bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Now in Remission: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shi Charles W. , VanderMeer Thomas J. , Pudusseri Anita
Published: August 2024

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with the majority of patients presenting at a late stage with unresectable or metastatic disease. Even with first line treatment, median survival is approximately 11 months in patients with advanced PDAC. This report details the unique case of a patient that presented with peritoneal metastases from an adenocarcinoma of the body of the pancreas, had a remarkable response to palliative chemotherapy and is alive without evidence of disease 12 months following cessation of all active treatment. The initial diagnosis was 4 years ago and extensive resection of the primary was completed 2 years ago. The patient was started on standard FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy regimen, completed 6 cycles, but stopped Oxaliplatin and Irinotecan due to neuropathy and fatigue, on November 5, 2020, and transitioned to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin. There was radiographic response and a notable decrease in tumor marker CA 19 − 9. On July 12, 2022 he underwent a multivisceral resection that included a radical anterograde modular pancreatico-splenectomy, partial gastrectomy, and splenic flexure colectomy with primary anastomosis due to tumor involvement of the posterior stomach and splenic flexure. Surgical pathology noted a moderately differentiated, grade 2 tumor staged ypT2 N0 M0. He continued the same adjuvant regimen of 5-FU and leucovorin for approximately 9 months with no new or recurrent disease on imaging. His CA 19 − 9 decreased within normal range after surgery and has remained within the normal limits. He remains on active surveillance. Overall, barring clear availability for targeted therapies, a metastatic PDAC of the tail may be considered to have a better prognosis than previously considered. FOLFIRINOX is the ideal treatment if the patient has a high-performance status, and PRODIGE 35 recommends 8 minimum cycles. However, in our case, the patient only tolerated 6 cycles and was still highly responsive. Despite a stage IV diagnosis, the primary tumor was resected in order to mitigate the risk for mutation and progression. Although rare, greater hope for patients with PDAC of the tail with favorable tumor biology responsive to FOLFIRINOX may contribute to increased surgical resection rates and improve survival rates.
Carbon dots employed for the detection of ranitidine and elaborating the detecting mechanism
Authors: Zhang Mei , Zhao Jingwen , Long Yingying , Li Changsong , Yang Xiaoming
Published: August 2024

Carbon dots (CDs) has been widely utilized in multiple fields, especially towards kinds of drug analyses, owing to its superior optical properties and satisfactory stability. Herein, we rapidly synthesized one kind of soluble bright-blue fluorescent CDs through a facile microwave method, while disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and phosphoric acid served as the raw materials. Importantly, introducing ranitidine into these CDs resulted in its decreased fluorescence, and thus an innovative method of detecting ranitidine was successfully established, which showed the favorable selectivity and anti-interference ability. Moreover, with the optimal conditions, the standard curve of F0/F against concentrations of ranitidine exhibited the generally satisfactory linear range of 6-2000 µM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9833, and the limit of detection (LOD) was calculated to be 4.2 µM. Meanwhile, we also explored the detecting mechanism of ranitidine by CDs, and elaborated that as the internal filtration effect. Consequently, we may broaden the avenues of detecting ranitidine on the basis of CDs.
A novel Histogram Image Clustering Approach using Enhanced Firefly Algorithm with K-means and expanded exploitation of Aquila Optimizer
Authors: Dhal Krishna Gopal , Das Arunita , Galvez Jorge , Khurma Ruba Abu , Shah Mohd Asif , Mallik Saurav
Published: August 2024

One of the most popular methods used in the field of image segmentation is K-means (KM). However, some limitations are presented, the computational time and the initialization process of the cluster centers. This study provides a Histogram-Based KM (HBKM) clustering approach that incorporates a modified Firefly Algorithm (FA) to overcome the KM drawbacks. In the histogram-based method, it is implemented considering grey-level histograms rather than image pixels. As a result, time complexity significantly decreases due to the number of grey levels employed. Moreover, the original KM initialization procedure is prone to be trapped in local optima. Consequently, the proposed approach can avoid this issue based on the exploitation and exploration mechanisms of the Aquila Optimizer (AO) method. A rigorous experimental analysis for comparing the performance of the proposed method against several state-of-art Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms (NIOAs) clustering approaches is conducted. According to the experimental study, the suggested method presents competitive results in terms of precision, uniformity, and robustness of the segmented outcomes contrasted to state-of-art NIOA-based clustering approaches.
Implementing "What Matters to You" in a Geriatric Care Pathway – a Researcher-In-Residence study:
Authors: Green Kieran , Asthana Sheena , Downey John , Ponce Oscar
Published: August 2024

