bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlling the Activity and Selectivity of HZSM-5 Catalysts in the Conversion of Biomass-Derived Oxygenates Using Hierarchical Structures: The Effect of Crystalline Size and Intracrystalline Pore Dimensions on Olefins Selectivity and Catalyst Deactivation
Authors: Farah Elise , Demianenko Ludmilla , Engvall Klas , Kantarelis Efthymios
Published: June 2023

The conversion of biomass-derived oxygenates over zeolite catalysts constitutes a challenge for the efficient production of bio-based chemicals and fuels due to difficulty in controlling the selectivity and high coke formation of such reactions. This is partly attributed to the microstructure of zeolite catalyst which affects the conversion and selectivity of products derived from biomass-derived oxygenates. In this study, the conversion and deactivation characteristics of three different model oxygenates found in biomass bio-oil (namely, acetol, furfural and guaiacol) over ZSM-5 zeolites of varying acidity, pore and crystal size prepared with bottom-up and top-down approaches were evaluated using a fixed bed microreactor at atmospheric pressure and a space velocity of 5 h−1at a temperature range of 450–650 °C. Analysis of the experimental results indicates that the optimum temperature for such conversions is in the vicinity of 600 °C allowing for complete conversion of the compounds and high resistance to coking. The mechanisms of those conversions are discussed based on the obtained results. In general, crystal size and mesoporosity induce easier access to active sites improving mass transfer but also alter the location type, and strength of acid sites allowing for higher yields of primary and intermediate products such as olefins.
Preparation and Characterization of nZVI, Bimetallic Fe0-Cu, and Fava Bean Activated Carbon-Supported Bimetallic AC-F e0-Cu for Anionic Methyl Orange Dye Removal
Authors: Abdel-Aziz A. B. , Mohamed Nora , El-taweel Reem M. , Sh Husien , Salim Alyaa I. , Pal Kaushik , Fahim Irene Samy , Said Lobna A. , Radwan Ahmed G.
Published: June 2023

Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI), bimetallic Nano zero-valent iron-copper (Fe0- Cu), and fava bean activated carbon-supported with bimetallic Nano zero-valent iron-copper (AC-F e0-Cu) were prepared and characterized by DLS, FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The influence of the synthesized adsorbents on the adsorption and removal of soluble anionic methyl orange (M.O) dye was investigated using UV-V spectroscopy. The influence of numerous operational parameters was studied at varied pH (3–9), time intervals (15–180 min), and dye concentrations (25–1000 ppm) to establish the best removal conditions. The maximum removal efficiency of M.O. using the prepared adsorbent materials reached about 99%. The removal efficiency is modeled using response surface methodology (RSM). The Bimetallic $$F{e}^{0}$$

F

e

0

-Cu, the best experimental and predicted removal efficiency is 96.8% RE. For the H2SO4 chemical AC-$$F{e}^{0}$$

F

e

0

-Cu, the best experimental and removal efficiency is 96.25% RE. The commercial AC-Fe0–Cu, the best experimental and predicted removal efficiency is 94.93%RE. This study aims to produce low-cost adsorbents such as Bimetallic Fe0-Cu, and Fava Bean Activated Carbon-Supported Bimetallic AC-Fe0-Cu to treat the industrial wastewater from the anionic methyl orange (M.O) dye and illustrate its ability to compete H2SO4 chemical AC-Fe0-Cu, and commercial AC-Fe0-Cu.
Pivotal role of multiphase computed tomography angiography for collateral assessment in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Busto Giorgio , Morotti Andrea , Carlesi Edoardo , Fiorenza Alessandro , Di Pasquale Francesca , Mancini Sara , Lombardo Ivano , Scola Elisa , Gadda Davide , Moretti Marco , Miele Vittorio , Fainardi Enrico
Published: June 2023

The cerebral collateral circulation is the main compensatory mechanism that maintains the ischemic penumbra viable, the tissue at risk for infarction that can be saved if blood flow is restored by reperfusion therapies. In clinical practice, the extent of collateral vessels recruited after vessel occlusion can be easily assessed with computed tomography angiography (CTA) using two different techniques: single-phase CTA (sCTA) and multi-phase CTA (mCTA). Both these methodologies have demonstrated a high prognostic predictive value for prognosis due to the strong association between the presence of good collaterals and favorable radiological and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, mCTA seems to be superior to sCTA in the evaluation of collaterals and a promising tool for identifying AIS patients who can benefit from reperfusion therapies. In particular, it has recently been proposed the use of mCTA eligibility criteria has been recently proposed for the selection of AIS patients suitable for endovascular treatment instead of the current accepted criteria based on CT perfusion. In this review, we analyzed the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of sCTA and mCTA to better understand their fields of application and the potential of mCTA in becoming the method of choice to assess collateral extent in AIS patients.
« Ars combinatoria » chez Gian-Carlo Rota ou le triomphe du symbolisme
Authors: Cartier Pierre
Published: June 2023

