bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Gender on the Psychiatric Comorbidity of Treated Danish Patients With and Without Alcoholism
Authors: Penick Elizabeth C , Hossain Waheeda A. , Madarasz Wendy , Manzardo Ann M , Knop Joachim , Mortensen Erik L , Gabrielli William F
Published: April 2024

Objective: The influence of gender on the number and pattern of co-morbid psychiatric illness was archivally compared between patients with and without an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) among psychiatrically treated individuals drawn from a large Danish birth cohort.
Method: By age 45, fifteen percent of the Copenhagen Perinatal Birth Cohort (N=8,109) had been treated in a Danish psychiatric facility. Of those 1,247 patients, 368 were assigned an AUD diagnosis (29.5%). All psychiatric diagnoses assigned to these patients, over all admissions, were classified into one of 14 broad ICD-10 F categories for comparative purposes.
Results: More of the patients with an AUD diagnosis were male. Patients with an AUD diagnosis were significantly more likely to receive two or more non-AUD psychiatric diagnoses than patients without an AUD diagnosis. The number of psychiatric diagnoses was greater for female than male AUD patients, a difference not found among male and female patients without an AUD diagnosis. For patients with no AUD diagnosis, the influence of gender on the pattern of psychiatric disorders was similar to that commonly reported. In contrast, the influence of gender on the number and pattern of psychiatric disorders for patients with an AUD diagnosis indicated fewer gender differences. Several diagnostic categories that discriminated male from female patients without an AUD-related diagnosis, no longer discriminated male from female patients with an AUD-related diagnosis.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that gender differences associated with psychiatric comorbidity that have been reported in large heterogenous study, should not be generalized to specific diagnostic groups without further study.
Response of Deficit Irrigation and Growth Regulators on Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Grown in Shallow Basaltic Soils
Authors: Jena Goutam Guruprasad , Nangare Dhananjay D. , Kakade Vijaysinha , Chavan Sangram Bhanudas , Jadhav Sonal , Morade Amrut , Pradhan Aliza , Reddy Kotha Sammi
Published: April 2024

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and deficit irrigation (DI) play a crucial strategic role in sustaining agricultural yield and reducing water stress in drought prone areas. The study was carried out in 2021-2022 to assess the impact of various PGRs (SA & NAA) & irrigation levels (60% Epan, 80 % Epan, and 100 % Epan) with DI & partial root drying (PRD) irrigation strategies. PGR application boosted fruit yields and demonstrated its significance in reducing water stress by lowering canopy temperature, maintaining higher relative water content in the leaves, modifying stomatal opening, and increasing photosynthetic rate. PGRs were used to assess the increased accumulation of total phenols, flavonoids, and improved antioxidant activity. Results indicated that exogenous use of PGRs like SA+NAA in conjunction with 80% irrigation levels increased fruit yield (31.97 and 40.38%) and water productivity (64.92 and 75.39%) for DI and PRD treatments, respectively. Thus standardizing irrigation and crop management practices including PGR application can be recommended to boost pomegranate productivity particularly in water-scarce environments.
Sustainable Geoinformatic Approaches to Insurance for Small-Scale Farmers in Colombia
Authors: Abd Rabuh Ahmad , Teeuw Richard M. , Oakey Doyle Ray , Argyriou Athanasios V. , Foxley-Marrable Max , Wilkins Alan
Published: April 2024

This article presents a low-cost insurance system developed for small-hold farms in disaster-prone regions, primarily using free Earth Observation (EO) data and Free Open Source Software (FOSS) – collectively termed sustainable geoinformatics - with a proprietary mobile phone app that enables verification. The study examined 30 farms in Risaralda department, Colombia. A Digital Elevation Model (12.5m pixels) from the ALOS PALSAR satellite sensor was used with a Geographical Information System (GIS) to map the terrain, drainage and geohazards of each farming district. Google Earth Engine (GEE) was used to carry out Time Series Analysis of 15 EO and weather datasets for 1998 to 2020. This analysis enabled the levels of risk from hydrometeorological hazards to be determined for each farm of the study, providing key data for the setting of insurance premiums. A parametric insurance product was piloted using GPS-tagged, time-stamped mobile phone photos to verify crop health. Key features of this insurance system are its low operational cost and rapid damage verification, relative to conventional approaches to farm insurance. It is an affordable form of insurance for small-scale farmers, with the rapid verification and payment of claims. This relatively fast, low-cost and affordable approach to insurance for small-scale farming enhances sustainable development by enabling policy-holder farmers to recover more quickly from disasters.
Sustainability of Blockchain Technology in Supply Chains: Implications from a Critical Literature Review
Authors: Wong Simon , Yeung John Kun Woon , Lau Yui-yip , Kawasaki Tomoya , Kwong Raymond
Published: April 2024

