bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entire solutions with and without radial symmetry in balanced bistable reaction–diffusion equations
Authors: Taniguchi Masaharu
Published: April 2024

Let $$n\ge 2$$

n
≥
2

be a given integer. In this paper, we assert that an n-dimensional traveling front converges to an $$(n-1)$$

(
n
-
1
)

-dimensional entire solution as the speed goes to infinity in a balanced bistable reaction–diffusion equation. As the speed of an n-dimensional axially symmetric or asymmetric traveling front goes to infinity, it converges to an $$(n-1)$$

(
n
-
1
)

-dimensional radially symmetric or asymmetric entire solution in a balanced bistable reaction–diffusion equation, respectively. We conjecture that the radially asymmetric entire solutions obtained in this paper are associated with the ancient solutions called the Angenent ovals in the mean curvature flows.
Sense of Place and Perceived Impacts in the Rural Industrialized Nexus: Insights for Sustainability Pathways
Authors: Weeks Deseret , Jenkins Jeffrey
Published: April 2024

As representative of the water-energy-food nexus, fossil fuel development and industrial agriculture are rural industries that continue to expand and increasingly occur in the same areas. Being a top agricultural export county and the fossil fuel capital of California while ranking among the worst in the US for industrial pollution, Kern County is a poster child of rural nexus development and, thus, an essential place for initiating sustainability transitions. Such transitions rely on policy support and the adoption of methods by individuals and communities who may disagree with such changes. While sense of place and impact perceptions are recognized as playing critical roles in sustainability management, they have yet to be utilized in nexus research. A survey (N = 256) of the perceived impacts of nexus industries with place meaning and place attachment as possible drivers for perceptions was conducted in nexus industry pollution exposure risk zones. Factor analysis and bivariate correlations showed that place meaning and place attachment are drivers for perceptions while also being drivers for concern for changes in nexus industries. While perceptions of impacts indicated contested place meanings, participants strongly perceive the economy and environment as being in decline. To build support for sustainability policy, directing funds from Kern County’s renewable energy industry to local sectors of society, implementation of regenerative agriculture, cooperative management, and nurturing place meaning as aligned with nature’s restorative quality are important paths forward. These nexus management foci could strengthen place attachment, build trust in government, and repair environmental alienation.
Water and carbon footprints in irrigated vineyards: an on-farm assessment
Authors: Tomaz Alexandra , Dôres José , Martins Inês , Catarino Adriana , Boteta Luís , Santos Marta , Patanita Manuel , Palma Patrícia
Published: April 2024

This research aims to contribute to improving water and carbon efficiency in irrigated grapevine production in the dry Mediterranean climate of southern Europe. In regions with water scarcity, irrigation has become a relevant input in viticulture, essential to increase productivity and achieve profits. The joint estimation of the water footprint (WF) and the carbon footprint (CF) can help to comprehensively assess the environmental implications and sustainability associated with water-intensive grapevine cultivation. In this study, the WF and CF, of the farming stage of grapes production, were calculated for three years, in three vineyards located in southern Portugal. Data used for the calculation included meteorological data, irrigation requirements, energy use, fertilizers, and pesticide inputs. The total WF mean value for the study period was 223 m3 ton−1, lower than values found for similar conditions, but the blue component, related to irrigation, was predominant, with a higher proportion (75%) occurring during the driest year. The mean total CF was 98 kg CO2e ton−1; the major contributors were fuel use, fertilizer greenhouse gas emissions, and energy for irrigation. The factor analysis revealed relationships between footprint components, yielding latent variables participated by irrigation water and energy use, pollution loads and agrichemicals use. The examination of trade-offs and/or advantageous relations between footprints and yields showed that seasonal climate conditions play an important role via their effect on the farming practices and the inputs most influential on these indicators, namely: crop water requirement; irrigation volumes; energy for irrigation; fuel consumption; nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization rates.
Memory effects in disease modelling through kernel estimates with oscillatory time history
Authors: Mielke Adam , Sørensen Mads Peter , Wyller John
Published: April 2024

We design a linear chain trick algorithm for dynamical systems for which we have oscillatory time histories in the distributed time delay. We make use of this algorithmic framework to analyse memory effects in disease evolution in a population. The modelling is based on a susceptible-infected-recovered SIR—model and on a susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered SEIR—model through a kernel that dampens the activity based on the recent history of infectious individuals. This corresponds to adaptive behavior in the population or through governmental non-pharmaceutical interventions. We use the linear chain trick to show that such a model may be written in a Markovian way, and we analyze the stability of the system. We find that the adaptive behavior gives rise to either a stable equilibrium point or a stable limit cycle for a close to constant number of susceptibles, i.e. locally in time. We also show that the attack rate for this model is lower than it would be without the dampening, although the adaptive behavior disappears as time goes to infinity and the number of infected goes to zero.
Borrelia burgdorferi and autoimmune mechanisms: implications for mimicry, misdiagnosis, and mismanagement in Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders
Authors: Doskaliuk Bohdana , Zimba Olena
Published: April 2024

