bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of Core‐Shelled Covalent/Metal–Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Guo Zhuangyan , Yang Shuai , Liu Minghao , Xu Qing , Zeng Gaofeng
Published: December 2023

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is the half‐reaction in zinc–air batteries and water splitting. Developing highly efficient catalysts toward OER is a challenge due to the difficulty of removing four electrons from two water molecules. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) provide the new chance to construct the highly active catalysts for OER, because they have controlled skeletons, porosities, and well‐defined catalytic sites. In this work, core‐shell hybrids of COF and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have first demonstrated to catalyze the OER. The synergetic effects between the COF‐shell and MOF‐core render the catalyst with higher activity than those from the COF and MOF. And the catalyst achieved an overpotential of 328 mV, with a Tafel slope of 43.23 mV dec−1 in 1 m KOH. The theoretical calculation revealed that the high activity is from the Fe sites in the catalyst, which has suitable binding ability of reactant intermediate (OOH*), and thus contributed high activity. This work gives a new insight to designing COFs in electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems.
Oriented Self‐assembly of Flexible MOFs Nanocrystals into Anisotropic Superstructures with Homogeneous Hydrogels Behaviors
Authors: Mao Xiaoyan , Ding Xinqi , Wang Qi , Sun Xiping , Qin Lei , Huang Fei , Wen Luhong , Xiang Xingwei
Published: December 2023

Building of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) homogeneous hydrogels made by spontaneous crystallization remains a significant challenge. Inspired by anisotropically structured materials in nature, an oriented super‐assembly strategy to construct micro‐scale MOFs superstructure is reported, in which the strong intermolecular interactions between zirconium‐oxygen (Zr─O) cluster and glutamic acid are utilized to drive the self‐assembly of flexible nanoribbons into pumpkin‐like microspheres. The confined effect between water‐flexible building blocks and crosslinked hydrogen networks of superstructures achieved a mismatch transformation of MOFs powders into homogeneous hydrogels. Importantly, the elastic and rigid properties of hydrogels can be simply controlled by precise modulation of coordination and self‐assembly for anisotropic superstructure. Experimental results and theoretical calculations demonstrates that MOFs anisotropic superstructure exhibits dynamic double networks with a superior water harvesting capacity (119.73 g g−1) accompanied with heavy metal removal (1331.67 mg g−1) and strong mechanical strength (Young's modulus of 0.3 GPa). The study highlights the unique possibility of tailoring MOFs superstructure with homogeneous hydrogel behavior for application in diverse fields.
Effect of TiO2 during Oxidation Roasting Process of Pellet: Kinetic Mechanism and Microstructure
Authors: Feng Jinge , Tang Jue , Wang Xiaoai , Chu Mansheng , Zhao Zichuan , Liu Zhenggen , Li Lanjie
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the effect of TiO2 on the oxidation kinetic mechanism of iron ore concentrate under nonisothermal conditions. Based on the fact that iron‐containing materials are mainly smelted in the form of pellets, the microstructure evolution of pellets with different TiO2 additions during oxidation is studied to verify the accuracy of the kinetic analysis results. The results show that the reaction model is the mechanism describing oxidation of iron ore concentrate under different TiO2 additions at stages I and II. The increase of TiO2 increases E and worsens the oxidation kinetic conditions at stages I and II. This phenomenon is caused by the Fe–Ti solid solution embedded in the hematite particles hindering the recrystallization and large‐scale crystal bridge connection of hematite. The fluctuation amplitude of apparent activation energy (E) at stages I and II is 23.6112 and 19.508 kJ mol−1, respectively. Furthermore, the mechanism of stage III corresponds to the diffusion model, and the increase of TiO2 decreases E and improves the oxidation kinetic conditions. It is due to the loose structure of pellets with the increase of TiO2, facilitating the internal diffusion of reaction gases. The fluctuation amplitude of E is 5.07 kJ mol−1 at stage III.
Investigation of biomagnetic nanofluid flow configured by a stretchable surface in the presence of magnetic dipole
Authors: Allahyani Seham Ayesh
Published: December 2023

The field of fluid dynamics has expanded to study of biological fluids in a magnetic field, a new area known as biomagnetic fluid dynamics. The most notable biomagnetic fluid is blood. The growing interest in problems related to biomagnetic fluid dynamics among researchers is due to its vast applications in biotechnology and biomedical sciences. These applications include magnetic devices for cell separation, blood reduction during surgeries, targeted drug delivery using magnetic nanoparticles to trigger drug release, magnetically induced hyperthermia therapy for most malignant tumors, and magnetic resonance imaging of specific regions of the human body. This study examines the effect of nonlinear radiation on a biomagnetic fluid, specifically blood, flowing through a two‐dimensional, incompressible boundary layer via a stretchable sheet. The flow under consideration is electrically conductive, adhering to the laws of magnetohydrodynamics and ferrohydrodynamics. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations using a similarity transformation and solved using the built‐in bvp4c function of MATLAB software. The effects of various physical parameters on velocity and thermal fields are investigated. The influences of the Nusselt number and skin friction are also evaluated against the main parameters. Furthermore, the average Nusselt number is 27.73% at M = 1.1, and when M = 2.5, the value of the average number decreases by 17.73%.
Hemithyroidectomy, does the indication influence the outcome?
Authors: Beka Ervin , Hanna Hanan , Olofsson Pia , Gimm Oliver
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Hemithyroidectomies are mainly performed for two indications, either therapeutically to relieve compression symptoms or diagnostically for suspicious nodule(s). In case of the latter, one could consider the approach to be rather extensive since the majority of patients have no symptoms and will have benign disease. The aim of this study is to investigate the complication rates of diagnostic hemithyroidectomy and to compare it with the complication rates of compressive symptoms hemithyroidectomy.

