bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Afghan Migrants in Germany: Cross-Cultural Communication and Impact of Immigration on Afghan Culture
Authors: Safi Abdul Qayoum , Agustin Herlina , Rizal Edwin
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this case study was to determine how migration affected Afghan culture and cultural relations among Afghan immigrants who lived in Germany. It examined the problems faced by Afghan immigrants, their coping mechanisms, and the preservation of their cultural identity. A qualitative study methodology was utilized, and in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 Afghan migrants residing in various German cities. Secondary data was obtained through literature reviews and other relevant sources, while primary data was gathered from the interviews. To identify significant findings and patterns related to the study's objectives, a thematic analysis was performed using NVivo 12. The study revealed that language limitations, cultural differences, and discrimination posed significant obstacles for Afghan migrants in their cross-cultural communication efforts. However, through community groups, cultural events, and educational initiatives, they actively participated in preserving their cultural heritage. The results underscored the importance of cultural awareness, empathy, and tolerance in fostering intercultural understanding and facilitating integration. Consequently, practical recommendations were proposed, including expanding Afghan immigrants ' access to language instruction, cultural resources, and support systems. Creating a welcoming environment also necessitated the development of strong bonds between German residents and Afghan migrants. This study contributes to the field of intercultural communication and offers guidance to practitioners and policymakers seeking to integrate Afghan immigrants into German society.
Gaussian kernels on nonsimply connected closed Riemannian manifolds are never positive definite
Authors: Li Siran
Published: September 2023

We show that the Gaussian kernel on any nonsimply connected closed Riemannian manifold , where is the geodesic distance, is not positive definite for any , combining analyses in the recent preprint  by Da Costa–Mostajeran–Ortega and classical comparison theorems in Riemannian geometry.
Wearable technology use in long-term care facilities for older adults: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Bassi Erika , Santomauro Isabella , Basso Ines , Busca Erica , Maoret Roberta , Dal Molin Alberto
Published: September 2023

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to explore how wearable technology is being used to care for older adults in long-term care facilities.

Introduction:

The use of digital health technologies to support care delivery in long-term care facilities for older adults has grown significantly in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Wearable technology refers to devices worn or attached to the body that can track a variety of health-related data, such as vital signs, falls, and sleep patterns. Despite the evidence that wearable devices are playing an increasing role in older adults’ care, no review has been conducted on how wearable technology is being used in long-term care facilities.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that include people aged over 65, with any health condition or level of disability, who live in long-term care facilities. Primary and secondary studies using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods study designs will be included. Dissertations and policy documents will also be considered.

Methods:

Data sources will include comprehensive searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Scopus), gray literature, and reference scanning of relevant studies. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts of the selected studies. Data extraction will be performed using a tool developed by the researchers. Data will be mapped and analyzed. Descriptive frequencies and content analysis will be included, along with the tabulated results, which will be used to present the findings with regard to the review objectives.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/r9qtd
Fluorescent biosensor imaging meets deterministic mathematical modelling: quantitative investigation of signalling compartmentalization
Authors: Posner Clara , Mehta Sohum , Zhang Jin
Published: September 2023

Cells execute specific responses to diverse environmental cues by encoding information in distinctly compartmentalized biochemical signalling reactions. Genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors enable the spatial and temporal monitoring of signalling events in live cells. Temporal and spatiotemporal computational models can be used to interpret biosensor experiments in complex biochemical networks and to explore hypotheses that are difficult to test experimentally. In this review, we first provide brief discussions of the experimental toolkit of fluorescent biosensors as well as computational basics with a focus on temporal and spatiotemporal deterministic models. We then describe how we used this combined approach to identify and investigate a protein kinase A (PKA) – cAMP – Ca2+ oscillatory circuit in MIN6 β cells, a mouse pancreatic β cell system. We describe the application of this combined approach to interrogate how this oscillatory circuit is differentially regulated in a nano‐compartment formed at the plasma membrane by the scaffolding protein A kinase anchoring protein 79/150. We leveraged both temporal and spatiotemporal deterministic models to identify the key regulators of this oscillatory circuit, which we confirmed with further experiments. The powerful approach of combining live‐cell biosensor imaging with quantitative modelling, as discussed here, should find widespread use in the investigation of spatiotemporal regulation of cell signalling.

image
Study on the Standby Characteristics of a Packed Bed Thermal Energy Storage: Experimental Results and Model Based Parameter Optimization
Authors: Schwarzmayr Paul , Birkelbach Felix , Walter Heimo , Hofmann René
Published: September 2023

