bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of various saturation levels of hydrogenated nitrile‐butadiene rubber on plasticized polyvinyl chloride performance
Authors: Zhang Chundie , Chen Tingting , Zhang Ling , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2024

Plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) burns easily and generates a lot of smoke during combustion. In order to improve the comprehensive performance of plasticized PVC, hydrogenated nitrile‐butadiene rubber (HNBR) with different degrees of saturation (88%, 94% and 99%) were melt blended with plasticized PVC. Compared to the plasticized PVC without HNBR, the glass transition temperature decreased from −10.6 to −26.0°C, the initiation temperature for thermal degradation increased from 272 to 281°C, the elongation at break enlarged from 316% to 477%, and the permanent set dropped from 72% to 61% when HNBR was added to plasticized PVC at a ratio of 30 parts per hundred parts of resin. However, this resulted in a weakening of tensile strength of the plasticized PVC. Additionally, in the cone calorimetry test, the total smoke production of the PVC/HNBR blends (from 18 to 22 m2) was lower than that of the PVC control (23 m2) and the time to ignition was increased from 26 to 32 s. As a result, PVC/HNBR is expected to gain popularity in the rubber and plastic pipe, wire, and cable sheathing industries.

Highlights

Plasticized PVC improves thermal stability by melt blending with HNBR.

All PVC/HNBR samples have excellent low‐temperature resistance.

The addition of HNBR decreases the burning smoke density of plasticized PVC.
An innovative way to use 3D modeling on burnt bone to differentiate heat fractures from blunt and sharp force trauma
Authors: Friedlander Hanna , Adeeb Samer , Correia Pamela Mayne , Stone Devon , Brooks‐Lim Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

Assessments of blunt and sharp force trauma in forensic research are frequently reliant on research with individual long bones. As a result, information on the interpretation of the trauma on irregular bones is limited in unburned bones and an even bigger discrepancy is found if the fracture relates to blunt/sharp force in cremated bone. This research strives to differentiate between traumatic fractures and heat fractures in flat and irregular bones. Five human calottes and five human hemipelves were exposed to either blunt or sharp force trauma and then all were incompletely cremated. One hundred and eighty fractures, representing a mixture of traumatic and heat fractures, were captured using a Keyence VHX‐2000 digital microscope and analysis was done in combination with 3D software, Geomagic Studio 2014 and Geomagic Design X (2016). With virtual reconstructions and reverse engineering facilitated by the software, we were able to discern fracture boundaries, slopes, and variances between fracture types. 3D representation provided the ability to differentiate peri‐mortem trauma from heat fractures based on curvature analysis of fracture walls. Evidence of trauma types (blunt versus sharp) were found to be distinguishable at their impact site based on this curvature examination; however, shallow, secondary or tertiary trauma fractures were difficult to discern from heat fractures. Blunt force trauma impact sites and sharp force trauma impact sites were easily identifiable; secondary trauma fractures were sometimes clearly noted but may be misinterpreted. Overall, deep trauma fractures and heat fractures can be discerned from one another using this technology.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Anthropology > Taphonomic Changes and the Environment

Forensic Anthropology > Trauma Analysis

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Fire Debris Analysis
Untangling biliary reconstruction in liver transplants for primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Alwis S. M. , Fink M. A. , Furtado R. , Lee E. , Starkey G. , Jones R. , Perini M. V.
Published: July 2024

Background

Biliary reconstruction technique during liver transplant (LT) for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of biliary complications in patients with PSC having a duct‐to‐duct (DD) anastomosis or Roux‐en‐Y hepaticojejunostomy (HJ).

Methods

A retrospective medical record review of patients with PSC undergoing LT at a single center between June 1st, 2000 and December 31st, 2022 was performed. Primary and secondary endpoints were the incidence of biliary strictures (anastomotic [BAS] and non‐anastomotic strictures [NAS]) and non‐stricture complications, respectively. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify associations with BAS formation. Patient survival was assessed using a Kaplan–Meier curve.

Results

From 105 transplants performed for 101 patients, 54 (51.4%) and 51 (48.5%) received DD and HJ anastomoses. Mean recipient age and follow‐up was 47 ± 13 years and 98 ± 69 months. BAS was more common (48.1% vs. 27.5%, OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.09–5.54, p = 0.03) and occurred earlier (4.8 months, IQR 2.3–13.1 vs. 41.8 months, IQR 7.2–88.7, p = 0.001) in the DD than the HJ group. NAS (seen in 36.2% of transplants) had a comparable incidence (p = 0.53) in HJ (38.9%) and DD (33.3%) groups. No difference was seen between cohorts regarding time to NAS, requirement for extended biliary dilatation programs (clinically significant biliary stricture), bile leak, and graft failure. On multivariable analysis, only the anastomotic technique was associated with BAS (DD adjusted OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.19–7.56, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

In carefully selected patients with PSC, DD anastomosis yielded similar outcomes to HJ anastomosis after liver transplantation.
AsTeRICS Grid: Why Freely Accessible Software is Needed for Democratizing AAC in the Long Term
Authors: Klaus Benjamin , Aigner Benjamin , Deinhofer Martin , Sabic Alija , Veigl Christoph
Published: July 2024

