bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Evolution of Umbrella Clauses and the Interpretation of Chinese Concession Loan Agreements in Nigeria
Authors: Okpe Felix O
Published: December 2024

This article proposes that, based on the evolution of international investment law and investment arbitration, umbrella clauses are substantially implicated in the interpretation of Chinese concession loan agreements in Nigeria. So far, the outcome of the oversight functions of the National Assembly of Nigeria indicates that umbrella clauses have not been considered a significant legal issue in the negotiation of these agreements. With the growing use of Chinese concession loan agreements in Nigeria, this article offers a historical analysis that should be a guide to organs of government, policy advisers and others charged with the sourcing and negotiation of concession loans for development projects in Nigeria. The article makes the case that a proper understanding of the evolution of umbrella clauses is germane to the negotiation and interpretation of these agreements, compared to standard immunity clauses that appear to have overtaken in the debate about these loans in Nigeria.
Association of Strongyloides stercoralis infection with the development of diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tiongco R.E. , Flores J.A. , Castro E.J. , Dayrit S.A. , Dominguez M.J. , Manahan E. , Pineda-Cortel M.R.
Published: December 2024

Previous studies have shown that helminth infection protects against the development of diabetes mellitus (DM), possibly related to the hygiene hypothesis. However, studies involving Stronglyoides stercoralis and its possible association with DM are scarce and have shown contradicting results, prompting us to perform this meta-analysis to obtain more precise estimates. Related studies were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library until 1 August 2024. Data on the occurrence of DM in patients positive and negative for S. stercoralis were obtained. All analyses were done using Review Manager 5.4. The initial search yielded a total of 1725 studies, and after thorough screening and exclusion, only five articles involving 2106 participants (536 cases and 1570 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed, and outlier studies were excluded using a funnel plot. Results showed a significant association of S. stercoralis infection with DM, suggesting that those with the infection are less likely to develop DM. Overall, the results suggest that S. stercoralis infection may decrease the likelihood of developing DM, potentially supporting the hygiene hypothesis.
Design of an intelligent simulator ANN and ANFIS model in the prediction of milling performance (QCE) of alloy 2017A
Authors: Bousnina Kamel , Hamza Anis , Yahia Noureddine Ben
Published: December 2024

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFISs) are machine learning techniques that enable modeling and prediction of various properties in the milling process of alloy 2017A, including quality, cost, and energy consumption (QCE). To utilize ANNs or ANFIS for QCE prediction, researchers must gather a dataset consisting of input–output pairs that establish the relationship between QCE and various input variables such as machining parameters, tool properties, and material characteristics. Subsequently, this dataset can be employed to train a machine learning model using techniques like backpropagation or gradient descent. Once the model has been trained, predictions can be made on new input data by providing the desired input variables, resulting in predicted QCE values as output. This study comprehensively examines and identifies the scientific contributions of strategies, machining sequences, and cutting parameters on surface quality, machining cost, and energy consumption using artificial intelligence (ANN and ANFIS). The findings indicate that the optimal neural architecture for ANNs, utilizing the Bayesian regularization (BR) algorithm, is a {3-10-3} architecture with an overall mean square error (MSE) of 2.74 × 10−3. Similarly, for ANFIS, the optimal structure yielding better error and correlation for the three output variables (Etot, Ctot, and Ra) is a {2, 2, 2} structure. The results demonstrate that using the BR algorithm with a multi-criteria output response yields favorable outcomes compared to the ANFIS.
Zoroastrian Cave as Heritage for the Long-Term Preservation of Identity and Social Cohesion of This Minority Community
Authors: Azizi Bondarabady Hamid , MontazerZohouri Majid
Published: December 2024

Zoroastrians are one of Iran's religious minorities, who managed to survive pressures and adversities during many centuries after the rise of Islam. Despite threats and dangers, this minority always tried to resist the pressures and maintain their identity and social cohesion with some measures. Aqda Cave is one of the examples of material culture left by the Zoroastrians, which can be very helpful for a better understanding of the preservation of their identity and social cohesion over time, a heritage that, based on the assessment of social values, can be effective in the sense of identity, sense of place and sense of belonging of this community. The presentation and preservation of this cultural heritage with the help of Zoroastrians will provide a foundation to acknowledge their rights and construct a respectful character for this minority group. Consequently, the preservation of this heritage could be an attempt to respect cultural diversity, heritage rights and equity as the factors of inclusive social development and world peace.
Empire and Cities: Introduction
Authors: Schayegh Cyrus
Published: December 2024

This introduction to the ‘Survey and Speculation’ special issue ‘Empire and Cities’ outlines how this collection came about, summarizes the six contributions and draws general conclusions.
The effects of offshoring on the gender hours gap in the US
Authors: Jo Kangchul
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the role of offshoring in the flattening of the ratio of female to male hours worked in the US since the early 1990s. The observed flattening coincides with a decline in the share of occupations with high offshoring potential in women’s hours worked and an increase in service offshoring. I propose a two-gender, two-sector model with a continuum of occupations. Given the higher female intensity in the service sector, the gender hours ratio declines as service offshoring increases. Quantitatively, the service offshoring plays an important role in explaining the plateau in the gender hours ratio since the 1990s.
A model of safe asset shortage and property taxes in China
Authors: Lei Wenni , Luo Yuwei , Mei Dongzhou
Published: December 2024

