bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AquaKey
Authors: Zhang Lupeng , Wang Pingchuan , Cui Minhao , Wei Jingwen , Tian Yu , Zhang Jingchi , Xiong Jie , Wang Lei
Published: March 2024

Underwater Visible Light Communication (UVLC) is promising due to its relatively strong penetration capability in water and large frequency bandwidth. Visible Light Communication (VLC) is also considered a safer wireless communication paradigm as light signals can be constrained within the area of interest with obstacles such as walls, reducing the chance of potential attack. However, this intuitional security assumption is not true anymore in underwater environment. Recent research shows that the eavesdropping risk of UVLC is more severe than we thought, attributed to the divergence and scattering effects of light beams in water. In this paper, we harness the dynamic nature of underwater environments as a true random resource to extract symmetric keys for UVLC. Specifically, the proposed AquaKey system incorporates instantaneous bidirectional channel probing, computation of relative channel characteristics, and an environment-adaptive quantization algorithm. The above design addresses unique challenges caused by the dynamic underwater environment, including self-interference, high-frequency disturbance, and mismatch, ensuring the practicality and applicability of AquaKey. Additionally, AquaKey has negligible impact on communication and has no effect on the illumination function. Through extensive real-world experiments, we show that AquaKey can achieve reliable key extraction with cheap hardware, generating a 512-bit key in just 0.5-1 seconds.
From Open Access to Guarded Trust
Authors: Wang Yifei
Published: March 2024

The last decade witnessed the emergence and strengthening of data protection regulations. For software engineers, this new era poses a unique challenge: How do you maintain the precision and efficacy of your platforms when complete data access, one of your most potent tools, is gradually being taken off the table? The mission is clear: Reinvent the toolkit. The way we perceive, handle, and experiment with data needs a drastic overhaul to navigate this brave new world.
Efficient Normalization of Linear Temporal Logic
Authors: Esparza Javier , Rubio Rubén , Sickert Salomon
Published: March 2024

In the mid 1980s, Lichtenstein, Pnueli, and Zuck proved a classical theorem stating that every formula of Past LTL (the extension of Linear Temporal Logic (LTL) with past operators) is equivalent to a formula of the form

\(\bigwedge _{i=1}^n {\mathbf {G}}{\mathbf {F}}\varphi _i \vee {\mathbf {F}}{\mathbf {G}}\psi _i\)

, where φ

i

and ψ

i

contain only past operators. Some years later, Chang, Manna, and Pnueli built on this result to derive a similar normal form for LTL. Both normalization procedures have a non-elementary worst-case blow-up, and follow an involved path from formulas to counter-free automata to star-free regular expressions and back to formulas. We improve on both points. We present direct and purely syntactic normalization procedures for LTL, yielding a normal form very similar to the one by Chang, Manna, and Pnueli, that exhibit only a single exponential blow-up. As an application, we derive a simple algorithm to translate LTL into deterministic Rabin automata. The algorithm normalizes the formula, translates it into a special very weak alternating automaton, and applies a simple determinization procedure, valid only for these special automata.
Identification and Genome Characterization of a Novel Muscovy Duck‐Origin Goose Parvovirus with Three Recombinant Regions between Muscovy Duck Parvovirus and Goose Parvovirus
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Xu Zhuoran , Wang Shao , Cheng Xiaoxia , Xiao Shifeng , Zhu Xiaoli , Zheng Min , Lin Fengqiang , Dong Hui , Jiang Dandan , Chen Shaoying , Chen Shilong
Published: March 2024

Muscovy duck‐origin goose parvovirus (MDGPV) is a new virus resulting from the natural recombination of Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV) and goose parvovirus (GPV). Previously identified MDGPV strains were found to have two recombination regions, one in the P9 promoter to the NS region and one in the VP3 gene, or only one recombination in the VP3 gene. In 2022, a novel strain of MDGPV known as 2022FZ was identified from China’s mainland. Complete genome sequence analysis showed that there were three recombination regions in this strain: one located in the P9 promoter‐NS (425–612 nt) region, one in the NS2 (1,483–1,824 nt) region, and one in the VP3 (3,124–4,248 nt) region, respectively. The recombination regions in the P9 promoter‐NS, NS2, and VP3 genes were substituted with the relevant GPVs sequences, whereas the MDPV virulent strain served as the skeleton in this instance. In addition, the 2022FZ strain had multiple unique aa mutations in the NS protein and the VP protein. The Muscovy duckling challenge test showed that MDGPV‐2022FZ is less pathogenic to Muscovy ducklings than two recombinant or sole recombinant MDGPV strains. For the first time, our study identified a three‐region recombinant MDGPV strain and detected the novel recombination event in the NS2 gene. These results contribute to our understanding of the pathogenicity and genetic diversity of duck parvovirus.
Research on Hydraulic Fracturing Technology of Long Boreholes along Strata of High Vast Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Wang Chenyang , Li Shugang , Liu Li , Liu Le
Published: March 2024

