bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of starch formation and gene expression during grain filling and its possible influence on grain quality
Authors: Durbha Sanjeeva Rao , Siromani N. , Jaldhani V. , Krishnakanth T. , Thuraga Vishnukiran , Neeraja C. N. , Subrahmanyam D. , Sundaram R. M.
Published: March 2024

In rice, grain filling is a crucial stage where asynchronous filling of the pollinated spikelet’s of the panicle occurs. It can influence both grain quality and yield. In rice grain, starch is the dominant component and contains amylose and amylopectin. Amylose content is the chief cooking quality parameter, however, rice varieties having similar amylose content varied in other parameters. Hence, in this study, a set of varieties varying in yield (04) and another set (12) of varieties that are similar in amylose content with variation in gel consistency and alkali spreading value were used. Panicles were collected at various intervals and analysed for individual grain weight and quantities of amylose and amylopectin. Gas exchange parameters were measured in varieties varying in yield. Upper branches of the panicles were collected from rice varieties having similar amylose content and were subjected to gene expression analysis with fourteen gene specific primers of starch synthesis. Results indicate that grain filling was initiated simultaneously in multiple branches. Amylose and amylopectin quantities increased with the increase in individual grain weight. However, the pattern of regression lines of amylose and amylopectin percentages with increase in individual grain weight varied among the varieties. Gas exchange parameters like photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 and transpiration rate decreased with the increase in grain filling period in both good and poor yielding varieties. However, they decreased more in poor yielders. Expression of fourteen genes varied among the varieties and absence of SBE2b can be responsible for medium or soft gel consistency.
Bile acid metabolites enhance expression of cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide in airway epithelium through activation of the TGR5-ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Myszor Iwona T. , Lapka Kornelia , Hermannsson Kristjan , Rekha Rokeya Sultana , Bergman Peter , Gudmundsson Gudmundur Hrafn
Published: March 2024

Signals for the maintenance of epithelial homeostasis are provided in part by commensal bacteria metabolites, that promote tissue homeostasis in the gut and remote organs as microbiota metabolites enter the bloodstream. In our study, we investigated the effects of bile acid metabolites, 3-oxolithocholic acid (3-oxoLCA), alloisolithocholic acid (AILCA) and isolithocholic acid (ILCA) produced from lithocholic acid (LCA) by microbiota, on the regulation of innate immune responses connected to the expression of host defense peptide cathelicidin in lung epithelial cells. The bile acid metabolites enhanced expression of cathelicidin at low concentrations in human bronchial epithelial cell line BCi-NS1.1 and primary bronchial/tracheal cells (HBEpC), indicating physiological relevance for modulation of innate immunity in airway epithelium by bile acid metabolites. Our study concentrated on deciphering signaling pathways regulating expression of human cathelicidin, revealing that LCA and 3-oxoLCA activate the surface G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (TGR5, Takeda-G-protein-receptor-5)—extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) cascade, rather than the nuclear receptors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, farnesoid X receptor and vitamin D3 receptor in bronchial epithelium. Overall, our study provides new insights into the modulation of innate immune responses by microbiota bile acid metabolites in the gut-lung axis, highlighting the differences in epithelial responses between different tissues.
Effect of laser beam incidence angle on weld formation mechanism and corrosion resistance of T2 copper/304 stainless steel
Authors: Wang Yubo , Liu Wei , Cui Heng , Lu Guipeng
Published: March 2024

Over the last 20 years, industry interest in copper has increased. Its application in the petrochemical, automotive, and nuclear power industries highlights the need for new research directions especially in the joining of copper to other metals. In this work, lap joint of 304 stainless steel and T2 copper precoated with Cu–Mn–Ni filler metal was performed by laser brazing. The aim of this study is to characterize the influence of laser beam incidence angle on the welded joint forming mode, microstructure, elements diffusion and corrosion resistance. According to the findings, the joint is classified as a welded joint when the laser beam incidence angle is 80°, and as a welded-brazed joint when it’s 90°, 70°, or 60°. The microstructure is mainly composed of Cu-rich and Fe-rich phases, Mn in the Cu-rich phase aggregation and Cr in the Fe-rich phase aggregation. In the fusion zone (FZ) the content of less than 50% of the liquid will be in the form of supersaturated droplets in the matrix of the other side. The local corrosion pair that the copper steel matrix and liquid drop produce in the FZ speeds up the dissolution of the Cu-rich phase, which effected corrosion resistance of the joint.
Advanced liver fibrosis is associated with decreased gait speed in older patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Fudeyasu Kenichi , Ushio Kai , Nomura Takuo , Kawae Toshihiro , Iwaki Daisuke , Nakashima Yuki , Nagao Akiko , Hiramatsu Akira , Murakami Eisuke , Oka Shiro , Mikami Yukio
Published: March 2024

This study investigated whether the progression of liver fibrosis affects the prevalence of sarcopenia and incidence of decreased gait speed in older patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Patients with CLD aged ≥ 60 years were classified into low, intermediate, and high fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) index groups according to the degree of liver fibrosis. The prevalence of sarcopenia and incidence of decreased gait speed (< 1.0 m/s) were compared among the three groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate factors affecting the risk of decreased gait speed. No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of sarcopenia among the three groups, but the incidence of decreased gait speed significantly differed (p = 0.029). When analyzed individually, a significant difference in decreased gait speed incidence was observed between the high and low FIB-4 index groups (p = 0.014). In logistic regression analysis, the progression of liver fibrosis (odds ratio: 1.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–1.55) and lower extremity muscle strength (LEMS) (odds ratio: 0.92, 95% confidence interval: 0.88–0.97) were significantly associated with decreased gait speed. As liver fibrosis progresses in older patients with CLD, it becomes important to focus on not only skeletal muscle mass and grip strength, but also gait speed and LEMS.
Language prediction in monolingual and bilingual speakers: an EEG study
Authors: Momenian Mohammad , Vaghefi Mahsa , Sadeghi Hamidreza , Momtazi Saeedeh , Meyer Lars
Published: March 2024

