bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity with Total Phenolic and Flavonoids Content of Tithonia diversifolia Leaves Ethanolic Extract and Fractions
Authors: Puspitasari Endah , Nuri Nuri , Muslichah Siti , Triatmoko Bawon , Dianasari Dewi
Published: December 2024

A previous study showed that Tithonia diversifolia ethanolic extract has antiproliferative properties against HeLa cervical cancer cells. It has also shown anti-inflammatory properties in vivo, one of the approaches to cancer chemoprevention. This research aimed to determine the relation of in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of T. diversifolia leaves ethanolic extract and fractions with total phenolic and flavonoid content. The anti-inflammatory was evaluated in vitro using red blood cell (RBC) membrane stabilization and inhibition of protein denaturation method, while antioxidant activity was done using the DPPH method. Phytochemical screening was done using the TLC method. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also counted using the colorimetry method. ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc, multiple regression analysis, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. Compared to its fractions, the highest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity was obtained from T. diversifolia leaves ethanolic extract. The T. diversifolia leaves ethanolic extract contained terpenoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Overall, the antioxidant property contributed more to RBC membrane stabilization than protein denaturation inhibition. The phenolic and flavonoid content contributed most to antioxidant and red blood cell membrane stabilization rather than protein denaturation inhibition.
TASKS OF SELF-EDUCATION OF FUTURE BACHELOR ENGINEERS IN TERMS OF MATHEMATICAL, CHEMICAL AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Authors: Romanovskyi Oleksandr , Solodovnyk Tetiana , Ihnatiuk Olha , Hura Tetiana
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the problem of self-education as a phenomenon in the rapidly changing realities of today. The study proves the relevance of possessing a high level of self-educational competence as an important component of the professional competence of a future technical specialist, identifies and analyzes the main tasks of self-education of future bachelor engineers in the context of mathematical, chemical and vocational training.
FEATURES OF THE STRUCTURAL APPROACH TO THE FORMATION OF EFFECTIVE MANAGERIAL LEADERSHIP
Authors: Tetiana Hura , Ihnatiuk Olha , Reznik Svitlana
Published: December 2024

The results of a study of leadership qualities in the process of professional training of foreign students of a technical institution of higher education are highlighted in the publication. Special attention is paid to the qualities of a modern effective manager-leader. Six signs of effective leadership abilities have been identified. The features of effective leadership in business management, military sphere, etc. are described in the article. The priority directions for the development of effective leadership are highlighted in the article. The features of the structural approach in the formation of effective managerial leadership in a higher education institution are presented in the article.
OPPORTUNITIES AND PROBLEMS IN STUDYING EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Kirsanov Ivan
Published: December 2024

Approaches to the coverage of modern theoretical approaches to the conceptualization and research of the phenomenon of “emotional intelligence” necessary for the successful implementation of basic skills in the formation of effective emotional intelligence in students and graduate students from all specialties of education in higher education were considered. The relevant scientific literature was analyzed and experts were surveyed by Ukrainian enterprises. Information on mixed models of definition and study of emotional intelligence is provided, and some existing methods of diagnosing emotional intelligence are analyzed. The results, which are presented in the form of recommendations for the transformation of teaching theory into a practical plane for the effective use of acquired skills in ethical, safe and modern emotional intelligence by future leaders.
mujer en el entorno de la familia Romero de Torres
Authors: García de la Torre Fuensanta
Published: December 2024

La consideración de la Familia Romero de Torres en la cultura de Córdoba continua vigente, pero será entre la llegada de Rafael Romero Barros como Conservador del Museo de Pinturas en 1862 y el fallecimiento de su nieta María Romero de Torres Pellicer en 1991 cuando esa presencia sea más significativa. El análisis de las mujeres de la familia y de su entorno se hace aquí revisando las actividades de las mismas, las representaciones femeninas en los dibujos, carteles y pinturas de Romero Barros y de sus hijos Rafael, Enrique y Julio y en sus relaciones de amistad con diversas mujeres en Córdoba y Madrid. Una presencia destacada en todo ello será la de Angelita Romero de Torres dedicada al cuidado de la familia, a la música y al estudio de la colección arqueológica formada por su padre y hermanos que ella heredó en 1935.
Exploring the Phytoremediation Potential of Plant Species in Soils Impacted by Gold Mining in Northern Colombia
Authors: Córdoba-Tovar Leonomir , Marrugo-Madrid Siday , Castro Libia Pérez , Tapia-Contreras Eunice Ester , Marrugo-Negrete José , Díez Sergi
Published: December 2024

