bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of clinical outcome and imaging endpoints in extensive ischemic stroke—comparing measures of cerebral edema
Authors: Geest Vincent , Steffen Paul , Winkelmeier Laurens , Faizy Tobias D. , Heitkamp Christian , Kniep Helge , Meyer Lukas , Zelenak Kamil , Götz Thomalla , Fiehler Jens , Broocks Gabriel
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Ischemic edema is associated with worse clinical outcomes, especially in large infarcts. Computed tomography (CT)–based densitometry allows direct quantification of absolute edema volume (EV), which challenges indirect biomarkers like midline shift (MLS). We compared EV and MLS as imaging biomarkers of ischemic edema and predictors of malignant infarction (MI) and very poor clinical outcome (VPCO) in early follow-up CT of patients with large infarcts.

Materials and methods

Patients with anterior circulation stroke, large vessel occlusion, and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≤ 5 were included. VPCO was defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≥ 5 at discharge. MLS and EV were quantified at admission and in follow-up CT 24 h after admission. Correlation was analyzed between MLS, EV, and total infarct volume (TIV). Multivariable logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics curve analyses were performed to compare MLS and EV as predictors of MI and VPCO.

Results

Seventy patients (median TIV 110 mL) were analyzed. EV showed strong correlation to TIV (r = 0.91, p < 0.001) and good diagnostic accuracy to classify MI (EV AUC 0.74 [95%CI 0.61–0.88] vs. MLS AUC 0.82 [95%CI 0.71–0.94]; p = 0.48) and VPCO (EV AUC 0.72 [95%CI 0.60–0.84] vs. MLS AUC 0.69 [95%CI 0.57–0.81]; p = 0.5) with no significant difference compared to MLS, which did not correlate with TIV < 110 mL (r = 0.17, p = 0.33).

Conclusion

EV might serve as an imaging biomarker of ischemic edema in future studies, as it is applicable to infarcts of all volumes and predicts MI and VPCO in patients with large infarcts with the same accuracy as MLS.

Clinical relevance statement

Utilization of edema volume instead of midline shift as an edema parameter would allow differentiation of patients with large and small infarcts based on the extent of edema, with possible advantages in the prediction of treatment effects, complications, and outcome.

Key Points

• CT densitometry–based absolute edema volume challenges midline shift as current gold standard measure of ischemic edema.

• Edema volume predicts malignant infarction and poor clinical outcome in patients with large infarcts with similar accuracy compared to MLS irrespective of the lesion extent.

• Edema volume might serve as a reliable quantitative imaging biomarker of ischemic edema in acute stroke triage independent of lesion size.
Boosting Capsicum annuum Growth Through Non-native Endophytic Bacterial Consortium
Authors: Matthews Stella , Siddiqui Yasmeen , Supramaniam Christina Vimala , Ali Asgar
Published: April 2024

Organic and natural sources of bio-stimulant have a great expectancy to boost green agriculture practices for sustainable, safe, and smart cultivation of crops. In that regard, beneficial endophytic bacteria have great potential. They have unique features in promoting plant growth by colonizing and establishing well in plant roots. In this study, endophytes isolated from the roots of moringa, neem, sesbania, and chilli were screened for crop’s growth-enhancing activities, such as phosphorus (P) solubilization, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic-acid deaminase (ACC deaminase) production, and indole-acetic acid (IAA) production. The phosphorus solubilization, indole-acetic acid production, and ACC deaminase production values fall in the range of 55–88 ppm, 20–164 ppm, and 0.317–0.375 mM, respectively. Chilli seeds’ three highest vigor index (VI) values were attained by MR10 (12,457 VI), MR3 (9450 VI), and MR13 (8730 VI). MR13 showed the highest seed germination energy (221%), followed by MR1 (178%) and MR3 (156%). The promising endophytes were tested on chilli seedlings as single and mixed inoculum treatments to study the efficiency of root colonization. Mixed cultures containing CKR8 and MR13 exhibited the highest seedling height (17.0 cm), followed by MR13, MR10, and MR13 (16.8 cm) compared to the control (12.6 cm). A single culture of MR10 (109.0 g and 13.53 cm2) and a mixed culture of MR10 and MR13 (100.0 g and 13.09 cm2) showed the maximum root length and surface area, respectively. The highest relative chlorophyll content was recorded by MR10 and MR13 (40.3 SPAD value), followed by MR13, MR3, and CKR8 (36.8 SPAD value). The non-native endophytic bacteria, MR13, Streptomyces panaciradicis (GenBank accession no. OM001090), and MR3, Bacillus subtilis (GenBank accession no. OM714810), could colonize the roots and improve the growth of chilli at the seedling growth stage.

Graphical Abstract
Histopathological findings of failed blebs after microinvasive bleb surgery with the XEN Gel Stent and Preserflo MicroShunt
Authors: Neubauer Jonas , Suesskind Daniela , Gassel Caroline J. , Nasyrov Emil , Voykov Bogomil
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The success of XEN Gel Stent (XEN) and Preserflo MicroShunt (Preserflo) implantation depends mainly on the development of bleb fibrosis. This study aimed to describe the histological findings of bleb fibrosis after XEN and Preserflo surgery.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with different types of glaucoma who underwent revision surgery after XEN or Preserflo implantation. The available clinical information and histological samples of removed fibrotic tissue were analyzed.

