bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power-oriented resistance training combined with high-intensity interval training in pre-frail and frail older people: comparison between traditional and cluster training set configurations on the force–velocity relationship, physical function and frailty
Authors: Baltasar-Fernandez Ivan , Alcazar Julian , Martín-Braojos Susana , Ara Ignacio , Alegre Luis M. , García-García Francisco José , Alfaro-Acha Ana , Losa-Reyna José
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To analyse the force–velocity relationship changes in response to two different training programmes differing in the set configuration (cluster vs. traditional), and their impact on physical function and frailty in pre-frail and frail older adults.

Methods

43 pre-frail and frail (Frailty Phenotype ≥ 1 criteria) older adults (81.4 ± 5.1 years) participated in this study. Participants were assigned to cluster (CT; n = 10; 10-s intra-set rest), traditional (TT; n = 13; no intra-set rest) or control (CON; n = 20) groups. Force–velocity relationship (F0, V0 and Pmax), physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, SPPB) and frailty (Frailty Phenotype, FP) were assessed at baseline and after the training programme.

Results

Both CT and TT groups showed similar improvements in Pmax after training (CT =  + 36.7 ± 34.2 W; TT =  + 33.8 ± 44.6 W; both p < 0.01). V0 was improved by both CT (+ 0.08 ± 0.06 m s−1; p < 0.01), and TT (+ 0.07 ± 0.15 m s−1, p > 0.05). F0 remained unchanged in CT (+ 68.6 ± 224.2 N, p > 0.05) but increased in TT (+ 125.4 ± 226.8 N, p < 0.05). Finally, SPPB improved in both training conditions (CT =  + 2.3 ± 1.3 points; TT =  + 3.0 ± 1.2 points; both p < 0.05) and in the CON group (+ 0.9 ± 1.4 points, p < 0.05). CT and TT reduced their FP (CT = − 1.1 criteria; TT = − 1.6 criteria; both p < 0.01), while no changes were observed in the CON group (− 0.2 criteria, p = 0.38).

Conclusions

Both training methods were equally effective for improving Pmax, physical function and reducing frailty in pre-frail and frail older people. TT may be effective for improving both force and velocity parameters, while CT may be effective for improving velocity parameters alone, although further research is required to confirm these findings.
Comprehensive voxel-wise, tract-based, and network lesion mapping reveals unique architectures of right and left visuospatial neglect
Authors: Moore Margaret Jane , Hearne Luke , Demeyere Nele , Mattingley Jason B.
Published: September 2023

Visuospatial neglect is a common, post-stroke cognitive impairment which is widely considered to be a disconnection syndrome. However, the patterns of disconnectivity associated with visuospatial neglect remain unclear. Here, we had 480 acute stroke survivors [age = 72.8 (SD = 13.3), 44.3% female, 7.5 days post-stroke (SD = 11.3)] undertake routine clinical imaging and standardised visuospatial neglect testing. The data were used to conduct voxel-wise, tract-level, and network-level lesion-mapping analyses aimed at localising the neural correlates of left and right egocentric (body-centred) and allocentric (object-centred) visuospatial neglect. Only minimal anatomical homogeneity was present between the correlates of right and left egocentric neglect across all analysis types. This finding challenges previous work suggesting that right and left visuospatial neglect are anatomically homologous, and instead suggests that egocentric neglect may involve damage to a shared, but hemispherically asymmetric attention network. By contrast, egocentric and allocentric neglect was associated with disconnectivity in a distinct but overlapping set of network edges, with both deficits related to damage across the dorsal and ventral attention networks. Critically, this finding suggests that the distinction between egocentric and allocentric neglect is unlikely to reflect a simple dichotomy between dorsal versus ventral networks dysfunction, as is commonly asserted. Taken together, the current findings provide a fresh perspective on the neural circuitry involved in regulating visuospatial attention, and provide important clues to understanding the cognitive and perceptual processes involved in this common and debilitating neuropsychological syndrome.
Calcium electroporation of esophageal cancer induces gene expression changes: a sub-study of a phase I clinical trial
Authors: Egeland Charlotte , Balsevicius Lukas , Gögenur Ismail , Gehl Julie , Baeksgaard Lene , Garbyal Rajendra Singh , Achiam Michael Patrick
Published: September 2023

Purpose

In this study, we aim to investigate gene expression changes in tumor samples obtained from patients with esophageal cancer treated with calcium electroporation. Previously, local treatment with calcium electroporation has been shown to induce gene expression alterations, potentially contributing to a more tumor-hostile microenvironment.

Methods

In this sub-study of a phase I clinical trial, we included five patients with esophageal cancer treated with calcium electroporation. We compared cancer-associated gene expression patterns in tumor samples before and after treatment. Furthermore, we used linear support vector regression to predict the cellular composition of tumor samples.