The genus Borrelia encompasses a diverse group of spirochetes transmitted primarily by ticks, with Borrelia burgdorferi causing Lyme disease, which is prevalent in North America and Europe. Borrelia’s structural adaptations and ability to persist in diverse host tissues underscore its pathogenic potential. Beyond traditional infectious responses, Borrelia engages in complex interactions with the host immune system, contributing to autoimmune mechanisms such as molecular mimicry and persistent infections. This intricate interplay manifests in symptoms resembling various autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, local scleroderma, and systemic sclerosis. However, these associations lack a precise explanation, emphasizing the need for further investigation. The cases of misdiagnosis between Lyme borreliosis and autoimmune diseases highlight the critical importance of accurate diagnostics and adherence to guidelines. Understanding Borrelia’s impact on immune responses is pivotal for advancing diagnostics and targeted therapeutic interventions in Lyme borreliosis and its potential autoimmune implications.
The combined influence of spin and roughness frequency on sphere aerodynamics
Authors: Elliott Jack , Smith Lloyd , Lyu Bin , Smith Barton L.
Published: April 2024

The lift and drag of spinning spheres roughened with macro-roughness elements are examined. The velocity field of these same spheres in flight is measured with particle image velocimetry (PIV). Several spheres with varying roughness are examined at various spin rates and fixed Reynolds number. Unlike previous studies, where the roughness height is varied, in the present work, the number of roughness elements is varied. The PIV datasets are used to determine the boundary layer separation points for each case. Comparing the lift and drag to the separation points reveals that (1) the separation points become more asymmetric with spin (the Magnus effect), (2) The drag increases with the size of the wake, and (3) the drag increases with the asymmetry of the separation points, meaning that lift on spheres is accompanied by increased drag. Scant evidence of this third effect has been reported previously. Additionally, it is shown that, counter to smooth spheres, the force transmitted to the surface through the roughness elements leads to significant drag. The drag is shown to increase with the number of roughness elements while the lift decreases. Results have implications for understanding aerodynamic forces on bluff bodies with roughness and passive control of aerodynamic forces through roughness element frequency rather than the traditional roughness height.
On the Edge-Erdős–Pósa Property of Ladders
Authors: Steck Raphael , Ulmer Arthur
Published: April 2024

We prove that the ladder with 3 rungs and the house graph have the edge-Erdős–Pósa property, while ladders with 14 rungs or more have not. Additionally, we prove that the latter bound is optimal in the sense that the only known counterexample graph does not permit a better result.
Supplementation with vitamin D improves the embryo quality in in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs, independently of the patients’ basal vitamin D status
Authors: Baldini Giorgio Maria , Russo Michele , Proietti Sara , Forte Gianpiero , Baldini Domenico , Trojano Giuseppe
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study aims to demonstrate the effects of Vitamin D (VD) supplementation, prior to oocyte pick-up within IVF protocols, in women with diverse VD status at the enrollment.

Methods

A total of 204 women eligible for intra-cytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were included in the study and two homogeneous groups were selected from the database. Both group of patients with normal VD baseline level (> 40 ng/ml) and patients with low VD baseline level (< 20 ng/ml) were divided into control group and treatment group. The control group followed the standard procedure. The treatment group was supplemented with vitamin D3 as cholecalciferol in combination with Myo-Inositol, folic acid, and melatonin 3 months before standard procedure, once a day in the evening.

Results

VD levels significantly increased in the study group of low baseline VD, both in serum and in the follicular fluid compared to controls. The treatment induced a significant improvement of the embryo quality in both group of patients considered.

Conclusion

Supplementation of VD in patients undergoing ICSI procedures significantly improved the number of top-quality embryos compared with the control group, either starting from VD normal baseline values or starting from low values.

Trial registration number

07/2018.
Change in brain activation after transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields in treatment-resistant depression
Authors: van Belkum Sjoerd M. , Opmeer Esther M. , Geugies Hanneke , de Boer Marrit K. , Schoevers Robert A. , Aleman André
Published: April 2024

Background

Preliminary evidence suggests antidepressant effects of transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields (tPEMF). However, the precise mechanism of action in the brain is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of tPEMF on brain activation in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) by studying two processes that might be of particular interest in relation to the symptoms of depression: emotional processing and reward processing.

Methods

Eligible participants (n = 50) with TRD in this sham-controlled double-blind multicenter trial [registered at the Dutch Trial Register (http://www.trialregister.nl), NTR3702] were randomly assigned to five weeks daily active or sham tPEMF. Pre- and post-treatment functional MR-scans were made during which participants performed a social-emotional task and a reward task.

Results

Participants in the active treatment group showed a stronger decrease in activation post-treatment compared to sham during reward-outcome processing in the left inferior frontal gyrus and in a cluster comprising the right lingual gyrus and the posterior part of the middle temporal gyrus. No effect of tPEMF was found on activation during the social-emotional task. Neurostimulation with tPEMF did also not affect behavioral performance for both tasks.