Background To help people with frailty develop adaptive strategies to maintain their sense of identity, integrity, and wellbeing, health and care services must respect what is important to them. Training healthcare practitioners to ask frail patients “What Matters to You” (WMTY) instead of “What is the matter with you?” at every clinical encounter is expected to enable person-centred care (PCC) and provide these benefits. Asking WMTY may reduce formal complaints, improve health outcomes, and staff wellbeing, promote more efficient healthcare delivery, and reduce service costs. However, there is a lack of clarity regarding what 'mattering' is and barriers to effectively implementing WMTY. This paper explores the barriers and facilitators to implementing WMTY and its capacity to enhance meaning in life.Methods This Researcher-In-Residence (RiR) study embedded a researcher with clinical teams to facilitate learning and iterative feedback on WMTY implementation. All teams showed a willingness to integrate WMTY into their workflows. The researcher made handwritten notes with a participant observation tool in eight different locations (e.g., acute wards and community teams) and two matrons’ meetings; the observations were conducted for approximately 39 hours over nine months. The NASSS-CAT and Com/b frameworks facilitated qualitative data analysis.Results The study identifies that an every-encounter WMTY approach creates significance in the healthcare system rather than just aligning care plans with objects that matter to patients (e.g., loved ones, hobbies, home). It highlights that poor interoperability of hospital records hampers WMTY's effectiveness in guiding care plans. Additionally, illness-related challenging behaviours in reactive care settings may render WMTY inappropriate, necessitating tailored judgement calls based on patient and staff abilities.Conclusion Working culture and professional values may not always support PCC. Systems need better data capture to support a spectrum of structured person-centred conversations, from immediate functional goals to abstract discussions on Meaning in Life (MIL).
Thymoquinone Enhances the Antitumor Activity of Apatinib Against Gastrointestinal Tumors Through the STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Zheng Jiawei , Zhu Dongliang , Xiao Qiuju , Fu Qian , Xu Yan , Zhu Bisheng , Liu Qisheng
Published: August 2024

Objective: To explore the synergistic antitumor activity and mechanism of thymoquinone in combination with apatinib.
Methods:Cell proliferation, migration and invasion, apoptosis, and cycle of thymoquinone were investigated by using the CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, scratch assay, Transwell, qRT-PCR and Western blot. The anti-tumor activity of thymoquinone combined with apatinib was investigated by animal tests and immunohistochemistry based on subcutaneous xenografts models of gastric (GC) and colorectal (CRC) cancer cells.
Results:Apatinib inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion of HGC-27 (GC) and HCT116 (CRC) cells, blocked cycle progression, and suppressed the growth of transplanted tumors. Thymoquinone combined with apatinib inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of HGC-27 and HCT116 cells, arrested cell cycle, and blocked the growth of transplanted tumors. Also, thymoquinone enhanced the antitumor activity of apatinib against gastrointestinal tumors via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Conclusion:Thymoquinone enhanced the antitumor activity of apatinib against gastrointestinal tumors, thereby inhibiting the growth of gastrointestinal tumors.
Establishment of an Ex Vivo Cartilage Degeneration Model by Combined Collagenase and Aggrecanase Treatment and Mechanical Loading
Authors: Wen Liru , Grad Sibylle , Creemers Laura B , Stoddart Martin James
Published: August 2024

Background
There is a substantial need for ex vivo cartilage degeneration models to assess new emerging cartilage repair strategies. Ex vivo cartilage explant models have the advantages of achieving standardized and reproducible experimental conditions while maintaining the cells in their native tissue environment. This study aimed to establish a bovine cartilage degeneration model to evaluate the safety and efficacy of novel cartilage repair therapies.
Methods
Bovine osteochondral plugs underwent a brief 5-minutes treatment with collagenase to induce mild cartilage degeneration by disrupting the collagen network. To induce a moderate cartilage degeneration, aggrecanase 1 and aggrecanase 2 were additionally applied to the cartilage for 40 minutes post-collagenase treatment to degrade aggrecan.
Results
Observations revealed sulphated glycosaminoglycan loss using both Collagenase Treatment and Collagenase and Aggrecanase Treatment, while chondrocyte viability was maintained. Both treatments resulted in acute inflammation during the initial two days, evidenced by elevated release of IL6 and nitric oxide. Collagenase treatment also increased Neo epitopes of aggrecan compared to the untreated plugs at day 7, suggesting endogenous aggrecanase activation by chondrocytes upon collagen network disruption. The additional effect of mechanical loading on cartilage degeneration was also explored. Mildly degenerated cartilage treated solely with collagenase could withstand 1 hour per day of cyclical load, at 10%-20% compression of cartilage thickness combined with interfacial shear. However, higher compression levels (20%-40% of cartilage thickness) with the same shear stress regimen led to necrosis of surface layer chondrocytes.
Conclusions
This study establishes a useful model for evaluating cartilage repair strategies, and screening anti-catabolic drugs, particularly overload-related osteoarthritis. Combining mild cartilage degeneration with mechanical loading can simulate different degrees of cartilage degeneration and hold potential as a valuable tool in preclinical research.
Glacier retreat induces contrasting shifts in bacterial biodiversity patterns in glacial lake water and sediments
Authors: Liu Keshao , Yan Qi , Guo Xuezi , Wang Wenqiang , Zhang Zhihao , Ji Mukan , Wang Feng , Liu Yongqin
Published: August 2024

