bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the gene expression profile of the mammary gland lipogenic enzymes in Saanen goats in response to dietary fats
Authors: Javaheri Barfourooshi Hoda , Sadeghipanah Hassan , Asadzadeh Nader , Seyedabadi Hamidreza , Borazjani Marjan , Javanmard Arash
Published: January 2023

Background

The second half of the first pregnancy is a critical period in the growth and development of the mammary gland. The use of functional compounds during this period may positively impact livestock performance.

Objectives

In this study, changes in lipogenic enzyme gene expression in the mammary gland of Saanen goats in response to different dietary fat sources were analysed.

Methods

Goats from four groups (10 each) received these diets from the last two months of pregnancy through four months of lactation: C−, no added fat (negative control group), C+, with saturated palm oil (positive control group), SB, with roasted soybeans (omega‐6 group) and FS, with extruded flaxseed (omega‐3 group). The fat content was about 4% of dry matter. Milk yield, milk fatty acid profile, milk health index (HI) and gene expression of four lipogenic enzymes in mammary tissue were measured.

Results

The FS group had significantly higher milk production with lower omega‐6 to omega‐3, monounsaturated to polyunsaturated, and total saturated fatty acids compared to other groups. The shorter and longer than16‐carbon chain of total milk fatty acid indicates significantly higher values for the C− and C+ groups, respectively. The milk HI for the SB group was significantly higher. The gene expression profile for acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase was higher in the C− group than other experimental groups.

Conclusions

The results show that manipulation of the diet with unsaturated fat supplements improved milk production, synthesis of milk fat and molecular expression of lipogenic enzymes in mammary tissue in primiparous Saanen goats.
In‐depth rheological study of acrylic processing aids in rigid polyvinyl chloride applications
Authors: Nerkar Manoj
Published: January 2023

Acrylic processing aids are used widely in rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) applications. Key functions of processing aids in terms of processing and performance are discussed in the paper. Effect of molecular weight of acrylic processing aids on their functions are studied. Additionally, effect of processing conditions, such as temperature and shear on fusion characteristics of PVC formulations are investigated. Shear rate in the processing was varied by means of rotor speed in torque rheometer. Processing aids of comprehensive molecular weight range are evaluated in the study. It was observed that relatively lower molecular weight processing aids have different response to change in shear and temperature than higher molecular weight processing aids. Depending upon fusion conditions PVC formulations can yield either a single or double fusion peak. Generally, it was considered that ultra‐high molecular weight processing aids yield a double fusion peak, however, it was demonstrated in the studies that it is not true. Fusion conditions, temperature, and shear are the main driving forces of fusion dynamics, resulting in either a single or double fusion peak. Relatively low molecular weight acrylic processing aids can also yield double fusion peak. Melt viscosity and shear thinning properties are also examined. Relatively lower molecular weight processing aids showed higher shear thinning behavior. Effect of temperature and shear on degree of fusion was studied. It was shown that optimum processing parameters can increase the degree of fusion by ~10%.
Erratum to: Patterns of C- and CP-violation in hadronic η and η′ three-body decays
Authors: Akdag Hakan , Isken Tobias , Kubis Bastian
Published: January 2023

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/JHEP02(2022)137
Locality Estimates for Complex Time Evolution in 1D
Authors: Pérez-García David , Pérez-Hernández Antonio
Published: January 2023

It is a generalized belief that there are no thermal phase transitions in short range 1D quantum systems. However, the only known case for which this is rigorously proven is for the particular case of finite range translationally invariant interactions. The proof was obtained by Araki in his seminal paper of 1969 as a consequence of pioneering locality estimates for the time-evolution operator that allowed him to prove its analyticity on the whole complex plane, when applied to a local observable. However, as for now there is no mathematical proof of the absence of 1D thermal phase transitions if one allows exponential tails in the interactions. In this work we extend Araki’s result to include exponential (or faster) tails. Our main result is the analyticity of the time-evolution operator applied on a local observable on a suitable strip around the real line. As a consequence we obtain that thermal states in 1D exhibit exponential decay of correlations above a threshold temperature that decays to zero with the exponent of the interaction decay, recovering Araki’s result as a particular case. Our result however still leaves open the possibility of 1D thermal short range phase transitions. We conclude with an application of our result to the spectral gap problem for Projected Entangled Pair States (PEPS) on 2D lattices, via the holographic duality due to Cirac et al.
Three-dimensional microCT imaging of mouse heart development from early post-implantation to late fetal stages
Authors: Li-Villarreal Nanbing , Rasmussen Tara L. , Christiansen Audrey E. , Dickinson Mary E. , Hsu Chih-Wei
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive detailed characterization of new mouse models can be challenging due to the individual focus involved in developing these models. Often models are engineered to test a specific hypothesis in a limited number of tissues, stages, and/or other contexts. Whether or not the model produces the desired phenotypes, phenotyping beyond the desired context can be extremely work intensive and these studies are often not undertaken. However, the general information resulting from broader phenotyping can be invaluable to the wider scientific community. The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) and its subsidiaries, like the Knockout Mouse Project (KOMP), has made great strides in streamlining this process. In particular, the use of microCT has been an invaluable resource in examining internal organ systems throughout fetal/developmental stages. Here, we provide several novel vignettes demonstrating the utility of microCT in uncovering cardiac phenotypes both based on human disease correlations and those that are unpredicted.
Work-related head injury and industry sectors in Finland: causes and circumstances
Authors: Heimonen Aura , Nousiainen Kari , Lassila Heikki , Kaukiainen Ari
Published: January 2023