This study presents a critical literature review on the models of users' adoption of blockchain applications in supply chains. This review pertaining to blockchain technology adoption by supply chain stakeholders is significant as it is a pre-requisite for the technical sustainability of blockchain technology in supply chains. Through a critical literature review, the previous studies related to technology adoption models were analyzed to explore practices brought about by blockchain applications for supply chain management. This study examined the suitability of the existing models (e.g., the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework, task technology fit (TTF), unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT)) of technology adoption for blockchain applications in supply chains and came up with a new unified model, namely, TOE-TTF-UTAUT. This review provides implications for a more appropriate research design using mixed methods. When adopting the TOE-TTF-UTAUT model in a study, two phases of research using mixed methods can be performed. The first phase is an exploratory sequential design in which a qualitative approach to explore the TOE and supply chain task constructs is followed by a quantitative approach using a survey and quantitative analyses to investigate the factors affecting blockchain adoption in supply chains. The second phase adopts explanatory sequential design in which the quantitative findings from the first phase are reviewed for follow-up by qualitative interviews to obtain explanations.
Detecting DoS Attacks through Synthetic User Behavior with Long-Short Term Memory Network
Authors: Nędza Patrycja , Domżał Jerzy
Published: April 2024

With the escalation of size and complexity of modern Denial of Service attacks, there is a need for research in the context of Machine Learning (ML) used in attack execution and defense against such attacks. This paper investigates the potential use of ML in generating behavioral telemetry data using Long-Short Term Memory network and spoofing requests for the analyzed traffic to look legitimate. For this research, a custom testing environment was built, that listens for mouse and keyboard events and analyzes them accordingly. While the economic feasibility of this attack currently limits its immediate threat, advancements in technology could make it more cost-effective for attackers in the future. Therefore, proactive development of countermeasures remains essential to mitigate potential risks and stay ahead of evolving attack methods.
The New Paradigm: The Role of Proteins and Triggers in the Evolution of Allergic Asthma
Authors: Baglivo Ilaria , Quaranta Vitaliano Nicola , Dragonieri Silvano , Colantuono Stefania , Menzella Francesco , Selvaggio David , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Caruso Cristiano
Published: April 2024

Epithelial barrier damage plays a central role in the development and maintenance of allergic inflammation.
The rise in airways epithelial barrier permeability alters the tissue homeostasis and allows the allergen and other external agents penetration.

Different factors contribute to barrier impairment, such as eosinophilic infiltrate and allergens proteases action: the eosinophilic cationic proteins and the allergens' proteolytic activity have a central role in contributing to epithelial damage.

In the airways, the allergens proteases degrade the epithelial junctional proteins allowing the allergen penetration and the uptake by dendritic cells.
The increase in allergen-immune system interactions induce the release of the alarmins and the activation of type 2 inflammatory pathways causing, or worsening, the main symptoms at skin, bowel and respiratory levels.

We aim to highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying allergenic proteases-induced epithelial barrier damage and the role of immune response in allergic asthma onset, maintenance and progression.
We further will explore clinical and radiological potential biomarkers of airways remodeling in allergic asthma patients.
Transparency Levels in Distributed Database Management System DDBMS
Authors: Altaher Raoof
Published: April 2024

This review study explores and analyzes distributed database management systems (DDBMS), focusing on the important role of transparency methods in improving the functioning and interaction between users and systems. Transparency in DDBMS refers to several important factors, such as data, replication, performance, scaling, and network transparency. Each one of these components plays a role in concealing the intricate operations that underlie distributed systems from the end user. This not only speeds interactions but also enhances the reliability of the system. The article highlights the criticality of data independence as well as replication transparency in particular. Data independence enables adaptable modifications to the system's architecture and alterations to be made without causing any disruption to user activities. On the other hand, replication transparency ensures that the data remains consistently accurate across distributed nodes, even in the absence of user awareness. Moreover, the article investigates the progression of DDBMS through the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computation and artificial intelligence, which are anticipated to significantly augment the capabilities of data processing. The text proposes potential avenues for further investigation, emphasizing how these advancements may enhance the fundamental resilience of database management systems (DBMS) and expand their applicability in intricate, data-rich settings.
Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris C60 Upregulates Macrophage Function by Modifying Metabolic Preference in Enhanced Anti‐Tumor Immunity
Authors: Saito Suguru , Cao Duo-Yao , Maekawa Toshio , Tsuji Noriko , Okuno Alato
Published: April 2024

Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris C60 is a probiotic strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) which induces various immune modifications in myeloid lineage cells. These modifications subsequently reg-ulate T cell function, resulting in enhanced immunity both locally and systemically. Here, we report that C60 suppresses tumor growth by enhancing macrophage function via metabolic al-terations, thereby increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in a murine melanoma model. Intragastric (i.g.) administration of C60 significantly reduced tumor volume compared to saline administration in mice. The anti-tumor function of intratumor (IT) macrophage was up-regulated in mice administered with C60, as evidenced by an increased inflammatory phenotype (M1) rather than an anti-inflammatory/reparative (M2) phenotype, along with enhanced anti-gen-presenting ability, resulting in increased tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells. Through this functional modification, we identified that C60 establishes a glycolysis-dominant metabolism, rather than fatty acid oxidation (FAO), in IT macrophages, leading to increased intracellular ATP levels. To address the question of why orally supplemented C60 exhibits functions in distal places, we found a possibility that bacterial cell wall components, which could be distributed throughout the body from the gut, may induce stimulatory signals in peripheral macrophages via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) signaling activation. Thus, C60 strengthens macrophage anti-tumor immunity by promoting a predominant metabolic shift towards glycolysis upon TLR-mediated stimulation, thereby increasing substantial energy production.
Constraints on the Minimally Extended Varying Speed of Light Model Using Pantheon+ Dataset
Authors: Lee Seokcheon
Published: April 2024

