bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between internalized weight stigma and physical and mental health-related quality of life in a large sample of women: a structural equation modeling analysis
Authors: Zagaria Andrea , Cerolini Silvia , Mocini Edoardo , Lombardo Caterina
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) refers to an individual's perception of their physical and mental health status over time. Although emerging evidence has documented a negative association between weight stigma (i.e., negative weight-related attitudes and beliefs towards individuals with overweight or obesity) and mental HRQOL, its influence on physical HRQOL still needs to be fully clarified. This study aims to investigate the impact of internalized weight stigma on mental and physical HRQOL by employing a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Methods

The Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) and the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS) were administered to a sample of 4450 women aged 18–71 (Mage = 33.91 years, SD = 9.56) who self-identified in a condition of overweight or obesity (MBMI = 28.54 kg/m2; SD = 5.86). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the dimensionality of the scales before testing the proposed structural model.

Results

After establishing the adequacy of the measurement model, SEM results revealed that internalized weight stigma was significantly and negatively associated with both mental (β = − 0.617; p < 0.001) and physical (β = − 0.355, p < 0.001) HRQOL.

Conclusion

These findings offer additional support to prior research by confirming the association between weight stigma and mental HRQOL. Moreover, this study contributes to the existing literature by strengthening and extending these associations to the physical HRQOL domain. Although this study is cross-sectional in nature, it benefits from a large sample of women and the use of SEM, which offers advantages over traditional multivariate techniques, e.g., by explicitly accounting for measurement error.

Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
Cognitive presence in learner–content interaction process: The role of scaffolding in online self-regulated learning environments
Authors: Al Mamun Md Abdullah , Lawrie Gwendolyn
Published: June 2023

The effectiveness of learner–content interaction in online inquiry depends on the extent student cognitive presence can be fostered. This study sought to understand how scaffolding support enhances cognitive presence during the learner–content interaction process in the online environment. Two learning modules on introductory science concepts were developed incorporating the predict observe explain (POE) pedagogical framework. Students engaged with these learning modules to learn the science concepts independently. Data sources comprised post-module interviews, written responses, and observations of student interactions with the online learning modules. Analysis of discussions revealed that the adopted pedagogical framework can effectively foster student cognitive presence during the learner–content interaction process. Findings further revealed that the scaffolding elements embedded into the learning modules contribute to the emergence of higher levels of cognitive presence especially for the students with prior knowledge. Conversely, this study provides evidence that students may develop misconceptions about the science concepts even with the embedded scaffolding and guidance. This study calls for further research into the continual improvement of the pedagogical approach to stimulate cognitive presence for both advanced and novice learners and reduce the potential risk of misconceptions occurring during the learner–content interaction process.
Engineering Spin States of Isolated Copper Species in a Metal–Organic Framework Improves Urea Electrosynthesis
Authors: Gao Yuhang , Wang Jingnan , Yang Yijun , Wang Jian , Zhang Chuang , Wang Xi , Yao Jiannian
Published: June 2023

The catalytic activities are generally believed to be relevant to the electronic states of their active center, but understanding this relationship is usually difficult. Here, we design two types of catalysts for electrocatalytic urea via a coordination strategy in a metal–organic frameworks: CuIII-HHTP and CuII-HHTP. CuIII-HHTP exhibits an improved urea production rate of 7.78 mmol h−1 g−1 and an enhanced Faradaic efficiency of 23.09% at − 0.6 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, in sharp contrast to CuII-HHTP. Isolated CuIII species with S = 0 spin ground state are demonstrated as the active center in CuIII-HHTP, different from CuII with S = 1/2 in CuII-HHTP. We further demonstrate that isolated CuIII with an empty $${d}_{{{\text{x}}^{2}\text{-y}}^{2}}^{0}$$

d

x

2

-y

2

0

orbital in CuIII-HHTP experiences a single-electron migration path with a lower energy barrier in the C–N coupling process, while CuII with a single-spin state ($${d}_{{{\text{x}}^{2}\text{-y}}^{2}}^{1}$$

d

x

2

-y

2

1

) in CuII-HHTP undergoes a two-electron migration pathway.
Measuring SMEs Risk – Evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Bai Min , Harith Samir
Published: June 2023

This research examines the risk of failure in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, using a dataset of 303 individual companies from 2005 to 2014. The study aims to provide a robust framework for quantifying SME risk and understanding the relationship between operational characteristics and risk. The methods available to calculate SME risk are the pure-play beta, accounting beta and probability of survival methods. We then use Gaussian mixture model (GMM) regression framework to examine the relationship between SME risk and firm characteristics. Our results show (1) having a high amount of debt does not necessarily make a SME riskier than its counterparts; (2) profitability significantly affects SME risk; and (3) size, firm age and business ethnicity are not significantly associated with SME’s risk in Malaysia. Our results also show that PP beta works better for risk measurement comparing with other risk measures. The study is important for a range of stakeholders, including government in relation to sustainable economic growth goals and other areas of public policy, as well as investors, customers, suppliers, employees, and society, as it aims to provide a robust framework for quantifying SME risk and avoiding avoidable business churn. The research draws on information from financial statements, owner ethnicity, age and gender, business location, shareholding, and items stored in the database, providing a rich panel of data for businesses over time.
State of Nature or Eden?
Authors: Thornton Helen
Published: June 2023