Results

Thirty-six patients were included. Revision surgery was performed at a median of 195 (range = 31–1264) days after primary surgery. The mean intraocular pressure changed from 29.1 (± 10.3) mmHg at baseline to 18.3 (± 8.7) mmHg (− 37%; p < 0.0001) and 16.2 (± 4.2) mmHg (− 45%; p < 0.0001) after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Histological analysis revealed an increase in activated fibroblasts and macrophages in all specimens and a parallel orientation of fibroblasts in a minor part of the probe in 60% of the specimens. No pronounced inflammatory reaction in the form of lymphocytic or granulocytic infiltration was observed. The comparison of specimens from uveitic glaucoma and primary open-angle glaucoma patients revealed no significant differences.

Conclusions

The histological analysis of fibrotic blebs from the XEN and Preserflo implants did not show any pronounced immune or foreign-body reaction and revealed a similar histological pattern of failed blebs after trabeculectomy.
Construction and validation of a folate metabolism-related gene signature for predicting prognosis in HNSCC
Authors: Wang Lu , He Ye , Bai Yijiang , Zhang Shuai , Pang Bo , Chen Anhai , Wu Xuewen
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Metabolic reprogramming is currently considered a hallmark of tumor and immune development. It is obviously of interest to identify metabolic enzymes that are associated with clinical prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).

Methods

Candidate genes were screened to construct folate metabolism scores by Cox regression analysis. Functional enrichment between high- and low-folate metabolism groups was explored by GO, KEGG, GSVA, and ssGSEA. EPIC, MCPcounter, and xCell were utilized to explore immune cell infiltration between high- and low-folate metabolism groups. Relevant metabolic scores were calculated and visually analyzed by the “IOBR” software package.

Results

To investigate the mechanism behind metabolic reprogramming of HNSCC, 2886 human genes associated with 86 metabolic pathways were selected. Folate metabolism is significantly enriched in HNSCC, and that the six-gene (MTHFD1L, MTHFD2, SHMT2, ATIC, MTFMT, and MTHFS) folate score accurately predicts and differentiates folate metabolism levels. Reprogramming of folate metabolism affects CD8T cell infiltration and induces immune escape through the MIF signaling pathway. Further research found that SHMT2, an enzyme involved in folate metabolism, inhibits CD8T cell infiltration and induces immune escape by regulating the MIF/CD44 signaling axis, which in turn promotes HNSCC progression.

Conclusions

Our study identified a novel and robust folate metabolic signature. A folate metabolic signature comprising six genes was effective in assessing the prognosis and reflecting the immune status of HNSCC patients. The target molecule of folate metabolic reprogramming, SHMT2, probably plays a very important role in HNSCC development and immune escape.
Evaluation of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric patients with high-grade glioma treated with lomustine—a case series
Authors: Schellekens Kim P. J. , Hageman Sarah Babette , Haverkate Els C. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , Engels Frederike K. , Brinksma Aeltsje , de Vos-Kerkhof Evelien
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Although lomustine has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent for decades, no recommendation on appropriate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) prophylaxis is available. As CINV is considered one of the most bothersome side effects of chemotherapy, adequate prophylaxis is of relevance to improve quality of life during cancer treatment. The aim of this retrospective case series was to report the incidence and severity of CINV in pediatric patients with high-grade glioma treated with lomustine and to formulate recommendations for appropriate CINV prophylaxis.

Methods

Pediatric patients treated with lomustine for high-grade glioma according to the ACNS 0423 protocol were identified retrospectively. Two researchers independently reviewed and classified complaints of CINV and administered CINV prophylaxis. Treatment details, tumor localization, and response to therapy were systematically extracted from the patients’ files.

Results

Seventeen children aged 8–18 years received a median of four cycles of lomustine. CINV complaints and administered prophylaxis were evaluable in all patients. Moderate or severe CINV was observed in 13/17 (76%) patients. Administered prophylactic CINV regimens varied from no prophylaxis to triple-agent combinations.

Conclusion

In this case series, we identified lomustine as a highly emetogenic chemotherapeutic agent. According to the current guidelines, CINV prophylaxis with a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist in combination with dexamethasone and (fos)aprepitant is recommended.
Molecular characterization of the whole genome of H9N2 avian influenza virus isolated from Egyptian poultry farms
Authors: Bedair Nahed M. , Sakr Moustafa A. , Mourad Ahmed , Eissa Nourhan , Mostafa Ahmed , Khamiss Omaima
Published: April 2024

