Esophageal eosinophilia that persists despite traditional antireflux therapy may not represent treatment failure, but instead may portray early eosinophilic gastroenteritis or allergic esophagitis. In this study, a series of pediatric patients with severe esophageal eosinophilia who were unresponsive to aggressive antireflux therapy were examined and their clinical and histologic response to oral corticosteroid therapy assessed.

Methods:

Of 1809 patients evaluated prospectively over 2.5 years for symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, 20 had persistent symptoms and esophageal eosinophilia, despite aggressive therapy with omeprazole and cisapride. These patients were treated with 1.5 mg/kg oral methylprednisolone per day, divided into twice‐daily doses for 4 weeks. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and histologic evaluation before and after treatment.

Results:

Histologic findings in examination of specimens obtained in pretreatment esophageal biopsies in children with primary eosinophilic esophagitis indicated significantly greater eosinophilia (34.2 ± 9.6 eosinophils/high‐power field [HPF]) compared with that in children with gastroesophageal reflux disease who responded to medical therapy (2.26± 1.16 eosinophils/HPF; p < 0.001). After corticosteroid therapy, all but one patient with primary eosinophilic esophagitis had dramatic clinical improvement, supported by histologic examination (1.5± 0.9 eosinophils/HPF, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Pediatric patients in a series with marked esophageal eosinophilia and chronic symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease unresponsive to aggressive medical antire‐flux therapy had both clinical and histologic improvement after oral corticosteroid therapy.
Serum Leptin in Children and Young Adults with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Hoppin Alison G. , Kaplan Lee M. , Zurakowski David , Leichtner Alan M. , Bousvaros Athos
Published: February 2024

Background:

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease is often associated with growth failure and inadequate energy intake. Although several circulating cytokines are known to be elevated in inflammatory bowel disease, the mechanism for the related anorexia has not been described. Leptin is a newly recognized circulating protein that is an important regulator of appetite and energy metabolism; leptin levels are elevated in several animal models of inflammation. This study was conducted to determine whether serum leptin levels are elevated in young patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods:

One hundred twelve children and young adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis were studied prospectively. Forty‐two patients with other gastrointestinal illnesses were used as control subjects. Height, weight, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum albumin concentration, and clinical information were collected prospectively, and leptin was measured by radioimmunoassay of stored serum.

Results:

No significant differences in leptin levels were found among disease groups or control subjects. Body mass index and gender were the only independent predictors of serum leptin in all groups examined. Disease activity varied inversely with serum leptin in patients with Crohn's disease, but these differences were explained entirely by variations in body mass index.

Conclusions:

The determinants of serum leptin were the same in young patients with inflammatory bowel disease as in normal populations, indicating that alterations in leptin levels are unlikely to mediate the anorexia and growth failure associated with this disease.
Treatment Strategies for Small Bowel Bacterial Overgrowth in Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Vanderhoof Jon A. , Young Rosemary J. , Murray Nancy , Kaufman Stuart S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth is a common complication of short bowel syndrome, and although it is often controlled with antimicrobial therapy, alternative strategies may occasionally be needed.

Methods:

Six patients with bacterial overgrowth are described, who did not respond to antimicrobial therapy and required additional medical or surgical measures to control the overgrowth.

Results:

Recalcitrant bacterial overgrowth was successfully treated with periodic small bowel irrigation with a balanced hypertonic electrolyte solution, colonic flushes, encouraging frequent stooling, intestinal lengthening procedure, or probiotic therapy with Lactobacillus plantarum 299V and Lactobacillus GG.