Contamination of soils with toxic metals poses significant threats to human health and ecosystems. Plant-based remediation strategies can play a vital role in mitigating these risks, and the use of plants as a remediation strategy can help reduce these risks. In this study, we investigate the remediation potential of native plants in accumulating and translocating metal(loid)s at a Colombian site impacted by gold mining. The remediation capacity is evaluated using the translocation factor (TF) from roots to shoots and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) from soil to roots. Metal(loid) concentrations in the soil followed the order: Fe > As > Hg > Cd > Pb > Zn > Mn > Cu. In plant tissues, Hg showed higher accumulation in leaves (3.5 µg/kg) compared to roots (2.8 µg/kg). Pb (17.7 µg/kg), As (3.8 µg/kg), Fe (2.5 µg/kg) and Cd (1.2 µg/kg) concentracions were also higher in roots. Metal concentrations in the stems, were generally below 1.0 µg/kg, except for Pb (15.0 µg/kg) and Hg (1.0 µg/kg). The highest BCF values for Hg were observed in Spondias mombin L. (18.7), Cecropia peltata L. (8.3) and Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Walp (4.4). On the other hand, Senna alata (L.) Roxb., Psidium guajava L. and Morinda citrifolia L. exhibited notable BFC values for As with 44.7, 6.3 and 5.9, respectively. Musa x paradisiaca L. had the highest BCF for Cd (1.8). M. citrifolia (4.3) and Annona muricata L. (3.2) exhibited the highest TF for Hg, while Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) Bertero ex A.DC. (4.9) and Paspalum fasciculatum Willd. ex (3.1) demonstrated elevated TF values for Pb. In conclusion, plants such as P. fasciculatum, A. muricata, M. citrifolia, G. sepium and T. rosea exhibit great potential for application in phytoremediation strategies in tropical regions impacted by gold mining activities.
Inner membrane components of the plasmid pKM101 type IV secretion system TraE and TraD are DNA-binding proteins
Authors: Baron Christian , Pascal John , Sygusch Jurgen , Jemouai Zakaria , Sverzhinsky Aleksandr
Published: December 2024

The increase of antimicrobial resistance constitutes a significant threat to human health. One of the mechanisms responsible for the spread of resistance to antimicrobials is the transfer of plasmids between bacteria by conjugation. This process is mediated by type IV secretion systems (T4SS) and previous studies have provided in vivo evidence for interactions between DNA and components of the T4SS. Here, we purified TraD and TraE, two inner membrane proteins from the Escherichia coli pKM101 T4SS. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assays and fluorescence polarization we showed that the purified proteins both bind single-stranded and double-stranded DNA in the nanomolar affinity range. The previously identified conjugation inhibitor BAR-072 inhibits TraE DNA binding in vitro, providing evidence for its mechanism of action. Site-directed mutagenesis identified conserved amino acids that are required for conjugation that may be targets for the development of more potent conjugation inhibitors.
The effect of intrapartum deinfibulation on obstetric outcomes and postpartum sexual function in pregnant women with Type 3 Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting
Authors: AKPAK Yaşam Kemal , aktürk erhan , oral serkan , kıncı mehmet ferdi , kanmaz ahkam göksel , bozgeyik mehmet bora , töz emrah
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) is a surgical intervention that is still performed in large numbers worldwide and has severe effects in terms of both obstetric and sexual consequences. Due to the increase in immigration, it has become more frequent in many countries. This study aims to compare the labor performance, complications and postpartum sexual function of Type 3 Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) pregnant women undergoing deinfibulation with Type 3 FGM/C patients without deinfibulation.
Methods
This is a prospective study of pregnant women with Type 3 FGM/C and puerperium patients at Nyala Turkish Training and Research Hospital in Sudan over four years, from September 2018 to September 2022. Type 3 FGM/C patients who underwent deinfibulation were compared with those who did not, considering age, parity, and obstetric and neonatal outcomes and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores at three months.
Results
In our homogeneous Type 3 FGM/C group mainly consisting of primiparous women, it was found that more episiotomy procedures were performed. The second stage of labor was significantly prolonged, and perineal damage was greater in the group without deinfibulation. In addition, postpartum hemorrhage and hospitalization of mother and baby were longer in the group without deinfibulation. In the second part of our study, we compared the FSFI scores between the deinfibulation group and the episiotomy subgroup. The results indicated that the deinfibulation group exhibited higher scores across all FSFI domains.
Conclusion
Type 3 FGM/C is definitely associated with poor obstetric and sexual outcomes. It is essential to include partners in family discussions and to protect the perineum by performing deinfibulation and episiotomy at appropriate times and in the correct manner during labor.
Clinical and Demographic Analysis of Patients with Colorectal Cancer Screened at a Reference Hospital in Southern Brazil: Comparative Study Based on age (Retrospective Cohort Study)
Authors: Al-Alam Otavio de Carvalho Modaffar , Alves Rafael Jose Vargas , Bica Claudia Giuliano , Castro Joanna Palmeira , Yao Affoue prisca michelle S , Cardoso Camile Neves , Signori Julia , Lava Jamille Rizzardi , Villarinho Victor Viecceli , Wandescheer Tales Barros Cassal , Fae Adele Lanziani , Claudino Larissa Grazziotin
Published: December 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent and lethal malignancy. This study examines differences in clinical and prognostic characteristics of CRC between patients under 50 years and those aged 50 and above, treated at a reference hospital in Southern Brazil.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted, analyzing data from the Cancer Hospital Registry in Porto Alegre, RS. Patients diagnosed with colon or rectal adenocarcinoma between January 2013 and December 2017 were included. Variables analyzed included family history, alcoholism, smoking status, clinical staging, tumor laterality, clinical presentation, CEA levels at diagnosis, adjuvant chemotherapy, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio.
Results: The study cohort included 1,121 patients, with 85% aged 50 years or older, and 15% younger than 50 years. Significant differences were observed in smoking status and clinical presentation, with younger patients presenting more aggressive disease characteristics.
Conclusions: Age and lifestyle factors, particularly smoking, significantly influenced the clinical presentation and management of colorectal cancer. These findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies and personalized treatment approaches for younger CRC patients.
Oil Palm Trunks as Raw Material for Bioethanol Production: A Study on the Delignification Efficiency of Betaine-Based Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Hasanah Nuur Faridatun , Darmawan Muhammad Arif , Muryanto Muryanto , Aminuddin Aminuddin , Bahua Hismiaty , Hidayat Herman , Rosadi Dadang , Abidin Kharis Yohan , Pradiva Molina Indah , Rosjidi Mochamad
Published: December 2024