Objective

Despite the continuous development of occupational safety, the prevalence of work-related head injuries is excessive. To promote prevention, we conducted a study evaluating the risks and pathways that precede head injuries in different economic activity sectors.

Methods

In Finland, more than 90% of employees are covered by inclusive statutory workers’ compensation. We obtained data on occupational head injuries in 2010–2017 from an insurance company database. The European Statistics on Accidents at Work (ESAW) variables represented the characteristics of the accidents and the injury. We analysed the risk factors, contributing events and injury mechanisms in 20 industry sectors, based on the Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community (NACE).

Results

In the 32,898 cases, the most commonly affected area was the eyes (49.6%). The highest incidence of head injuries was in construction (15.7 per 1000 insurance years). Construction, manufacturing, and human health and social work activities stood out due to their distinctive ESAW category counts. ‘Working with hand-held tools’ [risk ratio (RR) 2.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.14–2.32] in construction and ‘operating machines’ (RR 3.32, 95% CI 3.01–3.66) and ‘working with hand-held tools’ (1.99, 1.91–2.07) in manufacturing predicted head injury. The risk related to parameters of violence and threats in health and social work activities was nearly ninefold the risk of other sectors.

Conclusion

The risks and pathways preceding head injuries varied considerably. The highest head injury rates were in construction and manufacturing. Violence emerged as a major risk factor in human health and social work activities.
Systemic immune-inflammation index during treatment predicts prognosis and guides clinical treatment in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Xiaofei , Feng Huiru , Huang Haoran , Li Junzheng , Wu Shuting , Yuan Yue , Cui Linchong , Lin Danfan , Chen Zilu , Lu Wenxuan , Liu Xiong , Peng Xiaohong , Wang Fan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been demonstrated to be closely associated with the poor prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the role of SII during treatment of NPC has not been reported. This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of SII during treatment for NPC patients.

Methods

A total of 759 patients diagnosed with NPC were included in this retrospective study (393 in training cohort and 366 in validation cohort). The correlation between variables was analyzed by the chi-squared test, the Fisher’s exact test or the likelihood test. Kaplan–Meier method and log-rank test were used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The independent prognostic factors were determined by multivariate analysis of Cox proportional hazards regression model. The uncontrolled risk was analyzed by Logistic regression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess prognostic value.

Results

The optimal cut-off point for the SII during treatment was 937.32. High SII during treatment group had higher uncontrolled risk than low SII during treatment group (p = 0.008). In multivariate Cox proportional hazard models analysis, SII during treatment was an independent prognostic factor for 5-year PFS (p < 0.001) and 5-year OS (p < 0.001). All results were found in the training cohort and confirmed in the validation cohort.

Conclusions

The SII during treatment is a promising indicator of predicting the survival in NPC patients, especially the risk of uncontrolled occurrence. By monitoring the SII during treatment, it is possible to better evaluate the treatment effect and formulate personalized treatment.
COVID-19 – Treiber für die Digitalisierung des Einzelhandels?
Authors: Herb Christopher , Friedrich Carla , Neiberger Cordula
Published: January 2023

Die COVID-19-Pandemie hat nicht nur die Gesellschaft, sondern auch die Wirtschaft, darunter speziell den Einzelhandel, vor große Herausforderungen gestellt. Während Onlinehändler von der Schließung lokaler Geschäfte profitierten, wurde dem stationären Einzelhandel plötzlich die Haupteinnahmequelle entzogen. Dieser befindet sich seit Jahrzehnten in einem Strukturwandel, der sich zuletzt durch die umfassende gesellschaftliche und wirtschaftliche Digitalisierung neuen Herausforderungen stellen musste. Unser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Frage, inwieweit Handelsunternehmen sich gezwungen sahen, eine verstärkte Digitalisierung, hier untersucht als Präsenz im Internet, durch die Coronalockdowns vorzunehmen. Wir betrachten unterschiedliche Onlinestrategien, die von einer kompletten Inaktivität bis hin zu einer umfassenden Onlinestrategie (Onlineshops, unterstützt durch Social-Media-Aktivitäten) reichen. Um die Entwicklung in den letzten Jahren sowie über drei COVID-19-Lockdowns sichtbar zu machen, stellt die Untersuchung einen Vergleich zwischen zwei Erhebungszeitpunkten (2017/18 und 2021) anhand vierer Mittelstädte in Nordrhein-Westfalen (Baesweiler, Düren, Eschweiler, Heinsberg) dar. Es zeigt sich, dass der Digitalisierungsprozess grundsätzlich voranschreitet, wenngleich das Ausmaß der digitalen Aktivitäten stark von der jeweiligen Organisationsform abhängt. Zudem lassen sich auch Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Größe der Mittelstädte erkennen.
Traffic information interpolation method based on traffic flow emergence using swarm intelligence
Authors: Suga Satoshi , Fujimori Ryu , Yamada Yuji , Ihara Fumito , Takamura Daiki , Hayashi Ken , Kurihara Satoshi
Published: January 2023