In the present study the standby characteristics of a packed bed thermal energy storage are investigated experimentally and numerically. The results collected from the experiments are used for the development of a thermal model of the storage that will act as the virtual entity in a digital twin platform. A packed bed thermal energy storage is a sensible type of thermal energy storage that is capable of storing excess heat for several hours and even days. In this study experimental data from a lab-scale test rig is used to make statements on the thermal characteristics of the storage during standby periods. In addition, the experimental data and a finite volume model of the test rig are used for model-based parameter optimization. The developed model is able to predict the thermal behaviour of the storage in standby and can be utilized as the virtual entity in a digital twin platform. The evaluation of the measured data is done with first and second law analysis and nonlinear optimization. The results are contributing to the further development and deployment of packed bed thermal energy storage systems for waste heat recovery in industrial processes and to increasing flexibility of renewable power generating technologies.
Design and Performance Evaluation of an Industrial Combined Heat and Power Plant Integrated With Molten Salt Heat Storage System
Authors: Tang Haiyu , Liu Ming , Zhang Shunqi , Wang Chaoyang , Yan Junjie
Published: September 2023

For facilitating the penetration of renewable energy, combined heat and power (CHP) plants should provide peak shaving services for the power grid, which will inevitably influence the heat supply. The integration of a thermal heat storage system is an effective way to enhance the operational flexibility of the industrial CHP unit that supply industrial steam to process steam users. In this study, off-design models of a reference 350 MW CHP unit are developed and validated. Then, the molten salt heat storage system is integrated within the reference CHP unit, and different heat sources of molten salt heat storage systems are analyzed. The heat sources to heat molten salt are outlet of turbine stage group 5 and hot-reheat steam pipe in case 1 and case 2. The exergy efficiencies are 71.25% and 65.12% for case 1 and case 2, respectively. The influences of parameters, including molten salt temperature and the CHP power load, on exergy efficiency are also analyzed, and the operation flexibility enhancement of CHP unit is evaluated. Results show that when the maximum mass flow rate of steam supplied by molten salt heat storage system is 30 kg s−1, the decrements of minimum power load for case 1 and case 2 are 239.69 MW and 48.89 MW, respectively, and the increment of maximum power load for case 1 and case 2 are 21.61 MW and 30.65 MW, respectively. The study may provide guidance for enhancing flexibility of thermal power plant by molten salt heat storage system.
A Novel Approach to Integrating Photovoltaic Technology With Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
Authors: Al Nawafah Hamza , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: September 2023

The efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules has significantly grown over the past several years. As a result, these modules are getting cheaper. Not all solar PV modules have, but some have achieved laboratory efficiencies above 40%. Furthermore, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are regarded as major energy consumers, accounting for approximately 3 to 4% of total energy consumption in the United States. The reason is that the aeration tanks in WWTPs are the parts of the plant that use the most energy, accounting for 45% to 75% of the energy footprint. This paper presents a novel approach to integrating PV technology with WWTPs infrastructure. In this research, a model simulation and validation of the integration of the PV system with WWTP using real data. Toward improving system efficiency and reducing operating costs. The study methodology includes DIgSILENT power software to evaluate the impact of the PV system on the power system level at the WWTP. The proposed model will be simulated in DIgSILENT to check if it maintains synchronism at different load demands in WWTP. However, the proposed model will simulate and analyze various scenarios, such as sudden loss of generation and frequency mismatch. Simulating sudden loss of generation in two grid load cases (peak and low load) of a high-PV system integration condition is used to test system synchronism. The results showed that the WWTPs system efficiency improved after integrating the PV system.
The Journey to Carbon Neutrality: A Case Study Through China and the United States
Authors: Barrett Jasmine , Gyselinck Alexis , Singh Gopal
Published: September 2023

There is no doubt that the world is in the midst of an energy crisis. The volatile political landscape and globally increasing CO2 emissions demand that every country consolidate its resources in search of clean and reliable energy. China is no stranger to this crisis as the country has pledged to be carbon neutral by 2060. Leading the world in CO2 emissions, energy demand, coal consumption, and fossil fuel imports, China’s reliance on coal and other polluting energy sources seems to be the backbone of its very society. Moving away from these established practices will take time, investment, and focus. Despite promising to peak carbon emissions in the next 20 years, their emissions and energy use patterns continue to trend upwards. The country is already responsible for a quarter of the world’s CO2 emissions, yet it continues to build new coal-based power plants at a greater pace than the combined rest of the world. As the world’s leading manufacturer of solar panels and electric vehicles, its development of the renewable energy sector is indeed substantial. However, it must be considered whether this progress will impact the country on a large enough scale to combat their current energy trends. So the question remains: how will China combat its CO2 emissions and take the necessary steps toward clean energy in order to fulfill its ambitious promises? This paper will introduce the physical, social, and economic environment of China and discuss its current uses of energy. Second, it will compare and contrast the energy profiles of China and the United States. Lastly, the paper will discuss the progress of China in recent years and introduce several recommendations for actions that can be taken to combat carbon emissions on its journey toward clean energy and carbon neutrality.
Description of a new species of Lasioseius Berlese (Acari: Mesostigmata: Blattisociidae) from Brazil and redescription of Lasioseius meridionalis Chant
Authors: Barros Ávyla R. de A. , Silva Edmilson S. , Moraes Gilberto J. de , Castilho Raphael C.
Published: September 2023