Conclusions

We found a decrease in reward-related activation as a result of tPEMF stimulation, while no effect of tPEMF on social-emotional processing was found. The treatment-related reduction in activation of regulatory regions may reflect normalization and may have implications for anhedonia. These findings suggest that there is an effect of tPEMF on brain activation of relevant circuits, albeit in the absence of a clinical antidepressant effect.
Endothelial receptor proteins in acute venous thrombosis and delayed thrombus resolution in cerebral sinus vein thrombosis
Authors: Kellermair Lukas , Höfer Christoph , Zeller Matthias W. G. , Kubasta Christa , Bandke Dave , Weis Serge , Kellermair Jörg , Forstner Thomas , Helbok Raimund , Vosko Milan R.
Published: April 2024

Background and purpose

Cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT) is a rare but life-threatening disease and its diagnosis remains challenging. Blood biomarkers, including D-Dimer are currently not recommended in guidelines. Soluble endothelial receptor proteins (sICAM-1, sPECAM-1 and sVCAM-1) have been shown to be promising diagnostic biomarkers in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Therefore, we examined endothelial receptor proteins as potential biomarkers for detecting CSVT.

Methods

In this bi-centre, prospective study, we quantified D-Dimer as well as sICAM-1, sPECAM-1 and sVCAM-1 in plasma of patients with clinically suspected CSVT managed in the neurological emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital. All patients underwent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and were followed up after 3, 6 and 12 months to detect thrombus resolution.

Results

Twenty-four out of 75 (32%) patients with clinically suspected CSVT presenting with headache to the ED were diagnosed with acute CSVT. These patients had a mean age of 45 ± 16 years and 78% were female. In patients with CSVT, mean baseline D-dimer (p < 0.001) and sPECAM-1 (p < 0.001) were significantly higher compared to patients without CSVT. The combination of D-Dimer and sPECAM-1 yielded the best ROC-AUC (0.994; < 0.001) with a negative predictive value of 95.7% and a positive predictive value of 95.5%. In addition, higher baseline sPECAM-1 levels (> 198 ng/ml) on admission were associated with delayed venous thrombus resolution at 3 months (AUC = 0.83).

Conclusion

sPECAM-1 in combination with D-Dimer should be used to improve the diagnostic accuracy of acute CSVT and sPECAM-1 may predict long-term outcome of CSVT. Confirmatory results are needed in other settings in order to show their value in the management concept of CSVT patients.
Photoprotection by photoinhibitory and PSII-reaction centre quenching controls growth of Ulva rigida (Chlorophyta) and is a pre-requisite for green tide formation
Authors: Rautenberger Ralf , Hurd Catriona L.
Published: April 2024

Main Conclusion

The combined photoinhibitory and PSII-reaction centre quenching against light stress is an important mechanism that allows the green macroalga Ulva rigida to proliferate and form green tides in coastal ecosystems.

Eutrophication of coastal ecosystems often stimulates massive and uncontrolled growth of green macroalgae, causing serious ecological problems. These green tides are frequently exposed to light intensities that can reduce their growth via the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To understand the physiological and biochemical mechanisms leading to the formation and maintenance of green tides, the interaction between inorganic nitrogen (Ni) and light was studied. In a bi-factorial physiological experiment simulating eutrophication under different light levels, the bloom-forming green macroalga Ulva rigida was exposed to a combination of ecologically relevant nitrate concentrations (3.8–44.7 µM) and light intensities (50–1100 µmol photons m−2 s−1) over three days. Although artificial eutrophication (≥ 21.7 µM) stimulated nitrate reductase activity, which regulated both nitrate uptake and vacuolar storage by a feedback mechanism, nitrogen assimilation remained constant. Growth was solely controlled by the light intensity because U. rigida was Ni-replete under oligotrophic conditions (3.8 µM), which requires an effective photoprotective mechanism. Fast declining Fv/Fm and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) under excess light indicate that the combined photoinhibitory and PSII-reaction centre quenching avoided ROS production effectively. Thus, these mechanisms seem to be key to maintaining high photosynthetic activities and growth rates without producing ROS. Nevertheless, these photoprotective mechanisms allowed U. rigida to thrive under the contrasting experimental conditions with high daily growth rates (12–20%). This study helps understand the physiological mechanisms facilitating the formation and persistence of ecologically problematic green tides in coastal areas.
Prognostic utility and characteristics of MIB-1 labeling index as a proliferative activity marker in childhood low-grade glioma: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Gorodezki David , Zipfel Julian , Bevot Andrea , Nägele Thomas , Ebinger Martin , Schuhmann Martin U. , Schittenhelm Jens
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The prognostic utility of MIB-1 labeling index (LI) in pediatric low-grade glioma (PLGG) has not yet conclusively been described. We assess the correlation of MIB-1 LI and tumor growth velocity (TGV), aiming to contribute to the understanding of clinical implications and the predictive value of MIB-1 LI as an indicator of proliferative activity and progression-free survival (PFS) in PLGG.

Methods

MIB-1 LI of a cohort of 172 nonependymal PLGGs were comprehensively characterized. Correlation to TGV, assessed by sequential MRI-based three-dimensional volumetry, and PFS was analyzed.