State of Nature or Eden? Thomas Hobbes and his Contemporaries on the Natural Condition of Human Beings  aims to explain how Hobbes's state of nature was understood by a contemporary readership, whose most important reference point for such a condition was the original condition of human beings at the creation, in other words in Eden.
Diffuse debris entrainment in glacier, lab and model environments
Authors: Rempel Alan W. , Hansen Dougal D. , Zoet Luke K. , Meyer Colin R.
Published: June 2023

Small quantities of liquid water lining triple junctions in polycrystalline glacier ice form connected vein networks that enable material exchange with underlying basal environments. Diffuse debris concentrations commonly observed in ice marginal regions might be attributed to this mechanism. Following recent cryogenic ring-shear experiments, we observed emplacement along grain boundaries of loess particles several tens of microns in size. Here, we describe an idealized model of vein liquid flow to elucidate conditions favoring such particle transport. Gradients in liquid potential drive flow toward colder temperatures and lower solute concentrations, while deviations of the ice stress state from hydrostatic balance produce additional suction toward anomalously low ice pressures. Our model predicts particle entrainment following both modest warming along the basal interface resulting from anticipated natural changes in effective stress, and the interior relaxation of temperature and solute concentration imposed by our experimental protocols. Comparisons with experimental observations are encouraging, but suggest that liquid flow rates are somewhat higher and/or more effective at dragging larger particles than predicted by our idealized model with nominal parameter choices. Diffuse debris entrainment extending several meters above the glacier bed likely requires a more sophisticated treatment that incorporates effects of ice deformation or other processes.
Subglacial hydrology modeling predicts high winter water pressure and spatially variable transmissivity at Helheim Glacier, Greenland
Authors: Sommers Aleah , Meyer Colin , Morlighem Mathieu , Rajaram Harihar , Poinar Kristin , Chu Winnie , Mejia Jessica
Published: June 2023

Water pressure beneath glaciers influences ice velocity. Subglacial hydrology models are helpful for gaining insight into basal conditions, but models depend on unconstrained parameters, and a current challenge is reproducing elevated water pressures in winter. We eliminate terms related to englacial storage, opening by sliding, and melt due to changes in the pressure-melting-point temperature, to create a minimalist version of the Subglacial Hydrology And Kinetic, Transient Interactions (SHAKTI) model, and apply this model to Helheim Glacier in east Greenland to explore the winter base state of the subglacial drainage system. Our results suggest that meltwater produced at the bed alone supports active winter drainage with large areas of elevated water pressure and preferential drainage pathways, using a continuum approach that allows for transitions between flow regimes. Transmissivity varies spatially over several orders of magnitude from 10−4 to 103 m2s−1, with regions of weak transmissivity representing poorly connected regions of the system. Bed topography controls the location of primary drainage pathways, and high basal melt rates occur along the steep valley walls. Frictional heat from sliding is a dominant source of basal melt; different approaches for calculating basal shear stress produce significantly different basal melt rates and subglacial discharge.
Predictors of within-individual variability in cognitive performance in schizophrenia in a South African case–control study
Authors: Wootton Olivia , Dalvie Shareefa , MacGinty Rae , Ngqengelele Linda , Susser Ezra S. , Gur Ruben C. , Stein Dan J.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia may be assessed by measuring within-individual variability (WIV) in performance across a range of cognitive tests. Previous studies have found increased WIV in people with schizophrenia, but no studies have been conducted in low- to middle-income countries where the different sociocultural context may affect WIV. We sought to address this gap by exploring the relationship between WIV and a range of clinical and demographic variables in a large study of people with schizophrenia and matched controls in South Africa.

Methods:

544 people with schizophrenia and 861 matched controls completed an adapted version of The University of Pennsylvania Computerized Neurocognitive Battery (PennCNB). Demographic and clinical information was collected using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnoses. Across-task WIV for performance speed and accuracy on the PennCNB was calculated. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the relationship between WIV and a diagnosis of schizophrenia in the whole sample, and WIV and selected demographic and clinical variables in people with schizophrenia.

Results:

Increased WIV of performance speed across cognitive tests was significantly associated with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In people with schizophrenia, increased speed WIV was associated with older age, a lower level of education and a lower score on the Global Assessment of Functioning scale. Increased accuracy WIV was significantly associated with a younger age in people with schizophrenia.