Prediction of upcoming words is thought to be crucial for language comprehension. Here, we are asking whether bilingualism entails changes to the electrophysiological substrates of prediction. Prior findings leave it open whether monolingual and bilingual speakers predict upcoming words to the same extent and in the same manner. We address this issue with a naturalistic approach, employing an information-theoretic metric, surprisal, to predict and contrast the N400 brain potential in monolingual and bilingual speakers. We recruited 18 Iranian Azeri-Persian bilingual speakers and 22 Persian monolingual speakers. Subjects listened to a story in Persian while their electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded. Bayesian item-level analysis was used. While in monolingual speakers N400 was sensitive to information-theoretic properties of both the current and previous words, in bilingual speakers N400 reflected the properties of the previous word only. Our findings show evidence for a processing delay in bilingual speakers which is consistent with prior research.
Liver resection volume-dependent pancreatic strain following living donor hepatectomy
Authors: Wakiya Taiichi , Sakuma Yasunaru , Onishi Yasuharu , Sanada Yukihiro , Okada Noriki , Hirata Yuta , Horiuchi Toshio , Omameuda Takahiko , Takadera Kiichiro , Sata Naohiro
Published: March 2024

The liver and pancreas work together to recover homeostasis after hepatectomy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of liver resection volume on the pancreas. We collected clinical data from 336 living liver donors. They were categorized into left lateral sectionectomy (LLS), left lobectomy, and right lobectomy (RL) groups. Serum pancreatic enzymes were compared among the groups. Serum amylase values peaked on postoperative day (POD) 1. Though they quickly returned to preoperative levels on POD 3, 46% of cases showed abnormal values on POD 7 in the RL group. Serum lipase levels were highest at POD 7. Lipase values increased 5.7-fold on POD 7 in the RL group and 82% of cases showed abnormal values. The RL group’s lipase was twice that of the LLS group. A negative correlation existed between the remnant liver volume and amylase (r = − 0.326)/lipase (r = − 0.367) on POD 7. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between POD 7 serum bilirubin and amylase (r = 0.379)/lipase (r = 0.381) levels, indicating cooccurrence with liver and pancreatic strain. Pancreatic strain due to hepatectomy occurs in a resection/remnant liver volume-dependent manner. It would be beneficial to closely monitor pancreatic function in patients undergoing a major hepatectomy.
Quality reporting of randomized controlled trials on SGLT2 inhibitors for heart failure: a comprehensive assessment
Authors: Yang YueGuang , Yang ShunWen , Han YuBo , Zou GuoLiang , Wang RuiNan , Liu Li
Published: March 2024

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) provide clinicians with the best evidence of the effectiveness of an intervention, and complete and transparent trial reports help to critically assess and use trial results. The objective of our study was to assess the quality of reporting in RCTs of sodium-glucose co-transporter protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors for heart failure (HF) and identify factors associated with improved reporting quality. Two researchers conducted a comprehensive search in four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane). The quality of each report was assessed using a 25-point Overall Quality Score (OQS) based on the guidelines provided in the 2010 Consolidated Standards for Reporting of Trials (CONSORT) statement. We included a total of 58 relevant RCTs. The median OQS in the 2010 CONSORT statement was 15 (range 7.5–24). The missing items were primarily found in the 'Methods' and 'Results' sections of the 2010 CONSORT statement. Multivariate regression modeling revealed that a more recent publication year, high impact factor, and large sample size were significant predictors of OQS improvement. The findings suggest that the overall quality of reported RCTs of SGLT2 inhibitors in HF is unsatisfactory, which reduces their potential usefulness.
Technical considerations for cost-effective transposon directed insertion-site sequencing (TraDIS)
Authors: Kyono Yasuhiro , Tolwinski Madeline , Flowers Stephanie A.
Published: March 2024

Transposon directed insertion-site sequencing (TraDIS), a variant of transposon insertion sequencing commonly known as Tn-Seq, is a high-throughput assay that defines essential bacterial genes across diverse growth conditions. However, the variability between laboratory environments often requires laborious, time-consuming modifications to its protocol. In this technical study, we aimed to refine the protocol by identifying key parameters that can impact the complexity of mutant libraries. Firstly, we discovered that adjusting electroporation parameters including transposome concentration, transposome assembly conditions, and cell densities can significantly improve the recovery of viable mutants for different Escherichia coli strains. Secondly, we found that post-electroporation conditions, such as recovery time and the use of different mediums for selecting mutants may also impact the complexity of viable mutants in the library. Finally, we developed a simplified sequencing library preparation workflow based on a Nextera-TruSeq hybrid design where ~ 80% of sequenced reads correspond to transposon-DNA junctions. The technical improvements presented in our study aim to streamline TraDIS protocols, making this powerful technique more accessible for a wider scientific audience.
Research progress of flexible pressure sensor based on MXene materials
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Xie Feihu , Yan Yangyang , Lu Hanjing , Cheng Ji , Liu Xiaoran , Li Jinghua
Published: March 2024