Conclusions:

Small bowel bacterial overgrowth should be aggressively evaluated in patients with short bowel syndrome who are not progressing in a normal manner. Inadequate or incomplete response to antibiotic therapy is common, and several additional treatment possibilities are available.
Human Colostrum Contains IgA Antibodies Reactive to EnteropathogenicEscherichia coli Virulence‐Associated Proteins: Intimin, BfpA, EspA, and EspB
Authors: Loureiro Ivana , Frankel Gad , Adu‐Bobie Jeannette , Dougan Gordon , Trabulsi Luiz R. , Carneiro‐Sampaio Magda M. S.
Published: February 2024

Background:

In Brazil, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli diarrhoea is endemic among infants born into low economic levels, and it is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in this group. Binding of enteropathogenic E. coli to the brush border mucosa triggers a cascade of transmembrane and intracellular signals, causing cytoskeletal reorganization and formation of a specific lesion, termed the attaching and effacing lesion. Several enteropathogenic E. coli gene products have been implicated in formation of attaching and effacing lesions. Evaluation of pathogen‐specific protective factors shows that breast feeding is effective against enteropathogenic E. coli infection. To investigate the nature of the protection, defatted colostrum and secretory immunoglobulin A obtained from mothers living in Sao Paulo were investigated for the ability to recognise selected enteropathogenic E. coli‐associated virulence factors.

Methods:

Western blot analysis was used to investigate the IgA repertoire in pooled colostrum that is reactive with specific enteropathogenic E. coli proteins. Whole enteropathogenic E. coli bacterial cell extracts, nonpathogenic E. coli strains over‐expressing specific virulence factors, and purified polypeptides were used as antigen sources in this study.

Results:

Reaction of the colostrum samples in Western blots of whole bacterial cell extracts and selected purified enteropathogenic E. coli proteins showed that they contained a secretory immunoglobulin A reactive with all the virulence‐associated proteins studied.

Conclusion:

These results suggest that maternal antibodies may protect infants from enteropathogenic E. coli infection by interfering with adherence processes (anti‐intimin and anti‐bundle‐forming pili antibodies) and cell signaling (anti‐enteropathogenic Escherichia coli‐secreted protein A and B antibodies).
Bacterial Wall Lipopolysaccharide as a Cause of Intussusception in Mice
Authors: Lin Zhong , Cohen Patrizia , Nissan Aviram , Allweis Tanir M. , Freund Herbert R. , Hanani Menachem
Published: February 2024

Background:

There is evidence that intussusception is associated with bacterial infection. It was hypothesized that a component of the bacterial wall may induce the intussusception. This study was intended to determine whether lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli or Salmonella can initiate intussusception in mice.

Methods:

Lipopolysaccharide was injected intraperitoneally in mice, and the animals were examined for the presence of intussusception from 2 to 192 hours after injection. Gastrointestinal transit was assessed by measuring the passage of charcoal in the small intestine. Transit index was defined as the ratio between the distance traveled by charcoal and the total length of the small intestine.

Results:

Intussusceptions were found in as much as 25.9% of lipopolysaccharide‐injected animals, whereas in control animals, the incidence was zero. The threshold for the lipopolysaccharide effect was at 4 mg/kg and incidence reached a plateau at 8 mg/kg to 16 mg/kg. The incidence of intussusception peaked 6 hours after injection of lipopolysaccharide and declined to zero after 15 hours. To test the possibility that lipopolysaccharide induces intussusception by altering motility, its effect on transit index was measured. A dose of 12 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide reduced the transit index from 56.2 ± 1.4% to 37.7 ± 2.1% (p< 0.05). No microscopic histologic changes were found in the bowels with intussusception.

Conclusions:

Intraperitoneal bacterial wall lipopolysaccharide causes intussusception in mice by disturbing gastrointestinal motility.
Effects of Human Milk Pasteurization and Sterilization on Available Fat Content and Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Fidler Nataša , Sauerwald Thorsten U. , Koletzko Berthold , Demmelmair Hans
Published: February 2024

Background:

Human milk is frequently heat treated in hospitals to reduce bacterial contamination, particularly in banked milk fed to preterm infants. Pasteurization and sterilization may induce oxidative losses of unsaturated lipids and vitamins and may inactivate enzymes and immunologic factors. This study was designed to examine the effects of pasteurization and sterilization on milk fat content available to the recipient infant and on fatty acid composition.