Conclusions:

Measurements of WIV of performance speed can add to the knowledge gained from studies of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia in resource-limited settings.
A letter to Baba
Authors: el-Malik Shiera S.
Published: June 2023

This is a piece of creative non-fiction. The letter from a daughter to a father is an attempt to understand intergenerationally shared histories, experiences, and different orientations. It aims to imagine what decolonial thinking could look and feel like. Interdisciplinary in its orientation, the letter moves between personal stories and the broader scholarly quest to contemplate the embodied racialized violence of the current conjuncture. The letter suggests that embodied racialized violence is powerful and banal. It explores how it can be carried in the ties that bind – the love, minds, bodies, experiences, and stories of – a familial relationship and the people they encounter. It also represents an inversion of scholarly work in which the interactions that hone arguments are thinly noted in brief acknowledgements, and the citationary writing takes centre stage. Here, the interaction is central, and the citationary writing is laid out in footnotes.
Behavior of Canadian life annuity prices
Authors: Charupat Narat , Kamstra Mark J.
Published: June 2023

We examine the behavior of Canadian life annuity prices by measuring how quickly and fully they respond to changes in market interest rates. The price responses, though not immediate, start relatively quickly and become more complete over time. Over the whole sample period, the responses appear to be asymmetric – annuity providers generally raise prices faster when interest rates decline than reduce prices when the opposite occurs, which is disadvantageous to annuity customers. In addition, we find unusual annuity price behavior during the period of the 2008 financial crisis.
Observation of Shallow Slow Earthquakes by Distributed Acoustic Sensing Using Offshore Fiber‐Optic Cable in the Nankai Trough, Southwest Japan
Authors: Baba Satoru , Araki Eiichiro , Yamamoto Yojiro , Hori Takane , Fujie Gou , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Yokobiki Takashi , Matsumoto Hiroyuki
Published: June 2023

Off Cape Muroto area, along the Nankai Trough in southwest Japan, is a typical area with adjacent occurrences of slow and megathrust earthquakes. High‐resolution monitoring of slow earthquakes is necessary to understand tectonic conditions. In the off Muroto area, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) measurement, which provides high‐density strain data, has been conducted using offshore fiber‐optic cable. We observed shallow tremors, a type of slow earthquakes, using DAS measurement for the first time. The characteristics of the tremor signals recorded by DAS were longer durations than those recorded in seismographs and composed of several phases with apparent velocities of several hundreds of m/s to several km/s that are coherent only in tens of meters. By combining DAS and seismograph data, we located these tremors around a subducted seamount peak. Therefore, spatial relationship between slow earthquakes and structural characteristics is suggested. This is a pioneering study of slow earthquake observation using DAS.
Cynaropicrin disrupts tubulin and c-Myc-related signaling and induces parthanatos-type cell death in multiple myeloma
Authors: Boulos Joelle C. , Omer Ejlal A. , Rigano Daniela , Formisano Carmen , Chatterjee Manik , Leich Ellen , Klauck Sabine M. , Shan Le-tian , Efferth Thomas
Published: June 2023

The majority of blood malignancies is incurable and has unforeseeable remitting-relapsing paths in response to different treatments. Cynaropicrin, a natural sesquiterpene lactone from the edible parts of the artichoke plant, has gained increased attention as a chemotherapeutic agent. In this study, we investigated the effects of cynaropicrin against multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro and assessed its in vivo effectiveness in a xenograft tumor zebrafish model. We showed that cynaropicrin exerted potent cytotoxicity against a panel of nine MM cell lines and two leukemia cell lines with AMO1 being the most sensitive cell line (IC50 = 1.8 ± 0.3 µM). Cynaropicrin (0.8, 1.9, 3.6 µM) dose-dependently reduced c-Myc expression and transcriptional activity in AMO1 cells that was associated with significant downregulation of STAT3, AKT, and ERK1/2. Cell cycle analysis showed that cynaropicrin treatment arrested AMO1 cells in the G2M phase along with an increase in the sub-G0G1 phase after 24 h. With prolonged treatment times, cells accumulated more in the sub-G0G1 phase, implying cell death. Using confocal microscopy, we revealed that cynaropicrin disrupted the microtubule network in U2OS cells stably expressing α-tubulin-GFP. Furthermore, we revealed that cynaropicrin promoted DNA damage in AMO1 cells leading to PAR polymer production by PARP1 hyperactivation, resulting in AIF translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus and subsequently to a novel form of cell death, parthanatos. Finally, we demonstrated that cynaropicrin (5, 10 µM) significantly reduced tumor growth in a T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) xenograft zebrafish model. Taken together, these results demonstrate that cynaropicrin causes potent inhibition of hematopoietic tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.
Structural basis of protein condensation on microtubules underlying branching microtubule nucleation
Authors: Guo Changmiao , Alfaro-Aco Raymundo , Zhang Chunting , Russell Ryan W. , Petry Sabine , Polenova Tatyana
Published: June 2023

Targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2) is a key factor that stimulates branching microtubule nucleation during cell division. Upon binding to microtubules (MTs), TPX2 forms condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation, which facilitates recruitment of microtubule nucleation factors and tubulin. We report the structure of the TPX2 C-terminal minimal active domain (TPX2α5-α7) on the microtubule lattice determined by magic-angle-spinning NMR. We demonstrate that TPX2α5-α7 forms a co-condensate with soluble tubulin on microtubules and binds to MTs between two adjacent protofilaments and at the intersection of four tubulin heterodimers. These interactions stabilize the microtubules and promote the recruitment of tubulin. Our results reveal that TPX2α5-α7 is disordered in solution and adopts a folded structure on MTs, indicating that TPX2α5-α7 undergoes structural changes from unfolded to folded states upon binding to microtubules. The aromatic residues form dense interactions in the core, which stabilize folding of TPX2α5-α7 on microtubules. This work informs on how the phase-separated TPX2α5-α7 behaves on microtubules and represents an atomic-level structural characterization of a protein that is involved in a condensate on cytoskeletal filaments.
Manipulating single excess electrons in monolayer transition metal dihalide
Authors: Cai Min , Miao Mao-Peng , Liang Yunfan , Jiang Zeyu , Liu Zhen-Yu , Zhang Wen-Hao , Liao Xin , Zhu Lan-Fang , West Damien , Zhang Shengbai , Fu Ying-Shuang
Published: June 2023