Real estate is a major component of China’s national wealth, serving as a key store of value. Property taxes potentially influence households’ belief in the stability of the housing market, resulting in varying effects of such taxes. This paper constructs an equilibrium model of stores of value to examine these effects under diverse beliefs. The results show that property taxes can constrain the growth of housing prices if households maintain their belief in the future stability of housing values. However, damaging this belief would lead to a safety trap with a decline in output. The paper also demonstrates that using tax revenue to finance government bond issuance can be an effective way to lower housing prices and increase output.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam: insights from the SEANUTS II study
Authors: Geurts Jan , Singh-Povel Cécile , Lee Shoo Thien , Sekartini Rini , Poh Bee Koon , Rojroongwasinkul Nipa , Tran Nga Thuy , Kekalih Aria , Wong Jyh Eiin , Vongvimetee Nawarat , Tran Van Khanh , Khouw Ilse
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To describe the economic, lifestyle and nutritional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents, guardians and children in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Design:

Data from the SEANUTS II cohort were used. Questionnaires, including a COVID-19 questionnaire, were used to study the impact of the pandemic on parents/guardians and their children with respect to work status, household expenditures and children’s dietary intake and lifestyle behaviours.

Setting:

Data were collected in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam between May 2019 and April 2021.

Participants:

In total, 9203 children, aged 0·5–12·9 years, including their parents/guardians.

Results:

Children and their families were significantly affected by the pandemic. Although the impact of lockdown measures on children’s food intake has been relatively mild in all countries, food security was negatively impacted, especially in Indonesia. Surprisingly, in Malaysia, lockdown resulted in overall healthier dietary patterns with more basic food groups and less discretionary foods. Consumption of milk/dairy products, however, decreased. In the other countries, intake of most food groups did not change much during lockdown for households based on self-reporting. Only in rural Thailand, some marginal decreases in food intakes during lockdown persisted after lockdown. Physical activity of children, monthly household income and job security of the parents/guardians were negatively affected in all countries due to the pandemic.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted societies in South-East Asia. To counteract negative effects, economic measures should be combined with strategies to promote physical activity and eating nutrient-adequate diets to increase resilience of the population.
Community pharmacist involvement in social prescribing for mental health: a qualitative study
Authors: Taylor Denise A. , Taylor Andrea D.J. , Jones Matthew , Family Hannah E.
Published: December 2024

Aim:

We aimed to explore participant perspectives on social prescribing (SP) for mental health and well-being and the acceptability of community pharmacists (CP) as members of SP pathways that support people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety.

Background:

SP aims to support people with poor health related to socio-demographic determinants. Positive effects of SP on self-belief, mood, well-being, and health are well documented, including a return to work for long-term unemployed.

Methods:

The study was set in a city in southwest England with diverse cultural and socio-demographics. We recruited SP stakeholders, including CP, to either one of 17 interviews or a focus group with nine members of the public.

Findings:

An inductive iterative approach to thematic analysis produced four superordinate themes: (1) offering choice a non-pharmacological option, (2) supporting pharmacy communities – ‘it is an extension of what we do’, (3) stakeholder perspectives – pharmacists are very busy and their expertise unknown by some, and (4) potential for pharmacy in primary care.

Stakeholders viewed CP as local to and accessible by their community. Pharmacists perceived referral to SP services as part of their current role. General practitioner participants considered pharmacy involvement could reduce their workload and expand the primary healthcare team. Importantly, general practitioners and CP viewed SP as a non-pharmacological alternative to prescribing unnecessary antidepressants and reduce associated adverse effects. All participants voiced concerns about pharmacy dispensing busyness as a potential barrier to involvement and pharmacists requesting mental health training updates.

Key findings suggest CP offer a potential alternative to the general practitioner for people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety seeking access to support and health information. However, CP need appropriately commissioned and funded involvement in SP, including backfill for ongoing dispensing, medicines optimization, and mental health first aid training.
A compact wideband high-gain circularly polarized array antenna based on SIGW-SRP
Authors: Chen Pengpeng , Wang Wenjian , Wang Lihui , Lin Qiuhua , Hou Da , Luo Zhiyong
Published: December 2024

A compact, wideband, and high-gain circularly polarized array antenna is proposed based on substrate integrated gap waveguide (SIGW) using sequential rotational phase (SRP). The array antenna consists of four