Results

Mean MIB-1 LI accounted for 2.7% (range: < 1–10) and showed a significant decrease to 1.5% at secondary surgery (p = .0013). A significant difference of MIB-1 LI in different histopathological types and a correlation to tumor volume at diagnosis could be shown. Linear regression analysis showed a correlation between MIB-1 LI and preoperative TGV (R2 = .55, p < .0001), while correlation to TGV remarkably decreased after incomplete resection (R2 = .08, p = .013). Log-rank test showed no association of MIB-1 LI and 5-year PFS after incomplete (MIB-1 LI > 1 vs ≤ 1%: 48 vs 46%, p = .73) and gross-total resection (MIB-1 LI > 1 vs ≤ 1%: 89 vs 95%, p = .75).

Conclusion

These data confirm a correlation of MIB-1 LI and radiologically detectable TGV in PLGG for the first time. Compared with preoperative TGV, a crucially decreasing correlation of MIB-1 LI and TGV after surgery may result in limited prognostic capability of MIB-1 LI in PLGG.
Risk factors for neurophysiological events related to intraoperative halo-femoral traction in spinal deformity surgery
Authors: Berends Hanneke I. , Stadhouder Agnita , van Royen Barend J. , Journée Henricus L. , Gouw Alida A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study identifies risk factors for neurophysiological events caused by intraoperative halo-femoral traction (IOHFT) in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and neuromuscular scoliosis (NMS).

Methods

Neurophysiological integrity was monitored using motor evoked potentials (MEPs). IONM event was defined as a decreased MEP amplitude of more than 80% of baseline in, at least, one muscle. Time between application of IOHFT and event, affected muscles, surgical stage, and time between removal of IOHFT and recovery of MEPs were described. Characteristics (age, height, weight, diagnosis, Cobb angle, and flexibility of the curve) of patients with and without IOHFT-events were compared using analysis of variance. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors.

Results

The study included 81 patients (age 15.6 ± 2.4 years, 53 females, AIS: n = 47, NMS n = 34). IOHFT-events occurred in 11 patients (13%; AIS n = 4, NMS n = 7). IOHFTevents affecting all limbs occurred pre-incision in NMS. Events affecting only the legs occurred during all stages of surgery. Patients with IOHFT-events were smaller (p = 0.009) and had stiffer curves (p = 0.046). Height was a predictor (odds ratio, 0.941; 95% confidence interval = 0.896–0.988). All MEPs recovered after removing IOHFT.

Conclusion

Neurophysiologic events due to IOHFT were common, with the majority in patients with NMS. A shorter stature was a risk factor, and larger Cobb angle and stiffer curve were associated with IOHFT-events. Events occurred at any stage of surgery and involved upper and lower limbs. With an adequate response on IOHFT events, none of the patients had postoperative neurological impairments due to IOHFT.
Antibacterial activity of a short de novo designed peptide against fish bacterial pathogens
Authors: Bhat Raja Aadil Hussain , Khangembam Victoria C. , Pant Vinita , Tandel Ritesh Shantilal , Pandey Pramod Kumar , Thakuria Dimpal
Published: April 2024

In the face of increasing antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture, researchers are exploring novel substitutes to customary antibiotics. One potential solution is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). We aimed to design and evaluate a novel, short, and compositionally simple AMP with potent activity against various bacterial pathogens in aquaculture. The resulting peptide, KK12YW, has an amphipathic nature and net charge of + 7. Molecular docking experiments disclosed that KK12YW has a strong affinity for aerolysin, a virulence protein produced by the bacterial pathogen Aeromonas sobria. KK12YW was synthesized using Fmoc chemistry and tested against a range of bacterial pathogens, including A. sobria, A. salmonicida, A. hydrophila, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The AMP showed promising antibacterial activity, with MIC and MBC values ranging from 0.89 to 917.1 µgmL−1 and 3.67 to 1100.52 µgmL−1, respectively. In addition, KK12YW exhibited resistance to high temperatures and remained effective even in the presence of serum and salt, indicating its stability. The peptide also demonstrated minimal hemolysis toward fish RBCs, even at higher concentrations. Taken together, these findings indicate that KK12YW could be a highly promising and viable substitute for conventional antibiotics to combat microbial infections in aquaculture.
Secular trends in risk factors for adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms: the Young-HUNT studies 1995–2019, Norway
Authors: Krokstad Morten Austheim , Sund Erik , Rangul Vegar , Bauman Adrian , Olsson Craig , Bjerkeset Ottar
Published: April 2024

In recent decades, increases in mental health problems in adolescents have been reported from several large population-based surveys. This raises questions about changes in underlying risk and protective factors that can inform future intervention strategies. Population data were collected from 1995 to 2019 in three waves of the Young-HUNT studies in Norway to map decennial trends in the prevalence of established risk factors for, and their associations with, adolescent mental health problems. All adolescents (aged 13–19 years) attending lower and upper secondary school in the county of Trøndelag were invited, representing three historical cohorts of 25,245 unique adolescents. Mental health problems (HSCL-5) and established mental health risk factors were self-reported. Using a generalized linear model and linear regression, we calculated changes in relative and absolute differences between risk factors and mental health problems. Overall, the prevalence of established risk factors for mental health problems in adolescence increased markedly between 1995 and 2019, especially in girls. Prominent increases were observed for fatigue, bullying, musculoskeletal pain and migraine, loneliness, and overweight. Furthermore, with the exception of excess alcohol use and family economy, associations between each risk factor and adolescent mental health problems strengthened over the same time span in girls, but less among boys. Our findings suggest that several modifiable risk factors for poor mental health in adolescence are increasing, especially among girls, and should be targeted in community, school, and in clinical settings.
Estimating seepage losses from lined irrigation canals using nonlinear regression and artificial neural network models
Authors: Selim Tarek , Elshaarawy Mohamed Kamel , Elkiki Mohamed , Eltarabily Mohamed Galal
Published: April 2024

