bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and countermeasures of urban water systems against climate change: a perspective from China
Authors: Shao Yisheng , Xu Yijian
Published: August 2023

Urban water systems are facing various challenges against climate change, impacting cities’ security and their sustainable development. Specifically, there are three major challenges: submersion risk of coastal cities as glaciers melt and sea level rises, more and severe urban flooding caused by extreme weather like intensified storm surge and heavy precipitation, and regional water resource patterns challenged by alteration of spatial distribution of precipitation. Regarding this, two strategies including proactive adaptation and positive mitigation were proposed in this article to realize the reconstruction and optimization of urban water systems, to enhance their resilience, and eventually increase their adaptability and coping ability to climate change. The proactive adaptation strategy consists of 1) construction of sponge cities to accommodate the increased regular rainfall and to balance the alterations of spatial redistribution of precipitation; 2) reconstruction of excess stormwater discharge and detention system to increase capability for extreme precipitation events based on flood risk assessment under future climate change; 3) deployment of forward-looking, ecological, and integrated measures to improve coastal protection capability against inundation risks caused by climate change and sea level rise. The positive mitigation strategy is to employ the systematic concept in planning and design and to adopt advanced applicable energy-saving technologies, processes, and management practices, aiming at reduction in flux of urban water systems, reinforcement in energy conservation and carbon reduction in both water supply systems and wastewater treatment systems, and thus a reduction of greenhouse gas emission from urban water systems.
Traffic data security sharing scheme based on blockchain and traceable ring signature for VANETs
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Lai Jiaming , Moshayedi Ata Jahangir
Published: August 2023

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) is the hotspot research field of wireless mobile ad hoc network, it provides a new opportunity to create a safe and efficient transportation environment. However, as an open network where information has to interact frequently, it is difficult to ensure the security of data transmitted in VANETs and protect the privacy of drivers. Many existing information-sharing schemes use complex encryption algorithms to enable secure traffic data sharing. Nevertheless, these schemes are not suitable for VANETs because of their high computational overhead and lack of corresponding tracking mechanisms for malicious vehicles. Therefore, a traffic data security sharing scheme is designed that combines blockchain technology and traceable ring signature algorithms to secure the transmitted messages. The traceable ring signature algorithm is formulated in combination with bilinear pairing, enabling conditional privacy protection instead of traditional ring signature. To improve the efficiency of VANETs, this scheme introduces edge computing technology to reduce the computational burden of Road Side Units (RSUs) by offloading most of the computational tasks to the servers via edge nodes. In addition, we use smart contract to track malicious vehicles. Security analysis and performance comparison show that our scheme is more efficient and secure for drivers than other existing related schemes.
Law and Mimesis in Boccaccio's Decameron
Authors: Steinberg Justin
Published: August 2023

In Boccaccio's time, the Italian city-state began to take on a much more proactive role in prosecuting crime – one which superseded a largely communitarian, private approach. The emergence of the state-sponsored inquisitorial trial indeed haunts the legal proceedings staged in the Decameron. How, Justin Steinberg asks, does this significant juridical shift alter our perspective on Boccaccio's much-touted realism and literary self-consciousness? What can it tell us about how he views his predecessor, Dante: perhaps the world's most powerful inquisitorial judge? And to what extent does the Decameron shed light on the enduring role of verisimilitude and truth-seeming in our current legal system? The author explores these and other literary, philosophical, and ethical questions that Boccaccio raises in the Decameron's numerous trials. The book will appeal to scholars and students of medieval and early modern studies, literary theory and legal history.
Potential Economic Impacts of Agricultural Growth in Africa: Evidence from Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Cateia Júlio Vicente , Bittencourt Maurício Vaz Lobo , Carvalho Terciane Sabadini , Savard Luc
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the potential effects of agricultural investment on economic outcomes in Guinea-Bissau (2014–2030). Through a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, we found that improved agricultural performance will positively impact economic growth, sector output, and job opportunities for rural and urban workers. The decline in food prices will propagate indirect impacts on urban household welfare, while rural households will benefit from direct and indirect effects through the decline in the consumer price index. Poverty alleviation suggests agriculture’s crucial role in supporting ongoing industrialization and food security in Africa with attenuated income inequality.
The antipaternalist psychology of William James
Authors: Rizzo Mario J.
Published: August 2023

The purpose of this paper is to first review William James's explicit positions on paternalism in the context of medical licensure and the annexation of the Philippines. Then I wish to show that these positions, as well as a more generalized antipaternalist stance, are the implications of James's philosophy and psychology and not simply his ‘personal’ sentiments. The elements of James's thought are arranged in such a way as to facilitate a comparison with contemporary behavioral (heuristics and biases) paternalism. The conclusion is that James has arguments against behavioral paternalism avant la lettre that are still useful and deserve discussion.
Particle focusing in a wavy channel
Authors: Mao Xinyu , Bischofberger Irmgard , Hosoi A.E.
Published: August 2023