Traffic congestion has become one of the most pressing social problems in today’s society, and research into appropriate traffic signal control is actively underway. At present, most traffic signal control methods define traffic signal parameters on the basis of traffic information such as the number of passing vehicles. Installing sensors at a vast number of intersections is necessary for more precise and real-time adaptive control, but this is unrealistic from the viewpoint of cost. As an alternative, we propose a swarm intelligence-based methodology that creates routes with a similar traffic volume using the traffic information from intersections already equipped with sensors and interpolates this information in the intersections without sensors in real time. Our simulation results show that the proposed methodology can effectively create similar traffic routes for main traffic flows with high traffic volumes. The results also show that it has an excellent interpolation performance for heavy traffic flows and can adapt and interpolate to situations where traffic flow changes suddenly. Moreover, the interpolation results are highly accurate at a road link where traffic flows confluence. We also developed an interpolation algorithm that is adaptable to traffic patterns with confluence traffic flows. Experiments were conducted with a simulation of merging traffic flows and the proposed method showed good results.
Tropospheric parameters from multi-GNSS and numerical weather models: case study of severe precipitation and flooding in Germany in July 2021
Authors: Wilgan Karina , Dick Galina , Zus Florian , Wickert Jens
Published: January 2023

Storms and floods are the most frequent natural disaster in western and central Europe. Due to climate change, intensive storms with prolonged rain episodes will continue to cause even more destructive flooding. The good understanding and forecasting of such events are thus of uttermost importance. One of the ways to improve weather forecasts is the assimilation of external data, such as the global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). In this study, a preparation of the multi-GNSS tropospheric products—zenith total delays, tropospheric gradients and slant total delays—for future operational assimilation is shown. For a severe precipitation event in July 2021 in Germany, the GNSS parameters from three systems—GPS, GLONASS and Galileo—are compared to three Numerical Weather Models (NWMs)—ERA5 reanalysis of ECMWF, ICON run by the German Weather Service and GFS run by the US Weather Service. The flood that followed the rainfall was the deadliest natural disaster in Germany since 1962. The results show that all considered GNSS solutions have a similar level of agreement with the NWMs. However, for the flood region in western Germany, the biases from the multi-GNSS solutions are smaller compared to the GPS-only solution. From the models, ICON has the highest agreement with the GNSS data for all considered tropospheric parameters. The best agreement with the ICON is probably due to its high horizontal resolution and, thus, low representative errors and the fine tuning of DWD’s regional model for the specific region (Germany).
N-Acetylcysteine: more than preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in uremic patients—focus on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: Cepaityte Dainora , Leivaditis Konstantinos , Varouktsi Garyfallia , Roumeliotis Athanasios , Roumeliotis Stefanos , Liakopoulos Vassilios
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress (OS) has been recognized as a pathophysiologic mechanism underlying the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). OS, which results from the disturbance of balance among pro-oxidants and antioxidants favoring the pro-oxidants, is present even in early CKD and increases progressively along with deterioration of kidney function to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). In ESKD, OS is further exacerbated mainly due to dialysis procedures per se and predisposes to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therefore, since OS plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis in uremic patients, several strategies aiming to ameliorate OS in these patients have been proposed. Among those, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a thiol-containing antioxidant agent, has attracted special attention due to its pleiotropic functions and beneficial effect in various OS-related entities including paracetamol overdose and prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy. In this review, we present the currently available literature on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of NAC in CKD, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
A Gaussian regularization for derivative sampling interpolation of signals in the linear canonical transform representations
Authors: Annaby M. H. , Al-Abdi I. A.
Published: January 2023

The linear canonical transform (LCT) plays an important role in signal and image processing from both theoretical and practical points of view. Various sampling representations for band-limited and non-band-limited signals in the LCT domain have been established. We focus in this paper on the derivative sampling reconstruction, where the reconstruction procedure utilizes samples of both the signal and its first derivative. Our major aim was to incorporate the reconstruction sampling operator with a Gaussian regularization kernel, which on the one hand is applicable for not necessarily band-limited signals and on the other hand hastens the convergence of the reconstruction procedure. The amplitude error is also considered with deriving rigorous estimates. The obtained theoretical results are tested through various simulated experiments.
Global environmental equities and investor sentiment: the role of social media and Covid-19 pandemic crisis
Authors: de Sousa-Gabriel Vítor Manuel , Lozano-García María Belén , Matias Maria Fernanda Ludovina Inácio , Neves Maria Elisabete , Martínez-Ferrero Jennifer
Published: January 2023