This manuscript summarizes the preparations and potential applications of MXene-associated technology and provides a comprehensive review of the recent development of high-performance flexible pressure sensors based on MXenes materials.
Physiochemical machine learning models predict operational lifetimes of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dunlap-Shohl Wiley A. , Meng Yuhuan , Sunkari Preetham P. , Beck David A. C. , Meilă Marina , Hillhouse Hugh W.
Published: March 2024

First machine learning predictions of perovskite solar cell service lifetimes.
Li-argyrodite solid-state electrolytes with lithium compatibility and air stability for all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Wang Daoxi , Shi Haiting , Cui Wenhui , Li Hao , Niu Jiarong , Wang Shuo , Xu Zhiwei
Published: March 2024

The novel Li-argyrodite solid-state electrolyte Li6.05P0.95Zr0.05S4.9O0.1Cl prepared via ZrO2 doping further obtains excellent lithium-metal compatibility and air stability while maintaining high ionic conductivity.
Boosting the charge for the selective photoelectrochemical oxidation of hydroquinone in hazardous environments using a fine-tuned heterojunction catalyst
Authors: Abdelkader Mohamed G. , Atta Nada F. , Galal Ahmed
Published: March 2024

A heterojunction semiconductor PEC is used to boost the charge for HQ oxidation and H2O2 formation under visible light. The composite is successfully employed for the sensitive and selective determination of HQ in different environments.
Sodium ion pre-intercalation regulates the electron density and structural stability of vanadium oxide nanowires for Ca–ion batteries
Authors: Feng Huajie , Wang Yize , Qiu Wenda , Liu Zixi , Tao Yaping , Lu Xihong
Published: March 2024

Benefiting from the abundant resource, low cost, and high operating potential, calcium–ion batteries (CIBs) have attracted great attention as emerging energy storage devices over lithium-based systems.
Tailoring two magic number Au13 nanoclusters with N-containing diphosphine ligands: a classical icosahedral core vs. an unprecedented UFO- shaped core
Authors: Liu Jing , Liu Jia-Chuan , Wang Hai-Ling , Liao Pei-Yu , Jia Jian-Hua , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: March 2024

Two magic number Au13 nanoclusters were tailored using two N-containing multidentate phosphine ligands with a classical icosahedral core and an unprecedented “UFO”-shaped polyhedral core, respectively.
Dual active pyrimidine-based carbocyclic nucleoside derivatives: synthesis, and in silico and in vitro anti-diabetic and anti-microbial studies
Authors: Mallidi Kalyani , Gundla Rambabu , Makam Parameshwar , Katari Naresh Kumar , Jonnalagadda Sreekantha Babu
Published: March 2024

New pyrimidine-based carbocylic nucleoside derivatives with C-4 substitution for inhibiting α-glucosidase as a means of alleviating the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) and microbial infections.
Revealing the high efficiency of fluorescence quenching of rhodamine B by triangular silver nanodisks due to the inner filter effect mechanism
Authors: Trang Tran Thu , Pham Thi Thu Ha , Dang Nguyen Van , Nga Pham Thi , Linh Mac Van , Vu Xuan Hoa
Published: March 2024

Performing effective fluorescence quenching based on a metal nanomaterial is essential to construct fluorescence sensors.
Lignocellulosic biomass-based materials: a promising resource for viable energy storage
Authors: Islam Md. Merajul
Published: March 2024

The focus and driving force behind the advancement of energy storage devices is the demand for the development of electrochemical energy storage systems using abundant, renewable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective materials.
Chemical fabrication and synergistic mechanism of N-doped carbon modified with FeP as catalysts for flexible rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Wu Xianli , Zhou Ting , Han Guosheng , Liu Shuling , Cao Mengmeng , Li Shuqi , Wang Jiawen , Liu Yanyan , Jiang Jianchun , Wang Yongfeng , Li Baojun
Published: March 2024

A 3D porous N-doping Paulownia-derived carbon modified with FeP nanoparticles (FeP@NPW) was used as an air cathode for flexible rechargeable Zn–air batteries. The flexible rechargeable ZAB based on FeP@NPW exhibits outstanding cycle stability and durability.
Crystal reconstruction and defect healing enabled high-quality Sb2Se3 films for solar cell applications
Authors: Zhao Qi , Che Bo , Wang Haolin , Peng Xiaoqi , Yang Junjie , Tang Rongfeng , Zhu Changfei , Chen Tao
Published: March 2024

A post-sulfurization technique has been developed to refine Sb2Se3 crystallization. This process enables high-quality Sb2Se3 with a smooth surface, large compact crystal grains and benign [hkl] growth orientation. It also mitigates the device VOC deficit, owing to the healed deep level defects.
Exploring Motor Speech Disorders in Low and Minimally Verbal Autistic Individuals: An Auditory-Perceptual Analysis
Authors: Maffei Marc F. , Chenausky Karen V. , Haenssler Abigail , Abbiati Claudia , Tager-Flusberg Helen , Green Jordan R.
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

Motor deficits are widely documented among autistic individuals, and speech characteristics consistent with a motor speech disorder have been reported in prior literature. We conducted an auditory-perceptual analysis of speech production skills in low and minimally verbal autistic individuals as a step toward clarifying the nature of speech production impairments in this population and the potential link between oromotor functioning and language development.