Around 97 million people in the world could benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), but according to the WHO and other organizations, access to digital AAC resources is very limited, especially in low-income countries. Free AAC software could help to improve this situation, but many existing “free” applications are either behind a paywall or not published under a free licence. We therefore propose a novel definition of “freely accessible software” for AAC, which can truly be used by anyone. AsTeRICS Grid (AG) is a feature-rich, grid-based AAC web application which has been developed based on the feedback of AAC users from around the world. The single-page architecture and offline capability of AG reduce the required server resources and human workload for maintenance, so that the service can remain freely accessible in the long term. We conducted an online survey which was completed by 277 participants, to examine the current usage context of AG. Most answers came from professionals (78%) who had previously used other AAC apps. Open questions were asked about advantages and disadvantages of AG, with free accessibility being rated most positively and the lack of certain features being rated most negatively. Examples from the past show that “free” AAC applications (that are not “freely accessible software”) have either disappeared or become chargeable. AsTeRICS Grid shows how the conditions for free AAC can be created and how these concepts can be implemented sustainably.
Emergence of R4-terms in M-theory
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Cribiori Niccolò , Gligovic Aleksandar , Paraskevopoulou Antonia
Published: July 2024

Abstract

It has been recently suggested that the strong Emergence Proposal is realized in M-theory limits by integrating out all light towers of states with a typical mass scale not larger than the species scale, i.e. the eleventh dimensional Planck mass. Within the BPS sector, these are transverse M2- and M5-branes, that can be wrapped and particle-like, carrying Kaluza-Klein momentum along the compact directions. We provide additional evidence for this picture by revisiting and investigating further the computation of R4-interactions in M-theory à la Green-Gutperle-Vanhove. A central aspect is a novel UV-regularization of Schwinger-like integrals, whose actual meaning and power we clarify by first applying it to string perturbation theory. We consider then toroidal compactifications of M-theory and provide evidence that integrating out all light towers of states via Schwinger-like integrals thus regularized yields the complete result for R4-interactions. In particular, this includes terms that are tree-level, one-loop and space-time instanton corrections from the weakly coupled point of view. Finally, we comment on the conceptual difference of our approach to earlier closely related work by Kiritsis-Pioline and Obers-Pioline, leading to a correspondence between two types of constrained Eisenstein series.
Lightcone and quasi distribution amplitudes for light octet and decuplet baryons
Authors: Han Chao , Wang Wei , Zeng Jun , Zhang Jia-Lu
Published: July 2024

Abstract

We present a comprehensive investigation of leading-twist lightcone distribution amplitudes (LCDAs) and quasi distribution amplitudes (quasi-DAs) for light octet and decuplet baryons within large momentum effective theory. In LaMET, LCDAs can be factorized in terms of a hard kernel and quasi-DAs that are defined as spatial correlators and calculable on Lattice QCD. To renormalize quasi-DAs and eliminate the singular terms ln($$ {\mu}^2{z}_i^2 $$

μ
2

z
i
2

) in them, which undermine the efficacy in perturbative expansion, we adopt a hybrid renormalization scheme that combines the self-renormalization and ratio scheme. Through self-renormalization, we eliminate UV divergences and linear divergences at large spatial separations in quasi distribution amplitudes without introducing additional nonperturbative effects. By taking a ratio with respect to the zero-momentum matrix element, we effectively remove UV divergences at small spatial separations. Under the hybrid renormalization scheme, we calculate the hard kernels up to one-loop accuracy. It turns out that only four different hard kernels are needed for all leading-twist LCDAs of octet and decuplet baryons. These results are crucial for the lattice-based exploration of the LCDAs of a light baryon from the first principle of QCD.
$$ t\overline{t}b\overline{b} $$ at NLO precision in a variable flavor number scheme
Authors: Ferencz Lars , Höche Stefan , Katzy Judith , Siegert Frank
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Top-quark pair production in association with two b-jets is computed at next-to-leading order QCD precision, including effects of the b-quark mass, and matched to a $$ t\overline{t} $$
t

t
¯

+jets simulation in a variable flavor number scheme. The Monte Carlo realization of this method, called fusing, consistently embeds the four-flavor calculation in a particle-level event generator. As a first phenomenological application, we present observables relevant to the data-driven estimation of irreducible backgrounds to $$ t\overline{t}H $$
t

t
¯

H
-production.
Integral of depth zero to three basis of Modular Graph Functions
Authors: Doroudiani Mehregan
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Modular Graph Functions (MGFs) are SL(2,ℤ)-invariant functions that emerge in the study of the low-energy expansion of the one-loop closed string amplitude. To find the string scattering amplitude, we must integrate MGFs over the moduli space of the torus. In this paper, we use the iterated integral representation of MGFs to establish a depth-dependent basis for them, where “depth” refers to the number of iterations in the integral. This basis has a suitable Laplace equation. We integrate this basis from depth zero to depth three over the fundamental domain of SL(2,ℤ) with a cut-off.
The Freudenthal and other compactifications of continuous frames
Authors: Mthethwa Simo , Nogwebela Gugulethu
Published: July 2024