Gas extraction is a major technique for regional gas regulation and coal and gas comining in China. Assuring effective gas extraction operations is a crucial step in ensuring the supply of energy. The effect range of extraction drilling, pressure relief degree, and standard period of gas extraction are all constrained because of the geological constraints affecting coal gas permeability and occurrence. Combined with the advantages of directional drilling and high‐efficiency pumping technology and antireflection enhanced pumping technology of hydraulic fracturing, directional long‐drilling hydraulic fracturing can effectively improve the efficiency of gas control and expand the scale of gas control. The present study focuses on the exploration of directional long‐hole hydraulic fracturing technique in thick coal seams with high gas content using Dafosi Mine as a case study. The research findings demonstrate that hydraulic fracturing contributes to the enlargement of pore size, pore density, and pore connectivity in coal seams. In‐depth research was conducted on the expansion of coal seam fractures during the hydraulic fracturing process using the RFPA3D‐flow numerical simulation program. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of stress distribution around the fractures under the flow‐solid coupling condition was performed. To further improve the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing technique, the research team optimized the fracturing tools and construction processes in the four coal seams of Dafosi Mine. The impact of segmented hydraulic fracturing in coal seam bare hole drilling was also studied. Furthermore, an investigation method specific to the coal seam bare hole segmented hydraulic fracturing effects applicable to Dafosi Mine was developed. The maximum fracture extension pressure, minimum fracture closure pressure, and fracture morphology change characteristics during drilling and fracturing were measured, and the fracturing influence radius of coal seam was determined to be 46−58 m, the gas extraction concentration after fracturing increased by 2.20–4.22 times, and the 100‐m extraction flow increased by 4.93–11.03 times. It gives other mines technical assistance so they can keep advocating and utilizing the horizontal directional long‐drilling stage hydraulic fracturing technique.
Data from MNK1/NODAL Signaling Promotes Invasive Progression of Breast Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
Authors: Guo Qianyu , Li Vivian Z. , Nichol Jessica N. , Huang Fan , Yang William , Preston Samuel E.J. , Talat Zahra , Lefrère Hanne , Yu Henry , Zhang Guihua , Basik Mark , Gonçalves Christophe , Zhan Yao , Plourde Dany , Su Jie , Torres Jose , Marques Maud , Habyan Sara Al , Bijian Krikor , Amant Frédéric , Witcher Michael , Behbod Fariba , McCaffrey Luke , Alaoui-Jamali Moulay , Giannakopoulos Nadia V. , Brackstone Muriel , Postovit Lynne-Marie , del Rincón Sonia V. , Miller Wilson H.
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The mechanisms by which breast cancers progress from relatively indolent ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) are not well understood. However, this process is critical to the acquisition of metastatic potential. MAPK-interacting serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (MNK1) signaling can promote cell invasion. NODAL, a morphogen essential for embryogenic patterning, is often reexpressed in breast cancer. Here we describe a MNK1/NODAL signaling axis that promotes DCIS progression to IDC. We generated MNK1 knockout (KO) or constitutively active MNK1 (caMNK1)-expressing human MCF-10A–derived DCIS cell lines, which were orthotopically injected into the mammary glands of mice. Loss of MNK1 repressed NODAL expression, inhibited DCIS to IDC conversion, and decreased tumor relapse and metastasis. Conversely, caMNK1 induced NODAL expression and promoted IDC. The MNK1/NODAL axis promoted cancer stem cell properties and invasion in vitro. The MNK1/2 inhibitor SEL201 blocked DCIS progression to invasive disease in vivo. In clinical samples, IDC and DCIS with microinvasion expressed higher levels of phospho-MNK1 and NODAL versus low-grade (invasion-free) DCIS. Cumulatively, our data support further development of MNK1 inhibitors as therapeutics for preventing invasive disease.
Significance:
These findings provide new mechanistic insight into progression of ductal carcinoma and support clinical application of MNK1 inhibitors to delay progression of indolent ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive ductal carcinoma.
Plasma Proteomic Signature Predicts Myeloid Neoplasm Risk
Authors: Tran Duc , Beeler J. Scott , Liu Jie , Wiley Brian , Chan Irenaeus C.C. , Xin Zilan , Kramer Michael H. , Batchi-Bouyou Armel L. , Zong Xiaoyu , Walter Matthew J. , Petrone Giulia E.M. , Chlamydas Sarantis , Ferraro Francesca , Oh Stephen T. , Link Daniel C. , Busby Ben , Cao Yin , Bolton Kelly L.
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is thought to be the origin of myeloid neoplasms (MN). Yet, our understanding of the mechanisms driving CH progression to MN and clinical risk prediction of MN remains limited. The human proteome reflects complex interactions between genetic and epigenetic regulation of biological systems. We hypothesized that the plasma proteome might predict MN risk and inform our understanding of the mechanisms promoting MN development.

Experimental Design:

We jointly characterized CH and plasma proteomic profiles of 46,237 individuals in the UK Biobank at baseline study entry. During 500,036 person-years of follow-up, 115 individuals developed MN. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to test for an association between plasma protein levels and MN risk.

Results:

We identified 115 proteins associated with MN risk, of which 30% (N = 34) were also associated with CH. These were enriched for known regulators of the innate and adaptive immune system. Plasma proteomics improved the prediction of MN risk (AUC = 0.85; P = 5×10–9) beyond clinical factors and CH (AUC = 0.80). In an independent group (N = 381,485), we used inherited polygenic risk scores (PRS) for plasma protein levels to validate the relevance of these proteins toMNdevelopment. PRS analyses suggest that most MN-associated proteins we identified are not directly causally linked toMN risk, but rather represent downstream markers of pathways regulating the progression of CH to MN.