Glacial lake ecosystems are experiencing rapid changes due to accelerated glacier retreat. As glaciers recede, their influence on downstream lakes diminishes, potentially affecting the biodiversity of glacial lake microbial communities. However, there remains a knowledge gap regarding how bacterial biodiversity patterns in glacial lakes are altered by diminishing glacial influence. Here, we investigated shifts in bacterial communities from paired water and sediment samples collected from seven glacial lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, using a space-for-time substitution approach to understand the consequences of glacier retreat. Our findings reveal that bacterial diversity in lake water increases significantly with higher glacial influence index (GI), whereas sediment bacterial diversity exhibits a negative correlation with GI. Both water and sediment bacterial communities display significant structural shifts along the GI gradient. Notably, reduced glacial influence decreases the complexity of bacterial co-occurrence networks in lake water but enhances network complexity in sediments. This divergence in diversity and co-occurrence patterns highlights that water and sediment bacterial communities respond differently to changes in glacial influence over these lake ecosystems. This study provides insights into how diminishing glacial influence impacts the diversity and community structure of bacterial communities in glacial lake water and sediments, revealing contrasting patterns between the two environments. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive monitoring to understand the implications of glacier retreat on these fragile ecosystems.
Assess the reality of implementing the green supply chain management
Authors: Abd Zainab Mohammed , alsabbagh azzam , Jassim Nada
Published: August 2024

The research aims to determine the size of the actual gap in green supply chain management in the General Company for Food Products / Detergent Production Directorate, which is represented by a set of dimensions (green purchasing, green design, green manufacturing, green marketing, reverse logistics), The research problem is represented by the environmental pressures exerted by the state, as well as to limit non-renewable resources and environmental pollution, and the high level of operation, which leads to an increase in environmental pollutants and the resulting waste, pollutants, and high costs borne by the company, which may increase and multiply in the future. The research adopted a case study approach to achieve the objectives of the study and reach the required scientific facts. The General Company for Food Products/Detergent Production Directorate was chosen as the spatial boundaries to conduct the study, and checklists were used to collect data to reach facts related to implementing the system and achieving the research objectives. Field experience, observation and discussion were also relied upon, and a number of statistical tools were used. To get the arithmetic mean. The results showed that there is a gap in the application of the dimensions of the green supply chain in the General Company for Food Products / Detergent Production Directorate, as it achieved (71.08%) of the total application rate, and this means that it is weak in most of its aspects.
Enhanced Small Defect Detection on PCBs Using Lightweight YOLOv5s with Hierarchical Clustering and Dynamic Feature Pyramid Network
Authors: Zhou Zhuguo , Lu Yujun , Lv Liye
Published: August 2024

An enhanced clustering technique integrated with the YOLOv5s model addresses the challenges of detecting small defect targets on Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), which are often difficult to locate and prone to high false detection rates. Initially, the method improves the original K-means algorithm by employing a self-developed Hierarchical Density-Based K-means (HDBK-means) algorithm to re-cluster and generate anchor boxes better suited to PCB fault characteristics. Secondly, it replaces the Concentrated-Comprehensive Convolution (C3) module with a novel combination of the Reparameterized Normalized Cross-Stage Partial Efficient Layer Aggregation Network (RepNCSPELAN) module and Spatial and Channel Reconstruction Convolution (SCConv), reducing the model's computational cost without compromising accuracy. Furthermore, the network is enhanced with an adaptive feature selection module to boost its performance in recognizing small targets. Lastly, the GDFPN (Generalized Dynamic Feature Pyramid Network) is used to achieve information interaction across different scales. further enhancing the network's detection accuracy. Comparative studies were conducted on a public PCB dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves a mAP (mean Average Precision) of 98.6%, an accuracy of 99.2%, a model size of 10.9M, and an FPS (Frames Per Second) of 138.1. Compared to the original model, the proposed algorithm improves the mAP by 3.8% and the Precision (P) by 2.9%, while reducing the model size by 20.4%, thus fulfilling the requirements for easy deployment.
Experimental study on mechanical and permeability behaviors of sandstone under real-time temperature
Authors: Lin ZhiNan , Huang WenJie , Zhang Qiang , Wang JiaQuan , Long HaiFeng
Published: August 2024