Results

Using differential expression analysis, we identified the downregulation of CXCL14 and upregulation of CCL21, ANGPTL4, and CRABP2 genes. We also found a decreased predicted proportion of dendritic cells while the proportion of neutrophils was increased.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that calcium electroporation for esophageal cancer induces local transcriptional changes and possibly alters the cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment. The results are explorative, larger studies are needed to confirm and further correlate our findings with clinical outcomes.
Assessment of early macular microangiopathy in subjects with prediabetes using optical coherence tomography angiography and fundus photography
Authors: El Sawy Shereen , Bekhit Mirrette , Abdelhamid Alaa , Esmat Sohair , Ashraf Hala , Naguib Mervat
Published: September 2023

Aims

Early detection of retinal microangiopathy in patients with prediabetes may reduce diabetic retinopathy complications. The aim of this study was to assess early macular vascular changes in prediabetics before development of over diabetes using OCTA and fundus photography.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 66 prediabetic individuals and 66 normal controls underwent clinical, laboratory, and fundus photography evaluation followed by OCTA macular imaging to examine for the foveal avascular zone, and area of capillary non-perfusion, thickness, disorganization of vessels, and vessel density perfusion percentage of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus.

Results

Retinal microangiopathy was detected in 36.4% of prediabetics by OCTA and only in 10.6% by fundus photography. None of clinical or laboratory parameters had significant association with DR. Area of capillary non-perfusion and disorganization of SCP were detected in 53.8% and 56.8%, respectively, in prediabetics. VDP of SCP and DCP of whole image, parafoveal, and perifoveal areas was significantly lower in prediabetes group compared to normal control. VDP of DCP of perifoveal area (β coefficient: − 0.10, OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.96, P < 0.001) and disorganization of DCP (β coefficient: 1.93, OR: 6.89, 95% CI: 2.5–18.8, P < 0.001) were significant predictors of DR in prediabetics. There was no difference in FAZ in prediabetics with and without retinopathy.

Conclusions

OCTA could detect early retinal vascular changes during the prediabetic state before developing diabetes. VDP was significantly reduced in prediabetic patients. Furthermore, VDP of DCP of perifoveal area and disorganization of DCP were the most important predictors of retinopathy in prediabetic patients.
Dynamic analysis of 2DFGM porous nanobeams under moving load with surface stress and microstructure effects using Ritz method
Authors: Attia Mohamed A. , Shanab Rabab A.
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the dynamic behavior of micro/nanobeams made of two-dimensional functionally graded porous material (2DFGPM) under accelerated, decelerated, and uniform moving harmonic load, using surface elasticity and modified couple stress theories. The key feature of this formulation is that it deals with a higher order shear deformation beam theory. The non-classical equilibrium equations are developed using Lagrange's equation and the concept of physical neutral surface. The equations of motion are derived using the same approach, accounting for the porosity effect and the modified power-law distribution of material properties. The trigonometric Ritz method is used with sinusoidal trial functions for the displacement field, and the Newmark method is applied to obtain the dynamical response of 2DFGPM nanobeams. The results are compared with previous studies, and the impact of critical parameters such as gradation indices, volume fraction ratio, pattern of porosity, velocity, frequency, and motion type of the applied force are explored. This study highlights the importance of considering the porosity effect, as neglecting it can lead to significant errors in the predicted results. Additionally, the study found that the accelerated and decelerated motions of the applied load have a greater impact on the dynamical deflection of 2DFGPM nanobeams than the uniform motion. The findings of this study can provide guidance for the optimal design of micro/nanobeams subjected to a moving force with multifunctional properties.
Revealing the Equilibrium of Lithium Cations Across a Solid–Electrolyte Interface by $$T_1$$ NMR Relaxation
Authors: Schleker P. Philipp M. , Eichel Rüdiger-A. , Granwehr Josef
Published: September 2023

Battery fast charging is pivotal for broader acceptance of electric mobility. While demonstrated for lithium titanate $$(\text {Li}_4\text {Ti}_5\text {O}_{12},$$

(

Li
4

Ti
5

O
12

,

LTO) anodes, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Recently, NMR $$T_1$$

T
1

relaxation time constants of $${}^7\text {Li}$$

7

Li

in the bulk of LTO were found to change if the surrounding electrolyte was altered. It was explained by interdiffusion of mobile lithium ions between the two phases, facilitated by unpinning of polarons from surface defects and leading to a pseudocapacitive effect that potentially influences fast charging. This effect is explored further by systematically varying the lithium salt concentration in an aprotic electrolyte in contact with LTO. Spectrally resolved $${}^7\text {Li}$$

7

Li

$$T_1$$

T
1

NMR relaxation times were used as a measure for bulk concentration changes of paramagnetic polaronic charges in LTO. Correlation of electrolyte concentration and $${}^7\text {Li}$$

7

Li

$$T_1$$

T
1

showed qualitatively different behavior above and below a salt concentration of about 5 mM, leading to a relaxation dispersion maximum in the LTO bulk. At intermediate concentrations, relaxation was consistent with a $${}^7\text {Li}$$

7

Li

exchange equilibrium between LTO and electrolyte. Upon contact of the two phases, yet without insertion into an electrochemical cell or applying an external potential, lithium ions redistributed between LTO bulk and liquid electrolyte. The results can be understood analogously to the distribution of mobile lithium ions between two phases separated by a $$\text {Li}^{+}$$