Gian-Carlo Rota est l’inventeur d’une nouvelle science : la combi-natoire algébrique qui n’était jusque-là qu’un ensemble de questions dispa-rates, dont la solution, parfois ingénieuse, ne laissait entrevoir la méthode. Il s’agit ici de décrire la stratégie mise en œuvre sous sa forme ma-thématique dont les enjeux philosophiques ne sont pas négligeables, en poursuivant le geste de Rota, pour sortir la combinatoire de son ghetto.
« Sur une petite phrase de Riemann » Aspects du débat français autour de la Reasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics
Authors: Castellana Mario
Published: June 2023

Le thème d’une nature particulière des mathématiques comme connaissance a été au cœur du débat épistémologique français du xxe siècle, et ce, à partir des œuvres de Maximilien Winter, Gaston Bachelard, Albert Lautman jusqu’à Alain Connes et Gilles Châtelet. Pour le saisir au plus près, il convient d’avoir à l’esprit qu’il est le fruit d’une analyse constante et d’un approfondissement des indications données par Bernhardt Riemann sur le rapport étroit entre mathématiques et physique qui caractérisera toute la pensée physique du xxe siècle. Ce qui a conduit à l’existence d’une littérature très riche mais peu étudiée qui a cherché à clarifier sur le plan épistémique le sens rationnel de l’efficacité des mathématiques dans l’exploration du réel physique, problématisée sous le titre de The Unreasonable Effectiveness of Mathematics. Cette problématique cruciale constitue l’un des apports les plus originaux de la philosophie des sciences française, sans équiva-lent dans la tradition anglo-saxonne. Prendre acte de l’existence de cette épistémologie de la physique mathématique devrait permettre de couper court à la polémique soulevée récemment en France quant à l’existence ou la non-existence d’une philosophie des sciences spécifi-quement française.
Smoking during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Athanasiadou Kleoniki I. , Paschou Stavroula A. , Papakonstantinou Evgenia , Vasileiou Vasiliki , Kanouta Fotini , Kazakou Paraskevi , Stefanaki Katerina , Kassi Georgia N. , Psaltopoulou Theodora , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Anastasiou Eleni
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate whether maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing GDM.

Methods

MEDLINE, Scopus, CENTRAL and Google Scholar databases were searched from inception to December 2022 to identify eligible original articles. A systematic review and meta-analysis (weighted data, random-effects model) were performed. The primary outcome was the development of GDM in pregnant women. The results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) (inverse variance method). Subgroup analysis was planned according to the maternal smoking status and GDM diagnostic criteria. Statistical heterogeneity was checked with the Chi-squared (Chi2) test and the I2 index was used to quantify it. The studies were evaluated for publication bias.

Results

Thirty-five studies, including 23,849,696 pregnant women, met the inclusion criteria. The pooled OR of smoking during pregnancy compared with non-smoking (never smokers and former smokers) was 1.06 (95% CI 0.95–1.19), p = 0.30; I2 = 90%; Chi2 = 344; df=34; p < 0.001. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the two-step Carpenter-Coustan diagnostic criteria, due to the high heterogeneity among the other applied methods. The pooled OR for the Carpenter-Coustan subgroup was 1.19 (95% CI 0.95–1.49), p = 0.12; I2 = 63%; Chi2 = 27; df=10; p < 0.002. Further subgroup analysis according to maternal smoking status was not performed due to missing data.

Conclusion

There is no evidence to support an association between maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy and the risk for GDM. Universally accepted diagnostic criteria for GDM must be adopted to reduce heterogeneity and clarify the association between smoking and GDM.
Mindfulness, pension, and life satisfaction of retired older adults in China: mediation effects of positive and negative affect
Authors: Xie Xiaoxia , Qiao Xingyong , Huang Chien-Chung , Sitar Sophie
Published: June 2023

With rising average life expectancies and continuing early retirement, China has more retirees than ever before. This study builds from previous research to understand how mental and financial resources affect life satisfaction amongst 1,018 Chengdu, China retirees. Specifically, our research examined how the extents of mindfulness and pension influence life satisfaction and whether the relations are mediated by positive and negative affect (PANA). The SEM results indicate mindfulness has a significant direct (β = 0.26) and an indirect (β = 0.18) effect on life satisfaction via PANA, while the amount of pension has small effect on life satisfaction (β = 0.04) and only via negative affect. The estimates, however, varied by gender and age. Mindfulness had a strong influence on reducing NA for female older adults while substantially increasing PA for male older adults. Additionally, the amount of pension significantly reduced NA for older retirees aged 65 and above. These findings call for increased mindfulness interventions and robust pension policies to better support retired older adults in China.
Forecasting Economic Growth: Evidence from housing, banking, and credit conditions
Authors: Chatterjee Ujjal
Published: June 2023