In order to explore the evolution characteristics of mechanical and permeability properties of sandstone under real-time temperature conditions in deep geological environments, thermal-hydraulic-mechanical (THM) coupling tests were conducted on sandstone specimens at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 95°C. The tests were performed using the Rock Top multi-field coupling tester to investigate the changes in strength, deformation, and permeability of the sandstone across the specified temperature range. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to analyze the microstructure of the sandstone and its influence on mechanical properties. The results indicate that with increasing temperature, the strength of sandstone initially increases and then decreases, while the peak strain exhibits a rapid and nonlinear increase. Furthermore, the permeability of sandstone decreases initially and then increases as the temperature rises, demonstrating lower sensitivity to temperature variations compared to confining pressure. At various temperatures, the failure modes observed in sandstone consistently demonstrate typical shear slip characteristics. Moreover, at elevated temperatures, there is a significant increase in the number of cracks observed on the failure surface of sandstone. Under the action of lower temperature (25℃~65℃) the pores and micro-cracks of sandstone appear highly compact, and the new cracks are relatively few, but under the action of higher temperature (75℃~95℃), the size and number of defects in sandstone increase obviously, which is the fundamental factor that leads to the change of mechanical and permeability characteristics of sandstone. The research findings presented in this paper provide theoretical support for assessing the stability of surrounding rock in high geothermal tunnels.
High-fat and high-sucrose diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation shows sex specific features in mice
Authors: De Paula Gabriela C. , Simões Rui F. , Garcia-Serrano Alba M. , Duarte João M. N.
Published: August 2024

Hypothalamic inflammation underlies diet-induced obesity and diabetes in rodent models. While diet normalization largely allows for recovery from metabolic impairment, it remains unknown whether long-term hypothalamic inflammation induced by obesogenic diets is a reversible process. In this study, we aimed at determining sex specificity of hypothalamic neuroinflammation and gliosis in mice fed a fat- and sugar-rich diet, and their reversibility upon diet normalization. Mice were fed a 60%-fat diet complemented by a 20% sucrose drink (HFHSD) for 3 days or 24 weeks, followed by a third group that had their diet normalized for the last 8 weeks of the study (reverse diet group, RevD). We determined the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and of the inflammatory cell markers IBA1, CD68, GFAP and EMR1 in the hypothalamus, and analyzed morphology of microglia (IBA-1+ cells) and astrocytes (GFAP+ cells) in the arcuate nucleus. After 3 days of HFHSD feeding, male mice showed over-expression of IL-13, IL-18, IFN-γ, CD68 and EMR1 and reduced expression of IL-10, while females showed increased IL-6 and IBA1 and reduced IL-13, compared to controls. After 24 weeks of HFHSD exposure, male mice showed a general depression in the expression of cytokines, with prominent reduction of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-13, but increased TGF-β, while female mice showed over-expression of IFN-γ and IL-18. Furthermore, both female and male mice showed some degree of gliosis after HFHSD feeding for 24 weeks. In mice of both sexes, diet normalization after prolonged HFHSD feeding resulted in partial neuroinflammation recovery in the hypothalamus, but gliosis was only recovered in females. In sum, HFHSD-fed mice display sex-specific inflammatory processes in the hypothalamus that are not fully reversible after diet normalization.
Validation of an Arabic version of the Composite Abuse Scale (Revised)-Short Form (CASR- SF) as a measure of intimate partner violence in adult females from a Middle-Eastern country
Authors: Moubarak Perla , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: August 2024

Background
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a critical issue in the Arab world, exacerbated by the region's socioeconomic challenges and patriarchal societal structures. There is a pressing need for validated tools to measure abuse accurately among Arab-speaking women. This study aims to validate an Arabic translation of the Composite Abuse Scale (Revised)-Short Form (CASR-SF) to ensure its reliability and utility in capturing the experiences of abuse among Arabic-speaking women.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2023 using the snowball sampling technique and an online questionnaire. The sample included 915 Lebanese women aged 18–50 years (mean age = 27.09 ± 9.28 years). The participants completed the Arabic CASR-SF along with the Columbia–Suicide Severity Rating Scale and the Child Abuse Self-Report Scale. Psychometric analyses, including factor analysis and reliability testing, were performed to assess the validity of the Arabic CASR-SF.
Results
CFA indicated that fit of the one-factor model of CASR-SF scores was modest: RMSEA = .124 (90% CI .118, .130), SRMR = .046, CFI = .892, TLI = .870. After adding correlations between residuals of items 5–6, 10–11 and 14–15, the results improved: RMSEA = .107 (90% CI .101, .113), SRMR = .042, CFI = .922, TLI = .903. The second-order model showed a good fit as well: RMSEA = .107 (90% CI .101, .113), SRMR = .042, CFI = .922, TLI = .903. The standardized estimates of factor loadings were all adequate. Internal reliability was very good (ω = .95; α = .95). Higher CASR-SF scores were significantly correlated with higher suicidal ideations (r = .32; p < .001), higher child psychological abuse (r = .35; p < .001), child physical abuse (r = .35; p < .001) and child sexual abuse (r = .38; p < .001) but not child neglect (r = .03; p = .361).
Conclusion
The Arabic translation of the CASR-SF appears to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing IPV among Arabic-speaking female adults, at least in Lebanon. Its use in future for clinical practice and research is recommended, to help advance understanding and efforts aiming at mitigating IPV in diverse populations.
Treatment of Denervated Muscle Atrophy by Injectable Dual-responsive Hydrogels Loaded with Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Du Jianzhong , Bu Ziheng , Jing Jianxing , Liu Wei , Fan Zhen , Huang Junchao , Zhou Zheng , Hu Jianhai , An Jinxi , Hong Jiachang , Yu Jianing , Sun Min , Wu Peng
Published: August 2024