It is known that inertial lift forces can lead to particle focusing in channel flows; yet oscillatory straining effects have also been suggested as a mechanism for particle focusing in wavy channels. To explore the synergy between these two mechanisms, we analytically and experimentally investigate the focusing behaviour of rigid neutrally buoyant particles in a wavy channel. We decompose the particle-free channel flow into a primary Poiseuille flow and secondary eddies induced by the waviness. We calculate the perturbation of the particle on the particle-free flow and the resulting lateral lift force exerted on the particle using the method of matched asymptotic expansions. This yields a zeroth-order lift force arising from the Poiseuille flow and a first-order lift force due to the waviness of the channel. We further incorporate the inertial lift force into the Maxey–Riley equation and simulate particle trajectories in wavy channels. The interactions between the zeroth-order lift force and the particle-free flow largely determine the focusing locations. Experiments in wavy channels with varying amplitudes at channel Reynolds numbers ranging from 5 to 250 are consistent with the predictions of the focusing locations, which are mainly governed by the channel Reynolds number as well as the competition between the inertial lift and the oscillatory straining effects.
Vortex ring formation process in starting jets with uniform background co- and counter-flow
Authors: Zhu Jianwei , Zhang Guoqing , Gao Lei , Yu S.C.M.
Published: August 2023

The formation process of the leading vortex ring in starting jets with uniform background co- and counter-flow has been studied numerically for

$-0.5\leq R_v\leq 0.5$

, where

$R_v$

is the ratio of background velocity to jet velocity. For the cases with background counter-flow, the normal formation process of the leading vortex ring would be destroyed when

$R_v<-0.4$

, i.e. the trailing jet would overtake the leading vortex ring through the centre, a phenomenon reminiscent of vortex leapfrogging. As the velocity ratio

$R_v$

increases, the formation number

$F_{t^*}$

decreases from

$9.6$

at

$R_v=-0.4$

to

$1.92$

at

$R_v=0.5$

. An analytical model based on the kinematic criterion has been developed so as to describe the relationship between the formation number

$F_{t^*}$

and velocity ratio

$R_v$

. A linear relationship between the vortex core parameter and stroke ratio of starting jet (

$\varepsilon \sim k_1L/D$

) for the Norbury vortex ring has been established and used effectively to close the model. For co-flow with

$0< R_v\leq 0.5$

, the results from this model are consistent with the present numerical simulation and the experiments by Krueger et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 556, 2006, pp. 147–166). For counter-flow, two different equations are proposed for

$-0.4\leq R_v\leq -0.2$

and

$-0.2< R_v<0$

, respectively.
Establishing Colonial Rule in a Frontier Encomienda: Chile’s Copiapó Valley under Francisco de Aguirre and His Kin, 1549–1580
Authors: Garrido Francisco , Figueroa Erick
Published: August 2023

This article explores how Francisco de Aguirre used the Copiapó Valley encomienda to negotiate political power during the transition from conquest to colonial rule in northern Chile. Simultaneously, we analyze the circumstances of how a native society was incorporated into the Spanish Empire after a decade of fighting and resistance on the fringes of the empire. The strategic use of the fear of native rebellions to close the road from Peru to Chile gave Aguirre enough power to negotiate an important political position, which in the future would clash with the colonial authorities. Copiapó Valley’s peripheral location in the southernmost Atacama Desert constituted a political gray zone for the colonial administration. This space contributed to consolidating power for Aguirre and enabled locals some negotiation power within the possibilities afforded by the colonial system.
Selection and Description Bias in Protest Reporting by Government and News Media on Weibo
Authors: Zhang Han , Lu Yao , Bai Rui
Published: August 2023

Extensive research in Western societies has demonstrated that media reports of protests have succumbed to selection and description biases, but such tendencies have not yet been tested in the Chinese context. This article investigates the Chinese government and news media's selection and description bias in domestic protest events reporting. Using a large protest event data set from Weibo (CASM-China), we found that government accounts on Weibo covered only 0.4 per cent of protests while news media accounts covered 6.3 per cent of them. In selecting events for coverage, the news media accounts tacitly struck a balance between newsworthiness and political sensitivity; this led them to gravitate towards protests by underprivileged social groups and shy away from protests targeting the government. Government accounts on Weibo, on the other hand, eschewed reporting on violent protests and those organized by the urban middle class and veterans. In reporting selected protest events, both government and news media accounts tended to depoliticize protest events and to frame them in a more positive tone. This description bias was more pronounced for the government than the news media accounts. The government coverage of protest events also had a more thematic (as opposed to episodic) orientation than the news media.
A preliminary bioarchaeological study of the funerary urns from Los Tamarindos, Tierra Caliente, in Michoacan, Mexico
Authors: Budziszewski Adam
Published: August 2023

This article presents the results of a preliminary bioarchaeological study of 10 funerary urns containing human burned remains from the Los Tamarindos urn-field cemetery dated to the Postclassic period. I was able to determine the basic biological profile data. In addition, I determined the fragmentation rate as well as the thermal alternation of bones from funerary urns from Los Tamarindos, which allowed me to propose the first observations about the Pretarascan cremation burial practices in this region. The low weight of bones indicates that burials should be determined as partial burials; however, they contain fragments of bones from each anatomical region. The structure of the bones and the chromatic discoloration caused by the thermal alternation indicate that temperature during the cremation did not exceed 900°C, given that the cremains did not exhibit the recrystallization structure, which is interpreted as a characteristic feature of the high maximum temperature of a funerary pyre during the cremation.
JHET INTERVIEWS: EVELYN FORGET
Authors: Gouverneur Virginie
Published: August 2023