$2\times2$

corner-cutting corner patches and an SIGW-SRP feeding network. The SIGW-SRP feeding network is achieved by utilizing the spatial vector addition property to compensate for phase, aiming to improve the bandwidth and gain. Unlike the traditional SRP feeding network, the proposed feeding scheme is simpler and easier to fabricate, and each port can achieve more stable phase and bandwidth. In addition, benefiting from the surface wave suppression and in-phase reflection property of SIGW, the proposed array antenna has a stable radiation pattern and low cross-polarization covering wideband frequencies. The measured results indicate that the −10-dB impedance bandwidth ranges from 12.2 to 17.3 GHz (34.6%), the 3-dB axial ratio bandwidth ranges from 13.5 to 16.7 GHz (21.2%), and the peak gain is 16 dBic.
Entwicklung einer web-basierten Plattform zur formativen und feedback-gestützten Evaluation der ambulanten Routineversorgung Systemischer Psychotherapie (SysDok)
Authors: Hunger-Schoppe Christina , Evers Oliver , Baumeister Harald , Braus Niels , Eiler Sandro , Fendel Johannes C. , Hermans Björn Enno , Meßner Eva-Maria , Ochs Matthias , Portenhauser Alexandra , Terhorst Yannik , Schmidt Stefan
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Systemische Therapie ist Teil der psychotherapeutischen Routineversorgung für Erwachsene, Kinder und Jugendliche in Deutschland. Jedoch existiert kein standardisiertes Instrumentarium zu ihrer Qualitätssicherung. Fragestellung: Wie kann eine regelmäßige, niedrigschwellige und ökonomische Befragung (Routine Outcome Monitoring, ROM) konzipiert und in die systemtherapeutische Versorgungslandschaft implementiert werden? Methode: Die webbasierte Plattform SysDok nutzt klassische und computeradaptive Testverfahren. Erhoben werden Daten von Klient_innen, wichtigen Bezugspersonen und Therapeut_innen in systemtherapeutischen Ambulanzen. Ergebnisse: Ein altersspannenübergreifendes Messinventar dient der Informationssammlung im Erwachsenen-‍, Kinder- und Jugendlichenbereich ab dem 12. Lebensjahr und erfasst das psychische (PROMIS), systembezogene (EXIS, EVOS) und allgemeine Funktionsniveau (ERI, EQ-5D-5L), negative Erfahrungen durch Psychotherapien (INEP) sowie die therapeutische Allianz (WAI). Schlussfolgerung: SysDok zeigt sich vielversprechend in der zukünftigen Sicherstellung einer qualitativ hochwertigen Routineversorgung und mit Blick auf eine zukünftig personalisierte systemtherapeutische Versorgung („Precision Medicine“).
Organisationale Resilienz im Kita-System
Authors: Neuberger Franz , Grgic Mariana , Kuger Susanne
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung: Die Herausforderungen, mit denen sich Kita-Leitungen während der Coronapandemie konfrontiert sahen, waren vielfältig und umfangreich, trafen das Praxisfeld jedoch in unterschiedlichem Ausmaß. Der Beitrag untersucht, ob bestimmte Muster unterschiedlicher Schwierigkeiten gehäuft auftraten und ob sich diese Problemlagen im Verlauf der ersten zwei Jahre nach Beginn der Pandemie veränderten. Zudem wird untersucht, vor welchem organisationalen Hintergrund bestimmte Problemlagen gehäuft auftraten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass etwa die Hälfte der Einrichtungen dauerhaft größere Probleme berichtete. Probleme in der Planung des Alltags und im Umgang mit den Eltern haben im Verlauf der Pandemie tendenziell zugenommen, die Umsetzung von Hygienemaßnahmen hingegen gelang immer besser. Anhaltend große oder steigende Probleme gingen häufig mit Personalproblemen sowie multipler Belastungen der Leitungskräfte einher. Für eine erhöhte Resilienz im Kita-System erscheint eine weitere Stärkung der Leitungsposition sowie die Entschärfung des Personalmangels zielführend.
Action Versus State Orientation – Validation of the Action Control Scale for Teenagers (ACS-t)
Authors: Hanfstingl Barbara , Kazén Miguel , Ritz Gudula , Ahrenstorf Sophie , Frischmann Angelika , Kuhl Julius
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This research involves three studies refining and validating the Action Control Scale for Adolescents (ACS-t), measuring failure-related action control (AOF) and prospective action control (AOD). In Study 1, an initiative focused on developing a contemporary version of ACS-t, involving 24 items (12 for each scale) and validating it by interviews with teenagers aged 10–14. Results revealed satisfactory inner consistency (AOF: McDonald’s ω = .70; AOD: McDonald’s ω = .73). Study 2 explored the ACS-t’s applicability in understanding adolescents’ action control amidst crises. With data from 78 participants, inner consistency for AOF and AOD was again satisfying (McDonald’s ω = .76 for both scales). Multiple regression analyses unveiled significant links between AOF, AOD, and future anxiety, with gender differences playing a noteworthy role. Study 3, with a sample of 860 participants, assessed ACS-t’s psychometric properties. The scale exhibited good inner consistency (AOF: McDonald’s ω = .75; AOD: McDonald’s ω = .79). Converging validity was supported as AOF predicted self-relaxation and AOD predicted self-motivation. Exploring discriminant validity, AOD was more strongly related to achievement than AOF. The study provides valuable insights but highlights the need for ongoing refinement and diversification in future research to enhance ACS-t’s utility and applicability.
Breast cancer brain metastases genomic profiling identifies alterations targetable by immune-checkpoint and PARP inhibitors
Authors: Giannoudis A. , Sokol E. S. , Bhogal T. , Ramkissoon S. H. , Razis E. D. , Bartsch R. , Shaw J. A. , McGregor K. , Clark Alison , Huang R.S.P. , Palmieri C.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the genomic landscape of breast cancer brain metastases (BCBMs) is key to developing targeted treatments. In this study, targetable genomic profiling was performed on 822 BCBMs, 11,988 local breast cancer (BC) biopsies and 15,516 non-central nervous system (N-CNS) metastases (all unpaired samples) collected during the course of routine clinical care by Foundation Medicine Inc (Boston, MA). Clinically relevant genomic alterations were significantly enriched in BCBMs compared to local BCs and N-CNS metastases. Homologous recombination deficiency as measured by BRCA1/2 alteration prevalence and loss-of-heterozygosity and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) biomarkers [Tumor mutation burden (TMB)-High, Microsatellite instability (MSI)-High, PD-L1/L2)] were significantly more prevalent in BCBM than local BC and N-CNS. High PD-L1 protein expression was observed in ER-negative/HER2-negative BCBMs (48.3% vs 50.0% in local BCs, 21.4% in N-CNS). Our data highlights that a high proportion of BCBMs are potentially amenable to treatment with targeted therapeutic agents including PARP inhibitors and ICIs.
ACSL3 is an unfavorable prognostic marker in cholangiocarcinoma patients and confers ferroptosis resistance in cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Sae-Fung Apiwit , Vinayavekhin Nawaporn , Fadeel Bengt , Jitkaew Siriporn
Published: December 2024