Methods

Data from patients who had undergone hemithyroidectomy either for compression symptoms or for excluding malignancy were extracted from a well-established Scandinavian quality register (SQRTPA). The following complications were analyzed: bleedings, wound infections, and paresis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). Risk factors for these complications were examined by univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 9677 patients were included, 3871 (40%) underwent surgery to exclude malignancy and 5806 (60%) due to compression symptoms. In the multivariable analysis, the totally excised thyroid weight was an independent risk factor for bleeding. Permanent (6–12 months after the operation) RLN paresis were less common in the excluding malignancy group (p = 0.03).

Conclusion

A range of factors interfere and contribute to bleeding, wound infections, and RLN paresis after hemithyroidectomy. In this observational study based on a Scandinavian quality register, the indication “excluding malignancy” for hemithyroidectomy is associated with less permanent RLN paresis than the indication “compression symptoms.” Thus, patients undergoing diagnostic hemithyroidectomy can be reassured that this procedure is a safe surgical procedure and does not entail an unjustified risk.
Nutzung von Injektions- und Monitoring-While-Drilling-Daten mit künstlicher Intelligenz zur adaptiven Optimierung von Injektionsmaßnahmen im Tunnelbau (Forschungsprojekt AVANT)
Authors: Wenighofer Robert , Villeneuve Marlène C. , Rathenböck Florian , Maroschek Philipp , Thienert Christian , Klaproth Christoph , Pechhacker Robert , Köneman Frank
Published: December 2023

Beim Tunnelvortrieb wird das Gebirge vor dem Tunnel oft zu Erkundungszwecken oder für vorausauseilende Sicherungsmaßnahmen angebohrt, z. B. zur Injektion von Zementsuspension oder zur Entwässerung. Mittlerweile haben in die Bohr- und Injektionstechnik beim Spezialtiefbau und Tunnelbau digitale Datenaufzeichnungssysteme verbreitet Einzug gehalten. Im Zuge des Projektes AVANT wurden nun Methoden untersucht und entwickelt, um diese Daten bereits Untertage auszuwerten und in den weiteren Bauablauf einfließen zu lassen, anstatt diese bloß für Dokumentationszwecke zu archivieren. Mit dem Ziel modifizierte Ingenieurmodelle für Gebirge und Injektionen abzuleiten sowie für den Aufbau einer injektionsspezifischen Wissensdatenbank wurde untersucht, inwieweit hierfür Methoden der Künstlichen Intelligenz (KI) zweckmäßig zum Einsatz kommen können. Ein Konsortium bestehend aus den deutschen Partnern STUVAe. V., geoteam Ingenieur GmbH und den österreichischen Partnern eguana GmbH, Montanuniverstät Leoben und Züblin Spezialtiefbau Ges.m.b.H. hat kürzlich das Projekt „AVANT – Adaptive Planung von Injektionsmaßnahmen im Tunnelbau mittels Künstlicher Intelligenz“ abgeschlossen, das einige neue interessante Ergebnisse hervorgebracht hat. Der vorliegende Beitrag zeigt auf, wie Bohr- und Injektionsdatensätze unter Anwendung von KI-Methoden zu verwendet werden können, das Gebirge vor der Ortsbrust bzw. den Injektionsmittelbedarf zu prognostizieren, um damit die Baulogistik zu optimieren. Schlussendlich wird ein Vorschlag unterbreitet, wie derartig innovative Ansätze bauvertraglich berücksichtigt werden können.
Restoring microRNA-34a overcomes acquired drug resistance and disease progression in human breast cancer cell lines via suppressing the ABCC1 gene
Authors: Yahya Shaymaa M. M. , Nabih Heba K. , Elsayed Ghada H. , Mohamed Shimaa Ibrahim Abdelmenym , Elfiky Asmaa M. , Salem Sohair M.
Published: December 2023

Purpose

Breast cancer is one of the leading types of cancer diagnosed in women. Despite the improvements in chemotherapeutic cure strategies, drug resistance is still an obstacle leading to disease aggressiveness. The small non-coding RNA molecules, miRNAs, have been implicated recently to be involved as regulators of gene expression through the silencing of mRNA targets that contributed to several cellular processes related to cancer metastasis. Hence, the present study aimed to investigate the beneficial role and mechanism of miRNA-34a-based gene therapy as a novel approach for conquering drug resistance mediated by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in breast cancer cells, besides exploring the associated invasive behaviors.