Non-productive oil palm trunks (OPT), rich in starch and cellulose, are promising raw materials for bioethanol production. Effective pretreatment is essential to optimize the cellulose-to-lignin ratio, facilitating hydrolysis. This study investigates the delignification efficiency of natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) on OPT, focusing on the impact of different hydrogen donors. Using a 1:2 ratio of hydrogen bond acceptor to donor and maintaining consistent reaction conditions, betaine/lactic acid and betaine/glycerol NaDES achieved optimal delignification, reducing lignin by 26.73% and 26.46%, respectively, at 100°C for 2 hours. The treated biomass was analyzed using FTIR, SEM, and XRD, confirming the effectiveness of these NaDES in lignin degradation. The results demonstrated that both betaine/lactic acid and betaine/glycerol, are natural solvent with significant potential for breaking down lignin in non-productive oil palm trunks. The findings suggest that betaine-based NaDES are promising for enhancing bioethanol production from oil palm trunks through efficient delignification.
Clinical and Surgical Outcomes of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasms: A Study from a Leading Referral Hospital in a Middle-Income Country
Authors: Torres Alonso Vera , González-Muñoz Alejandro , Cabrera Marco Antonio Vanegas , Mesa Camilo Ernesto Garzón , Alvarez Diego Rymel Triviño , González Laura Peña , Ramirez Diana Fernanda Bejarano
Published: December 2024

Introduction:Pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) are a rare group of tumors with a wide range of clinical behaviors, from benign to malignant. With the increasing use of diagnostic imaging, their prevalence has risen, particularly among older patients.
Objective: To evaluate the clinical course, radiological findings, and surgical outcomes of patients who underwent surgery for PCNs at a tertiary referral center.
Methodology: This is a retrospective descriptive study of a cohort of patients who underwent surgical intervention for PCNs between March 2010 and November 2023 at the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá Hospital.
Results: A total of 79 patients were included, with a median age of 60 years (IQR 49-69) and females were the most affected (70.9%). At the time of diagnosis, 57% of the patients were asymptomatic. The median size of the cystic lesions was 27 mm, with 36.7% presenting as solitary cysts. The postoperative complication rate was 25.3%, with no in-hospital mortality. The predominant surgical approach was distal pancreatectomy (50.6%), with 44.3% of the cases managed laparoscopically and a low conversion rate to open surgery (2.5%).
Conclusions: The surgical management of PCNs at this center has proven to be safe and effective, with a low rate of severe complications and no associated mortality.
Electrochemical Behavior of (NH2)2CO–(NH4)2SiF6 Melt
Authors: DEVYATKIN SERGEI , Meng Fan , Kuleshov Serhii , Li Ruopeng , Yang Peixia
Published: December 2024

The solubility of silicon oxides and fluorides in ionic-organic melts ((NH2)2CO, CH3CONH2 and С3H4N2) has been studied. For electrochemical investigations, the system (NH2)2CO–(NH4)2SiF6 was chosen. Voltammetric studies showed that the most electropositive electrochemical process in the (NH2)2CO–(NH4)2SiF6 melt is the discharge of ions of silicon in the oxidation state (IV) to silicon in the oxidation state (II) followed by the formation of elemental silicon. Micron coatings of silicon on Ni and stainless steel have been obtained by electrolysis of a (NH2)2CO–(NH4)2SiF6 melt at 120 °С.
Analysis of the determinants and impacts of off-season agriculture and intensive irrigation adoption in response to climate change among farmers in climate transition zones: Empirical analysis based on survey data from Cameroon
Authors: KEEDI Gilchrist BESSOUM , KAMGA Benjamin FOMBA
Published: December 2024

The main objective of this article is to analyze and evaluate the impacts of adopting off-season agriculture and intensive irrigation in response to climate change, focusing on farmers in two distinct climatic zones: the Sudanian-Sahelian zone and the tropical forest zone. To achieve this goal, we utilized data from 408 farms across these climatic areas in Cameroon. We applied a multinomial endogenous switching regression (MESR) model to account for selection bias. The analyses show that climatic zone is one of the main determinants of this adoption. Furthermore, empirical results highlight that the most significant positive impacts arise from the joint adoption of these two agricultural strategies in addressing climate change challenges. However, these positive impacts are significantly evident only regarding the incomes and farm yields of farmers in the tropical forest zone. In contrast, while farm productivity shows positive and significant impacts for all farmers, these effects are more pronounced for those in the Sudanian-Sahelian zone. These results emphasize the need to design tailored policies that encourage the simultaneous adoption of these strategies while considering the specificities of each climatic zone to optimize agricultural performance for farmers.
The VOSTARS Wearable AR Platform vs. Traditional IR Navigation: a comparative Study on Neuronavigation Accuracy
Authors: Carbone Marina , Cattari Nadia , Cutolo Fabrizio , Autelitano Martina , Cigna Emanuele , Ferrari Vincenzo , Montemurro Nicola , Condino Sara
Published: December 2024

