bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsurface wastewater infiltration systems for nitrogen pollution control
Authors: Zhou Xulun , Li Haibo , Wang Ang , Wang Xueyan , Chen Xi , Zhang Chenxi
Published: June 2024

Subsurface wastewater infiltration systems (SWISs) are suggested to be a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly method for sewage treatment. However, a comprehensive summary of the relevant mechanisms and optimization methods for nitrogen (N) removal in SWIS is currently lacking. In this review, we first summarize the N transformation mechanisms in SWIS. The impact of operational parameters on the N removal efficiency is then delineated. To enhance pollutant removal and minimize resource wastage, it is advisable to maintain a wet–dry ratio of 1:1 and a hydraulic loading rate of 8–10 cm/day. The organic load should be determined based on influent characteristics to optimize the balance between sewage treatment and nitrous oxide (N2O) emission. Finally, various strategies and modifications have been suggested to enhance pollutant removal efficiency and reduce N2O emissions in SWIS, such as artificial aeration, supply electron donors, and well‐designed structures. Overall, greater emphasis should be placed on the design and management of SWIS to optimize their co‐benefits while effectively controlling N pollution.

Practitioner Points

SWISs are often considered black boxes with their efficiency depending on hydraulic characteristics, biological characteristics, and substrate properties.

Biological nitrification coupled with denitrification is considered to be the major N removal process.

Increasing the reduction of N2O to the inert N2 form is a potential mechanism to mitigate global warming.

Strategies such as artificial aeration, supply electron donors, and well‐designed structures are suggested to improve N removal performance.
Homogenization of a nonlinear reaction‐diffusion problem in a perforated domain with different size obstacles
Authors: Ma Hongru , Tang Yanbin
Published: June 2024

In this paper we consider a nonlinear reaction‐diffusion problem with low diffusion scales of order in a porous domain which periodically perforated by two different size obstacles. A nonlinear Neumann condition is prescribed on the boundaries of smaller obstacles, while a homogeneous Neumann condition is imposed on the other boundaries. Our aim is to derive the homogenized model as the small parameters tend to zero by using the method of three‐scale convergence and periodic reiterated unfolding operator. The final homogenized macroscopic model depends on three scales.
Optimization of micro‐rotation effect on magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid flow with artificial neural network
Authors: Shafiq Anum , Çolak Andaç Batur , Sindhu Tabassum Naz
Published: June 2024

It is a major research area in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science to study the heat and mass transfer properties of flow. Suspensions containing multiple nanoparticles or nanocomposites have recently gained a wide range of applications in biological research and clinical trials under certain conditions. Nanofluids are important suspensions that allow nanoparticles to disseminate and behave in a homogeneous and stable environment. Therefore, here magnetohydrodynamic micropolar nanofluid flow towards the stretching surface with artificial neural network has been considered. In this study, radiation and heat source phenomena have been presented in heat convection. Brownian and thermophoresis effects and micro‐rotational particles are also taking into account. The non‐linear simplified equations have been calculated numerically via Runge‐Kutta fourth‐order shooting process. The calculation of the Sherwood number, Nusselt number, couple stress coefficient, and skin friction coefficient has been conducted utilizing diverse parameters. Furthermore, the outcomes have been employed to create four distinct artificial neural networks. Our observation indicates that an increase in the heat source quantity leads to a rise in heat generation, resulting in a greater total heat output and an increase in the temperature field. Coefficient of determination “R” values higher than 0.99 have been obtained for the artificial neural network models. The obtained findings have shown that artificial neural networks can predict thermal parameters with high accuracy.
Flow of nanofluid past a radially stretching disk in an absorbent medium in company of multiple slips, nonlinear radiative heat flux and Arrhenius activation energy
Authors: Maiti Hiranmoy , Mukhopadhyay Swati
Published: June 2024

An investigation is carried out to analyze the flow, heat and mass transport phenomena of nanofluids over a disk stretched radially in a porous medium. Besides nonlinear radiative heat flux and Arrhenius activation energy, multiple slips are considered in this model. This ensures the novelty of the present research. The main goal of the current investigation is to explore the mutual impacts of nonlinear radiative heat flux, various slip factors and Arrhenius activation energy on flow, heat and mass transfers. The highly nonlinear central equations which are partial differential equations (PDEs) are transformed into nonlinear ordinary ones (ODEs) by employing suitable similarity alterations and then for finding the approximate numerical solutions, shooting technique with 4th order “Runge–Kutta method” are applied. The impact of a variety of parameters on “skin friction coefficient,” “Nusselt number,” “Sherwood number,” velocity of the fluid, heat and mass transfers are computed and presented graphically. It is interesting to observe that fluid velocity diminishes with the growing porosity, suction and velocity slip parameters. Nanofluid's temperature reduces for enhanced values of thermal slip parameter but for rising thermal radiation parameter, temperature is boosted up. Also, nanoparticle concentration diminishes for increasing values of mass slip parameter.
Chemically reactive flow of non‐Newtonian nano‐liquid over different magnetized and slippery inclined surfaces
Authors: Alqahtani Aisha M. , Ahmad Latif , Alabdullkarem Eman A. , Ullah Ihsan
Published: June 2024