Methods:

In fresh, pasteurized (62.5°C for 30 minutes), and sterilized(120°C for 30 minutes) milk samples (5 ml) of 12 mothers (days 5‐35 of lactation), fat content was determined gravimetrically and the contribution of 30 fatty acids was determined by gas‐liquid chromatography.

Results:

The coefficients of variation for measurements of milk fat content were 0.7% and of fatty acids accounting for more than 0.09% of weight, 0.1‐3.0%. Available fat content was 3.1 ± 1.4 g/dl (mean ± SD) in fresh human milk and 3.1 ± 1.4 g/dl (not significant) in pasteurized human milk. Fat content declined to 2.7 ± 1.1 g/dl (p < 0.001 vs. fresh) in sterilized human milk, because of increased fat adherence to the container surface after sterilization. The percentage composition of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids of the n‐6(C18:3, C20:2, C20:3, and C22:4) and the n‐3 series (C18:3 C20:5, C22:5, and C22:6) was not affected by thermal treatment. Milk sterilization caused a slight decrease of linoleic (‐0.7% vs. fresh milk; p = 0,006) and arachidonic (‐2,6%; p = 0.045) acids.

Conclusions:

Pasteurization of human milk does not influence fat content and composition, but sterilization may reduce available fat content by more than 10%, whereas there are only slight changes in fatty acid composition.
7‐Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scanning in Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson's Disease: Improving Visualization of the Dorsolateral Subthalamic Nucleus
Authors: Verlaat Lisa , Rijks Niels , Dilai José , Admiraal Marjolein , Beudel Martijn , de Bie Rob M.A. , van der Zwaag Wietske , Schuurman Rick , van den Munckhof Pepijn , Bot Maarten
Published: February 2024

Background

Identifying the dorsolateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) for deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease (PD) can be challenging due to the size and double‐oblique orientation. Since 2015 we implemented 7‐Tesla T2 weighted magnetic resonance imaging (7 T T2) for improving visualization and targeting of the dorsolateral STN. We describe the changes in surgical planning and outcome since implementation of 7 T T2 for DBS in PD.

Methods

By comparing two cohorts of STN DBS patients in different time periods we evaluated the influence of 7 T T2 on STN target planning, the number of microelectrode recording (MER) trajectories, length of STN activity and the postoperative motor (UPDRS) improvement.

Results

From February 2007 to January 2014, 1.5 and 3‐Tesla T2 guided STN DBS with 3 MER channels was performed in 76 PD patients. Average length of recorded STN activity in the definite electrode trajectory was 3.9 ± 1.5 mm. From January 2015 to January 2022 7 T T2 and MER‐guided STN DBS was performed in 182 PD patients. Average length of recorded STN activity in the definite electrode trajectory was 5.1 ± 1.3 mm and used MER channels decreased from 3 to 1. Average UPDRS improvement was comparable.

Conclusion

Implementation of 7 T T2 for STN DBS enabled a refinement in targeting. Combining classical DBS targeting with dorsolateral STN alignment may be used to determine the optimal trajectory. The improvement in dorsolateral STN visualization can be used for further target refinements, for example adding probabilistic subthalamic connectivity, to enhance clinical outcome of STN DBS.
Increased Readiness for Water Splitting: NiO‐Induced Weakening of Bonds in Water Molecules as Possible Cause of Ultra‐Low Oxygen Evolution Potential
Authors: Bookholt Tom , Qin Xian , Lilli Bettina , Enke Dirk , Huck Marten , Balkenhohl Danni , Rüwe Klara , Brune Julia , Klare Johann P. , Küpper Karsten , Schuster Anja , Bergjan Jenrik , Steinhart Martin , Gröger Harald , Daum Diemo , Schäfer Helmut
Published: February 2024