The N-star compactifications of frames are the frame-theoretic counterpart of the N-point compactifications of locally compact Hausdorff spaces. A $$\pi $$
π
-compactification of a frame L is a compactification constructed using a special type of a basis called a $$\pi $$
π
-compact basis; the Freudenthal compactification is the largest $$\pi $$
π
-compactification of a rim-compact frame. As one of the main results, we show that the Freudenthal compactification of a regular continuous frame is the least upper bound for the set of all N-star compactifications. A compactification whose right adjoint preserves disjoint binary joins is called perfect. We establish a class of frames for which N-star compactifications are always perfect. For the class of zero-dimensional frames, we construct a compactification which is isomorphic to the Banaschewski compactification and the Freudenthal compactification; in some special case, this compactification is isomorphic to the Stone–Čech compactification.
Protein SUMOylation promotes cAMP-independent EPAC1 activation
Authors: Yang Wenli , Mei Fang C. , Lin Wei , White Mark A. , Li Li , Li Yue , Pan Sheng , Cheng Xiaodong
Published: July 2024

Protein SUMOylation is a prevalent stress-response posttranslational modification crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Herein, we report that protein SUMOylation modulates cellular signaling mediated by cAMP, an ancient and universal stress-response second messenger. We identify K561 as a primary SUMOylation site in exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC1) via site-specific mapping of SUMOylation using mass spectrometry. Sequence and site-directed mutagenesis analyses reveal that a functional SUMO-interacting motif in EPAC1 is required for the binding of SUMO-conjugating enzyme UBC9, formation of EPAC1 nuclear condensate, and EPAC1 cellular SUMOylation. Heat shock-induced SUMO modification of EPAC1 promotes Rap1/2 activation in a cAMP-independent manner. Structural modeling and molecular dynamics simulation studies demonstrate that SUMO substituent on K561 of EPAC1 promotes Rap1 interaction by increasing the buried surface area between the SUMOylated receptor and its effector. Our studies identify a functional SUMOylation site in EPAC1 and unveil a novel mechanism in which SUMOylation of EPAC1 leads to its autonomous activation. The findings of SUMOylation-mediated activation of EPAC1 not only provide new insights into our understanding of cellular regulation of EPAC1 but also will open up a new field of experimentation concerning the cross-talk between cAMP/EPAC1 signaling and protein SUMOylation, two major cellular stress response pathways, during cellular homeostasis.
Existence of Local Solutions to a Free Boundary Problem for Incompressible Viscous Magnetohydrodynamics
Authors: Kacprzyk Piotr , Zaja̧czkowski Wojciech M.
Published: July 2024

We consider the motion of an incompressible magnetohydrodynamics with resistivity in a domain bounded by a free surface which is coupled through the free surface with an electromagnetic field generated by a magnetic field prescribed on an exterior fixed boundary. On the free surface, transmission conditions for the electromagnetic field are imposed. As transmission condition we assume jumps of tangent components of magnetic and electric fields on the free surface. We prove local existence of solutions such that velocity and magnetic fields belong to $$H^{2+\alpha ,1+\alpha /2}$$

H

2
+
α
,
1
+
α
/
2

, $$\alpha >5/8$$

α
>
5
/
8

.
Unraveling psilocybin’s therapeutic potential: behavioral and neuroplasticity insights in Wistar-Kyoto and Wistar male rat models of treatment-resistant depression
Authors: Kolasa Magdalena , Nikiforuk Agnieszka , Korlatowicz Agata , Solich Joanna , Potasiewicz Agnieszka , Dziedzicka-Wasylewska Marta , Bugno Ryszard , Hogendorf Adam , Bojarski Andrzej , Faron-Górecka Agata
Published: July 2024

Rationale

Our study aimed to unravel the unknown mechanisms behind the exceptional efficacy of Psilocybin (PSI) in treating treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Focusing on Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats with a TRD phenotype and Wistar (WIS) rats as a normative comparison, we investigated behavioral and neuroplasticity-related responses to PSI, striving to shed light on the distinctive features of its antidepressant effects.

Objectives

We set out to assess the behavioral impact of acute and prolonged PSI administration on WKY and WIS rats, employing Novel Object Recognition (NORT), Social Interaction (SI), and Forced Swimming Test (FST). Our secondary objectives involved exploring strain-specific alterations in neuroplasticity-related parameters, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc).

Methods

Conducting post-acute and extended assessments after a single PSI administration, we applied behavioral tests and biochemical analyses to measure serum BDNF levels and neuroplasticity-related parameters in the prefrontal cortex. Statistical analyses were deployed to discern significant differences between the rat strains and assess the impact of PSI on behavioral and biochemical outcomes.

Results

Our findings uncovered significant behavioral disparities between WKY and WIS rats, indicating passive behavior and social withdrawal in the former. PSI demonstrated pronounced pro-social and antidepressant effects in both strains, each with its distinctive temporal trajectory. Notably, we identified strain-specific variations in BDNF-related signaling and observed the modulation of Arc expression in WKY rats.