Flow behavior of nonlinear materials over magnetized and contracting and extending inclined surfaces is described specifically by Jeffery–Hamel type flow, where the flow is caused by a convergent/divergent channel with the appearance of a source or sink. The role of the conversion of more than one species to more than every other species is significant in the flow conduct of such types of nonlinear materials. However, for the desired higher thermal conductivity, the Brownian motion and thermophoretic forces are incorporated in this particular work. Moreover, the impacts of first‐order chemical reaction and slips on the velocity, thermal, and concentration distributions, respectively presented to portray the importance of the entire study. The liquid motion on such surfaces is further addressed with the involvement of viscous dissipation and solar radiation. The newly mathematically formulated work is then approximated via one of the built‐in approaches based on collocation methods. The key findings are determined through graphical illustration. The physically interesting growing velocity of the liquid motion is noticed with variation in the slippery motion parameter during the convergent channel case. The opposite trend is noted for the divergent channel case. Furthermore, the Brownian motion‐related parameter escalated the temperature of the liquid, and the reverse status of the liquid concentration is determined with variation in the same parameter. The mass fraction is determined in a declining conduct with the ascending variation in first‐order chemical reaction factor. At the end of the work, a comparison with existing results is provided with excellent agreement.
Exploring Risk Governance Deficits for Marine Oil Spill Preparedness and Response in Canada
Authors: Cucinelli Jessica , Goerlandt Floris , Pelot Ronald
Published: June 2024

Preparedness for and response to marine oil spills are important for protecting the Canadian marine areas, as these risks can have significant environmental, economic, and socio-cultural impacts. The vast sea areas under Canadian jurisdiction, combined with the wide range of maritime activities taking place in these, pose significant challenges to efficient preparedness and response planning and operation. The multitude of national and international regulatory commitments, rightsholder and stakeholder interests, and prospects of changes to shipping activities especially in the Canadian Arctic due to climate change justifies the need for effective societal risk governance and risk management. This chapter first outlines the regulatory context and governance practices for spill preparedness and response in Canada, focusing on the legal basis, responsibilities of different actors, engagement activities with rights- and stakeholders, and decision-making processes. It then highlights how these measures can be understood as an implementation of area-based management tools to mitigate oil spill risks. Subsequently, risk governance deficits in the preparedness and response governance and management systems are explored through interviews with experts from federal civil services, based on commonly found deficits identified by the International Risk Governance Council. The results indicate that the main deficits pertain to factual knowledge about risks, evaluating risk acceptability, implementing and enforcing risk management decisions, organizational capacity for risk management, and handling dispersed responsibilities. The results serve as a basis for developing initial strategies for alleviating the deficits, improving oil spill preparedness and response and environmental protection, and guiding further scholarship.
Area-Based Management for Arctic Shipping Governance: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Wang Weishan , Aporta Claudio
Published: June 2024

This chapter will conduct an exploratory study to analyse how Arctic marine traffic can be governed through area-based management and collaborative planning among the government, Indigenous peoples, and industry partners. It is expected that the Northern Low-Impact Shipping Corridors initiative can provide an opportunity for Canada to enhance safe maritime navigation while respecting Indigenous rights and taking into Indigenous perspectives. Moreover, Canada’s existing area-based management practices can provide insights into Arctic shipping governance and inform better governance of the Corridors initiative. One example to compare and examine is the Voluntary Protection Zone (VPZ) for shipping along the west coast of Haida Gwaii.

Transport Canada has announced that, during the next phase of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan, the focus of the Corridors’ development will concentrate on the following areas, namely, creating a governance framework for shipping corridors, and identifying priority areas for vessels to avoid. This chapter will identify several issues and challenges that will be encountered during the implementation and governance of the Corridors initiative. This chapter explores how these identified issues have been addressed within the VPZ through an unprecedented collaboration between the Council of the Haida Nation, the provincial and federal governments, and the maritime shipping industry. The findings will include several potential policy directions for supporting better decision-making and governance in the Corridors initiative.
Disturbed glycolipid metabolism activates CXCL13-CXCR5 axis in senescent TSCs to promote heterotopic ossification
Authors: Chen Yuyu , Wu Jinna , Wong Chipiu , Gao Wenjie , Qi Xiangdong , Zhou Hang
Published: June 2024

Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs as a common complication after injury, while its risk factor and mechanism remain unclear, which restricts the development of pharmacological treatment. Clinical research suggests that diabetes mellitus (DM) patients are prone to developing HO in the tendon, but solid evidence and mechanical research are still needed. Here, we combined the clinical samples and the DM mice model to identify that disordered glycolipid metabolism aggravates the senescence of tendon-derived stem cells (TSCs) and promotes osteogenic differentiation. Then, combining the RNA-seq results of the aging tendon, we detected the abnormally activated autocrine CXCL13-CXCR5 axis in TSCs cultured in a high fat, high glucose (HFHG) environment and also in the aged tendon. Genetic inhibition of CXCL13 successfully alleviated HO formation in DM mice, providing a potential therapeutic target for suppressing HO formation in DM patients after trauma or surgery.
Uncovering the role of TET2-mediated ENPEP activation in trophoblast cell fate determination
Authors: Huang Wen , Chen Andy Chun Hang , Wei Xujin , Fong Sze Wan , Yeung William Shu Biu , Lee Yin Lau
Published: June 2024

Early trophoblast differentiation is crucial for embryo implantation, placentation and fetal development. Dynamic changes in DNA methylation occur during preimplantation development and are critical for cell fate determination. However, the underlying regulatory mechanism remains unclear. Recently, we derived morula-like expanded potential stem cells from human preimplantation embryos (hEPSC-em), providing a valuable tool for studying early trophoblast differentiation. Data analysis on published datasets showed differential expressions of DNA methylation enzymes during early trophoblast differentiation in human embryos and hEPSC-em derived trophoblastic spheroids. We demonstrated downregulation of DNA methyltransferase 3 members (DNMT3s) and upregulation of ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenases (TETs) during trophoblast differentiation. While DNMT inhibitor promoted trophoblast differentiation, TET inhibitor hindered the process and reduced implantation potential of trophoblastic spheroids. Further integrative analysis identified that glutamyl aminopeptidase (ENPEP), a trophectoderm progenitor marker, was hypomethylated and highly expressed in trophoblast lineages. Concordantly, progressive loss of DNA methylation in ENPEP promoter and increased ENPEP expression were detected in trophoblast differentiation. Knockout of ENPEP in hEPSC-em compromised trophoblast differentiation potency, reduced adhesion and invasion of trophoblastic spheroids, and impeded trophoblastic stem cell (TSC) derivation. Importantly, TET2 was involved in the loss of DNA methylation and activation of ENPEP expression during trophoblast differentiation. TET2-null hEPSC-em failed to produce TSC properly. Collectively, our results illustrated the crucial roles of ENPEP and TET2 in trophoblast fate commitments and the unprecedented TET2-mediated loss of DNA methylation in ENPEP promoter.
Unveiling the crucial role of betaine: modulation of GABA homeostasis via SLC6A1 transporter (GAT1)
Authors: Bhatt Manan , Lazzarin Erika , Alberto-Silva Ana Sofia , Domingo Guido , Zerlotti Rocco , Gradisch Ralph , Bazzone Andre , Sitte Harald H. , Stockner Thomas , Bossi Elena
Published: June 2024

Betaine is an endogenous osmolyte that exhibits therapeutic potential by mitigating various neurological disorders. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for its neuroprotective effects remain puzzling.In this study, we describe a possible mechanism behind the positive impact of betaine in preserving neurons from excitotoxicity. Here we demonstrate that betaine at low concentration modulates the GABA uptake by GAT1 (slc6a1), the predominant GABA transporter in the central nervous system. This modulation occurs through the temporal inhibition of the transporter, wherein prolonged occupancy by betaine impedes the swift transition of the transporter to the inward conformation. Importantly, the modulatory effect of betaine on GAT1 is reversible, as the blocking of GAT1 disappears with increased extracellular GABA. Using electrophysiology, mass spectroscopy, radiolabelled cellular assay, and molecular dynamics simulation we demonstrate that betaine has a dual role in GAT1: at mM concentration acts as a slow substrate, and at µM as a temporal blocker of GABA, when it is below its K0.5. Given this unique modulatory characteristic and lack of any harmful side effects, betaine emerges as a promising neuromodulator of the inhibitory pathways improving GABA homeostasis via GAT1, thereby conferring neuroprotection against excitotoxicity.
Cilostazol protects against gastric ulcers by regulating PPAR-γ, HO-1, PECAM-1, pErk-1, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression
Authors: El-Shitany Nagla A. , EL-saidy Eman A. , EL-Naggar Mostafa E. , Sokar Samia S.
Published: June 2024

Millions of individuals worldwide, across all age groups, suffer from the widespread health issue of gastric ulcers. In many experiments, cilostazol (Cls), a phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, was recently shown to have anti-ulcer activity. Notably, Cls increases the expression and transcriptional activity of PPAR-γ in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Cls against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers and clarify the possible underlying mechanisms with an emphasis on the role of PPAR-γ. Male albino rats were treated with ethanol to induce gastric ulcers, or they were pretreated with Cls, omeprazole (Omp), GW9662, or Cls + GW9662 for 14 consecutive days before receiving ethanol. Cls protects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers. Cls treatment significantly reduced ethanol-induced upregulation of the pro-inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB), MDA (a marker of lipid peroxidation), and caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-3 (apoptotic markers). On the other hand, Cls treatment counteracted ethanol-induced downregulation of PPAR-γ, pErk-1, HO-1 and GSH (antioxidant markers), PECAM-1 and NO (healing markers), and Bcl-2 (antiapoptotic marker). However, when combined with GW9662, a potent antagonist of PPAR-γ, Cls loses its effects. In conclusion, these results suggest that PPAR-γ and pErk-1 are essential for Cls’s protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.