In the context of the minimally extended varying speed of light (meVSL) model, both the absolute magnitude and the luminosity distance of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) differ from those predicted by general relativity (GR). Utilizing the Pantheon+ data, we examine the plausibility of various dark energy models under meVSL. Both ωCDM and CPL parameterization dark energy (DE) models exhibit indications of cosmic variations in the speed of light at the 1-σ level. For Ωm0=0.30,0.31, and 0.32 with (ω0,ωa)=(−1,0), the 1-σ range of c˜˙0/c˜0(10−13yr−1) is (-8.76 , -0.89), (-11.8 , 3.93), and (-14.8 , -6.98), respectively. Meanwhile, the 1-σ range of c˜˙0/c˜0(10−12yr−1) for CPL dark energy models with −1.05≤ω0≤−0.95 and 0.28≤Ωm0≤0.32, is (-6.31 , -2.98). The value of c˜ at z=3 can exceed that of the present by 0.2∼3 % for ωCDM models and 5∼13 % for CPL models. Additionally, for viable models except for the CPL model with Ωm0=0.28, we find −25.6≤G˜˙0/G˜0(10−12yr−1)≤−0.36. For this particular model, we obtain an increasing rate of the gravitational constant within the range 1.65≤G˜˙0/G˜0(10−12yr−1)≤3.79.
Economic Freedom and Debt: An Empirical Investigation on the Institutional Determinants of Public Debt
Authors: Magnini Gino , Vojnovic Jovan
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates the role of the institutional framework in the accumulation of central government debt. We employ the Economic Freedom Index (EFI) as a proxy for institutional framework and study the causal link between institutions that promote economic freedom and the creation of public debt. The results presented in this paper are evidence of causality between institutions and debt-to-GDP ratios. This paper suggests that institutional and structural frameworks of economies bear great importance in public debt accumulation. The countries that score better on the quality of economic institutions are more likely to accrue lower levels of public debt. In particular, a 10-point enhancement in the EFI score can lead to reductions between 1.7 and 7.3 percentage points in debt-to-GDP ratios. We also observed that scores for open markets and government size affect public debt negatively across developed as well as developing countries. Additionally, the evidence suggests that countries deemed less likely to expropriate private property exhibit higher percentage of government debt relative to GDP. We stipulate this is the result of higher perceived trustworthiness which in turn leads to an increased pool of available credit.
Red Blood Cell DNA Capture and Delivery Drives Host Responses During Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Lam Long Kwan , Klingensmith Nathan , Sayegh Layal , Oatman Emily , Jose Joshua , Cosgriff Christopher , Eckart Kaitlyn , McGinnis John , Ranjan Piyush , Lanza Matthew , Yehya Nadir , Meyer Nuala , Dickson Robert , Mangalmurti Nilam
Published: April 2024

Red blood cells (RBCs), traditionally recognized for their role in transporting oxygen, play a pivotal role in the body's immune response by expressing TLR9 and scavenging excess host cell-free DNA. DNA capture by RBCs leads to accelerated RBC clearance and triggers inflammation. Whether RBCs can also acquire microbial DNA during infections is unknown. Murine RBCs acquire microbial DNA in vitro and bacterial-DNA-induced macrophage activation was augmented by WT but not TLR9-deleted RBCs. In a mouse model of polymicrobial sepsis, RBC-bound bacterial DNA was elevated in WT but not in erythroid TLR9-deleted mice. Plasma cytokine analysis revealed distinct sepsis endotypes, characterized by persistent hypothermia and hyperinflammation in the most severely affected subjects. RBC-TLR9 deletion attenuated plasma and tissue IL-6 production in the most severe endotype. Parallel findings in human subjects confirmed that RBCs from septic patients harbored more bacterial DNA compared to healthy individuals. Further analysis through 16S sequencing of RBC-bound DNA illustrated distinct microbial communities, with RBC-bound DNA composition correlating with plasma IL-6 in patients with sepsis. Collectively, these findings unveil RBCs as overlooked reservoirs and couriers of microbial DNA, capable of influencing host inflammatory responses in sepsis.
Using Coleoptera and Odonata as a monitoring tool for improving protected lake habitat characterisation: a case study from Ireland
Authors: Cappelli Giovanni , Gray Emma , Gammell Martin , Roden Cilian , Lally Heather
Published: April 2024