Polarons are entities of excess electrons dressed with local response of lattices, whose atomic-scale characterization is essential for understanding the many body physics arising from the electron-lattice entanglement, yet difficult to achieve. Here, using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy (STM/STS), we show the visualization and manipulation of single polarons in monolayer CoCl2, that are grown on HOPG substrate via molecular beam epitaxy. Two types of polarons are identified, both inducing upward local band bending, but exhibiting distinct appearances, lattice occupations and polaronic states. First principles calculations unveil origin of polarons that are stabilized by cooperative electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions. Both types of polarons can be created, moved, erased, and moreover interconverted individually by the STM tip, as driven by tip electric field and inelastic electron tunneling effect. This finding identifies the rich category of polarons in CoCl2 and their feasibility of precise control unprecedently, which can be generalized to other transition metal halides.
Atomic-scale manipulation of single-polaron in a two-dimensional semiconductor
Authors: Liu Huiru , Wang Aolei , Zhang Ping , Ma Chen , Chen Caiyun , Liu Zijia , Zhang Yi-Qi , Feng Baojie , Cheng Peng , Zhao Jin , Chen Lan , Wu Kehui
Published: June 2023

Polaron is a composite quasiparticle derived from an excess carrier trapped by local lattice distortion, and it has been studied extensively for decades both theoretically and experimentally. However, atomic-scale creation and manipulation of single-polarons in real space have still not been achieved so far, which precludes the atomistic understanding of the properties of polarons as well as their applications. Herein, using scanning tunneling microscopy, we succeeded to create single polarons in a monolayer two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor, CoCl2. Combined with first-principles calculations, two stable polaron configurations, centered at atop and hollow sites, respectively, have been revealed. Remarkably, a series of manipulation progresses — from creation, erasure, to transition — can be accurately implemented on individual polarons. Our results pave the way to understand the physics of polaron at atomic level, and the easy control of single polarons in 2D semiconductor may open the door to 2D polaronics including the data storage.
A neuromorphic physiological signal processing system based on VO2 memristor for next-generation human-machine interface
Authors: Yuan Rui , Tiw Pek Jun , Cai Lei , Yang Zhiyu , Liu Chang , Zhang Teng , Ge Chen , Huang Ru , Yang Yuchao
Published: June 2023

Physiological signal processing plays a key role in next-generation human-machine interfaces as physiological signals provide rich cognition- and health-related information. However, the explosion of physiological signal data presents challenges for traditional systems. Here, we propose a highly efficient neuromorphic physiological signal processing system based on VO2memristors. The volatile and positive/negative symmetric threshold switching characteristics of VO2memristors are leveraged to construct a sparse-spiking yet high-fidelity asynchronous spike encoder for physiological signals. Besides, the dynamical behavior of VO2memristors is utilized in compact Leaky Integrate and Fire (LIF) and Adaptive-LIF (ALIF) neurons, which are incorporated into a decision-making Long short-term memory Spiking Neural Network. The system demonstrates superior computing capabilities, needing only small-sized LSNNs to attain high accuracies of 95.83% and 99.79% in arrhythmia classification and epileptic seizure detection, respectively. This work highlights the potential of memristors in constructing efficient neuromorphic physiological signal processing systems and promoting next-generation human-machine interfaces.
Higher convergence of human-great ape enteric eukaryotic viromes in central African forest than in a European zoo: a One Health analysis
Authors: Narat Victor , Salmona Maud , Kampo Mamadou , Heyer Thibaut , Rachik Abdeljalil Senhaji , Mercier-Delarue Severine , Ranger Noémie , Rupp Stephanie , Ambata Philippe , Njouom Richard , Simon François , Le Goff Jérôme , Giles-Vernick Tamara
Published: June 2023

Human-animal pathogenic transmissions threaten both human and animal health, and the processes catalyzing zoonotic spillover and spillback are complex. Prior field studies offer partial insight into these processes but overlook animal ecologies and human perceptions and practices facilitating human-animal contact. Conducted in Cameroon and a European zoo, this integrative study elucidates these processes, incorporating metagenomic, historical, anthropological and great ape ecological analyses, and real-time evaluation of human-great ape contact types and frequencies. We find more enteric eukaryotic virome sharing between Cameroonian humans and great apes than in the zoo, virome convergence between Cameroonian humans and gorillas, and adenovirus and enterovirus taxa as most frequently shared between Cameroonian humans and great apes. Together with physical contact from hunting, meat handling and fecal exposure, overlapping human cultivation and gorilla pillaging in forest gardens help explain these findings. Our multidisciplinary study identifies environmental co-use as a complementary mechanism for viral sharing.
Left atrial function index predicts poor outcome in STEMI patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Tang Yi , Huang Pei , Liu Zhibin , Tang Yijin , Liu Wei , She Chang , Zhong Changqing , Pei Jianqiang , Fu Qinghua , Zhang Liang , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2023

