bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reorganization of bird communities along a rainforest elevation gradient during a strong El Niño event in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Sam Katerina , Jorge Leonardo Ré , Koane Bonny , Hazell Richard J. , Shearman Philip L. , Novotny Vojtech
Published: May 2024

The El Niño 2015 event, most extreme since 1997, led to severe droughts in tropical wet Papua New Guinea (PNG), reducing May to October dry season rainfall by 75% in the lowlands and 25% in the highlands. Such droughts are likely to have significant effects on terrestrial ecosystems, but they have been poorly explored in Papua New Guinea. Here, we report changes in bird community composition prior to, during, and after the 2015 El Niño event along the elevational gradient ranging from 200 m to 2700 m a.s.l. at the Mt. Wilhelm rainforest in PNG. The abundance of birds in the lowlands dropped by 60% but increased by 40% at elevations above 1700 m during El Niño year. In the following year, the individual bird species reached mean population sizes similar to pre‐El Niño years but did not fully recover. Species richness roughly followed the pattern of observed abundance and quickly and fully re‐established after the event to the pre‐ El Niño values. Thus, at least some terrestrial birds seem to react quickly to the extreme droughts in lowlands and shift to less affected mountain habitats. We recorded upper elevational range limits to shifts by more than 500 m a.s.l. in 22 bird species (out of 237 recorded in total) during El Niño year, in contrast to their typical ranges. Our study suggests that a strong El Niño event can have strong but reversible effects on bird communities as long as they have an opportunity to move to more favorable sites through undisturbed habitats.
Phthalimide and 3‐Formylindole Derivatives for Oligonucleotide Conjugation by Amide or Oxime Ligation
Authors: Graidia Nessrine , Meyer Albert , Smietana Michael , Morvan François
Published: May 2024

A phthalimide or 3‐formylindole functionality was incorporated into a tris(hydroxymethyl)ethane (THME) scaffold, and the resulting compounds were subsequently transformed into phosphoramidites and solid supports. These building blocks were then used to synthesise oligonucleotides containing amine or aldehyde groups at various positions within their sequences. The resulting modified oligonucleotides were further conjugated through either amide bond formation or oxime ligation. These novel building blocks expand the repertoire of phosphoramidites and solid supports available for modifying oligonucleotides.
Are we tackle ready? Cross‐sectional video analysis of match tackle characteristics in elite women's Rugby Union
Authors: Dane Kathryn , West Stephen W. , Hendricks Sharief , Simms Ciaran , van Dyk Nicol , Connors Will , Wilson Fiona
Published: May 2024

The tackle contest is the most common and most injurious match contact event in rugby and is an indicator of performance. Tackle Ready is World Rugby's tackle technique education program. Limited research has characterized the tackle contest in women's rugby. The purpose of this study is to: (1) identify the match situational characteristics, ball‐carrier and tackler technical actions demonstrated in elite women's Rugby Union and (2) to determine the extent to which Tackle Ready recommended tackle techniques were exhibited. Technical characteristics for 1500 tackle events in the 2022–2023 Women's Six Nations Championship were visually assessed according to a predefined coding framework and the Tackle Ready program. Tackles lacked full completion (0.2%) of the 22 coded Tackle Ready techniques with 47% of the recommended techniques demonstrated in each tackle on average (range 15%–98%). A high proportion of tackles involved two defenders (48%), approaching ball‐carriers from the side (38%) or oblique angles (39%), in an upright position (30%), and with initial contact made with the arm (51%). Incorrect pre‐contact head positioning and head placement upon contact accounted for 50% and 15% of tackles, respectively, and there was a mean of 14 (95% CI 11–18) head and neck contacts to a tackler and 18 (95% CI 14–22) head and neck contacts to a ball‐carrier per game. Targeted interventions to encourage adoption of recommended techniques are needed to reduce tackle‐related injury risk in women's rugby. This study provides valuable context for future discussion across law enforcement, coach education and gender‐specific tackle coaching in the women's game.
N‐Doped Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Nanotubes‐Encapsulated CoNi Alloy as Highly Active Oxygen Reduction Catalysts for Direct Methanol Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Le , Guo Shiquan , Yu Shuyan , Shi Tianjiao , Chen Fei , Guo Man , Zhang Chong , Li Congju
Published: May 2024