In an effort to understand the fauna of edaphic mites of the genus Lasioseius Berlese (Blattisociidae) from Brazil, a new species was found and it is here described as Lasioseius biota Barros & Castilho sp. nov. It is rather unusual among the Lasioseius species for having dorsal setae mostly bacillate or saber- to leaf-shapped. The other species considered in this paper is Lasioseius meridionalis Chant, morphologically known only from the original description, based solely on the holotype female (from USA). Information resulting from the re-examination of the holotype and on females collected from Brazil is provided. This is the first record of this species in Brazil. With this publication, the total number of Lasioseius species reported from Brazil adds to 19 and a key for the separation of females of these species is provided.
Dissociating sensitivity from bias in the Mini Profile of Music Perception Skills
Authors: Whiteford Kelly L. , Goh Pui Yii , Stevens Kara L. , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: September 2023

The Mini Profile of Music Perception Skills (Mini-PROMS) is a rapid performance-based measure of musical perceptual competence. The present study was designed to determine the optimal way to evaluate and score the Mini-PROMS results. Two traditional methods for scoring the Mini-PROMS, the weighted composite score and the parametric sensitivity index (d′), were compared with nonparametric alternatives, also derived from signal detection theory. Performance estimates using the traditional methods were found to depend on response bias (e.g., confidence), making them suboptimal. The simple nonparametric alternatives provided unbiased and reliable performance estimates from the Mini-PROMS and are therefore recommended instead.
Identifying physiological tissue niches that support the HIV reservoir in T cells
Authors: Ikeogu Nnamdi , Ajibola Oluwaseun , Zayats Romaniya , Murooka Thomas T.
Published: September 2023

Successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) can efficiently suppress Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) replication to undetectable levels, but rare populations of infected memory CD4
+
T cells continue to persist, complicating viral eradication efforts. Memory T cells utilize distinct homing and adhesion molecules to enter, exit, or establish residence at diverse tissue sites, integrating cellular and environmental cues that maintain homeostasis and life-long protection against pathogens. Critical roles for T cell receptor and cytokine signals driving clonal expansion and memory generation during immunity generation are well established, but whether HIV-infected T cells can utilize similar mechanisms for their own long-term survival is unclear. How infected, but transcriptionally silent T cells maintain their recirculation potential through blood and peripheral tissues, or whether they acquire new capabilities to establish unique peripheral tissue niches, is also not well understood. In this review, we will discuss the cellular and molecular cues that are important for memory T cell homeostasis and highlight opportunities for HIV to hijack normal immunological processes to establish long-term viral persistence.
Gut and flesh microbiome sequencing of the Bangladesh national fish hilsa (
Tenualosa ilisha
)
Authors: Islam Tofazzal , Hoque M. Nazmul
Published: September 2023

The gut and flesh microbiome of the national fish of Bangladesh,
Tenualosa ilisha
, were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Our findings revealed a significant microbial disparity between sample categories and the habitat of hilsa fish, which will serve as a valuable foundation for further comprehensive studies on the hilsa microbiome.
Phylogenetic analysis of swine influenza A (H1N2) viruses isolated in Jinju City, Republic of Korea
Authors: Kim Min-Ji , Kwon MiJung , Kim Min Ji , Lim Eui Hyeon , Hyun Bang-hun , Lee Yoon-Hee , Lim Seong-In
Published: September 2023

Genomic sequences of the swine influenza A (H1N2) viruses “A/Swine/South Korea/GN-1/2018” and “A/Swine/South Korea/GNJJ/2020” sampled from Jinju City, Republic of Korea, are reported here. The sequences of these viruses were 99% similar. These included eight genes from each of the H3N2pM, A(H1N1)2009pdm, and North American swine lineages.
mSphere of Influence: Virology in the noise—how cell-to-cell variability impacts viral infection outcomes
Authors: Drayman Nir
Published: September 2023

Nir Drayman works at the intersection of virology and single-cell biology, studying how cellular heterogeneity shapes the outcome of viral infections (and specifically that of HSV-1). In this mSphere of Influence article, he reflects on how two papers, “Remote activation of host cell DNA synthesis in uninfected cells signaled by infected cells in advance of virus transmission” (N. Schmidt, T. Hennig, R. A. Serwa, M. Marchetti, and P. O’Hare, J Virol 89:11107–11115, 2015,
https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.01950-15
) and “Extreme heterogeneity of influenza virus infection in single cells” (A. B. Russell, C. Trapnell, and J. D. Bloom, Elife 7:e32303, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.32303
), impacted his research by trail blazing the analysis of viral infections in single cells, as well as by illuminating what is yet left to discover.
Impact of developmental coordination disorder in childhood on educational outcomes in adulthood among neonatal intensive care recipients: a register-based longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Persson Isak , Sampaio Filipa , Samkharadze Tengiz , Ssegonja Richard , Johansen Kine
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is related to poorer educational outcomes among children and adolescents. Evidence on this association into adulthood is lacking. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether probable DCD (pDCD) in childhood affected educational outcomes among adults, and whether this was affected by sex or a co-occurring attention deficit in childhood.