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a bile duct malignancy. Our previous comprehensive analysis showed that ferroptosis-related genes can stratify CCA patients into low-risk and high-risk groups based on survival time. Here, we explored the role of ferroptosis in CCA by analyzing mRNA expression in CCA patients from public databases. We identified acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 3 (ACSL3) as a potential ferroptosis suppressor in high-risk CCA patients. Using a panel of CCA cell lines, we confirmed ACSL3 upregulation in CCA cell lines associated with high-risk CCA, correlating this with resistance to the ferroptosis inducer RSL3. Lipidomic analysis revealed increased monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-containing phospholipids in resistant cell lines. ACSL3 silencing sensitized these cells to RSL3. Resistance to ferroptosis was also dependent on exogenous MUFAs and was enhanced by lipid droplet biogenesis inhibition. These findings highlight ACSL3 as a promising target for therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming ferroptosis resistance in CCA.
Skin layer-specific spatiotemporal assessment of micrometabolism during wound angiogenesis
Authors: Li Weiye , Liu Yu-Hang , Kubo Fumimasa , Werner Sabine , Razansky Daniel
Published: December 2024

Proper oxygen delivery through the microvasculature to injury site is essential to ensure the metabolic cascade during wound healing. Adaptation of vascular structure and oxygenation is key to unravel the regulation of blood perfusion, oxygen distribution and new tissue formation. Yet, visualizing micrometabolic responses at large scale in unperturbed living tissue remains challenging. We studied full-thickness excisional wounds in the mouse dorsal skin in vivo using ultrasound-aided spectroscopic large-scale optoacoustic microscopy. Skin layer-specific vascularization is visualized at capillary resolution over centimeter-scale field-of-view in a non-invasive, label-free manner. Different vascular parameters, including oxygenation, diameter and its irregularity, tortuosity and angular alignment, show distinct spatial and temporal variations. Elevated oxygenation is manifested close to the wound at day 4 with the trend accompanied by reduction in diameter over time. Angular alignment increases over time, indicating a more directed blood supply towards the wound. Our observations indicate that wound angiogenesis initiates as capillary sprouting with enlarged newborn vessels and elevated oxygenation around the wound, with the vessels normalizing in size and oxygenation during remodeling. Our study provides insight into micrometabolic profiles surrounding the healing wound, setting the stage for preclinical studies on oxygen delivery mechanisms in pathological skin conditions and during pharmacological interventions.
Sex-specific fear acquisition following early life stress is linked to amygdala and hippocampal purine and glutamate metabolism
Authors: Bordes Joeri , Bajaj Thomas , Miranda Lucas , van Doeselaar Lotte , Brix Lea Maria , Narayan Sowmya , Yang Huanqing , Mitra Shiladitya , Kovarova Veronika , Springer Margherita , Kleigrewe Karin , Müller-Myhsok Bertram , Gassen Nils C. , Schmidt Mathias V.
Published: December 2024

Early life stress (ELS) can negatively impact health, increasing the risk of stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Importantly, PTSD disproportionately affects women, emphasizing the critical need to explore how sex differences influence the genetic and metabolic neurobiological pathways underlying trauma-related behaviors. This study uses the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) paradigm to model ELS and investigate its sex-specific effects on fear memory formation. Employing innovative unsupervised behavioral classification, the current study reveals distinct behavioral patterns associated with fear acquisition and retrieval in male and female mice following ELS. Females exposed to LBN display heightened active fear responses, contrasting with males. Furthermore, the study examined the crucial link between behavioral regulation and cellular metabolism in key brain regions involved in fear and stress processing. Sex-specific and stress-dependent alterations were observed in purine, pyrimidine, and glutamate metabolism within the basolateral amygdala, the dorsal hippocampus, and the ventral hippocampus. These findings provide crucial insights into the complex interplay between metabolic pathways, the neurobiological underpinnings of fear memory, and stress responses. Importantly, they emphasize the significance of considering sex-specific metabolic alterations when investigating stress-related disorders, opening potential avenues for the development of targeted interventions.
Indian Ocean Dipole intensifies Benguela Niño through Congo River discharge
Authors: McPhaden Michael J. , Jarugula Sreelekha , Aroucha Léo C. , Lübbecke Joke F.
Published: December 2024