Li
+

permeable membrane. This is the first demonstration of such an equilibrium for non-faradaic lithium exchange at an interface between a solid ceramic electrode and a liquid electrolyte outside an electrochemical cell, substantiating our previous hypothesis of a polaron-supported mechanism. This study provides a basis for more quantitative (surface)-defect engineering, which is key to optimize battery fast-charging properties.
Real-world use of Safinamide in motor fluctuating Parkinson’s disease patients in Italy
Authors: Bovenzi Roberta , Liguori Claudio , Canesi Margherita , D’Amelio Marco , De Pandis Maria Francesca , Marini Carmine , Monge Alessandra , Padovani Alessandro , Tessitore Alessandro , Stefani Alessandro , Zappia Mario ,   for the SYNAPSES Study Investigators Italian Group, Abbruzzese G. , Aguggia M. , Avarello T. , Barone P. , Bentivoglio A. R. , Bosco D. , Calabresi P. , Callegarini C. , Cannas A. , Centonze D. , Ceravolo R. , Colosimo C. , Comi C. , Contardi S. , Cortelli P. , Cossu G. , Di Lazzaro V. , Eleopra R. , Fabbrini G. , Gasparoli E. , Guidi M. , Iliceto G. , Lopiano L. , Manganotti P. , Marconi R. , Mauri M. , Moleri M. , Morgante F. , Negrotti A. , Nordera G. , Onofrj M. , Pacchetti C. , Pontieri F. E. , Priori A. , Provinciali L. , Quatrale R. , Sensi M. , Spagnolo F. , Tamma F. , Tinazzi M. , Vitale C. , Volontè M. A. , Zambito Marsala S.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Safinamide is a recent antiparkinsonian drug that modulates both dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems with positive effects on motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we aimed to describe the efficacy and safety of safinamide in the Italian PD patients in real-life conditions.

Methods

We performed a sub-analysis of the Italian cohort of the SYNAPSES study, a multi-country, multi-center, retrospective-prospective cohort observational study, designed to investigate the use of safinamide in routine clinical practice. Patients received for the first time a treatment with safinamide and were followed up for 12 months. The analysis was conducted on the overall population and in subgroups of interest: i) patients > 75 years, ii) patients with relevant comorbidities and iii) patients affected by psychiatric symptoms.

Results

Italy enrolled 616/1610 patients in 52 centers, accounting for 38% of the entire SYNAPSES cohort. Of the patients enrolled, 86.0% were evaluable at 12 months, with 23.3% being > 75 years, 42.4% with psychiatric conditions and 67.7% with relevant comorbidities.

Safinamide was effective on motor symptoms and fluctuations as measured through the Unified PD rating scale III and IV scores, and on the total score, without safety issues in none of the subgroups considered.

Conclusion

The SYNAPSES data related to Italian patients confirms the good safety profile of safinamide even in special groups of patients. Motor fluctuations and motor impairment improved at the follow-up suggesting the significant role of safinamide in managing motor symptoms in PD patients.
Efficacy and safety of intraurethral Erbium:YAG laser treatment in women with stress urinary incontinence following failed intravaginal laser therapy: a retrospective study
Authors: Tseng Yung-Ling , Su Chi-Feng
Published: September 2023

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a prevalent condition affecting 25–45% of women and is linked to factors such as menopause, parity, high body mass index, and radical pelvic surgery. Among the three types of UI, stress incontinence (SUI) is the most common, accounting for almost 50% of cases, followed by urgency and overflow incontinence. UI has been found to be associated with reduced quality of life and mental stress. Non-invasive laser treatment is the safest and most effective option for managing SUI, with intraurethral Erbium SMOOTHTM laser treatment holding promise for patients experiencing SUI even after undergoing previous failed intravaginal Erbium:YAG laser treatment. The study recruited 93 female patients with mild to moderate SUI who had received two courses of intravaginal Erbium:YAG laser between January 2015 and June 2018. Of these, 22 patients (23%) who continued to experience SUI after a four-week interval for a second intravaginal Erbium:YAG laser were selected for intraurethral laser treatment in January 2019. The efficacy of the treatment was evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-treatment ICIQ-UI SF score. The urethral length was measured before the procedure. The main procedure involved delivering non-ablative laser energy using Erbium SMOOTHTM technology 2940 nm via a 4-mm cannula with personalized length and fluence was 1.5 J/cm. The 22 female patients with persistent SUI received intraurethral Erbium:YAG laser treatment. Their average age was 47.5 years, with an average of 2 parities and a mean body mass index of 20.97. All patients completed the ICIQ-SF questionnaire before and 3 months after the procedure. Of the patients, 77% reported improvement in symptoms, with 6 reporting strong improvement and 11 reporting improvement. The treatment was well-tolerated, with mild and transient adverse effects such as urinary infection in 1 patient (4.5%) and mild pain in 7 patients (31.8%). Intraurethral laser treatment may be helpful for Taiwanese women with persistent SUI after vaginal laser treatment. However, patients with prior pelvic surgery or pelvic organ prolapse history may limit the efficacy of intraurethral laser. Additional research is necessary to comprehensively investigate the advantages of intraurethral laser therapy. However, using intraurethral Erbium SMOOTHTM laser treatments to rejuvenate tissues and enhance structural support could be a promising avenue for managing stress urinary incontinence in Taiwanese women.
Towards measuring and quantifying the comprehensibility of process models: the process model comprehension framework
Authors: Winter Michael , Pryss Rudiger , Fink Matthias , Reichert Manfred
Published: September 2023