“Oligotrophic waters containing very few minerals of sandy plains” (habitat code 3110) and “Natural dystrophic lakes and ponds” (habitat code 3160) are two protected lake habitats under Annex I of the European Union Habitats Directive. Despite this level of protection, their conservation condition is considered unfavourable in most European biogeographic regions. The available classifications rely heavily on water chemistry and phytosociology while leaving other biological taxa under described. This study tested the use of Coleoptera and Odonata communities as a monitoring tool to characterise and distinguish both lake habitat types. Samples were collected from 24 sites in western Ireland over two seasons (spring and summer) using standard sweep netting methods. Despite a considerable level of overlap in assemblages found, communities were shaped by lake habitat type, sampling region and season. Overall, lake habitat 3110 hosted a higher diversity of taxa in summer dominated by dragonflies associated with larger, warmer waters, while lake habitat 3160 reflected higher Coleoptera diversity in spring typical of small, turbid, stagnant waterbodies. This research highlights the potential use of aquatic invertebrates as an important monitoring tool for these protected lake habitats. Findings of this work deepen current knowledge about these habitats and fill gaps in their classification, hence improving conservation condition assessment methods for Member States when reporting under the Habitats Directive.
Stable Isotopes as a Predictor for Organic or Conventional Classification of Berries and Vegetables
Authors: Zhu-Barker Xia , Liou Michael , Zapata Diana , Huang Jingyi , Horwath William R.
Published: April 2024

As organic agriculture spreads globally, promising enhanced food quality and soil health, the challenge lies in verifying the authenticity of organic practices, notably in developing countries with limited oversight. This study offers a solution by examining the elemental composition of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), particularly their stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N), in seven crops grown under organic or conventional methods across various countries. Our findings reveal that, while total C and N content showed no significant differences across production methods or regions, the N stable isotope (δ15N) levels were markedly distinct between organic and conventional crops. This difference allows us to propose a δ15N threshold to reliably distinguish between organic and conventional raspberries and strawberries, with a very low error rate. These thresholds, backed by an extensive dataset (n=791), hold promise as effective tools for confirming organic authenticity, providing a new standard for future validation of organic farming practices.
Chronic stress promotes NSCLC progression through circMBOAT2 upregulation mediated by CTCF
Authors: Zhou Ting , Chen Zhicong , Chen Yitian , Li Canye , Xiao Zhijun , Duan Jingjing , Yang Zhen , Xu Feng
Published: April 2024

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been shown to play an important role in tumor development. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory mechanism of circMBOAT2 in NSCLC and its involvement in chronic stress induced tumor growth. Stably transfected A549 and H1299 cell lines with circMBOAT2 overexpression and knockdown were constructed. Colony formation, scratch healing, Transwell and CCK-8 assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of circMBOAT2 with or without norepinephrine treatment on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells, respectively. A chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression with xenografted LLC plus ASO targeting circMBOAT2 injection mouse model was established to determine the effect of chronic stress on tumorigenesis via circMBOAT2. Additionally, silencing CTCF in vivo and in vitro to investigate the regulatory effect of CTCF on circMBOAT2 expression. The results showed that circMBOAT2 was significantly upregulated in NSCLC cell lines and tumor tissues. CUMS promoted tumor growth, while silencing circMBOAT2 inhibited tumor growth in vivo. circMBOAT2 knockdown inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC cells. CTCF was identified as the upstream regulator of circMBOAT2 and was upregulated in NSCLC tissues. Knockdown of CTCF expression reversed the promotional effect of CUMS on circMBOAT2 expression and tumor growth. Our data thus provide evidence that CTCF mediates chronic stress in promoting of NSCLC progression through circMBOAT2. circMBOAT2 may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC as well as depression NSCLC comorbidity treatment.
Validation of the Arabic Version of the Sleep Apnea Scale of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (SDQ-SA)
Authors: Alnesr Anas , Zabad Kareem , Bundokji Fayezeh K Al , albardan Hussam
Published: April 2024

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a widespread syndrome characterized by breathing cessation or reduction. It has a wide range of significant symptoms, such as snoring and fatigue. This study aimed to assess the validity of the Arabic version of the Sleep Disorders Questionnaire-Sleep Anenea Scale (SDQ-SA) as a screening tool in Arabic-speaking countries.
Methods: This study was conducted at a sleep disorders clinic at Damascus University's hospitals from June 2023 to September 2023. Patients aged 18 to 75 who spoke Arabic were included, while those under 18 or over 75, with incomplete questionnaires, previous OSA diagnoses, or certain chronic diseases and sedative drug use were excluded. The questionnaire was translated into the Arabic language by two bilingual researchers. It was then given to around 15 patients to ensure clarity of the questions. After analyzing the results of the Arabic version of the (SDQ-SA), we administered Polysomnography (PSG) tests to validate our results. The questionnaire was readministered to 30 participants to ensure reliability. Data analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS version 22.
Results: The study included 103 participants, with an average age of 56.55 years. The SDQ-SA identified 85 (82.5%) participants as being at high risk for having OSA. Among those classified as high risk, 39 (45.9%) had severe OSA, 34 (40%) had moderate OSA, 8 (9.4%) had mild OSA, and 4 (4.7%) had no OSA based on the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) calculated by the (PSG). On the other hand, 18 (17.5%) participants were classified as low risk for OSA, 3 (16.7%) had severe OSA, 3 (16.7%) had moderate OSA, 7 (38.9%) had mild OSA, and 5 (27.8%) had no OSA based on the AHI calculated by the (PSG). For AHI≥5, the sensitivity and specificity for men were 0.87 and 0.6, respectively, and for women, they were 0.84 and 0.5, respectively.
Conclusion: Our study showed good sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV), especially for patients with moderate to severe OSA. We recommend that physicians use this questionnaire and other similar questionnaires more frequently to identify and treat this underrecognized disease properly.
Tailoring Polarization in WSe2 Quantum Emitters through Deterministic Strain Engineering
Authors: Munkhbat Battulga , Paralikis Athanasios , Piccinini Claudia , Madigawa Abdulmalik , Metuh Pietro , Vannucci Luca , Gregersen Niels
Published: April 2024