Conclusions:

These data highlight the role of immune cell regulation in the progression of CH to MN and the promise of leveraging multi-omic characterization of CH to improveMN risk stratification.

See related commentary by Bhalgat and Taylor, p. 3095
Patient-Derived Tumor Xenograft Study with CDK4/6 Inhibitor Plus AKT Inhibitor for the Management of Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kase Adam M. , Gleba Justyna , Miller James L. , Miller Erin , Petit Joachim , Barrett Michael T. , Zhou Yumei , Parent Ephraim E. , Cai Hancheng , Knight Joshua A. , Orme Jacob , Reynolds Jordan , Durham William F. , Metz Thomas M. , Meurice Nathalie , Edenfield Brandy , Alasonyalilar Demirer Aylin , Bilgili Ahmet , Hickman Peyton G. , Pawlush Matthew L. , Marlow Laura , Wickland Daniel P. , Tan Winston , Copland John A.
Published: March 2024

Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is an aggressive malignancy with poor outcomes. To investigate novel therapeutic strategies, we characterized three new metastatic prostate cancer patient derived-tumor xenograft (PDTX) models and developed 3D spheroids from each to investigate molecular targeted therapy combinations including CDK4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) with AKT inhibitors (ATKi).

Metastatic prostate cancer tissue was collected and three PDTX models were established and characterized using whole-exome sequencing. PDTX 3D spheroids were developed from these three PDTXs to show resistance patterns and test novel molecular-targeted therapies. CDK4/6i's were combined with AKTi's to assess synergistic antitumor response to prove our hypothesis that blockade of AKT overcomes drug resistance to CDK4/6i. This combination was evaluated in PDTX three-dimensional (3D) spheroids and in vivo experiments with responses measured by tumor volumes, PSA, and Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET-CT imaging.

We demonstrated CDK4/6i's with AKTi's possess synergistic antitumor activity in three mCRPC PDTX models. These models have multiple unique pathogenic and deleterious genomic alterations with resistance to single-agent CDK4/6i's. Despite this, combination therapy with AKTi's was able to overcome resistance mechanisms. The IHC and Western blot analysis confirmed on target effects, whereas tumor volume, serum PSA ELISA, and radionuclide imaging demonstrated response to therapy with statistically significant SUV differences seen with Ga-68 PSMA-11 PET-CT.

These preclinical data demonstrating antitumor synergy by overcoming single-agent CDK 4/6i as well as AKTi drug resistance provide the rational for a clinical trial combining a CDK4/6i with an AKTi in patients with mCRPC whose tumor expresses wild-type retinoblastoma 1.
Supplementary Table 1 from Single-Cell CD4 and CD8 T-Cell Secretome Profiling Reveals Temporal and Niche Differences in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Root Jessica L. , Desai Poonam N. , Ly Christopher , Wang Bofei , Jelloul Fatima Zahra , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Alfayez Mansour , Matthews Jairo , Pierce Sherry , Reville Patrick K. , Daver Naval , Abbas Hussein A.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Table 1. Clinical Characteristics.
Supplementary Figure 5 from Single-Cell CD4 and CD8 T-Cell Secretome Profiling Reveals Temporal and Niche Differences in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Root Jessica L. , Desai Poonam N. , Ly Christopher , Wang Bofei , Jelloul Fatima Zahra , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Alfayez Mansour , Matthews Jairo , Pierce Sherry , Reville Patrick K. , Daver Naval , Abbas Hussein A.
Published: March 2024

UMAP visualization depicting batch-corrected Seurat defined clusters.
Supplementary Figure 3 from Single-Cell CD4 and CD8 T-Cell Secretome Profiling Reveals Temporal and Niche Differences in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Root Jessica L. , Desai Poonam N. , Ly Christopher , Wang Bofei , Jelloul Fatima Zahra , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Alfayez Mansour , Matthews Jairo , Pierce Sherry , Reville Patrick K. , Daver Naval , Abbas Hussein A.
Published: March 2024

Baseline T cell individual cytokine activity in PB and BM.
FIGURE 3 from Single-Cell CD4 and CD8 T-Cell Secretome Profiling Reveals Temporal and Niche Differences in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Following Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy
Authors: Root Jessica L. , Desai Poonam N. , Ly Christopher , Wang Bofei , Jelloul Fatima Zahra , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Alfayez Mansour , Matthews Jairo , Pierce Sherry , Reville Patrick K. , Daver Naval , Abbas Hussein A.
Published: March 2024