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) affect both poultry and humans on a global level, and they are especially prevalent in Egypt. In this study, we sequenced the entire genome of AIV H9N2 isolated from chickens in Egypt in 2021, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Phylogenetic analysis of the resulting sequences showed that the studied strain was generally monophyletic and grouped within the G1 sublineage of the Eurasian lineage. Four segments (polymerase basic 2 [PB2], polymerase basic 1 [PB1], polymerase acidic [PA], and non-structural [NS]) were related to Egyptian genotype II, while the nucleoprotein (NP), neuraminidase (NA), matrix (M), and haemagglutinin (HA) segments were related to Egyptian genotype I. Molecular analysis revealed that HA protein contained amino acid residues (191H and 234L) that suggested a predilection for attaching to human-like receptors. The antigenic sites of HA had two nonsynonymous mutations: V194I at antigenic site A and M40K at antigenic site B. Furthermore, the R403W and S372A mutations, which have been observed in H3N2 and H2N2 strains that caused human pandemics, were found in the NA protein of the detected strain. The internal proteins contained virulence markers: 504V in the PB2 protein, 622G, 436Y, 207K, and 677T in the PB1 protein, 127V, 550L, and 672L in PA protein, and 64F and 69P in the M protein. These results show that the detected strain had undergone intrasubtype reassortment. Furthermore, it contains changes in the viral proteins that make it more likely to be virulent, raising a question about the tendency of AIV H9N2 to become highly pathogenic in the future for both poultry and humans.
Evaluation of maxillary arch symmetry in cleft patients undergoing orthodontic treatment: a comparative study
Authors: Tabellion Maike , Linsenmann Constanze Charlotte , Lisson Jörg Alexander
Published: April 2024

Objective

Patients with a cleft require structured procedures to achieve feasible treatment results. Since many treatment protocols coexist without being superior to one another, this study investigated the Saarland University Hospital treatment concept for patients with unilateral and bilateral clefts to evaluate its effects upon dental arch dimensions until the early mixed dentition.

Material and methods

Digitized plaster models were used for data collection. Records of 83 patients (Cleft n = 41 [UCLP n = 28, BCLP n = 13], Non-Cleft Control n = 42) comprised 249 casts. The evaluation included established procedures for measurements of edentulous and dentate jaws. Statistics included Shapiro–Wilk, Friedmann, Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney-U-Tests for the casts. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

The cast analysis showed an approximation of arch dimensions towards those of age-matched patients without a cleft until early mixed dentition. The mean values of patients with and without cleft lip and palate were almost indistinguishable when compared in primary and/or early mixed dentition.

Conclusions

The evaluated treatment concept leads to feasible outcomes regarding dental arches in patients with unilateral and bilateral clefts compared to an age-matched non-cleft control.

Clinical relevance

The evaluated treatment concept leads to favorable outcomes until early mixed dentition.
OneLog: towards end-to-end software log anomaly detection
Authors: Hashemi Shayan , Mäntylä Mika
Published: April 2024

With the growth of online services, IoT devices, and DevOps-oriented software development, software log anomaly detection is becoming increasingly important. Prior works mainly follow a traditional four-staged architecture (Preprocessor, Parser, Vectorizer, and Classifier). This paper proposes OneLog, which utilizes a single deep neural network instead of multiple separate components. OneLog harnesses convolutional neural network (CNN) at the character level to take digits, numbers, and punctuations, which were removed in prior works, into account alongside the main natural language text. We evaluate our approach in six message- and sequence-based data sets: HDFS, Hadoop, BGL, Thunderbird, Spirit, and Liberty. We experiment with Onelog with single-, multi-, and cross-project setups. Onelog offers state-of-the-art performance in our datasets. Onelog can utilize multi-project datasets simultaneously during training, which suggests our model can generalize between datasets. Multi-project training also improves Onelog performance making it ideal when limited training data is available for an individual project. We also found that cross-project anomaly detection is possible with a single project pair (Liberty and Spirit). Analysis of model internals shows that one log has multiple modes of detecting anomalies and that the model learns manually validated parsing rules for the log messages. We conclude that character-based CNNs are a promising approach toward end-to-end learning in log anomaly detection. They offer good performance and generalization over multiple datasets. We will make our scripts publicly available upon the acceptance of this paper.
Revisiting the effect of relative density on cyclic liquefaction of clean and silty sands: the crossing effect
Authors: Monkul Mehmet Murat , Tütüncü Yunus Emre
Published: April 2024

Liquefaction of clean and silty sands remains to be an important problem during earthquakes. Even though many factors are known to influence liquefaction behavior, the influence of density index parameter and fines content (FC) are among the most important parameters. In this study, the effect of relative density (Dr) on liquefaction behavior of clean and silty sands was investigated by cyclic direct simple shear tests on two different silty sands at various FC. Several different relationships affected from Dr are revisited or investigated including number of cycles to liquefaction (NL) and cyclic resistance ratio (CRR). It was found that liquefaction resistance-fines content-relative density relationship is much more complex than previously thought. This is because CRR-Dr lines of clean and/or silty sands may cross each other at specific relative densities, which may cause the liquefaction resistance of a clean sand to be either smaller, equal or greater than the liquefaction resistance of a silty sand with the same base sand dependent on the magnitude of relative density. The mentioned behavior is also confirmed on different clean and silty sands tested in literature.
Tolerability and effectiveness of palbociclib in older women with metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Baltussen Joosje C. , Mooijaart Simon P. , Vulink Annelie J.E. , Houtsma Danny , Van der Deure Wendy M. , Westerman Elsbeth M. , Oosterkamp Hendrika M. , Spierings Leontine E.A.M.M. , van den Bos Frederiek , de Glas Nienke A. , Portielje Johanneke E.A.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Palbociclib has become the standard of care for estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer, but real-world evidence in older women remains scarce. Therefore, we investigated tolerability of palbociclib in older women with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