Method:

Fifty-four low or minimally verbal autistic individuals aged 4–18 years were video-recorded performing nonspeech oromotor tasks and producing phonemes, syllables, and words in imitation. Three trained speech-language pathologists provided auditory perceptual ratings of 11 speech features reflecting speech subsystem performance and overall speech production ability. The presence, attributes, and severity of signs of oromotor dysfunction were analyzed, as were relative performance on nonspeech and speech tasks and correlations between perceptual speech features and language skills.

Results and Conclusions:

Our findings provide evidence of a motor speech disorder in this population, characterized by perceptual speech features including reduced intelligibility, decreased consonant and vowel precision, and impairments of speech coordination and consistency. Speech deficits were more associated with articulation than with other speech subsystems. Speech production was more impaired than nonspeech oromotor abilities in a subgroup of the sample. Oromotor deficits were significantly associated with expressive and receptive language skills. Findings are interpreted in the context of known characteristics of the pediatric motor speech disorders childhood apraxia of speech and childhood dysarthria. These results, if replicated in future studies, have significant potential to improve the early detection of language impairments, inform the development of speech and language interventions, and aid in the identification of neurobiological mechanisms influencing communication development.
Eisen bei der Behandlung der renalen Anämie
Authors: Rosenberger Christian
Published: March 2024

Dextranfreies parenterales Eisen (Fe) ist sicher und wirksam. Es erhöht auch ohne Erythropoese stimulierende Agenzien (ESA) das Bluthämoglobin (Hb) und verbessert die Lebensqualität. Parenterales Fe reduziert Hospitalisierungen wegen Herzinsuffizienz bei Patienten mit linksventrikulärer Ejektionsfraktion (LVEF) von < 50 % und normalem Hb sowie bei Hämodialysepatienten. Bei Patienten mit eingeschränkter Nierenfunktion (CKD) und/oder Herzfunktion sind die Laborparameter für den Fe-Haushalt nur wenig valide und der Ausschluss eines Eisenmangels ist oft nur durch eine probatorische Fe-Gabe zu leisten. Fe-Mangel führt zu Thrombophilie. Unter ESA-Therapie wird Fe verbraucht. Orale Fe-Präparate haben eine geringe Bioverfügbarkeit, die bei CKD-Patienten weiter sinkt. Stabilisatoren des Hypoxie induzierbaren Faktors (HIF) transaktivieren eine Reihe von Genen, die die Fe-Resorption und -Verwertung verbessern. Große, randomisiert-kontrollierte Studien (RCTs) mit HIF-Stabilisatoren an CKD-Patienten unter überwiegend oralem Fe erbrachten jedoch keinen Vorteil in Bezug auf harte Endpunkte.
FGF19 Promotes the Proliferation and Insulin Secretion from Human
Pancreatic β Cells Via the IRS1/GLUT4 Pathway
Authors: Zeng Ting , Tang Xi , Bai Xiaosu , Xiong Haiyan
Published: March 2024

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a commonly observed
complication associated with obesity. The effect of fibroblast growth factor 19
(FGF19), a promising therapeutic agent for metabolic disorders, on pancreatic β
cells in obesity-associated T2DM remains poorly understood.

Methods Human pancreatic β cells were cultured with high glucose (HG) and
palmitic acid (PA), followed by treatment with FGF19. The cell proliferation,
apoptosis, and insulin secretion were evaluated by CCK-8, qRT-PCR, ELISA, flow
cytometry, and western blotting. The expression of the insulin receptor
substrate (IRS)/glucose transporter (GLUT) pathway was evaluated. The
interaction between FGF19 and IRS1 was predicted using the STRING database and
verified by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. The regulatory
effects of the IRS1/GLUT4 pathway on human pancreatic β cells were assessed by
overexpressing IRS1 and silencing IRS1 and GLUT4.

Results HG+PA treatment reduced the human pancreatic β cell proliferation
and insulin secretion and promoted cell apoptosis. However, FGF19 treatment
restored these alterations and significantly increased the expressions of IRS1,
GLUT1, and GLUT4 in the IRS/GLUT pathway. Furthermore, FGF19 and IRS1 were found
to interact. IRS1 overexpression partially promoted the proliferation of
pancreatic β cells and insulin secretion through GLUT4. Additionally, the
silencing of IRS1 or GLUT4 attenuated the therapeutic effects of FGF19.

Conclusion In conclusion, FGF19 partly promoted the proliferation and
insulin secretion of human pancreatic β cells and inhibited apoptosis by
upregulating the IRS1/GLUT4 pathway. These findings establish a theoretical
framework for the clinical utilization of FGF19 in the treatment of
obesity-associated T2DM.
Gesundheitsförderung bei Menschen mit psychischen
Erkrankungen
Authors: Hiltensperger Ramona , Buck Muriel , Kersting Xenia , Lukas Ursula , Mannhardt Sonja , Piske Ulrike , Prestin Elke , Müller-Stierlin Annabel S.
Published: March 2024

Psychiatrische Fachgesellschaften fordern, ernährungsbezogene Probleme in der
Versorgung von Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen zu adressieren. Betroffene
sowie Vertreter verschiedener Berufsgruppen aus Deutschland, Österreich und der
Schweiz versuchen seit 2021, diese Empfehlungen in einem partizipativen und
evidenzbasierten Ansatz im ESSENzPSYCHE-Netzwerk umzusetzen.
Finanzlage deutscher Krankenhäuser 2024
Authors: Schaffert Rainer
Published: March 2024