Exploratory analysis of CR and NR patients at baseline. CRs have significantly higher CD4 effector cytokine expression than NRs in the BM. No significant difference in functional group expression from CD8 cells in either PB and BM between CR and NR.
The Benefit of Bimodal Hearing and Beamforming for Cochlear Implant Users
Authors: Langerak Nienke Cornelia , Stronks Hendrik Christiaan , Briaire Jeroen Johannes , Frijns Johan Hubertus Maria
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Cochlear implantation is the standard treatment for severe to profound hearing loss. While cochlear implant (CI) users can communicate effectively in quiet environments, speech understanding in noise remains challenging. Bimodal hearing, combining a CI in one ear and a hearing aid (HA) in the other, has shown advantages over unilateral electrical hearing, especially for speech understanding in noisy conditions. Beamforming is a technique used to improve speech understanding in noise by detecting sound direction and enhancing frontal (speech) sounds while attenuating background noise. One specific beamformer, Stereozoom, combines signals from microphones in both ears to create a focused beam toward the front resulting in a binaural beamformer (BB), in order to improve speech intelligibility in noise for bilateral and bimodal CI users. Methods: A prospective crossover study involving 17 bimodal CI users was conducted, and participants were tested with various device configurations (CI, HA, CI + HA) with and without BB. Speech recognition testing with the Dutch/Flemish matrix test was performed in a sound-attenuated booth with diffuse noise to simulate realistic listening conditions. Results: The results showed a statistically significant benefit of bimodal hearing over the CI configuration and showed a statistical significant benefit of BB for the CI and CI + HA configuration. The benefit of BB in the HA configuration was not statistically significant probably due to the higher variance. The benefit of BB in the three configurations did not differ statistically significant. Conclusion: In conclusion, bimodal hearing offers advantages for speech understanding in noise for CI users. BB provides a benefit in various device configurations, leading to improved speech intelligibility when speech comes from the front in challenging listening environments.
Political Natural Law and Human Dignity: an Empiricist Perspective
Authors: Zhang Qianfan , Wei Xiaoyang
Published: March 2024

This article argues that observing natural laws is crucial for preserving peace in nations across the world. Traditional natural law theories are, however, flawed and outdated. To truly modernize natural law, we propose a new concept, “political natural law” (PNL), which has the capacity of curing these flaws. We then substantiate the PNL s from the result of analyzing the institutional causes of civil wars since 1800, and link them to human dignity. Drawing partly on the Confucian scholarship on natural law and human dignity, we argue that the mutual respect of human dignity is essential to building and sustaining global peace.
Similarities and Differences between Religious Communities in Addressing Climate Change
Authors: Albareda-Tiana Silvia , Fernández-Morilla Mónica , Guitián Gregorio , Pérez-Madrid Francisca , Hernández Serret Joan , Chuvieco Emilio
Published: March 2024

This study explores: a) what is being done by religions present in Catalonia (Spain) to address climate change; b) what the worldviews of the different religions are with regard to climate change, and, c) if commonalities exist between religions, which elements they have in common when addressing climate change. We focus on SDG 12 (sustainable consumption) and 13 (climate action), two of the 17 global goals that represent an urgent call for action. We employ a qualitative phenomenological methodology involving discussion groups of fourteen different religions present in Catalonia. The results show that the religions implement good practices that contribute to climate action, and all of them have laid down principles to take care of the planet. All groups hold that a change in values is required to address the climate crisis, and translate it into action. Moreover, a clear intention to establish interfaith partnerships for climate action is observed.
“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”
Authors: Amarkwei Charles
Published: March 2024

The goal of this paper is to present a Christian mission of hunger and poverty alleviation through a life in communion with the trinity and in the context of the Ga celebration of homowo in Ghana. It is in the hope of the renewal of all things at the end of the world. It is to appreciate the essence of homowo in order to appropriate it for a Christian mission. The paper seeks to achieve this goal of mission by connecting the hunger and poverty alleviation and life-giving essence as well as the sense of unity embedded in the homowo feast to the mission of the triune God in the cosmos and with the “give us this day our daily bread” statement of Jesus Christ. Although the Kpelelogical method seems to be easily understood because it is mutually critical and connects seamlessly with the praxis of Christianity among Ga Christians, it has previously not been adopted as a theological method, as it is in this article. It is the paradoxical Ga Christian articulation of the Christian faith whereby the Christian faith is enlightened by the Kpele homowo and yet transforms the Kpele homowo after rejecting it. At the end of the engagement, Jesus in the homowo celebration is seen as the Okpelejen Wulormor Homoyiwolor ker Naanowalahalor (the cosmic priest, king, prophet who jeers at hunger, and giver of eternal life).
Asproinocybe hongyaniae sp. nov. (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) in Thailand
Authors: LV TONG , WANG SHUAI , WU XIAOQU , CHEN DECHAO , AO CHENGCE , LUO HONGMEI , LI ERXIAN , TANG SONGMING , LI SHUHONG
Published: March 2024

Asproinocybe hongyaniae, a new species discovered in northern Thailand, is described, illustrated, and compared with phylogenetically related and morphologically similar species. This new species is characterized by the medium grey to olive grey pileus, light violet to violet blue lamellae, oblong and colourless basidiospores (5.8–8.5 × 4.5–6.3 μm), narrowly clavate pleurocystidia and cheilocystidia. Molecular analyses employing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (nrLSU) of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences strongly supported the new species. An updated key is also provided to assist in identifying all ten Asproinocybe species in the genus. The genus Asproinocybe is the first report in Thailand.
Novelties in Aspidistra (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae) with erect stems in the flora of Vietnam: A. quanii, a new species, and A. erecta, a new national record
Authors: AVERYANOV LEONID V. , NGUYEN VAN CANH , BUI VAN HUONG , VUONG TRUONG BA , WYNN-JONES BLEDDYN , NURALIEV MAXIM S. , MAISAK TATIANA V. , KRUPKINA LUDMILA I. , LUU HONG TRUONG , NGUYEN KHANG SINH , NGUYEN VAN KHUONG
Published: March 2024