The slow oxygen reduction kinetics of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFCs) are one of the limiting factors affecting its application. Therefore, exploring nonprecious catalysts with high activity and methanol resistance is urgently needed. Herein, zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 particles are first blended with different proportions of metal salts (Ni as well as Co) and further electrospun to obtain a nanofiber precursor. After pyrolysis treatment, a composite catalyst (CoNi@N‐CNFs) with a highly dispersed CoNi alloy phase supported by porous N‐doped carbon nanofiber and carbon nanotube is prepared. The surface electronic structure can be reasonably adjusted by optimizing the doping ratio of Ni and Co. The CoNi@N‐CNFs shows high oxygen reduction activity and methanol resistance. Half‐wave potential and the onset potential of Co1Ni1@N‐CNFs (Co: Ni mole ratio = 1:1) are 0.79 and 0.87 V. Additionally, Co1Ni1@N‐CNF‐modified DMFC endows a high power density (24.07 mW cm−2), which is close to Pt/C‐based DMFC (27.59 mW cm−2). Rich active sites, large specific surface area, and synergy between CoNi alloy and N configuration of CoNi@N‐CNFs effectively accelerate electron transfer, resulting in the superior catalytic activity. This work provides a new strategy to design effective 1D oxygen reduction reaction catalysts in fuel cells.
Structural and non‐structural numerical blind prediction of shaking table experimental tests on fixed‐base and base‐isolated hospitals
Authors: Mazza Fabio , Donnici Angelo , Labernarda Rodolfo
Published: May 2024

Base‐isolated hospitals are frequently preferred to fixed‐base ones because of their improved seismic structural performance. Despite this, the question remains open on the advisability of using this modern seismic protection technology in preference to other conventional solutions, on the grounds of a holistic approach based on limiting non‐structural damage as well as continuity of service to the community in the aftermath of an earthquake. Two full‐scale four‐storey (fixed‐base) and three‐storey (base‐isolated) hospital buildings have been recently built and subjected to three‐dimensional shaking table tests at the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention (Japan), with particular attention to evaluating and classifying functionality of non‐structural components and vital medical equipment. A two‐phase experimental campaign was carried out considering two earthquakes scaled at different intensity levels and applied along the horizontal and vertical directions. The current study aims to provide results of a numerical structural and non‐structural blind prediction of these hospital settings. A homemade numerical code is developed to account for lumped plasticity modelling of steel frame members and variability of the friction coefficient of spherical sliding bearings. Moreover, three non‐structural components are modelled in the fixed‐base structure: that is, elastic single degree of freedom systems representing two tanks filled with sand at the top floor; elastic beam elements for piping at the third floor; five‐element macro‐model for the in‐plane‐out‐of‐plane nonlinear response of partition walls at the first floor. The identification of predominant vibration periods of the fixed‐base structure is carried out using a homemade numerical code based on the continuous wavelet transforms in combination with the complex Morlet wavelet. Finally, the sliding and rocking motion of three items of medical equipment (i.e., incubator at third floor, dialysis machine at second floor and surgical bed at first floor) are analysed by means of a homemade numerical code, considering acceleration time histories of selected structural nodes of the fixed‐base structure.
Simplification errors in predictive models
Authors: van Veen Barbara L. , Roland Ortt J.
Published: May 2024

Organizational and political responses to strategic surprises such as the credit crunch in 2008 and the pandemic in 2020 are increasingly reliant on scientific insights. As a result, the accuracy of scientific models has become more critical, and models have become more complex to capture the real‐world phenomena as best as they can. So much, so that appeals for simplification are beginning to surface. But unfortunately, simplification has its issues. Too simple models are so generic that they no longer accurately describe or predict real‐world cause‐effect relationships. On the other hand, too complex models are hard to generalize. Somewhere on the continuum between too simple and too complex lies the optimal model. In this article, the authors contribute to the ongoing discussion on model complexity by presenting a logical and systematic framework of simplification issues that may occur during the conceptualization and operationalization of variables, relationships, and model contexts. The framework was developed with the help of two cases, one from foresight, a relatively young discipline, and the other from the established discipline of innovation diffusion. Both disciplines have a widely accepted foundational predictive model that could use another look. The shared errors informed the simplification framework. The framework can help social scientists to detect possible oversimplification issues in literature reviews and inform their choices for either in‐ or decreases in model complexity.
Interplay between α‐thalassemia and β‐hemoglobinopathies: Translating genotype–phenotype relationships into therapies
Authors: Vadolas Jim , Nualkaew Tiwaporn , Voon Hsiao P. J. , Vilcassim Shahla , Grigoriadis George
Published: May 2024

α‐Thalassemia represents one of the most important genetic modulators of β‐hemoglobinopathies. During this last decade, the ongoing interest in characterizing genotype–phenotype relationships has yielded incredible insights into α‐globin gene regulation and its impact on β‐hemoglobinopathies. In this review, we provide a holistic update on α‐globin gene expression stemming from DNA to RNA to protein, as well as epigenetic mechanisms that can impact gene expression and potentially influence phenotypic outcomes. Here, we highlight defined α‐globin targeted strategies and rationalize the use of distinct molecular targets based on the restoration of balanced α/β‐like globin chain synthesis. Considering the therapies that either increase β‐globin synthesis or reactivate γ‐globin gene expression, the modulation of α‐globin chains as a disease modifier for β‐hemoglobinopathies still remains largely uncharted in clinical studies.
Maternal deaths among Brazilian indigenous women—Analysis from 2015 to 2021
Authors: Lopes Garrafa Julia , Dantas‐Silva Amanda , Garanhani Surita Fernanda , de Siqueira Guida José Paulo , Bhadra Vale Diama , de Campos Brandão Marina , Trapani Alberto , Knobel Roxana
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study examines maternal mortality among Brazilian indigenous women from 2015 to 2021, contrasting their causes of death with non‐indigenous women.