Material and Methods

Bioinformatics tools were used to predict miRNA ABC transporter targets by tracking the ABC transporter pathway. After the establishment of drug-resistant breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 sublines, cells were transfected with the mimic or inhibitor of miRNA-34a-5p. The quantitative expression of genes involved in drug resistance was performed by QRT-PCR, and the exact ABC transporter target specification interaction was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis was utilized to determine the ability of miRNA-34a-treated cells against doxorubicin uptake and accumulation in cell cycle phases. The spreading capability was examined by colony formation, migration, and wound healing assays. The apoptotic activity was estimated as well.

Results

Our findings firstly discovered the mechanism of miRNA-34a-5p restoration as an anti-drug-resistant molecule that highly significantly attenuates the expression of ABCC1 via the direct targeting of its 3′- untranslated regions in resistant breast cancer cell lines, with a significant increase of doxorubicin influx by MDA-MB-231/Dox-resistant cells. Additionally, the current data validated a significant reduction of metastatic potentials upon miRNA-34a-5p upregulation in both types of breast cancer-resistant cells.

Conclusion

The ectopic expression of miRNA-34a ameliorates the acquired drug resistance and the migration properties that may eventually lead to improved clinical strategies and outcomes for breast cancer patients. Additionally, miRNA-34a could be monitored as a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for resistant conditions.
Improving the effectiveness of video-based flipped classrooms with question-embedding
Authors: Deng Ruiqi , Feng Siqi , Shen Suqin
Published: December 2023

Although video-based flipped learning is a widely accepted pedagogical strategy, few attempts have been made to explore the design and integration of pre-class instructional videos into in-class activities to improve the effectiveness of flipped classrooms. This study investigated whether question-embedded pre-class videos, together with the opportunity to review these questions at the beginning of in-class sessions, affected student learning processes and outcomes. Seventy university students from two naturally constituted classes participated in the quasi-experimental study. The experiment adopted a pre-test/post-test, between-subjects design and lasted for six weeks, with the same instructional content for the experimental and control groups. Students’ age, sex, pre-experiment motivation, prior knowledge, and perceived knowledge were controlled for in the study. The results indicate that the educational intervention significantly strengthened learning performance, likely due to the increased regularity of engagement with pre-class materials. The intervention did not influence student satisfaction with the pre-class videos or the video viewing duration. Overall, the findings suggest that instructors should consider embedding questions in pre-class videos and reviewing them at the beginning of in-class sessions to facilitate student learning in video-based flipped classrooms.
Wind Turbines and Property Values: A Meta-Regression Analysis
Authors: Schütt Marvin
Published: December 2023

A key concern for property owners about the set up of proximate wind turbines is the potential devaluation of their property. However, there is no consensus in the empirical hedonic literature estimating this price-distance relationship. It remains unclear if the proximity to wind turbines reduces, increases, or has no significant effect on property values. This article addresses this ambiguity, combining 720 estimates from 25 hedonic pricing studies in a first comprehensive meta-analysis on this topic. Using Bayesian model averaging techniques and novel publication bias correction methods, I calculate an average of the reported estimates that is free from misspecification and publication bias. In economic terms, I find an average reduction in property values of $$-0.68\%$$

-
0.68
%

for properties 1.89 miles away, which turns to zero beyond 2.8 miles. Next to publication selection, the studies’ ability to control for confounding factors such as pre-existing price differentials and spatial effects explains the variance in reported effect sizes.
Satisfied and High Performing? A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Correlates of Teachers’ Job Satisfaction
Authors: Wartenberg Gyde , Aldrup Karen , Grund Simon , Klusmann Uta
Published: December 2023

Job satisfaction has long been discussed as an important factor determining individual behavior at work. To what extent this relationship is also evident in the teaching profession is especially relevant given the manifold job tasks and tremendous responsibility teachers bear for the development of their students. From a theoretical perspective, teachers’ job satisfaction should be negatively related to turnover intentions and absenteeism, and positively to high-quality teacher-student interactions (i.e., emotional support, classroom management, and instructional support), enhanced student motivation, and achievement. This research synthesis provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between teachers’ job satisfaction and these variables. A systematic literature search yielded 105 records. Random-effects meta-analyses supported the theoretically postulated relationships between teachers’ job satisfaction and their turnover intentions, absenteeism, teacher-student interactions, and students’ outcomes. Effects were significant not only for teachers’ self-reports of their professional performance, but also for external reports. On the basis of the research synthesis, we discuss theoretical, conceptual, and methodological considerations that inform future research and prospective intervention approaches.
Residual Stresses in Alloy IN718 Produced Through Modulated Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Georgilas K. , Guo H. , Ahmad B. , Khan R. H. U. , Fitzpatrick M. E. , Kartal M. E.
Published: December 2023

Background

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) is used for building metallic parts layer-by-layer and often generates non-uniform thermal gradients between layers during fabrication, resulting in the development of residual stresses when parts are cooled down.

Objective

The impact of modulated laser used during the L-PBF process on residual stresses in Inconel 718 (IN718) material was investigated. The impact of build directions on residual stress is also determined.