The Slide2 model was used to estimate seepage losses from canals after validation considering different canal geometries, lining thicknesses, and lining materials. SPSS was used to develop three models: NLR, MLP-ANN, and RBF-ANN. MATLAB software was used to write down the script code for the ANNs. Results showed that seepage losses were highly increased when the liner had high hydraulic conductivity, while with the increase of lining thickness, a noticeable reduction in seepage losses was obtained. The canal's side slope had a minimal effect on the seepage losses. Moreover, the MLP-ANN and RBF-ANN models performed better than the NLR model with determination coefficient (R2) of 0.996 and 0.965; Root-Mean-Square-Error (RMSE) of 1.172 and 0.699; Mean-Absolute-Error (MAE) of  0.139 and 0.528; index of agreement (d) = 0.999 and 0.991, respectively. The NLR model had lower values of R2 = 0.906, RMSE = 1.198, MAE = 0.942, and d = 0.971. Thus, ANNs are recommended as a robust, easy, simple, and rapid tool for estimating seepage losses from lined trapezoidal irrigation canals.
New insights into estimating the cementation exponent of the tight and deep carbonate pore systems via rigorous numerical strategies
Authors: Rostami Alireza , Helalizadeh Abbas , Moghaddam Mehdi Bahari , Soleymanzadeh Aboozar
Published: April 2024

One of the main constituents of any reservoir characterization is an accurate forecast of water saturation, which is highly dependent upon the cementation exponent. Even though there have been a lot of studies, the most common correlations depend on total porosity. This means that they do not work as well in heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs, especially tight formations with total porosities less than 10%. This study aims to develop accurate and universal models for estimating the cementation exponent in deep and tight carbonate pore systems located in West Asia. Two heuristic algorithms, including the radial basis function neural network optimized by ant colony optimization (RBFNN-ACO) and gene expression programming (GEP), were employed to calculate the cementation exponent. To do this, we prepared a databank incorporating cementation exponents, total porosity, and various pore types. Then, the databank is classified into the test subset (for model prediction checking) and the train subset (for model construction). The reliability of the new recommended models is inspected by applying several statistical quality measures associated with graphical analyses. So, the consequences of the modeling disclose the large precision of the above-mentioned RBFNN-ACO, GEP Model-I, and GEP Model-II by average absolute percentage relative deviations (AAPRD%) of 6.28%, 6.39%, and 7.45%, respectively. Based on the outliers analysis, nearly 95% of the databank and model estimations are, respectively, valid and reliable. Additionally, the three input variables, including moldic porosity (with a + 70% impact value), non-fabric-selective dissolution (connected) porosity (with a -30% impact value), and interparticle porosity (with a -23% impact value), exhibit the main affecting parameters on the cementation exponent. Comparing current results with traditional literature correlations demonstrates the supremacy of the RBFNN-ACO model (AAPRD = 6.28% and root mean squared error (RMSE) = 0.17) over the examined literature correlations such as Borai’s equation (AAPRD = 12.30% and RMSE = 0.41). In addition, RBFNN-ACO can give better results than Borai’s Eqn. for tight (porosity less than 10%) and deep carbonate samples.
Microscopic enrichment and porosity-permeability reduction mechanism of residual oil in tight sandstone reservoirs: an insight from Chang 8 Member, Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, China
Authors: Zhou Qianshan , Liu Jiangyan , Zhang Dongwei , Li Chao , Xiao Yueye , Chen Guojun , Lyu Chengfu
Published: April 2024

This study delves into the micro-occurrence states and enrichment mechanisms of residual oil, pivotal for advancing the production from tight sandstone reservoirs, particularly from the Chang 8 Member of the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin. Through an analysis of 23 core samples, employing high-pressure mercury injection, field emission scanning electron microscopy, thin section, and X-ray diffraction techniques, distinct reservoir types were categorized. The utilization of environmental scanning electron microscope, multi-solvent continuous extraction, and an oil components separation system facilitated an intricate analysis of residual oil micro-occurrence states and their subsequent effects on porosity and permeability reduction across varying reservoir types. The findings accentuate the integral role of reservoir type in determining residual oil distribution within tight sandstone reservoirs. Favorable pore throat sorting and connectivity in specified reservoir types are identified as conducive to residual oil enrichment with a higher concentration of light components. In contrast, elevated carbonatite and clay content in other reservoir types leads to adsorption of heavy components, disrupting pore throat connectivity, and impeding crude oil filling. The varied interactions between oil and rock, oil–oil, and pore throat sealing significantly impact the distribution of oil components of residual oil, culminating in a notable reduction of porosity and permeability by 2.63% and 0.197 mD, with corresponding reduction rates of 27.19% and 46.69%, respectively. The insights derived from this study furnish a theoretical foundation for augmenting tight oil recovery and comprehending the enrichment mechanism of residual oil driven by the heterogeneity of tight sandstone reservoirs.
Exploring the antioxidant potential of endophytic fungi: a review on methods for extraction and quantification of total antioxidant capacity (TAC)
Authors: Asomadu Rita Onyekachukwu , Ezeorba Timothy Prince Chidike , Ezike Tobechukwu Christian , Uzoechina Jude Obiorah
Published: April 2024