Previous studies on economic growth have separately examined the role of housing, banking, and credit market conditions, despite their interrelatedness. Therefore, this paper comprehensively investigates the relative importance of four indicators [house prices, residential investment, corporate credit spreads, and aggregate bank liquidity creation (LC)] to forecast U.S. real GDP growth. We do so after accounting for a comprehensive set of other predictors and aim to identify indicators that better forecast economic growth. Our in-and out-of-sample results show that house prices and corporate credit spreads predict real GDP growth better than residential investment and LC. Moreover, shocks to house prices and corporate credit spreads have a greater impact on real GDP growth and other macroeconomic indicators than shocks to LC and residential investment. Furthermore, house prices have the largest positive impact on inflation and the largest negative effect on unemployment. These results may have potential monetary policy implications.
Crosstalk Between Peripheral Innervation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ni Bo , Yin Yiqing , Li Zekun , Wang Junjin , Wang Xiuchao , Wang Kaiyuan
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance, leading to a poor overall prognosis. Emerging evidence shows that the peripheral nerve is an important non-tumor component in the tumor microenvironment that regulates tumor growth and immune escape. The crosstalk between the neuronal system and PDAC has become a hot research topic that may provide novel mechanisms underlying tumor progression and further uncover promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of perineural invasion and the role of various types of tumor innervation in the progression of PDAC, summarize the potential signaling pathways modulating the neuronal-cancer interaction, and discuss the current and future therapeutic possibilities for this condition.
Mindfulness facets differentially relate to self-reported negative and positive emotional eating types in treatment-seeking adults with overweight/obesity
Authors: Barnhart Wesley R. , Kalantzis Maria A. , Braden Abby L.
Published: June 2023

Background

Mindfulness is a meaningful therapeutic target in the treatment of emotional eating in adults with overweight/obesity. Descriptive research mapping relations between mindfulness facets and emotional eating types in treatment-seeking adults with overweight/obesity is needed.

Methods

Cross-sectional relations between mindfulness facets (i.e., acting with awareness, describe, non-judgment, non-reactive, and observe; Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire-Short Form) and emotional eating types (i.e., self-reported negative and positive emotional eating; Emotional Eating Scale-Revised, Emotional Appetite Questionnaire) were examined in a treatment-seeking sample of adults with overweight/obesity (N = 63).

Results

Significant bivariate correlations revealed negative relations between mindfulness facets and emotional eating types. Multiple regressions revealed that higher describe (β = − 0.42, p = 0.004) mindfulness was associated with lower self-reported emotional eating–anger/anxiety; higher non-reactive (β = − 0.31, p = 0.01) and non-judgment (β = − 0.28, p = 0.02) mindfulness were associated with lower self-reported emotional eating-depression; and higher non-judgment (β = 0.26, p = 0.04) mindfulness was associated with higher self-reported emotional eating-positive.

Conclusions

Describe, non-judgment, and non-reactive mindfulness were uniquely and significantly associated with eating in response to negative and positive emotions. Results suggest the potential need for intervention programs to be sensitive to the multidimensional nature of mindfulness in the treatment of distinct types of emotional eating in adults with overweight/obesity.

Level of evidence

V, cross-sectional descriptive study.
Explicit and Implicit Affective Attitudes toward Sustainability: The Role of Mindfulness, Heartfulness, Connectedness to Nature and Prosocialness
Authors: Winkelmair Annica , Siebertz Markus , Jost Leonardo , Schroter Franziska Anna , Bartenschlager Christopher Timm Johannes , Jansen Petra
Published: June 2023

The present study aims to investigate explicit and implicit affective attitudes toward sustainability, aspects of mindfulness, and their related factors. Therefore, different areas of sustainability (e.g., mobility, nutrition, packaging) were considered. We focused mainly on the indirect effects of mindfulness on attitudes through prosocialness and connectedness to nature. Furthermore, heartfulness, as the emotional quality of mindfulness, was considered. 458 subjects answered a series of questionnaires (mindfulness, connectedness to nature, prosocial behavior, gratitude, and self-compassion questionnaire) and completed an explicit affective evaluation task, as well as an affective priming task measuring implicit attitudes. The participants explicitly evaluated sustainable concepts more positively in comparison to non-sustainable ones. There was no significant correlation between implicit and explicit affective attitudes. Furthermore, the results of structural equation modeling revealed inner awareness and insight as predictors for prosocialness, and prosocialness in turn for the explicit affective attitudes toward sustainability. In addition, exploratory analyses showed a significant relationship between self-compassion and explicit attitudes toward sustainable concepts and a significant overall relation between gratitude, prosocialness, and explicit attitudes toward sustainable concepts. None of the relations to the implicit attitudes was significant. Our findings suggest prosocialness as a relevant mediating factor for the relation of explicit attitudes toward sustainability and mindfulness. However, this connection might be more complex, and the differentiation of mindfulness aspects inner and outer awareness seems insightful and should be considered even more in further research.
The Effect of Impeller Tip Clearance on the Performance of a MGT Mixed Flow Compressor Stage Fitted with a Crossover Diffuser
Authors: van Eck Hano , van der Spuy S. J. , Gannon A. J.
Published: June 2023