Methods

The contour method is employed to measure the full-field residual stress component on the cross-section of samples. A complementary residual stress measurement method, incremental hole drilling, was employed for obtaining in-plane residual stress components.

Results

The results show that the residual stress distribution is sensitive to the build direction, with a higher magnitude of residual stress in the direction of build than that in the transverse direction. Multiple measurements with the same manufacturing parameters show good repeatability.

Conclusion

Residual stresses in the as-built parts are significant and hence a further consideration regarding relieving residual stresses is required when post-thermal treatments are developed.
Spontaneous Comparison of Nanotechnology and Controversial Objects among Laypersons, Scientists and Environmentalists
Authors: Brunel Maïté , Launay Céline , Henry Maryelle , Cascino Nadine , Py Jacques , Le Floch Valérie
Published: December 2023

Nanotechnologies are a controversial topic, as they seem promising but also cause concern. Previous research has highlighted the potential link between nanotechnologies and other hazardous technologies. The aim of this research was to analyse the discourse on this topic by three groups of participants: laypersons, scientists and environmentalists. Thirty-four people (13 laypersons, ten scientists and eleven environmentalists) were interviewed using a semi-structured interview. Lexical and thematic analyses showed that scientists engage in explanatory discourse and perceive fewer risks than laypersons and environmentalists. The latter two groups describe applications and list the main actors in the development of nanotechnologies. Environmentalists are significantly more likely to make spontaneous associations with other technologies, such as electromagnetic waves, and perceive more risks than the other two groups. Contrary to our expectations, laypersons make fewer associations with biotechnologies than experts or environmentalists. The results are discussed in terms of the interest of a qualitative approach to uncovering new objects spontaneously associated with nanotechnologies, as well as in terms of a risk governance framework.
On the uniqueness of a meromorphic function and its higher difference operator under the purview of two shared sets
Authors: Mallick Sanjay , Basak Pratap
Published: December 2023

In the paper, we investigate the uniqueness problem of a meromorphic function and its difference operator to the most general setting via two shared set problems and thus improve a recent result of Chen–Chen (Bull Malays Math Sci Soc 35(3): 765-774, 2012) .
Repetitorium Sonographie der Nieren Teil 1: technische Grundlagen und korrekte Durchführung der Untersuchung
Authors: Tsarov Dimitar , Furrer Marc A.
Published: December 2023

Die transabdominale Sonographie ist schon lange ein integraler Bestandteil der alltäglichen urologischen Praxis und spielt bei der Erstbeurteilung des Urogenitaltrakts (in der Regel klassische Grauwertsonographie, B‑Modus), im Rahmen der Nachsorge sowie bei komplexen Fragestellungen wie der Abgrenzung malignomsuspekter Nierenraumforderungen mittels kontrastmittelverstärkten Ultraschalls (CEUS) eine wichtige Rolle. Sie stellt ein kosteneffizientes, nichtinvasives und ubiquitär verfügbares Diagnoseverfahren dar, welches aufgrund der fehlenden Strahlenbelastung auch bei speziellen Patientengruppen wie Kindern und Schwangeren bedenkenlos angewendet werden kann. Die Nierensonographie geniesst einen hohen Stellenwert, da die Niere von ihrer Lage her optimal zugänglich ist, gut dargestellt werden kann und Nierenpathologien oft durch anschauliche Organalterationen gekennzeichnet sind, die sonographisch pathognomonisch abgebildet werden können.

Allerdings ist die Diagnostik untersucherabhängig und die Interpretation daher für Drittpersonen nicht immer trivial. Trotz ihrer unbestrittenen Untersucherabhängigkeit bleibt die Nierensonographie eine wertvolle Untersuchung, die auch in der Notfallsituation rasch eine Orientierung über mögliche renale Pathologien verschafft (z. B. Beurteilung einer Nierenstauung bei Flankenkoliken und Verdacht auf Urosepsis oder als E‑FAST [„extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma“] als bettseitiges Ultraschallprotokoll zum Nachweis von freier Flüssigkeit als Indiz für ein Urinom oder Hämatom beim Nierentraumapatienten). Die konventionelle Sonographie ist essenziell für die Indikationsstellung von weiteren diagnostischen und therapeutischen Massnahmen. Dank der technischen Entwicklung mit der im Laufe der Zeit deutlich verbesserten Bildwiedergabe, der Herstellung von kompakten portablen Geräten, die problemlos im ambulanten Setting bei z. B. institutionalisierten Patienten eingesetzt werden können, und der flachen Lernkurve werden für diese Untersuchungsmodalität auch zukünftig weite Perspektiven in Aussicht gestellt.