Endophytic fungi have emerged as a significant source of natural products with remarkable bioactivities. Recent research has identified numerous antioxidant molecules among the secondary metabolites of endophytic fungi. These organisms, whether unicellular or micro-multicellular, offer the potential for genetic manipulation to enhance the production of these valuable antioxidant compounds, which hold promise for promoting health, vitality, and various biotechnological applications. In this study, we provide a critical review of methods for extracting, purifying, characterizing, and estimating the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of endophytic fungi metabolites. While many endophytes produce metabolites similar to those found in plants with established symbiotic associations, we also highlight the existence of novel metabolites with potential scientific interest. Additionally, we discuss how advancements in nanotechnology have opened new avenues for exploring nanoformulations of endophytic metabolites in future studies, offering opportunities for diverse biological and industrial applications.
Manufacturing and characterisation of 3D-printed sustained-release Timolol implants for glaucoma treatment
Authors: Paleel Fathima , Qin Mengqi , Tagalakis Aristides D. , Yu-Wai-Man Cynthia , Lamprou Dimitrios A.
Published: April 2024

Timolol maleate (TML) is a beta-blocker drug that is commonly used to lower the intraocular pressure in glaucoma. This study focused on using a 3D printing (3DP) method for the manufacturing of an ocular, implantable, sustained-release drug delivery system (DDS). Polycaprolactone (PCL), and PCL with 5 or 10% TML implants were manufactured using a one-step 3DP process. Their physicochemical characteristics were analysed using light microscopy, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) / thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The in vitro drug release was evaluated by UV-spectrophotometry. Finally, the effect of the implants on cell viability in human trabecular meshwork cells was assessed. All the implants showed a smooth surface. Thermal analysis demonstrated that the implants remained thermally stable at the temperatures used for the printing, and FTIR studies showed that there were no significant interactions between PCL and TML. Both concentrations (5 & 10%) of TML achieved sustained release from the implants over the 8-week study period. All implants were non-cytotoxic to human trabecular cells. This study shows proof of concept that 3DP can be used to print biocompatible and personalised ocular implantable sustained-release DDSs for the treatment of glaucoma.

Graphical Abstract
Association Between Maladaptive Eating Behaviors Among Black Women and Vicarious Racial Discrimination Following a High-Profile Event
Authors: Brown Kristal Lyn , Bettencourt Amie F. , Hines Anika L. , Cooper Lisa A. , Gudzune Kimberly A.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Evidence suggests that racial discrimination causes stress among non-Hispanic Black women, and some Black women may cope with exposure to vicarious racial discrimination by engaging in maladaptive eating behaviors.

Methods

We examined eating behaviors among Black women (N = 254) before and after Freddie Gray’s death while in police custody. Maladaptive eating behaviors were assessed using the three-factor eating questionnaire. Our independent variables included the following: (1) time period and (2) geographic proximity to the event. Three two-way analysis of covariance tests were conducted to assess potential effects of geographic proximity (close, distant), time period in relation to unrest (before, after unrest), and their interaction on emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, and cognitive restraint controlling for participant age.

Results

There was a statistically significant main effect of proximity to the unrest on emotional eating, F (1, 252) = 5.64, p = .018, and partial η2 = .022 such that women living in close geographic proximity to the unrest reported higher mean levels of emotional eating as compared to those living more distant to the unrest. There was also a borderline statistically significant interaction between geographic proximity and time period on cognitive restraint, F (1, 252) = 3.89, p = .050, and partial η2 = .015.

Conclusion

Our study found a relationship between vicarious racial discrimination and maladaptive eating behaviors among Black women. Future work should examine stress related to vicarious racial discrimination and maladaptive eating behaviors longitudinally.
Uncertainties of landslide susceptibility prediction: influences of different study area scales and mapping unit scales
Authors: Huang Faming , Cao Yu , Li Wenbin , Catani Filippo , Song Guquan , Huang Jinsong , Yu Changshi
Published: April 2024