The prognostic value of the left atrial function index (LAFI) in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is unknown. This study sought to determine whether the LAFI predicts prognosis in STEMI patients treated with PCI. Patients with newly diagnosed STEMI who were treated with PCI in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from March 2020 to October 2020 were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and follow-up. The endpoint events included rehospitalization due to unstable angina, nonfatal myocardial infarction, rehospitalization due to heart failure and cardiovascular death. A total of 156 STEMI patients treated with PCI were studied with a median follow-up of 14 months. Forty-eight patients had endpoint events. The LAFI had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) predicting the endpoint events, with an AUC of 0.90 (95% CI 0.84–0.94). Multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that only the LAFI (HR: 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.96, P < 0.0001) was independently predictive of endpoint events. Kaplan‒Meier survival curves showed that patients with an LAFI ≤ 42.25 cm/cc/m2 had more events than patients with an LAFI > 42.25 cm/cc/m2 (HR: 19.15, 95% CI 8.90–41.21, P < 0.001). The LAFI is a strong and independent predictor of events in STEMI patients treated with PCI.
Prophylactic consequences of sodium salicylate nanoparticles in cisplatin-mediated hepatotoxicity
Authors: Alkhalaf Maha , Mohamed Nadia A. , El-Toukhy Safinaz E.
Published: June 2023

Unintended side effects linked to the antineoplastic drug cisplatin are a major drawback in its clinical application. The underlying source of these side effects include the generation of reactive oxygen species which are toxic and damaging to tissues and organs. In the present study the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of sodium salicylate was assessed against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Sodium salicylate was used as a model drug and loading into hollow structured porous silica using ultrasound-assisted sol–gel method to produce a nanoemulsion. Transmission Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Light scattering analysis were employed to assess the structural properties and stability of this model. Liver function was assessed by measuring biomarkers including ALT, AST & GGT and oxidant/antioxidant markers including MDA, NO, PON, GSH, MCP1 & AVP in serum or liver tissue. Additionally, blood leukocyte DNA damage was evaluated. Cisplatin significantly altered the normal levels of all biomarkers confirming its hepatotoxic effects. In contrast, treatment with sodium salicylate-loaded silica nanoemulsion significantly restored the levels of these markers. The finding suggests the protective effects of this model drug in preventing cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, and therefore may have implications in attenuating cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.
Engineering-geological comparative analysis of four cases studies of waste landfills
Authors: Marschalko Marian , Popielarczyk Dariusz , Vicherek Petr , Niemiec Dominik , Kubac Jan
Published: June 2023

The aim of the paper is to carry out a comparative engineering-geological study of four different waste landfills using the evaluation criteria for the geological subsoil as a natural sealing barrier. The study evaluates 4 localities (Velké Pavlovice, Kvítkovice, Prakšice and Horní Suchá) using three variants (based on two standards) which approach the geological barrier requirements as a combination of impermeability requirements based on a filtration coefficient limit value. and the required geometry represented by investigation depths. The research was carried out in landfills in Moravia, in the east of the Czech Republic. The study’s motivation is to point at the differences in engineering-geological investigations of waste landfills (as for the requirements for impermeable geological subsoil as a natural sealing barrier) when compared with other engineering structures (where the main goal is to evaluate load-bearing capacity and settlement). The purpose of the geological barrier is to prevent the spread of contamination, and the paper shows this can be approached differently, as shown in two different methodologies investigated herein. The first model (Model 1) assumes there is a 3-m-thick subsoil below the landfill’s footing bottom, which manifests impermeability characterized by the filtration coefficient Kf ≤ 1.0 * 10–9 m/s, or a 30-m-thick subsoil of Kf ≤ 1.0 * 10–8 m/s. The second model (Model 2) assumes a 1-m thick, impermeable subsoil massif of Kf ≤ 1.0 * 10–9 m/s. We found that none of the landfills in the four selected localities had an impermeable layer in the required depth (a filtration coefficient Kf from 1.8 * 10–9 to 3.9 * 10–9 m/s), and thus did not comply with the limiting conditions. As a result, an anthropogenic technical barrier had to be installed. An important goal of the study from an environmental point of view was to assess the existence of a suitable geological barrier under the proposed landfills. The most important criterion from this point of view is permeability. An additional technical objective of the project was also the assessment of the possible creation of a technical anthropogenic isolation barrier. In the event that the natural sealing barrier would not be sufficient. This was shown in all solved case studies of engineering geological investigations of waste landfills.
Obesity paradox as a new insight from postoperative complications in gastric cancer
Authors: Kamiya Hajime , Komatsu Shuhei , Nishibeppu Keiji , Ohashi Takuma , Konishi Hirotaka , Shiozaki Atsushi , Kubota Takeshi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Otsuji Eigo
Published: June 2023