Methods

An observational study utilizing Ministry of Health data analyzed maternal deaths' characteristics, comparing indigenous and non‐indigenous groups based on death certificates and live‐birth records. Variables included age, region, location, time, and cause of death. Maternal mortality ratios (MMR) were calculated with linear regression and outliers identified with Grubbs test. Prevalence ratios compared MMR and causes of death.

Results

Between 2015 to 2021, Brazil recorded 13 023 maternal deaths. Among these, with 205 among indigenous women (1.60% of total). Indigenous women had higher MMR (115.14/100 000), than non‐ indigenous women (66.92/100 000), consistently across years. Hemorrhagic causes notably contributed to the indigenous women's elevated MMR.

Conclusion

Indigenous Brazilian women face elevated maternal mortality rates across all causes, primarily due to hemorrhage, contrasting wih national trends.
Climate‐driven runoff variability in semi‐mountainous reservoirs of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta: Insights for sustainable water management
Authors: Minh Huynh Vuong Thu , Kumar Pankaj , Meraj Gowhar , Van Thinh Lam , Downes Nigel K. , Van Ty Tran , Nam Nguyen Dinh Giang , Zhang Fei , Liu Bin , Hung Le Thien , Van Duy Dinh , Ly Tran Thi Truc , Luat Nguyen Quoc , Avtar Ram , Almazroui Mansour
Published: May 2024

The Mekong Delta, South East Asia's ‘rice bowl’, sustains more than 18 million people through its agricultural output. This yield is secured by efficient water management systems but is susceptible to climatic changes. As Vietnam's policies aim to optimize the delta's semi‐mountainous regions reliant on rain‐fed agriculture, this study investigates drought risks and climate change impacts on runoff in the O Ta Soc and O Tuk Sa reservoirs, An Giang Province, Vietnam. Using simulation models, we determined runoff volumes for specific rainfall return periods and climate scenarios for the 2030s and 2050s. Using the storm water management model (SWMM), we simulated the reservoir water balance considering rainfall, evaporation and infiltration. Our findings suggest potentially increased runoff and reservoir storage due to intensified monsoons and reduced off‐season rainfall. The 4.77 km2 drainage of the O Ta Soc reservoir could benefit from this, while the 2.55 km2 drainage of the O Tuk Sa watershed may require alternative water‐sourcing strategies. This research offers insights for drought predictions, flood management and water strategies in An Giang. To refine these predictions, future research should consider upcoming rainfall patterns.
Molecular insights into the antioxidant and anticancer properties: A comprehensive analysis through molecular modeling, docking, and dynamics studies
Authors: Banu Hamza Serina , Parvin Ismail sheriff , Priyadharshini Subramanian Deepika , Gayathiri Ekambaram , Prakash Palanisamy , Pratheep Thangaraj
Published: May 2024

Plants are rich sources of therapeutic compounds that often lack the side effects commonly found in synthetic chemicals. Researchers have effectively synthesized pharmaceuticals from natural sources, taking inspiration from traditional medicine, in their pursuit of modern drugs. This study aims to evaluate the phenolic and flavonoid content of Solanum virginianum seeds using different solvent extracts, enzymatic assays including 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl activity, reducing power, and superoxide activity. Our phytochemical screening identified active compounds, such as phenols, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids. The methanol extract notably possesses higher levels of total phenolic and flavonoid content in comparison to the other extracts. The results highlight the superior antioxidant activity of methanol‐extracted leaves, demonstrated by their exceptional IC50 values, which surpass the established standard. In this study, molecular docking techniques were used to assess the binding affinity and to predict the binding conformation of the compounds. Quercetin 3‐O beta‐d‐galactopyranoside displayed a binding energy of −8.35 kcal/mol with several important amino acid residues, PHE222, TRP440, ILE184, LEU192, VAL221, LEU218, SER185, and ALA188. Kaempferol 3‐O‐beta‐l‐glucopyranoside exhibited a binding energy of −8.33 kcal/mol, interacting with specific amino acid residues including ALA 441, VAL318, VAL322, MET307, ILI409, GLY442, and PHE439. The results indicate that the methanol extract has a distinct composition of biologically active constituents compared to the other extracts. Overall, seeds exhibit promise as natural antioxidants and potential agents for combating cancer. This study highlights the significance of utilizing the therapeutic capabilities of natural compounds and enhancing our comprehension of their pharmacological characteristics.
Perilipins: A family of five fat‐droplet storing proteins that play a significant role in fat homeostasis
Authors: Chandrasekaran Preethi , Weiskirchen Sabine , Weiskirchen Ralf
Published: May 2024