Benguela Niños are episodes of unusual El Niño-like warming in the upwelling zone off the coast of southwest Africa, with consequential impacts on marine ecosystems, coastal fisheries and regional weather. The strongest Benguela Niño in the past 40 years occurred in February–April 1995 with local sea surface temperature anomalies up to 4 °C off the coast of Angola and Namibia. Here, we show that a strong Indian Ocean Dipole in September–November 1994 helped boost the amplitude of the 1995 Benguela Niño through a land bridge involving Congo River discharge. We use atmospheric, oceanic, and hydrological data to demonstrate the sequential linkage between Indian Ocean Dipole development, unusually high rainfall in the Congo River basin, high Congo River discharge, low salinity near the Congo River mouth, and southward advection of this low salinity water into the Benguela upwelling region. The low salinity water isolated the surface mixed layer from the thermocline, which limited vertical mixing with colder subsurface waters and led to enhanced sea surface temperature warming. We also discuss how other Indian Ocean Dipole events may have similarly affected subsequent Benguela Niños and the possibility that Indian Ocean Dipole impacts on Benguela Niños may become more prominent in the future.
A spatiotemporal style transfer algorithm for dynamic visual stimulus generation
Authors: Greco Antonino , Siegel Markus
Published: December 2024

Understanding how visual information is encoded in biological and artificial systems often requires the generation of appropriate stimuli to test specific hypotheses, but available methods for video generation are scarce. Here we introduce the spatiotemporal style transfer (STST) algorithm, a dynamic visual stimulus generation framework that allows the manipulation and synthesis of video stimuli for vision research. We show how stimuli can be generated that match the low-level spatiotemporal features of their natural counterparts, but lack their high-level semantic features, providing a useful tool to study object recognition. We used these stimuli to probe PredNet, a predictive coding deep network, and found that its next-frame predictions were not disrupted by the omission of high-level information, with human observers also confirming the preservation of low-level features and lack of high-level information in the generated stimuli. We also introduce a procedure for the independent spatiotemporal factorization of dynamic stimuli. Testing such factorized stimuli on humans and deep vision models suggests a spatial bias in how humans and deep vision models encode dynamic visual information. These results showcase potential applications of the STST algorithm as a versatile tool for dynamic stimulus generation in vision science.
Causal effects of sedentary breaks on affective and cognitive parameters in daily life: a within-person encouragement design
Authors: Giurgiu Marco , Timm Irina , Ebner-Priemer Ulrich W. , Schmiedek Florian , Neubauer Andreas B.
Published: December 2024

Understanding the complex relationship between sedentary breaks, affective well-being and cognition in daily life is critical as modern lifestyles are increasingly characterized by sedentary behavior. Consequently, the World Health Organization, with its slogan “every move counts”, emphasizes a central public health goal: reducing daily time spent in sedentary behavior. Previous studies have provided evidence that short sedentary breaks are feasible to integrate into daily life and can improve affective and cognitive parameters. However, observational studies do not allow for causal interpretation. To overcome this limitation, we conducted the first empirical study that integrated the within-person encouragement approach to test the causal effects of short 3-min sedentary breaks on affective and cognitive parameters in daily life. The results suggest that brief sedentary breaks may have a beneficial impact on valence and energetic arousal. Moreover, our methodological approach powerfully demonstrated the possibility of moving towards causal effects in everyday life.
Low Pressure Synthesis of Diamond by Chemical Vapour Deposition and Its Technological Applications
Authors: Fox Neil A.
Published: December 2024

Technological applications of synthetic diamond films have evolved greatly over the past 30 years, spurred by advances in the methods of synthesis and also the characterisation of material properties. The research conducted over this period has identified ways to utilise this material not only in passive electronic applications, such as heat spreaders, but in an expansive range of active electronic/optoelectronic devices based solely on diamond, including detectors, voltaics, thermionics and quantum computing. Advances in the control of impurities and defects have allowed the commercial introduction of high-quality single crystal and polycrystalline wafers, and yielded approaches for producing efficient n-type diamond material. This chapter will review and discuss some recent diamond materials research at Bristol and elsewhere that has been oriented towards the development of heat to electric power generation and radio-voltaic batteries.
Glycan profiling of multiple sclerosis oligoclonal bands with MALDI-TOF
Authors: Şahin Furkan , Kaya Zelal Zuhal , Serteser Mustafa , Öztürk Hasan Ümit , Baykal Ahmet Tarık
Published: December 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common autoimmune disease that primarily affects young adults. In this condition, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath of nerve cells, leading to a variety of neurological symptoms.
Bioactive electrospun polylactic acid/chlorogenic acid-modified chitosan bilayer sponge for acute infection wound healing and rapid coagulation
Authors: Zhong Huiling , Zhang Zhen , Wang Mohong , Fang Yifei , Liu Ke , Yin Junqiang , Wu Jun , Du Jianhang
Published: December 2024