Evelyn Forget is among the “women of value” working in the economics profession. Her work has always been on the interface between theory and policy. It focuses on how economic tools and language can be mobilized to ensure that all members of society have access to the resources and services that allow us to live with dignity. Her contributions on the issue fall into two areas: history of economics, and health and social policy research. Her work in the latter area has earned her the titles of Officer of the Order of Canada and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Her most recent research focuses on the issue of basic income, which in Canada really means a form of targeted guaranteed income. Her 2018 book Basic Income for Canadians was shortlisted for the 2018–19 Donner Prize. In 2020, she updated the book to focus on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her latest book, Radical Trust: Basic Income for Complicated Lives, co-written with Hannah Owczar, was published in 2021.
Astrobioethical reflections on humanity and its consideration as multi- and interplanetary
Authors: Chon-Torres Octavio A. , Chela-Flores Julián
Published: August 2023

We discuss in the context of astrobiology three aspects of the possible evolution of humanity. In addition, from astrobioethics -the study of the moral implications in astrobiology- we ask whether it is necessary to develop new concepts. Thus, it is concluded that we have already started our transition towards an interplanetary humanity; that our actions in the face of the discovery of extraterrestrial life will depend on the context in which we find ourselves; and that it is important to develop new and updated concepts for the scenarios to be faced by the eventual evolution of humanity in space.
Contracting Out Social Services in China’s Three First-Tier Cities: Exploring ‘Variation’ through the Eyes of NGO Practitioners
Authors: Mok Ka Ho , Wen Zhuoyi
Published: August 2023

In the last two decades, the Chinese government has made serious attempts to enhance social provision by contracting out social services. Empirical evidence suggests that openness and flexibility of resource allocation gradually decrease from Guangzhou in southern China to Beijing in northern China, amongst China’s three first-tier cities. This study further reveals that state–non-governmental organisation (NGO) relations vary not only across geographical locations but also amongst service sectors governed by government departments and mass organisations. The varied state–NGO relations across geographical locations and service sectors manifest the complexity of the state–NGO collaboration under China’s fragmented authoritarian governance system. Different local circumstances and diverse considerations of local officials involving vertical and horizontal lines of authority accounted for the variations and complexity from the eyes of NGO practitioners.
Future Projection of Mortality From Exposure to PM2.5 and O3 Under the Carbon Neutral Pathway: Roles of Changing Emissions and Population Aging
Authors: Wang Ye , Liao Hong , Chen Haishan , Chen Lei
Published: August 2023

A global chemical transport model GEOS‐Chem was applied to examine the concentrations of PM2.5 and O3 in China, related health burdens and the relative importance of changes in air pollutants and population aging over 2015–2060 under carbon neutral pathway (Shared Socioeconomic Pathway limiting end‐of‐century radiative forcing to 1.9 W m−2, SSP1‐1.9). Results showed synergistic reductions of 100.0%, 72.0%, and 24.4% in net CO2 emission, concentration of annual mean PM2.5, and the 90th maximum daily average 8‐hr (MDA8) O3 over China, respectively, during 2015–2060. Pollutants‐related deaths owing to changes in pollutants and population were simulated to increase by 38.1% over 2015–2060 because of population aging. Over 2015–2060, sensitivity studies showed that the decline in pollutants alone would mitigate deaths by 5,172.7 thousand, while the population aging alone would increase deaths by 2,633.3 thousand. Carbon neutrality will avoid 3,520.0 thousand deaths in 2060 relative to a higher‐carbon pathway (SSP5‐8.5).
The Pressure‐ and Temperature‐Dependence of Thermal Pressurization in Localized Faults
Authors: Badt Nir Z. , Huber Christian , Hirth Greg , Tullis Terry E.
Published: August 2023

Thermal pressurization (TP) is predicted to be an important dynamic frictional weakening mechanism during earthquakes. The prevailing models, though, assume that the physical, thermal and hydraulic properties of the fluid‐saturated rock in the fault zone are constant during TP (the constant case) which inherently involves temperature and pressure changes. We solve the governing equations for TP in their general form with pressure‐ and temperature‐dependent physical, thermal and hydraulic parameters of a saturated fault zone with a one‐dimensional numerical model (the variable case). The model considers slip on a plane at a constant rate, and so does not account for dynamic frictional rupture scenario. We test a wide range of medium permeabilities of 10−22–10−16 m2 and porosities 0.5%–17%, based on experimental data for Frederick diabase, Westerly granite and the Hanaore Fault gouge. We find that the predicted shear stress drop and temperature rise is similar between the two cases for low permeability (<10−20 m2) and low porosity (<1%) fault rocks, owing to an increase in the fluid pressurization factor and hydraulic diffusivity. Differences between the two models are evident in more permeable and porous fault rocks. The increase in hydraulic diffusivity during TP results in a diffusional length which scales with time0.7 in the variable case. In addition, our calculations show that it is important to apply the constant case model with the ambient initial conditions for the modeled fault zone and not time‐averaged values that aim to represent the temperature and pressure changes that occur during TP.
Simulations of the North Tropical Atlantic Mode–ENSO Connection in CMIP5 and CMIP6 Models
Authors: Tian Qi , Ding Ruiqiang , Li Jianping
Published: August 2023