According to researchers, information generated from social media provides useful data for understanding the behaviour of various types of financial assets, using the sentiment expressed by these network users as an explanatory variable of asset prices. In a context in which investment based on sustainability and environmental preservation values is vital, there is no known scientific work that analyses the relationship between social networks and environmental investment, which is closely related to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this study, we aim to identify how investor sentiment, generated from social networks, influences environmental investment and whether this influence depends on the time variable, as well the role of the pandemic crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war. Our results show different forms of behaviour for the different periods considered, with the proximity between the two types of variables being time-varying. For shorter periods, proximity occurred mainly during the pandemic crisis, repeatedly revealing that sentiment is a risk factor in environmental investment and in particular how important the information generated from social networks can be in pricing environmental assets. For longer periods, no common stochastic trends were identified. The mechanisms generating the series are thus characterised by a certain autonomy.
Comparison of Phosphorus and Phytase Activity Distribution in Wheat, Rye, Barley and Oats and Their Impact on a Potential Phytate Separation
Authors: Mayer Natalie , Widderich Niklas , Scherzinger Marvin , Bubenheim Paul , Kaltschmitt Martin
Published: January 2023

When facing today’s scarcity of mineral phosphorus (P) resources and the environmental issues following enhanced P losses especially from agriculture, new solutions need to be implemented. In this framework, the potential for a mechanical separation of a P rich grain fraction from wheat, rye, barley and oats is investigated in order to provide animal feed with reduced organic P content. Thus, P accumulation in manure and soils should be prevented. Also, the subsequent utilization of the separated organic P, which occurs in the form of inositol P, for a sustainable P management via activation of intrinsic enzymes is evaluated. It was shown that in grain layers at 7.0, 5.5, 6.4 and 2.5% cross section of wheat, rye, barley and oats, respectively, maximum inositol P occurs with 1.6, 0.8, 1.4 and 1.2 g/100 g. Phytase activity is also highest in the outer layers of the grains with maxima of 9300, 12,000, 8400 and 2400 U/kg, respectively. A removal of the specific layers where inositol P is accumulated could possibly achieve a 24, 31, 60 and 27% organic P reduction for wheat, rye, barley and oats with 7, 14, 25 or 7% grain elimination. A debranning, eliminating all the outer grain layers to a certain extent, in contrast, leads to significantly higher mass losses. Within the P enriched layer determined from inositol P distribution, phytase activity is calculated to be around 285, 831, 777 and 42 U/kg for wheat, rye, barley and oats, respectively.
Bedeutung digitaler Medien in der Kinder- und Jugendarbeit
Authors: Neumann Maria
Published: January 2023

Der Beitrag thematisiert die Bedingungen und Praktiken von Digitalisierungsbemühungen von Fachkräften in der Kinder- und Jugendarbeit. Der Schwerpunkt liegt hierbei auf der Bedeutung von Digitalisierungsprozessen für die gesellschaftliche Teilhabe von Jugendlichen und die Reproduktion sozialer Ungleichheiten. Hierfür werden Expert_innen-Interviews, die sich in der kulturellen Kinder- und Jugendarbeit sowie im ländlichen Raum verorten, herangezogen.
Human interaction with the divine, the sacred, and the deceased: topics that warrant increased attention by psychologists
Authors: Plante Thomas G. , Schwartz Gary E. , Exline Julie J. , Park Crystal L. , Paloutzian Raymond F. , Seitz Rüdiger J. , Angel Hans-Ferdinand
Published: January 2023

Humans have likely been attempting to communicate with entities believed to exist, such as the divine, sacred beings, and deceased people, since the dawn of time. Across cultures and countries, many believe that interaction with the immaterial world is not only possible but a frequent experience. Most religious traditions across the globe focus many rituals and activities around prayer to an entity deemed divine or sacred. Additionally, many people–religious, agnostic, and atheists alike–report communication with their departed loved ones. During highly stressful times associated with natural disasters, war, pandemics, and other threats to human life, the frequency and intensity of these activities and associated experiences substantially increase. Although this very human phenomenon seems to be universal, the empirical literature on the topic within psychology is thin. This paper discussed the topic and reviews what we know from the professional literature about how people perceive communication with these unseen entities. It highlights the perceptual and social cognition evidence and discussed the role of attribution theory, which might help us understand the beliefs, motivations, and practices of those engaged with communication with the unseen. Empirical laboratory research with mediums is discussed as well, examining the evidence for communication with the deceased. Final reflections and suggestions for future research are also offered.
Novel Microglia-based Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Wang Yafei , Liu Taohui , Mao Ying , Peng Bo
Published: January 2023