Die finanzielle Situation deutscher Kliniken spitzt sich immer weiter zu. Rund die Hälfte der Häuser muss
voraussichtlich Personal abbauen, bis zu 10 Prozent werden um Standortschließungen nicht herumkommen.
Lesen Sie in unserem Schwerpunkt mehr über die Hintergründe und mögliche Lösungsansätze für die
Kliniken.
Mudanças na flacidez do joelho com esteroides sexuais durante as fases do ciclo menstrual em mulheres atletas e não atletas
Authors: Dehghan Firouzeh , Soori Rahman , Yusof Ashril
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Nosso estudo investigou alterações na lassidão do joelho em atletas e não atletas do sexo feminino e a relação entre a lassidão do joelho e esteroides sexuais nas fases do ciclo menstrual.

Métodos: Quarenta e seis mulheres saudáveis, vinte e quatro atletas e vinte e duas não atletas, sem uso de pílulas anticoncepcionais hormonais, sem lesões anteriores no joelho e com ciclos menstruais regulares por 3 meses consecutivos, participaram do estudo. A lassidão medial e lateral do joelho foi determinada por testes de varo-valgo nas fases folicular, ovulatória e lútea. Os níveis séricos de relaxina, estrógeno, progesterona e testosterona foram determinados por ensaio imunoenzi mático (ELISA) e radioimunoensaio.

Resultados: A lassidão do joelho em atletas e não atletas em 0° e 20° de flexão foi maior na fase lútea; as não atletas apresentavam maior lassidão do que as atletas. Houve uma correlação positiva entre os níveis de progesterona e relaxina e a lassidão do joelho. Além disso, os níveis desses dois hormônios foram maiores na fase lútea.

Conclusão: O aumento da lassidão medial e lateral do joelho em atletas e não atletas, associado a altos níveis séricos de progesterona e relaxina na fase lútea, pode contribuir para o aumento do risco de lesão sem contato no joelho. No entanto, a menor lassidão do joelho em atletas do que em não atletas sugere que o exercício pode ser um fator protetor.
Tradução e adaptação transcultural do questionário SOSG-OQ 2.0 para o português brasileiro
Authors: Batista Matheus , Pokorny Gabriel , Bitencourt Júnior Carlos Augusto Belchior , Bento Marcella de Almeida , Soeira Thabata Pasquini , Herrero Carlos Fernando Pereira da Silva
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Realizar a adaptação transcultural e a tradução para o português brasileiro da versão 2.0 do Questionário de Desfechos do Spine Oncology Study Group (Spine Oncology Study Group – Outcomes Questionnaire 2.0, SOSG-OQ 2.0, em inglês) para viabilizar sua aplicação em pacientes brasileiros e permitir a utilização deste questionário que está em voga na literatura científica por pesquisadores brasileiros.

Materiais e Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa básica, não randomizada, não comparativa. As etapas de tradução foram realizadas conforme propostas por Reichenheime e Moraes, principalmente as sessões de equivalência semântica e equivalência de mensuração, e também foram seguidas as recomendações de Coster e Mancini, principalmente na etapa de tradução. As etapas foram as seguintes: primeira – tradução do questionário para o português brasileiro; segunda – retroversão; terceira – comparação semântica; e quarta – validação final do constructo.

Resultados: As traduções do SOSG-OQ 2.0 feitas por três tradutores apresentaram grande similaridade na maioria das questões. Todos os títulos e subtítulos de perguntas foram mantidos pelos tradutores, assim como as ordens interna e externa das perguntas. A retroversão da tradução conciliada foi realizada por dois tradutores juramentados, com fluência nativa na língua inglesa. Ambas as retroversões foram bastante similares, as divergências foram sanadas por consenso entre o autor principal e os tradutores juramentados, e a versão traduzida foi considerada a versão final.

Conclusão: Neste estudo, apresenta-se uma versão traduzida do SOSG-OQ 2.0 que tem validade semântica com a versão original publicada em inglês, o que permite a sua aplicação na população brasileira, e acrescenta mais uma ferramenta para que os cirurgiões de coluna possam acompanhar de forma melhor este complexo grupo de pacientes.
Comparação de características sociodemográficas e radiográficas no tratamento de fratura de rádio distal: Cirurgiões de mão versus não especialistas
Authors: Veiga Rafael Bulyk , Hobi Renê , Marot Ricardo Pereira , Schuroff Gustavo Zeni , Sobania Roberto Luiz , Kuhn Ivan Killing , Faccioni Ana Lucia Campos
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Avaliar as características sociodemográficas e radiográficas dos pacientes com fratura de rádio distal tratados em um hospital de trauma no sul do Brasil, comparando os casos tratados pelos especialistas em cirurgia da mão (grupo 1) com aqueles tratados por não especialistas (grupo 2).

Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva realizada com 200 pacientes, no ano de 2020. Por meio da revisão de prontuários e radiografias, analisaram-se: idade, sexo, mecanismo de trauma, lateralidade, presença de comorbidades e fraturas associadas, classificação da fratura (AO), altura radial, inclinação radial e, inclinação volar. Comparou-se os dois grupos por meio do teste t de Student, qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher.