The North Tropical Atlantic (NTA) mode is a dominant component of sea surface temperature (SST) variability over the northern tropical Atlantic, which is crucial to the occurrence of El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study utilizes the historical simulation of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and 6 (CMIP5 and CMIP6) to evaluate the simulations of the NTA mode and NTA–ENSO connection. We found that the CMIP5 and CMIP6 could reproduce the spatial pattern of the NTA mode similarly. Most of them could reasonably reproduce the spatial pattern of the NTA mode similar to the observation. Still, there are some differences in the central values and position of the NTA mode. In addition, the analysis further suggests that the CMIP5/CMIP6 models have a large diversity in the NTA–ENSO connection, which may be due to their differences in simulating the spring climatological mean Atlantic Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) precipitation and spring‐to‐summer NTA SST persistence. Models with stronger spring climatological mean Atlantic ITCZ precipitation in favor of the spring NTA‐related SST anomalies stimulate local precipitation anomalies, resulting in a more powerful atmospheric circulation reaction over the tropical Pacific. Additionally, the stronger spring‐to‐summer NTA SST persistence for sustaining the teleconnection, which constantly transmits impacts from the tropical Atlantic into the tropical Pacific. The CMIP6 models show improvements to the CMIP5 models regarding simulations of the spring climatological mean Atlantic ITCZ precipitation and spring‐to‐summer NTA SST persistence. Therefore, the CMIP6 models simulate the NTA–ENSO connection better than the CMIP5 models.
Neural Networks for Operational SYM‐H Forecasting Using Attention and SWICS Plasma Features
Authors: Collado‐Villaverde Armando , Muñoz Pablo , Cid Consuelo
Published: August 2023

In this work, we present an Artificial Neural Network for operational forecasting of the SYM‐H geomagnetic index up to 2 hr ahead using the Interplanetary Magnetic Field, the solar wind plasma features and previous SYM‐H values. Former works that forecast the SYM‐H index use data measured by ACE, in particular from the MAG and SWEPAM instruments. However, the plasma data present a high amount of missing samples. This issue has been addressed in the literature, often using linear interpolation, which leads to a non‐accurate data reconstruction, specially when the features are missing during the most intense periods of a geomagnetic storm. To overcome that issue, we use ACE's Solar Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer (SWICS) data to fill the missing plasma features. To validate this technique, we compare the results of our forecasting model trained using plasma features in two ways: only using SWEPAM and performing linear interpolation and using SWICS to fill the missing values in SWEPAM. Then, both models are evaluated in an operational scenario, when only SWEPAM data are available and interpolation can only be performed if the missing values are surrounded by valid measurements. In both cases, our model outperforms the current literature forecasting the SYM‐H one and 2 hr ahead, yielding the best results when the training has been done using the data completed using SWICS measurements.
Carfilzomib, lenalidomide and dexamethasone followed by a second ASCT is an effective strategy in first relapse multiple myeloma: a study on behalf of the Chronic malignancies working party of the EBMT
Authors: Tilmont Rémi , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Eikema Diderik-Jan , Zinger Nienke , Haenel Mathias , Schaap Nicolaas , Arroyo Concepcion Herrera , Schuermans Christine , Besemer Britta , Engelhardt Monika , Kuball Jürgen , Michieli Mariagrazia , Schub Natalie , Wilson Keith M. O. , Bourhis Jean Henri , Mateos Maria Victoria , Rabin Neil , Jost Edgar , Kröger Nicolaus , Moraleda José M , Za Tommaso , Hayden Patrick J. , Beksac Meral , Mclornan Donal , Schönland Stefan , Manier Salomon
Published: August 2023

In the setting of a first relapse of multiple myeloma (MM), a second autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) following carfilzomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone (KRd) is an option, although there is scarce data concerning this approach. We performed a retrospective study involving 22 EBMT-affiliated centers. Eligible MM patients had received a second-line treatment with KRd induction followed by a second ASCT between 2016 and 2018. Primary objective was to estimate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Secondary objectives were to assess the response rate and identify significant variables affecting PFS and OS. Fifty-one patients were identified, with a median age of 62 years. Median PFS after ASCT was 29.5 months while 24- and 36-months OS rates were 92.1% and 84.5%, respectively. Variables affecting PFS were an interval over four years between transplants and the achievement of a very good partial response (VGPR) or better before the relapse ASCT. Our study suggests that a relapse treatment with ASCT after KRd induction is an effective strategy for patients with a lenalidomide-sensitive first relapse. Patients with at least four years of remission after a frontline ASCT and who achieved at least a VGPR after KRd induction appear to benefit the most from this approach.
The ubiquitin ligase TRIM32 promotes the autophagic response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in macrophages
Authors: Romagnoli Alessandra , Di Rienzo Martina , Petruccioli Elisa , Fusco Carmela , Palucci Ivana , Micale Lucia , Mazza Tommaso , Delogu Giovanni , Merla Giuseppe , Goletti Delia , Piacentini Mauro , Fimia Gian Maria
Published: August 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is known to evade host immune responses and persist in macrophages for long periods. A mechanism that the host uses to combat Mtb is xenophagy, a selective form of autophagy that targets intracellular pathogens for degradation. Ubiquitination of Mtb or Mtb-containing compartments is a key event to recruit the autophagy machinery and mediate the bacterial delivery to the lysosome. This event relies on the coordinated and complementary activity of different ubiquitin ligases, including PARKIN, SMURF1, and TRIM16. Because each of these factors is responsible for the ubiquitination of a subset of the Mtb population, it is likely that additional ubiquitin ligases are employed by macrophages to trigger a full xenophagic response during Mtb infection. In this study, we investigated the role TRIM proteins whose expression is modulated in response to Mtb or BCG infection of primary macrophages. These TRIMs were ectopically expressed in THP1 macrophage cell line to assess their impact on Mtb replication. This screening identified TRIM32 as a novel player involved in the intracellular response to Mtb infection, which promotes autophagy-mediated Mtb degradation. The role of TRIM32 in xenophagy was further confirmed by silencing TRIM32 expression in THP1 cells, which causes increased intracellular growth of Mtb associated to impaired Mtb ubiquitination, reduced recruitment of the autophagy proteins NDP52/CALCOCO2 and BECLIN 1/BECN1 to Mtb and autophagosome formation. Overall, these findings suggest that TRIM32 plays an important role in the host response to Mtb infection through the induction of autophagy, representing a promising target for host-directed tuberculosis therapies.
Enteric methane emission of dairy cows supplemented with iodoform in a dose–response study
Authors: Thorsteinsson Mirka , Lund Peter , Weisbjerg Martin Riis , Noel Samantha Joan , Schönherz Anna Amanda , Hellwing Anne Louise Frydendahl , Hansen Hanne Helene , Nielsen Mette Olaf
Published: August 2023