Consecutive women aged ≥ 70 with ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, treated with palbociclib in any treatment line in six hospitals, were included. Primary endpoint was grade ≥ 3 palbociclib-related toxicity. Predictors of toxicity were identified using logistic regression models. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan Meier.

Results

We included 144 women with a median age of 74 years. Grade 3–4 toxicity occurred in 54% of patients, of which neutropenia (37%) was most common. No neutropenic fever or grade 5 toxicity occurred. Dose reduction during treatment occurred in 50% of patients, 8% discontinued treatment due to toxicity and 3% were hospitalized due to toxicity. Polypharmacy (odds ratio (OR) 2.50; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12–5.58) and pretreatment low leukocytes (OR 4.81; 95% CI 1.27–18.21) were associated with grade 3–4 toxicity, while comorbidities were not. In first-line systemic therapy, median PFS was 12 months and median OS 32 months. In second-line, median PFS was 12 months and median OS 31 months.

Conclusion

Although grade 3–4 toxicity and dose reductions occurred frequently, most were expected and managed by dose reductions, showing that palbociclib is generally well tolerated and thus represents a valuable treatment option in the older population.
Gut physiology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is influenced more by short-term fasting followed by refeeding than by feeding fishmeal-free diets
Authors: Frohn Laura , Peixoto Diogo , Terrier Frédéric , Costas Benjamin , Bugeon Jérôme , Cartier Christel , Richard Nadège , Pinel Karine , Skiba-Cassy Sandrine
Published: April 2024

Supplementing a fishmeal-free diet with yeast extract improves rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth performance and modulates the hepatic and intestinal transcriptomic response. These effects are often observed in the long term but are not well documented after short periods of fasting. Fasting for a few days is a common practice in fish farming, especially before handling the fish, such as for short sorting, tank transfers, and vaccinations. In the present study, rainbow trout were subjected to a 4-day fast and then refed, for 8 days, a conventional diet containing fishmeal (control diet) or alternative diets composed of terrestrial animal by-products supplemented or not with a yeast extract. During the refeeding period alone, most of the parameters considered did not differ significantly in response to the different feeds. Only the expression of claudin-15 was upregulated in fish fed the yeast-supplemented diet compared to the control diet. Conversely, fasting followed by refeeding significantly influenced most of the parameters analyzed. In the proximal intestine, the surface area of villi significantly increased, and the density of goblet cell tended to decrease during refeeding. Although no distinct plasma immune response or major signs of gut inflammation were observed, some genes involved in the structure, complement pathway, antiviral functions, coagulation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress response of the liver and intestine were significantly regulated by refeeding after fasting. These results indicate that short-term fasting, as commonly practiced in fish farming, significantly alters the physiology of the liver and intestine regardless of the composition of the diet.
Movements and habitat use of native and invasive piscivorous fishes in a temperate and channelized lowland river
Authors: Nolan Emma T. , Hindes Andrew M. , Bolland Jonathan D. , Davies Peter , Gutmann Roberts Catherine , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Britton J. Robert
Published: April 2024

Lowland temperate rivers provide important habitats for piscivorous fishes, but with their year-round spatial and temporal habitat use is often poorly understood, including their use of off-channel habitats. Here, the movements and habitat use of the piscivorous native Northern pike Esox lucius and invasive pikeperch Sander lucioperca were investigated using acoustic telemetry in the highly regulated (through impoundment) lower River Severn, Western England over a 12-month period, where off-channel habitat availability was limited to a single boat marina. The movements of both species varied with season and temperature, with both species moving greater distances in spring. Increasing water temperatures up to 15 °C resulted in a higher frequency of movements of both species, but movements then decreased at temperatures higher than this. Northern pike detections in the river increased in periods of lower river discharge and warmer temperatures, with the off-channel refuge providing an important habitat all year round (78% of detections occurred there). While 63% of pikeperch detections also occurred in the marina, 89% of these detections occurred between December and April. These results thus emphasise the importance of this limited off-channel habitat as potential spawning locations for invasive pikeperch and foraging areas for native Northern pike.
Gradient projection method on the sphere, complementarity problems and copositivity
Authors: Ferreira Orizon Pereira , Gao Yingchao , Németh Sándor Zoltán , Rigó Petra Renáta
Published: April 2024