Mixed flow compressor stage designs are becoming increasingly popular for use in Micro Gas Turbine (MGT) engines. Due to manufacturing constraints and structural considerations, such compressors typically feature unshrouded impeller designs. A numeric investigation of the effect of impeller-shroud tip clearance on the performance of a MGT mixed flow compressor stage fitted with a crossover diffuser is presented. Three baseline test compressors are designed using an in-house-developed application based on one-dimensional mean line theory. These cover a wide range of design mass flow rates, design speeds, and impeller meridional exit (mixed flow) angles. The performance of each of the test compressors are evaluated at an impeller-shroud tip clearance of 0.1 mm, 0.3 mm, and 0.6 mm. Commercial CFD software is used to verify the performance results of the various test compressor configurations. It is found that an increase in impeller tip clearance negatively impacts both compressor performance (total-to-total pressure ratio and efficiency) and choke margin. Conversely, stall margin increases with an increase in impeller tip clearance.
Morbidity Patterns and Determinants of Healthcare-Seeking Behavior Among Older Women in Selected Rural Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Shahinur , Azad Tazrin , Rahman Md. Habibur , Raihan Md. Firoz
Published: June 2023

Background

Bangladesh has experienced growth in the older population in number and proportion, owing to a decline in fertility and mortality, and an increase in life expectancy. Older women in rural Bangladesh have considerably poorer health status than older men, because of women’s’ higher life expectancy and extreme vulnerability as a result of socioeconomic marginalization.

Objectives

The purpose of the current study was to explore the morbidity patterns and healthcare-seeking behaviors, and their determinants, among older women in selected rural areas of the Bagerhat District in Bangladesh, and to provide recommendations for potential future interventions in this context.

Material and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the household level. Data were collected from 233 randomly selected older women ≥ 60 years of age in three selected villages in the Bagerhat district in Bangladesh in November 2021. Univariate and bivariate analyses (Chi-squared test) were applied to explore morbidities and the associations of healthcare-seeking behaviors with various determinants. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify the associations between healthcare-seeking behavior and significant determinants extracted from the bivariate analysis.

Results

Diabetes and liver diseases were the most common morbidities among older women. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that education, living arrangement, size of the family, and morbidity patterns were significantly associated with seeking healthcare services among older women in rural Bangladesh (P ≤ 0.05). The rates of seeking healthcare services were higher among older women with primary and secondary education, those living with spouses and children, those residing in extended families with seven or more members, and older women with diabetes and liver diseases.

Conclusion

On the basis of the findings, we suggest that the traditional extended family structure should be sustained, wherein older people are treated with care and respect, thereby promoting healthy aging in rural Bangladesh. Furthermore, family relationships should be strengthened, because older individuals, particularly older women, require emotional and familial support to lead healthy lives. Because gender roles, norms, and relationships influence people’s exposure to disease, awareness programs regarding the prevalence of morbidities in old age, particularly among older women, should be expanded in rural areas to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.
The Emerging Autonomous Legal Order of the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors: Karliuk Maksim
Published: June 2023

In this original study of the Eurasian Economic Union, Maksim Karliuk assesses the law and dynamics of functioning of this international organization. Examining the Eurasian Economic Union as an attempt to encourage post-Soviet integration, this book addresses the problematic legal issues of the integration process. Using the legal order autonomy framework, Karliuk carefully selects and organizes the topics included to offer readers a clear, systematic account of the most significant concerns. As well as considering theoretical issues, Karliuk engages with practical solutions to the problems identified. Besides merely outlining the present, this book develops a framework to address gaps and failures in current integration efforts and encourages further research into the complexities of Eurasian integration in the future.
The East India Company and the Politics of Knowledge
Authors: Ehrlich Joshua
Published: June 2023

The East India Company is remembered as the world's most powerful, not to say notorious, corporation. But for many of its advocates from the 1770s to the 1850s it was also the world's most enlightened one. Joshua Ehrlich reveals that a commitment to knowledge was integral to the Company's ideology. He shows how the Company cited this commitment in defense of its increasingly fraught union of commercial and political power. He moves beyond studies of orientalism, colonial knowledge, and information with a new approach: the history of ideas of knowledge. He recovers a world of debate among the Company's officials and interlocutors, Indian and European, on the political uses of knowledge. Not only were these historical actors highly articulate on the subject but their ideas continue to resonate in the present. Knowledge was a fixture in the politics of the Company – just as it seems to be becoming a fixture in today's politics.
Promoting Black Women's Mental Health
Authors: Baptiste Donna , Gooden Adia
Published: June 2023

Promoting Black Women's Mental Health celebrates the strengths and complexities of Black women in American life. Many misunderstand and mis-characterize Black women and underappreciate their important contributions to families, communities, and the nation. In this book, a team of Black women mental health practitioners and scholars discuss a range of conditions that impact Black women's self-concepts and mental health. Drawing on a study of Black women across the United States, authors explore the social determinants of Black women's mental health and wellness and Black women's girlhood experiences. The book also explores Black women's stereotypes, their traumas, how they shift in relationships, and images that affect their racial and gender identity development. The book draws on scholarly and popular sources to present Black women's strength and challenges. Authors include commentary, case examples, reﬂection questions, and resources to improve practitioners' capacities to help Black women clients to recover, heal, and thrive.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) and Its Potential to Advance Patient Care in Low-Resource Settings and Conflict Zones
Authors: Dana Elad , Nour A.D. Mahamat , Kpa’Hanba Gombako A. , Khan James S.
Published: June 2023