Graphical abstract
Investigating the tamoxifen/high-fat diet synergy: a promising paradigm for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induction in a rat model
Authors: Ezz-Eldin Yousra M. , Ewees Mohamed G. , Azouz Amany A. , Khalaf Marwa M.
Published: June 2024

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe liver condition characterized by excessive fat deposition, ballooning, and lobular inflammation. This investigation was conducted to estimate the capability of concomitant tamoxifen administration (TAM) with a high fat diet (HFD) to induce a reliable NASH model that mimics human NASH features. Rats were administered TAM (25 mg/kg/day p.o.) and consumed HFD for 5 weeks. A time-course investigation was conducted to determine the optimal time for NASH development. Liver function indices, hepatic lipid profile factors, oxidative stress biomarkers, and inflammatory mediators were estimated. Additionally, macroscopic and microscopic changes were examined. Compared with the time-matched control group receiving vehicle alone, TAM/HFD significantly impaired liver function indices represented as marked elevation in ALT, AST, and ALP serum levels. TAM/HFD significantly increased lipid profile factors including high TG and TC hepatic levels. Additionally, TAM/HFD remarkably raised hepatic levels of TNF-α and IL-17 and significantly decreased IL-10. The combination also increases the oxidative status evidenced by high content of MDA as well as low activity of GPx and SOD. Accordingly, the combination of TAM and HFD for 5 weeks collaboratively promotes NASH development by initiating compromised hepatocyte functionality, elevated lipid levels, oxidative stress, and liver inflammation.

Graphical abstract
CIRSE Standards of Practice on Portal Vein Embolization and Double Vein Embolization/Liver Venous Deprivation
Authors: Bilhim Tiago , Böning Georg , Guiu Boris , Luz José Hugo , Denys Alban
Published: June 2024

This CIRSE Standards of Practice document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practices for performing liver regeneration therapies prior to major hepatectomies, including portal vein embolization, double vein embolization and liver venous deprivation. It has been developed by an expert writing group under the guidance of the CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee. It encompasses all clinical and technical details required to perform liver regeneration therapies, revising the indications, contra-indications, outcome measures assessed, technique and expected outcomes.
Erythema nodosum
Authors: Weber Viktoria , Weimann Konstantin , Kolm Isabel , Meier-Schiesser Barbara
Published: June 2024

Das Erythema nodosum (EN) ist die am häufigsten auftretende Form einer akuten Pannikulitis. Es wird charakterisiert durch schmerzhafte, rote bis livide, erhabene Knötchen oder Beulen, die typischerweise symmetrisch im Bereich der Schienbeine auftreten. Häufig handelt es sich beim EN um eine Reaktion des Immunsystems auf Infektionen, entzündliche Erkrankungen oder Medikamente. In etwa der Hälfte der Fälle ist kein Auslöser zu eruieren. Nach Behandlung der zugrunde liegenden Ursache ist das EN in der Regel selbstlimitierend.
Brain vasculature accumulates tau and is spatially related to tau tangle pathology in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hoglund Zachary , Ruiz-Uribe Nancy , del Sastre Eric , Woost Benjamin , Bader Elizabeth , Bailey Joshua , Hyman Bradley T. , Zwang Theodore , Bennett Rachel E.
Published: June 2024