The paper reports two species of Aspidistra newly discovered in the flora of Vietnam. It includes a description of A. quanii, a species new to science found in the central part of the country and information on four locations of A. erecta in northern Vietnam, a species known earlier only in southern China. The studied species are remarkable for having elongate, more or less erect stems. For both species, detailed analytical colour illustrations, data on morphology, ecology, phenology, tentative relationships, distribution, and provisional conservation status are provided. Additionally, we provide new data on shoot system of A. globosa, a species morphologically close to A. quanii.
Swertia jayantii (Gentianaceae): a new species from North-East India
Authors: SRIVASTAVA AMBER , KHURAIJAM JIBANKUMAR SINGH
Published: March 2024

Swertia jayantii (Gentianaceae), a new species from Jaintia hills, Meghalaya, India is described here with photographic illustration. The new species is described under Swertia subgenus Ophelia sect. Ophelia due to the presence of single, naked nectary on each corolla lobe. It closely resembles S. cordata in having corolla lobes with blue-purple veins and quadrangular, narrowly winged stem. However, it can be distinguished by its deltoid-shaped nectary, calyx lobes shorter than corolla lobes, and obtuse leaf base. A taxonomic description showing detailed morphological characters with a key to the closely related species is provided here to facilitate its proper identification.
Ground beetles of the subfamily Lebiinae (Carabidae) of Guinea-Bissau: description of three new species and faunistic notes
Authors: SERRANO ARTUR R. M.
Published: March 2024

Three new species of ground beetles belonging to the genera Arsinoe Laporte de Castelnau, 1835, Dontolobus Basilewsky, 1970 and Lasiocera Dejean, 1831 (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Lebiinae), respectively, from Guinea-Bissau are described: Arsinoe aguiari n. sp., Dontolobus bivari n. sp. and Lasiocera schwarzi n. sp., together with illustrations of their habitus and aedeagus. Moreover, an annotated checklist of 35 species and subspecies of Lebiinae is provided, including data on general distribution, new country and new distribution records at country level. The list includes novel information from one entomological mission to that country carried out in 2009 and corrigenda data on previous published species. Further, dichotomic keys are made available for the identification of the Guinea-Bissau species of the Arsinoe, Dontolobus and Lasiocera genera. Some considerations on the distribution and conservation status of these beetles in Guinea-Bissau are also presented.
A new dwarf schendylid centipede (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha: Schendylidae) with a low number of legs from Serbia, Balkan Peninsula
Authors: STOJANOVIĆ DALIBOR Z. , ŠEVIĆ MIRKO , MAKAROV SLOBODAN E.
Published: March 2024

Schendyla antici sp. nov., a dwarf geophilomorph from the Mt. Medvednik (Western Serbia, Balkan Peninsula), is described and illustrated based on the specimens extracted from the soil samples. A detailed comparison with all species within the genus is provided. The new species has the lowest number of leg-bearing segments within the genus Schendyla Bergsøe & Meinert, 1866, and one of the lowest in the order Geophilomorpha in general.
Fermented Bamboo Shoot Health Benefits and Applications
Authors: Ramasubramanian Subramanian , Balasubramanian Muthusamy , Singh Chinnappan Ravinder , Muralikrishna Rajaram , Bharathkumar Shanmuganathan
Published: March 2024

The term "bamboo" evokes images of a hollow stick, embodying not just a simple plant but a source of numerous health benefits. In northeast India, tribes engage in the centuries-old practice of fermenting bamboo shoots, employing a biotechnological process that not only preserves food but also unlocks a myriad of health benefits. Fermentation transforms these shoots into a powerhouse for various microorganisms, offering probiotic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, anti-aging, cardio-protective, and weight loss properties. Beyond their health advantages, fermented bamboo shoots hold significant commercial value in the food industry, transcending their local origins to become a global commodity akin to "green gold." Originally confined to tribal areas and local markets, these fermented bamboo stalks have gained international recognition. This article delves into the health benefits, merits, drawbacks, future perspectives, and economic value of twenty-first-century fermented bamboo shoots, positioning them as a valuable and sought-after resource. As the world embraces sustainable and natural solutions, the fermented bamboo stalks from India stand out as not only a culinary delight but also a treasure trove of health benefits, weaving a narrative of culinary tradition meeting contemporary wellness trends.
Enzyme Urease Activity and Phytochemical Investigation of the Leaves of Baissea Mortehanii (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Lidwine Ngah , Fanny-Aimee Essombe Malolo , Caroline Ngo Nyobe , Julien Nko’o Henri , Tsopgni Willifred Dongmo Tekapi , Gisele Etame Loe , Wansi Jean Duplex , Waffo Kamdem , Claude Ndom Jean , Emmanuel Mpondo Mpondo
Published: March 2024