Point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) is used by health care professionals of various specialties worldwide, with excellent results demonstrating significant potential to advance patient care. However, in low resource areas of the world, where other imaging modalities are scarce and the potential of handheld pocket-sized PoCUS devices with great versatility and increasing affordability seems most significant, its use is far from being widespread. In this report, our group of Chadian, Israeli, and Canadian physicians with experience in rural, military, and conflict zone medical aid, discusses the barriers to the implementation of PoCUS in low resource areas and offers potential solutions.
Embodiment of color metaphor: an image-based visual analysis of the Chinese color terms hēi ‘black’ and bái ‘white’
Authors: Dou Jinmeng , Liu Meichun , Chen Tong
Published: June 2023

Perceptual information includes sensorimotor and emotional experience regarding the multimodality of the perceptual system. The current study provides an image-based visual analysis on the embodiment of color metaphors through the investigation of (i) the perceptual (dis)similarities between the literal and metaphorical meanings of the Chinese color terms hēi ‘black’ and bái ‘white’ and (ii) the influence of emotional valence on the degree of their perceptual (dis)similarities. Specifically, 24 concepts in three semantic domains were represented as eight-dimensional vectors based on the color information extracted from online images, including two color concepts of black and white, 20 abstract concepts referring to 8 metaphorical meanings of hēi and 12 metaphorical meanings of bái, and two abstract concepts referring to positive and negative affective polarity. Statistical analyses show that (i) the literal and metaphorical meanings of hēi and bái are perceptually distinguishable given their significant perceptual (dis)similarities and (ii) the observed perceptual distinguishability cannot be solely attributed to the (in)consistency of emotional valence associated with the senses. The present study provides nonlinguistic evidence for the embodiment of color metaphors in the Chinese context with an empirical approach that can simultaneously capture the metaphorical mappings and affective associations among cross-domain concepts with sensory data.
Acoustic cues to phrase and clause boundaries in infant-directed speech: Evidence from LENA recordings
Authors: WANG Tianlin , YU Elie ChingYen , HUANG Rong , LANY Jill
Published: June 2023

Infant-directed speech (IDS) produced in laboratory settings contains acoustic cues, such as pauses, pitch changes, and vowel-lengthening that could facilitate breaking speech into smaller units, such as syntactically well-formed utterances, and the noun- and verb-phrases within them. It is unclear whether these cues are present in speech produced in more natural contexts outside the lab. We captured LENA recordings of caregiver speech to 12-month-old infants in daylong interactions (N = 49) to address this question. We found that the final positions of syntactically well-formed utterances contained greater vowel lengthening and pitch changes, and were followed by longer pauses, relative to non-final positions. However, we found no evidence that these cues were present at utterance-internal phrase boundaries. Results suggest that acoustic cues marking the boundaries of well-formed utterances are salient in everyday speech to infants and highlight the importance of characterizing IDS in a large sample of naturally-produced speech to infants.
A comparative review on the role of stimuli in idea generation
Authors: Blandino Graziana , Montagna Francesca , Cantamessa Marco , Colombo Samuele
Published: June 2023

This paper reports a systematic literature review with the aim of determining the role of stimuli and other factors, such as timing, the designers’ background, expertise, and experience, in the idea generation phase of conceptual design related to engineering and industrial design and architecture. “Stimulus” is a general expression for a source of information characterized by several features, including the source (internal or external), analogical distance (near or far), and form (textual, visual, or other). Several recent studies have been conducted on this topic involving neurophysiological measurements with significant results. This comprehensive review will help to determine if the neurophysiological results are consistent with those from protocol studies. This allows for determining how the features of stimuli affect – among the related factors – designers’ performance in idea generation. The literature search was carried out using the Snowball and PRISMA methods. A total of 72 contributions were selected from studies adopting protocol analysis or neurophysiological measurements. This study presents a framework to support the selection of stimuli most likely to maximize performance, based on the designer's background and expertise in the different idea generation metrics. The main findings of the framework suggest that visual stimuli enhance the creative performance of designers, regardless of their background, while textual stimuli foster the variety and quality of ideas, but only in engineering and industrial designers. Comparing the findings, the resulting framework reveals aspects of stimuli that require further investigation. These can be considered valuable insights for new directions for design research.
Neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve effects in the Caudate Nucleus of young bilingual adults
Authors: Gallo Federico , Terekhina Liliia , Shtyrov Yury , Myachykov Andriy
Published: June 2023

This study investigates bilingualism-induced neuroplastic and cognitive-reserve effects in the Caudate Nucleus (CN), a structure believed to support both bilingual language control and domain-general executive functioning. We computed a generalized bilingualism index incorporating several dimensions of bilingual experience in a sample of bilingual young adults and tested whether this index would predict behavioral executive performance (measured using a Flanker task) and volumetric differences in the CN. Moreover, we investigated whether bilingualism mitigates the relationship between CN volume and executive performance, a sign of cognitive reserve. Our results indicate that bilingualism facilitates executive performance and induces an inverted U-shaped neuroplastic trajectory in bilateral CN, consistently with the view that structural increases are replaced by functional improvements as bilingual experience progresses. The emergence of bilingualism-induced cognitive reserve effects in CN further supports the view that bilinguals rely progressively less on the availability of structural resources in the face of increased functional efficiency.
Paleo‐Permeability Structure of the Crustal Section of the Samail Ophiolite Based on Automated Detection of Veins in X‐Ray CT Core Images From the Oman Drilling Project
Authors: Akamatsu Y. , Katayama I. , Okazaki K. , Michibayashi K.
Published: June 2023