Insoluble pathogenic proteins accumulate along blood vessels in conditions of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), exerting a toxic effect on vascular cells and impacting cerebral homeostasis. In this work, we provide new evidence from three-dimensional human brain histology that tau protein, the main component of neurofibrillary tangles, can similarly accumulate along brain vascular segments. We quantitatively assessed n = 6 Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and n = 6 normal aging control brains and saw that tau-positive blood vessel segments were present in all AD cases. Tau-positive vessels are enriched for tau at levels higher than the surrounding tissue and appear to affect arterioles across cortical layers (I–V). Further, vessels isolated from these AD tissues were enriched for N-terminal tau and tau phosphorylated at T181 and T217. Importantly, tau-positive vessels are associated with local areas of increased tau neurofibrillary tangles. This suggests that accumulation of tau around blood vessels may reflect a local clearance failure. In sum, these data indicate that tau, like amyloid beta, accumulates along blood vessels and may exert a significant influence on vasculature in the setting of AD.
Seeding activity of human superoxide dismutase 1 aggregates in familial and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis postmortem neural tissues by real-time quaking-induced conversion
Authors: Mielke Justin K. , Klingeborn Mikael , Schultz Eric P. , Markham Erin L. , Reese Emily D. , Alam Parvez , Mackenzie Ian R. , Ly Cindy V. , Caughey Byron , Cashman Neil R. , Leavens Moses J.
Published: June 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease with average lifespan of 2–5 years after diagnosis. The identification of novel prognostic and pharmacodynamic biomarkers are needed to facilitate therapeutic development. Metalloprotein human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) is known to accumulate and form aggregates in patient neural tissue with familial ALS linked to mutations in their SOD1 gene. Aggregates of SOD1 have also been detected in other forms of ALS, including the sporadic form and the most common familial form linked to abnormal hexanucleotide repeat expansions in the Chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9ORF72) gene. Here, we report the development of a real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) seed amplification assay using a recombinant human SOD1 substrate to measure SOD1 seeding activity in postmortem spinal cord and motor cortex tissue from persons with different ALS etiologies. Our SOD1 RT-QuIC assay detected SOD1 seeds in motor cortex and spinal cord dilutions down to 10–5. Importantly, we detected SOD1 seeding activity in specimens from both sporadic and familial ALS cases, with the latter having mutations in either their SOD1 or C9ORF72 genes. Analyses of RT-QuIC parameters indicated similar lag phases in spinal cords of sporadic and familial ALS patients, but higher ThT fluorescence maxima by SOD1 familial ALS specimens and sporadic ALS thoracic cord specimens. For a subset of sporadic ALS patients, motor cortex and spinal cords were examined, with seeding activity in both anatomical regions. Our results suggest SOD1 seeds are in ALS patient neural tissues not linked to SOD1 mutation, suggesting that SOD1 seeding activity may be a promising biomarker, particularly in sporadic ALS cases for whom genetic testing is uninformative.
Type 2 Biomarkers and Their Clinical Implications in Bronchiectasis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Yen-Fu , Hou Hsin-Han , Chien Ning , Lu Kai-Zen , Chen Ying-Yin , Hung Zheng-Ci , Chien Jung-Yien , Wang Hao-Chien , Yu Chong-Jen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Bronchiectasis is predominantly marked by neutrophilic inflammation. The relevance of type 2 biomarkers in disease severity and exacerbation risk is poorly understood. This study explores the clinical significance of these biomarkers in bronchiectasis patients.

Methods

In a cross-sectional cohort study, bronchiectasis patients, excluding those with asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, underwent clinical and radiological evaluations. Bronchoalveolar lavage samples were analyzed for cytokines and microbiology. Blood eosinophil count (BEC), serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) were measured during stable disease states. Positive type 2 biomarkers were defined by established thresholds for BEC, total IgE, and FeNO.

Results

Among 130 patients, 15.3% demonstrated BEC ≥ 300 cells/μL, 26.1% showed elevated FeNO ≥ 25 ppb, and 36.9% had high serum total IgE ≥ 75 kU/L. Approximately 60% had at least one positive type 2 biomarker. The impact on clinical characteristics and disease severity was variable, highlighting BEC and FeNO as reflective of different facets of disease severity and exacerbation risk. The combination of low BEC with high FeNO appeared to indicate a lower risk of exacerbation. However, Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR ≥ 3.0) were identified as more significant predictors of exacerbation frequency, independent of type 2 biomarker presence.

Conclusions

Our study underscores the distinct roles of type 2 biomarkers, highlighting BEC and FeNO, in bronchiectasis for assessing disease severity and predicting exacerbation risk. It advocates for a multi-biomarker strategy, incorporating these with microbiological and clinical assessments, for comprehensive patient management.
Note on dose conversion for radon exposure
Authors: Beck Thomas R.
Published: June 2024

The epidemiological approach to converting radon exposure to effective dose is examined. Based on the definition of the effective dose, the dose conversion is obtained from the equivalence of lung-specific detriment associated with low-LET radiation and with radon exposure. This approach most reliably estimates effective dose per radon exposure on the basis of epidemiological data and implicitly includes the radiation weighting factor required to calculate the effective dose from radon exposure using the dosimetric approach, applying biokinetic and dosimetric models. Consistency between the results of the epidemiological and dosimetric approaches is achieved by using a radiation weighting factor of about 10 for alpha particles instead of the current ICRP value of 20. In contrast, the epidemiological approach implemented in ICRP 65, and referred to as dose conversion convention, was based on direct comparison of total radiation detriment with lung detriment from radon exposure. With the revision of radiation detriments in ICRP 103, this approach can be judged to overestimate the effective dose per radon exposure by about a factor of two because the tissue weighting factor for lung differs from the value of relative detriment to which it relates.
Interpolation-based immersogeometric analysis methods for multi-material and multi-physics problems
Authors: Fromm Jennifer E. , Wunsch Nils , Maute Kurt , Evans John A. , Chen Jiun-Shyan
Published: June 2024