Denervated muscle atrophy is a common complication following nerve injury, which often leads to irreversible muscle fibrosis due to low treatment efficiency. Recently, bioactive substances such as extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been emerging as an effective therapeutic modality for muscle atrophy. However, the complicated microenvironments of denervated muscle atrophy could reduce the delivery efficiency and even result in the deactivation of EVs. To meet this challenge, an ultrasound and pH-responsive anti-inflammatory injectable hydrogel was developed, which can effectively load and deliver stem cells derived EVs with satisfactory treatment outcomes of denervated muscle atrophy. Carboxymethyl chitosan, oxidized chondrotin sulfate and cystamine dihydrochloride were crosslinked in situ by Schiff base reaction to form an injectable hydrogel, where the reversible covalent bond would break under ultrasound and acidic environments to promote hydrogel degradation and cargo release. Meanwhile, the hydrogel loaded with EVs isolated from human umbilial cord mesenchymal stem cells(HUC-MSCs) can release EVs in a controlled manner upon facile pH/ultrasound manipulation. The experimental results confirmed that the hydrogel loaded with EVs (EVs@UR-gel) was effective in preserving muscle function. After six weeks nerve reconstruction, the maximum muscle strength which is closely related to muscle function, the muscle circumference, the wet weight, can be restored to 89.53 ± 0.96%, 76.02 ± 7.49%, 88.0 ± 2.65% of the healthy state, and the sciatic nerve index (SFI) to -0.11 ± 0.09, respectively. Overall, this hydrogel provided a new platform to maintain the long-term in vivo bioactivity of EVs, achieve tunable EVs release at the site of denervated muscle atrophy based on the state of disease, and restore the morphology and function of muscle as a promising approach for treating denervated muscle atrophy.
Future weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation shaped by reduced Labrador Sea winds and salt transport feedback
Authors: Park Hyo-Seok , Lim Won-il , Stewart Andrew
Published: August 2024

Climate models predict a wide range of AMOC weakening, complicating future projections. Using CMIP6 data, this study finds that future AMOC weakening is strongly influenced by increased downward heat flux, especially in the Labrador Sea. Despite substantial heat uptake (10–80 Wm-2), seawater temperatures barely rise due to reduced heat transport linked to AMOC weakening. Changes in seawater temperature minimally affect density, but decreased northward salt flux associated with AMOC weakening reduces density in the Labrador Sea. CMIP6 models suggest that increased heat uptake in the Labrador Sea can initiate AMOC weakening, followed by reduced salinity. Further analysis shows that changes in surface heat flux in the Labrador Sea are dominated by turbulent heat fluxes, strongly influenced by surface winds. These findings suggest that the extent of Labrador Sea wind weakening and the associated reduction in salinity are crucial factors in explaining the future degree of AMOC weakening.
Electron transfer engineering of artificially designed cell factory for complete biosynthesis of natural products
Authors: Zhou Jingwen , Chen Qihang , Wei Wenqian , Chao Zikai , Qi Rui , He Jianhong , Chen Huating , Wang Ke , Wang Xinglong , Rao Yijian
Published: August 2024

Biosynthesis of natural products (NPs) by artificially designed cell factories often involves numerous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent enzymes that mediate electron transfer reactions. However, the mechanisms of electron transfer from regeneration to the final delivery to the active centers of various types of NADPH-dependent enzymes remain elusive, limiting our ability to systematically engineer electron transfer (ETE) to improve NPs production. Here, we elucidated the electron transfer mechanisms of NADPH-dependent enzymes, which were further contributed to systematically ETE of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including step-by-step engineering the electron transfer residues of 7-Dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) and P450 sterol side chain cleaving enzyme (P450scc), electron transfer components for directing carbon flux, and NADPH regeneration pathways, for high-level production of the cholesterol (1.78 g/L) and pregnenolone (0.83 g/L). Additionally, computational chemical analysis indicated that the ETE process make the electron transfer chains shorter and more stable which significantly accelerated proton coupled electron transfer process. This study underscores the significance of ETE strategies in NPs biosynthesis and expands synthetic biology approaches.
Effectiveness of strain and dopants on breaking the activity-stability trade-off of RuO2 acidic oxygen evolution electrocatalysts
Authors: Lee Hyoyoung , Liu Yang , Wang Yixuan , Li Hao , Kim Min , Wu Mingbo
Published: August 2024