Process models constitute crucial artifacts in modern information systems, and their proper comprehension is of utmost importance in utilizing such systems. Generally, process models are considered from two different perspectives: process modelers and readers. Both perspectives share similarities and differences in the comprehension of process models (e.g., diverse experiences when working with process models). The literature proposed many rules and guidelines to ensure proper comprehension of process models for both perspectives. As a novel contribution in this context, this paper introduces the process model comprehension framework (PMCF), constituting a first approach towards the measurement and quantification of the perspectives of process modelers and readers, as well as the interaction of both regarding the comprehension of process models. Therefore, the PMCF describes an Evaluation theory tree based on the communication theory and the conceptual modeling quality framework and considers a total of 96 quality metrics to quantify process model comprehension. Furthermore, the PMCF was evaluated in a survey with 131 participants and has been implemented and applied successfully in a practical case study including 33 participants. To conclude, the PMCF allows for the identification of pitfalls and provides related information about how to assist process modelers and readers in fostering and enabling a proper comprehension of process models.
Nest size parameters of Great Tits and Blue Tits: a long-term study
Authors: Glądalski Michał , Kaliński Adam , Markowski Marcin , Skwarska Joanna , Wawrzyniak Jarosław , Bańbura Jerzy
Published: September 2023

Nest construction behaviour is widespread among bird species. Causes for the occurrence and great variation in nest characteristics between and within populations are still poorly understood. In this study, we present results concerning nest parameters of Great Tits Parus major and Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus over a period of 11 breeding seasons (2012–2022) in two structurally and floristically contrasting study areas in central Poland. The nest depth differed significantly between young (yearlings) and older females (≥ 2 years after hatching) in Blue Tits (but not in Great Tits): younger females tended to build deeper nests. The size and mass of the nest were very variable in both tit species. Blue Tits tended to build deeper and heavier nests than Great Tits. The depth of the nest was positively correlated with nest mass in Great and Blue Tits. In Great Tits, the nest mass (but not nest depth) differed between study sites, with nests being heavier in the forest and the nest depth differed between years; in Blue Tits, there was an interaction between year and study site that affected nest depth. The nest mass (but not depth) from the same nestbox tended to be consistently similar within species in Great Tits and Blue Tits. We argue that the large amount of variation in nest parameters between and within populations of both tit species may be a multi-factorial result of female age, breeding area, breeding season, individual predispositions and the size of the nestbox/natural hole.
Male’s age and plumage coloration predicts brood sex ratio in the Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Authors: Lucia Rubáčová , Mária Melišková , Monika Cepková , Mária Balážová , Beata Matysioková
Published: September 2023

Plumage ornaments of birds, both pigment-based and structural, are considered age or condition-dependent, honestly signalling male quality, sexually selected traits, influencing the variation in breeding performance as well as adaptive sex allocation. In the present study, we examine the effect of age of males on the plumage structural colour in Common Kingfisher, and evaluate the breeding output (laying date, total number of young per breeding season, mean number of young per nest, total number of broods) and sex ratio in relation to two ornamental traits (forehead and rump structural colour). During the three years 2016–2018 in the Danube river system (south-western Slovakia), we collected data from 49 males, 102 broods and 645 nestlings. Our data demonstrate that structural colour is a condition-related and age-sensitive signal, while males with increased weight expressed less saturated blue forehead feathers, and old males displayed more saturated cyan rump feathers than young ones. Moreover, the brood sex ratio varies with male coloration in an age-dependent manner. The plumage colour of young males did not affect the brood sex ratio, whereas old males with increasing intensity of cyan rump had more sons than duller ones. Neither single ornamental trait nor age predicted breeding output of kingfisher males. Nevertheless, our results indicate that the blue structural plumage of kingfisher males may serve as an indicator of age and a certain kind of quality with a consequence on adaptive sex allocation in this species.
A scenario-based approach for immediate post-earthquake rockfall impact assessment
Authors: Alvioli Massimiliano , Poggi Valerio , Peresan Antonella , Scaini Chiara , Tamaro Alberto , Guzzetti Fausto
Published: September 2023