Quantum emitters in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have recently emerged as a promising platform for generating single photons for optical quantum information processing. In this work, we present an approach for deterministically controlling the polarization of fabricated quantum emitters in a tungsten diselenide (WSe2) monolayer. We employ novel nanopillar geometries with long and sharp tips to induce a controlled directional strain in the monolayer, and we report on fabricated WSe2 emitters producing single photons with a high degree of polarization (99±4%) and high purity (g(2)(0) = 0.030±0.025). Our work paves the way for the deterministic integration of TMD-based quantum emitters for future photonic quantum technologies.
Factors associated with a high level of suicide risk among patients with late-life depression: a cross-sectional study from a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Guangzhou China
Authors: Liu Fei , Ye Junrong , Wei Yanheng , Pan Yuanxin , Wang Wen , Chen Jiao , Zhou Tingwei , Wu Shengwei , Li Zezhi , Guo Jianxiong , Xiao Aixiang
Published: April 2024

Background As global aging accelerates, depression in the elderly becomes more common. Research had revealed that patients with late-life depression face an increased risk of suicide compared to those in other age groups with similar disorders, with the pathway to suicide being multifaceted. Thus, investigating the various factors linked to the elevated risk of suicide in elderly individuals with depression is critical.
Objective To investigate the factors associated with a high level of suicide risk among patients with late-life depression (LLD).
Methods A total of 108 patients with LLD were recruited for this study. From October 2022 to November 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with LLD from the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University. Suicide risk was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk Scale (NGASR). Potential influencing factors were included and analyzed through multivariate linear regression to identify the factors associated with high level of suicide risk among patients with LLD.
Results The average score of NGASR in patients with LLD was 7.30±4.34 (range: 0~19). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that depression-anxiety of BPRS (β=0.31, 95%CI=0.13, 0.45, P＜0.001), activation of BPRS (β=-0.29, 95%CI=-1.22, -0.35, P＜0.001), normal cognitive function of MMSE (β=0.21, 95%CI=0.50, 3.48, P＜0.05), involuntary admission (β=0.20, 95%CI=0.44, 3.43, P＜0.05), and objective support of SSRS (β=0.21, 95%CI=0.08, 0.66, P＜0.05) were statistically associated with the a high level of suicide risk in patients with LLD (P<0.05).
Conclusion This study found that LLD patients with severe depression-anxiety, low activation, normal cognitive function, involuntary admission, and strong objective support exhibited a high level of suicide risk. These patients should receive intensified monitoring and comprehensive measures should be implemented to prevent the occurrence of suicidal behaviors during hospitalization.
Experimental Investigation of air jet impingement cooling in car radiator with hollow cone nozzle plate spacing using nanofluids
Authors: Venkataramana P. , Kumar V. Mani , ram N. Raghu , Chinka Siva Sankara Babu
Published: April 2024

Water and coolant oil are two common heat transfer fluids that are used a lot in car radiators these days. But much more must be done with the fluid that transmits heat to make the system more effective in handling heat. Nanoparticle cooling fluid speeds up the movement of heat through the car radiator and makes it possible to make it smaller altogether. In the present study, to examine heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids of DI water and Ethylene glycol (60:40). Four different concentrations of nanofluids were prepared by mixing 0.05 to 0.3 Vol. % of nanofluids with a mixture of DI water and Ethylene glycol. The studies were carried out by varying coolant from 3 to 15 LPM while keeping the airspeed at a mean of 5 m/s. The DI water had a lower thermal conductivity of 0.891 W/m K than the EG nanofluid, which had a thermal conductivity of 0.946 W/m K. The EG nanofluid showed a more significant heat transfer coefficient of 36384.41 W/m2 K than the DI water. The viscosity of the nanofluid increases as the concentration of nanofluid in the DI water increases and decreases as the temperature rises.
Body esteem and its relationship with early maladaptive schemas in borderline personality disorder and major depression
Authors: Szily Dorottya , Nagy Zita S. , Szabó Dominik , Unoka Zsolt Szabolcs
Published: April 2024