To assess the paleo‐permeability structure of oceanic crust, we used 3‐D X‐ray Computed Tomography (XCT) images to quantify the distribution and geometry of mineral veins in core samples from Oman Drilling Project Holes GT1A, GT2A, and GT3A, which correspond to the upper to lower crustal sections of the Samail ophiolite. We developed a new method that automatically detects veins in the XCT core images based on iterative adaption of the two‐step Hough transform combined with multiscale Hessian filtering for identifying an elongate structure. Application of the developed method allowed us to identify the geometry and Computed Tomography number of more than 1500 veins with millimeter‐scale apertures in core sections with a total length of ∼1,200 m. High‐CT (HCT) veins in the drilled cores can be related to relatively high‐temperature fluid circulation near the mid‐ocean ridge, whereas Low‐CT (LCT) veins can be related to subsequent low‐temperature fluid circulation. Applying fracture fluid‐flow models to the geometric information for the detected veins, we found that the HCT and LCT vein systems both yielded bulk permeability of 10−13–10−9 m2 for each hole. This indicates that millimeter‐wide fractures can control crustal‐scale permeability, even in the lower oceanic crust. However, these vein systems show different depth dependencies and anisotropies of permeability, possibly reflecting the different spatial variations of high‐ and low‐temperature fluid circulation in oceanic crust.
Ménec Fossae on Europa: A Strike‐Slip Tectonics Origin Above a Possible Shallow Water Reservoir
Authors: Matteoni Pietro , Neesemann Alicia , Jaumann Ralf , Hillier Jon , Postberg Frank
Published: June 2023

Faults and fractures may emplace fresh material onto Europa's surface, originating from shallow reservoirs within the ice shell or directly from the subsurface ocean. Ménec Fossae is a region of particular interest as it displays the interaction of several geological features, including bands, double ridges, chaotic terrains, and fossae, within a relatively small area. These features might affect the emplacement of buried material and subsequent exposure of fresh volatiles, prime targets for the upcoming JUICE and Europa Clipper missions in order to assess Europa's astrobiological potential. Previous studies have already revealed that a deep central trough is present at Ménec Fossae, flanked by several subparallel minor troughs and by a few asymmetrical scarps with lobate planforms. The presence of such features has motivated this study, given its potential to provide clear indications on the tectonic regime involved. Through detailed geomorphological‐structural mapping using Galileo Solid State Imager data and terrain analysis on Digital Terrain Models, we could develop a novel hypothesis on the formation mechanisms that might have been involved in the study area. We propose that Ménec Fossae has been shaped by transtensional (strike‐slip with an extensional component) tectonic activity, as indicated by the orientation and relationship of the tectonic features present. Likely, such transtensional tectonism occurred above or associated with shallow subsurface water, consistent with the overall morphology and topography of the study area and the presence of chaotic terrains and double ridges. These results strengthen the case for widely distributed shallow water reservoirs within Europa's ice shell.
Investigating the Effects of Ionospheric Scintillation on Multi‐Frequency BDS‐2/BDS‐3 Signals at Low Latitudes
Authors: Liu Hang , Ren Xiaodong , Zhang Xiaohong , Mei Dengkui , Yang Pengxin
Published: June 2023

Ionospheric scintillation could seriously disrupt the signal tracking of the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), further causing positioning accuracy degradation or unavailability. BeiDou navigation satellite system (BDS), a newly developed GNSS by China, has begun to provide global positioning, navigation, and timing service. The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of ionospheric scintillation on BDS‐2 and BDS‐3 multi‐frequency signals. Ionospheric scintillation monitor receiver data from four monitors in Brazil were collected from October 2021 to May 2022. The results illustrate that S4(B2) and S4(B3) linearly increase with S4(B1) for S4(B1) ≤ 0.6, which is consistent with weak scattering theories, and average experimental ratios of S4(B2)/S4(B1), S4(B3)/S4(B1), and S4(B2)/S4(B3) are less than corresponding theoretical ones by 6.1%, 4.4%, and 1.9%, respectively. Meanwhile, as S4 values increase, lower‐frequency scintillation saturates earlier than higher ones, and the probability of ionospheric scintillation events on B2 and B3 signals is approximately twice (S4 ≥ 0.7) as B1 signals in the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) regions. To alleviate the undesirable effects of missing data on GNSS positioning, we first investigate the inter‐frequency relationship and distribution probability of two significant spectral parameters, that is, T (the spectral strength of the phase noise at 1 Hz) and p (the spectral slope of the phase power spectral density) in the tracking jitter model among three BDS frequencies. Results show that the performances among B1, B2, and B3 frequencies have a higher correlation respectively, and their values for B2 and B3 signals are more susceptible to be impacted by ionospheric scintillation.
A New Shear‐Velocity Model of Continental Australia Based on Multi‐Scale Surface‐Wave Tomography
Authors: Magrini Fabrizio , Kästle Emanuel , Pilia Simone , Rawlinson Nicholas , De Siena Luca
Published: June 2023