Neuronavigation is integral to modern neurosurgery. Clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness. The primary tracking modalities in neurosurgical navigation are optical tracking systems (OTS) and electromagnetic tracking systems (EMTS). OTS remains the gold standard due to its accuracy and reliability. However, inherent inaccuracies due to brain deformation and image resolution and tool calibration and registration errors can impact overall accuracy significantly, which differs from the system-declared accuracy. Augmented reality (AR) technologies solve traditional navigation challenges by integrating virtual information with the patient’s anatomy, enhancing the surgeon’s focus and cognitive load management. Head-mounted displays (HMDs) offer ergonomic benefits, although most AR-based neuronavigation studies have been limited to proof-of-concept trials. This study aims to evaluate VOSTARS, a novel hybrid video and optical see-through HMD designed for precision surgery, specifically in neurosurgical oncology for targeting supratentorial tumors. Previous in-vitro studies using patient-specific phantoms have shown promising results, with high accuracy in real-to-virtual target visualization and craniotomy trajectory tracing. With this work, we further assessed VOSTARS’ targeting accuracy within a realistic neurosurgery clinical workflow and compared its performance to the commercial StealthStation ® system on a patient-specific phantom. Our results demonstrate that users achieved the same median accuracy, 2 mm (IQR: 1 mm), over 60 measurements with both VOSTARS and the StealthStation ® with no statistically significant difference between the systems, confirming the non-inferiority of the VOSTARS platform compared to a commercial optical tracking-based surgical navigator.
Application of terahertz time domain spectroscopy on real-time monitoring the generation of 8-hydroquinolinium salicylate
Authors: Song Maojiang , Yang Fei , Hu Bo , Su Caixia
Published: December 2024

8-hydroquinolinium salicylate is kind of salt with enhanced dissolution rate and bioavailability by forming intermolecular hydrogen bonds between 8-hydroxyquinolinium cations and salicylate anions. Based on the correspondence between intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the molecular vibrational modes, the THz fingerprints of 8-hydroquinolinium salicylate and its parent molecules were systematically investigated by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy combined with theoretical calculations. It is demonstrated that there are substantial differences between THz fingerprints of 8-hydroquinolinium salicylate and the ones of its parent molecules in the range of 0.2-2.0 THz, such as the number, amplitude and frequency positions of absorption peaks. By combining Hirshfeld surface analysis with the 2D fingerprint diagrams, the pattern of intermolecular hydrogen bonds (including O5-⸱⸱⸱H3+-N1, O8-⸱⸱⸱H4+-N2 as well as π⸳⸳⸳π interactions) was obtained within the molecular system of 8-hydroxyquinolinium salicylate. Furthermore, the full geometry optimizations were performed and all THz absorption peaks were assigned to their corresponding vibrational modes by employing dispersion-corrected density functional theory. It is confirmed that there are significant differences between 8-hydroxyquinolinium salicylate and its parent molecules for the weak intermolecular hydrogen bonds and the corresponding vibrational modes. Moreover, the THz absorption spectra of products of 8-Hydroxyquinoline and salicylic acid were also obtained in reaction process at different times. It is exhibited that there are important changes with time for the amplitude and frequency position of THz absorption peaks. All of above results provide valuable insights for monitoring the chemical and biological processes of pharmaceutical compounds in real time by THz-TDS.
Sustainable Biocontrol Strategies Using Bioactive Weed Fractions Against Alternaria alternata in Cash Crops ": A first report
Authors: Sharma Gaurav , Kumari Vandna , Thakur Nitika , Sharma Rahul , Kumari Asha , Govender Penny P.
Published: December 2024

Climate change increasingly affects agriculture, global biodiversity, and species dispersal, necessitating adaptive strategies for sustainable agricultural practices. In Himachal Pradesh, the agricultural sector is embracing diversification, focusing on producing off-season vegetables such as tomato, capsicum, broccoli, potato, ginger, soybean, oilseeds, and pulses. This shift towards cash crops enhances farmer income and aligns with the region's agro-climatic conditions, promoting economic sustainability. This study investigates the sustainable potential of formulations derived from various weed plants (Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara, Artemisia roxburghiana) as biocontrol agents against fungal infections caused by Alternaria alternata in cash crops. Employing GCMS analysis, we identified key bioactive compounds: Beta-Caryophyllene (C15H24) in L. camara, 2-Chloroethyl linoleate (C20H35ClO2) in P. hysterophorus, and 2-(1,2,2-trimethylcyclopenten-3-en-1-yl) acetaldehyde (C10H16O) in A. roxburghiana. These compounds represent a sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides, aligning with integrated pest management practices that reduce chemical inputs and enhance ecological balance. Molecular docking studies were conducted to evaluate the binding interactions between these bioactive compounds and the Alternaria alternata allergen protein Alt a1, compared to the antifungal drug Fluconazole. Notably, the ligand Tricyclo [4.4.0.01,5] deca-3,5,7,9-tetraene from L. camara exhibited the highest binding affinity (-3.98 Kcal/mol), suggesting its potential as a viable biopesticide. Key residues involved in protein-ligand interactions—VAL32, LYS63, LYS41, and TYR147—were identified as critical targets for mitigating A. alternata infections. This research underscores the significance of utilizing natural plant-derived compounds in sustainable agriculture, contributing to the resilience of cash crops while fostering biodiversity conservation. By integrating such biocontrol strategies, we can enhance food security and promote sustainable farming practices in the face of climate change.
Charlson Comorbidity Index and All-cause Mortality in Patients with Delayed Hemodialysis Initiation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Flores-Mendoza Allina P , García-Campa Mariano , Sánchez-Martínez Concepción , Guerrero-González Elisa , Rizo-Topete Lilia M , Olivo-Gutiérrez Mara C
Published: December 2024