As prominent immune cells in the central nervous system, microglia constantly monitor the environment and provide neuronal protection, which are important functions for maintaining brain homeostasis. In the diseased brain, microglia are crucial mediators of neuroinflammation that regulates a broad spectrum of cellular responses. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the multifunctional contributions of microglia to homeostasis and their involvement in neurodegeneration. We further provide a comprehensive overview of therapeutic interventions targeting microglia in neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, we propose microglial depletion and subsequent repopulation as promising replacement therapy. Although microglial replacement therapy is still in its infancy, it will likely be a trend in the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases due to its versatility and selectivity.
Inhibition of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) promotes the PUMA-mediated apoptosis and chemosensitivity to cisplatin in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wei Zhijiang , Liu Guiying , Jia Rufu , Zhang Wei , Li Li , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Zhijing , Bai Xiyong
Published: January 2023

Background

Aberrant expression of Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor (SLPI) has been associated with human cancer growth and its suppression was identified as a potential target for anti-cancer drugs, particularly in colorectal cancer. However, the underlying mechanism by which SLPI affected the development of drug resistance in CRC remains unclear.

Objective

This study investigated the role of SLPI in the p53-up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA)-mediated CRC cells’ apoptosis and their chemosensitivity to Cisplatin.

Methods

A series of qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to characterize the expressions of SLPI, PUMA, and Akt in CRC lines. Tunel, transwell, and CCK-8 analyses were monitored to define the impacts of the siRNA-mediated knockdown of SLPI on CRC cell development. Furthermore, in vivo development of CRC was evaluated in nude mice infected with siSLPI or Cisplatin alone or both, and Ki67 and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry assay was monitored on multiple tissue microarray from the same cohort.

Results

Our results showed that SLPI inhibition strongly promoted the expressions of the pro-apoptotic protein PUMA, cleaved-caspase3 and Bax and reduced the cell viability of HT29 and HT116 cell lines in vitro. In addition, siSLPI knockdown effectively suppressed both Akt and FoxO3 proteins and improved the sensitivity to cisplatin chemotherapy. Xenograft tumor assay revealed a lowered growth in mice treated with Cisplatin, while combined treatment of siSLPI achieved more significant anticancer effects than Cisplatin alone.

Conclusions

Taken together, these findings demonstrated that suppression of SLPI might repress the growth of human colorectal cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. These results suggested SLPI as a novel resistance factor to Cisplatin, and a combination of Cisplatin and SLPI inhibitor be beneficial for colorectal cancer therapy.
Isolation of Hafnia paralvei co-harbouring blaNDM-1 and blaVIM-1 in a woman who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Appel Tobias Manuel , Stein Claudia , Brandt Christian , Rödel Jürgen , Frietsch Jochen J. , Miethke Jenny , Hochhaus Andreas , Hilgendorf Inken
Published: January 2023

Metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) are a threat to public health, since they dramatically limit the use of β-lactams. We report the isolation of a multidrug-resistant Hafnia paralvei strain from urine and a rectal swab of a female patient after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndrome. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing yielded resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, colistin, fosfomycin and all β-lactams, except cefiderocol. Whole genome sequencing revealed the presence of plasmid-encoded NDM-1 and VIM-1 carbapenemases. This finding highlights the importance of epidemiological surveillance and new therapeutic options for MBL.
Adhesive capsulitis after COVID-19 vaccine injection: a peculiar case treated with combined bursa distention and glenohumeral capsular hydrodilatation
Authors: Biglia Alessandro , Morandi Valentina , Zanframundo Giovanni , Donati Danilo , Maggiore Francesco , Vita Fabio , Sammarchi Luigi , Pagani Chiara , Cavagna Lorenzo , Galletti Stefano , Montecucco Carlomaurizio
Published: January 2023