By using a constant step-size, the convergence analysis of the gradient projection method on the sphere is presented for a closed spherically convex set. This algorithm is applied to discuss copositivity of operators with respect to cones. This approach can also be used to analyse solvability of nonlinear cone-complementarity problems. To our best knowledge this is the first numerical method related to the copositivity of operators with respect to the positive semidefinite cone. Numerical results concerning the copositivity of operators are also provided.
When and why consumers prefer human-free behavior tracking products
Authors: Raveendhran Roshni , Fast Nathanael J.
Published: April 2024

Despite disliking behavior tracking for marketing, consumers actively adopt technological behavior tracking products. Our research examines the psychological factors driving this adoption and the conditions under which it occurs. We theorize that consumers prefer technological (versus human-based) tracking, because human-free tracking reduces concerns about negative judgment. However, we propose that this preference is weakened, and even reversed, when immediate judgment concerns are less salient than the need for feedback from relevant humans such as when consumers pursue performance (versus personal) goals. Across four preregistered studies (n = 2,601), we found that consumers generally prefer technological (versus human) tracking due to lower negative judgment concerns (Studies 1 and 2A). Consumers’ gender, goal satisfaction, and self-efficacy influenced this effect (Study 2B). However, preference for technological tracking was reversed when consumers pursued performance goals (e.g., training for a public dance competition) versus personal goals (e.g., training to lose weight) (Study 3).
From port-based teleportation to Frobenius reciprocity theorem: partially reduced irreducible representations and their applications
Authors: Mozrzymas Marek , Horodecki Michał , Studziński Michał
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present the connection of two concepts as induced representation and partially reduced irreducible representations (PRIR) appear in the context of port-based teleportation protocols. Namely, for a given finite group G with arbitrary subgroup H, we consider a particular case of matrix irreducible representations, whose restriction to the subgroup H, as a matrix representation of H, is completely reduced to diagonal block form with an irreducible representation of H in the blocks. The basic properties of such representations are given. Then as an application of this concept, we show that the spectrum of the port-based teleportation operator acting on n systems is connected in a very simple way with the spectrum of the corresponding Jucys–Murphy operator for the symmetric group $$S(n-1)\subset S(n)$$

S
(
n
-
1
)
⊂
S
(
n
)

. This shows on the technical level relation between teleporation and one of the basic objects from the point of view of the representation theory of the symmetric group. This shows a deep connection between the central object describing properties of deterministic PBT schemes and objects appearing naturally in the abstract representation theory of the symmetric group. In particular, we present a new expression for the eigenvalues of the Jucys–Murphy operators based on the irreducible characters of the symmetric group. As an additional but not trivial result, we give also purely matrix proof of the Frobenius reciprocity theorem for characters with explicit construction of the unitary matrix that realizes the reduction in the natural basis of induced representation to the reduced one.
Data-driven discovery of interpretable water retention models for deformable porous media
Authors: Suh Hyoung Suk , Song Jun Young , Kim Yejin , Yu Xiong , Choo Jinhyun
Published: April 2024

The water retention behavior—a critical factor of unsaturated flow in porous media—can be strongly affected by deformation in the solid matrix. However, it remains challenging to model the water retention behavior with explicit consideration of its dependence on deformation. Here, we propose a data-driven approach that can automatically discover an interpretable model describing the water retention behavior of a deformable porous material, which can be as accurate as non-interpretable models obtained by other data-driven approaches. Specifically, we present a divide-and-conquer approach for discovering a mathematical expression that best fits a neural network trained with the data collected from a series of image-based drainage simulations at the pore-scale. We validate the predictive capability of the symbolically regressed counterpart of the trained neural network against unseen pore-scale simulations. Further, through incorporating the discovered symbolic function into a continuum-scale simulation, we showcase the inherent portability of the proposed approach: The discovered water retention model can provide results comparable to those from a hierarchical multi-scale model, while bypassing the need for sub-scale simulations at individual material points.
A review on Bi2WO6-based photocatalysts synthesis, modification, and applications in environmental remediation, life medical, and clean energy
Authors: Mao Wei , Shen Xuewu , Zhang Lixun , Liu Yang , Liu Zehao , Guan Yuntao
Published: April 2024

Photocatalysis has emerged a promising strategy to remedy the current energy and environmental crisis due to its ability to directly convert clean solar energy into chemical energy. Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) has been shown to be an excellent visible light response, a well-defined perovskite crystal structure, and an abundance of oxygen atoms (providing efficient channels for photogenerated carrier transfer) due to their suitable band gap, effective electron migration and separation, making them ideal photocatalysts. It has been extensively applied as photocatalyst in aspects including pollutant removal, carbon dioxide reduction, solar hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis by nitrogen photocatalytic reduction, and cancer therapy. In this review, the fabrication and application of Bi2WO6 in photocatalysis were comprehensively discussed. The photocatalytic properties of Bi2WO6-based materials were significantly enhanced by carbon modification, the construction of heterojunctions, and the atom doping to improve the photogenerated carrier migration rate, the number of surface active sites, and the photoexcitation ability of the composites. In addition, the potential development directions and the existing challenges to improve the photocatalytic performance of Bi2WO6-based materials were discussed.
Adaptation of the modified abbreviated math anxiety scale: its relationship with mathematics self-efficacy and academic buoyancy
Authors: Kul Ümit , Aksu Zeki , Satici Seydi Ahmet
Published: April 2024