Background. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has recently been recognized as a public health problem. Prognosis and risk stratification are fundamental for decision-making to implement patient-centered strategies in clinical practice. Different prognosis scales have been evaluated, such as the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), surprise questions, functional and biochemical parameters, to stratify patients with CKD initiating dialysis. The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors for mortality in patients with CKD and delayed initiation of hemodialysis (HD).
Methods. We performed a prospective cohort study based on data from a reference dialysis center in the northeastern region of Mexico. Individuals with CKD and delayed initiation of hemodialysis were stratified according to the CCI at admission. Additionally, sociodemographic, functional, and biochemical parameters were compared to assess mortality prognosis.
Results. A total of 218 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 45.5 weeks. An important proportion of all-cause mortality was associated with infections among all groups. At the end of follow-up, overall all-cause mortality was 40%. Patients stratified with a low CCI had a survival rate of 79.2%, whereas those with moderate, high and very high CCIs had survival rates of 66.7%, 56.6%, and 41%, respectively. After adjusting for clinical and biochemical characteristics, patients who answered that they would not be surprised if they died in the following 6 months had an increased risk of all-cause mortality regardless of the CCI category. Patients with a high CCI (HR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.22-5.18) and very high CCI (HR: 3.73; 95% CI: 1.89-7.36) clearly had increased risk for all-cause mortality.
Conclusion. Individualized patient-centered care should be the goal of standard care. By integrating the CCI and the surprise question (would you be surprised if you died in the following 6 months), it is possible to estimate all-cause mortality prognosis for more aggressive therapeutic strategies. Clinical and patient-reported outcomes are crucial for reducing disease-related burdens.
Do early environmental experiences impact numerical discrimination abilities in a lizard?
Authors: Recio Pablo , Leibold Dalton C. , Crino Ondi L. , Friesen Cristopher R. , Peardon Amelia Y. , Noble Daniel W. A.
Published: December 2024

From social behaviour to navigating complex environments, quantitative abilities can be crucial to fitness. However, early life conditions can impact brain development to affect quantitative competence. For example, early thermal conditions or glucocorticoid concentrations (GCs) – stress-related hormones transmitted by the parents – can play a prominent role in shaping cognition through their effects on brain physiology. Furthermore, temperature can lead to increased levels of GCs that can be transmitted to offspring, emphasizing the need to study the combined effects of these two factors. Here, we investigated the effects of elevated prenatal corticosterone (CORT) – the main GC in reptiles – and incubation temperature on numerical discrimination in the common garden skink (Lampropholis guichenoti). We assessed numerical abilities through a spontaneous choice test with food as a stimulus. Employing a repeated measures design, we subjected lizards to five numerical tests each differing in the ratios between the two choices (1 VS 4, 1 VS 3, 2 VS 4, 2 VS 3, 3 VS 4). Contrary to our predictions, we found no evidence for treatment effects on lizard behaviour and no use of numerical discrimination during foraging in L. guichenoti. Our findings build on previous studies suggesting that reptiles feeding on live prey may have difficulty distinguishing between different prey quantities. Despite our results, further investigation of numerical abilities in live-prey-feeding reptiles and the impact of early conditions on other taxa is warranted, as these areas remain understudied.
Determination of Semaphorin 3A Levels in Behcet's Disease and Vascular Involvement of Behcet's Disease
Authors: KAYAALP Merve ÇAĞLAYAN , ERDEN Abdulsamet , KARAKAŞ Özlem , GÜVEN Serdar Can , ARMAĞAN Berkan , KAYAALP Mehmet , ENLİ Şeymanur ALA , UZDOĞAN Esma Andaç , OMMA Ahmet , KÜÇÜKŞAHİN Orhan
Published: December 2024

Aim:
Semaphorin 3A, may influence inflammatory and vasculopathic processes in Behçet's disease.The primary aim of our study is to evaluate serum semaphorin 3A levels in Behçet's disease patients.
Methods:
Patients over 18 years of age with Behçet's disease were studied. Serum semaphorin 3A levels were quantified by ELISA, and patients and healthy volunteers were statistically compared.
Results:
Behcet's patients had significantly lower semaphorin 3A levels than the control group.Within Behcet's patients, the vascular group had significantly lower levels than the non-vascular group.
Conclusions:
Serum semaphorin 3A levels were significantly decreased in both vascular and non-vascular Behcet's groups compared to controls.This is the first study in Behcet's patients to suggest semaphorin 3A as a potential biomarker of inflammation and vascular involvement.
Backbone resonance assignments of dopamine N-acetyltransferase in free and cofactor- bound states
Authors: Wu Chu-Ya , Lee Yi-Zong , Hu I-Chen , Chiu Liang-Yuan , Ding Wei-Cheng , Wang Jing , Sue Shih-Che , Tate Shin-ichi , Lyu Ping-Chiang
Published: December 2024