Frozen shoulder is a common and self-limiting condition affecting the soft tissues of the shoulders, characterized by severe pain, impaired range of motion (ROM) and limitation of daily activities. Its prevalence is 5% and it occurs most commonly in the fifth and sixth decades of life; women are more affected [DePalma in Clin Orthop Relat Res 466:552–560, 2008]. It can be idiopathic or associated with other conditions such as metabolic disorders, diabetes, thyroid diseases, prolonged immobilization, trauma [DePalma in Clin Orthop Relat Res 466:552–560, 2008], or complications after vaccine administration known as SIRVA (Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration). SIRVA is not caused by the vaccine itself but by inappropriate vaccination techniques [Martín Arias et al. in Vaccine 35:4870–4876, 2017]. The natural history of the frozen shoulder is a progression through three stages based on clinical and arthroscopic presentations: freezing, frozen and thawing [DePalma in Clin Orthop Relat Res 466:552–560, 2008; Do et al. in Orthop J Sport Med 9:232596712110036, 2021]. The onset is characterized by disabling pain, that worsens at night; it is induced by inflammation and hypervascularity and lasts from 10 to 36 weeks [Do et al. in Orthop J Sport Med 9:232596712110036, 2021]. The second stage is predominated by stiffness and severe reduction of ROM. This phase typically lasts from 9 to 12 months [Do et al. in Orthop J Sport Med 9:232596712110036, 2021]. Eventually, a recovery phase occurs, with a gradual recovery of the ROM that can last between 12 and 42 months. Ultrasound is an emerging diagnostic tool that contributes to differential diagnosis and treatment [Zappia et al. in Insights Imaging 7:365–371, 2016; Ricci et al. in J Ultrasound Med 39:633–635, 2020]: signs of adhesive capsulitis consist of thickening of the inferior recess of the glenohumeral joint capsule, thickening of the coracohumeral ligament and soft tissue structures in the rotator cuff interval, with hypervascularity. An unspecific sign is increased fluid in the tendon sheath of the long head of the biceps [Martín Arias et al. in Vaccine 35:4870–4876, 2017; Tandon et al. in J Ultrasound 20:227–236, 2017].
Assessing Confidence and Certainty of Students in an Undergraduate Linear Algebra Course
Authors: Preheim Michael , Dorfmeister Josef , Snow Ethan
Published: January 2023

Knowledge assessments in undergraduate STEM education commonly evaluate response correctness to determine learner proficiency. However, simultaneous evaluation of learner metacognition more accurately assesses the multiple dimensions of knowledge and has been shown to increase assessment validity and reliability. Motivation for researching these multidimensional methods has primarily been to identify guesswork and misinformation by evaluating the alignment of response correctness with the learner’s certainty that their provided response is correct. Learner confidence before assessment, however, has not been thoroughly investigated either alone or in conjunction with certainty for use in performance evaluation, especially at the undergraduate level. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy for assessing pre-assessment confidence and post-response certainty in relation to response correctness for students in an undergraduate linear algebra course. Due to the subjective nature of self-reflection, certainty was found to be more aligned with correctness than confidence. Though confidence and certainty levels were reported with similar overall averages, 32% of students demonstrated misaligned confidence and certainty. This study demonstrates the usefulness of a novel assessment method and presents insights that may inform teaching methods, improve examination structure, and identify concerning student behaviors early for corrective intervention.
Neural network method for quadratic radiation and quadratic convection unsteady flow of Sutterby nanofluid past a rotating sphere
Authors: Bijiga Lelisa Kebena , Gamachu Dachasa
Published: January 2023

In this study, the heat relocation properties of quadratic thermal radiation and quadratic convective unsteady stagnation point flow of electro-magnetic Sutterby nanofluid past a spinning sphere under zero mass flux and convective heating conditions are investigated. The governing equations are developed and expressed as partial differential equations, which are afterwards transformed into ordinary differential equations by applying similarity conversion. In the investigation, the JAX library in Python is employed with the numerical approach to artificial neural networks. It is investigated to what extent physical characteristics affect primary and secondary velocity, temperature, and concentration fields. The results demonstrate that due to increasing unsteadiness, Sutterby fluid, and magnetic field parameters, the flow of Sutterby nanofluid in the flow zone accelerates in the primary (x-direction) and slows down in the rotational (z-direction). The outcome also shows that an increase in the quadratic radiation parameter, the magnetic field constraint, and the electric field constraint induce increases in the temperature distribution of the Sutterby nanofluid. The study also shows that the concentration of nanoparticles decreases with increasing Lewis numbers and unsteadiness parameter values. Additionally, a graph illustrating the mean square error is investigated and provided.
Modelling the Spread of Tuberculosis in South African Informal Settlements
Authors: Udall Chrystal Bianca , Searle Christa
Published: January 2023

Due to the high population density of informal settlements, the spread of communicable diseases is highly effective in this environment. South Africa has been on the World Health Organization’s list of 30 top tuberculosis-burdened countries in the world for the last two decades. The rate of individuals diseased with tuberculosis in informal settlements, however, is reported to be double that of the country. In order to succeed in reducing the number of tuberculosis cases, policy decision makers have a growing need to understand the risk factors surrounding tuberculosis and data which may inform their decision in a quantifiable manner. In this paper, agent-based simulation is employed in order to facilitate the understanding of the spread of tuberculosis in these environments. The simulation model developed models the personal characteristics, daily movements and interactions between informal settlement residents. This model is able, within a certain range of accuracy, to indicate the spread of tuberculosis given certain input parameters, such as population size, probability of treatment termination and percentage initially infected, amongst others. This may assist policy makers in making informed decisions based on quantitative targets. It is evident that population density has a great impact on the spread rate of the disease. This is supportive of the fact that 90% of residents in informal settlements have latent tuberculosis. Given that only 68% of people with the disease seek treatment, by increasing this likelihood through incentives, it is possible to drastically decrease the rate of death and unsuccessful treatment.
Status of the RAON project in Korea
Authors: Hong Byungsik
Published: January 2023