The phytochemical investigation of a previously unstudied species of the genus Apocynaceae, Baissea mortehanii de Wild was undertaken and eight known secondary metabolites were isolated from leaves of this plant including one alkaloid, N-Feruloyltryptamine (1); one aromatic ester, Dibutyl phthalate (2); two flavonoids, Genistein (3) and Gerontoisoflavone A (4), four sterols, β-Sitosterol (5), Sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), Stigmasterol (7) and Stigmasterol-3-O-β-D glucopyranoside (8). The structures of compounds were determined by means of spectroscopic methods :NMR analysis (1H and13C NMR, 1H-1H-COSY, HSQC, HMBC), spectrometric methods such as UV, IR, ESI-MS, EI, and by comparing their data with those reported in the literature. All the isolated compounds were tested for their potential to inhibit the enzyme urease. Urease activity was determined by measuring ammonia production using the indophenol method and thiourea was used as standard inhibitor of urease. Compounds 5 and 7 showed the best urease inhibition with an IC50 value 17. 2 and 18.5 µM respectively, which is higher than that of the potent inhibitor, thiourea (IC50 = 21.5 µM); Compounds 3, 4, 6 and 8 showed a good urease inhibition with an IC50 value 26.9, 29.7, 32.8 and 34.3 µM respectively; Compounds 1 and 2 showed a moderate urease inhibition with an IC50 value 49.1 and 46.8 µM respectively.
Tropical Atmospheric Intraseasonal Oscillations Leading to Sea Level Extremes in Coastal Indonesia during Recent Decades
Authors: Kamp William , Han Weiqing , Zhang Lei , Kido Shoichiro , McCreary Julian P.
Published: March 2024

Coastal flooding induced by sea surface high extreme (HEX) events is an increasing risk to human society and infrastructure as both urban growth in coastal areas and anthropogenic sea level rise continue, especially for island nations like Indonesia. This paper investigates the role of atmospheric intraseasonal oscillations (ISOs), which are dominated by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO), in forcing HEXs on the coasts of Indonesia bordering the Indian Ocean. We use satellite altimetry data from 1993 to 2021 and tide gauge observations to detect HEXs, and modeling experiments using both the Regional Ocean Modeling System and a Bayesian dynamic linear model to understand the forcing and processes. We find that HEXs exhibit strong seasonality, with most events occurring during boreal winter (December–February) and spring (March–May) that are dominated by seasonal-to-decadal and intraseasonal variability respectively. In 32% of the 56 HEX events detected, the amplitude of ISO-induced sea level anomalies (SLAs) exceeds that of seasonal-to-decadal SLAs. Surface wind stress associated with atmospheric ISOs is the major forcing for intraseasonal SLAs, and both the remote westerly wind stress from the Indian Ocean equator and northwesterly longshore wind stress at the Indonesian coasts play important roles in driving the HEXs. The MJO is the dominant cause of ISO-dominated HEXs and its impact shows strong seasonal differences. Spring MJOs are associated with stronger convective anomalies over the eastern Indian Ocean equator that drive stronger zonal winds across the equatorial basin that lead to more HEX events compared to winter MJOs when the convection is shifted southward.
Continuous carbon fiber recycling technology using the electrolytic sulfuric acid method
Authors: Okada Yuji
Published: March 2024

Our objective is to achieve the societal implementation of the Circular Economy Program for Automobile Carbon Fibers. This involves recycling carbon fibers sourced from carbon fiber reinforced plastics/carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRP/CFRTP) discarded from automobiles and reintegrating them into the manufacturing processes of automobiles. Although, the existing carbon fiber recycling technology recycles the carbon fiber into a finely chopped state; it is not the original continuous carbon fiber product. A novel recycling technology is elucidated herein, referred to as the electrolytic sulfuric acid method (ESAM). The ESAM recycles carbon fibers by decomposing only the resin component of CFRP/CFRTP into CO2 and water using oxidative active species generated by electrolytic sulfuric acid. This method can (1) be applied to all resins, (2) maintains strength of the recycled carbon fibers, and (3) regenerates continuous carbon fibers. Moreover, it is the only technology applicable to CFRP pressure tanks. The successful recycling of continuous carbon fiber from pressure tanks has been achieved, enabling the production of new tanks and unidirectional CFRTP tape. This technology recycles the original continuous carbon fiber product, thus enabling a “close” resource circulation cycle. We have not yet confirmed the number of times recycling can be performed. However, according to the method described in this paper, the recycling process can yield continuous carbon fibers without a decrease in physical properties. Therefore, theoretically, it becomes possible to recycle indefinitely and revert the fibers to their original state, provided that the strength reduction during product use is not a significant consideration.
Embodied interreligious engagement: Female gendered bodies, reconciliation, and sport in Djibouti
Authors: Jones Rachel
Published: March 2024

Foreign Christian women in Muslim-majority countries may experience gendered culture shock and various forms of insidious trauma. This is rarely addressed by organizations or individuals yet has a significant impact on women, their communities, and their work by causing a rupture in their concept of self, community, and God. This article argues that participation in sports as intentional embodied interreligious engagement offers potential for Christian and Muslim women to mutually discover valuable resources for reconciling what trauma ruptures, namely their relationship with their own bodies and their communities. The article first establishes the experience of gendered culture shock, sexual harassment, and insidious trauma, and reasons Christians may downplay their impact. It then develops the concept of an incarnational ministry of reconciliation. This is followed by looking at how intentional interreligious engagement must begin on neutral ground and identifies sports as one possibility for embodiment in interreligious engagement. The article concludes with suggestions for further research and ideas for further embodied interaction, moving toward deeper and more intentional interreligious engagement.
Simultaneous Damping and Frequency Control in AC Microgrid Using Coordinated Control Considering Time Delay and Noise
Authors: Arora Amit , Bhadu Mahendra , Kumar Arvind
Published: March 2024