Ruthenium dioxide (RuO₂) electrocatalysts for acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) suffer from mediocre activity and rather instability induced by high Ru-O covalency. Here, the tensile strained Sr0.1Ta0.1Ru0.8O2-x (TS-Sr0.1Ta0.1Ru0.8O2-x) nanocatalysts were synthesized via a molten salt-assisted quenching strategy. The TS spacially elongates the Ru-O bond and reduces covalency, thereby inhibiting the lattice oxygen participation and structural decomposition. The synergistic electronic modulations among Sr-Ru-Ta groups both optimize deprotonation on oxygen sites and intermediates absorption on Ru sites, lowering the OER energy barrier. Those result in a well-balanced activity-stability profile, confirmed by comprehensive experimental and theoretical analyses. Our TS-Sr0.1Ta0.1Ru0.8O2-x electrode demonstrated an overpotential of 166 mV at 10 mA cm-2 in 0.5 M H2SO4 and an order of magnitude higher S-number, indicating exceptional stability compared to bare Sr0.1Ta0.1Ru0.8O2-x. It exhibited degradation rates of 0.02 mV/h at 10 mA cm-2 over 1000 h and 0.25 mV/h at 200 mA cm-2 over 200 h. This study elucidates the effectiveness of tensile strain and strategic doping in enhancing the activity and stability of Ru-based catalysts for acidic OER.
Comparison of the hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus volume and cognitive function in elderly schizophrenia with elderly depression and Alzheimer’s disease -Trial use of VSRAD and MMSE
Authors: Sakanishi Nobuhiko , Yamashita Kensho , Watanabe Kenjiro
Published: August 2024

(Aim) VSRAD can measure the volume of the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus in patients over 55 years of age, and is used not only for Alzheimer's disease but also for hippocampal sclerosis etc. To statistically analyze the correlation between the hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus volume and cognitive functions in elderly schizophrenia, elderly depression and Alzheimer’s disease . (Methods) At Kikuchi Hospital, the authors diagnosed schizophrenia in 89 patients, depression in 50 patients and Alzheimer’s disease in 113 patients at the time of the first visit of the patients to our hospital in 10years. The study was conducted in three groups of patients that were roughly matched with each other in terms of the mean age and group size, i.e., the schizophrenia group (n = 19), the depression group (n = 18), and the Alzheimer’s disease group (n = 20). (Results)The VSRAD Z-score increased in the order of Alzheimer’s disease group > schizophrenia group > depression group, with statistically significant inter-group differences (P < 0.05). In other words, the hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus volume decreased statistically significantly in the same order①. The hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus volume was significantly smaller in the schizophrenia group than that in the depression group (P < 0.05), even though the mean age was lower in the schizophrenia group②. In the depression group(rs = 0.24), the cognitive functioning level did not decrease despite the decreased the hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus volume③. In the schizophrenia group(rs = 0.26), as in the Alzheimer’s disease group(rs = 0.31), the cognitive functioning level decreased as the hippocampal and parahippocampal gyrus volume became smaller④. (Conclusion) The hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus is a brain region that plays a crucial role in the cognitive decline associated with schizophrenia.
A Frequency-Based Hierarchy of Dynamical Models in Cislunar Space: Leveraging Periodically and Quasi-Periodically Perturbed Models
Authors: Park Beom , Sanaga Rohith Reddy , Howell Kathleen C.
Published: August 2024

Understanding the applicability of different dynamical models within cislunar space is a useful yet challenging problem. The current work constructs a hierarchy of dynamical models leveraging a common rotating reference frame that accommodates multiple dynamical models. In such a formulation, the Higher-Fidelity Ephemeris Model (HFEM) is approximated as quasi-periodically perturbed model with multiple frequencies in addition to the autonomous Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP) dynamics. Then, different intermediate models are evaluated within the hierarchy in terms of the types and numbers of the incorporated frequencies. The analysis focuses on three main topics. Firstly, coherent solar gravity modeling is properly defined with analytical and visual criteria that serve as useful metrics in assessing intermediate models. Secondly, two periodically perturbed models, i.e., Quasi Bi-Circular Problem (QBCP) and Hill Restricted Four-Body Problem (HR4BP), are investigated within the common rotating reference frame. The capabilities and limitations of these two models within the hierarchy between the CR3BP and HFEM are examined, focusing on the similarities and differences in the models. Thirdly, novel quasi-periodically perturbed models are introduced. Leveraging the insight from Hill's lunar theory, two models are designed denoted as In-plane Quasi-Hill Restricted Four-Body Problem (I-QHR4BP) and Out-of-plane Quasi-Hill Restricted Four-Body Problem (O-QHR4BP). These two models selectively introduce the eccentricity between the Earth-Moon system and the inclination of the lunar orbit with respect to the Earth ecliptic plane, respectively, in addition to the HR4BP. The global characteristics of these new models are analyzed within the common rotating reference frame. The capabilities of multiple models within the model hierarchy are analyzed for two sample transition cases from the CR3BP to HFEM: L2 Lagrange point and the L2 9:2 synodic halo orbit.
Small Towns and Their Effects on the Livelihood Diversification of Rural Households in the Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia Region
Authors: Gamo Kataro Galasso
Published: August 2024