Diese Übersichtsarbeit soll als praxisorientiertes Repetitorium der Nierensonographie mit Fokus auf technische Grundlagen und korrekte Durchführung der Untersuchung dienen. Es wird auf die Entwicklung dieser Untersuchungstechnik sowie die technischen Details gezielt eingegangen.
A vertically translating collection system to facilitate roll-to-roll centrifugal spinning of highly aligned polyacrylonitrile nanofibers
Authors: Ippolito Jason , Beachley Vince
Published: December 2023

Centrifugal spinning is a fiber spinning method capable of producing fibers in the nanoscale diameter range from a multitude of polymers, including polyacrylonitrile (PAN). With a traditional centrifugal spinner, fiber can be rapidly spun and collected on static collection posts. However, the use of posts inevitably forms a dense fiber “ring” that is incompatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing processes. In this work, factors that influence throughput and scalability of highly aligned centrifugally spun PAN fibers are explored. A custom centrifugal setup is used to vertically translate collected fibers during the spinning process to distribute them over a large surface area. In addition, factors that affect PAN fiber diameter during the spinning process are investigated, including spinneret to collector distance, rotational speed, and humidity. Resulting data demonstrates that these factors can be independently optimized to reliably produce quality PAN fiber in the nanoscale diameter range. Furthermore, the fiber mass collection rate can be increased without affecting sample quality when the vertical translation speed is increased. This work demonstrates the potential scalability of centrifugal spinning to quickly produce large amounts of highly aligned nanofiber in a cheap, efficient, and reliable manner, and also lends the ability to be collected in a roll-to-roll fashion.
Solidarity with Chrystul Kizer: On Disparate Failures of Knowledge-Attribution and Survivors of Sexual Violence
Authors: Spencer Ayanna De'Vante
Published: December 2023

I write in solidarity with Chrystul Kizer, a criminalized Black teen survivor of sexual violence in Wisconsin, to detail how her ongoing legal fight occurs in a tilted sociopolitical and epistemological landscape with weighted opponents. I offer a theory of disparate failures of knowledge-attribution for survivors of sexual violence, a structural epistemological problem that I call constructed pragmatic encroachment (CPE). CPE explains that pragmatic encroachment is a nonneutral knowledge-attribution problem whereby attributors are empowered to affirm or deny a subject's knowledge-claim based on the subject's constructed practical stakes. Constructed practical stakes here refers to the potential costs/consequences of acting on knowledge of some p for some subject, “S,” constructed by their practical environment. Examining CPE in Kizer's self-defense case, I highlight why real-world pragmatic encroachment is exceptionally alarming for survivors of sexual violence, especially criminalized survivors. The epistemological problem is not merely whether people in powerful positions are frequently fallible, but the convergence of sociopolitical and epistemic power to deny what survivors know about our own experiences of violence, and power to punish survivors for acting on what we know.
Flow topology in the gap and wake of convex curved tandem cylinders
Authors: Aasland Tale E. , Pettersen Bjørnar , Andersson Helge I. , Jiang Fengjian
Published: December 2023

Flow around curved tandem cylinders in the convex configuration has been studied by means of direct numerical simulations, for a Reynolds number of 500 and a nominal gap ratio of 3.0. Spanwise variation of flow regimes, as well as curvature-induced axial velocity, leads to an exceedingly complex vortex dynamics in the wake. Both parallel and oblique vortex shedding are observed. Oblique shedding is connected to repeated occurrences of dislocations. The dislocations are caused by two main mechanisms: frequency differences in the upper part of the curved geometry and shedding of gap vortices into the lower near wake. Both types of dislocations are closely associated with a mode switch in the gap. In parts of the gap, there is low-frequency quasi-periodic asymmetry of the gap vortices, where the flow is biased to one side of the gap for intervals of several wake vortex shedding periods. The switch from side to side is associated with a surge of the vertical velocity, and the frequency of the switch is similar to that of long-term variation of the recirculation length in the lower gap.
DIVERGENT MODELS WITH THE FAILURE OF THE CONTINUUM HYPOTHESIS
Authors: TRANG NAM
Published: December 2023

We construct divergent models of

$\mathsf {AD}^+$

along with the failure of the Continuum Hypothesis (

$\mathsf {CH}$

) under various assumptions. Divergent models of

$\mathsf {AD}^+$

play an important role in descriptive inner model theory; all known analyses of HOD in

$\mathsf {AD}^+$

models (without extra iterability assumptions) are carried out in the region below the existence of divergent models of

$\mathsf {AD}^+$

. Our results are the first step toward resolving various open questions concerning the length of definable prewellorderings of the reals and principles implying

$\neg \mathsf {CH}$

, like

$\mathsf {MM}$

, that divergent models shed light on, see Question 5.1.
Phylogenetic position of the Neotropical Family Zonocotylidae (Paramphistomoidea) using partial 28S rDNA sequences
Authors: Montes M.M. , Arrascaeta F.K. , Barneche J.A. , Balcazar D. , Reig Cardarella G.F. , Martorelli S.R.
Published: December 2023