Resultados: A maioria era de pacientes do sexo feminino (54%), traumas de baixa energia (58%) e lateralidade esquerda (53%). O grupo 1 apresentou média de idade menor (50,2 anos), traumas de alta energia (54%), e fraturas tipo C (73%), enquanto no grupo 2 fraturas tipo A prevaleceram (72%). As radiografias apresentaram diferença significativa quanto à média de valores de inclinação radial (21,5° no grupo 1 e 16,5° no grupo 2 [p < 0,001] nas mulheres e, 21,3° no grupo 1 e 17° no grupo 2 [p < 0,001] nos homens) e inclinação volar (10,1° e 12,8° no grupo 1 e 2, respectivamente [p < 0,001]), bem como no número absoluto de casos que reestabeleceram os parâmetros anatômicos nas três variáveis avaliadas, sendo todos melhores no grupo 1.

Conclusão: Os cirurgiões de mão trataram as fraturas mais graves e apresentaram os melhores resultados radiográficos.
Utilidade do teste de Phalen e do sinal de Tinel no prognóstico e o impacto na qualidade de vida de pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo submetidos a liberação aberta clássica do túnel do carpo*
Authors: Pimentel Isabelle Spirandelli , Pimentel Victor Spirandelli , Faloppa Flavio , Belloti João Carlos , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara , Pimentel Benedito Felipe Rabay
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Avaliar a utilidade do teste de Phalen e do sinal de Tinel no prognóstico e o impacto na qualidade de vida no curso clínico de pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico por via aberta clássica.

Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte sobre prognóstico. Foram incluídos 115 pacientes com alta probabilidade de diagnóstico clínico de síndrome do túnel do carpo com indicação de tratamento cirúrgico. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao teste de Phalen e ao sinal de Tinel, e responderam ao questionário de Boston antes e depois do tratamento cirúrgico.

Resultados: As estimativas de probabilidade do tempo até a remissão do teste de Phalen em 2, 4 e 16 semanas pós-operatórias foram de 3,54% (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]:1,16%–8,17%), 0,88% (IC95%: 0,08%–4,38%) e 0,88% (IC95%: 0,08%–4,38%), respectivamente, e, do sinal de Tinel, foram de 12,39% (IC95%: 7,13%–19,18%), 4,42% (IC95%: 1,65%–9,36%) e 2,65% (IC95%: 0,70%–6,94%), respectivamente. Na pontuação pós-operatória no Questionário de Boston, houve redução de 1,8 ponto para a gravidade dos sintomas (p < 0,001), e de 1,6 ponto para o estado funcional (p < 0,001).

Conclusão: A remissão do teste de Phalen foi mais precoce do que a do sinal de Tinel, mas, realizados a partir da segunda semana de evolução pós-operatória, esses testes foram fatores prognósticos favoráveis ao curso clínico, com melhora da qualidade de vida.
Metodologia para planejamento pré-operatório de deformidades ósseas utilizando software de modelagem tridimensional
Authors: Filho Cláudio Wanderley Luz Saab , Pontes Mariana Demétrio de Sousa , Ramos Carlos Henrique , Cunha Luiz Antonio Munhoz da
Published: March 2024

Observa-se o avanço da tecnologia de prototipagem rápida, conhecida como impressão tridimensional (3D) e seu uso na área médica. Existem estudos a respeito do tratamento de deformidades ósseas graves com impressão 3D, os quais mostram benefícios no resultado pós-operatório às custas do uso da tecnologia em questão. Ainda assim, nota-se a escassez quando o assunto é disponibilizar ao cirurgião orientações para planejamento pré-operatório. O objetivo desta nota técnica é descrever um passo-a-passo prático para auxiliar cirurgiões a utilizarem a tecnologia como ferramenta para otimizar o plano terapêutico, dispondo de um programa de licença gratuita e de interface intuitiva. Este é um estudo que visa a organização do processo de modelagem 3D, no qual foi utilizado um exame de tomografia computadorizada (TC) pré-operatória. Com esta tecnologia, é possível uma compreensão mais profunda do caso e suas particularidades como direção, planos e dimensões das deformidades. Acredita-se que um planejamento que leve em consideração tais tópicos gera redução do tempo cirúrgico e melhores resultados funcionais devido ao entendimento da deformidade e maneiras de correção. Associar o planejamento via software com a impressão 3D pode potencializar ainda mais na elaboração do método terapêutico.
Bank’s strategic interaction, adverse price dynamics and systemic liquidity risk
Authors: Krüger Ulrich , Roling Christoph , Silbermann Leonid , Wong Lui-Hsian
Published: March 2024

When a widespread funding shock hits the banking system, banks may engage in strategic behaviour to deal with funding shortages by a pre-emptive disposal of assets. Alternatively, they may adopt a more cautious strategy to mitigate price reactions, thereby distributing the assets sales into smaller portions over time. We model banks’ optimal behaviour using standard optimisation techniques and show that an equilibrium always exits in a stylised setting. A numerical analysis to approximate the equilibrium supplements the theoretical part. The implementation delivers two liquidity measures for the German banking system: the Systemic Liquidity Buffer and the Systemic Liquidity Shortfall. These measures are more informative about systemic liquidity risk than regulatory liquidity measures, such as the LCR, because they model adverse, nonlinear price dynamics in a more realistic way. Our approach is applied to different stress scenarios.
Synchronous tunable picosecond surface emitting lasers by optical gain-switching
Authors: Uyehara Elise , Ram Rajeev J. , Burgner Christopher , Jayaraman Vijay
Published: March 2024