The obesity paradox is reported to exist in various diseases. However, obesity is a pivotal issue in gastric cancer (GC) patients because of the surgical difficulty related to postoperative abdominal infectious complications (PAIC). This study clarified the existence of the obesity paradox in GC. Between 1997 and 2015, 1536 consecutive patients underwent curative gastrectomy. Of all patients, 18.6% (285/1536) were obese and tended to have a better prognosis (P = 0.073). In patients without PAIC, obesity was a significant prognostic factor for 5-year overall survival (P = 0.017). PAIC was an independent poor prognostic factor in both obese and non-obese patients (P < 0.001; hazard ratio [HR] 4.22 and 1.82). In pStage II–III patients, there was a large and significant prognostic difference between non-PAIC and PAIC obese patients (P = 0.006; 5-year overall survival: 69.7% vs. 43.8%) related to the higher incidence of peritoneal recurrence in PAIC obese patients (P = 0.035; 31% vs. 10%). Whereas, there was a small prognostic difference between non-PAIC and PAIC non-obese patients (P = 0.102; 5-year overall survival: 56.5% vs. 51.9%). Although the obesity paradox is present in GC, PAIC had a more negative prognostic impact through peritoneal recurrence in obese GC patients.
The association between passive social network usage and depression/negative emotions with envy as a mediator
Authors: Cheng Wen , Nguyen Duc Nhan , Nguyen Pham Ngoc Thien
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between passive social network usage (PSNU) and depression/negative emotions over time with the mediating role of envy among Vietnamese adolescents. First, it revealed that PSNU had a simultaneous effect on depression/negative emotions as well as at different time points, indicating that social network site behaviors can predict psychological states over time (explained by the social comparison theory). Second, the autoregressive effect also confirmed a potential reciprocal relationship between PSNU and depression, whereas PSNU appeared to have an impact on negative emotions but not the other way around. Specifically, depression at Time 1 was positively associated with PSNU at Time 2, whereas negative emotions did not exhibit a similar pattern (explained by the cognitive dissonance theory). The different associations were interpreted as depression having cognitive elements, while negative emotions were thought to be purely emotional states. The results demonstrated that behavior may potentially have a long-lasting effect on mental health (both negative emotions and depression), while it was depression, rather than negative emotions, that had a long-term effect on behaviors. Third, envy played a mediating role that connected the changes of PSNU and depression/negative emotions. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Subsidized veterinary extension services may reduce antimicrobial resistance in aquaculture
Authors: St-Hilaire Sophie , Chan Stephen Chi Ho , Lim Kwok Zu , MacKinnon Brett , Cheng Tzu Hsuan , Cheng Ka Po Fiona , Leung Aaron Chi Fai , Lam Sabrina Hei Yuet , Bhardwaj Vidya , Chan Olivia Sinn Kay
Published: June 2023

Antibiotic use in aquaculture has become very controversial vis-à-vis driving antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in aquatic bacterial populations. The AMR trends in fish pathogens in Hong Kong over a four-year period suggests that providing small stakeholder farmers with free veterinary advice on fish health issues and treatments, as well as subsidized quality-assured medicines, likely reduced AMR. We observed a dramatic reduction in the proportion of bacteria resistant to oxolinic acid, oxytetracycline, and florfenicol on local aquaculture farms between 2018 and 2021. These decreases coincided with either a change in antibiotic use practices on farms (i.e. with oxytetracycline), or the reduction in the use of specific drugs (i.e. oxolinic acid and florfenicol). We did not observe a similar decline in the resistance pattern to commonly used antibiotics in human medicine in the same fish bacteria. Resistance to these products, which were unlikely to be used by the farmers in our study, was very high. Our finding suggests that both human and veterinary use of antibiotics in Hong Kong may have an influence on the AMR of bacteria in the aquatic environment.
Non-contact thermometer behavior of (Y0.5In0.5)2O3:Yb3+,Er3+ solid solution
Authors: Jin Ye , Li Kun , Chen Hongtao , Fang Fei , Li Yuyan , Lin Huayan , Xiong Yanbin , Feng Guoqing , Wang Xiao-jun , Ma Li
Published: June 2023

The optical temperature sensitivity of the non-contact thermometer (Y0.5In0.5)2O3:Yb3+,Er3+ oxide solid solution is investigated systematically. The maximum absolute sensitivity is 0.316% K−1 at 503 K.
How hydrothermal synthesis improves the synthesis of (Zr,Ce)SiO4 solid solutions
Authors: Barral Thomas , Estevenon Paul , Chanteau Yann , Kaczmarek Thibault , Strzelecki Andrew C. , Menut Denis , Welcomme Eleonore , Szenknect Stephanie , Moisy Philippe , Guo Xiaofeng , Dacheux Nicolas
Published: June 2023

Through the determination of the conditions adapted to the hydrothermal synthesis of ZrSiO4, conditions allowing the formation of (Zr,Ce)SiO4 solid solution with a Ce content up to 40% have been identified.
A highly efficient photocatalytic system for environmental applications based on TiO2 nanomaterials
Authors: Thind Sapanbir S. , Paul Mathias , Hayden John B. , Joshi Anuj , Goodlett David , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: June 2023