Dopamine N-acetyltransferase (Dat), belonging to the GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) superfamily, is an arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) that involved in insects neurotransmitter inactivation and the development of insect cuticle sclerotization. By using the cofactor acetyl coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) as an acetyl group donor, Dat produces acetyl-dopamine through the catalysis of dopamine. Although AANATs share similar structural features with the GNAT family, they have low sequence identities among insect AANATs (~ 40%) and between insect AANATs and vertebrate AANATs (~ 12%). A common noticed feature in GNATs is the Ac-CoA-binding induced conformational change, and is important for further selection and catalysis of its substrate. In AANATs, the conformational changes help the sequential binding mechanism. Here, we finished the 1H, 13C and 15N backbone resonance assignments of the 24 kDa Dat from Drosophila melanogaster in the free and Ac-CoA-bound states, and the chemical shift differences revealed a significant conformational change in the α1 region of Dat. These assignments provide a foundation for further investigations of the catalysis and structural regulation of Dat in solution.
Graphene quantum dot-coated polystyrene microsphere multilayer colloidal crystals with distributed Bragg reflector absorption
Authors: Chang Binglang , Yi Lin
Published: December 2024

Distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) absorptive materials have broad application prospects in lasers, optical fibre communications , LEDs, solar cells, and optoelectronic devices. This study used dispersion polymerization to prepare monodisperse polystyrene (PS) microspheres of different particle sizes. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) dispersion was prepared using the ultrasonic dispersion method, and GQDs were self-assembled on the surface of modified PS spheres to form PS@GQDs mi-crospheres. By precise titration and surface tension uniform gravity sedimentation, the volume ratio (GQDs:PS) and thickness of GQDs colloidal crystals were controlled. The results showed that the potential modification of the PS surface significantly red-shifted the near-infrared characteristic peak of PS@GQDs colloidal crystals. The interference fringes of GQDs of various sizes with PS microspheres formed Bragg reflectors, creating longer wavelength intervals and larger resonance amplitudes below 1200 nm. The regulation of the photonic bandgap and the quantum confinement effect of GQDs showed a clear dependency. The lattice constant significantly influenced the near-infrared optical properties of colloidal crystals. Colloidal crystals exhibited different sensitivities to internal structural defects and orderliness across various spectral ranges. Raman studies indicated that increased GQD concentration formed magic-angle graphene, and increased thickness enhanced local electromagnetic field effects, multiple scattering effects, and optical gain. Therefore, this study provides a method to achieve tunable near-infrared shielding or optical absorption materials by adjusting the concentration of GQDs, the particle size of PS@GQDs microspheres, and the thickness of colloidal crystals, which can be applied to distributed Bragg reflector absorptive devices.
AI Suicide Prevention: A Qualitative Exploration of Risk and Opportunity
Authors: Greaves Jacob , Colucci Erminia
Published: December 2024

Background
Crisis support services offer crucial intervention for individuals in acute distress, providing timely access to trained volunteers whose human connection is key to the effectiveness of these services. However, there are significant disparities in who utilises these services. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) present new possibilities for crisis intervention in the form of AI-powered conversational partners. Yet, there is little guidance on how AI might be used in this context; and the risks and opportunities remain largely unexplored. This study aims to explore the risks and opportunities of integrating artificial volunteers (AVs) into crisis support, focusing on meeting the needs of those at risk of suicide. It collects the perspectives of crisis service volunteers to contemplate an AVs potential effect on the quality and effectiveness of support provided in crisis situations.
Methods
A thematic analysis was used to interpret 13 semi-structured, exploratory qualitative interviews of an UK-based crisis service volunteers.
Results
Three concerns were identified regarding perceived inflexibility and inauthenticity of AI, and the potential for dehumanisation of texters, aligning with factors influencing suicidal behaviour, such as perceived rejection and feelings of entrapment. Despite these concerns, the study found potential advantages, including reduced perceived burden on texters, enhanced confidentiality, and consistent, impartial responses. Recommendations for potential implementations suggest a cautious yet open-minded approach to integrating AI into crisis support, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and clarity on the role of human oversight.
Conclusions
AI could complement rather than replace human support in the form of an AV, offering a differentiated, accessible avenue for those who might prefer or benefit from non-human interaction.
Tabular Context-aware Optical Character Recognition and Tabular Data Reconstruction for Historical Records
Authors: Singh Loitongbam Gyanendro , Middleton Stuart E
Published: December 2024