Background: The disruption of body esteem is associated with distress and may be linked to psychiatric disorders such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Major Depression (MD). Existing studies have primarily focused on body satisfaction as a unified concept, without delving into specific body areas or functions. Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) are observed in individuals with BPD and MD. So far little is known about their potential influence on body esteem, particularly within the context of MD or BPD. This study aims to investigate the satisfaction levels pertaining to different body areas and the influence of EMSs on body esteem BPD patients and MD patients.
Methods: Our study included 31 patients diagnosed with BPD (25 women), 27 diagnosed with MD (17 women) and 25 healthy individuals (HC, 16 women) (Mage was between 29 and 33 for each groups). The SCID-5-PD and MINI was used to assess psychiatric disorders. Body esteem was measured by using an extended version of Body Esteem Scale. EMSs were measured by using Young Schema Questionnaire. Short Form 2.
Results: Regarding EMS domains and general body esteem, all groups differed significantly from each other, except in Overvigilance, where BPD differed from MD and HC. Regarding body functions, BPD group differed from MD and HC groups. For the head, BPD patients and HCs differed from each other. Regarding the upper body HCs differed from the psychiatric patients.
Following the identification of schema domains and their correlation with body variables, significant findings emerge within the BPD and MD groups. In the BPD group, Enmeshment exhibits a notable inverse association with general body esteem and body functions. Conversely, within the MD group, Entitlement displays a marked positive correlation with general body esteem. Furthermore, Vulnerability to Harm in the BPD group and Failure to Achieve in the MD group potentially contribute to disturbances in body esteem.
Conclusions: Our study suggests that both BPD and MD patients experience disturbances in body esteem. Specifically, in patients with BPD, perceptions of body functions are significantly affected. Furthermore, within both disorders, specific EMSs can be identified, which are related to impairments in body esteem.
Spatiotemporal Changes of Cultivated Land Utilization in Black Soil Region, China based on Geo-information Tupu
Authors: Li Dan , Xi Zhilong , He Pengkai , Xin Xiuwen , Chen Jiayuan , Chen Guizhen , Kang Guangqing
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the quantity and quality of cultivated land in black soil region in Northeast China have changed with the continuous strengthening of the breadth and depth of land development, directly affecting food security in China. In this study, land-use data based on geo-information Tupu in 1990, 2000, 2010 and 2020 were selected and the spatiotemporal evolution of cultivated land in Northeast China was analyzed. Meanwhile, the driving factors affecting the changes of cultivated land during the past 30 years was also explored. The results indicate that the net increase of cultivated land in the study area is 127.72 km2 (accounting for 0.038% of the study area) from 1990 to 2020, and a trend of “increase-decrease-increase” during the past 30 years can be obtained. The change of cultivated land mainly due to the mutual conversion between cultivated land and forest (net increase: 6024.76 km2, grassland (net increase: 734.08 km2) and construction land (net decrease: 7393. 42 km2). The conversions of cultivated land and forest, grassland and construction land are mainly located in the northeastern, mid-western and southern, and eastern of the study area, and the center of cultivated land within the study area shifted towards the southeast from 1990 to 2010, while the center showed a convoluted trend (moving towards the northwest) during the 2010-2020 period, but the migration speed gradually slowed down. The spatiotemporal pattern changes of cultivated land in the study area from 1990 to 2020 are the comprehensive effects of natural environmental and socio-economic factors, among which slope, elevation, and annual precipitation are the main contributing factors. The conclusion of this study will provide scientific reference for the study of cultivated land utilization and protection in the black soil region in Northeast China.
Enhanced Exosomes: A Breakthrough Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
Authors: Ghasroldasht Mohammad Mousaei , Park Hang-Soo , Ali Farzana Liakath , Beckman Analea , Mohammadi Mahya , Hafner Nina , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: April 2024

Background
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) presents a multifaceted challenge with limited treatment options. This study explored the therapeutic potential of exosome-based interventions for chemotherapy-induced POI.
Methods
With a novel culture system, enhanced exosomes were engineered from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), demonstrating superior efficacy compared to naïve exosomes.
Results
In vitro models revealed the significant impact of enhanced exosomes secretion, which promoted granulosa cell proliferation, mitigated apoptosis, and enhanced ovarian functional markers. The findings in an in vivo chemotherapy-induced POI mouse model underscored the restoration of ovarian morphology, follicle numbers, and fertility in both the naïve and enhanced exosome-treated groups. Notably, the enhanced exosome group demonstrated a heightened pregnancy rate, increased numbers of primary follicles, and a significant reduction in ovarian apoptosis. Safety assessments indicated the feasibility and safety of intravenous exosome administration. MiRNA profiling revealed distinctive cargo in the enhanced exosomes, among which miR-20b-5p played a pivotal role in regulating apoptosis and inflammation; this finding is especially important given that apoptosis is one of the primary complications of chemotherapy-induced POI. Furthermore, cells treated with enhanced amounts of exosomes demonstrated significant overexpression of miR-20b-5p, resulting in decreased PTEN expression and the activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway—a crucial mechanism in mitigating chemotherapy-induced POI.
Conclusions
This study introduces an innovative exosome-based therapeutic paradigm, accentuating the pivotal role of cargo composition. Further exploration of the identified miRNA profile in enhanced exosomes is warranted for elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved, as this approach could lead to breakthroughs in clinical POI treatment.
Prediction of Difficult Mask Ventilation in Thai Adult Patients undergoing Elective Surgery using Ultrasound of Distance from Skin to Hyoid Bone, and from Skin to Thyroid Isthmus: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Anchalee Santi , Wasoontrarak Kanatawan , Benjhawaleemas Pannawit , Chatmongkolchart Sunisa , Prathep Sumidtra
Published: April 2024