A new rare-isotope beam (RIB) accelerator complex, RAON, is under construction in South Korea. RAON employs two RIB production methods, namely, isotope separation online (ISOL) and in-flight fragmentation (IF). According to the original design, ISOL and IF can run independently, and RAON ultimately combines them to provide more neutron-rich ion beams for the experiments. In 2021, due to the delay in developing high-energy superconducting cavities and modules, it was decided to proceed with the RAON construction project in two steps. In the first phase, the injector system, the low-energy accelerator system, ISOL, the IF separator, and all experimental devices will be completed by the end of 2022. The high-energy accelerator system will be developed, manufactured, installed, and commissioned in the second phase. In this article, the status of the superconducting accelerators, RIB production systems, and experimental equipment for RAON is reviewed.
Ordered mesoporous carbon encapsulated linear poly(ionic liquid)s enabling synergy effect of surface groups and ionic moieties for CO2 fixation under mild conditions
Authors: Wu Yue , Ma Long , Song Zhixin , Dong Shu , Guo Zengjing , Wang Jun , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2023

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fixation into value-added chemicals has attracted growing attention and one promising atom-efficient pathway is via the cycloaddition with three member-ring compounds like epoxides. Herein, we demonstrated that encapsulation of linear poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) on ordered mesoporous carbon materials provides a facile and feasible approach towards environmental-friendly heterogeneous catalysts with high performance in CO2 cycloaddition with epoxides under mild conditions. A series of novel linear phenolic hydroxyl group functional imidazolium-based PILs synthesized from hydroxymethylation reaction between 4-(imidazol-1-yl)phenol-1-butyl-imidazolium iodide and formaldehyde was loaded on ordered mesoporous carbon FDU-15–600 derived from mesoporous phenolic resin. By virtue of controlling the initial polymerization temperature, the molecular weight of PILs was facilely modulated, reaching strong host–guest interaction during the PIL immobilization. Highly stable immobilized PIL species with spatial satisfaction of ionic moieties and surface groups were thus realized to enable a synergic CO2 conversion via cycloaddition with epoxides. The optimal catalyst exhibited high yield and stable recyclability by using atmospheric CO2 under metal-additive-solvent-free conditions and the activity surprisingly exceeded the corresponding homogeneous parent IL and PIL. Excellent substrate compatibility was found by extending the transformation of more than ten epoxides including the inert ones such as disubstituted cyclohexene oxide. The significantly enhanced activity is attributed to the synergistic effect of the surface hydrogen groups and ionic moieties to accelerate the rate-determining ring-opening process.
Fluoxetine plus lithium for treatment of mental health impairment in Long Covid
Authors: Fessel Jeffrey
Published: January 2023

Purposes

(1) To summarize the mental conditions that may accompany persistent symptoms following acute infection by SARS-CoV-2, often termed Long Covid; (2) to formulate treatment based upon the brain cells that are dominantly affected.

Methods

(1) Review the reports relating to the mental symptoms occurring in Long Covid. (2) Review the drugs that address the brain cells affected in Long Covid, and suggest pharmacotherapy for those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal.

Results

Long Covid affects ~ 10% of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, and mental symptoms affect ~ 20% of persons with Long Covid. The brain cell-types that have been demonstrated as dominantly affected in Long Covid are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, endothelial cells/pericytes, and microglia. Lithium and fluoxetine each address all of those four cell-types. Low dosage of each is likely to be well-tolerated and to cause neither clinically important adverse events (AE) nor serious adverse events (SAE).

Conclusion

For those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal, lithium and fluoxetine should be administered in combination for both depth of benefit and reduction of dosages.
Do Extreme CIT Position Changes Move Prices in Grain Futures Markets?
Authors: Li Jiarui , Irwin Scott H. , Etienne Xiaoli
Published: January 2023

Most previous studies reject the basic tenet of the Masters Hypothesis that the influx of financial index investments has pressured agricultural futures prices upwards substantially. However, the impact of index investment activities may be more complicated and nuanced than can be detected by the relatively simple linear Granger causality tests used in many previous studies. Our study applies a new cross-quantilogram (CQ) test to weekly index trader positions and returns in four agricultural futures markets. Overall, we find limited support for a significant relationship between extreme index trader position changes and returns, and even less support that increased index trading activities have pushed commodity prices higher.
A hybrid optimisation method for intercepting satellite trajectory based on differential game
Authors: Wu W. , Chen J. , Liu J.
Published: January 2023

This study addresses orbit design and optimisation for the situation of satellite interception in which the target spacecraft is capable of manoeuvring using continuous magnitude restricted thrust. For the purpose of designing a long-range continuous thrust interception orbit, the orbit motion equations of two satellites with J2 perturbation are constructed. This problem is assumed to be a typical pursuit-evasion problem in differential game theory; using boundary constraint conditions and a performance index function that includes time and fuel consumption, the saddle point solution corresponding to the bilateral optimal is derived, and then this pursuit-evasion problem is transformed into a two-point boundary value problem. A hybrid optimisation method using a genetic algorithm (GA) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) is derived to obtain the optimal control strategy. The proposed model and algorithm are proved to be feasible for the given simulation cases.
Development of a morphing UAV for optimal multi-segment mission performance
Authors: Gatto A.
Published: January 2023