Mathematics anxiety (MA) is a widely recognized phenomenon that refers to the negative thoughts, fears, and stress experienced by individuals when working with numbers. It has a severe impact on individuals ranging from elementary school students to college students across various countries. Despite several instruments available for measuring MA, the majority of them are in English. At this time, we first adapted the Modified Abbreviated Math Anxiety Scale (m-AMAS) to the Turkish culture to be used with early adolescent students. The m-AMAS was administered to 224 students (mean age:13.35 years, SD = 0.49, 128 girls) and was found to be a valid and reliable tool for measuring MA. The study also explored the link between MA and math self-efficacy (MSE), academic buoyancy (AB). The findings support the validity of the 9-item, two-dimensional structure of the m-AMAS used in this research, as it was found to be comparable to the original scale tested on British students. Intriguingly, the results of the mediation analysis demonstrated that MA significantly predicted MSE, which in turn significantly predicted AB. Notably, the model unveiled a significant indirect effect between MA and AB, with a partial mediating effect of MSE. However, for a comprehensive understanding of this sequence, future research endeavours, encompassing longitudinal and experimental studies, are imperative.
A psychometric evaluation of Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL 5) in a UK-based sample of allied mental health professionals
Authors: Singh Jasmeet , Karanika-Murray Maria , Baguley Thom , Hudson John
Published: April 2024

The Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL 5; Stamm, 2010) is often used to assess burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion satisfaction in allied mental health professionals in the UK. However, vital empirical evidence assessing psychometric properties of this instrument for this occupational group or in this national context does not exist. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis to validate ProQOL 5 in a sample of 366 UK-based clinical psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists recruited via online purposive sampling. The findings indicated that in alignment with existing research, the original three-factor structure demonstrated poor fit to data. Thus, the structure was investigated further with a novel technique in network psychometrics called bootstrapped exploratory graph analysis (bootEGA). The results indicated that 21 items from the original 30-item ProQOL 5 demonstrated satisfactory levels of item stability, i.e., all items were replicated in more than 80% of bootstrapped samples. The present study is the first to evaluate the internal structure of ProQOL 5 in a sample of mental health professionals based in the UK.
Enhancing Antibacterial and Water-Repellent Properties for the Production of High-Performance Fabrics in Home Textiles
Authors: Omerogullari Basyigit Zeynep , Coskun Hatice
Published: April 2024

In this research, we aimed to enhance the antibacterial activity and water repellency functionalities of single-layer 100% cotton fabrics on both the face and back sides, utilizing conventional methods. Unlike conventional approaches that often rely on lamination or coating techniques to imbue fabric surfaces with distinct properties, our study pursued a cost-effective strategy using traditional textile finishing methods. By integrating double functionality into cotton fabric, we aimed to circumvent the need for additional equipment and high initial costs associated with other techniques. To achieve this, we improved the antibacterial activity of the fabrics through the incorporation of silver ions in the pad-dry process. Simultaneously, water repellency functionality was introduced through a printing application, where the printing paste, devoid of dyestuff, was combined with functional agents and applied using rotary printing to the fabric’s backside. Following these finishing applications, we conducted comprehensive tests encompassing washing durability, antibacterial efficacy, water repellency, mechanical strength, and fastness properties of the multifunctional fabrics. Characterization tests, including Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and scanning electron microscope analyses (SEM-EDX), were performed. The outcome of our study showcased the successful enhancement of double-functional cotton fabric, featuring water repellency and antibacterial efficiency on distinct sides. Furthermore, the results indicated that these functionalities endured up to 20 washing cycles, with fastness and performance tests consistently achieving peak levels.
Finite Element Analysis and Mechanical Assessment for the Constraint of Total Knee Replacement
Authors: Kang Kwan-Su , Jung Tae-Gon
Published: April 2024

The constraint level of TKR is essential for ensuring product performance to prevent knee joint dislocation. Computer modeling and simulation (CM&S) technology is widely used in the medical device industry due to its advantages such as reducing testing time and costs. However, there is a lack of research on the constraint level of TKR according to the size and flexion angle of the femoral component. In this study, the constraint levels of AP draw, ML shear, and rotary laxity were tested according to the size and flexion angle of TKR products using finite element analysis. A TKR model was constructed using a 3D scanner, and a finite element model with mechanical testing and error rates of 2.49% and 3.00% was developed through AP draw testing. In AP draw, as the size of TKR decreases, the constraint level increases by about 3.6%, and rotary laxity also increases by about 1.3%. In all tests, the constraint level increased as the bending angle of the femoral component increased. We found that the curvature and contact area of a TKR influenced the constraint level. Through this study, it is believed that CM&S technolaogy can be widely used in evaluating the unique performance of medical devices.
An integration of the numerical and soft computing approaches for determining inflow control device flow area in water injection wells
Authors: Mostakhdeminhosseini Farshad , Rafiei Yousef
Published: April 2024