The development of non‐precious metal‐based electrodes that actively and stably support the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water electrolysis systems remains a challenge, especially at low pH levels. The recently published study has conclusively shown that the addition of haematite to H2SO4 is a highly effective method of significantly reducing oxygen evolution overpotential and extending anode life. The far superior result is achieved by concentrating oxygen evolution centres on the oxide particles rather than on the electrode. However, unsatisfactory Faradaic efficiencies of the OER and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) parts as well as the required high haematite load impede applicability and upscaling of this process. Here it is shown that the same performance is achieved with three times less metal oxide powder if NiO/H2SO4 suspensions are used along with stainless steel anodes. The reason for the enormous improvement in OER performance by adding NiO to the electrolyte is the weakening of the intramolecular O─H bond in the water molecules, which is under the direct influence of the nickel oxide suspended in the electrolyte. The manipulation of bonds in water molecules to increase the tendency of the water to split is a ground‐breaking development, as shown in this first example.
Low‐Temperature and Fast‐Charge Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Yu Dandan , Wang Zhenya , Yang Jiacheng , Wang Yingyu , Li Yuting , Zhu Qiaonan , Tu Xinman , Chen Dezhi , Liang Junfei , Khalilov Umedjon , Wang Hua
Published: February 2024

Low‐temperature operation of sodium metal batteries (SMBs) at the high rate faces challenges of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), Na dendrite growth, and sluggish Na+ transfer kinetics, causing a largely capacity curtailment. Herein, low‐temperature and fast‐charge SMBs are successfully constructed by synergetic design of the electrolyte and electrode. The optimized weak‐solvation dual‐salt electrolyte enables high Na plating/stripping reversibility and the formation of NaF‐rich SEI layer to stabilize sodium metal. Moreover, an integrated copper sulfide electrode is in situ fabricated by directly chemical sulfuration of copper current collector with micro‐sized sulfur particles, which significantly improves the electronic conductivity and Na+ diffusion, knocking down the kinetic barriers. Consequently, this SMB achieves the reversible capacity of 202.8 mAh g−1 at −20 °C and 1 C (1 C = 558 mA g−1). Even at −40 °C, a high capacity of 230.0 mAh g−1 can still be delivered at 0.2 C. This study is encouraging for further exploration of cryogenic alkali metal batteries, and enriches the electrode material for low‐temperature energy storage.
Rapid Conversion from Alloy Nanoparticles to Oxide Nanowires: Strain Wave‐Driven Ru‐O‐Mn Collaborative Catalysis for Durable Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Xiao Mingyue , Liu Jingjun , Li Rongchao , Sun Yanhui , Liu Feng , Gan Jun , Gao Shixin
Published: February 2024

Metal‐doped ruthenium oxides with low prices have gained widespread attention due to their editable compositions, distorted structures, and diverse morphologies for electrocatalysis. However, the mainstream challenge lies in breaking the so‐called seesaw relationship between activity and stability during acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, strain wave‐featured Mn‐RuO2 nanowires (NWs) with asymmetric Ru‐O‐Mn bonds are first fabricated by thermally driven rapid solid phase conversion from RuMn alloy nanoparticles (NPs) at moderate temperature (450 °C). In 0.5 M H2SO4, the resultant NWs display a surprisingly ultralow overpotential of 168 mV at 10 mA cm–2 and run at a stable cell voltage (1.67 V) for 150 h at 50 mA cm–2 in PEMWE, far exceeding IrO2||Pt/C assemble. The simultaneous enhancement of both activity and stability stems from the presence of dense strain waves composed of alternating compressive and tensile ones in the distorted NWs, which collaboratively activate the Ru‐O‐Mn sites for faster OER. More importantly, the atomic strain waves trigger dynamic Ru‐O‐Mn regeneration via the refilling of oxygen vacancies by oxyanions adsorbed on adjacent Mn and Ru sites, achieving long‐term stability. This work opens a door to designing non‐precious metal‐assisted ruthenium oxides with unique strains for practical application in commercial PEMWE.
Afterword
Authors: Agrusti Gabriella , Hardy Pip
Published: February 2024