Six families belonging to the Paramphistomoidea superfamily have been reported in South America, with only Zonocotylidae and Balanorchiidae being endemic. The Zonocotylidae was initially classified as Aspidogastrea and then as a paramphistomoid. This family comprises a single genus, Zononocotyle, with two species. It is primarily characterized by having an attachment organ with transverse ridges and a single testis. The placement of Zonocotylidae within Paramphistomoidea is controversial, as some researchers speculate that this genus is the most primitive member of the superfamily, while others consider it an aberrant form. The main objectives of our study were to provide the first sequences of Zonocotylidae and elucidate its phylogenetic position. We amplified the 28S gene from two parasites from Cyphocharax sp. from Punta Lara, Buenos Aires. Newly generated sequences were used to infer the phylogenetic relationships with other Paramphistomoidea species using a Bayesian approach. Zonocotylidae were clustered with Dadayiinae and Kalitrematinae (Cladorchiidae) species found in freshwater fishes from South America. Genetic analyses revealed that they formed a well-supported clade with cladorchiids in freshwater hosts from South America. However, the occurrence of genera of Cladorchiidae in North America, Middle America, Asia, and Australia suggested its polyphyletic nature and may indicate the need for the erection of new families. Other Paramphistomoidea families may also require further revision. The addition of new sequences to phylogenetic analyses along with a comprehensive and more detailed description of the genera will help resolve the relationships within this group.
Models of vision need some action
Authors: Rothkopf Constantin , Bremmer Frank , Fiehler Katja , Dobs Katharina , Triesch Jochen
Published: December 2023

Bowers et al. focus their criticisms on research that compares behavioral and brain data from the ventral stream with a class of deep neural networks for object recognition. While they are right to identify issues with current benchmarking research programs, they overlook a much more fundamental limitation of this literature: Disregarding the importance of action and interaction for perception.
Preface: Special issue on NLP approaches to offensive content online
Authors: Zampieri Marcos , Augenstein Isabelle , Krishnan Siddharth , Melton Joshua , Nakov Preslav
Published: December 2023

We are delighted to present the Special Issue on NLP Approaches to Offensive Content Online published in the Journal of Natural Language Engineering issue 29.6. We are happy to have received a total of 26 submissions to the special issue evidencing the interest of the NLP community in this topic. Our guest editorial board comprised of international experts in the field has worked hard to review all submissions over multiple rounds of peer review. Ultimately, we accepted nine articles to appear in this special issue.
Deathbed experiences and meaning-making: Perspectives of family caregivers of patients who received cancer palliative care
Authors: Teo Irene , Paramasivam Keerthana , Chee Wai Yee , Ng Carolyn , Neo Patricia Soek Hui , Lee Geok Ling
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The deathbed symbolizes a time when the patient is dangerously ill and where death is imminent. The memories of family caregivers during this time can potentially shape their meaning-making of the patient’s death and bereavement adjustment. We aimed to understand the experiences of family caregivers at the deathbed of patients receiving palliative care. We also examined caregiver’s meaning-making that occurred after the patient’s death.

Methods

In this retrospective qualitative study, family caregivers of cancer patients who received palliative care in Singapore were recruited through purposive sampling. In-person, semi-structured interviews were individually conducted with study participants to understand their experiences from a caregiver’s perspective before and after the death of the patient. Thematic content analysis method was conducted.

Results

A total of 25 bereaved family caregivers were interviewed, with spouses, adult children, and others comprising one-third each of the sample. Six themes emerged from caregivers’ recollected experiences around the patient deathbed: Lasting image of the patient, A time of intense emotions, Healthcare providers prepare caregivers, A time for saying goodbye, Rituals provide comfort, and Impact on family ties. Four themes emerged surrounding post-loss meaning-making: An end to the pain and suffering, “Have I done enough?,” Significance in the timing of events, and Gaining strength and personal growth.

Significance of results

The deathbed is a salient time for family caregivers as they prepare for patient’s death. There are opportunities to provide support to the family based on the study findings.
Unraveling the impact of sleep and circadian rhythms on psychological development
Authors: Duraccio Kara M.
Published: December 2023

Understanding the intricate relationship between sleep, circadian rhythms and psychological development is a pressing question within the field of Sleep Psychology. This initiative calls upon researchers to submit manuscripts that contribute to answering the fundamental query, “What is the role of sleep and circadian rhythms in psychological development?” By delving into the intersection of sleep and psychological development, we aim to illuminate this critical connection and its implications for human well-being. Specifically, it is our hope that through addressing this question, we can better design and tailor interventions that aim to enhance psychological well-being across the lifespan.
Source‐To‐Sink Sedimentary Budget of the African Equatorial Atlantic Rifted Margin
Authors: Rouby Delphine , Ye Jing , Chardon Dominique , Loparev Artiom , Wildman Mark , Dall'Asta Massimo
Published: December 2023