The incorporation of converter-based generating sources in utility-scale microgrids causes frequency instability and low-frequency oscillations (LFOs), which is also a reason for degeneration in system stability. Damping frequency control is an essential part of alternating current (AC) microgrid system operation and control. Sudden changes in load, variations in renewable power outputs due to changes in solar insolation or wind speed, and so on factors cause the system frequency to deviate from the nominal value. Therefore, the role of a frequency controller is to maintain the dynamic stability in an AC microgrid by retaining the system frequency at the nominal value. Again, AC microgrids with high renewable power penetration face even more difficulty in maintaining frequency stability because of their poor inertial response. The research presented here proposes a novel approach for grid-connected AC microgrid oscillation damping and frequency control that simultaneously takes into consideration time delay and noise. To improve the frequency response and dampen LFOs by providing the voltage and frequency within the specified range, a coordinated technique-based control approach is adopted. In the developed hybrid control, the frequency controller relies on active power modulation, while the power oscillation damping controller is dependent on reactive power modulation. To improve stability and reduce communication consequences such as noise and signal latency (time delay), the developed power oscillation damping controller and frequency controller are coordinated along with the robust linear quadratic Gaussian controller. The comparative investigation of the effectiveness of the coordinated control technique is employed in the software of MATLAB/Simulink for grid-connected AC microgrid. The outcome of the simulation illustrates the superior effectiveness of the suggested controller over the traditional droop controller for huge power flows under disturbance with various operating conditions, under/overfrequency events, time delay, and noise. This grid encouragement capability for AC microgrids is anticipated to lead to novel possibilities for generating revenue.
Yielding Behavior of Turning Drivers to a Pedestrian With a Cane at Low-Light Signalized Intersections
Authors: Bourquin Eugene A. , Wall Emerson Robert , Bieder Joy , Fiderer Debbie , Yankowitz H. Laurie
Published: March 2024

Introduction: This study evaluated drivers’ delays and yields when making right turns at the onset of a circular green traffic signal, in response to pedestrian behaviors, during daylight and at night with streetlamp lighting, in urban and suburban locations. Methods: Researchers conducted trials at three intersections, two typical urban and one typical suburban intersection. Driver movement data were collected (N = 302) in three conditions: no pedestrian present (control); a pedestrian displaying a cane; and a pedestrian flagging a cane. Driver delay was recorded in seconds from the onset of the green traffic signal to when the vehicle crossed the middle of the width of the pedestrian's crosswalk. Results: The primary result was that there are no statistical differences between day and night driver delay. Secondarily, statistically significant differences were found for urban versus suburban drivers when flagging the cane versus displaying the cane, with urban sites and flagging a cane garnering greater delays. Yield calculations, based on the time required for a pedestrian to nearly clear the first half of the crosswalk, confirmed the patterns of drivers’ behaviors. Discussion: Authors anticipated negative effects on yielding in nighttime lower-light environments; however, there was similar driver delay and yields compared to daylight hours. Greater driver delay and yields, for flagging a cane and at urban settings, confirmed the results in previous studies. Implications for Practitioners: When assessing travel options, informed pedestrians and orientation and mobility specialists can consider the effectiveness of active cane techniques to increase the likelihood of yields from turning drivers, even at night where streetlamp lighting is the source of illumination. When instructing cane techniques for use at crosswalks, specialists can consider the options for mitigating risk when crossing typical streets in urban and suburban areas.
Proceedings of the 2023 Division of Translational Toxicology Satellite Symposium
Authors: Quist Erin M. , Chamanza Ronnie , Martinot Amanda J. , Boone Allison , Krane Gregory A. , Hensel Martha E. , Lennix Shawn V.
Published: March 2024

The 2023 annual Division of Translational Toxicology (DTT) Satellite Symposium, entitled “Pathology Potpourri,” was held in Summerlin, Nevada, at the Society of Toxicologic Pathology’s 41st annual meeting. The goal of this symposium was to present and discuss challenging diagnostic pathology and/or nomenclature issues. This article presents summaries of the speakers’ talks along with select images that were used by the audience for voting and discussion. Various lesions and topics covered during the symposium included induced and spontaneous neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions in the mouse liver, infectious and proliferative lesions in nonhuman primates, interesting presentations of mononuclear cell infiltrates in various animal models and a complex oral tumor in a rat.
Intervening Effect of Maladaptive Personality on the Relationship Between Defense Styles and Psychiatric Symptoms Among Prisoners
Authors: Ishfaq Nimrah , Kamal Anila
Published: March 2024

Background:

Prison settings are stress-inducing environments that make individuals more vulnerable to psychopathology. Defense styles and personality traits have long been associated with psychopathology. The current study aimed to explain the intervening role of maladaptive personality domains on the relationship between defense styles and psychiatric symptoms among male convicts imprisoned in nine Central Jails of Punjab, Pakistan.