Lipid droplets are organelles with unique spherical structures. They consist of a hydrophobic neutral lipid core that varies depending on the cell type and tissue. These droplets are surrounded by phospholipid monolayers, along with heterogeneous proteins responsible for neutral lipid synthesis and metabolism. Additionally, there are specialized lipid droplet‐associated surface proteins. Recent evidence suggests that proteins from the perilipin family (PLIN) are associated with the surface of lipid droplets and are involved in their formation. These proteins have specific roles in hepatic lipid droplet metabolism, such as protecting the lipid droplets from lipase action and maintaining a balance between lipid storage and utilization in specific cells. Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipid droplets in more than 5% of the hepatocytes. This accumulation can progress into metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The accumulation of hepatic lipid droplets in the liver is associated with the progression of MASLD and other diseases such as sarcopenic obesity. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role of perilipins in this accumulation, as these proteins are key targets for developing novel therapeutic strategies. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the structure and characteristics of PLIN proteins, as well as their pathogenic role in the development of hepatic steatosis and fatty liver diseases.
PCSK9 inhibitors as safer therapeutics for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD): Pharmacophore design and molecular dynamics analysis
Authors: Kehinde Ibrahim O. , Akawa Oluwole , Adewumi Adeniyi T. , Rabbad Ali H. , Soliman Mahmoud E. S.
Published: May 2024

Cardiovascular disorders are still challenging and are among the deadly diseases. As a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in particular, can be prevented primary and secondary by lipid‐lowering medications. Therefore, insights are still needed into designing new drugs with minimal side effects. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) enzyme catalyses protein‐protein interactions with low‐density lipoprotein, making it a critical target for designing promising inhibitors compared to statins. Therefore, we screened for potential compounds using a redesigned PCSK9 conformational behaviour to search for a significantly extensive chemical library and investigated the inhibitory mechanisms of the final compounds using integrated computational methods, from ligand essential functional group screening to all‐atoms MD simulations and MMGBSA‐based binding free energy. The inhibitory mechanisms of the screened compounds compared with the standard inhibitor. K31 and K34 molecules showed stronger interactions for PCSK9, having binding energy (kcal/mol) of −33.39 and −63.51, respectively, against −27.97 of control. The final molecules showed suitable drug‐likeness, non‐mutagenesis, permeability, and high solubility values. The C‐α atoms root mean square deviation and root mean square fluctuation of the bound‐PCSK9 complexes showed stable and lower fluctuations compared to apo PCSK9. The findings present a model that unravels the mechanism by which the final molecules proposedly inhibit the PCSK9 function and could further improve the design of novel drugs against cardiovascular diseases.
Merging meaningful classes and abstract equivalence classes by exclusion
Authors: Marin Ramon , Harte Colin , das Graças de Souza Deisy
Published: May 2024

The current experiment assessed whether relating abstract stimuli with familiar pictures by exclusion would produce the formation of a meaningful equivalence class. Ten participants learned conditional discrimination relations with abstract stimuli and established equivalence classes (ABC classes). They then learned DA (D1A1, D2A2, and D3A3) conditional discriminations with written words as D stimuli; two words (D1 and D2) were meaningful stimuli in the participants verbal community (“Dentist” and “Baker”), whereas the third (D3) was a pseudoword (“Tabilu”). In testing trials, participants evidenced derived relations between pictures related preexperimentally to D1 and D2 with the experimental equivalence classes related to D1 and D2. For some participants, the decontextualized stimuli were a set of boat pictures (Condition 1), whereas for others they were a set of miscellaneous pictures (Condition 2). Participants in both conditions successfully matched decontextualized pictures (unrelated to dentist and baker contexts) to all abstract stimuli in the class related to D3 (exclusion responding). In Condition 1 the meaning reported to the word Tabilu was similar across participants, but in Condition 2 participants showed more variations to answer to the meaning of Tabilu. These results suggest that exclusion learning can occur under different stimulus control topographies.
Case report: Sequential inotuzumab, blinatumomab, and chemotherapy with concurrent donor lymphocyte infusions induce complete remission in relapsed pre‐B acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Beer Sina A. , Bethge Wolfgang , Faul Christoph , Lengerke Claudia , Vogel Wichard
Published: May 2024

This case report presents the successful management of relapsed/refractory (r/r) B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in a 54‐year‐old male post‐allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The combinatorial approach of sequential antibody treatment (Inotuzumab [InO] and Blinatumomab [Blina]) combined with three donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) applications and cytoreductive chemotherapy‐induced sustained complete molecular remission as documented at the last follow‐up 30 months later. This case highlights the feasibility and potential synergistic efficacy of a Blina/DLI regimen and supports the hypothesis that T‐cell engagers could enhance the DLI effect. Furthermore, the co‐administration of InO, Blina, DLI, and cytoreductive chemotherapy was proven to be feasible without severe adverse events.
Implications of environmental nanoparticles on neurodegeneration
Authors: Hermosillo‐Abundis Cristina , Méndez‐Rojas Miguel A. , Arias‐Carrión Oscar
Published: May 2024