This study aims to investigate the effects of different mapping unit scales and study area scales on the uncertainty rules of landslide susceptibility prediction (LSP). To illustrate various study area scales, Ganzhou City in China, its eastern region (Ganzhou East), and Ruijin County in Ganzhou East were chosen. Different mapping unit scales are represented by grid units with spatial resolution of 30 and 60 m, as well as slope units that were extracted by multi-scale segmentation method. The 3855 landslide locations and 21 typical environmental factors in Ganzhou City are first determined to create spatial datasets with input-outputs. Then, landslide susceptibility maps (LSMs) of Ganzhou City, Ganzhou East and Ruijin County are produced using a support vector machine (SVM) and random forest (RF), respectively. The LSMs of the above three regions are then extracted by mask from the LSM of Ganzhou City, along with the LSMs of Ruijin County from Ganzhou East. Additionally, LSMs of Ruijin at various mapping unit scales are generated in accordance. Accuracy and landslide susceptibility indexes (LSIs) distribution are used to express LSP uncertainties. The LSP uncertainties under grid units significantly decrease as study area scales decrease from Ganzhou City, Ganzhou East to Ruijin County, whereas those under slope units are less affected by study area scales. Of course, attentions should also be paid to the broader representativeness of large study areas. The LSP accuracy of slope units increases by about 6%–10% compared with those under grid units with 30 m and 60 m resolution in the same study area's scale. The significance of environmental factors exhibits an averaging trend as study area scale increases from small to large. The importance of environmental factors varies greatly with the 60 m grid unit, but it tends to be consistent to some extent in the 30 m grid unit and the slope unit.

Graphic abstract
Darboux theory of integrability in $$\mathbb {T}^n$$
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Valls Claudia
Published: April 2024

We develop the Darboux theory of integrability for polynomial vector fields in the n-dimensional torus $$\mathbb {T}^n$$

T

n

. We also provide the maximum number of invariant parallels and meridians that a polynomial vector field X on $$\mathbb {T}^n$$

T

n

can have in function of its degree.
Expanding the targeting scope of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing by Cas9 variants in Brassica
Authors: Li Wenjing , Li Xuan , Wang Chunyang , Huo Guanzhong , Zhang Xinru , Yu Jintai , Yu Xiaoxiao , Li Jing , Zhang Chao , Zhao Jianjun , Li Yan , Li Jun
Published: April 2024

CRISPR/Cas9, presently the most widely used genome editing technology, has provided great potential for functional studies and plant breeding. However, the strict requirement for a protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) has hindered the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system because the number of targetable genomic sites is limited. Recently, the engineered variants Cas9-NG, SpG, and SpRY, which recognize non-canonical PAMs, have been successfully tested in plants (mainly in rice, a monocot). In this study, we evaluated the targeted mutagenesis capabilities of these Cas9 variants in two important Brassica vegetables, Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa spp. pekinensis) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Both Cas9-NG and SpG induced efficient mutagenesis at NGN PAMs, while SpG outperformed Cas9-NG at NGC and NGT PAMs. SpRY achieved efficient editing at almost all PAMs (NRN > NYN), albeit with some self-targeting activity at transfer (T)-DNA sequences. And SpRY-induced mutants were detected in cabbage plants in a PAM-less fashion. Moreover, an adenine base editor was developed using SpRY and TadA8e deaminase that induced A-to-G conversions within target sites using non-canonical PAMs. Together, the toolboxes developed here induced successful genome editing in Chinese cabbage and cabbage. Our work further expands the targeting scope of genome editing and paves the way for future basic research and genetic improvement in Brassica.
Urban agglomeration, glocalisation, and the governance of scalar transformation in the global south: a case study from Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Tapscott Chris
Published: April 2024

In theorising the rapid expansion of urban agglomeration across the world, a significant body of work has examined the transformation of scale from the perspective of geographical size and the regulatory facets of devolved power. A further literature has examined what are seen as the relational dimensions in the transformation and constitution of space and the extent to which these are socially constructed. In this conceptualisation, scale is constituted and reconstituted by capitalist relations of production, social production, and consumption. The influence of capitalist relations on scale has most explicitly been illustrated by the impact of globalisation and the way it has served to weaken the regulatory powers of nation states and is simultaneously reordering the hierarchy of government power within them. Metropolitan governments have been exposed to global markets and to the influence of transnational corporations and, in a process of glocalisation, increasingly endeavour to create an entrepreneurial environment conducive to attract and retain foreign investment. Hitherto the interpenetration of the global and local has largely been studied in the context of urban agglomeration and scalar transformation in the global North. In an attempt to address this lacuna this article examines the manifestation of the process of glocalisation in metropolitan Cape Town in South Africa in the global South. It posits that the municipal government’s ambition to transform the city into a modern digitally based economy linked to global markets manifests many of the characteristics of glocalisation. Furthermore, it argues, far from promoting greater social inclusion in a highly unequal post-apartheid city, the economic model which has been adopted is exacerbating social inequality and poverty.
Strukturierte Individualisierung: Über das zeitdiagnostische Potenzial der Freundschaft
Authors: Liebold Renate , Pfaller Larissa
Published: April 2024

Als Teil der Selbstreflexion moderner Gesellschaften analysiert die soziologische Zeitdiagnose gesellschaftliche Wandlungsprozesse und deren zugrunde liegenden Strukturdynamiken und nimmt dabei je konkrete empirische Phänomene in den Blick, aus denen sie ihre Diagnose ableitet und veranschaulicht. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt mit dem Phänomen der Freundschaft einen solchen Gegenstandsbereich vor: Am Freundschaftsdiskurs lassen sich die Anforderungen der modernen Gesellschaft an das Individuum ablesen und vice versa werden auch gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen und Ereignisse in Freundschaftsbeziehungen verhandelt.