Design

Register-based longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Neonatal intensive care (NIC) recipients born at Uppsala University Children’s Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden, from 1986 to 1989 until they reached the age of 28.

Participants

185 NIC recipients.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

At the age of 6.5, 46 (24.6%) of the NIC recipients were diagnosed with pDCD. Using register-based longitudinal data, we compared participants with and without pDCD in terms of: (1) age at Upper Secondary School (USS) graduation, and (2) highest level of education achieved by age 28.

Results

The median age at USS graduation was 19 years, with similar graduation ages and ranges between those with or without pDCD. However, a higher proportion of participants without pDCD had graduated from USS at ages 19 and 24. By age 29, most participants had completed USS. At age 28, 33% of participants had attained a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Although there was no significant difference between the groups, the proportion that had attained a degree was higher among those without pDCD and women without pDCD had achieved the highest level of education. Educational outcomes remained similar for those with pDCD, regardless of childhood attention deficit.

Conclusions

pDCD during childhood may have a lasting impact on educational outcomes, particularly among women. Raising awareness of DCD among parents, health and educational professionals is vital for early identification and the provision of appropriate support and interventions in schools, mitigating the potential negative consequences associated with DCD and promoting positive educational outcomes.
Regional variations in short stay urgent paediatric hospital admissions: a sequential mixed-methods approach exploring differences through data linkage and qualitative interviews
Authors: King Emma , Dick Smita , Hoddinott Pat , Malcolm Cari , France Emma , Kyle Richard G , Aucott Lorna , Wilson Philip , Turner Stephen
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The aim of this sequential mixed-methods study was to describe and understand how paediatric short stay admission (SSA) rates vary across Health Board regions of Scotland.

Design

Exploratory sequential mixed-methods study. Routinely acquired data for the annual (per capita) SSA to hospital were compared across the 11 regions. Five diverse regions with different SSA per capita formed cases for qualitative interviews with health professionals and parents to explore how care pathways, service features and geography may influence decisions to admit.

Setting

Scotland.

Participants

All children admitted to hospital 2015–2017. Healthcare staff (n=48) and parents (n=15) were interviewed.

Results

Of 171 039 urgent hospital admissions, 92 229 were SSAs, with a fivefold variation between 14 and 69/1000 children/year across regions. SSAs were higher for children in the most deprived compared with the least deprived communities. When expressed as a ratio of highest to lowest SSA/1000 children/year for diagnosed conditions between regions, the ratio was highest (10.1) for upper respiratory tract infection and lowest (2.8) for convulsions. Readmissions varied between 0.80 and 2.52/1000/year, with regions reporting higher SSA rates more likely to report higher readmission rates (r=0.70, p=0.016, n=11). Proximity and ease of access to services, local differences in service structure and configuration, national policy directives and disparities in how an SSA is defined were recognised by interviewees as explaining the observed regional variations in SSAs. Socioeconomic deprivation was seldom spontaneously raised by professionals when reflecting on reasons to refer or admit a child. Instead, greater emphasis was placed on the wider social circumstances and parents’ capacity to cope with and manage their child’s illness at home.

Conclusion

SSA rates for children vary quantitatively by region, condition and area deprivation and our interviews identify reasons for this. These findings can usefully inform future care pathway interventions.
Influence of low-dose esketamine on postoperative depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer (EASE): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wei Qingfeng , Chen Cen , Zhu Jiajia , Mei Bin , Liu Xuesheng
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Depressive symptoms have surfaced as the principal mental health concern among patients with breast cancer, with surgical interventions potentially exacerbating these symptoms and adversely influencing clinical outcomes. This study protocol is designed to investigate the efficacy of low-dose esketamine administered perioperatively on depressive symptoms in patients with breast cancer. It also aims to illuminate the potential neurobiological underpinnings of this effect.

Methods and analysis

This research represents a single-centre, prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The trial anticipates enrolling 108 female patients exhibiting mild-to-severe depressive symptoms who are slated for radical mastectomy. Through stratified randomisation, eligible patients will be systematically assigned to either the esketamine group (0.25 mg/kg) or placebo group (0.9% saline) in a 1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is the response rate at the third postoperative day. Secondary outcomes encompass the remission rate, depression-related scores, depression severity and safety-related endpoints. Tertiary (exploratory) outcomes involve alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and resting-state functional brain connectivity.

Ethics and dissemination

The Clinical Trial Ethics Committee at The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University has conferred ethical approvals for this trial (approval number: PJ2023-05-25). Results from this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional symposiums.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2300071062).
Clinical-scientist-led transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE): using extended roles to improve the service
Authors: Kaye Nikki , Purdon Michael , Schofield Rebecca , Antonacci Grazia , Proudlove Nathan
Published: September 2023

At the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, we perform transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE), a semi-invasive diagnostic test using ultrasound for high-quality heart imaging. TOE allows accurate diagnosis of serious heart problems to support high-quality clinical decision-making about treatment pathways. The procedure can be lengthy and is traditionally performed by a consultant cardiologist, who typically has multiple commitments. This constrains patient access to TOE, leading to waits from referral to test, delaying treatment decisions.