The United Nations estimates that all over the world, 147 million children have missed more than half of their in-class instruction over the past 2 years due to school closures caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This means of course a significant loss of future earnings across their lifetimes. In addition, after schools reopened, only 20% of countries implemented measures to foster mental health and provide psychosocial support for students. School absenteeism rose to unprecedented level.
Promoting Learning Inclusion Through the Global Network of Learning Cities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Authors: Pagkratis Konstantinos , Dobson Stephen
Published: February 2024

This chapter seeks to understand how global policies of learning are translated into initiatives that promote learning inclusion in local communities and their institutions; these, in turn, lead to increased social belonging and amplification of voice in the (digital) age in which we live, along with health and well-being that are pivotal in supporting and experiencing life as enjoyable and life- enhancing across the lifespan. The case explored is that of UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities and how this contributes to a number of SDGs: no. 4 on Quality Education and no. 3 on Good Health and Well-being and how they both can be usefully conceived as a shared platform for the other SDGs, such as SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, with the goal of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
Fostering Social Inclusion of People in Situations of Vulnerability: Experiences from the Italian and Portuguese Contexts
Authors: Damiani Valeria , Coimbra Susana , Costa Ana Luísa
Published: February 2024

This chapter builds upon the findings of two multiplier events carried out in Italy and Portugal. They involved education professionals such as teachers, educators and other experts working with adults in situations of vulnerability (migrants, refugees and people at risk of poverty or social exclusion). The goal of the chapter is to analyse challenges and obstacles for professionals in promoting social inclusion for the selected target groups and to present best practices with a focus on digital technologies. The last section explores teachers’ and professionals’ training needs and the supporting actions for their continuing professional development at a local and national level.
Prediction of debris flow initiation points using high resolution DEM and GIS analysis in South Korea
Authors: Kim Tae-Yun , Yun Hong-Sik , Kwak Sang-Woo
Published: February 2024

This study presents a GIS analysis model that utilizes high-resolution Digital Elevation Map data to predict the initiation points of debris flow through the overlap of slope stability analysis techniques and rainfall flow analysis. The debris flow that occurred on Mount Woomyun in Seoul, South Korea in 2011 was selected as the case study for comparing and analyzing the prediction model against the actual case. In South Korea, occurrences of debris flow mostly happen during the summer monsoon season. When a substantial amount of rainfall accumulates and heavy rainfall events occur, the pore water pressure within slopes reaches saturation. Consequently, flow is initiated along “temporary streams.” In this study, areas with a combination of low slope stability and abrupt changes in velocity vectors were assumed to have the highest probability of debris flow occurrence due to the overlapping of these factors. The research model was conducted under this assumption. To evaluate the performance of the model, 3D coordinates of the model’s result point, and actual occurrence points were obtained, and a Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to compare them. With these results, R2 values of X = 0.9147, Y = 0.8625, and H = 0.8942 were obtained. These high R2 indicate a strong correlation between the model’s predictions and actual occurrences.
Dip effect on the orientation of rock failure plane under combined compression–shear loading
Authors: Sun Lijun , Li Pengcheng , Luo Binyu , Liu Xiaoyun , Huang Tengda , Su Yuan
Published: February 2024