To avoid or mitigate the unwanted water and gas content, inflow control devices (ICDs) are designed and installed in the well to disturb the water and gas breakthrough which are trying to overtake the oil inflow, water and gas coning and sand production. Smart wells with permanent downhole valves such as ICDs are used to balance production and injection in wells. A paramount issue regarding using downhole control devices is determining the required cross-sectional area of them for control of the imposed pressure drop across the device to stabilize the fluid flow. Current methods for calculating the opening size of the ICDs are mainly based on sensitivity analysis of the ICD flow area or optimization algorithms coupled with simulation models. Although these approaches are quite effective in oil field cases, they tend to be time-consuming and require demanding system models. This paper presents a fast analytical method to determine the ICD flow area validated by a genetic algorithm (GA). Analytically, a closed-form expression is introduced by manipulating Darcy’s law applicable to multi-layer injection wells with different layer properties to balance the injection profile in the reservoir pay zone, based on equalizing injected front velocity in layers with different permeability. Considering various scenarios of analytical technique, GA optimization, and sensitivity analysis scenarios for ICD cross-sectional area determination, results for oil recovery, water production, water breakthrough time, and net present value (NPV) are discussed and compared. NPV values obtained by both analytical and GA approaches are virtually identical and greater than those of other scenarios. Compared to the base field case, the analytical method improved the oil recovery by almost 1%, reduced water production by almost 91%, and synchronized the water breakthrough time of high- and low-permeability layers (from a ratio of 1.76–1.06). The proposed analytical solution proved to be capable of providing desirable results with only one reservoir simulation run in contrast to GA and sensitivity analysis scenarios which require iterative simulation runs. The proposed analytical solution outperformed the GA as it is less computationally demanding in addition to its success in case of lowering water production for the field data. The findings of this study can help for a better understanding of the situation where water injection into the oil reservoir is problematic as the layers present different permeabilities which can induce problems such as early water breakthrough from the more permeable layer and hinder the success of the water injection process. Using ICDs and a faster and more accurate approach to calculate its cross-sectional area such as the analytical method that was used in this study can greatly increase the success rate of water injection in case of oil recovery and lower the amount of the produced water.
A Novel Approach to Linear and Nonlinear Time-History Analysis of Structures: Gauss–Lobatto–Hermite 4-Point (GLH-4P) Method
Authors: Atasoy Arman , Ghalehjoogh Mehdi Babaei , Demirkapi Abdullah
Published: April 2024

An efficient time integration scheme has been devised for conducting time-history dynamic analysis of single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) structural systems. The developed scheme belongs to Runge-Kuta family. The primary innovation of the new formulation lies in the constructive cooperation between the Hermite interpolation and the Gauss–Lobatto integration, linked to address the second-order ordinary differential equation of motion (DEOM). To put the idea into practice, several Hermite interpolators are generated to exploit the information of the internal points of Gauss-Lobatto integrator. The 4-point Gauss–Lobatto formula is employed to numerically integrate acceleration and velocity functions. This novel methodology has been designated the Gauss–Lobatto–Hermite 4-point (GLH-4P) method. GLH-4P furnishes a generally applicable implicit algorithm for conducting both linear and nonlinear analyses of structures subjected to seismic excitation. The advantage of the proposed algorithm over the conventional techniques is its higher accuracy level. Besides, it offers better stability compared with the conventional methods such as the Newmark-β and Wilson-θ methods. Unlike the other methods, GLH-4P can handle high-frequency systems without reducing the step size. Numerical examples reveal the efficacy of the GLH-4P method when juxtaposed against existing methodologies.
Spontaneous mutations and mutational responses to penicillin treatment in the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae D39
Authors: Jiang Wanyue , Lin Tongtong , Pan Jiao , Rivera Caitlyn E. , Tincher Clayton , Wang Yaohai , Zhang Yu , Gao Xiang , Wang Yan , Tsui Ho-Ching T. , Winkler Malcolm E. , Lynch Michael , Long Hongan
Published: April 2024

Bacteria with functional DNA repair systems are expected to have low mutation rates due to strong natural selection for genomic stability. However, our study of the wild-type Streptococcus pneumoniae D39, a pathogen responsible for many common diseases, revealed a high spontaneous mutation rate of 0.02 per genome per cell division in mutation-accumulation (MA) lines. This rate is orders of magnitude higher than that of other non-mutator bacteria and is characterized by a high mutation bias in the A/T direction. The high mutation rate may have resulted from a reduction in the overall efficiency of selection, conferred by the tiny effective population size in nature. In line with this, S. pneumoniae D39 also exhibited the lowest DNA mismatch-repair (MMR) efficiency among bacteria. Treatment with the antibiotic penicillin did not elevate the mutation rate, as penicillin did not induce DNA damage and S. pneumoniae lacks a stress response pathway. Our findings suggested that the MA results are applicable to within-host scenarios and provide insights into pathogen evolution.
Acquired substance-dependent compulsivity but not general compulsivity predicts increased substance use
Authors: Jones Mallory E. , Verhaeghen Paul
Published: April 2024

Background

Substance misuse among college students is a growing area of concern. Approximately 2 in 5 college students suffer from binge drinking disorder, the consequences of which include sexual misconduct, low grade point average (GPA), injury, and even death. Compulsivity is thought to play a key role in the initiation and maintenance of substance use disorder. We aim to clarify the role of compulsivity by evaluating several key components of this construct including rumination and “letting go.”