Enteric methane (CH4) emission is one of the major greenhouse gasses originating from cattle. Iodoform has in studies been found to be a potent mitigator of rumen CH4 formation in vitro. This study aimed to quantify potential of iodoform as an anti-methanogenic feed additive for dairy cows and investigate effects on feed intake, milk production, feed digestibility, rumen microbiome, and animal health indicators. The experiment was conducted as a 4 × 4 Latin square design using four lactating rumen, duodenal, and ileal cannulated Danish Holstein dairy cows. The treatments consisted of four different doses of iodoform (1) 0 mg/day, (2) 320 mg/day, (3) 640 mg/day, and (4) 800 mg/day. Iodoform was supplemented intra-ruminally twice daily. Each period consisted of 7-days of adaptation, 3-days of digesta and blood sampling, and 4-days of gas exchange measurements using respiration chambers. Milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily. Rumen samples were collected for microbial analyses and investigated for fermentation parameters. Blood was sampled and analyzed for metabolic and health status indicators. Dry matter intake and milk production decreased linearly by maximum of 48% and 33%, respectively, with increasing dose. Methane yield (g CH4/kg DMI) decreased by maximum of 66%, while up to 125-fold increases were observed in hydrogen yield (g H2/kg DMI) with increasing dose of iodoform. Total tract digestibility of DM, OM, CP, C, NDF, and starch were unaffected by treatments, but large shifts, except for NDF, were observed for ruminal to small intestinal digestion of the nutrients. Some indicators of disturbed rumen microbial activity and fermentation dynamics were observed with increasing dose, but total number of ruminal bacteria was unaffected by treatment. Serum and plasma biomarkers did not indicate negative effects of iodoform on cow health. In conclusion, iodoform was a potent mitigator of CH4 emission. However, DMI and milk production were negatively affected and associated with indications of depressed ruminal fermentation. Future studies might reveal if depression of milk yield and feed intake can be avoided if iodoform is continuously administered by mixing it into a total mixed ration.
A multimodal X-ray spectroscopy investigation of uranium speciation in ThTi2O6 compounds with the brannerite structure
Authors: Dixon Wilkins Malin C. , Townsend Luke T. , Stennett Martin C. , Kvashnina Kristina O. , Corkhill Claire L. , Hyatt Neil C.
Published: August 2023

ThTi2O6 derived compounds with the brannerite structure were designed, synthesised, and characterised with the aim of stabilising incorporation of U5+ or U6+, at dilute concentration. Appropriate charge compensation was targeted by co-substitution of Gd3+, Ca2+, Al3+, or Cr3+, on the Th or Ti site. U L3 edge X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy (XANES) and High Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detected U M4 edge XANES evidenced U5+ as the major oxidation state in all compounds, with a minor fraction of U6+ (2–13%). The balance of X-ray and Raman spectroscopy data support uranate, rather than uranyl, as the dominant U6+ speciation in the reported brannerites. It is considered that the U6+ concentration was limited by unfavourable electrostatic repulsion arising from substitution in the octahedral Th or Ti sites, which share two or three edges, respectively, with neighbouring polyhedra in the brannerite structure.
Prevalence of cancer-related fatigue based on severity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kang Ye-Eun , Yoon Ji-Hae , Park Na-hyun , Ahn Yo-Chan , Lee Eun-Jung , Son Chang-Gue
Published: August 2023