The ubiquity of nanoparticles, sourced from both natural environments and human activities, presents critical challenges for public health. While offering significant potential for innovative biomedical applications—especially in enhancing drug transport across the blood–brain barrier—these particles also introduce possible hazards due to inadvertent exposure. This concise review explores the paradoxical nature of nanoparticles, emphasizing their promising applications in healthcare juxtaposed with their potential neurotoxic consequences. Through a detailed examination, we delineate the pathways through which nanoparticles can reach the brain and the subsequent health implications. There is growing evidence of a disturbing association between nanoparticle exposure and the onset of neurodegenerative conditions, highlighting the imperative for comprehensive research and strategic interventions. Gaining a deep understanding of these mechanisms and enacting protective policies are crucial steps toward reducing the health threats of nanoparticles, thereby maximizing their therapeutic advantages.
The mirror effect in online survey data: Evidence and implications for marketing theory and strategy
Authors: Stocchi Lara , Bellman Steve , Pourazad Naser , Michaelidou Nina , Wright Malcolm
Published: May 2024

This research reveals the presence, in online survey data, of a key pattern documented in psychology lab research: the Mirror Effect. The Mirror Effect occurs when unfamiliar stimuli are unexpectedly recognized as accurately as familiar stimuli, or more accurately. Using a set of familiar and unfamiliar words (as determined by lexical frequency), we first report that we can robustly replicate psychology lab research in an online survey, detecting the Mirror Effect. We then apply the same analytical approach to surveying consumer recognition of everyday brands (supermarkets, banks and car brands). We find that unfamiliar brands can be recognized with the same level of accuracy as familiar brands, and this effect is stronger than age and gender memory biases present in the data. However, we detect a boundary condition for branded apps, which are extremely unfamiliar brands competing in highly fragmented marketplaces, so very few get downloaded or used. For these digital brands, we find a Concordant Effect, as most respondents find it difficult to recognize highly unfamiliar branded apps (i.e., those with fewer than 5000 downloads). The Mirror Effect re‐emerges for highly experienced app users. These results demonstrate the implications of a generalizable empirical pattern from cognitive psychology for branding and advertising theory. The outcomes of this research also translate into practical guidelines for brand performance measurement via online surveys, mitigating recognition memory bias for the development of marketing strategies based on more accurate interpretation of empirical evidence.
The association between consumers' chronic concerns about infectious disease and anthropomorphism
Authors: Whelan Jodie , Hingston Sean T.
Published: May 2024

Assigning human characteristics to products and brands (i.e., anthropomorphism) is a tactic commonly adopted by marketers. However, researchers have recently highlighted the importance of better understanding which consumers will be more (or less) responsive to these cues. Drawing on the behavioral immune system and anthropomorphism literatures, we hypothesize that consumers who are chronically concerned about their susceptibility to infectious disease will have a greater tendency to anthropomorphize nonhuman entities (e.g., nature, technology, and consumer products) because doing so creates relatively pathogen‐free sources of social connection. Importantly, we also predict that this tendency will be muted when consumers are highly germ averse. To test these predictions, we examined the relationships between perceived infectability and germ aversion, the two subscales of the established Perceived Vulnerability to Disease scale, and three different measures of consumers' tendency to anthropomorphize nonhuman entities. The results of four studies, including a preregistered, high‐powered replication, support our hypotheses and offer the first evidence of a context wherein perceived infectability and germ aversion interact.
Neurotransmitter accumulation and Parkinson's disease‐like phenotype caused by anion channelrhodopsin opto‐controlled astrocytic mitochondrial depolarization in substantia nigra pars compacta
Authors: Li Sen‐Miao , Wang Dian‐Dian , Liu Dan‐Hua , Meng Xiao‐Yan , Wang Zhizhong , Guo Xitong , Liu Qian , Liu Pei‐Pei , Li Shu‐Ang , Wang Songwei , Yang Run‐Zhou , Xu Yuming , Wang Longde , Kang Jian‐Sheng
Published: May 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a mitochondria‐related neurodegenerative disease characterized by locomotor deficits and loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). Majority of PD research primarily focused on neuronal dysfunction, while the roles of astrocytes and their mitochondria remain largely unexplored. To bridge the gap and investigate the roles of astrocytic mitochondria in PD progression, we constructed a specialized optogenetic tool, mitochondrial‐targeted anion channelrhodopsin, to manipulate mitochondrial membrane potential in astrocytes. Utilizing this tool, the depolarization of astrocytic mitochondria within the SNc in vivo led to the accumulation of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate in SNc, subsequently resulting in excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and locomotor deficits. Consequently, in vivo calcium imaging and interventions of neurotransmitter antagonists demonstrated that GABA accumulation mediated movement deficits of mice. Furthermore, 1 h/day intermittent astrocytic mitochondrial depolarization for 2 weeks triggered spontaneous locomotor dysfunction, α‐synuclein aggregation, and the loss of DA neurons, suggesting that astrocytic mitochondrial depolarization was sufficient to induce a PD‐like phenotype. In summary, our findings suggest the maintenance of proper astrocytic mitochondrial function and the reinstatement of a balanced neurotransmitter profile may provide a new angle for mitigating neuronal dysfunction during the initial phases of PD.
The Weyl expansion for the scalar and vector spherical wave functions
Authors: Balandin A. L. , Kaneko A.
Published: May 2024