The new development policies and strategies of Ethiopia envisage small towns as a strategic tools for strengthening rural urban linkages and livelihood diversification to support overall economic development and poverty reduction. This is due to the role of small towns in bridging urban and rural areas and the interdependence of the rural and urban economies. However, Ethiopian small towns do not seem to be on the right track in terms of their relationship with the agricultural sector as required by government policy and strategies. Past studies failed to determine the potential benefits of small towns for diversifying income through reinforcing rural urban links across the country. The objective of this study is to examine the capacity of small towns to diversify the incomes of rural households to assist in achieving the goals of sustainable development. The study is based on a mixed methods approach using both quantitative and qualitative data with a questionnaire survey of 355 households from the Damot Pulassa district of the Wolaita Zone as the main data collection tool. The study also collected qualitative data through informant interviews from 15 households and experts. The research question addressed in this paper is what contributions can small towns make to diversify the incomes of rural households? A binary logit model was applied to investigate the factors influencing household participation in income diversification. In this regard, out of the 12 explanatory variables included in the model, 5 were significant. The results confirm that factors such as age, farm land size, yearly cash income, access to credit and distance from the small town were key determinants of farmers’ participation in income diversification. Furthermore, the study identifies income diversification as a cumulative effect of several factors, and therefore urges policy makers to pay due attention to them with a view to overcoming challenging factors. To promote the effects of small towns on rural household income diversification, both agricultural and urban sector productivity should be enhanced through improved agricultural productivity and enhanced performance of the small business sector in small towns through the complete support of the government.
Conditions Support for the Development of Emotional Responsiveness of Older Preschool Children
Authors: Verbovskaya Valeria S. ,   A. I. Herzen Russian State Pedagogical University
Published: August 2024

The problem of developing emotional responsiveness of children is an urgent pedagogical problem determined by modern social situations of social development. In pedagogical research of the last decades, an active search is being conducted for effective means for the development of emotional responsiveness. However, an independent study of the development of emotional responsiveness of older preschool children in musical activity has not been carried out. This paper describes a pedagogical experiment to evaluate the effectiveness of the conditions of pedagogical support for the development of emotional responsiveness of children in a preschool educational organization, which was the purpose of the publication. The methodological basis of the experiment was the provisions of personality-oriented and subject-activity approaches that determined the choice of diagnostic procedures and the logic of the formative experiment. As a result, it was proved that emotional responsiveness as a personal quality is really capable of developing in the senior preschool age when creating the necessary conditions in the educational environment of kindergarten. This conclusion is confirmed by the significant positive dynamics of all structural components of emotional responsiveness in the evaluation of quantitative indicators. Relying on the subject-activity approach, the preferred activity of preschoolers – musical collective activity ‒ has been diagnostically identified. Music is justified as an optimal means for the development of emotional responsiveness in the work. The novelty of this study is the proven position that the development of emotional responsiveness to music in the process of activity is transformed into responsiveness to another person. At the same time, in the process of pedagogical support, the child acquires and accumulates a socially approved experience of emotional response in the manifestation of responsiveness, empathy, acceptance of another person in the space of emotionally saturated social and communicative development. In theoretical and methodological terms, the work is useful for employees of preschool educational organizations, students.
Local Geography: Subject-Hypothetical Approach in Science and Education
Authors: Zabortseva1 Tatyana I. ,   Institute of Geography named after V. B. Sochava, Starchakova Irina V. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: August 2024

The author’s position is presented regarding the completeness of basic geographical education in a large-scale and substantive perspective: global geography – country studies – geography of subjects of the Russian Federation – local geography. The subject-hypothetical approach is used. The method of comparison is used, which is expressed in the ratio of the existing order of things and the proposed one. The planning method has been implemented. The ratio of the use of local history material in geography lessons and the regional component implementation in geography has been specified. Illuminated experience in the implementation of textbooks on local geography. The inclusion of the discipline “Local geography” in the basic curriculum (variable part or part of the school component) is justified, which, according to the authors, will make it possible to make the most of the general educational and cultural potential of geography as an educational subject, and will subsequently help graduates on the basis of a more complete system of geographical knowledge. skilled, will self-determine skills in a rapidly changing environment, will continue his education in the chosen field. The main causes of the modern geographical educational space are indicated, which logically “lead” to the filling of the grassroots economic niche with local geography. The general characteristics and target settings of local geography, supported by the development of the ideology of the synthesis of physical and public geography from the standpoint of micro-country studies, are briefly presented. The key problems in the lack of modern geographical knowledge in the national general education system are noted. A proposal to continue the discussion on the role and importance of local geography is formulated. The deficit of scientific works on local geography is explained. The advanced author’s hypothesis is also considered as a possibility of the development vector of the formation of a harmoniously developed person with the basic foundations of geographical culture.
Note on Occurrence and Nomenclature of Tropidia maxwellii Ormerod (Asparagales: Orchidaceae) From North India
Authors: Shivam Shivam ,   ICFRE-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Naithani H B , Anup Anup , Verma Praveen ,   ICFRE-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,   ICFRE-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,   ICFRE-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun
Published: August 2024