Um das besondere zeitdiagnostische Potenzial der Freundschaft darzulegen, stellt der Artikel zunächst zentrale Merkmale der Freundschaft als Strukturtypus persönlicher Beziehungen vor. Im Anschluss führt er zwei Stränge soziologischer Modernisierungstheorie zusammen, um das spezifische zeitdiagnostische Potenzial der Freundschaft aufzuzeigen: Differenzierung und Individualisierung. Auf der einen Seite übernimmt Freundschaft in funktional ausdifferenzierten Gesellschaften eine sozial (re)integrierende und damit auf gesellschaftlicher Ebene strukturerhaltende Funktion. Auf der anderen Seite wirkt Freundschaft hochgradig individualisierend und fungiert als Raum der Selbstkonstitution moderner Subjekte. Anhand von Freundschaftsdiskursen lässt sich damit nicht nur das Verhältnis von Individuum und Gesellschaft, sowie der mit der Modernisierung verbundenen Prozesse von De- und Reintegration von Individuen rekonstruieren, sondern auch moderne Subjektkonstitution und Subjektverhältnisse. Schließlich sind es gerade die Ambivalenzen dieser „strukturierten Individualisierung“, die der Soziologie in der Freundschaftsforschung ein zeitdiagnostisches Instrument zur Verfügung stellt.
Efficient and flexible thermal-integrated pumped thermal energy storage through composition adjustment
Authors: Sun Xiaocun , Shi Lingfeng , Zhang Meiyan , Tian Hua , Hu Peng , Pei Gang , Shu Gequn
Published: April 2024

Thermal-integrated pumped thermal electricity storage (TI-PTES) could realize efficient energy storage for fluctuating and intermittent renewable energy. However, the boundary conditions of TI-PTES may frequently change with the variation of times and seasons, which causes a tremendous deterioration to the operating performance. To realize efficient and flexible energy storage in operating conditions, a novel composition-adjustable TI-PTES is proposed, and the operating performance is investigated and compared with composition-fixed TI-PTES. Simulation results show that, compared to composition-fixed TI-PTES, the energy storage efficiency of TI-PTES could be enhanced by the absolute value of 4.4–18.3% by introducing composition adjustment method under various boundary conditions. Besides, tuning sub-system composition could simultaneously adjust the capacities of power input, heat storage and power output, realizing a more flexible operating range for TI-PTES. A case study for an isolated energy community shows that composition-adjustable TI-PTES could realize 100% conversion of off-peak electric energy and reduce daily investment by 35.6% compared with composition-fixed TI-PTES.
Risk Revealed
Authors: Embrechts Paul , Hofert Marius , Chavez-Demoulin Valérie
Published: April 2024

Explore the concept of risk through numerous examples and their statistical modeling, traveling from a historical perspective all the way to an up-to-date technical analysis. Written with a wide readership in mind, this book begins with accounts of a selection of major historical disasters, such as the North Sea flood of 1953 and the L'Aquila earthquake. These tales serve to set the scene and to motivate the second part of the book, which describes the mathematical tools required to analyze these events, and how to use them. The focus is on the basic understanding of the mathematical modeling of risk and what types of questions the methods allow one to answer. The text offers a bridge between the world of science and that of everyday experience. It is written to be accessible to readers with only a basic background in mathematics and statistics. Even the more technical discussions are interspersed with historical comments and plentiful examples.
Introduction to Part 1 of the Themed Issue, ‘Racism and Colonialism in Hegel's Philosophy’: Rationale and Topics
Authors: James Daniel , Knappik Franz
Published: April 2024

It is increasingly realized today that Western modernity has not only promoted progressive ideals such as scientific thought, human rights and democratic political systems. Its history is also marked by a much darker side, one of brutal conquest, biological and cultural destruction, enslavement and exploitation of non-European peoples in the context of European colonialism. This dark side of Western modernity was legitimized by pro-colonial ideologies of property, war, civilization, progress and race. Such ideologies emerged in areas like jurisprudence and philosophy since the 16th century, often building on views from classical antiquity (Pagden 1995). They shaped academic paradigms such as ‘scientific racism’, colonial anthropology and Orientalism in the 19th and early 20th centuries, and in many ways continue to influence contemporary societies and their academic practices.
Study of the pellet ablation cloud using the tomography technique for two-directional simultaneous photography in GAMMA 10/PDX
Authors: Yoshikawa M. , Nakashima Y. , Kohagura J. , Shima Y. , Kobayashi S. , Minami R. , Ezumi N. , Sakamoto M.
Published: April 2024

The pellet ablation mechanism is an interesting subject for plasma fuelling in fusion plasmas. In GAMMA 10/PDX, pellet injection experiments for higher density plasma production are planned to conduct detached plasma experiments in the higher density plasma condition. We measured the pellet ablation cloud by using the two-directional simultaneous photography system in GAMMA 10/PDX. The tomography reconstruction technique was used for considering the pellet trajectory in the plasma and pellet ablation. The three-dimensional pellet trajectory and pellet ablation images in the plasma were clearly obtained for the first time, to the best of our knowledge.