The Weyl expansion technique, also known as the angular spectrum expansion, expresses an outgoing spherical wave as a linear combination of plane waves. The scalar spherical waves are the solutions of the homogeneous Helmholtz equation and therefore have direct relation to the scalar multipole fields. This paper gives the Weyl expansion of multipole fields, scalar and vector, of any degree and order for spherical wave functions. The expressions are given in closed form for the scalar,
, and vector,
,
, multipole fields, evaluated across a plane orthogonal to any given direction. In the case of scalar spherical multipoles, the spherical gradient operator has been used, while for the vector spherical multipoles, the vector spherical wave operator has been constructed.
The effect of aromatherapy during urodynamic testing on patients anxiety and cortisol levels: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kettas Dolek Elife , Altun Ugras Gülay
Published: May 2024

Background

During urodynamic testing (UT), patients may experience emotions such as embarrassment, discomfort, irritability, and tension, which can cause anxiety. Aromatherapy is a complementary and alternative treatment that may be employed in clinical settings to alleviate patients' anxiety before invasive procedures.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on patients' anxiety and cortisol levels during UT.

Materials and Methods

The sample of this single‐center, prospective, two‐armed, randomized controlled clinical study consisted of 98 patients undergoing UT. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 49) and the control group (n = 49). The anxiety level was assessed using the state‐trait anxiety inventory (STAI), and measured with physiological responses to anxiety, such as changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and cortisol levels, pre and post‐UT. Aromatherapy was applied to the intervention group starting 5 min before UT and continuing throughout the testing. The control group received routine treatment and care. Data were analyzed using Pearson's χ2, dependent samples t‐tests, and independent samples t‐tests.

Results

In the study, post‐UT anxiety in the intervention group was significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.001), while SpO2 was higher (p = 0.021). In the study group, post‐UT anxiety (p < 0.001), HR (p = 0.000), and cortisol levels (p = 0.005) decreased compared to pre‐UT, whereas in the control group, anxiety (p < 0.001) and HR (p = 0.000) decreased, and SBP (p = 0.010) and RR (p = 0.004) increased.

Conclusions

Aromatherapy during UT positively influenced both the psychological and physiological responses to anxiety.
Identifying Practice Gaps Among Otolaryngology Providers for the Treatment of Chronic Cough
Authors: Demirjian Natalie L. , Lever Austin , Yip Helena
Published: May 2024

Objective

Increasing evidence over the last decade suggests that many cases of unexplained chronic cough (UCC) have a neurogenic etiology, with laryngeal hypersensitivity (LH) being identified as a key mechanism. Official guidelines since 2015 have adopted use of neuromodulators and adjuvant speech therapy as a result, but historically implementation of guidelines is slow. Our survey aimed to investigate gaps in diagnosis and management practices of otolaryngology providers in caring for patients with UCC.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Survey.

Methods

12‐item survey was distributed to 110 otolaryngology practitioners experienced in diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough at a regional otolaryngology continuing education conference. Statistical analysis included Kendall's Tau Rank Correlation to measure the ordinal association between responses to questions, and Fisher's exact test to determine if there were associations between responses and years of career experience.

Results

Forty eligible respondents underwent subsequent analysis. There was no association between frequency of identifying LH as a primary etiology and use of neuromodulators (τ = 0.23, P = .10). However, there was a significant correlation between LH and referrals to speech therapy (τ = 0.27, P = .05). Fisher's exact test did not reveal any significant differences among any responses based on practitioner experience.

Conclusion

Our results indicate a possible disparity in treatment of UCC with neuromodulators and the utilization of speech therapy despite guideline recommendations advocating for neuromodulators with adjuvant speech therapy. Further research with larger sample sizes and more specific inquiries is necessary to elucidate this association and control for any regional differences.
Electrical behavior and water phase transformation in multi‐walled carbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composite films
Authors: Eom Taesik , Shin Seungcheol , Hong Myungjin , Lee Eun Sang , Lee Sang‐Eui
Published: May 2024

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with excellent physiochemical properties have been recently applied to energy/power generation and storage systems encompassing polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). However, there is a lack of investigations of the properties of MWCNT composites themselves under the actual operating conditions of systems. In this paper, MWCNTs/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites were fabricated as electric and hydrophobic components for energy/power systems. The electrical properties, heating behavior, hydrophobicity, and water evaporation behavior of the composites are characterized within the operating voltage ranges of PEMFC. With 50% MWCNT content, the conductivity and the contact angle were 11.83 S/cm, and the contact angle 128.1°, respectively. The MWCNT/PTFE composite film showed a linear temperature rise with voltages and rapid temperature saturation within 40 s. The rate in the initial heating range was measured at 0.5°C/s for the voltage of 0.5 V. The voltage increase induced an exponential decrease in the height of water droplets on the composite surface. The evaporation rate increased almost 10‐fold, from 0.013 mm/min at 0.0 V to 0.12 mm/min at 1.0 V. The proposed characteristics of the functional composite provide insights into the material requirements for electrochemical devices, including PEMFC.