Method:

Through cross-sectional design, data was collected through purposive sampling. 509 respondents (who were serving their sentence for the crime committed) with a Mean age of 35 years (10.21) provided data on self-reported translated versions of the Cross-Cutting Symptoms Measure, Personality Inventory for DSM 5 - Adult version (Short Form), and Defense Style Questionnaire.

Results:

Findings of the mediation analysis showed that negative affectivity, disinhibition, and psychoticism mediated the relationship between immature defense style and psychiatric symptoms whereas moderation analysis showed a significant interactional effect of antagonism with mature and neurotic defense style on psychiatric symptoms exclusively.

Confusions:

Findings have highlighted that defense styles and certain personality domains intervene to have a combined indirect effect on psychiatric symptoms. The study also contributes to the literature by specifying the interactional effect of antagonism and mature defense style on predicting psychiatric symptoms.
Correlates of early breastfeeding cessation and breastmilk expression in Uganda: a case–control study
Authors: Du Yu , Onyango-Makumbi Carolyn , Walia Bhavneet , Owor Maxie , Musoke Phillipa , Owora Arthur H.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To identify the correlates of early breastfeeding (BF) cessation and breastmilk expression (BE) among mothers 12 months after childbirth.

Methods

We used a case-control study design to compare characteristics between mothers who stopped BF and expressed breastmilk 12 months after childbirth in Uganda. BF practices were determined in 12-month follow-up interviews using an adapted World Health Organization infant feeding questionnaire. Univariate and bivariate logistic regression models identified correlates of early BF cessation and BE as distinct but related outcomes.

Results

The odds of early BF cessation were higher among mothers who expressed breastmilk irrespective of maternal age (adjusted odds ratio: 2.82; 95% confidence interval: 1.39, 5.68). Mothers who stopped BF and did not express breastmilk were more likely to be older than those who continued BF and did not express breastmilk during the first 12 postpartum months.

Conclusion

Mothers living with human immunodeficiency virus infection have disproportionately high odds of early BF cessation that may contribute to disparities in child health outcomes. Promotion of safe BF practices coupled with family and social support could be a viable preventive strategy for attenuating such disparities, especially among young mothers at risk of early BF cessation.
The Protective Roles of Self-Compassion and Parental Autonomy Support Against Depressive Symptoms in Peer-Victimized Chinese Adolescent Girls: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Dong Pu , Pan Ziying , Yang Ying
Published: March 2024

Peer victimization (PV) is a common and serious problem in school contexts, which hinders adolescents’ emotional development and social adaptation. The present study aimed to test the longitudinal relationship between PV and the increase of depressive symptoms (DSs) among Chinese mid-late adolescents using a two-wave longitudinal design and examine the buffering effects of self-compassion (SC) and parental autonomy support (PAS) on this relationship. A relatively large sample of Chinese high school students ( N = 722, 52.1% boys; age at Time 2 = 16.23 years old, SD = 0.79) were surveyed annually at two time points. The results showed that PV at Time 1 positively predicted DSs at Time 2 after controlling for the DSs at Time 1. In addition, SC and PAS moderated the longitudinal relationship between PV and the development of DSs, while such moderating effects only existed in girls but not in boys. Specifically, the positive relationship between PV and DSs was non-significant among girls with higher levels of SC or PAS. Our findings highlighted that SC and PAS might be important protective factors buffering against DSs for victimized girls.
Assessment of Empathy as a Prerequisite for Holistic Nursing: Psychometric Analysis of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students for Croatian BSc and MSc Nursing Students
Authors: Mudri Željko , Milutinović Dragana , Brkić Jovanović Nina , Barać Ivana , Apatić Renata , Barišić Marija , Lovrić Robert
Published: March 2024

Purpose: To translate the original Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Profession Students version in a group of nursing students and asses its psychometrical characteristics according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments guidelines. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study. Methods: The study included 345 bachelor's and master's students in the nursing degree program. Construct validity was tested by exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Convergent validity was tested using the Pearson correlation coefficient to test the relationship between empathy and emotional intelligence. The reliability of internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach's alpha. Findings: The final version of the 16-item scale with its three-factor structure has a high reliability with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.86, and the Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a positive and significant relationship between emotional intelligence and the total score of the empathy scale and the three subscales. Conclusion: The contribution of the study is significant as the instrument is qualitatively validated and its content is clinically and educationally important for understanding the concept of empathy, especially in the education of nursing students. The correct assessment of empathy contributes to a better understanding and implementation of the components of holistic care.
How do parents care together? Dyadic parental leave take-up strategies, wages and workplace characteristics
Authors: Valentova Marie
Published: March 2024

The article explores the association between within-household couples’ parental leave take-up strategies and parents’ earning capacity (hourly wages) and their workplace characteristics. The results, based on the social security register data from Luxembourg, reveal that a couple strategy where both partners take parental leave is more likely when the partners have equal earning capacity, when the mother works in the sector of education, health and social services rather than in other sectors, and when the father is employed in a larger-sized company. Couples where the mother earns more than the father are more likely to opt for a strategy where neither parent takes any leave. The economic sector moderates the effect of fathers’ wages on the probability of choosing the strategy where both partners take leave.