We constructed a double-layer sponge dressing based on polylactic acid/modified chitosan with rapid hemostatic, antimicrobial, and accelerated wound healing properties for acutely infected wounds.
A portable microcontroller-enabled spectroscopy sensor module for the fluorometric detection of Cr(vi) and ascorbic acid, utilizing banana peel-derived carbon quantum dots as versatile nanoprobes
Authors: Kundu Aayushi , Brar Jobanpreet , Mishra Amit , Maity Banibrata , Basu Soumen
Published: December 2024

Banana peel derived-CQDs for the selective and sensitive detection of Cr(VI) and ascorbic acid with fluorescence spectroscopy and a portable microcontroller-enabled spectroscopy sensor module.
Palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative domino synthesis of fused quinolin-2(1H)-one scaffolds containing a perfluoroalkyl unit
Authors: Li Shuwei , Wang Linqi , Wang Shangyuan , Ying Jun
Published: December 2024

A novel palladium-catalyzed domino radical cyclization and C–H activation/decarboxylation of 1,7-enynes with o-bromobenzoic acids and perfluoroalkyl iodides has been developed for the construction of fused quinolin-2(1H)-one scaffolds.
Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of prenylacridone alkaloids and their analogues
Authors: Karmakar Shilpi , Maji Kousik , Mondal Sudeshna , Bhattacharya Semantee , Dash Jyotirmayee
Published: December 2024

An efficient strategy for synthesizing natural prenylacridone alkaloids and their analogues, along with identifying a potent antibacterial prenylacridone agent against Streptococcus species, has been outlined.
MnFe2O4-loaded bamboo pulp carbon-based aerogel composite: synthesis, characterization and adsorption behavior study for heavy metals removal
Authors: Jing Wenxiang , Yang Chai , Lin Xiaoyan , Tang Min , Lian Dongming , Yu Ying , Liu Dongyang
Published: December 2024

MCA has a 3D network structure, and the pores were anisotropy with high porosity and large specific surface area, and it has potential applications in the purification of heavy metal wastewater.
Scalable solid solution strengthened Li–Ag alloy anodes for high-energy-density lithium batteries
Authors: Guan Xuze , Li Yang , Liu Xingjiang
Published: December 2024

Schematic illustration of the fabrication process of ultrathin Li–Ag alloy foil.
Evaluation of microscopic origins of optical responses: based on rigorous atomic space tessellating
Authors: Chi Yang
Published: December 2024

A rigorous atomic space tessellating scheme is proposed for analyzing the origin of optical properties in crystals. It allows for obtaining naturally normalized contributions from individual atoms to the frequency-dependent optical response.
Acidified naphthalene diimide covalent organic frameworks with superior proton conduction for solid-state proton batteries
Authors: Wang Lin-Lin , Ni Xiao-Qin , Han Ya-Juan , Zhang Jin , Luo Hong-Bin , Qiao Qiao , Wu Yu-Ping , Ren Xiao-Ming
Published: December 2024

Naphthalene diimide covalent-organic framework are introduced as a novel solid-state superprotonic conduction electrolyte, demonstrating an expanded electrochemical stability window and stable cycling performance in proton batteries.
Overview of TRIPOLI-5, a Monte Carlo code for HPC
Authors: Mancusi Davide , Brun Emeric , Dechenaux Benjamin , Fröhlicher Kévin , Gonçalves Thomas , Jinaphanh Alexis , Kowalski Mikolaj Adam , Larmier Coline , Malvagi Fausto , Millasseau Grégory , Monange Wilfried , Petit Odile , Zoia Andrea
Published: December 2024

CEA, IRSN and EDF have joined forces and started the development of the TRIPOLI-5® Monte Carlo particle transport code in 2022, with the goal of performing massively parallel simulations on hybrid computing architectures. TRIPOLI-5 benefits from the experience gained from previous investigations conducted on the PATMOS mini-app, concerning the portability of particle-transport algorithms in High Performance Computing environments. Currently, the main focus of TRIPOLI-5 is on reactor physics applications, including multi-physics feedback for stationary and non-stationary configurations. In the long run, TRIPOLI-5 will eventually cover a broader range of applications (encompassing radiation shielding and nuclear instrumentation) and thus supersede the current-generation Monte Carlo codes TRIPOLI-4®, developed at CEA, and MORET6, developed at IRSN. In this paper, we provide an overview of the current status of TRIPOLI-5 and highlight the trends for future developments.
Retour sur la constitution du concept d’épigénétique
Authors: Loison Laurent
Published: December 2024

Encore aujourd’hui, l’épigénétique demeure un domaine de la biologie difficile à définir. Son essor spectaculaire depuis une vingtaine d’années s’est en effet parfois accompagné de discours radicaux, mettant en avant la fin du « tout génétique », voire l’insuffisance de la théorie darwinienne de l’évolution des espèces. Cet article souhaite revenir sur le moment de constitution du concept moderne d’épigénétique afin de montrer que, loin d’avoir été en rupture avec les savoirs acquis de la biologie, l’épigénétique doit être vue comme en parfaite continuité avec le développement de la génétique moléculaire. La nécessité de mécanismes épigénétiques a en effet été théorisée plusieurs décennies avant leur mise en évidence expérimentale.
Épigénétique et cancer
Authors: Gorse Marine , Bianchi Charline , Proudhon Charlotte
Published: December 2024