Shear failure often occurs in engineering rock mass (such as inclined pillar) in gently inclined strata. Prediction and characterization the orientation of shear failure plane is the foundation of rock mass engineering reinforcement. In this paper, sandstone samples are used to perform uniaxial and shear tests to obtain the basic mechanical parameters. Then, by employing the numerical method, the combined compression–shear loading tests were carried out for inclined specimens varied from 0° to 25° at an interval of 5°, to obtain the dip effect on the orientation of rock failure plane. The results show that the failure plane of rock changes with the change of dip angle of rock sample. Based on the Mohr–Coulomb criterion, the ultimate stress state of rock was characterized under combined compression–shear loading. The ultimate strength of rock is equal to the ratio of the stress circle radius of rock under combined compression–shear condition to the stress circle radius of rock under uniaxial compression condition, multiplied by the uniaxial compressive strength. The fracture angle of rock was defined under combined compression–shear loading. A theoretical model was developed for predicting the fracture angle. The developed model could be characterized by internal friction angle, dip angle of rock sample and Poisson's ratio. Finally, the numerical results of the fracture angle were analyzed, which are consistent with the predicted results of the model. The investigation shows that the rock fracture angle has a dip effect, which decreases with the increase of the inclination angle of the sample. The research results provide a new means to identify the potential failure plane of engineering rock mass, and lay a theoretical foundation for calculating the orientation of rock fracture plane.
Automated Calculation of the Power of an Electric Heater for Heating Water in a Barn during Group Automatic Watering of Cattle
Authors: Terzeman Svetlana , Tumanova Marina , Pryazhnikova Tatiana , Koroleva Milena
Published: February 2024

The article delves into the imperative need for automation in agricultural practices, with a specific focus on the automated calculation of the power required for an electric heater. This heater is designed to warm water in a barn during the automated group watering of cattle. The primary objective of this study is to develop a C++ program that can precisely determine the heating power essential for efficiently warming water in the given context. The article further expounds on the experimental methodology employed to ascertain the most effective heating power, taking into account various factors that influence the heating process. The goal of this research is to enhance labor productivity, elevate the quality of livestock care.
Udokan hearth of mineral resources: Factors shaping the quality of atmospheric air
Authors: Brychaeva N.I.
Published: February 2024

The consequences of the impact of mining and ore processing industries on atmospheric air are acutely negative. Polluted atmospheric air entails a significant environmental risk to human health. The identification of factors that negatively affect the air quality of a mining enterprise and nearby territories actualizes the problem under consideration. The object of the study is the territory of the Udokan hearth of mineral resources. The subject of the study is the factors that shape the quality of atmospheric air. The purpose of the study is to analyze the negative effects of the main factors determining the ecological state of atmospheric air in the conditions of the Udokan hearth of mineral resources. The methodological basis of the research is the complex, structural, factual principles and approaches. The work uses general research methods (analysis, synthesis, generalization), as well as private scientific - factor analysis, which is understood as a method of complex and systematic study of the interaction of factors on the magnitude of performance indicators. The main factors shaping the ecological situation of the study area are identified: climatic, qualitative and quantitative indicators of polluting emissions. The necessity of constant monitoring of the state of the atmosphere for the development and implementation of a set of measures to reduce the negative impact of polluting emissions into the atmosphere is justified. Conclusions. The practical uniformity of the chemical composition of harmful emissions during the implementation of the main technological processes of mining and mining processing industries makes it possible to develop preventive measures to minimize the negative consequences of the development of mineral deposits in the mine atmospheric space.
Evaluation of the effect of the sorbed probiotic preparation “Ecoflor” on the cellular immunity factors of the Russian-Lena sturgeon
Authors: Zhandalgarova Adelya , Grozesku Yulia
Published: February 2024

This article presents the results of using the sorbed probiotic preparation “Ecoflor” when growing hybrid forms of sturgeon fish. It was established that when using a probiotic-enterosorbent, the peripheral blood of the Russian-Lena sturgeon was lymphoid in nature. The level of lymphocytes in the blood of fish from the experimental groups increased to 78.50%, the proportion of band neutrophils increased to 8.80%, and segmented neutrophils – to 4.66%. It should be noted that the use of the probiotic contributed to a decrease in eosinophils (1.15%) and blast cells (4.50%). The leukocyte shift index in the blood of fish from the experimental groups did not exceed 0.32 and was within the reference values.
Innovative quantum technologies in agriculture for assessing land fertility
Authors: Mukhamedieva D.T.
Published: February 2024