We present a durable, scalable, and highly energy-efficient photocatalytic system that incorporates water scrubbing, thin water film, and UVA LEDs to boost the photocatalysis of TiO2 nanomaterials.
Enhanced efficiency of water desalination in nanostructured thin-film membranes with polymer grafted nanoparticles
Authors: Swain Aparna , Adarsh S. , Biswas Ashish , Bose Suryasarathi , Benicewicz Brian C. , Kumar Sanat K. , Basu J. K.
Published: June 2023

State of the art illustration for water desalination in nanostructured thin-film membranes with polymer grafted nanoparticles.
Investigating the thermal stability of ultra-small Ag, Au and AuAg alloy nanoparticles embedded in a silica matrix
Authors: Jatav Hemant , Mičetic Maja , Chakravorty Anusmita , Mishra Ambuj , Schwartzkopf Matthias , Chumakov Andrei , Roth Stephan V. , Kabiraj Debdulal
Published: June 2023

In this study, the thermal growth kinetics of embedded bimetallic (AuAg/SiO2) nanoparticles are explored and compared with their monometallic (Au/SiO2 and Ag/SiO2) counterparts, as their practical applicability demands stability and uniformity.
Photocatalytic synthesis of alkynylsulfones and alkenylsulfones using sulfonylhydrazides and alkynes
Authors: Yang Xiaoju , Yi Jumei , Li Xinhan , Wu Yihang , Dong Jun , He Zhenxiu , Zeng Guangzhi , Xu Jianbin , Fan Baomin
Published: June 2023

An efficient and mild method for the synthesis of alkynylsulfones and alkenylsulfones by photocatalysis is described. Some of the alkynylsulfones exhibited excellent in vitro antioxidant activity by activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway, up to 8 fold.
NHC-catalyzed formal [3 + 3] annulations of δ-acetoxy allenoates for the synthesis of 4H-pyran derivatives
Authors: Shi Bai , Jin Fangyi , Lv Qi , Zhou Xinrong , Liao Zhixiao , Yu Chenxia , Zhang Kai , Yao Changsheng
Published: June 2023

Herein, an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed formal [3 + 3] annulation of δ-acetoxy allenoates with 1C,3O-bisnucleophiles for the construction of 4H-(fused)pyrans has been developed.
Microstructural study of different thick dimethacrylate-based samples using different amounts of photoinitiator
Authors: Cifraničová Katarína , Šauša Ondrej , Pavel Královič David , Švajdlenková Helena
Published: June 2023

The influence of the thickness and concentration of photoinitiator on the free volume properties of a dental material based on dimethacrylate was investigated in situ by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy.
The Outcomes of Remote Administration of Combined Aphasia and Apraxia of Speech Treatment: A Single-Subject Experimental Design Study
Authors: Kallhoff Lydia , Moua Pang Tao , Salomon Daniel , Wambaugh Julie
Published: June 2023

Purpose:

This study was designed to examine the outcomes of Combined Aphasia and Apraxia of Speech Treatment (CAAST) administered remotely in terms of acquisition and generalization effects and to compare these effects to previous in-person CAAST studies and Response Elaboration Training (RET)/Modified-Response Elaboration Training (M-RET) benchmarks.

Method:

Multiple probe designs across participants and behaviors were employed with three speakers with chronic aphasia and apraxia of speech. Correct information units (CIUs) were the primary outcome measure to measure changes in language production. Percent consonants correct (PCC) was used as the secondary outcome measure to evaluate changes in speech sound accuracy. Production of CIUs was compared with existing benchmarks from Bunker et al.'s (2019) meta-analysis of previous RET/M-RET studies. In addition, both CIUs and PCC were compared with the most recent CAAST in-person studies.

Results:

All participants demonstrated substantial increases in CIUs for treated and untreated picture sets, comparable to outcomes of in-person CAAST administration. These language changes were maintained at posttreatment intervals for all participants. PCC also improved for all participants, with gains in articulatory accuracy being maintained posttreatment.

Conclusions:

Improvements in CIU production and PCC for all three participants were in keeping with results from Wambaugh et al. (2017). These findings provide additional support for the efficacy of CAAST and indicate that remote administration may be a viable alternative to in-person application.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.23418635
An integrated taxonomy of standard indicators for ranking and selecting supercomputers
Authors: Maleki Davood , Mansouri Alireza , Arianyan Ehsan
Published: June 2023

Due to the ever‐increasing computing requirements of modern applications, supercomputers are at the centre of attraction as a platform for high‐performance computing. Although various features and indicators for testing and evaluating supercomputers are proposed in the literature, a comprehensive feature set to guide designers in comparing supercomputers and selecting an appropriate choice is not provided. Here, an integrated feature‐based taxonomy comprised of seven indicator groups including passive infrastructure, hardware, software, support and maintenance, service, business, and security features is proposed. Also, a case study using our proposed framework is provided and a comparison between some commercial and research supercomputers including Fugaku's ideal supercomputer, Sharif supercomputer, Aramco supercomputer, and ITU supercomputer is presented. Moreover, here, the authors’ proposed method is compared with the Top500 method, which shows that the authors’ proposed method facilitates the ranking, comparison, and selection of the appropriate supercomputer in various fields by considering various aspects of design and implementation. The ranking results show that Aramco supercomputer, ITU supercomputer, and Sharif supercomputer have 65.9%, 57.6%, and 48.2% of ideal supercomputer points, respectively.
Application of improved particle swarm optimization in the energy saving strategy for a central air‐conditioning system
Authors: Li Jianwei , Wang Mengying
Published: June 2023