The Australian Seismological Reference Model (AuSREM) represents a state‐of‐the‐art geophysical synthesis of the Australian continent. To date, its shear‐wave component has limited resolution at lower‐crustal to uppermost‐mantle depths, where it is mainly constrained by sparse measurements collected at the local scale. In this study, we compile a large data set of surface‐wave phase velocities based on seismic ambient noise and teleseismic earthquakes, to produce Rayleigh and Love phase‐velocity maps of continental Australia in a broad period range (4–200 s). Via transdimensional Bayesian inversion, we translate the phase‐velocity maps into a 3‐D shear‐wave velocity model extending to 300 km depth. Owing to the unprecedented seismic coverage and to the joint use of ambient‐noise and teleseismic data, the retrieved model fills a tomographic gap in the known shear‐wave velocity structure of the continent, comprising lower‐crustal to uppermost mantle depths. Consistent with AuSREM, strong velocity heterogeneities in our model highlight the (faster) cratonic blocks and the (slower) sedimentary basins at upper‐crustal depths. At mantle depths, the most prominent feature of the continent is a large‐scale eastward decrease in shear‐wave velocity. We interpret our observations in light of the relevant literature, and produce depth maps of the Moho and lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (LAB). Notably, our LAB proxy features a stripe of thicker lithosphere extending to the east coast, which is not visible in the AuSREM LAB model. This observation supports the idea that lateral variations in lithospheric thickness control both the composition and volume of surface volcanism in eastern Australia.
Earthquakes Record Cycles of Opening and Closing in the Enhanced Seismic Catalog of the 2008 Okmok Volcano, Alaska, Eruption
Authors: Garza‐Girón Ricardo , Brodsky Emily E. , Spica Zack J. , Haney Matthew M. , Webley Peter W.
Published: June 2023

Seismicity during explosive volcanic eruptions remains challenging to observe through the eruptive noise, leaving first‐order questions unanswered. How do earthquake rates change as eruptions progress, and what is their relationship to the opening and closing of the eruptive vent? To address these questions for the Okmok Volcano 2008 explosive eruption, Volcano Explosivity Index 4, we utilized modern detection methods to enhance the existing earthquake catalog. Our enhanced catalog detected significantly more earthquakes than traditional methods. We located, relocated, determined magnitudes and classified all events within this catalog. Our analysis reveals distinct behaviors for long‐period (LP) and volcano‐tectonic (VT) earthquakes, providing insights into the opening and closing cycle. LP earthquakes occur as bursts beneath the eruptive vent and do not coincide in time with the plumes, indicating their relationship to an eruptive process that occurs at a high pressurization state, that is, partially closed conduit. In contrast, VT earthquakes maintain a steadier rate over a broader region, do not track the caldera deflation and have a larger b‐value during the eruption than before or after. The closing sequence is marked by a burst of LPs followed by small VTs south of the volcano. The opening sequence differs as only VTs extend to depth and migrate within minutes of the eruption onset. Our high‐resolution catalog offers valuable insights, demonstrating that volcanic conduits can transition between partially closed (clogged) and open (cracked) states during an eruption. Utilizing modern earthquake processing techniques enables clearer understanding of eruptions and holds promise for studying other volcanic events.
Modeling E‐Region Artificial Periodic Inhomogeneity
Authors: Hysell D. L. , Rojas E.
Published: June 2023

Artificial periodic inhomogeneity or API experiments were conducted at the HAARP facility in Gakona, Alaska, in October 2022. The experiments concentrated on measuring ionospheric irregularities induced in the E‐region. The irregularities exhibited characteristics regarding their occurrence altitudes, rise and fall times, and Doppler shifts comparable to results from experiments conducted previously at HAARP and elsewhere. The irregularities also occurred in discrete altitude bands. Seeking to quantify these results, we constructed a simple, one‐dimensional fluid model which includes the effects of HF wave heating (direct and indirect) together with electron and ion cooling and thermal conduction, ion production, loss, and diffusion. Critically, the model includes a potential solver and can represent the ambipolar electric field. The model produced API irregularities in three distinct altitude bands which decayed according to the ambipolar diffusion rate.
Controversies in CPT® coding in the neonatal intensive care unit: - critical vs. intensive care
Authors: Lakshminrusimha Satyan , Song Clara , Pearlman Stephen A. , Martin Gilbert , Duncan Scott
Published: June 2023