Immersed boundary methods are high-order accurate computational tools used to model geometrically complex problems in computational mechanics. While traditional finite element methods require the construction of high-quality boundary-fitted meshes, immersed boundary methods instead embed the computational domain in a structured background grid. Interpolation-based immersed boundary methods augment existing finite element software to non-invasively implement immersed boundary capabilities through extraction. Extraction interpolates the structured background basis as a linear combination of Lagrange polynomials defined on a foreground mesh, creating an interpolated basis that can be easily integrated by existing methods. This work extends the interpolation-based immersed isogeometric method to multi-material and multi-physics problems. Beginning from level-set descriptions of domain geometries, Heaviside enrichment is implemented to accommodate discontinuities in state variable fields across material interfaces. Adaptive refinement with truncated hierarchically refined B-splines (THB-splines) is used to both improve interface geometry representations and to resolve large solution gradients near interfaces. Multi-physics problems typically involve coupled fields where each field has unique discretization requirements. This work presents a novel discretization method for coupled problems through the application of extraction, using a single foreground mesh for all fields. Numerical examples illustrate optimal convergence rates for this method in both 2D and 3D, for partial differential equations representing heat conduction, linear elasticity, and a coupled thermo-mechanical problem. The utility of this method is demonstrated through image-based analysis of a composite sample, where in addition to circumventing typical meshing difficulties, this method reduces the required degrees of freedom when compared to classical boundary-fitted finite element methods.
The interplay between teachers’ value-related educational goals and their value-related school climate over time
Authors: Oeschger Thomas P. , Makarova Elena , Raman Evren , Hayes Beatrice , Döring Anna K.
Published: June 2024

Values education within the school context is, among other elements, shaped by a value-related school climate as well as teachers’ value-related educational goals. This longitudinal study investigated the interplay between these two elements over fifteen months, starting in March 2021, and including four points of measurement (t1 − t4). The sample consisted of 118 primary school teachers (years 1 and 2) from primary schools in Switzerland. Teachers’ value-related educational goals were measured with the Portrait Values Questionnaire, and teachers’ perception of their school climate was measured with the 12-Item School Climate Measure Scale. Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models along with Multiple Imputation for missing data were used to investigate the reciprocal relationships along the four dimensions of value-related educational goals represented by Schwartz’s Higher-Order Value Types: Openness to Change, Conservation, Self-Enhancement, and Self-Transcendence and their corresponding dimensions of a perceived value-related school climate of Innovation, Stability, Performance, and Support. For the dimensions “Innovation and Openness to Change,” the analyses revealed that the perceived value-related school climate of Innovation predicted teachers’ value-related educational goals of Openness to Change significantly from t1 to t2, while an effect in the opposite direction from t2 to t3 and from t3 to t4 was found. For the dimension “Stability and Conservation,” the analyses revealed that the perceived value-related school climate of Stability predicted teachers’ value-related educational goals of Conservation from t3 to t4. These findings are discussed in light of the dynamic processes of values education within the school environment as well as in the context of environmental and societal developments.
Is there such a thing as felicitous underspecification?
Authors: Speaks Jeff
Published: June 2024

In Felicitous Underspecification, Jeffrey King draws our attention to a rich and underexplored collection of linguistic data. These are uses of context-sensitive expressions which seem perfectly felicitous despite being such that, on plausible assumptions, the context in which they are used falls short of securing for them a unique semantic value. This raises an immediate puzzle: if, as King argues, these uses of expressions really do lack unique semantic values in context, how can they—as they manifestly do—make contributions to the conversations in which they occur? King answers this question with a novel theory of conversational updating. Here I focus less on this theory than on King’s examples, and consider some ways of accommodating them without positing felicitous underspecification. In some cases I give some reasons for thinking that the alternative explanation is superior. But my aim is less to establish this conclusion than to suggest some new options for thinking about these examples, and hopefully by so doing to advance the conversation about the data to which King has drawn our attention.
Children’s Experiences of Undergoing Forensic Interviews and Forensic Medical Examinations in a Danish Child Advocacy Center
Authors: Haahr-Pedersen Ida , Bach Maria Hardeberg , Banner Jytte , Spitz Pernille , Balsløv Maria , Perera Camila , Bramsen Rikke Holm , Hansen Maj
Published: June 2024