Different approaches exist to describe the seismic triggering of rockfalls. Statistical approaches rely on the analysis of local terrain properties and their empirical correlation with observed rockfalls. Conversely, deterministic, or physically based approaches, rely on the modeling of individual trajectories of boulders set in motion by seismic shaking. They require different data and allow various interpretations and applications of their results. Here, we present a new method for earthquake-triggered rockfall scenario assessment adopting ground shaking estimates, produced in near real-time by a seismological monitoring network. Its key inputs are the locations of likely initiation points of rockfall trajectories, namely, rockfall sources, obtained by statistical analysis of digital topography. In the model, ground shaking maps corresponding to a specific earthquake suppress the probability of activation of sources at locations with low ground shaking while enhancing that in areas close to the epicenter. Rockfall trajectories are calculated from the probabilistic source map by three-dimensional kinematic modeling using the software STONE. We apply the method to the 1976 MI = 6.5 Friuli earthquake, for which an inventory of seismically-triggered rockfalls exists. We suggest that using peak ground acceleration as a modulating parameter to suppress/enhance rockfall source probability, the model reasonably reproduces observations. Results allow a preliminary impact evaluation before field observations become available. We suggest that the framework may be suitable for rapid rockfall impact assessment as soon as ground-shaking estimates (empirical or numerical models) are available after a seismic event.
Do regular morbidity and mortality conferences reduce preventable death rates? Our experience at Princess Marina Hospital
Authors: Motsumi Mpapho J. , Chinyepi Nkhabe , Rackara Samuel , Lwango Rashid , Kapinga Getrude , Ngwako Karabo , Sentsho Maranatha , Leshomo Tefo , Chilisa Unami , Motlaleselelo Pako , Lekgowe Elijah K.
Published: September 2023

Background

The role of morbidity and mortality conferences (M&MC) in surgical departments is to provide education and improve patient care. However, there is sparse evidence in the literature that M&MCs reduce preventable deaths. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of routine M&MC on reducing the preventable death rate over 4 years at a tertiary hospital in Botswana.

Methods

This study used a quantitative research methodology. In this retrospective audit of the M&MC data, we collected all mortality data for the surgery department from the time the database started, July 2016, to December 2019. The department adopted and adapted the criteria and definitions of preventability based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for trauma quality improvement programs. We used the Pearson correlation statistic to evaluate the correlation between the time (years) since the start of routine M&MC and the preventable death rate. Ethical approval for the study was obtained.

Results

There were 4660 registered admissions from July 2016 to December 2019. Of these, 267 deaths were recorded, resulting in a crude mortality rate of 6%. Overall, the department considered 23% (61/267) of the deaths as preventable. A strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.982, p = 0.009) was found between the preventable death rate and time (years) since the commencement of routine M&MC. Trauma was the leading cause of preventable deaths (24.6%, 15/61).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that routine M&MCs have the desired effect of reducing preventable death rates. Further studies are required to investigate this observed effect.
The importance of food in studying economic hardship and well-being: Does food insecurity mediate the associations between income and stress and well-being in a UK representative sample?
Authors: Pepper G. V. , Defeyter M. A. , Stretesky P. , Mann E.
Published: September 2023

Aim

Efforts to tackle the global mental health crisis must be underpinned by a robust literature on the social determinants of mental health. Existing studies show consistent effects of economic hardship on mental health, emphasising the importance of basic needs, such as food. Outcomes are affected by family structure, with larger families and households with single adults experiencing greater budgetary strain. Our study aimed to investigate the extent to which effects of income on stress and well-being are mediated by food insecurity, whilst accounting for the effects of family size.

Subject and methods

We surveyed a nationally representative sample (n = 1004) of UK adults, collecting key demographic information, plus data on food security (Household Food Security Survey Module Six-Item Short Form), perceived stress (four-item Perceived Stress Scale), and well-being (Office for National Statistics’ four-item personal well-being measure).

Results

Our results demonstrated that meaningful portions of the effects of income on stress (44%) and well-being (37%) can be accounted for by food insecurity. We also found that 42% of the effect of family size on perceived stress could be accounted for by the increased food insecurity experienced by larger families.

Conclusion

Our results add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that tackling economic hardship and ensuring the satisfaction of material needs would support improved mental health outcomes. Further, given that evidence demonstrates important impacts of stress on other factors such as obesity and cognition, we argue that tackling poverty and ensuring food security would also have physical health benefits.
Measurements in a Turbulent Channel Flow by Means of an LDV Profile Sensor
Authors: Pasch Saskia , Leister Robin , Gatti Davide , Örlü Ramis , Frohnapfel Bettina , Kriegseis Jochen
Published: September 2023

Spatially and temporally resolved velocity measurements in wall-bounded turbulent flows remain a challenge. Contrary to classical laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) measurements, the laser Doppler velocity profile sensor (LDV-PS) allows the combined measurement of tracer particle position and velocity, which makes it a promising tool. To assess its feasibility a commercial LDV-PS is employed in a turbulent channel flow at $$Re_\tau =350$$

R

e
τ

=
350

. Additionally, the measurement and signal-processing accuracies of velocity and location are evaluated for various tracer-object sizes and velocities. On this basis, the turbulent channel flow measurements are evaluated and compared to reference data from direct numerical simulations. Thus, potentials of the LDV-PS are investigated for different regions of the flow and various data processing routines as well as the experimental practice are discussed from an application perspective.
DNS-Based Turbulent Closures for Sediment Transport Using Symbolic Regression
Authors: Stöcker Yvonne , Golla Christian , Jain Ramandeep , Fröhlich Jochen , Cinnella Paola
Published: September 2023