Professional reimbursement to neonatal providers is based on the level of Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) coding in the NICU, newborn nursery and other areas where neonatal care is provided. Four levels of evaluation and management (E&M) care—critical, intensive, routine-hospital care or normal newborn care can be provided to neonates. The work relative value units (wRVUs) associated with these four levels of care vary widely. This manuscript provides a brief review of basic features associated with each of these four levels with a specific perspective on differences between critical and intensive care codes. Coding and billing are constantly evolving fields with significant variation in interpretation and readers are encouraged to review the current publications on CPT® coding and make an informed decision on the best codes to be used for their patients.
Antibody-based binding domain fused to TCRγ chain facilitates T cell cytotoxicity for potent anti-tumor response
Authors: Chen Zhao , Lin Changyou , Pei Hong , Yuan Xiaomei , Xu Jia , Zou Mingwei , Zhang Xinyuan , Fossier Amber , Liu Meizhu , Goo Seungah , Lei Lei , Yang Jia , Novick Catherine , Xu Jiqing , Ying Ge , Zhou Zhihong , Wu Jianbo , Tang Chunyi , Zhang Wenying , Wang Zhenping , Wang Zhihao , Zhang Huitang , Guo Wenzhong , Hu Qidong , Ji Henry , Chen Runqiang
Published: June 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy has demonstrated potent clinical efficacy in the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies. However, the application of CAR-T in solid tumors has been limited due in part to the expression of inhibitory molecules in the tumor microenvironment, leading to T-cell exhaustion. To overcome this limitation, we have developed a synthetic T-cell receptor (TCR) that targets programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), a molecule that is widely expressed in various solid tumors and plays a pivotal role in T-cell exhaustion. Our novel TCR platform is based on antibody-based binding domain, which is typically a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), fused to the γδ TCRs (TCRγδ). We have utilized the T-cell receptor alpha constant (TRAC) locus editing approach to express cell surface scFv of anti-PD-L1, which is fused to the constant region of the TCRγ or TCRδ chain in activated T cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Our results indicate that these reconfigured receptors, both γ-TCRγδ and δ-TCRγδ, have the capability to transduce signals, produce inflammatory cytokines, degranulate and exert tumor killing activity upon engagement with PD-L1 antigen in vitro. Additionally, we have also shown that γ-TCRγδ exerted superior efficacy than δ-TCRγδ in in vivo xenograft model.
Galectin-3 activates spinal microglia to induce inflammatory nociception in wild type but not in mice modelling Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sideris-Lampretsas George , Oggero Silvia , Zeboudj Lynda , Silva Rita , Bajpai Archana , Dharmalingam Gopuraja , Collier David A. , Malcangio Marzia
Published: June 2023

Musculoskeletal chronic pain is prevalent in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, it remains largely untreated in these patients, raising the possibility that pain mechanisms are perturbed. Here, we utilise the TASTPM transgenic mouse model of AD with the K/BxN serum transfer model of inflammatory arthritis. We show that in male and female WT mice, inflammatory allodynia is associated with a distinct spinal cord microglial response characterised by TLR4-driven transcriptional profile and upregulation of P2Y12. Dorsal horn nociceptive afferent terminals release the TLR4 ligand galectin-3 (Gal-3), and intrathecal injection of a Gal-3 inhibitor attenuates allodynia. In contrast, TASTPM mice show reduced inflammatory allodynia, which is not affected by the Gal-3 inhibitor and correlates with the emergence of a P2Y12−TLR4−microglia subset in the dorsal horn. We suggest that sensory neuron-derived Gal-3 promotes allodynia through the TLR4-regulated release of pro-nociceptive mediators by microglia, a process that is defective in TASTPM due to the absence of TLR4 in a microglia subset.
An unnatural enzyme with endonuclease activity towards small non-coding RNAs
Authors: Ahmed Noreen , Ahmed Nadine , Bilodeau Didier A. , Pezacki John Paul
Published: June 2023

Endonucleases are enzymes that cleave internal phosphodiester bonds within double-stranded DNA or RNA and are essential for biological functions. Herein, we use genetic code expansion to create an unnatural endonuclease that cleaves non-coding RNAs including short interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs), a function that does not exist in nature. We introduce a metal-chelating unnatural amino acid, (2,2′-bipyridin-5-yl)alanine (BpyAla) to impart endonuclease activity to the viral suppressor of RNA silencing protein p19. Upon binding of copper, the mutant p19-T111BpyAla displays catalytic site-specific cleavage of siRNA and human miRNAs. Catalysis is confirmed using fluorescence polarization and fluorescence turn-on. Global miRNA profiling reveals that the engineered enzyme cleaves miRNAs in a human cell line. The therapeutic potential is demonstrated by targeting miR-122, a critical host factor for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Unnatural endonuclease function is shown to deplete miR-122 levels with similar effects to an antagomir that reduces HCV levels therapeutically.
Radial bimetallic structures via wire arc directed energy deposition-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Squires Lile , Roberts Ethan , Bandyopadhyay Amit
Published: June 2023

Bimetallic wire arc additive manufacturing (AM) has traditionally been limited to depositions characterized by single planar interfaces. This study demonstrates a more complex radial interface concept, with in situ mechanical interlocking and as-built properties suggesting a prestressed compressive effect. A 308 L stainless core is surrounded by a mild steel casing, incrementally maintaining the interface throughout the Z-direction. A small difference in the thermal expansion coefficient between these steels creates residual stresses at their interface. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms phase purity and microstructural characterization reveals columnar grain growth independent of layer transitions. Hardness values are consistent with thermal dissipation characteristics, and the compressive strength of the bimetallic structures shows a 33% to 42% improvement over monolithic controls. Our results demonstrate that biomimetic radial bimetallic variation is feasible with improved mechanical response over monolithic compositions, providing a basis for advanced structural design and implementation using arc-based metal AM.