Child abuse is a severe global problem associated with various negative consequences. It is therefore important that the services received at Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) are perceived as positive as possible by children affected by abuse. Preliminary research indicates that CACs are successful in terms of providing coordinated, professional services. However, existing research has primarily focused on service and criminal justice system outputs, rather than documenting the experiences of the target group: i.e., children undergoing the CAC proceedings. The present study seeks to investigate the children’s experiences of the forensic procedures in a CAC. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 children undergoing case proceedings at a Danish CAC. The overall experiences of the children of the forensic interview and forensic medical examination were documented. Additionally, five overall themes were constructed using Thematic Analysis: Localities and surroundings, Relational and communicative work, Ambivalent experiences, Need of information and overview, and Missing out on everyday life. The findings of the current study underline the importance of the physical environment of the CAC, the need of information and overview as well as strong relational and communicative skills among professional as core elements in establishing positive encounters with the CAC. Furthermore, the results indicate how negative experiences of visiting a CAC are not necessarily directly linked to the CAC but may be a result of the children experiencing missing out on well-liked everyday activities. Altogether these results are important to consider when planning future CAC visits to support the well-being of the child.
SPEI-FL: Serverless Privacy Edge Intelligence-Enabled Federated Learning in Smart Healthcare Systems
Authors: Akter Mahmuda , Moustafa Nour , Turnbull Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Smart healthcare systems promise significant benefits for fast and accurate medical decisions. However, working with personal health data presents new privacy issues and constraints that must be solved from a cybersecurity perspective. Edge intelligence-enabled federated learning is a new scheme that utilises decentralised computing that allows data analytics to be carried out at the edge of a network, enhancing data privacy. However, this scheme suffers from privacy attacks, including inference, free-riding, and man-in-the-middle attacks, especially with serverless computing for allocating resources to user needs. Edge intelligence-enabled federated learning requires client data insertion and deletion to authenticate genuine clients and a serverless computing capability to ensure the security of collaborative machine learning models. This work introduces a serverless privacy edge intelligence-based federated learning (SPEI-FL) framework to address these issues. SPEI-FL includes a federated edge aggregator and authentication method to improve the data privacy of federated learning and allow client adaptation and removal without impacting the overall learning processes. It also can classify intruders through serverless computing processes. The proposed framework was evaluated with the unstructured COVID-19 medical chest x-rays and MNIST digit datasets, and the structured BoT-IoT dataset. The performance of the framework is comparable with existing authentication methods and reported a higher accuracy than comparable methods (approximately 90% as compared with the 81% reported by peer methods). The proposed authentication method prevents the exposure of sensitive patient information during medical device authentication and would become the cornerstone of the next generation of medical security with serverless computing.
No standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in acute myocardial infarction: prevalence, pathophysiology, and prognosis
Authors: Saito Yuichi , Tsujita Kenichi , Kobayashi Yoshio
Published: June 2024

Standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs), such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and current smoking, are associated with the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases including acute myocardial infarction (MI). Thus, therapeutic approaches against SMuRFs are important as primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. In patients with acute MI, however, the prognosis is counterintuitively poor when SMuRFs are lacking. The growing evidence has explored the prevalence, pathophysiology, and prognosis of SMuRF-less patients in acute MI and suggested the potential underlying mechanisms. This review article summarizes the clinical evidence and relevance of the lack of SMuRFs in acute MI.
Integrated wellbore-reservoir modeling based on 3D Navier–Stokes equations with a coupled CFD solver
Authors: Ahammad Jalal M. , Rahman Mohammad Azizur , Butt Stephen D. , Alam Jahrul M.
Published: June 2024

The occurrence of fluid flow near a wellhead is the major concern of the petroleum industry, as pressure drop, loss of formation, and other variables of interest are mostly affected in this region. The fluid flows from the hydrocarbon reservoir to the wellbore can be characterized as laminar to turbulent; thus, it is important to model this phenomenon with the integrated wellbore-reservoir model. Using 3D Navier–Stokes equations, an integrated wellbore-reservoir model is created in this study, and it incorporates the formation damage zone. For the porous-porous and porous-fluid interfaces, the General Grid Interface (GGI) approach is applied in conjunction with the conservative mass flux interface model. Model equations are solved using a velocity-pressure coupling solver that is pressure-based. For reliable and quick results, the system of equations is solved using an algebraic multigrid approach. The pressure diffusivity equation’s analytical solution under steady-state flow circumstances is used to validate the model. The integrated wellbore-reservoir model is applied to different reservoir scenarios, for example, different production rates, formation zones, and reservoir formation conditions. The results indicate that the present Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model can be extended to simulate the real field scale model. integrated wellbore-reservoir modeling based on 3D Navier–Stokes equations with efficient computational techniques can lead the field of petroleum industries to advance current knowledge.
Interpreting systems of continuity equations in spaces of probability measures through PDE duality
Authors: Carrillo José A. , Gómez-Castro David
Published: June 2024

We introduce a notion of duality solution for a single or a system of transport equations in spaces of probability measures reminiscent of the viscosity solution notion for nonlinear parabolic equations. Our notion of solution by duality is, under suitable assumptions, equivalent to gradient flow solutions in case the single/system of equations has this structure. In contrast, we can deal with a quite general system of nonlinear non-local, diffusive or not, system of PDEs without any variational structure.
The stingless bee Trigona fulviventris prefers sweet and salty over savory nectar
Authors: Villagómez Gemma Nydia , Spaethe Johannes , Leonhardt Sara Diana
Published: June 2024