Digitizing historical tabular records is essential for preserving and analyzing valuable data across various fields, but it presents challenges due to complex layouts, mixed text types, and degraded document quality. This paper introduces a comprehensive framework to address these issues through three key contributions. First, it presents UoS_Data_Rescue, a novel dataset of 1,113 historical logbooks with over 594,000 annotated text cells, designed to handle the complexities of handwritten entries, aging artifacts, and intricate layouts. Second, it proposes a novel context-aware text extraction approach (TrOCR-ctx) to reduce cascading errors during table digitization. Third, it proposes an enhanced end-to-end OCR pipeline that integrates TrOCR-ctx with ByT5 for real-time post-OCR correction, providing improved multilingual support. This pipeline reduces errors encountered in table digitization tasks by correcting OCR outputs in real time during training. The model achieves superior performance with a 0.049 word error rate and 0.035 character error rate, outperforming existing methods by up to 41% in OCR tasks and 10.74% in table reconstruction tasks. This framework offers a robust solution for large-scale digitization of tabular documents, extending its applications beyond climate records to other domains requiring structured document preservation. The dataset and implementation are available as open-source resources.
Critical Behavior through Local Amplification in the Mammalian Cochlea
Authors: Hudspeth Albert , Alonso Rodrigo , Gianoli Francesco , Fabella Brian
Published: December 2024

The mammalian cochlea achieves a remarkable feat: over a frequency range of tens of kilohertz, it can detect oscillations of the eardrum as small as a hydrogen atom as well as thunderclaps a trillion times as loud. These remarkable capabilities are attributed to a so-called active process through which a hearing organ expends energy to enhance its sensory inputs. In nonmammalian hearing organs, this active process emerges from the operation of the sensory receptors, or hair cells, in a critical regime termed a Hopf bifurcation1,2. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the active process in mammals remain uncertain. Here we show that isolated segments of the gerbil's cochlea display the features of the active process observed in living ears: they amplify stimuli, exhibit frequency tuning, and compress their responses nonlinearly. Because these properties manifest themselves locally, our results challenge traditional theories that ascribe the active process to the injection of energy into traveling waves that propagate along the cochlear spiral. We show instead that the mammalian cochlea locally enhances its responsiveness by operating near a state of criticality. By allowing optical and electrical measurements as well as direct pharmacological manipulation, our experimental system opens new avenues for studying hearing in health and disease. Our results emphasize a conserved evolutionary strategy—a fundamental biophysical principle—that underpins auditory processes across species.
Tuning Sustainable Nanocomposite Interphase Behavior through Surface-Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals
Authors: Wang Zhenqin , Li Huiyong , Jin Hanxun , Senanayake Manjula , Pingali Sai Venkatesh , Goldberg William , Kobayashi Daichi , Genin Guy , Foston Marcus
Published: December 2024

Sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics are needed urgently, but biodegradable materials from renewable sources often suffer from inadequate mechanical properties. Here, we demonstrate a bio-inspired strategy to enhance soy protein isolate (SPI) nanocomposites through surface modification of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) reinforcing particles with polydopamine (polyDOPA). This modification creates multifunctional interfaces that simultaneously improve CNC dispersion and strengthen filler-matrix interactions. PolyDOPA-modified CNCs increases the tensile strength and elastic modulus of SPI films (plasticized with 50% glycerol) by more than threefold compared to unreinforced controls. Transmission electron microscopy, spectroscopic techniques, and thermal analysis reveal that polyDOPA coatings influenced nanocomposite structure across multiple length scales, tripling the effective diameter of the CNC inclusions, reducing the tendency of CNC nanocrystals to aggregate, and increasing the glass transition temperature. The increase in glass transition temperature suggests reduced molecular mobility due to enhanced interfacial interactions at the CNC surface. Micromechanical modeling suggests that property improvements arose from both enhanced interfacial interactions and reduced filler aggregation. Results reveal how polyDOPA-modified CNCs influence the interphase effectiveness and filler dispersion of SPI-glycerol nanocomposites, providing a pathway to further improve their performance.
Ficus duerrii (Moraceae) a new species from Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Authors: Devi Sarojini , Kullayiswamy Raja
Published: December 2024

A new species Ficus duerrii (Moraceae) is described and illustrated from the rocky plateau of Orvakallu, Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh state, India. It is a woody shrub allied to Ficus arnottiana but varying in habit due to the presence of aerial roots, shape of syconia, number and shape of ostiole bracts, and morphological structure of male, female and gall flowers. A detailed description is provided along with illustrations and images for easy identification of the new species. Anatomical characters of the stem, leaf and petiole are provided as evidence. The IUCN threat status of the new species is evaluated as Vulnerable based on EOO, AOO values and number of Individuals.
A Systematic Review of Tai Chi-based Interventions for Positive and Negative Symptoms, Cognitive Functioning, and Quality of Life in Psychosis
Authors: O'Leary Donagh Seaver , Marshall David , Smyth Justin , Clarke Mary , Gaynor Keith
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study aimed to provide a systematic review of Tai Chi/Qigong interventions in psychosis and their impact on positive, negative symptoms, cognitive deficits and quality of life.
Introduction: There is growing evidence that the mind–body practice of Tai Chi has value in treating and preventing many mental health-related problems, such as stress and anxiety. However, it is unclear whether they are effective/beneficial in serious mental illness conditions such as psychosis.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review protocol was registered (PROSPERO). Data were extracted by two independent researchers and analysed using a narrative synthesis approach.
Results: Six studies in total were included in this review. Publications spanned from 2012-2022. All were based in Asia. The modality used included 4 Tai Chi, 2 Baduanjin and 1 Yijinjin interventions. The principal findings indicated that Tai Chi interventions showed some promise in improving negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits in individuals with long-term psychotic illnesses in Asian populations.
Conclusions: The current review suggests that Tai Chi is an acceptable, well-tolerated intervention in people with psychosis. There is tentative evidence that it may have a positive impact for negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. Well-controlled studies should be encouraged in Western settings, emphasising the importance of therapist factors, and examining a broad range of health and mental health outcomes.
Der Einfluss sozialer Normen auf die Helmnutzung junger Radfahrerinnen
Authors: Kaup Stefanie
Published: December 2024