Conclusions

Our study delineated mood-related behavioral nuances between WKY and WIS rat strains, underscoring the antidepressant and pro-social properties of PSI in both groups. The distinct temporal patterns of observed changes and the identified strain-specific neuroplasticity alterations provide valuable insights into the TRD phenotype and the mechanisms underpinning the efficacy of PSI.
Binding studies of promethazine and its metabolites with human serum albumin by high-performance affinity chromatography and molecular docking in the presence of codeine
Authors: Coelho Maria Miguel , Lima Rita , Almeida Ana Sofia , Fernandes Pedro Alexandrino , Remião Fernando , Fernandes Carla , Tiritan Maria Elizabeth
Published: July 2024

“Purple Drank”, a soft drink containing promethazine (PMZ) and codeine (COD), has gained global popularity for its hallucinogenic effects. Consuming large amounts of this combination can lead to potentially fatal events. The binding of these drugs to plasma proteins can exacerbate the issue by increasing the risk of drug interactions, side effects, and/or toxicity. Herein, the binding affinity to human serum albumin (HSA) of PMZ and its primary metabolites [N-desmethyl promethazine (DMPMZ) and promethazine sulphoxide (PMZSO)], along with COD, was investigated by high-performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) though zonal approach. PMZ and its metabolites exhibited a notable binding affinity for HSA (%b values higher than 80%), while COD exhibited a %b value of 65%. To discern the specific sites of HSA to which these compounds were bound, displacement experiments were performed using warfarin and (S)-ibuprofen as probes for sites I and II, respectively, which revealed that all analytes were bound to both sites. Molecular docking studies corroborated the experimental results, reinforcing the insights gained from the empirical data. The in silico data also suggested that competition between PMZ and its metabolites with COD can occur in both sites of HSA, but mainly in site II. As the target compounds are chiral, the enantioselectivity for HSA binding was also explored, showing that the binding for these compounds was not enantioselective.
A pilot longitudinal study of decrease in cognitive functions during the most painful day of the period among women with primary dysmenorrhea
Authors: Kluska Julia , Malinowska Ewa , Kowalski Joachim
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Painful menstruation is a common problem associated with many limitations in day-to-day functioning. There is limited research on the temporary effects of menstrual pain on cognitive functioning.

Methods

A longitudinal pilot study was conducted. A group of 32 women was tested with the Brief Test of Adult Cognition by Telephone (BTACT), which consists of 7 tests measuring various cognitive functions. Participants were tested both on a regular, pain-free day and the most painful day of their period.

Results

The subjects displayed significantly lower results in several domains of cognitive functions during measurement on the most painful day of the period. We observed a decline in inhibitory and cognitive control, attention functioning and processing speed.

Conclusions

The results provide tentative evidence for experiencing cognitive difficulties under the influence of menstrual pain and may contribute to raising awareness about related difficulties.
Forensic age estimation by MRI of the knee – comparison of two classifications for ossification stages in a German population
Authors: Malokaj V , MF Wernsing , SN Kunz , Beer M , Daniel Vogele
Published: July 2024

Aim and objectives

In forensic age estimation e.g. for judicial proceedings surpassed age thresholds can be legally relevant. To examine age related differences in skeletal development the recommendations by the Study Group on Forensic Age Diagnostics (AGFAD) are based on ionizing radiation (among others orthopantomograms, plain x-rays of the hand). Vieth et al. and Ottow et al. proposed MRI-classifications for the epiphyseal-diaphyseal fusion of the knee joint to define different age groups in healthy volunteers. The aim of the present study was to directly compare these two classifications in a large German patient population.

Materials and methods

MRI of the knee joint of 900 patients (405 female, 495 male) from 10 to 28 years of age were retrospectively analyzed. Acquired T1-weighted turbo spin-echo sequence (TSE) and T2-weighted sequence with fat suppression by turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) were analyzed for the two classifications. The different bony fusion stages of the two classifications were determined and the corresponding chronological ages assigned. Differences between the sexes were analyzed. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were determined using Cohen’s kappa.

Results

With the classification of Ottow et al. it was possible to determine completion of the 18th and 21st year of life in both sexes. With the classification of Vieth et al. completion of the 18th year of life for female patients and the 14th and 21st year of life in both sexes could be determined. The intra- and inter-observer agreement levels were very good (κ > 0.82).

Conclusion

In the large German patient cohort of this study it was possible to determine the 18th year of life with for both sexes with the classification of Ottow et al. and for female patients with the classification of Vieth et al. It was also possible to determine the 21st year of life for all bones with the classification of Ottow et al. and for the distal femur with the classification of Vieth et al.
Systematic review-based guideline “Parkinson’s disease” of the German Society of Neurology: diagnostic use of transcranial sonography
Authors: Walter Uwe , Loewenbrück Kai F. , Dodel Richard , Storch Alexander , Trenkwalder Claudia , Höglinger Günter ,   for the German Parkinson Guideline Group
Published: July 2024

Background and objective

Transcranial brain parenchyma sonography (TCS) has been recommended as a tool for the early and differential diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in German and European clinical guidelines. Still, the brain structures to be examined for the diagnostic questions and the requirements for being a qualified investigator were not specified in detail. These issues have now been addressed in the 2023 update of the clinical guideline on PD by the German Society of Neurology (DGN).