Nectar, an important reward in plant-pollinator interactions, mainly provides sugars, but also other nutrients. Nectar sugar content is known to affect pollinator preferences, while the effect of other nectar nutrients on flower visitor choices is less well understood. To explore whether nectar nutrients affect the foraging preferences of the stingless bee Trigona fulviventris, we conducted feeding choice experiments with sucrose solution enriched with either an amino acid mixture (in high and low concentrations), sodium chloride (table salt), a fatty acid mixture, or quinine (a bitter tasting substance used as negative control) against pure sucrose solution in a lowland rainforest in Costa Rica. Bees were first trained to feeders presenting either a yellow (only sucrose solution) or a blue (sucrose solution plus tested substance) visual cue that the bees could use to associate with the solution content. They were subsequently offered a choice between the blue and yellow feeders in an unrewarded test. The bees preferred pure sucrose solutions over sucrose solutions with quinine, amino acids, or fatty acids, but not over solutions with salt. Our findings indicate that T. fulviventris is able to differentiate various nutrients in nectar and prefers pure sucrose solution or sucrose solutions with salt. Sugar and salt may therefore represent important nutrients in nectar and are likely key cues to assess nectar quality in tropical stingless bees. In contrast, other nutrients appear to compromise the bees’ taste for nectar and are likely obtained from other sources.
Successful treatment of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis probably due to Benikoji CholesteHelp®, a supplement containing red yeast rice
Authors: Maiguma Masayuki , Kihara Masao , Hamaguchi Maki , Kobayashi Takashi , Yamada Koshi , Takagi Miyuki , Saeki Harumi , Gohda Tomohito , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: June 2024

Red yeast rice has been used to produce alcoholic beverages and various fermented foods especially in East Asia. Since around March 2024, there have been many cases of kidney dysfunction in people who have taken certain supplements containing red yeast rice in Japan. We experienced a case of acute kidney injuries induced after taking a supplement containing red yeast rice. A 58-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to renal dysfunction suspected to be caused by taking the supplement Benikoji CholesteHelp®, which contains red yeast rice. With elevations of urinary tubular injury markers such as urinary β2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, serum creatinine levels were elevated up to 2.75 mg/dL. A kidney biopsy revealed a diagnosis of tubulointerstitial nephritis with lymphocytic infiltration of the interstitium, tubular atrophy, and interstitial fibrotic changes. After discontinuation of the supplement and initiation of the prednisolone treatment, renal dysfunction rapidly improved. The course of this case suggests tubular damage caused by the supplements containing red yeast rice. For early diagnosis and treatment, it should be noted that even what are regarded as nutritional health supplements can cause renal dysfunction.
In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity and In Vivo Antiproliferative Activity of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Bunium bulbocastanum Seed Against Prostatic Neoplasia
Authors: Kamal Mehta Vedant , Pai Sreedhara Ranganath K. , Hari Gangadhar , Priya Keerthi , Godkhindi Vishwapriya Mahadev , Pai Ananth , Dikhit Punit Singh , Belle Vijetha Shenoy
Published: June 2024

Several in vitro investigations of the therapeutic characteristics of B. bulbocastanum have shown that it has cytotoxic, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. It also exhibits antioxidant and anticancer effects. When the ethyl acetate fraction of B. bulbocastanum was examined for its phytochemical composition, it was found to be rich in phenolic compounds and had significant cytotoxic effects on PC-3 cell lines. The prostate length-to-weight ratio was significantly higher in vivo in the ethyl acetate fraction-treated group. Compared to the disease control group, histopathological examination of the ethyl acetate-treated group revealed a reduction in inflammation and malignant lesions, confirming its antiproliferative efficacy. According to serum biochemistry, acid phosphatase and PSA levels in the ethyl acetate fraction treatment group were significantly lower than those in the disease control group. When compared to the disease control group, malondialdehyde levels in the ethyl acetate fraction treatment group were likewise reduced dramatically. However, in the group treated with the ethyl acetate fraction, glutathione levels increased considerably. The ethyl acetate fraction of B. bulbocastanum may have cytotoxic and antiproliferative potential, both in vitro and in vivo.
Deciphering the wheat seed core mycobiome of two Egyptian cultivars (Giza 171 and Sids 14) by using high throughput amplicon sequencing of the ITS2 region
Authors: Abdelsalam Sobhy S. H. , Mugwanya Muziri , Gad Ahmed G. , Basyony Ayman B. A.
Published: June 2024

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important food crop throughout the world. The seed mycobiome is the primary inoculum affecting the overall health and productivity of wheat plants. Seed-borne fungi can have an impact on the production of wheat and cause health complications upon consumption. Therefore, for durable and sustainable wheat production, it is imperative to characterise the wheat mycobiome. The rationale of this study was to investigate the wheat seed mycobiome of two Egyptian wheat cultivars (Sids 14 and Giza 171) using a culture-independent technique. The fungal community in 6 wheat seed samples was identified by high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the ITS2 region using the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 162 genera, 111 families, 55 orders and 25 classes have been identified. The fungal communities detected varied between seed samples, with a higher abundance of Ascomycota followed by Basidiomycota. Potential beneficial and pathogenic genera could be detected. Interestingly, a higher abundance of Vishniacozyma, Epicoccum, Cladosporium, Blumeria, Stymphylium, Fusarium, Filobasidium, and Alternaria was observed in the samples. Both Anthracocystis and Nigrospora were detected exclusively in T. aestivum cv. Giza 171. These results open new avenues for further investigation on the role of the mycobiome in Egyptian wheat cultivars. Ultimately, precise identification of both beneficial and pathogenic fungal genera could be accomplished.