Methods

443 undergraduate students participated in an online survey which included measures for substance misuse as well as general measures for compulsivity and a new, adapted measure for substance-dependent compulsivity.

Results

Our findings support our hypothesis that substance-dependent compulsivity, as defined as the drive to consume drugs and/or alcohol specifically, can be used as a behavioral marker to predict substance misuse.

Conclusions

Substance-dependent compulsivity plays a significant role in an unhealthy relationship with substances, including alcohol, above and beyond predisposition for obsessive–compulsive spectrum behavior. Given the age of our study population, it seems then likely that compulsive use of mind-altering substances emerges early in the pathogenesis of substance use disorder.
Review of gypsum reinforced composites as building materials
Authors: Esan Martins Taiwo
Published: April 2024

The utilization of gypsum reinforced composites as building materials has garnered considerable attention owing to their exceptional amalgamation of mechanical strength, fire resistance, and versatile applications. This review initiates by introducing gypsum as a pivotal mineral in construction, subsequently exploring the concept of composite materials and elucidating the synergistic effects achieved through reinforcement. Various reinforcement types, such as fibers, polymers, and particles, are meticulously evaluated for their contributions in augmenting mechanical properties, acoustic and thermal insulation, as well as fire resistance in gypsum composites. The review extensively discusses the mechanical attributes of gypsum composites, focusing on compressive strength and flexural behavior enhancements attained through strategic reinforcement methods. Looking ahead, the review emphasizes ongoing research endeavors dedicated to refining material formulations, exploring cutting-edge technologies, and uncovering innovative applications. By addressing challenges and capitalizing on advantages, these composites stand poised to revolutionize conventional building practices, bolster sustainability, and enhance safety and efficiency in built environments.
Conflicting Claims to East India Company Wealth, 1600-1650
Authors: Schleck Julia
Published: April 2024

Centered on moral critiques of wealth and the unequal distribution of risks and rewards in the lengthy voyages required by the East Indies trade, this book examines the debates surrounding England's earliest global trading ventures. Arguments over the staggering loss of lives and national resources and struggles over control of the new trade in luxuries reveal the forging of rationales justifying the new capitalist inequalities. Yet Company servants traveling abroad to conduct the risky trade resisted this newly coalescing social formation through strategic disobedience to their masters' will, controlling information and promoting ignorance when it served their financial and sexual purposes. Conflicting Claims to East India Company Wealth, 1600-1650 interrogates the forces that shaped England's earliest forays into capitalist imperialism by tracing the battles over corporate control of men's finances, marriages, and bare survival at the dawn of its global trade.
The Cold War in the Himalayas
Authors: Chervin Reed
Published: April 2024

Extensive in scope and drawing on newly available evidence from multinational archives, this book reconsiders Sino-Indian border issues during the middle Cold War using multiple established analytical frameworks. It demonstrates how key countries perceived and engaged with the border conflict by aiding the two main participants morally and materially. Before, during, and after the 1962 Sino-Indian border war, multinational political actors pursued their foreign policy goals (e.g., trade, security, and prestige) concerning the frontier, and often tried to destabilize spheres of influence and bolster alliances. Therefore, this contest signified a variation of the Anglo-Russian Great Game in Asia during the nineteenth century, and the theater of operations encompassed not only the border itself, but also the Himalayan kingdoms, Tibet, and Burma. A reevaluation of the border conflict between India and China is necessary given current, ongoing clashes at their still unresolved border as well as the fact that these two countries now possess enhanced technology and weapons.
Warplane 06
Authors: Braas Nico
Published: April 2024

When the B-58 Hustler bomber entered service in 1958 it was a very futuristic looking delta wing bomber, creating a lot of sensation. Intended as a successor of the B-47 Stratojet it could reach twice the speed of sound.

However, problems occurred during the development process and costs risings went so out of control that the whole project was almost cancelled a few times. Strategic Air Command was initially against ordering the B-58 for service, not only because of its complexity but also since they saw no advantage of a Mach 2 bomber over other types. Despite this the B-58 entered service at S.A.C. in 1960. It would have a relatively short operational career.
The importance of pharmacist engagement in diagnostic stewardship
Authors: Claeys Kimberly C. , Morgan Daniel J. , Johnson Melissa D.
Published: April 2024

Diagnostic stewardship is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool to improve patient safety. Given the close relationship between diagnostic testing and antimicrobial misuse, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) pharmacists should be key members of the diagnostic team. Pharmacists practicing in AMS already frequently engage with clinicians to improve the diagnostic process and have many skills needed for the implementation of diagnostic stewardship initiatives. As diagnostic stewardship becomes more broadly used, all infectious disease clinicians, including pharmacists, must collaborate to optimize patient care.