Generation of sub-100 ps pulses tunable over 48 nm is demonstrated by optically gain-switching a MEMS-vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). A minimum pulse width of 61 ps and a maximum, unamplified peak power of 28 mW are demonstrated. The polarization stability of the VCSELs allows amplification with a polarization-dependent semiconductor optical amplifier, resulting in pulse compression to 57 ps with a peak power of 932 mW. The low threshold power (average <1 mW) enables simultaneous pumping of multiple lasers for the generation of synchronized, independently tunable picosecond pulses.
Ultrasonic propagation characteristics of partial discharge in oil-impregnated paper traction transformer
Authors: Mu Guowei , Dai Quanmin , Chai Shuying , Yang Peng
Published: March 2024

Partial Discharges (PDs) are a significant factor in reducing the insulation life of traction transformers. In recent years, the Acoustic Emission (AE) method has become the most advanced method for detecting PD signals in transformers. The AE method utilizes AE sensors placed on the transformer tank to detect ultrasonic signals emitted by PD and determine the Time Of Arrival (TOA) of the head wave. The windings and cores of a traction transformer consist mainly of metal, which greatly affects the propagation of PD ultrasonic waves. This paper establishes a 110 kV “pressure acoustic, transient” physical field model of the traction transformer with dimensions of 4.63 × 1.48 × 2.84 m3. The model is used to carry out the PD pressure acoustic physical field simulation study of the traction transformer, to clarify the physical characteristics of the ultrasound of the PD defects, and to establish observation points on the transformer tanks to receive ultrasonic time-domain waveforms for PD detection. The simulation results indicate that PD ultrasonic waves exhibit complex propagation characteristics, including reflection, refraction, and reverberation, as they pass through the windings and cores to the observation points. The TOA of the head wave in the ultrasound time-domain waveform is indicated by the first maximum value of the wave crest line. Finally, this paper proposes a multi-level localization method based on the AE method to determine which winding generates the PD in the large-scale traction transformer using only four dynamically moving observation points.
Research on the surface characteristics of 42CrMo alloy steel pulse electrochemical machining
Authors: Chen Dongliang , Liu Zhiqi , Zhang Zhiqiang , Wang Wen’an , Li Lin , Song Jianli
Published: March 2024

Electrochemical processing, due to its unique material removal mechanism compared to mechanical processing, often results in significantly different micro-morphologies. It is widely used in areas such as aerospace component processing, surface finishing, passivation, micro-structure mold processing, etc. The complexity of alloy steel composition makes uniform etching difficult to achieve, and the post-etch micro-morphology is also complex, making it challenging to describe and analyze. Therefore, it is difficult to analyze the surface morphology of electrochemical etching under different parameters. In this study, a self-developed electrochemical etching device with adjustable DC voltage, pulse width voltage, and pulse width positive and negative voltage output was used. Different parameters of pulse voltage were used to etch the surface of 42CrMo alloy steel. Due to the strong relationship between surface roughness parameters and the chosen measurement scale, as well as the surface morphology and waviness errors introduced by specimen preparation and etching processes, a wavelet filtering method was used to remove the low frequency components in the surface morphology, and only the surface roughness part was retained for fractal parameter calculation and analysis. The research showed that fractal analysis can also be applied to analyze the surface morphology after electrochemical etching. Pulse voltages with characteristic voltages, characteristic pulse frequencies, and duty ratios can achieve better surface quality during positive pulse etching. Positive and negative pulse etching can obtain better surface morphology than positive pulse etching, but the etching amount is lower, making it suitable for precision finishing.
Legitimizing the interventions recommended in “European Research Area Policy Agenda 2022–2024”
Authors: Molek-Kozakowska Katarzyna
Published: March 2024

The EU Directorate General for Research and Innovation’s “European Research Area Policy Agenda: Overview of Actions for the Period 2022–2024” outlines twenty actions to boost research excellence, investment and reform, coordination and support, or green and digital transformation of the academia, in an attempt to create a truly common “European knowledge market.” Filled with strategic planning jargon, the policy specifies the recommended interventions for years to come and with billions of Euros of funding to follow. Using a qualitative critical discourse approach, this study explores policy-making from a linguistic perspective to capture the characteristics of current EU R&I discourse. Language choices have a constitutive role in policy papers due to the discursive capacity for legitimization and subsequent persuasion. The analysis focuses on the persuasive presuppositions induced by certain lexico-grammatical choices, including evaluative and rhetorical devices, and shows how the ERA policy fosters acceptance of a European vision of R&I values.
Li-doped transition metal high-entropy oxides (Li/TM-HEOs) as Li-Ion batteries cathodes: a first report on capacity fading and cycling stability
Authors: Spiridigliozzi Luca , Di Feo Andrea Filippo , Accardo Grazia , Gonzalez Mendizabal Uxue , Di Bona Emanuele , Dell’Agli Gianfranco
Published: March 2024