Jugendliche orientieren sich an sozialen Normen Gleichaltriger. Das wahrgenommene Verhalten Gleichaltriger (deskriptive Norm) und die Akzeptanz der Gleichaltrigen (injunktive Norm) können somit auch das eigene Verhalten beeinflussen. Daher untersucht diese Studie für den Bereich der Verkehrssicherheit, welche sozialen Normen junge Radfahrerinnen zum Helmtragen bei Gleichaltrigen wahrnehmen und unter welchen Bedingungen diese Normen ihr eigenes Verhalten im Straßenverkehr beeinflussen. Ziel ist es, Anknüpfungspunkte für Präventionsmassnahmen, die die Helmnutzung fördern sollen, zu identifizieren und Handlungsempfehlungen für die praktische Verkehrssicherheitsarbeit abzuleiten. Dazu wurden zwei voneinander unabhängige Online-Befragungen durchgeführt. Die erste Befragung zeigt, dass die befragten 1.204 Radfahrerinnen im Alter von 14 bis 30 Jahren sowohl die Helmtragequote weiblicher Gleichaltriger (deskriptive Norm) als auch deren Akzeptanz des Helmtragens (injunktive Norm) unterschätzen. Ganz im Sinne der Theory of Normative Social Behavior (Rimal und Real 2005) beeinflussen diese normativen Fehlwahrnehmungen die Helmnutzung. In Anlehnung an den Social Norms Approach (Perkins 2003) wurden für die zweite Befragung Normappelle zur Förderung des Helmtragens abgeleitet. Hier wurden die Reaktionen von 1.209 Radfahrerinnen auf diese Normappelle sowie Ideen zu deren Verbreitung über Social-Media-Influencerinnen erfasst. Aus den Ergebnissen ließen sich strategische Überlegungen für normbasierte Kampagnen zur Förderung des Helmtragens ableiten und weiterer Forschungsbedarf identifizieren.
ДВА ПРАЗДНИКА ВРЕМЕН АМЕРИКАНСКОЙ РЕВОЛЮЦИИ
Authors: Филимонова М.А.
Published: December 2024

Статья посвящена праздничной культуре Американской революции. Автор анализирует как патриотические торжества (День независимости и День благодарения), так и лоялистский праздник (Meschianza). Делается вывод о связи праздников обеих партий с утопической картиной мира. Праздничная культура вписывается в об-щий контекст становления американской национальной идентичности.

The article is focused on the festive culture of the American Revolution. The author analyzes Patriotic celebrations (Independence Day and Thanksgiving Day) and a loyalist holiday (Meschianza). The conclusion is that the holidays of both parties involved a utopian view of the world. The festive culture is included into the overall context of the formation of American national identity.
ПРОБЛЕМА АБСОЛЮТИЗМА В КОНЦЕПЦИИ Н.А. РОЖКОВАКАК ОТРАЖЕНИЕ МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ ТРАНСФОРМАЦИИВ РОССИЙСКОЙ ИСТОРИОГРАФИИ НАЧАЛА ХХ ВЕКА
Authors: Ландина Л.В.
Published: December 2024

В статье проводится анализ трактовки Н.А. Рожковым проблемы абсолютизма. Пу-тем выявления различных концептуальных составляющих в интерпретации Рожкова демонстрируется методологический поиск в российской историографии начала ХХ века, а также рецепция данным автором и степень принятия советскими историками разных теоретических подходов.

The article is devoted to the methodological analysis of N.A. Rozhkov’s interpretations of Western European and Russian absolutisms. By revealing various conceptual components in Rozhkov's interpretation, methodological search in Russian historiography of the early 20th century is demonstrated, as well as the author’s reception of various theoretical approaches and the degree of their acceptability by Soviet historians.
«КЛЮЧЕВСКИАДА» М.В. НЕЧКИНОЙ
Authors: Тихонов В.В.
Published: December 2024

Статья посвящена анализу эволюции образа В.О. Ключевского в историографическом наследии М.В. Нечкиной. Особое внимание уделено ее неопубликованным или малоизвестным трудам 1920-х гг. Показано, что ранние работы стали своеобразным полигоном теоретико-методологических поисков М.В. Нечкиной; в них представлен синтез психоанализа и экстерналистского классового подхода к развитию науки. Ранние работы тесно связаны концептуально с итоговой монографией «Василий Осипович Ключевский: история жизни и творчества» (1974).

The article analyzes the evolution of the image of V.O. Klyuchevsky in the historiographic heritage of M.V. Nechkina. Special attention is paid to unpublished or little-known works of M.V. Nechkina of the 1920s. It is shown that early works became a kind of polygon of theoretical and methodological searches of M.V. Nechkina, who presented the synthesis of psychoanalysis and externalist class approach to the development of science. Nevertheless, it is concluded that conceptually early works are closely connected with the final monograph "Vasily Klyuchevsky: the history of life and creativity" (1974).