Highlights

Multi‐walled carbon nanotube/polytetrafluoroethylene composites can be applied to energy storage and power generation.

Key properties of the composites are proposed for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operating conditions.

The composite has a fast heating by high conductivity and temperature uniformity.

Water‐vapor transformation under PEMFC operating voltage is quantified.
Investigation on the torsional property of hybrid composite/metal shafts at different service temperatures: Experimental and analytical study
Authors: Qi Wenxuan , Xu Zeyuan , Wan Yanxiang , Gerada David , Gerada Chris
Published: May 2024

Torsional tests were conducted to investigate the influence of service temperature on torsional property of composite/steel hybrid structures. In the experiment, two types of lightweight hybrid composite‐metal shafts were tested at both room temperature and various elevated temperatures up to 150°C, including hybrid shafts with and without a metal core. Consequently, the torsional stiffness of the two hybrid shafts at different temperatures was calculated based on the recorded angular deformation‐torque curves. The experimental results revealed a significant decrease in the torsional stiffness of the hybrid shaft without metal core as the increase of service temperature, while the torsional stiffness of the one with metal core remained almost unchanged, especially at high temperatures. In addition, a finite element model was proposed to predict the torsional behavior of the hybrid shafts at different service temperatures. In the model, an empirical equation was introduced, and micromechanical method was adopted to determine the temperature‐dependant elastic properties of composite material and adhesive layer in the hybrid structure. Then, the predicted torsional property was compared to the experimental results for model verification.

Highlights

Two types of hybrid composite‐metal shafts are designed and manufactured.

Torsional tests are conducted at both room and elevated temperatures up to 150°C.

A finite element model applicable to shaft at various temperatures is proposed.

The temperature‐dependant property is characterized by an efficient equation.
Understanding aging characteristics of a pyrotechnic initiator through performance modeling in Closed Bomb Tests
Authors: Jang Seung‐gyo , Kim Dong‐seong , Han Doo‐Hee
Published: May 2024

We conducted an analysis of the natural aging characteristics of an electric pyrotechnic initiator stored for 11 years, using 10‐cm3 Closed Bomb Tests (CBTs). For the comparative analysis, we utilized the closed bomb test data from other three batches that were tested 11 years ago when they were produced. Notably, two aged samples exhibited peculiar phenomena in terms of maximum pressure and the time taken to reach it, both of which are the performance indicators of Closed Bomb Tests. The time taken to reach maximum pressure increased in both aged samples compared to the pristine samples. Additionally, while one aged sample demonstrated a higher maximum pressure, the other displayed a significantly lower value compared to the pristine ones. Through statistical analysis of test results from three batches of the reference samples and one batch of aged samples led us to propose the existence of a natural aging effect on the initiator. The increase in time taken to reach maximum pressure compared to the reference samples can be attributed to the phenomenon of an increasing particle size distribution of spherical combustion particles in the present combustion model. Furthermore, the aging of the binder of the initiator charge likely contribute to a relative increase in the size of the combustion particles due to the binder hardening over time. To explain the phenomenon of the pressure initially reaches its maximum value on the CBT pressure‐time curve and subsequently decrease, we introduce the concept of condensation, where the gas phase transitions into liquid and solid phases.
Reduction in Gap State Density near Valence Band Edge at Al2O3/p‐type GaN Interface by Photoelectrochemical Etching and Subsequent SiO2 Cap Annealing
Authors: Jiao Yining , Nukariya Takahide , Takatsu Umi , Narita Tetsuo , Kachi Tetsu , Sato Taketomo , Akazawa Masamichi
Published: May 2024

The process‐dependent properties of Al2O3/p‐type GaN (p‐GaN) interfaces formed by atomic layer deposition at 300 °C after photoelectrochemical (PEC) etching are reported. For investigating the gap states at the Al2O3/p‐GaN interface, metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) diodes are fabricated and examined by sub‐bandgap‐light‐assisted and temperature‐dependent capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements. PEC etching prior to Al2O3/p‐GaN interface formation is conducted with the etching depth varied in the range between 12.5 and 32.1 nm. The C–V characteristics of the MOS diodes without PEC etching indicate Fermi‐level pinning due to the near‐surface defect level in p‐GaN at 0.7 eV above the valence band edge EV and a high density of gap states around the midgap. However, all samples with PEC etching exhibit C–V characteristics, indicating a reduction in the density of the defect states at EV + 0.7 eV and midgap states. Still, PEC etching after capless annealing at 800 °C for the activation of Mg acceptors cannot reduce the density of gap states near the valence band edge. On the other hand, annealing of a sample with a SiO2 cap layer at 800 °C after PEC etching can reduce the gap state density near the valence band edge.
Addressing the challenges of dementia care in Nigeria: A call for a comprehensive national strategy
Authors: Oyinlola Oluwagbemiga
Published: May 2024