Here, a new energy‐saving optimization method, known as the Improved Particle Swarm Optimization (IPSO) algorithm, is proposed to solve the practical engineering problem of high energy consumption during the operation of central air‐conditioning water systems. The mathematical model of total energy consumption optimization and the calculation principle of the IPSO are established. It is shown via experiments that the proposed algorithm requires a short optimization time and can achieve the optimal operation conditions of water systems under various cooling loads, where these conditions include the optimal control strategy of equipment, and water temperature at the inlet and outlet of chillers. Furthermore, it ensures the lowest energy consumption of water system operation. The measured results show that the comprehensive energy saving rate of water system operation can reach more than 18% compared with that before the system transformation.
A universal wireless charging platform with novel bulged‐structure transmitter design for multiple heterogeneous autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)
Authors: Lyu Feng , Cai Tianhao , Huang Fushi
Published: June 2023

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are important mobile equipment for ocean observation. Subsea docking stations are used to charge AUV batteries to increase their cruise duration. Here, a universal wireless charging platform with a novel transmitter is developed to address the issues of poor compatibility existing in conventional docking stations. In order to guarantee a sufficient charging area and reduce copper losses, the proposed transmitter is designed to have a bulged‐structure surrounding coil and a centre coil in coaxial. Moreover, the parameters of the transmitter that impact the magnetic flux density are analysed and optimized by non‐linear programming by Quadratic Lagrangian (NLPQL) algorithm to achieve a field with desirable intensity and uniformity. The characteristics of the circuits under single‐load and double‐load conditions have been tested in air and tank experiments. The results verify that the proposed platform achieves both the universality and misalignment tolerance requirements.
Cuproptosis‐related lncRNAs are correlated with tumour metabolism and immune microenvironment and predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients
Authors: Wang Yanling , Ge Weiyu , Xue Shengbai , Cui Jiujie , Zhang Xiaofei , Mao Tiebo , Xu Haiyan , Li Shumin , Ma Jingyu , Yue Ming , Shentu Daiyuan , Wang Liwei
Published: June 2023

Cuproptosis is a novel cell death pathway, and the regulatory mechanism in pancreatic cancer (PC) is unclear. The authors aimed to figure out whether cuproptosis‐related lncRNAs (CRLs) could predict prognosis in PC and the underlying mechanism. First, the prognostic model based on seven CRLs screened by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox analysis was constructed. Following this, the risk score was calculated for pancreatic cancer patients and divided patients into high and low‐risk groups. In our prognostic model, PC patients with higher risk scores had poorer outcomes. Based on several prognostic features, a predictive nomogram was established. Furthermore, the functional enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes between risk groups was performed, indicating that endocrine and metabolic pathways were potential regulatory pathways between risk groups. TP53, KRAS, CDKN2A, and SMAD4 were dominant mutated genes in the high‐risk group and tumour mutational burden was positively correlated with the risk score. Finally, the tumour immune landscape indicated patients in the high‐risk group were more immunosuppressive than that in the low‐risk group, with lower infiltration of CD8+ T cells and higher M2 macrophages. Above all, CRLs can be applied to predict PC prognosis, which is closely correlated with the tumour metabolism and immune microenvironment.
Stimulus-responsive tumor supramolecular nanotherapeutic system based on indocyanine green
Authors: Feng Wenbi , Wei Yuhan , Zhou Xianfeng
Published: June 2023

Indocyanine green (ICG), a clinical near-infrared fluorescent probe, has the potential to be used as an integrated diagnostic and therapeutic agent for tumors. In this study, ICG-COOH-TK was obtained by connecting ICG molecules through stimulus-responsive thioketone (TK) bond, which can self-assemble into nanoparticles in water. Under 808 nm near-infrared light irradiation, the molecule exhibited excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, as well as better photostability and in vivo circulation stability than free ICG. The nanoparticle can respond to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overexpression in the tumor microenvironment and release ICG upon disassembly, resulting in significantly enhanced fluorescence emission at the tumor. In vitro cell experiments demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and photothermal killing effect on cancer cells, indicating that this molecule can serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for fluorescence-guided tumor photothermal therapy.
Analysis of the research progress of acupuncture with massage techniques in the treatment of migraine
Authors: Cui Xinyu
Published: June 2023

Migraine is a painful disorder of the lateral side of the head, with a high clinical incidence and recurrent attacks, and is a long-term headache symptom that can damage the physical and mental health of patients and can easily cause anxiety and depression and other mental illnesses. For this reason, if migraine is suspected, patients should be admitted to hospital immediately so that the condition can be effectively controlled. At the present stage, based on the comprehensive promotion of Chinese medicine treatment technology, the advantages of Chinese medicine treatment (massage, acupuncture, etc.) are gradually highlighted, with fewer adverse effects and ideal results, and thus can be widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Based on this, the article focuses on migraine as the main research content, and focuses on the progress of acupuncture and massage treatment together, hoping to be helpful.