Methods

The recommendations were based on a systematic literature review following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

Results

Three diagnostic questions were defined: (1) What is the accuracy of TCS in the differential diagnosis of PD versus atypical and secondary Parkinsonian syndromes? (2) What is the accuracy of TCS in the differential diagnosis of PD versus essential tremor? (3) What is the accuracy of TCS in the diagnosis of PD in persons with typical early symptoms, compared with the diagnosis established by clinical follow-up? The brain structures to be assessed and the level of recommendation were formulated for these questions. The training requirements for being regarded as qualified TCS investigator were stipulated by the responsible medical societies (German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine, DEGUM; German Society for Clinical Neurophysiology and Functional Imaging, DGKN). Finally, the recommendations for these diagnostic questions reached strong consensus (each ≥ 97%) of the guideline committee. Here, the details of review and recommendations are presented.

Conclusion

The updated guideline clarifies the diagnostic uses and limitations of TCS in PD.
Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy submental vestibular approach for early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hindawi Mahmoud Diaa , Ali Ahmed Hamdy, G. , Qafesha Ruaa Mustafa , Soliman Wesam , Salem Haitham , Bali Eslam , Elrosasy Amr
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Our study aimed to compare the effectiveness and complications of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy submental vestibular approach (TOETSMVA) versus the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) or conventional open thyroidectomy (COT) in patients with early-stage papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

We searched online databases up to January 2024. The outcomes were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and inverse variance.

Results

Seven studies (two RCTs and five retrospective cohort studies) were included. We established higher significance differences for TOETSMVA in comparison with TOETVA in terms of all primary outcomes; operation time, hospital stay, number of resected lymph nodes [MD -21.05, 95% CI= -30.98, -11.12; p < 0.0001], [MD -1.76, 95% CI= -2.21, -1.32, p < 0.00001], [MD -2.99, 95% CI= -19.75, 13.76, p < 0.73], [MD -0.83, 95% CI = -1.19 to -0.47; p < 0.00001], respectively, except the drainage volume, it showed no difference [MD -2.99, 95% CI= -19.75, 13.76, p < 0.73]. In secondary outcomes, it was favored only in mandibular numbness and return to normal diet outcomes. Additionally, TOETSMVA compared with COT showed a significant difference in drainage volume, pain, cosmetic effect, and satisfaction score.

Conclusions

TOETSMVA showed a significant improvement compared to the TOETVA in operation time, hospital stay, number of resected lymph nodes, mandibular numbness, and return to normal diet but did not show a difference in drainage volume. However, TOETSMVA was better in cosmetic effect, drainage volume, satisfaction, and pain scores compared with COT. Further RCTs with larger sample size, multicentral, and longer follow-up are necessary to evaluate the limitations.
Plasmodesmata dynamics in bryophyte model organisms: secondary formation and developmental modifications of structure and function
Authors: Wegner Linus , Ehlers Katrin
Published: July 2024

Main conclusion

Developing bryophytes differentially modify their plasmodesmata structure and function. Secondary plasmodesmata formation via twinning appears to be an ancestral trait. Plasmodesmata networks in hornwort sporophyte meristems resemble those of angiosperms.

All land-plant taxa use plasmodesmata (PD) cell connections for symplasmic communication. In angiosperm development, PD networks undergo an extensive remodeling by structural and functional PD modifications, and by postcytokinetic formation of additional secondary PD (secPD). Since comparable information on PD dynamics is scarce for the embryophyte sister groups, we investigated maturating tissues of Anthoceros agrestis (hornwort), Physcomitrium patens (moss), and Marchantia polymorpha (liverwort). As in angiosperms, quantitative electron microscopy revealed secPD formation via twinning in gametophytes of all model bryophytes, which gives rise to laterally adjacent PD pairs or to complex branched PD. This finding suggests that PD twinning is an ancient evolutionary mechanism to adjust PD numbers during wall expansion. Moreover, all bryophyte gametophytes modify their existing PD via taxon-specific strategies resembling those of angiosperms. Development of type II-like PD morphotypes with enlarged diameters or formation of pit pairs might be required to maintain PD transport rates during wall thickening. Similar to angiosperm leaves, fluorescence redistribution after photobleaching revealed a considerable reduction of the PD permeability in maturating P. patens phyllids. In contrast to previous reports on monoplex meristems of bryophyte gametophytes with single initials, we observed targeted secPD formation in the multi-initial basal meristems of A. agrestis sporophytes. Their PD networks share typical features of multi-initial angiosperm meristems, which may hint at a putative homologous origin. We also discuss that monoplex and multi-initial meristems may require distinct types of PD networks, with or without secPD formation, to control maintenance of initial identity and positional signaling.
Color image restoration by filtering methods: a review
Authors: Salamat Nadeem , Missen Malik Muhammad Saad , Akhtar Nadeem , Mustahsan Muhammad , Surya Prasath V. B.
Published: July 2024