This work aims to improve the turbulence modeling in RANS simulations for particle-laden flows. Using DNS data as reference, the errors of the model assumptions for the Reynolds stress tensor and turbulence transport equations are extracted and serve as target data for a machine learning process called SpaRTA (Sparse Regression of Turbulent Stress Anisotropy). In the present work, the algorithm is extended so that additional quantities can be taken into account and a new modeling approach is introduced, in which the models can be expressed as a scalar polynomial. The resulting corrective algebraic expressions are implemented in the RANS solver SedFoam-2.0 for cross-validation. This study shows the applicability of the SpaRTA algorithm to multi-phase flows and the relevance of incorporating sediment-related quantities to the set of features from which the models are assembled. An average improvement of ca. thirty percent on various flow quantities is achieved, compared to the standard turbulence models.
Vortex Ring Formation Following Shock Wave Diffraction in Low-Pressure Environments
Authors: Cao Ziqu , Kontis Konstantinos , Hosano Hamid , White Craig , Chang Ting-Tsung , Agir Muhammed Burak
Published: September 2023

Compressible vortex rings have been widely investigated for decades under ambient atmospheric conditions, and understanding this transient phenomenon is important for improving the thrust vector and avoiding surface impingement and contamination. However, how the vortex ring behaves in a reduced pressure environment remains unknown. This work provides schlieren imaging and pressure measurement results of the vortex ring when the environmental pressure is lower than 1 atm. The basic structure of the compressible vortex ring in low-pressure environments has been captured. The reduced environmental pressure will degenerate the internal flow structure, including the shock wave, the CRVRs, and the vortices due to the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, which is consistent with the conclusion of previous numerical work. The vortex ring is confirmed to exist when the environmental pressure is approximately 1.0 kPa.
Parallel line identification for line-implicit-solvers
Authors: Rempke Arne
Published: September 2023

Line-implicit preconditioners are well known in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solvers and are an essential component to handle meshes with cells of very high aspect ratio (> 1000:1). Such anisotropic cells are commonly used to resolve steep gradients in the boundary layer of a turbulent flow with high Reynolds number. To date, this technique has rarely been used to solve other partial differential equations. We show that the advantages of such preconditioners do not depend on the partial differential equation or discretization used, but also apply to other problems like a node-based mesh deformation with linear elasticity on such meshes. We show the influence of the selection of these lines, and present a new algorithm for identifying lines for line-implicit preconditioners. This new algorithm makes better use of parallel processors and leads to more homogeneous lines. Finally, we see that using the same line-implicit preconditioner, but the new line identification algorithm, even leads to faster convergence for the mesh deformation problem based on linear elasticity.
Stories of devoted university students: the mathematical experience as a form of ascesis
Authors: Beccuti Francesco , Valero Paola , Robutti Ornella
Published: September 2023

Drawing on autobiographical essays written by master’s students in mathematics preparing to become teachers, we investigate what mathematical identity these students articulate and how. By means of a discursive thematic analysis centered on the notion of ascesis, we show that the participants’ identity revolves around a characterization of mathematics as a challenging, useful, and comforting activity or knowledge, which is however regarded negatively by others. Indeed, mathematics is described as a uniquely challenging activity which requires an increasingly demanding self-discipline. Moreover, mathematics is depicted as a variously useful form of knowledge which is additionally capable to offer comfort to those who engage with it. However, the participants often remark that other people regard mathematics negatively, a fact explained by stressing others’ inability or unwillingness to understand or appreciate mathematics’ inherent positive features. This sets the boundary of an ideal club of math enthusiasts whose elitist membership is regulated in terms of acceptance or refusal of its constitutive values. Belonging to the club as well as proselytizing in order to recruit new members appears to be central to the participants’ mathematical identity.
Fertilization strategies to reduce yield-scaled N2O emissions based on the use of biochar and biochar-based fertilizers
Authors: Castejón-del Pino Raúl , Sánchez-Monedero Miguel A. , Sánchez-García María , Cayuela María L.
Published: September 2023