Background
A previous study showed that airway ultrasound, specifically the distance from the skin to the hyoid bone (DSHB), may be correlated with a higher risk of difficult mask ventilation (DMV). However, the study was conducted in Italy and lacks data for the Asian and Thai populations. This study aimed to predict DMV using pre-operative ultrasonography to measure the DSHB and from the skin to the thyroid isthmus (DSTI) in Thai patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia.
Methods
In total, 189 patients who underwent general anesthesia during elective surgery were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. Pre-operative physical examinations and airway evaluations were performed as usual. Airway ultrasound was performed to measure DSHB and DSTI before the anesthetic procedure. Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists performed bag-and-mask ventilation using the one-hand technique. DMV was assessed and recorded according to Han’s mask ventilation classification in which DMV-0 indicates no attempt at mask ventilation; DMV-I indicates successful ventilation by mask; DMV-II indicates ventilation by mask with oral airway/adjuvant ventilation; DMV-III indicates that ventilation required two providers; and DMV-IV indicates the patient’s inability to undergo mask ventilation.
Results
Thirty (17%) patients were classified as having DMV-0, and DMV-I, II, and III classifications were observed in 126(67%), 18(10%), and 12(6%) patients, respectively. None of the patients were classified as DMV-IV. The DSHB medians were 0.4(0.3–0.6), 0.7(0.5–1), 0.7(0.6–0.8), and 0.6(0.3–0.9) cm in DMV-0, I, II, and III, respectively (p < 0.001). The DSTI medians were 0.9(0.8–1.1), 0.8(0.7–1.1), 0.7(0.6–0.9), and 0.8(0.8–1.4) cm for DMV-0, I, II, and III, respectively (p = 0.041). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that the following factors were associated with difficult mask ventilation (DMV-III): male sex, modified Mallampati classification III, edentulousness, DSHB, and DSTI, with an area under the curve of 0.89.
Conclusions
This study showed that airway ultrasonography to determine DSHB and DSTI during patients’ routine physical examinations significantly improved the prediction of DMV. Patients classified as having DMV-III require prompt management for airway difficulties. However, the individual factors DSHB and DSTI alone are insufficient to predict DMV.
Trial registration:
Registration number: TCTR2020093002
Fluvial erosion linked to warming in the Arctic
Authors: Fields Jordan , Kreisler Jack , Dethier Evan , Perrotti John , Renshaw Carl
Published: April 2024

Warming temperatures have been invoked as a potential mechanism for widespread erosion in Arctic regions where significant portions of watersheds are underlain by permanently frozen, carbon-rich soils. Yet, recent studies have delivered conflicting results regarding how erosion along Arctic rivers has and will respond to rising temperatures. Using novel methods that produced 92,009 observations, we show that erosion rates along rivers across the Canadian Arctic are positively correlated to temperature and uncorrelated with vegetative cover over the satellite record (1985-present). Our results indicate warming will lead to increased erosion in the Arctic and that vegetation will not mediate temperature’s erosive effect, leading to the potential mobilization of gigatons of previously immobile carbon.
A bivalent COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, PTX-COVID19-M1.2, elicited broad immune responses and protected animals from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants infection
Authors: liu jun , Wang Li , Kurtesi Alexandra , Budylowski Patrick , Potts Kyle , Menon Haritha , Tan Yilin , Samaan Philip , Liu Xinan , Wang Yisen , Hu Queenie , Samson Reuben , Qi Freda , Evseev Danyel , John Cini , Ellestad Kristofor , Fan Yue , Budiman Frans , Tohan Ellaine , Yang Jennifer , Marcusson Eric , Gingras Anne-Claude , Mahoney Douglas , Ostrowski Mario , Orozco Natalia
Published: April 2024

The continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants poses a serious threat thwarting the effectiveness of currently approved COVID-19 vaccines, demanding a vaccine that can provide broad protection against these subvariants. Although bivalent vaccines containing Omicron subvariant spikes have been shown to elicit high neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and afford protection against homologous or antigenically close Omicron subvariants, the breadth and degree of the protection provided by the bivalent vaccines against antigenically distant Omicron subvariants is unclear. Here, we report the immunogenicity and efficacy of a bivalent mRNA vaccine, PTX-COVID19-M1.2 (M1.2), which encodes native spike proteins from Wuhan-Hu-1 (D614G) and Omicron BA.2.12.1, in mouse and hamster models. Both primary series and booster vaccination using M1.2 elicited potent and broad nAbs against Wuhan-Hu-1 (D614G) and Omicron subvariants, including BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, and BA.4/BA.5. Strong spike-specific T cell responses against Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron subvariants were also induced. In contrast, monovalent BA.2.12.1 spike-based mRNA vaccine elicited potent but narrower immune responses. Vaccination with M1.2 protected animals from Wuhan-Hu-1 and BA.1, BA.2, BA.5, and XBB.1.5 challenges. Interestingly, protection against XBB.1.5 lung infection did not correlate with nAb levels. These results indicate that M1.2 can generate a broadly protective immune response against multiple Omicron subvariants, including antigenically distant subvariants, and spike-specific T cells probably contribute to the breadth of the protection. Our findings have potential implications for designing COVID-19 booster vaccination strategies.
Modeling and self-supporting printing simulation of fuse filament fabrication
Authors: Ao Xiaohui , Lin Shengxiang , Liu Jianhua , Xia Huanxiong , Meng Junfeng
Published: April 2024

This study presented a comprehensive computational fluid dynamics-based model for fused filament fabrication (FFF) three-dimensional (3D) printing multiphase and multiphysics coupling. A model based on the framework of computational fluid dynamics was built, utilizing the front-tracking method for high precision of multiphase material interfaces, a fully resolved simulation at the mesoscale explores the underlying physical mechanism of the self-supported horizontal printing. The study investigated the influence of printing temperature and velocity on the FFF process, exhibiting a certain self-supporting forming ability over a specific range. The results indicated that during the printing of large-span horizontal extension structures, the bridge deck material transitions from initial straight extension to sagging deformation, ultimately adopting a curved shape. The straight extension distance is inversely proportional to the depth of the sagging deformation. Additionally, the study revealed that printing temperature primarily affected the curing time of the molten material, while printing velocity fundamentally affected the relaxation time of both thermal and dynamic characteristics of the material.
Metastable water at several compression rates and its freezing
kinetics into ice VII
Authors: Pépin Charles , André Ramesh , Occelli Florent , Dembele Florian , Mozzanica Aldo , Hinger Viktoria , Levantino Matteo , Loubeyre Paul
Published: April 2024

Water can be dynamically over-compressed well into the stability field of ice VII. Whether water then transforms into ice VII, vitreous ice or a metastable novel crystalline phase remained
uncertain. We report here the freezing of over-compressed water to ice VII by time-resolved X-ray diffraction. Quasi-isothermal dynamic compression paths are achieved using a dynamic-piezo-
Diamond-Anvil-Cell, with programmable pressure rise time from 0.1 to 100 ms. By combining the present data set with those obtained on various ns-dynamical platforms, a complete evolution
of the solidification pressure of metastable water versus the compression rate is rationalized within the classical nucleation theory framework. Also, when crystallization into ice VII occurs in between 1.56 GPa and 2.0 GPa, that is in the stability field of ice VI, a structural evolution over few ms is then observed into a mixture of ice VI and ice VII that seems to resolve apparent contradictions between previous results.
Assessment of yield stability in barley using univariate and multivariate statistical models
Authors: Elakhdar Ammar , El-Naggar Ahmed A. , El-Wakeell Sally , Ahmed Anas H.
Published: April 2024

Investigating genetic variability using the phenotypic performance of genotypes is fundamental in a breeding program. Therefore, an assessment of yield performance and yield stability is necessary for yield trials performed in different environments to identify high-yield potential and stable cultivars. In this study, we used 17 univariate and 15 multivariate stability models to investigate the effects of genotype (G), environment (E), and G × E interaction (GEI) on the yield performance of 32 barley genotypes evaluated in 10 environments (locations and years). The main effects were significant (P < 0.01) and accounted for 86.6%, 2.22%, and 11.73% of genotypes, environments, and GEIs of the total variation, respectively. GGE biplot ‘which-won-where’ polygon, divided the environments into five groups, and the genotypes into six groups, among eight genotypes with mean grain yield (GY) superior to the overall mean (4.43 tons ha− 1). The Spearman's correlation analysis indicated that GY (tons ha− 1) was significantly and positively correlated (P < 0.01) with Tai’s stability statistics (bi and αi), Perkins and Jinks’s stability parameters (Bi), and Roemer’s environmental variance (Sxi2) as univariate stability measures. Furthermore, GY had a positive correlation with Ketata’s plotting mean rank (δ gy), Thennarasu’s nonparametric measures (NPI (3) and NPI (4)), Nassar and Huhn’s nonparametric measures (SI 6 and SI 3), Fox’s TOP-rank stability (TOP), and the yield stability index (YSI) as multivariate measures of stability. The univariate and multivariate stability models showed that genotypes G32, G1, and G27 were the most stable genotypes with minimal yield variation across environments. Furthermore, G13, followed by G14, G15, and G23 were the most stable genotypes based on multivariate measures only. Accordingly, it might be safe to utilize the stability parameters of different groups with respect to static and dynamic concepts of stability to avoid the possibility of estimating the same concept of stability. Therefore, for the evaluation of genotype stability, a combination of univariate and multivariate stability models is recommended for the selection of “ideal genotypes” for high-yield potential and stable cultivars.