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) affects therapeutic compliance and clinical outcomes including recurrence and mortality. This study aimed to comprehensively and comparatively assess the severity-based prevalence of CRF. From two public databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library), we extracted data containing information on both prevalence and severity of fatigue in cancer patients through December 2021. We conducted a meta-analysis to produce point estimates using random effects models. Subgroup analyses were used to assess the prevalence and severity by the organ/system tumor development, treatment phase, therapeutic type, sex and assessment method. A total of 151 data (57 studies, 34,310 participants, 11,805 males and 22,505 females) were selected, which indicated 43.0% (95% CI 39.2–47.2) of fatigue prevalence. The total CRF prevalence including ‘mild’ level of fatigue was 70.7% (95% CI 60.6–83.3 from 37 data). The prevalence of ‘severe’ fatigue significantly varied by organ/system types of cancer origin (highest in brain tumors 39.7% vs. lowest in gynecologic tumors 3.9%) and treatment phase likely 15.9% (95% CI 8.1–31.3) before treatment, 33.8% (95% CI 27.7–41.2) ongoing treatment, and 24.1% (95% CI 18.6–31.2) after treatment. Chemotherapy (33.1%) induced approximately 1.5-fold higher prevalence for ‘severe’ CRF than surgery (22.0%) and radiotherapy (24.2%). The self-reported data for ‘severe’ CRF was 20-fold higher than those assessed by physicians (23.6% vs. 1.6%). Female patients exhibited a 1.4-fold higher prevalence of ‘severe’ fatigue compared to males. The present data showed quantitative feature of the prevalence and severity of CRF based on the cancer- or treatment-related factors, sex, and perspective of patient versus physician. In the context of the medical impact of CRF, our results provide a comparative reference to oncologists or health care providers making patient-specific decision.
Technology platform for facile handling of 3D hydrogel cell culture scaffolds
Authors: Pohlit Hannah , Bohlin Jan , Katiyar Neeraj , Hilborn Jöns , Tenje Maria
Published: August 2023

Hydrogels are used extensively as cell-culture scaffolds for both 2D and 3D cell cultures due to their biocompatibility and the ease in which their mechanical and biological properties can be tailored to mimic natural tissue. The challenge when working with hydrogel-based scaffolds is in their handling, as hydrogels that mimic e.g. brain tissue, are both fragile and brittle when prepared as thin (sub-mm) membranes. Here, we describe a method for facile handling of thin hydrogel cell culture scaffolds by molding them onto a polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh support attached to a commonly used Transwell set-up in which the original membrane has been removed. In addition to demonstrating the assembly of this set-up, we also show some applications for this type of biological membrane. A polyethylene glycol (PEG)-gelatin hydrogel supports cell adhesion, and the structures can be used for biological barrier models comprising either one or multiple hydrogel layers. Here, we demonstrate the formation of a tight layer of an epithelial cell model comprising MDCK cells cultured over 9 days by following the build-up of the transepithelial electrical resistances. Second, by integrating a pure PEG hydrogel into the PCL mesh, significant swelling is induced, which leads to the formation of a non-adherent biological scaffold with a large curvature that is useful for spheroid formation. In conclusion, we demonstrate the development of a handling platform for hydrogel cell culture scaffolds for easy integration with conventional measurement techniques and miniaturized organs-on-chip systems.
Decisional conflict and its determinants among patients with cancer undergoing immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lee Yun-Hsiang , Chou Xiao-Yin , Lai Yeur-Hur , Liang Yi-Hsin , Hung Chia-Tai , Hsaio Chu-Chi , Gao Zi-Xuan
Published: August 2023

Decisional conflict might occur during shared decision-making (SDM) because immunotherapy is a rather novel treatment option for patients with cancer. To explore the prevalence and severity of physical and psychological symptoms and the effort invested in SDM in relation to decisional conflict among patients with cancer undergoing immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy. This was a cross-sectional survey study. The SURE version of the Decisional Conflict Scale was used to screen cancer patients’ decisional conflict status. Demographic or clinical characteristics, physical symptoms and psychological distress; efforts invested in the SDM process were also assessed as potential factors related to decisional conflict. One hundred seventeen patients surveyed, the prevalence of fatigue (79.5%), sleep disturbance (78.6%), poor appetite (67.5%), and pain (58.1%) symptoms were high and the severity was at moderate levels. The prevalence of pruritus (40.2%), rash (34.2%), dry skin (41.9%), and diarrhea (17.1%) symptoms were low and the severity was at mild levels. 65.8% of patients reported uncertainty, with mild to moderate levels. Furthermore, 97.4% of the patients made some effort in SDM, and the effort level was moderate (mean: 5.56 ± 2.02). 64.1% of patients were certain that immunotherapy was the best option. Age, uncertainty, and effort in the SDM process were major factors related to decisional conflict. We observed that older patients (age: ≥ 65) and those with higher uncertainty levels and less effort in SDM reported higher levels of decisional conflict. Future studies should explore older patients’ decisional related needs of immunotherapy. Interventions should be designed to reduce the uncertainty experienced by patients with cancer and enhance their understanding of immunotherapy to enable them to take more effort in the SDM process.
XRD, FTIR and ultrasonic investigations of cadmium lead bismuthate glasses
Authors: Abd El-Moneim Amin , Azooz M. A. , Hashem Hassan A. , Fayad A. M. , Elwan R. L.
Published: August 2023