Despite their very low relief and erosion rates, non‐orogenic (i.e., cratonic) continental domains account for over 60% of the Earth's exposed lands. Therefore, they contribute significantly to the clastic sediments and solutes exported to the ocean and should be accounted for in global studies. Nonetheless, they have been much less studied than orogenic domains. In this study, we establish the source‐to‐sink sedimentary budget of the sub‐saharan West African cratonic domain and its Equatorial Atlantic rifted margin using published low‐temperature thermochronological data to estimate onshore denudation and regional geological cross‐sections to estimate offshore accumulation. We show that during and immediately following rifting (130‐94 Ma), the build‐up and subsequent erosion of rift‐related relief resulted in a transient, 100–200 km wide strip along the margin recording high denudation rates (>50 m/Myr), while the inland domain underwent steady and very low denudation (<10 m/Myr). Afterward, the whole onshore domain underwent very low and steady denudation. Thus, the changes in post‐rift accumulation rates documented along the rifted margin were caused by changes in the climate and/or drainage network. During the Late Cretaceous, we document a regional rise in accumulation rates caused by the enlargement of drainage areas feeding the basins by a hinterlandward migration of the continental divide. During the Paleogene, we document a general drop in accumulation rates in all the basins of the African Atlantic margins caused by the global greenhouse climate, which enhanced the development of lateritic weathering mantles, storing clastic sediments on the continent and favoring solute exports to the ocean.
Seawater‐Fluid Composition Records From Molybdenum Isotopes of Sequentially Extracted Phases of Seep Carbonate Rocks
Authors: Jia Zice , Hu Yu , Bayon Germain , Peckmann Jörn , Wang Xudong , Gong Shanggui , Li Jie , Roberts Harry H. , Chen Duofu , Feng Dong
Published: December 2023

Authigenic molybdenum (Moauth) in marine sediments holds great potential to archive the Mo isotopic composition of seawater and biogeochemical processes. However, the factors that control authigenic Mo isotope (δ98Moauth) distribution patterns remain poorly constrained. Here, we report Mo abundances and δ98Mo compositions for bulk‐rock (bulk) and sequentially extracted fractions—including total authigenic (auth; i.e., non‐lithogenic fraction), carbonate (carb), iron and manganese oxyhydroxides, pyrite (py), and organic fractions (OM)—of authigenic carbonates recovered from various hydrocarbon seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico and the South China Sea. Extracted pyrite fractions exhibit Mo contents varying from 0.1 to 23.4 μg/g and generally dominate the Mo budget of seep carbonate rocks. Our data indicate large ranges of δ98Mobulk and δ98Moauth values relative to NIST 3134 (0.25‰), varying from 1.02 to 1.98‰ (n = 4) and from 0.15 to 3.07‰ (n = 34), respectively. The difference in δ98Mo values between carbonate and pyrite fractions of seep carbonate rocks formed under sulfidic conditions increases with higher Moauth contents, suggesting a control of dissolved hydrogen sulfide concentrations on Mo isotope fractionation during carbonate precipitation. Compared with δ98Moauth and δ98Mopy, δ98Mocarb of seep carbonate rocks formed under sulfidic conditions shows a relatively narrow range with an average of 1.98 ± 0.31‰ (1 SD; n = 10), providing constraints on the δ98Mo composition of seawater in the course of Earth history. Overall, our findings show that the δ98Mo composition of sequentially extracted phases of carbonate‐rich sedimentary rocks can provide insights into seawater‐sediment interactions and biogeochemical pathways of Mo during early diagenesis.
Modelling the capacitance of the elongated plasma in tokamak
Authors: Miao Pengcheng , Li Ge , Zhang Song , Weng Zhiyuan , Wu Yu , Duan Zemin
Published: December 2023

The capacitance model suitable for the non-circular cross-section plasma is studied based on the capacitance model of the circular cross-section plasma. The coaxial elliptic-torus capacitor property is further derived and used to determine the capacity of non-circular cross-section tokamak plasma, such as EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak). By testing all the physical terms in this model, we find that the capacitance $$Cp$$

Cp

) is increasing exponentially with the increase of elongation ratio (k2/k1), while the minor radius ratio (a2/a1) is just reversed at the flat-top of plasma current, and the capacitance property is implicitly included in the H-mode study during the L–H transition. It is noted that Cp-H mode is the least and Cp-I mode is approximately equal to Cp-L mode under the L-mode, I-mode and H-mode regimes based on this capacitance model in EAST. Consequently, it may be integrated into an equivalent circuit of the tokamak transformer or transport computer code of the edge plasma for use in precise simulations of fusion plasma behavior in the future, such as ITER (International Tokamak Experimental Reactor) or BEST (Burning-plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak) in China.
Fractional Nadeem trigonometric non-Newtonian (NTNN) fluid model based on Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative with heated boundaries
Authors: Nadeem Sohail , Ishtiaq Bushra , Alzabut Jehad , Hassan Ahmad M.
Published: December 2023

The fractional operator of Caputo-Fabrizio has significant advantages in various physical flow problems due to the implementations in manufacturing and engineering fields such as viscoelastic damping in polymer, image processing, wave propagation, and dielectric polymerization. The current study has the main objective of implementation of Caputo-Fabrizio fractional derivative on the flow phenomenon and heat transfer mechanism of trigonometric non-Newtonian fluid. The time-dependent flow mechanism is assumed to be developed through a vertical infinite plate. The thermal radiation’s effects are incorporated into the analysis of heat transfer. With the help of mathematical formulations, the physical flow system is expressed. The governing equations of the flow system acquire the dimensionless form through the involvement of the dimensionless variables. The application of Caputo-Fabrizio derivative is implemented to achieve the fractional model of the dimensionless system. An exact solution of the fractional-based dimensionless system of the equations is acquired through the technique of the Laplace transform. Physical interpretation of temperature and velocity distributions relative to the pertinent parameters is visualized via graphs. The current study concludes that the velocity distributions exhibit an accelerating nature corresponding to the increasing order of the fractional operator. Moreover, the graphical results are more significant corresponding to the greater time period.
tDCS effects in basic symbolic number magnitude processing are not significantly lateralized
Authors: Bahreini Narjes , Artemenko Christina , Plewnia Christian , Nuerk Hans-Christoph
Published: December 2023