Les altérations des profils de méthylation de l’ADN sont retrouvées dans les cellules cancéreuses, combinant une hypométhylation globale du génome avec une hyperméthylation de régions spécifiques, telles que les îlots CpG, normalement non méthylés. Des effets moteurs dans le développement du cancer ont été associés à certaines régions modifiées par la méthylation de l’ADN, induisant par exemple la répression de gènes suppresseurs de tumeur ou l’activation d’oncogènes et de rétrotransposons. Ces altérations représentent des candidats de premier plan pour le développement de marqueurs spécifiques pour la détection, le diagnostic et le pronostic du cancer. En particulier, ces marqueurs, distribués le long du génome, représentent une mine d’informations qui offre des perspectives d’innovation en biopsie liquide, notamment grâce à l’émergence de l’intelligence artificielle à visée diagnostique. Ceci pourrait lever les verrous liés aux sensibilités et spécificités qui restent encore limitées pour les applications les plus difficiles en oncologie : la détection des cancers à un stade précoce, le suivi de la maladie résiduelle et l’analyse des tumeurs cérébrales. Le ciblage des processus enzymatiques qui contrôlent l’épigénome offrent en outre de nouvelles stratégies thérapeutiques qui pourraient remédier aux anomalies de régulation de ces épigénomes altérés.
Optimizing Irrigation and Fertilization Contributes to Mitigating Nutrients Leaching While Improving Crop Yield: Insights From a Field Experiment and Density Functional Theory Calculation
Authors: He Debo , Wang Yunfeng , Zang Yinlin , Wang Tao , Zhu Bo
Published: December 2024

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses from farmland pose a significant threat to non-point source pollution in plateau lakes. Reducing nutrient loss from cropland is essential for the sustainable agricultural and ecological development of plateau lakes. The study aimed to investigate the effects of optimizing irrigation and fertilization on N and P losses based on field experiments and density functional theory calculation. The findings showed that ditch irrigation contributes to N and P leaching through their interactions with water and colloids, while drip irrigation reduces the transfer capacity for N and P by decreasing the intensity and volume of leachates. Additionally, changing from conventional fertilization to multiple fertilization based on the nutrient needs of corn significantly improved fertilizer efficiency, resulting in reductions in N and P losses of 25.2–72.4% and 24.2–67.6%, respectively. Additionally, the optimization of irrigation and fertilization led to an 11.3% improvement in crop yield. These results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which agricultural practices affect nutrient losses and have significant implications for optimizing farmland management in the Erhai Lake basin. Importantly, this research is of great significance in mitigating the threat of agricultural non-point source pollution in ecologically fragile plateau lakes.
Liver Transplant for Nonhepatocellular Carcinoma Tumors: A Review of Expanding Indications in Nontraditional Transplant Oncology
Authors: Wehrle Chase J. , Fares Sami , Shanmugarajah Kumaran , Wakam Glenn , Calderon Esteban , Kusakabe Jiro , Satish Sangeeta , Linganna Maureen Whitsett , Khalil Mazhar , Pita Alejandro , Kim Jae-Keun , Fujiki Masato , Kwon David C.H. , Schlegel Andrea , Miller Charles , Hashimoto Koji , Aucejo Federico
Published: December 2024

Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving procedure most well-known in the curative treatment of cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease. The approach is also well established for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within Milan or other similar criteria. However, LT is increasingly utilized as the treatment for other primary and secondary liver cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma, colorectal cancer liver metastasis, neuroendocrine tumor, and angiosarcoma. We aim to review indications for LT for non-HCC hepatic malignancies.
Assessing Epilepsy Treatment Adherence and Factors Contributing to Adherence among People with Epilepsy in Paung Township
Authors: Oo San , Shwe Zarni Myint , Lin Htet Htet
Published: December 2024

Objective This study evaluates medication adherence among epilepsy patients at public health facilities in Paung Township, Mon State, Myanmar, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to explore influencing factors.

Methodology This cross-sectional study in Paung Township involved 72 epilepsy patients aged 12 years and older, receiving antiseizure medications for at least 6 months. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), while qualitative insights were obtained from three focus group discussions involving patients and family members.

Results The study involved 72 people with epilepsy (PWE) in Paung Township, Myanmar, examining baseline characteristics, treatment services, perceptions, and adherence. The majority were young adults, and 87.5% lived in rural areas. Phenobarbital was the primary medication, and 94.4% received free medications. Most reported >50% seizure reduction and 75% attended follow-ups regularly. Overall, 59.7% demonstrated high adherence. Negative attitudes toward missing medication were prevalent among 90.3% of patients, and this was significantly associated with high adherence (p < 0.05). Family support (97.2%) and the convenience of accessing health facilities for medication were widely reported but did not show a significant association with the level of medication adherence. The qualitative findings affirmed satisfaction with health care services, minimal transportation challenges, reduced seizures, manageable side effects, and strong family support. Regular follow-ups significantly predicted adherence.