Agriculture is a key sector ensuring food security. In the face of modern challenges such as climate change and sustainable use of resources, it becomes necessary to introduce innovative technologies to improve the efficiency of agriculture. Assessing soil fertility plays a critical role in optimizing the use of fertilizers and resources. One innovative approach is the use of quantum technologies to assess soil fertility. Variational quantum chains (VQC) provide a unique opportunity to efficiently solve classification problems in the context of soil characterization data analysis. In this study, we used data on soil chemical and physical properties, including density, moisture, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To build the VQC model, we converted these data into quantum states using various ansatzes such as ZZFeatureMap and RealAmplitudes. To compare the results, we used traditional classification methods such as support vector machine (SVM) and compared them with the results obtained using VQC. We split the data into training and test sets, trained the models on the training data, and evaluated their performance on the test data. The advantages and limitations of using variational quantum circuits in assessing soil fertility were discussed. The prospects for further development and improvement of the methodology were considered. Variational quantum chains represent a promising direction for the development of innovative methods for assessing soil fertility in agriculture. The results of our study highlight the potential of quantum technologies in agriculture and the need for further research in this direction.
The Recognition of Governments
Authors: Pavlopoulos Niko
Published: February 2024

Chapter 3 examines the law on the recognition by states of governments. It first provides important clarifications on the meanings of recognition; the possibility of recognition in different capacities; and the range of practice concerning recognition of governments, which includes recognition, non-recognition, and denial of governmental status. It then discusses the modes of recognition and denial of governmental status in general before looking more closely at particular types of acts. Next, the chapter examines the extent to which different international legal rules restrict the legality of practice concerning recognition of governments. Among other rules, this includes the prohibition on intervention and the obligation of non-recognition in relation to breaches of peremptory norms. Finally, this chapter discusses the significance of recognition and denial of governmental status in relation to the international legal criteria for and identification of a state’s government.
Conclusion
Authors: Pavlopoulos Niko
Published: February 2024

After briefly recalling the apparent obstacles and limitations that have materialized in relation to the ascertainment of the international legal regulation of governmental status, this chapter provides four main conclusions from the book. The first relates to the significance of the presumption against limitations on state sovereignty, specific aspects of which have explanatory, analytical, and substantive value in relation to the international legal framework concerning the identity of the governments of states. The second concerns the objective existence and distinctive representative capacity of a state’s government, including the nuances that exist in relation to representation in the context of international organizations. The third pertains to the limited relevance that democratic representativity and respect for international law have for the enjoyment of governmental status, although such factors may nevertheless impact the ability of a government to represent the state in the work of certain international organizations. The fourth concerns the customary international legal framework for the identification of a state’s government, including the substantive and conceptual significance of ‘constitutionality’ in this regard.
Introduction
Authors: Applebaum Allison J. , Breitbart William S.
Published: February 2024

The introduction begins with a background on who cancer caregivers are and the ways in which their caregiving responsibilities impact their lives. Data from the 2020 report from the National Alliance for Caregiving is presented to contextualize the experiences of this particularly distressed group of caregivers. The introduction then provides an overview of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP), the intervention upon which Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) is based. It includes a description of how the approach was adapted to address the specific needs of family caregivers, and provides a summary of research on the efficacy of MCP-C to date.
Treatment Overview
Authors: Applebaum Allison J. , Breitbart William S.
Published: February 2024

The ultimate goal of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-C) is to assist caregivers to connect to a sense of meaning and purpose, despite the challenges they face as a result of caregiving. This is accomplished through a discussion of various sources of meaning in life—historical, attitudinal, creative, experiential—that can become resources for caregivers to draw on when the challenges of caregiving become great. These sources of meaning are explored across seven sessions that include didactic components and experiential exercises. This treatment overview describes the overall structure of the MCP-C manual and provides guidance for how to best deliver MCP-C in a manner that is flexible and addresses the unique needs of caregivers seeking support.
Herodian Jerusalem (March 70 ce)
Authors: Magness Jodi
Published: February 2024