Despite the growing prevalence of dementia, driven by an ageing population and compounded by cultural misunderstandings and stigma, Nigeria lacks a coherent national plan to address this issue. The article points out that although Nigeria has enacted policies such as the National Aging Policy, which do not sufficiently address the specific needs of people living with dementia. It underscores the necessity of integrating a dementia strategy within the broader health and social care systems of Nigeria. The article draws on the World Health Organization's Global Dementia Action Plan to elaborates on several critical areas for action, including public health prioritization of dementia, awareness and stigma reduction, improved diagnosis, treatment, care, and support, alongside bolstering support for caregivers. It stresses the importance of a dementia‐friendly infrastructure, research and innovation, and leveraging community support to foster a more inclusive society. Furthermore, the article outlines current state of healthcare and social support systems in Nigeria, pointing to significant gaps in infrastructure, healthcare workforce, and financial mechanisms that hinder effective dementia care. Hence, elevating dementia care as a national health priority, and increasing access to quality care and support, Nigeria is well positioned to mitigate the impact of dementia on families and the person with dementia. The call to action is clear: a national dementia strategy, informed by global best practices and tailored to Nigeria's unique cultural and societal context, is essential for addressing the challenges of dementia care and improving the well‐being of affected individuals and their families in Nigeria.
Identification of metabolic components of carotid plaque in high‐risk patients utilizing liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ding Rui , Guan Wenfei , Yi Man , Qin Xiaohong , Wei Shanshan , Lu Haoran , Wang Yuxuan , Lin Chunnan , Mei Fei , Xu Haitao , Wu Liquan
Published: May 2024

Objective

Carotid atherosclerosis is a chronic progressive vascular disease that can be complicated by stroke in severe cases. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of high‐risk patients are quite difficult due to the lack of reliable clinical biomarkers. This study aimed to explore potential plaque metabolic markers of stroke‐prone risk and relevant targets for pharmacological intervention.

Method

Carotid intima and plaque sample tissues were obtained from 20 patients with cerebrovascular symptoms of carotid origin. An untargeted metabolomics approach based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was utilized to characterize the metabolic profiles of the tissues. Multivariate and univariate analysis tools were used.

Results

A total of 154 metabolites were significantly altered in carotid plaque when compared with thickened intima. Of these, 62 metabolites were upregulated, whereas 92 metabolites were downregulated. Support vector machines identified the 15 most important metabolites, such as N‐(cyclopropylmethyl)‐N′‐phenylurea, 9(S)‐HOTrE, ACar 12:2, quinoxaline‐2,3‐dithiol, and l‐thyroxine, as biomarkers for high‐risk plaques. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that abnormal purine and nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and vitamin metabolism may contribute to the occurrence and progression of carotid atherosclerotic plaque.

Conclusions

Our study identifies the biomarkers and related metabolic mechanisms of carotid plaque, which is stroke‐prone, and provides insights and ideas for the precise prevention and targeted intervention of the disease.
Fully resolved high‐precision measurement of 36S for sulfur reference materials
Authors: Sun Jiayang , Farquhar James
Published: May 2024

Rationale

Advances in sulfur isotope measurement techniques have led to increased analytical precision. However, accurate measurement of 36S remains a challenge. This difficulty arises primarily from unresolved isobaric interferences of 36SF5+ at m/z = 131 u, 186WF42+ and 12C3F5+, which lead to scale compression. Theoretically, unresolved interference with 2% relative intensity could cause 1‰ underestimation in a sample with real δ36S = +60‰.

Methods

Our study develops an interference‐free four‐sulfur isotope measurement method by using the high‐resolution mass spectrometer Panorama. The mass resolving power of Panorama allows the distinction of 186WF42+ and 12C3F5+ from 36SF5+.

Results

The 186WF42+ relative intensity was initially 9.4% that of 36SF5+ but reduced to 1.5% through tuning, while 12C3F5+ relative intensity dropped from 74% to 40% after flushing with air. Three IAEA standards were analyzed with both Panorama and MAT 253. We obtained Δ36SIAEA‐S‐2 = 1.238 ± 0.040‰ and Δ36SIAEA‐S‐3 = −0.882 ± 0.030‰, relative to IAEA‐S‐1, from Panorama, and Δ36SIAEA‐S‐2 = 0.18 ± 0.02‰ and Δ36SIAEA‐S‐3 = 0.11 ± 0.14‰ from MAT 253, while δ34S values from the two instruments are consistent.

Conclusion

The measurement discrepancies on 36S between Panorama and MAT 253 highlight the impact of scale compression due to unresolved isobaric interferences. Resolving this problem is crucial for accurate 36S analysis. We recommend replacing the filament material with rhenium, tuning the filament voltage, and avoiding carbon in instruments to eliminate or mitigate interferences. We propose future systematic efforts to calibrate the δ33S, δ34S, and δ36S of IAEA‐S‐1, IAEA‐S‐2, and IAEA‐S‐3 and advise bracketing all three reference materials in the measurement sequences, to enable calibration.