Cadmium lead bismuthate glasses in the system xCdO–(1−x)[0.5PbO + 0.5Bi2O3](40 mol% ≤ x ≤ 90 mol%) were successfully prepared by melt-quenching method. The structural and elastic properties have been investigated using XRD, FTIR and ultrasonic pulse–echo techniques. The XRD patterns confirmed the amorphous nature of the samples prepared. Density and ultrasonic velocity data were used to evaluate various elastic properties. Addition of CdO gave rise to decreased density and molar volume and increased elastic moduli, micro-hardness, and Debye temperature. The FTIR analysis revealed that increasing CdO content enhances the BiO6octahedral sites at the expense of the BiO3and PbO4units. This results in the formation of Pb–O–Bi(6) and Bi(3)–O–Bi(6) linkages in the glass network, which stiffen the structure and improve the elastic properties. A correlation between elastic and compositional parameters was achieved on the basis of theories and approaches in the field.
A conformational rearrangement of the SARS-CoV-2 host protein sigma-1 is required for antiviral activity: insights from a combined in-silico/in-vitro approach
Authors: Abatematteo Francesca Serena , Delre Pietro , Mercurio Ivan , Rezelj Veronica V. , Siliqi Dritan , Beaucourt Stephanie , Lattanzi Gianluca , Colabufo Nicola Antonio , Leopoldo Marcello , Saviano Michele , Vignuzzi Marco , Mangiatordi Giuseppe Felice , Abate Carmen
Published: August 2023

The development of effective drugs to treat coronavirus infections remains a significant challenge for the scientific community. Recent evidence reports on the sigma-1 receptor (S1R) as a key druggable host protein in the SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 interactomes and shows a potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 for the S1R antagonist PB28. To improve PB28 activity, we designed and tested a series of its analogues and identified a compound that is fourfold more potent against SARS-CoV-2 than PB28 itself. Interestingly, we found no direct correlation between S1R affinity and SARS-CoV-2 antiviral activity. Building on this, we employed comparative induced fit docking and molecular dynamics simulations to gain insights into the possible mechanism that occurs when specific ligand–protein interactions take place and that may be responsible for the observed antiviral activity. Our findings offer a possible explanation for the experimental observations, provide insights into the S1R conformational changes upon ligand binding and lay the foundation for the rational design of new S1R ligands with potent antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and likely other viruses.
Catalytic reductions of nitroaromatic compounds over heterogeneous catalysts with rhenium sub-nanostructures
Authors: Cyganowski Piotr , Dzimitrowicz Anna , Marzec Mateusz M. , Arabasz Sebastian , Sokołowski Krystian , Lesniewicz Anna , Nowak Sylwia , Pohl Pawel , Bernasik Andrzej , Jermakowicz-Bartkowiak Dorota
Published: August 2023

Nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) are key contaminants of anthropogenic origin and pose a severe threat to human and animal lives. Although the catalytic activities of Re nanostructures (NSs) are significantly higher than those of other heterogeneous catalysts containing NSs, few studies have been reported on the application of Re-based nanocatalysts for NAC hydrogenation. Accordingly, herein, catalytic reductions of nitrobenzene (NB), 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), 2-nitroaniline (2-NA), 4-nitroaniline (4-NA), and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (2,4,6-TNP) over new Re-based heterogeneous catalysts were proposed. The catalytic materials were designed to enable effective syntheses and stabilisation of particularly small Re structures over them. Accordingly, catalytic hydrogenations of NACs under mild conditions were significantly enhanced by Re sub-nanostructures (Re-sub-NSs). The highest pseudo-first-order rate constants for NB, 4-NP, 2-NA, 4-NA, and 2,4,6-TNP reductions over the catalyst acquired by stabilising Re using bis(3-aminopropyl)amine (BAPA), which led to Re-sub-NSs with Re concentrations of 16.7 wt%, were 0.210, 0.130, 0.100, 0.180, and 0.090 min−1, respectively.
Efficiency comparison between tracking and optimally fixed flat solar collectors
Authors: Aghamohammadi Amir , Foulaadvand M. Ebrahim
Published: August 2023

We investigate the optimal orientation for a fixed flat plate solar collector using the clear sky model. The ground reflection component of irradiation that hits the collector’s surface is ignored due to its relatively small magnitude when compared to the direct beam and sky diffusive components. Analytical calculations demonstrate that regardless of the collector’s latitude, the most effective azimuthal angle,$$\gamma ^*$$γ∗, is 0, which generally corresponds to a North–South direction. However, the optimal tilt angle,$$\beta ^*$$β∗, is dependent on both the Day of  Year (DoY) and the collector’s local latitude. For latitudes typical of mid-altitude climate zones, we can calculate the optimal tilt angle and the maximum energy that the collector can harvest during each DoY. We compare the maximum daily received energy—which is the sum of the direct beam and sky diffusive energies—associated with this optimal orientation to their corresponding values when the flat plate tracks the Sun. The relative increase in total energy due to Sun tracking depends critically on the DoY, with a minimum value of about$$17\%$$17%in early winter and a maximum value of$$40\%$$40%over a large interval.
Minimization of the threshold voltage parameter of the co-doped ZnO doped liquid crystals by machine learning algorithms
Authors: Önsal Gülnur , Uğurlu Onur , Kaynar Ümit H. , Türsel Eliiyi Deniz
Published: August 2023