Digital images are corrupted with noise, and image denoising is an important step in image processing modules. In this review, the latest developments in filtering methods for color image restoration are analyzed. These algorithms are compared in terms of objective image quality measures and divided into major classes, such as spatial domain, switching and wavelet filtering methods. These classes are based on the particular methodology used in image denoising algorithms and further subdivided to show their classification in terms of noise models utilized, application style, and stages the filters applied in images. In particular, we present a review of filtering methods in color image denoising, published over the past two decades. Our classification and succinct descriptions of color image restoration by these mathematical filtering techniques and their characterizations can help choose the appropriate ones for various downstream image processing tasks.
Fuzzy Cognitive Map for Evaluating Critical Factors Causing Rockbursts in Underground Construction: A Fundamental Study
Authors: Hosseini Shahab , Armaghani Danial Jahed , He Xuzhen , Pradhan Biswajeet , Zhou Jian , Sheng Daichao
Published: July 2024

The rockburst phenomenon in excavation endeavours reveals a multitude of complexities and obstacles that significantly impact both the technical and financial dimensions of project execution. Investigating critical rockburst factors in underground excavations is of considerable importance for addressing pivotal safety issues and operational complexities within the field of underground excavation projects. This research proposes an innovative approach based on an expert-based fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) framework, aiming to identify and prioritize the key critical rockburst factors prevalent in underground excavations and tunnelling. A tailored cognitive map of the parameters of problem was constructed, integrating 56 critical and critical factors meticulously curated by a team of seasoned managers, engineers, deputy managers, trainee engineers and assistant managers. The structured cognitive map was meticulously developed, considering the relative weights of the identified critical factors and their intricate interrelationships—all informed by the invaluable insights and expertise of seasoned engineers in the field. Subsequently, the cognitive map underwent a systematic solution process, whereby the causal relationships and influences amongst the identified critical factors were analysed and factored in. The outcomes of the comprehensive analysis unveiled several critical factors: lack of rockburst risk assessments, high in situ stress, presence of rock seams and weak layers, rock quality variations, and geological heterogeneity as the most paramount concerns demanding immediate attention and strategic intervention. By adopting the proposed FCM approach and leveraging the collective expertise of industry professionals, this research offers a robust and systematic framework for comprehensively assessing and addressing the key challenges associated with rockburst events in underground excavations and tunnelling projects, thereby fostering enhanced project performance and efficacy within the field.
PEGylation renders carnosine resistant to hydrolysis by serum carnosinase and increases renal carnosine levels
Authors: Zhang Shiqi , Yang Guang , Zhang Qinqin , Fan Yuying , Tang Mingna , Shen Liuhai , Zhu Dongchun , Zhang Guiyang , Yard Benito
Published: July 2024

Carnosine’s protective effect in rodent models of glycoxidative stress have provided a rational for translation of these findings in therapeutic concepts in patient with diabetic kidney disease. In contrast to rodents however, carnosine is rapidly degraded by the carnosinase-1 enzyme. To overcome this hurdle, we sought to protect hydrolysis of carnosine by conjugation to Methoxypolyethylene glycol amine (mPEG-NH2). PEGylated carnosine (PEG-car) was used to study the hydrolysis of carnosine by human serum as well as to compare the pharmacokinetics of PEG-car and L-carnosine in mice after intravenous (IV) injection. While L-carnosine was rapidly hydrolyzed in human serum, PEG-car was highly resistant to hydrolysis. Addition of unconjugated PEG to carnosine or PEG-car did not influence hydrolysis of carnosine in serum. In mice PEG-car and L-carnosine exhibited similar pharmacokinetics in serum but differed in half-life time (t1/2) in kidney, with PEG-car showing a significantly higher t1/2 compared to L-carnosine. Hence, PEGylation of carnosine is an effective approach to prevent carnosine degradations and to achieve higher renal carnosine levels. However, further studies are warranted to test if the protective properties of carnosine are preserved after PEGylation.
A conversational agent for creating automations exploiting large language models
Authors: Gallo Simone , Paternò Fabio , Malizia Alessio
Published: July 2024