The need for innovative solutions to enable aerial platforms to fly faster, higher, and longer continues to remain a primary focus for airframe designers. This paper outlines work undertaken to apply a morphing wing warping technology onto a generic Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to deliver enhanced flight performance, efficiency and control capabilities. The prototype employs wings of novel construction which provide both near resistance-free compliance in twist as well as adequate structural stiffness to resist applied loads; all while preserving an aerodynamically smooth surface. Used in combination with developed and integrated closed-loop feedback control architecture, a real-time, non-linear, span-wise wing twist adjustment capability required for optimised flight under differing operating conditions and flight requirements, is demonstrated. Experimental results obtained from a wind tunnel test program show up to a 72% increase in lift to drag ratio under certain conditions compared to a fixed baseline providing some confidence that the combination could be used to realise a step change in flight performance.
Coping With Disasters and Pandemics Through Experience and Community: How African American Older Adults Navigate Disaster Planning, Response, and Recovery
Authors: Adepoju Omolola E. , Smith Kendra L. , Shetty Sharonya , Taha Eloise-Emmanuella , Howard Daniel L.
Published: January 2023

Objective:

Studies have reported that minorities are disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Few studies have elucidated the lived experiences of African American older adults, and the resiliency displayed in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters.

Methods:

This study used 4 recorded focus groups with 26 African American older adults who have spent most of their lives living in Houston, Texas to assess safety, economic, and health concerns related to the pandemic and similarities or differences with other types of disasters that are specific to Houston/ the Gulf Region of Texas, such as Hurricane Harvey.

Results:

Key themes emerged from the thematic analysis: 1) previous disasters provided important coping and preparation skills, although each occurrence was still a major stressor, 2) while telehealth was a significant benefit, regular health maintenance and chronic disease management were not completed during the COVID-19 pandemic, 3) information from the federal and state authorities were inconsistent and spurred fear and anxiety, 4) participants experienced few to no disruptions to their income but were heavily called on to support family members, and 5) participants experienced anxiety and isolation, but many used existing social connections to cope.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate how African American older adults navigate disaster response and recovery through experience and community. Providing unambiguous information to older adults could prove useful in preparing for future disaster events and coping with disasters.
Well-posedness and ill-posedness of single-phase models for suspensions
Authors: Barker T. , Gray J.M.N.T. , Schaeffer D.G. , Shearer M.
Published: January 2023

Classical theories for suspensions have been formulated by starting from the Navier–Stokes equations describing pure liquid flow and then introducing additional dependencies to account for the presence of suspended particles. These models are often accurate for low particle concentrations but have lacked a convincing description of the frictional interactions of particles, which are important at larger solid volume fractions. The

$\mu (J), \varPhi (J)$

rheology, which draws a direct analogy between suspension flow and dry granular flow, is a recent theory that addresses this issue, but is shown here to be dynamically ill-posed for large solid volume fractions. An alternative well-posed theory is introduced that includes additional dependence on the particle-phase dilation and compression. The new theory, denoted vCIDR, is tested numerically to show grid convergence for problems in which the

$\mu (J), \varPhi (J)$

rheology instead suffers from catastrophic blow-up. A further well-posed extension provides a framework for handling the transition between viscous and inertial flows.
Energetics of buoyancy-generated turbulent flows with active scalar: pure buoyant plume
Authors: Chen Chang Hsin , Bhaganagar Kiran
Published: January 2023

A framework for the budget of Reynolds stress, temperature and density variations, turbulent mass flux and turbulent heat flux is presented for buoyancy-generated turbulent flows with a focus on turbulent plumes. The dynamical interactions between the turbulence generated from the velocity and thermodynamic fluctuations in thermal and heated gas plumes is studied. A large-eddy simulation tool has been used to simulate heavier and lighter than air plumes released from a circular heated source for high Reynolds number (Re). The budget equations are developed using a Favre-averaging approach. Both heated air plumes and heated gas plumes, namely, heated${\rm SO}_2$and heated${\rm CH}_4$plumes, are included in the study. The study focuses on addressing key questions – does the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) spectrum follow the classical inertial$-5/3$spectrum or is there a$-3$buoyancy regime with a different scaling law? Fundamental pathways for generation of turbulence through velocity fluctuations, and temperature and density fluctuations are discussed. Analysis of the TKE and scalar variance budget equations has demonstrated that multiple mechanisms dominate the transport of Reynolds stresses, and in particular that correlations between the density and the velocity dominates the turbulence production mechanisms. Entrainment is connected to the turbulent transport and pressure-dilation processes.