Functional lateralization was previously established for various cognitive domains—but not for number processing. Although numbers are considered to be bilaterally represented in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS), there are some indications of different functional roles of the left vs. right IPS in processing number pairs with small vs. large distance, respectively. This raises the question whether number size plays a distinct role in the lateralization within the IPS. In our preregistered study, we applied anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the left vs. right IPS to investigate the effect of stimulation as compared to sham on small vs. large distance, in both single-digit and two-digit number comparison. We expected that anodal tDCS over the left IPS facilitates number comparison with small distance, while anodal tDCS over the right IPS facilitates number comparison with large distance. Results indicated no effect of stimulation; however, exploratory analyses revealed that tDCS over the right IPS slowed down single-digit number processing after controlling for the training effect. In conclusion, number magnitude processing might be bilaterally represented in the IPS, however, our exploratory analyses emphasise the need for further investigation on functional lateralization of number processing.
Evaluation of complexity and deliverability of IMRT treatment plans for breast cancer
Authors: Duan Longyan , Qi Weixiang , Chen Yi , Cao Lu , Chen Jiayi , Zhang Yibin , Xu Cheng
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to predict the outcome of patient specific quality assurance (PSQA) in IMRT for breast cancer using complexity metrics, such as MU factor, MAD, CAS, MCS. Several breast cancer plans were considered, including LBCS, RBCS, LBCM, RBCM, left breast, right breast and the whole breast for both Edge and TrueBeam LINACS. Dose verification was completed by Portal Dosimetry (PD). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to determine whether the treatment plans pass or failed. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the classification performance. The correlation of PSQA and complexity metrics was examined using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (Rs). For LINACS, the most suitable complexity metric was found to be the MU factor (Edge Rs = − 0.608, p < 0.01; TrueBeam Rs = − 0.739, p < 0.01). Regarding the specific breast cancer categories, the optimal complexity metrics were as follows: MAD (AUC = 0.917) for LBCS, MCS (AUC = 0.681) for RBCS, MU factor (AUC = 0.854) for LBCM and MAD (AUC = 0.731) for RBCM. On the Edge LINAC, the preferable method for breast cancers was MCS (left breast, AUC = 0.938; right breast, AUC = 0.813), while on the TrueBeam LINAC, it became MU factor (left breast, AUC = 0.950) and MCS (right breast, AUC = 0.806), respectively. Overall, there was no universally suitable complexity metric for all types of breast cancers. The choice of complexity metric depended on different cancer types, locations and treatment LINACs. Therefore, when utilizing complexity metrics to predict PSQA outcomes in IMRT for breast cancer, it was essential to select the appropriate metric based on the specific circumstances and characteristics of the treatment.
Fetuin-A and its genetic association with cardiometabolic disease
Authors: Al Ali Lawien , van de Vegte Yordi J. , Said M. Abdullah , Groot Hilde E. , Hendriks Tom , Yeung Ming Wai , Lipsic Erik , van der Harst Pim
Published: December 2023

Fetuin-A acts as both an inhibitor of calcification and insulin signaling. Previous studies reported conflicting results on the association between fetuin-A and cardiometabolic diseases. We aim to provide further insights into the association between genetically predicted levels of fetuin-A and cardiometabolic diseases using a Mendelian randomization strategy. Genetic variants associated with fetuin-A and their effect sizes were obtained from previous genetic studies. A series of two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses in 412,444 unrelated individuals from the UK Biobank did not show evidence for an association of genetically predicted fetuin-A with any stroke, ischemic stroke, or myocardial infarction. We do find that increased levels of genetically predicted fetuin-A are associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (OR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.13–1.30, P =  < 0.01). Furthermore, genetically predicted fetuin-A increases the risk of coronary artery disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes, but we did not find evidence for an association between genetically predicted fetuin-A and coronary artery disease in those without type 2 diabetes (P for interaction = 0.03). One SD increase in genetically predicted fetuin-A decreases risk of myocardial infarction in women, but we do not find evidence for an association between genetically predicted fetuin-A and myocardial infarction in men (P for interaction =  < 0.01). Genetically predicted fetuin-A is associated with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes status modifies the association of genetically predicted fetuin-A with coronary artery disease, indicating that fetuin-A increases risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Finally, higher genetically predicted fetuin-A reduces the risk of myocardial infarction in women, but we do not find evidence for an association between genetically predicted fetuin-A and myocardial infarction in men.