Novel fertilization strategies, such as the use of biochar-based fertilizers (BBFs) and the co-application of biochar with mineral fertilizers, have shown promising results for mitigating nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and reducing N losses in agroecosystems. Two greenhouse experiments were performed with radish to evaluate: (1) the mitigation of yield-scaled N2O emissions using BBFs, produced at either 400 or 800 °C and enriched with urea, compared to the co-application of raw biochars with urea; and (2) the N2O mitigation potential of low rates of raw biochars, equivalent to those used with BBFs fertilization, co-applied with low and high N rates (90 and 180 kg N ha−1). BBF produced at 800 °C reduced yield-scaled N2O emissions by 32% as compared to the urea treatment, and by 60%, as compared to the combination of raw biochar with urea. This reduction was attributed to the slow rate of N release in BBF. On the contrary, the co-application of low rates of biochar with urea increased yield-scaled N2O emissions as compared to the fertilization with urea alone. Low rates of biochar (1.4–3.1 t ha−1) reduced yield-scaled N2O emissions only with a high rate of N fertilization. High-pyrolysis-temperature biochar, co-applied with synthetic fertilizer, or used to produce BBFs, demonstrated lower yield-scaled N2O emissions than biochar produced at a lower pyrolysis temperature. This study showed that BBFs are a promising fertilization strategy as compared to the co-application of biochar with synthetic fertilizers.
Measures of morphological complexity of microalgae and their linkage with organism size
Authors: Lerf Verona , Borics Gábor , Tóth István , Kisantal Tibor , Lukács Áron , Tóthmérész Béla , Buczolich Zoltán , Bárány Balázs , Végvári Zsolt , T-Krasznai Enikő
Published: September 2023

In phytoplankton ecology the shape of microalgae appears predominantly as a categorical variable. Using shape-realistic 3D models of 220 microalgae we proposed and calculated six shape metrics and tested how these relate to each other and to the size of the microalgae. We found that some of the metrics are more sensitive to elongation, while others are related to multicellularity. We found a linear relationship between shape measures and the greatest axial linear dimensions of the microalgae. Our findings suggest that there is an evolutionary trade-off between the shape and size of the microalgae. It is important to stress that we found that surface area to volume ratio of the microalgae are hyperbolic functions of the length and volume for each shape. In our study, we demonstrated that the proposed shape metrics serve as suitable quantitative traits, and help to understand better how simple shapes evolved to more complex outlines.
Probucol attenuates high glucose-induced Müller cell damage through enhancing the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhou Yu-Fan , Liu Heng-Wei , Yang Xu , Li Chen-Xiang , Chen Jian-Su , Chen Zhong-Ping
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study investigated the protective effect of probucol on Müller cells exposed to high glucose conditions and examined potential mechanisms of action.

Methods

Primary human retinal Müller cells were incubated with high glucose (HG, 35 mM) in the present or absence of different concentrations of probucol for 24 h. Cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 method. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was measured using JC-1 staining and cell cycle by flow cytometry. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and p62 was quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot.

Results

We found that HG inhibited cell proliferation, arrested cell cycle, and increased MMP in human Müller cells. Probucol activated the Nrf2/p62 pathway and upregulated the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl2, and attenuated HG-mediated damage in Müller cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that probucol may protect Müller cells from HG-induced damage through enhancing the Nrf2/p62 signaling pathway.
Australian brown seaweeds as a source of essential dietary minerals
Authors: Skrzypczyk Vanessa M. , Callahan Damien L. , Francis David S. , Bellgrove Alecia
Published: September 2023

Seaweeds are rich in essential dietary minerals, often lacking in terrestrial plant foods, with interest in Australian seaweeds rapidly increasing. We screened six Australian brown seaweeds with commercial potential for dietary mineral composition: Cystophora torulosa, Caulocystis uvifera, Durvillaea potatorum, Ecklonia radiata, Hormosira banksii and Phyllospora comosa. Spatial replicates of each species were collected from three non-urbanised sites remote from pollution sources and processed for human consumption. Dried samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for 12 essential dietary minerals. Overall dietary mineral composition differed significantly amongst all species, except between sargassaceous species C. torulosa and C. uvifera; but concentrations of individual elements varied in complex ways. All species investigated had high concentrations of dietary minerals essential for optimal human health if consumed in realistic quantities (e.g. 10 g day−1 DW) as part of balanced diets, including the most common dietary minerals deficient in humans (iodine, iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium and selenium): iodine (888 ± 100 mg kg−1 DW) and zinc were highest in P. comosa; iron and calcium were highest in C. torulosa, but calcium was also high in E. radiata, H. banksii and D. potatorum; magnesium was highest in H. banksii, D. potatorum and P. comosa; selenium concentrations exceeded those previously reported for seaweeds for all species, except D. potatorum. The best nutritional outcomes may be achieved by regularly consumption of a diversity of seaweed species. However, further investigation into ways to reduce iodine content in some species may be required to maximise health benefits from regular consumption of these Australian seaweeds.
Invested Mothering: An Intersectional Analysis of Mothers’ Feminized Breadwinning Strategies Under State-Mandated Child Support Arrangements
Authors: Ponce Adriana
Published: September 2023