This study aims to examine the influence of the co-doped semiconductor nanostructure (Al-Cu):ZnO on the electro-optical properties of the E7 coded pure nematic liquid crystal structures and minimize the threshold voltage of pure E7 liquid crystal. To determine the ideal concentration ratios of the materials for the minimum threshold voltage, we employed different machine learning algorithms. In this context, we first produced twelve composite structures through lab experimentation with different concentrations and created an experimental dataset for the machine learning algorithms. Next, the ideal concentration ratios were estimated using the AdaBoost algorithm, which has an $$R^2$$

R
2

of 96% on the experimental dataset. Finally, additional composite structures having the estimated concentration ratios were produced. The results show that, with the help of the employed machine learning algorithms, the threshold voltage of pure E7 liquid crystal was reduced by 19% via the (Al-Cu):ZnO doping.
Isotherm and kinetic investigations of sawdust-based biochar modified by ammonia to remove methylene blue from water
Authors: Hassaan Mohamed A. , Yılmaz Murat , Helal Mohamed , El-Nemr Mohamed A. , Ragab Safaa , El Nemr Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Chemical industry effluent may pose significant environmental risks to both human health and the economy if it is not properly managed. As a result, scientists and decision-makers are paying increasing attention to developing a sustainable, low-cost wastewater treatment technique. This work aims to investigate the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) dye present in water using biochar derived from sawdust modified by boiling in an ammonia solution (SDBA). The properties of SDBA were characterized by BET, SEM, XRD, BJH, FT-IR, DTA, EDX and TGA analyses. The presence of –OH and –NH groups in SDBA was confirmed by FTIR, which proved that the NH4OH treatment of biochar successfully added nitrogen groups on its surface. The influence of pH (2 to 12), MB dye initial concentration (20 to 120 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (0.5 to 4.0 g/L) and contact time (0 to 180 min) on the adsorption process has been investigated. The adsorption of MB dye is more favorable at basic pH, with optimum adsorption at pH 8. Using a starting concentration of 20 mg/L of MB dye and a 4.0 g/L SDBA dose, the maximum percent clearance of MB dye was 99.94%. Experimental results were fitted to the Freundlich (FIM), Tempkin (TIM) and Langmuir (LIM) isotherm models (IMs). The FIM fitted the equilibrium data well, with a 643.74 mg/g Qm. Various error function models were used to test the data obtained from IMs. According to Error Function results, experimental data showed that it fits better for LIM and FIM. Kinetic studies indicated that the MB dye adsorption procedure followed pseudo-second-order (PSOM) kinetics based on film diffusion (FDM), pseudo-first-order (PFOM) and intra-particle diffusion models (IPDM). MB dye sorption on the SDBA involved electrostatic interaction, surface participation, hydrogen bond and π–π interactions. The adsorption mechanism of MB dye by SDBA was proposed as physical adsorption via the electrostatic attraction process. SDBA is an effective adsorbent in removing MB dye from water. Six adsorption–desorption cycles of the MB dye were run through the regeneration of SDBA with only a minimal amount of adsorption capacity loss, demonstrating the reusability of manufactured SDBA.
Wide dynamic range and real-time reagent identification and imaging using multi-wavelength terahertz parametric generation and machine learning
Authors: Murate Kosuke , Mine Sota , Torii Yuki , Inoue Hyuga , Kawase Kodo
Published: August 2023

In this study, we propose a technique for identifying and imaging reagents through shielding over a wide dynamic range using a real-time terahertz (THz) spectroscopy system with multi-wavelength THz parametric generation/detection and machine learning. To quickly identify reagents through shielding, the spectral information of the “detection Stokes beam” is used for reagent recognition via machine learning. In general THz wave-based reagent identification, continuous spectra are acquired and analyzed quantitatively by post-processing. In actual applications, however, such as testing for illicit drugs in mail, the technology must be able to quickly identify reagents as opposed to quantifying the amount present. In multi-wavelength THz parametric generation/detection, THz spectral information can be measured instantly using a “multi-wavelength detection Stokes beam” and near-infrared (NIR) camera. Moreover, machine learning enables reagent identification in real-time and over a wide dynamic range. Furthermore, by plotting the identification results as pixel values, the spatial distribution of reagents can be imaged at high speed without the need for post-processing.
Acute brain slice elastic modulus decreases over time
Authors: Exton John , Higgins Jonathan M. G. , Chen Jinju
Published: August 2023

A common benchmark in the brain tissue mechanics literature is that the properties of acute brain slices should be measured within 8 h of the experimental animal being sacrificed. The core assumption is that—since there is no substantial protein degradation during this time—there will be no change to elastic modulus. This assumption overlooks the possibility of other effects (such as osmotic swelling) that may influence the mechanical properties of the tissue. To achieve consistent and accurate analysis of brain mechanics, it is important to account for or mitigate these effects. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), tissue hydration and volume measurements, we find that acute brain slices in oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) with a standard osmolarity of 300 mOsm/l experience rapid swelling, softening, and increases in hydration within the first 2 hours after slicing. Reductions in elastic modulus can be partly mitigated by addition of chondroitinase ABC enzyme (CHABC). Increasing aCSF osmolarity to 400 mOsm/l does not prevent softening but may hasten equilibration of samples to a point where measurements of relative elastic modulus are consistent across experiments.