Perhaps no event in Jerusalem’s long history has been more momentous than the destruction of the second temple in 70 ce—a trauma reportedly forecast by Jesus and mourned by Jews ever since. At the time of its destruction, Jerusalem was largely the product of Herod the Great’s building program, which included the reconstruction of the temple and the expansion of the Temple Mount. This is the city in which Jesus spent his final days, and where his body was laid to rest after he was crucified. Seventy years after Herod’s death in 4 bce, Jewish dissatisfaction with Roman maladministration erupted when the First Jewish Revolt broke out. The revolt ended when Jerusalem fell to the Romans after a long and bloody siege which culminated with the destruction of the second temple.
Byzantine Jerusalem (633 ce)
Authors: Magness Jodi
Published: February 2024

In the decades and centuries following Constantine’s legalization of Christianity (313 ce), Jerusalem was transformed as it was elevated to the status of a Patriarchate—one of only five in the Roman Empire. Pilgrims poured into the city to visit holy sites associated with Jesus and the Bible, monks and nuns took up residence, and wealthy benefactors funded the construction of churches and monasteries. Constantine himself established the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which enshrined the hill of Golgotha (Calvary) and a rock-cut tomb venerated as the spot where Jesus’ body had been laid to rest. By the sixth century, the city had expanded to the south, where the emperor Justinian built a huge basilical church dedicated to Mary, the Theotokos (mother of God).
Early Islamic Jerusalem (800 ce)
Authors: Magness Jodi
Published: February 2024

Between 634–638 ce, Jerusalem surrendered peacefully to the Muslims. Although Christians and Jews continued to reside in the city, by 800 ce it was filled with Muslim monuments including the Dome of the Rock, which enshrines the Foundation Stone on al-haram al-sharif (the Noble or Sacred Enclosure, as Muslims call the Temple Mount), and the adjacent congregational hall for prayer and worship (al-Aqsa Mosque). Surrounding the Haram the early Islamic rulers constructed richly decorated palatial and administrative buildings. In the year 800, Jerusalem was under the rule of the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid. Charlemagne, with whom he had close ties, funded the construction of a number of buildings in Jerusalem, including a church dedicated to Mary near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Securing and Policing Sport Mega-Events
Authors: Pauschinger Dennis
Published: February 2024

Chapter 1 brings the reader closer to the political importance of globalized mega-event security. Contemporary sport mega-events are much more than sports. The tremendous effects on host nations have sparked global protest and ever fewer citizens approve of the ways in which these events are organized. Chapter 1 illustrates therefore how in the aftermath of 9/11 and the ongoing ‘war on terror’, security has become one of the most important aspects of mega-event organization. Promises of positive security legacies are used to produce Olympic spaces of exception, within which legislation is adapted to the keenest imaginations of security officials in order to implement surveillance practices and the militarization of public space. It also looks at how Olympic security is a mirror of contemporary security politics and security as such has become a spectacle in its own right and securing the Olympics resembles preparing to fight a modern war.
Security of Camouflage
Authors: Pauschinger Dennis
Published: February 2024

Chapter 6 develops the notion of the security of camouflage that made specific aspects of security visible and, simultaneously, produced insecurity to make intentionally invisible the city’s public security drama. The chapter here advances how the Foucauldian triangle of security governance is best understood when considering the act of camouflaging as the modus operandi of mega-event politics. While the mega-event security spectacle made specific aspects of security visible, it simultaneously produced insecurity and attempted to make invisible the bloody realities of the city’s public security drama. Therefore, the analysis concludes that both the mega-event security and the politics of public security in Rio de Janeiro make use of a security of camouflage to hide the realities of insecurity that shape the complexities of the lived experiences of police officers and marginalized populations.