In this quality improvement project, we improved access by redesigning workforce roles. The clinical scientist, who had been supporting the consultant during TOE clinics, took on performing the procedure as the main operator. We used the Model for Improvement to develop this clinical-scientist-led service-delivery model, and then test and refine it. This increased capacity and frequency of TOE clinics, reducing waits and releasing around 2 days per month of consultant time.

Over five plan-do-study-act cycles, we tested six changes/refinements. Our targets were to reduce the maximum waiting time for TOE to 3 working days for inpatients and to 14 working days for outpatients. We succeeded, achieving reductions in mean waiting times from 7.7 days to 3.0 days for inpatients and from 33.2 days to 8.3 days for outpatients.

TOE requires intubation; when this fails, TOE is abandoned. We believe light (rather than heavy) sedation is helpful for this intubation. We reduced sedation levels (from a median of 3 mg of midazolam to 1.5 mg) and, as a secondary outcome of this project, reduced the intubation failure rate from 13% to 0% (over 32 postchange patients).

Following this project, our TOE service is usually performed by a clinical scientist in echocardiography who has British Society of Echocardiography TOE accreditation and advanced training. We have sustained the improved performance and demonstrated the value of enhanced roles for clinical scientists.
Drug dependence epidemiology in palliative care medicinal cannabis trials
Authors: Lee Chee Yen , Good Phillip , Huggett Georgie , Greer Ristan , Hardy Janet
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Drug dependence is becoming increasingly common and meeting palliative care patients with substance use disorders is inevitable. However, data on substance use in these patients are lacking. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of drug dependence in palliative care patients with advanced cancer and correlate with symptom distress and opioid use.

Methods

Palliative care patients with advanced cancer interested in participation in a medicinal cannabis trial were required to complete Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) and record of concomitant medications including baseline opioid use as part of the eligibility screen.

Results

Of the 182 participants, 167 (92%) reported lifetime alcohol and 132/182 (73%) lifetime tobacco use. No participant reached the threshold criteria for high risk of drug dependence with majority being low risk. There was no correlation between ASSIST score, ESAS and oral morphine equivalent.

Conclusion

This study identified alcohol and tobacco as the main substances used in this group of patients and that most were of very low risk for drug dependence. This suggests routine drug screening for palliative care patient may not be justified, but the high possibility of questionnaire bias is acknowledged.
MiR-122 knockdown regulates vascular smooth muscle cells phenotypic switching through enhanced FOXO3 expression
Authors: Zhang Lan , Huang Qian-wei , Pu Yan-fen , Xiao Xiao-qiang , Song Bian-jing , Zhang Xue-ping , Yang Yong-sheng , Zhang Yu-song , Gong Fu-han
Published: September 2023

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypic switching is identified as enhanced dedifferentiation, proliferation, and migration ability of VSMCs, in which microRNAs have been identified as important regulators of the process. The present study is aimed to explore the pathophysiological effect of miR-122 on VSMC phenotypic modulation. Here, the result showed that the decreased miR-122 expression was found in VSMCs subjected to platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) treatment. Next, we investigated the response of miR-122 knockdown in VSMCs with PDGF-BB stimulation. MiR-122 silencing showed increased proliferation and migration capability, whereas attenuated the differentiation markers expression. The above results were reversed by miR-122 overexpression. Finally, we further demonstrated that FOXO3 was an important target for miR-122. Collectively, we demonstrated that miR-122 silencing promoted VSMC phenotypic modulation partially through upregulated FOXO3 expression that indicated miR-122 may be a novel therapeutic target for neointimal formation.
Thyroid hormone induces restrictive cardiomyopathy in β1-adrenoceptor knockout mice
Authors: da Silveira Anderson L.B. , Seara Fernando A.C. , Lustrino Danilo , Mecawi André S. , Antunes-Rodrigues José , Kettelhut Ísis C. , Chakur-Brum Patrícia , Reis Luis C. , Olivares Emerson L.
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to characterize the role of β1-AR signaling and its cross-talk between cardiac renin–angiotensin system and thyroid-hormone-induced cardiac hypertrophy. T3 was administered at 0.5 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 10 days in β1-KOT3 and WTT3 groups, while control groups received vehicle alone. Echocardiography and myocardial histology was performed; cardiac and serum ANGI/ANGII and ANP and cardiac levels of p-PKA, p-ERK1/2, p-p38-MAPK, p-AKT, p-4EBP1, and ACE were measured. WTT3 showed decreased IVSTd and increased LVEDD versus WTsal ( p < 0.05). β1-KOT3 exhibited lower LVEDD and higher relative IVSTd versus β1-KOsal, the lowest levels of ejection fraction, and the highest levels of cardiomyocyte diameter ( p < 0.05). Cardiac ANP levels decreased in WTT3 versus β1-KOT3 ( p < 0.05). Cardiac ACE expression was increased in T3-treated groups ( p < 0.05). Phosphorylated-p38 MAPK levels were higher in WTT3 versus WTsal or β1-KOT3, p-4EBP1 was elevated in β1-KO animals, and p-ERK1/2 was up-regulated in β1-KOT3. These findings suggest that β1-AR signaling is crucial for TiCH.
Studies on RPC detectors operated with environmentally friendly gas mixtures in LHC-like conditions
Authors: Rigoletti Gianluca , Guida Roberto , Mandelli Beatrice
Published: September 2023

Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) are gasesous detectors employed at CERN LHC experiments thanks to their trigger performance, timing capabilities and contained production costs. High Pressure Laminate RPCs are operated with a three-component gas mixture, made of 90–95% of C$$_2$$2H$$_2$$2F$$_4$$4, around 5% of i-C$$_4$$4H$$_{10}$$10and 0.3% of SF$$_6$$6. Due to the presence of leaks at detector level and to the greenhouse characteristics of C$$_2$$2H$$_2$$2F$$_4$$4and SF$$_6$$6, RPCs in ATLAS and CMS were accounting for about 87% of CO$$_2$$2equivalent emissions during LHC Run 2. To address this, several alternative gases were studied, including R-1234ze as a possible substitute for R-134a. Furthermore, the addition of some amount of CO$$_2$$2into the RPCs gas mixture was explored as a possible short-to-medium term solution to lower the total greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the usage of C$$_2$$2H$$_2$$2F$$_4$$4. A dedicated data taking campaign was performed at the Gamma Irradiation Facility at CERN, where RPCs detectors performance were studied with muon beam and gamma background. The detectors were operated with the addition of 30% and 40% and 50% of CO$$_2$$2to the standard gas mixture, together with an increased fraction of SF$$_6$$6. Two different amounts of i-C4H10 were also evaluated to assess compatibility with the CMS and ATLAS requirements. Results from these beam tests with the above-mentioned gas mixtures are reported in this work.
Axion emission from supernovae: a cheatsheet
Authors: Carenza Pierluca
Published: September 2023

Supernovae provide fascinating opportunities to study various particles and their interactions. Among these there are neutrinos, axions, and other light weakly interacting particles, which play a significant role in our understanding of fundamental physics. In this study, the focus lies on the recent advancements made in characterizing axion emission from nuclear matter within the context of supernovae. The main production mechanisms for axions coupled with nucleons, bremsstrahlung and pion-axion conversion, are extensively discussed. These findings shed light on the behavior of axions in dense and hot nuclear matter, encountered in these extreme astrophysical environments.
Tailoring magnesium-based hydrides as potential and reversible materials for solid-state hydrogen storage: A first-principles study
Authors: Muhammad Shoaib , Murtaza G. , Azam Abida , Raza H. H. , Arif Khalil R. M. , Hussain Muhammad Iqbal , Waqas Iqbal M.
Published: September 2023

Hydrogen is a promising candidate for green energy sources for future endeavors because of its abundance on Earth. Although its storage is a major challenge for the researchers of this era because of its unsafe and highly explosive nature. The structural, optoelectronic, thermoelectric, vibrational, thermodynamic properties and hydrogen storage capacity of XMgH3 ([Formula: see text], Ba) are carried out by using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method in the DFT framework. The theoretical study about these magnesium-based metal hydride perovskites, i.e., SrMgH3 and BaMgH3, declares them structurally stable compounds in space group Pm-3m. The optimization graph for SrMgH3 and BaMgH3 reflects the lowest ground state energy, i.e., −6759[Formula: see text]Ry and −16683[Formula: see text]Ry, respectively. Comparatively, BaMgH3 seems to be more stable. The electronic band structures and density of states declare them pure metallic due to zero band gap and overlapping of electronic states of the valence and the conduction bands. The electrical conductivity of BaMgH3 increases up to [Formula: see text] and thermal conductivity [Formula: see text] in the temperature range 100[Formula: see text]K to 1000[Formula: see text]K revealing the good metallic character of BaMgH3. The optical analysis portrays the absorption of compounds in the visible range along with valance shell electrons to the weak bond of hydrogen and dissociates hydrogen molecules at a certain intensity of light. BaMgH3 compound shows minimum scattering and maximum absorption of light in the visible region up to 3[Formula: see text]eV. The reflectivity peaks in the visible region 3.0[Formula: see text]eV show that 40% of light energy is absorbed due to the opaque nature of BaMgH3. Both these compounds are declared thermodynamically stable due to negative free energy such as −1.20[Formula: see text]eV for SrMgH3 and −1.50[Formula: see text]eV energy for BaMgH3 at 1000[Formula: see text]K, respectively. Moreover, the three acoustic modes showing zero imaginary phonon frequencies at [Formula: see text] symmetry points predict these compounds’ structural and thermodynamical stability. The gravimetric hydrogen storage concentration of SrMgH3 and BaMgH3 is determined as 2.637% and 1.836%, respectively.
Energy relaxation rate and power loss density in graphene on GaAs substrate due to piezoelectric surface acoustic phonons
Authors: Arshia Khatoon S. , Ansari Meenhaz , Ashraf S. S. Z.
Published: September 2023