This article conceptualizes invested mothering to explain how mothers typically serve as both primary caregivers and financial providers under court-mandated shared parenting. A line of feminist literature has conceptualized hegemonic expectations of women’s caregiving through the umbrella theory of intensive mothering, and family scholars have studied how these ideologies influence parental investments in children. I assert that more research is necessary at the juncture of this scholarship, especially in contemporary family forms which reflect most parents’ reality. In this study, I analyze 46 in-depth interviews with parents under state-mandated child support arrangements as an empirical case of shared parenting experiences. I show that the onus is on mothers to secure financial resources for children’s basic and enrichment needs through relational, paid, and invisible work strategies—mothers enact invested mothering. An intersectional analysis reveals the distinct invested parenting work that mothers, especially low-income Black mothers who are the most disadvantaged, perform as adaptive strategies in the face of interlocking sexism, systemic racism, and historical economic inequality. Overall, mothers’ financial role as primary breadwinners is feminized as their contributions are unsupported, unacknowledged, and undervalued by both the courts and fathers.
Curcumin Loaded onto Folic acid Carbon dots as a Potent drug Delivery System for Antibacterial and Anticancer Applications
Authors: Serag Eman , Helal Mohamed , El Nemr Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Numerous malignancies have been shown to be successfully treated with Curcumin. Despite its promising effects, Curcumin has limitations in clinical studies because of its stability, low water solubility, and adsorption. Carbon quantum dots with high biocompatibility can be employed as nanostructured material carriers to enhance Curcumin availability. In this study, folic acid was used as the raw material for the hydrothermal preparation of carbon dots, followed by the loading of Curcumin onto the carbon dots to form a folic acid carbon dot/Curcumin nanocomposite. The morphology and the chemical structure of the synthesized carbon dots were investigated. Folic acid carbon dots displayed robust emission peaks with a quantum yield of 41.8%. Moreover, the adsorption effectiveness of Curcumin on carbon dots was determined to be 83.11%. The liberating pattern of Curcumin was pH-dependent and reached 36 and 27% after a few hours at pH 5 and 7.4, respectively. The release occurs via the Fickiann diffusion mechanism with ah n value less than 0.45.The nanocomposite was tested for antibacterial activity against gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27,853 and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923. The nanocomposite displayed antibacterial behavior with MIC 12.5 µg/mL. The anticancer activities of the nanocomposite were further tested against high-folate receptor-expressing Hela cells (cervical malignancy) and low-folate receptor-expressing HepG2 cells (hepatocellular carcinoma). Folic acid carbon dot/Curcumin nanocomposite reduced Hela cell viability at an IC50 of 88.723 ± 0.534 g/mL. On the other hand, HepG2 cells showed no toxicity response.
Is Good Character All that Counts? A Comparison Between the Predictive Role of Specific Strengths and a General Factor of “Good Character” Using a Bifactor Model
Authors: Feraco Tommaso , Casali Nicole , Meneghetti Chiara , Greiff Samuel , Cona Giorgia
Published: September 2023

Character strengths have been found to consistently predict many positive psychological outcomes, such as well-being, life satisfaction, and mental health, but research on the topic is still at its infancy and some methodological limitations must be overcome to better understand what character strengths are and what is their role. One main issue concerns the structure of character strengths and virtues, which may undermine the credibility and replicability of previous findings. Using two different samples (with 13,439 and 944 participants), we confirm that character strengths can be well described by a bifactor model reflecting the simultaneous existence of a general factor of ‘good character’ and the 24 specific character strengths. We found that the general factor consistently predicts participants’ life satisfaction, mental health, and distress symptoms. In addition, we show that the specific character strengths (with the few exceptions represented by gratitude, hope, and zest) do not predict life satisfaction and mental health above and beyond the general factor. These results highlight the need to better understand what this general factor really represents to finally capture the mechanisms linking character strengths between each other and with external outcomes. Implications for the measurement and interpretation of character strengths and for strength-based interventions are discussed.
An Unconditionally Energy Stable and Positive Upwind DG Scheme for the Keller–Segel Model
Authors: Acosta-Soba Daniel , Guillén-González Francisco , Rodríguez-Galván J. Rafael
Published: September 2023

The well-suited discretization of the Keller–Segel equations for chemotaxis has become a very challenging problem due to the convective nature inherent to them. This paper aims to introduce a new upwind, mass-conservative, positive and energy-dissipative discontinuous Galerkin scheme for the Keller–Segel model. This approach is based on the gradient-flow structure of the equations. In addition, we show some numerical experiments in accordance with the aforementioned properties of the discretization. The numerical results obtained emphasize the really good behaviour of the approximation in the case of chemotactic collapse, where very steep gradients appear.
Towards a Holistic Model of Care for Moral Injury: An Australian and New Zealand Investigation into the Role of Police Chaplains in Supporting Police Members following exposure to Moral Transgression
Authors: Phelps Andrea J. , Madden Kelsey , Carleton R. Nicholas , Johnson Lucinda , Carey Lindsay B. , Mercier Jean-Michel , Mellor Andrew , Baills Jeffrey , Forbes David , Devenish-Meares Peter , Hosseiny Fardous , Dell Lisa
Published: September 2023

Police members can be exposed to morally transgressive events with potential for lasting psychosocial and spiritual harm. Through interviews with police members and police chaplains across Australia and New Zealand, this qualitative study explores the current role that police chaplains play in supporting members exposed to morally transgressive events. The availability of chaplains across police services and the close alignment between the support they offer, and the support sought by police, indicates they have an important role. However, a holistic approach should also consider organizational factors, the role of leaders, and access to evidence-based treatment in collaboration with mental health practitioners.