Conclusion Medication adherence among epilepsy patients in Paung Township was assessed using the MMAS-8, revealing high adherence in nearly 60% of participants. Regular follow-up appointments were significantly correlated with adherence, while negative attitudes toward missed doses and side effects influenced adherence. Patients expressed satisfaction with free medication services, convenience, and reduced seizure frequency.
The high-frequency properties of dilute magnetic alloys
Authors: Lomtev A. I. , Lisyanskii A. A. , Trush G. I.
Published: December 2024

We consider the interaction of external electromagnetic radiation with a semibounded conductor, when the radiation is incident at an arbitrary angle to the surface of the conductor. The temperature is assumed to be low enough for spin-glass magnetic ordering to occur in the impurity subsystem. Expressions are derived for the longitudinal and transverse permittivity in the form of functionals of the electron self-energy part. The reflection coefficient is calculated as a function of the angle of incidence and the frequency of the incident radiation. It is shown that because of the presence of magnetic impurities the reflection coefficient assumes anomalously low values in both the low-frequency and high-frequency regions for certain values of the angle. We also show that the interaction of electrons with magnetic impurities cannot cause the electron effective mass on the Fermi surface to increase by more than a factor of two.
The thermal conductivity of single crystals of hcp 4He grown from the superfluid
Authors: Golub A. A. , Zuev N. V. , Mikhaĭlov G. A.
Published: December 2024

The thermal conductivity of 4He single crystals with molar volume about 21 cm3, grown from the superfluid by a new method, has been measured over the temperature range from 0.4 °K to the melting temperature. The temperature dependence of the conductivity of the most perfect crystals in the region of Poiseuille flow of phonons was close to x∼T7. An estimate is made of the possible dislocation density. From the high-temperature results it could be established that the contribution to the conductivity of solid helium, at the molar volume studied, from vacancies did not exceed 10-3W cm-1 °K-1 near the melting temperature.
Excitation spectrum of type-II superconductors in the mixed state
Authors: Bar'yakhtar V. G. , Grishin A. M.
Published: December 2024

The concentration-dependence broadening of the spectrum of bound states in a system of vortex filaments is considered. Energy bands controlled by the magnetic field arise in the energy range |ε|<Δ∞.
Dislocation drag in anisotropic metals in a magnetic field
Authors: Grishin A. M. , Gumen L. N.
Published: December 2024

A significant magnetic-field-dependence of electron viscous friction is predicted for metals with an anisotropic Fermi surface. We show that with the magnetic field in a certain direction the effects of electron drag in a highly anisotropic metal are independent of the shape and orientation of the dislocations.
Electron diffraction analysis of the decomposition of the metastable phase of amorphous bismuth with high hydrogen content
Authors: Komnik Yu. F. , Belevtsev B. I. , Yatsuk L. A.
Published: December 2024

An electron diffraction investigation of the coordination structure of amorphous bismuth films, obtained by deposition in a hydrogen atmosphere on a substrate cooled with liquid helium to temperatures ∼3.5 °K, was conducted. Primary attention was devoted to the study of the changes in the coordination structure of films accompanying the decomposition in the previously observed [Sov. J. Low Temp. Phys. 8, 272 (1982); Phys. Status Solidi B 114, 467 (1982)] metastable a-Bi (H) phase occuring at ∼5 °K. The diffraction data were processed on a computer for the purpose of constructing the radial distribution functions of the atomic density. It was found that with the decomposition of the a-Bi (H) phase, the average number of atoms in the first coordination sphere decreases considerably. The results obtained can serve as a basis for an explanation of the large changes in the resistivity and the temperature of the superconducting transition Tc accompanying the decomposition of the a-Bi (H) phase.
NMR in the compound Pb0.92Mo6S7.5
Authors: Mikhalev K. N. , Verkhovskii S. V. , Medvedev E. Yu. , Shevchenko A. D. , Drozdova S. V. , Primachenko V. F.
Published: December 2024

The magnetic susceptibility, the isotropic and anisotropic components of the Knight shift tensor (Kiso, Kax), and the spin-lattice relaxation time of 95Mo nuclei have been measured in the temperature range 25–300 °K. It has been found that as the temperature is lowered, Kiso decreases while the magnetic susceptibility and the spin-relaxation rate increase, indicating a considerable contribution from 4d states to the density of states at the Fermi level. The distribution of the electron charge density has been found to be anisotropic with E≃EF near the molybdenum atoms.
Critical fields of layered superconductors
Authors: Gvozdikov V. M. , Manninen É.
Published: December 2024

It is shown that the procedure for calculating the upper critical magnetic field Hc2 in layered superconductors reduces to determine the minimum energy in the equivalent problem of the band spectrum of a chain of coupled oscillators. Equations are obtained for determining the dependence of Hc2 on the angle of inclination of the field to the plane of the layers, the thickness and other parameters of the layers in binary systems and in the presence of a stacking fault. It is shown that Hc2 depends strongly on the perfection of the packing of the layers.