Electron-piezoelectric phonon interaction provides a significant extrinsic channel for energy relaxation in a graphene sheet placed on a polar substrate. We report in this paper our analytical and numerical investigations on energy relaxation rate and power loss density in graphene sheet on a polar substrate considering the electron-piezoelectric phonon scattering channel in the Boltzmann transport approach. We overcome the earlier crude approximations made to achieve the reported analytical results and compare the obtained results for their compliance with the numerical findings for the graphene sheet on the GaAs substrate. The obtained analytical expression for energy relaxation rate is valid for all temperatures and electron energies. The analytical result for power loss density limits its validity for low electron densities [Formula: see text]. It is observed that the relaxation rate due to surface piezoelectric phonons in graphene on GaAs substrate is directly proportional to temperatures above [Formula: see text], below which temperature independence is seen. Also, it is observed that the relaxation rate is linearly dependent on electron energy, [Formula: see text] at low temperatures, and [Formula: see text] independent at high temperatures. Moreover, the relaxation rate is electron density-independent for all (low to high) temperatures. The seemingly odd (from earlier reported behavior) temperature-independent, linearly dependent [Formula: see text] and n independent relaxation rate behavior for low temperatures is attributed to the approximation used so far in the phononic statistical occupation factor in deriving the relaxation rate in the low-temperature Bloch-Gruneisen (BG) regime. In undoped graphene, we have found that the power loss behavior follows a crossover from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] behavior while moving from low [Formula: see text] to high [Formula: see text] electron temperature. This behavior contradicts the study by Zhang et al. [Phys. Rev. B 87, 075443 (2013)] and M. Ansari [Physica E: Low Dimens. Syst. Nanostruct. 131, 114722 (2021)] which reported low-temperature BG behavior of [Formula: see text]. This behavior is again attributed to using BG regime approximation for statistical occupation factors. Our findings are in agreement with the experimental work by Chen et al. [Nature Nanotechnol.  3, 206 (2008)] and You et al. [Appl. Phys. Lett. 115, 043104 (2019)].
Dynamical properties, modulation instability analysis and chaotic behaviors to the nonlinear coupled Schrödinger equation in fiber Bragg gratings
Authors: Yang Rong , Kai Yue
Published: September 2023

The nonlinear coupled Schrödinger equation in fiber Bragg gratings is studied in this paper. The existence of soliton solutions and periodic solutions are proved by qualitative analysis, and exact solutions are given, as well as the parameter condition of each solution is described. Then the modulation instability (MI) analysis is carried out and the linear stability criterion is given. In particular, external perturbation terms are introduced to prove that the equation exists chaotic behaviors.
Building a Kill Switch for the Terminator: A Case for Slow AI
Authors: Trim Michelle
Published: September 2023

Students in my grad CS ethics course recently led class discussion in an examination of the intersection of vulnerable populations and AI. They decided that they wanted to focus on the elderly. It was a great presentation. They raised issues specific to different cultures across the globe, and they reminded the class that vulnerable populations have vulnerable data too. At one point, one of the presenters instructed the class to remember that the point of bringing technology into the homes and lives of elderly humans is to *increase* their agency, not to restrict it. They reminded us that as we age, stereotypes and family fears will conspire to restrict our choices, under the guise of keeping us safe. However, if AI can be harnessed via various tools and devices to enable us to maintain our agency, to stay in our homes longer as we age, to stay longer in control of our decision-making, then that would be a truly good thing. Imagining a role for AI that enables humans to have more, do more, be more and at their will, is clearly what many young people see as a version of AI development that they would be proud to drive. If my ethics class has led them to this awareness, it has done so by keeping human agency in the center.
New Solutions to the Gauge Hierarchy Problem
Authors: Hook Anson
Published: September 2023

Applying dimensional analysis to the Higgs mass leads one to predict new physics interactions that generate this mass at a scale of the order of 1 TeV. The question of what these interactions could be is known as the gauge hierarchy problem. Resolving this question has been a central aim of particle physics for the past few decades. Traditional solutions introduce new particles with masses below 1 TeV, but that prediction is now challenged by experiment. In this article, I review recent new approaches to the problem that do not require new particles at the TeV mass scale. I first discuss the relaxation approach, whereby the Higgs mass is made dynamical and is small at the absolute minimum of its potential. I then discuss the historical approach, whereby details about inflation and/or reheating after inflation cause the Higgs mass to be smaller than otherwise expected. Finally, I discuss solutions that use conditional probability, whereby conditioning on the fact that the cosmological constant is small automatically leads one to select vacua where the Higgs mass is also small.
The role of the host-microbiome and metabolomics in sarcoidosis
Authors: Kim Junwoo , Lee Silvia , Moodley Yuben , Yagnik Lokesh , Birnie David , Dwivedi Girish
Published: September 2023