The nomenclature of Tropidia maxwellii Ormerod from Doon Valley (North India) has been confusing since its occurrencein 1971. The species was earlier treated as Tropidia curculigoides Lindl. and later, T. pedunculata Blume. The present article clarifies the nomenclature supplemented with colored photographs, illustrations, and a detailed description to facilitate identification. A short note on the conservational aspect and its habitat of freshwater swamps at Dehradun is also provided.
Эффективность тирозил-D-аргинил-фенилаланил-глицин амида для послеоперационного обезболивания в лапароскопической гинекологии: рандомизированное контролируемое исследование
Authors: Дмитриев А. А. , Трембач Н. В. , Проценко Д. Д. , Заболотских Игорь Борисович
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION: Despite the introduction of the principles of multimodal analgesia, it is often necessary to use opioids to relieve pain, which, as is known, have a number of significant side effects. The domestic peptide opioid agonist tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycin amide has been studied for a relatively short time, but has already proven itself well in the treatment of pain in cancer patients and in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and safety of postoperative pain relief for gynecological laparoscopic surgery based on the use of the peptide tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 118 gynecological patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the groups: the patient of the main group, received tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycin amide at a dose of 4 mg, subcutaneously, 3 times a day (group T); control group — placebo subcutaneously, 3 times a day (group C). The severity of pain syndrome according to numerical rating scale (NRS) and total pain relief in the first 6 hours (TOTPAR0-6) were assessed. RESULTS: The level of pain severity was statistically significantly lower in group T compared with the control group 30 minutes after the end of the surgery (2.98 ± 0.97 versus 3.66 ± 0.60, p < 0.0001), after 2 hours (2.50 ± 0.81 versus 3.47 ± 0.99, p < 0.0001) and after 6 hours (2.49 ± 0.80 versus 3.30 ± 0.88, p < 0.0001). The need for opiates was significantly lower in group T (14.15 ± 1.79 mg versus 16.08 ± 2.29 mg, p < 0.0001). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was one and a half times lower in the group T; among the adverse events, differences between the groups were identified in the incidence of hypoxemia. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tyrosyl-D-arginyl-phenylalanyl-glycin amide as a component of a multimodal postoperative pain management can reduce the severity of pain, reduce the need for narcotic analgesics and reduce the frequency of critical respiratory incidents. The use of the drug was not accompanied by an increase in adverse events.
Late-stage microstructures in Chang’E-5 basalt and implications for the evolution of lunar ferrobasalt
Authors: Jin Ziliang , Hou Tong , Zhu Meng-Hua , Zhang Yishen , Namur Olivier
Published: August 2024

This study investigates silicate liquid immiscibility (SLI) microstructures in the Chang’E-5 (CE-5) lunar ferrobasalt sample, the youngest recovered mare basalt (ca. ~2.0 Ga). Employing advanced high-resolution imaging techniques and chemical analysis, we examined a subophitic fragment, revealing two distinct types of microstructures indicative of multi-stage SLI events. The first type is observed in the mesostasis pockets and exhibits both “sieve” and “maze” textures, where the Si-K rich glassy phases are interconnected with Fe-rich minerals, e.g., fayalite. This type of microstructure, similar to previous observations in Apollo and Luna samples, is the product of a stable SLI event. The second type is characterized by K-free but high-Si melt inclusions occurring as emulsions in the rims of plagioclase. The entrapment of these emulsions followed a metastable SLI event, with the Fe-rich liquids serving as precursors to subsequent stable SLI processes. Additionally, the Fe-rich droplets within the emulsions underwent coarsening via Ostwald ripening, a phenomenon in which smaller particles in solution dissolve and deposit on larger particles. Our simulation of this coarsening process suggests a duration of at least 15-32 days for the SLI processes, alongside a slow cooling rate (< 0.3 °C/hour) of the late-stage CE-5 lava. We propose that metastable SLI may have influenced the effusive signature of the CE-5 lava flow during its late-stage evolution. The metastable SLI process can potentially lead to the formation of various phases during the late-stage evolution of lunar ferrobasaltic magmas, thereby contributing to the diversity of lunar rock types.
The nexus between financial literacy, risk perception and investment decisions: Evidence from Indonesian investors
Authors: Wendy Wendy
Published: August 2024

Financial literacy is an essential factor for individuals or households in making investment decisions. However, the problem of insufficient financial literacy is still considered one of the factors limiting the creation of successful investments, especially in relation to risk perception. Some investors have financial losses due to their limited financial literacy, making inefficient investment decisions and implicating high-risk investment choices. Hence, this study aims to explore the interconnection between financial literacy, risk perception and investment decisions. Moderated regression analysis was used for 233 investors in Indonesia who completed financial management training. The results showed that financial literacy has a positive and significant impact on investment decisions, which means that it could be used to improve the quality of investment decisions. On the other hand, risk perception as a moderating variable weakened the impact of financial literacy on investment decisions; this confirmed the consistent results before and after financial training. Overall, financial literacy across three dimensions (knowledge, skills, and attitude) plays an important role in investors allocating more funds to investment instruments than respondent groups with lower financial literacy levels. In addition, the level of financial literacy also influences the choice of investment product.