The proliferation of sensors and smart Internet of Things (IoT) devices in our everyday environments is reshaping our interactions with everyday objects. This change underlines the need to empower non-expert users to easily configure the behaviour of these devices to align with their preferences and habits. At the same time, recent advances in generative transformers, such as ChatGPT, have opened up new possibilities in a variety of natural language processing tasks, enhancing reasoning capabilities and conversational interactions. This paper presents RuleBot +  + , a conversational agent that exploits GPT-4 to assist the user in the creation and modification of trigger-action automations through natural language. After an introduction to motivations and related work, we present the design and implementation of RuleBot +  + and report the results of the user test in which users interacted with our solution and Home Assistant, one of the most used open-source tools for managing smart environments.
Enhancing the quality of lentil proteins via combination with whey proteins based on a dual process: a novel strategy through the incorporation of complexation and fermentation
Authors: Alrosan Mohammad , Tan Thuan-Chew , Easa Azhar Mat , Gammoh Sana , Alu’datt Muhammad H. , Kubow Stan , Almajwal Ali Madi , Razzak Mahmood Ammar A. , Al-Qaisi Ali , Bawadi Hiba
Published: July 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing a distinguished alternative to human consumption of animal-based proteins. The application of lentil proteins in the food industry is typically limited due to their poor solubility and digestibility. An innovative method of balancing lentil-whey protein (LP-WP) complexes with higher-quality protein properties was established to address this issue, which coupled a pH-shifting approach with fermentation treatment. The results showed that microorganisms in the water kefir influenced the quality of protein structures and enhanced the nutritional values, including increasing the total phenolic compounds and improving the flavor of fermented LP-WP complexes. The protein digestibility, pH values, microbial growth, total soluble solids, and total saponin and phenolic contents were hydrolyzed for 5 days at 25 °C. The FTIR spectrophotometer scans indicated significant (P < 0.05) changes to the secondary protein structure components (random coil and α-helix). This study showed that combining pH-shifting with fermentation treatment improves lentil and whey proteins’ structure, protein quality, and nutritional benefits.
How do testing and test-potentiated learning versus worked example method affect medium- and long-term knowledge in abstract algebra for pre-service mathematics teachers?
Authors: Muzsnay Anna , Zámbó Csilla , Szeibert Janka , Bernáth László , Szilágyi Brigitta , Szabó Csaba
Published: July 2024

The retention of foundational knowledge is crucial in learning and teaching mathematics. However, a significant part of university students do not achieve long-term knowledge and problem-solving skills. A possible tool to increase further retention is testing, the strategic use of retrieval to enhance memory. In this study, the effect of a special kind of testing versus worked examples was investigated in an authentic educational setting, in an algebra course for pre-service mathematics teachers. The potential benefits of using tests versus showing students worked examples at the end of each practice session during a semester were examined. According to the results, there was no difference between the effectiveness of the two methods in the medium term—on the midterm that students took on the 6th week and the final that students took on the 13th week of the semester, the testing group performed the same as the worked example group. However, testing was more beneficial regarding long-term retention in studying and solving problems in abstract mathematics. Analyzing the results of the post-test that students took five months after their final test, the authors found that the improvement of those students who learned the material with testing was significantly larger than that of the worked example group. These findings suggest that testing can have a meaningful effect on abstract algebra knowledge and a long-lasting impact on solving complex, abstract mathematical problems.
Objective Neighborhood-Level Disorder Versus Subjective Safety as Predictors of HIV Transmission Risk and Momentary Well-Being
Authors: Panlilio Leigh V. , Preston Kenzie L. , Bertz Jeremiah W. , Moran Landhing M. , Tyburski Matthew , Hertzel Sara K. , Husami Shireen , Adan Fatumastar , Epstein David H. , Phillips Karran A.
Published: July 2024

Mental health and HIV risk behavior have been studied with ecological momentary assessment (EMA), but this approach has not been combined with tracking of activity space (where people go and what they encounter there) in people with HIV and their social relations, who may be HIV+ or HIV−. Activity space represents a modifiable risk or protective factor for behavior related to health status and quality of life, in both clinical and nonclinical populations. We conducted an observational study with 286 participants (243 HIV+ and 43 HIV−), roughly matched for socioeconomic status and neighborhood of residence via three waves of snowball sampling. Each participant carried a smartphone for up to 4 weeks, making 5 randomly prompted entries and 1 end-of-day entry each day, plus self-initiated event-contingent entries for sexual activity and drug use. Responses to randomly prompted items provided subjective evaluations of the safety of the participant’s current social and physical environment (the place they were and the people they were with). GPS-based location tracking—coupled with publicly available statistic indicating neighborhood-level physical disorder and socioeconomic disadvantage—provided an indicator of each participant’s exposure to objective psychosocial hazard. We examined possible relationships of these objective and subjective environmental exposures with risky sexual and intravenous drug-use behavior, knowledge and utilization of antiretroviral treatment and prophylaxis, and momentary mental health (mood and stress, which relate to risky behavior and overall well-being). We found that both risky behavior and mental health were more related to participants’ subjective evaluations of their activity space than to objective measures of neighborhood-level disorder, suggesting that, even within an objectively hazardous neighborhood, people who find a niche they perceive as socially and physically safe may engage in less risky behavior and have better well-being.

Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier NCT01571752.
Understanding Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability of Home-based Comprehensive Sexual Health Care: A Realist Review
Authors: Goense Cornelia Johanna Dorothy , Doan Thuan-Huong P. , Kpokiri Eneyi E. , Evers Ymke J. , Estcourt Claudia S. , Crutzen Rik , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Tang Weiming , Baraitser Paula , Hoebe Christian J.P.A. , Dukers-Muijrers Nicole H.T.M.
Published: July 2024

This review identifies which elements of home-based comprehensive sexual health care (home-based CSH) impacted which key populations, under which circumstances. A realist review of studies focused on home-based CSH with at least self-sampling or self-testing HIV and additional sexual health care (e.g., treatment, counseling). Peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative literature from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and PsycINFO published between February 2012 and February 2023 was examined. The PRISM framework was used to systematically assess the reach of key populations, effectiveness of the intervention, and effects on the adoption, implementation, and maintenance within routine sexual health care. Of 730 uniquely identified records, 93 were selected for extraction. Of these studies, 60% reported actual interventions and 40% described the acceptability and feasibility. Studies were mainly based in Europe or North America and were mostly targeted to MSM (59%; 55/93) (R). Overall, self-sampling or self-testing was highly acceptable across key populations. The effectiveness of most studies was (expected) increased HIV testing. Adoption of the home-based CSH was acceptable for care providers if linkage to care was available, even though a minority of studies reported adoption by care providers and implementation fidelity of the intervention. Most studies suggested maintenance of home-based CSH complementary to clinic-based care. Context and mechanisms were identified which may enhance implementation and maintenance of home-based CSH. When providing the individual with a choice of testing, clear instructions, and tailored dissemination successful uptake of STI and HIV testing may increase. For implementers perceived care and treatment benefits for clients may increase their willingness to implement home-based CSH. Therefore, home-based CSH may determine more accessible sexual health care and increased uptake of STI and HIV testing among key populations.
Artificial intelligence in optical lens design
Authors: Yow Ai Ping , Wong Damon , Zhang Yueqian , Menke Christoph , Wolleschensky Ralf , Török Peter
Published: July 2024

Traditional optical design entails arduous, iterative stages that significantly rely on the intuition and experience of lens designers. Starting-point design selection has always been the major hurdle for most optical design problem, and different designers might produce different final lens designs even if using the same initial specification. Lens designers typically choose designs from existing lens databases, analyse relevant lens structures, or explore patent literature and technical publications. With increased processing capability, producing automated lens designs using Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches is becoming a viable alternative. Therefore, it is noteworthy that a comprehensive review addressing the latest advancements in using AI for starting-point design is still lacking. Herein, we highlight the gap at the confluence of applied AI and optical lens design, by presenting a comprehensive review of the current literature with an emphasis on using various AI approaches to generate starting-point designs for refractive optical systems, discuss the limitations, and suggest a potential alternate approach for further research.
Skeletal muscle quantity and quality evaluation in heart failure: comparing thoracic versus abdominopelvic CT approaches
Authors: Mirzai Saeid , Persits Ian , Martens Pieter , Estep Jerry D. , Wilson Tang W. H. , Chen Po-Hao
Published: July 2024

Given the critical role of skeletal muscle in healthy aging, low muscle mass (myopenia) and quality (myosteatosis) can be used as predictors of poor functional and cardiometabolic outcomes. Myopenia is also a part of sarcopenia and malnutrition diagnostic criteria. However, there is limited evidence for using chest computed tomography (CT) to evaluate muscle health. We aimed to compare chest CT landmarks to the widely used L3 vertebra for single-slice skeletal muscle evaluation in patients with heart failure (HF). Patients admitted for acute decompensated HF between January 2017 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Body composition measurements were made on CT of the chest and abdomen/pelvis with or without contrast one month before discharge. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and intermuscular adipose tissue percentage (IMAT%) were calculated at several thoracic levels (above the aortic arch, T8, and T12) and correlated to the widely used L3 level. A total of 200 patients were included, 89 (44.5%) female. The strongest correlation of thoracic SMI (for muscle quantity) and IMAT% (for muscle quality) with L3 was at the T12 level (r = 0.834, p < 0.001 and r = 0.757, p < 0.001, respectively). Cutoffs to identify low muscle mass for T12 SMI (derived from the lowest sex-stratified L3 SMI tertile) were 31.1 cm²/m² in men and 26.3 cm²/m² in women. SMI and IMAT% at T12 had excellent correlations with the widely used L3 level for muscle quantity and quality evaluation in patients with HF.
Constitutional artisans: James Buchanan and Vincent Ostrom on artifactual man, the constitutional attitude, and the political economy of constitutional design
Authors: Lewis Paul , Meadowcroft John
Published: July 2024

This paper examines the relationship between the work of James Buchanan and Vincent Ostrom. It adds to existing work by providing a comprehensive analysis of Buchanan’s and Ostrom’s changing views about how the ‘logical foundations of constitutional democracy’ should be conceptualised. The paper traces how in the 1960s and 1970s Ostrom took inspiration from the rational choice analysis of constitutional democracy in Buchanan and Tullock’s The Calculus of Consent, explaining how it shaped his reading of key texts in political theory and his analysis of public administration. It then discusses how Buchanan subsequently drew on Ostrom’s notion of artifactual man in developing his understanding of the ‘constitutional attitude’ necessary for individuals to engage in institutional design. It then explores how, from the mid-to-late 1990s, Ostrom became increasingly critical of Buchanan’s reliance on rational choice theory for his analysis of constitutional decision-making, identifying this as a key difference between their views.