Sarcoidosis is a complex inflammatory fibrotic disease that affects multiple organ systems. It is characterized by the infiltration of lymphocytes and mononuclear phagocytes, which form non-caseating granulomas in affected organs. The lungs and intrathoracic lymph nodes are the most commonly affected organs. The underlying cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, but it is believed to occur in genetically predisposed individuals who are exposed to pathogenic organisms, environmental contaminants, or self and non-self-antigens. Recent research has suggested that the microbiome may play a role in the development of respiratory conditions, including sarcoidosis. Additionally, metabolomic studies have identified potential biomarkers for monitoring sarcoidosis progression. This review will focus on recent microbiome and metabolomic findings in sarcoidosis, with the goal of shedding light on the pathogenesis and possible diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
A Relook into the Flavonoid Chemical Space of Moringa oleifera Lam. Leaves through a Combination of LC-MS and Molecular Networking
Authors: Ndou Dakalo Lorraine , Ndhlala Ashwell Rungano , Tavengwa Nikita Tawanda , Madala Ntakadzeni Edwin
Published: September 2023

Moringa oleifera Lam. is a functional tree that is known to produce a variety of metabolites with purported pharmacological activities. It is frequently called the “miracle tree” due to its utilization in numerous nutraceutical and pharmacological contexts. This study was aimed at studying the chemical space of M. oleifera leaf extracts through molecular networking (MN), a tool that identifies metabolites by classifying them based on their MS-based fragmentation pattern similarities and signals. In this case, a special emphasis was placed on the flavonoid composition. The MN unraveled different molecular families such as flavonoids, carboxylic acids and derivatives, lignin glycosides, fatty acyls, and macrolactams that are found within the plant. In silico annotation tools such as network annotation propagation (NAP) and DEREPLICATOR, an unsupervised substructure identification tool (MS2LDA), and MolNet enhancer were also explored to further compliment the classic molecular networking output within the Global Natural Product Social (GNPS) site. In this study, common flavonoids found within Moringa oleifera were further annotated using MS2LDA. Utilizing computational tools allowed for the discovery of a wide range of structurally diverse flavonoid molecules within M. oleifera leaf extracts. The expansion of the flavonoid chemical repertoire in this plant arises from intricate glycosylation modifications, leading to the creation of structural isomers that manifest as isobaric ions during mass spectrometry (MS) analyses.
The Determinants of Cloud Computing Vision and Its Impact on Cloud Accounting Adoption in SMBs
Authors: Rawashdeh Awni , Rawashdeh Badi Salem , Shehadeh Esam
Published: September 2023

This study challenges the conventional belief of autonomy among the technological, organizational, and environmental (TOE) framework constituents and probes into their effect on the adoption of cloud-based accounting within small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We postulate that a vision of cloud computing plays a mediating role between the TOE elements and the adoption of cloud accounting practices. The study delves deeper into exploring the mediating impact of this cloud computing vision in driving the adoption of cloud accounting. Applying a snowball sampling methodology, we successfully collated 293 relevant responses. The outcomes lend support to the interconnectedness prevailing among the TOE components. The cloud computing vision emerged as a crucial mediator, accentuating the influences of organizational readiness, senior management endorsement, relative advantage, compatibility, and competitive pressure on the transition to cloud-based accounting. Additionally, our findings illuminate the impact of cultivating a vision of cloud computing on the adoption of cloud accounting methodologies. These results contribute to the enrichment of the TOE model by calling into question the prevalent notion of independence among TOE components when employing a vision as an intention surrogate. Consequently, we encourage further research to embed the vision as a proxy for intention within the TOE model and to concurrently investigate potential correlations among the TOE elements.
Treatment for Severe Class II Open Bite Using a Bonded Hyrax Expander, IZC Mini-Implants, and MEAW Technique in an Adolescent Patient
Authors: Farahani Mohammad , Farimani Reza Morvaridi , Eskandarloo Fatemeh
Published: September 2023

This case report describes the successful 3D treatment of a patient with a narrow maxilla and a severe class II open bite using a combination of a bonded hyrax expander, infrazygomatic crest mini-implants, and the multiloop edgewise arch-wire (MEAW) technique. A 14-year-old female with a thumb-sucking habit in childhood, presented with a severe open bite, a convex profile, and an obtuse nasolabial angle. Diagnosis revealed a skeletal Class II open bite with moderate crowding in the maxillary and mild crowding in the mandibular arch. Treatment objectives included eliminating the open bite, achieving normal overbite and overjet, and improving upper incisor visibility. Treatment involved the use of a bonded rapid palatal expansion device, mini-implants for maxillary intrusion, fixed appliances, vertical elastics, and a MEAW. Treatment results showed resolution of the open bite, improvement in overbite and overjet, achievement of Class I molar and canine relationships, and improved upper incisors visibility. Fixed appliances were used for the whole 22-month therapy period, and post-treatment records demonstrated that the treatment’s objectives were met.