High-Entropy Oxides (HEOs) have gained significant attention for their wide range of compositions and potential applications across various sectors, including rechargeable batteries. This study explores the characterization of two distinct HEO systems as potential cathode materials for Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A series of rock salt structured HEOs with varying Li loadings (16Li/RS-HEO, 25Li/RS-HEO, 33Li/RS-HEO, and 41Li/RS-HEO) and a spinel-structured HEO with 16 mol% of Li loading (16Li/SP-HEO) were firstly synthesized through co-precipitation. Electrochemical analyses via cyclic voltammetry revealed stark differences in the behavior of these structures. The Li/SP-HEO sample displayed broad and strongly irreversible hysteresis cycles, while the Li/RS-HEO series manifested thin, narrow hysteresis cycles with single oxidation peaks between 0.5 V and 0.7 V. As the lithium content increases in the RS-HEO system, the cycling stability of the cell decreases, most likely due to the reduced ratio of transition metal cations to lithium ions. Although there was a noticeable decrease in capacity under higher current rates, the higher lithium loadings positively impact the cell capacity, albeit with notable capacity fading under higher current rates. Li-doped rock salt structured high entropy materials show potential for LIB cathodes in terms of high specific capacities; the observed stability issues at medium and high current densities indicate a rapid electrode degradation.
Effects of vacuum magnetic field region on the compact torus trajectory in a tokamak plasma
Authors: DONG 董 Qilong 期龙 , ZHANG 张 Jie 洁 , LAN 兰 Tao 涛 , XIAO 肖 Chijin 持进 , ZHUANG 庄 Ge 革 , CHEN 陈 Chen 晨 , ZHOU 周 Yongkang 永康 , WU 吴 Jie 捷 , LONG 龙 Ting 婷 , NIE 聂 Lin 林 , LU 卢 Pengcheng 鹏程 , WANG 王 Tianxiong 天雄 , WU 邬 Jiaren 佳仁 , DENG 邓 Peng 鹏 , WANG 汪 Xingkang 兴康 , BAI 柏 Zeqi 泽琪 , HUANG 黄 Yuhua 玉华 , LI 李 Jie 杰 , XUE 薛 Lei 雷 , YOLBARSOP 阿迪 Adil 力江 , MAO 毛 Wenzhe 文哲 , ZHOU 周 Chu 楚 , LIU 刘 Adi 阿娣 , WU 吴 Zhengwei 征威 , XIE 谢 Jinlin 锦林 , DING 丁 Weixing 卫星 , LIU 刘 Wandong 万东 , CHEN 陈 Wei 伟 , ZHONG 钟 Wulyu 武律 , XU 许 Min 敏 , DUAN 段 Xuru 旭如
Published: March 2024

The trajectory of the compact torus (CT) within a tokamak discharge is crucial to fueling. In this study, we developed a penetration model with a vacuum magnetic field region to accurately determine CT trajectories in tokamak discharges. This model was used to calculate the trajectory and penetration parameters of CT injections by applying both perpendicular and tangential injection schemes in both HL-2A and ITER tokamaks. For perpendicular injection along the tokamak’s major radius direction from the outboard, CTs with the same injection parameters exhibited a 0.08 reduction in relative penetration depth when injected into HL-2A and a 0.13 reduction when injected into ITER geometry when considering the vacuum magnetic field region compared with cases where this region was not considered. In addition, we proposed an optimization method for determining the CT’s initial injection velocity to accurately calculate the initial injection velocity of CTs for central fueling in tokamaks. Furthermore, this paper discusses schemes for the tangential injection of CT into tokamak discharges. The optimal injection angle and CT magnetic moment direction for injection into both HL-2A and ITER were determined through numerical simulations. Finally, the kinetic energy loss occurring when the CT penetrated the vacuum magnetic field region in ITER was reduced by

by optimizing the injection angle for the CT injected into ITER. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing injection angles in fusion experiments. Our model closely represents actual experimental scenarios and can assist the design of CT parameters.
Duality and doubles
Authors: Martinsen Deborah
Published: March 2024

This chapter explains the concept of duality and doubles introduced in Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky’s early novella The Double (Dvoinik). For Dostoevsky, duality was a source of creative intensity expressing, through simple binaries, the multiplicity and complexity of being. Dostoevsky’s distinctive literary mastery features repetition as a narrative strategy highlighting a character’s social exclusion, geographical marginalization, and psychological disintegration. The Double is a drama of identity enacted in Petersburg, reflecting the city’s cultural and historical myths of duality, as a context for the novella’s themes of exposure, doubling, and deception. Dostoevsky’s lifelong, influential exploration of the moral dimensions of human duality began with The Double.
Freedom and polyphony
Authors: Martinsen Deborah
Published: March 2024

This chapter explores the notions of freedom and polyphony depicted in Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground and The Brothers Karamazov, and pervading his other literary works. Dostoevsky used dialogue to unveil a character’s monologism, which serves as a warning about the dangers of abstract theory. Additionally, Dostoevsky illustrates freedom and lack of freedom by contrasting unconscious dreams and daydreams, or conscious fantasies. The chapter details the contrast between unconscious and conscious dreams to illustrate the difference between the freedom of the unconscious and the strictures of theory. Monologic constructs create prisons with no way out, but dialogue offers choice and the freedom to exercise it.
Aesthetics and ethics
Authors: Martinsen Deborah
Published: March 2024

This chapter examines Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky's aesthetics and ethics as featured in his works The Idiot and Demons. Dostoevsky was raised in the Russian Orthodox tradition, whose emphasis on beauty can be seen in its liturgy and iconography, both of which emphasize Christ’s resurrection. The pairing of ethics and aesthetics infuses Dostoevsky’s treatment of visual imagery and ekphrasis in his fiction. Dostoevsky’s novel The Idiot powerfully dramatizes the fraught relationship between the beautiful and the good, while Demons highlights the beauty and places it in the context of an intergenerational struggle between fathers and children.
Laboratory characterization of the pediatric B/T subtype of mixed-phenotype acute leukemia: Report of a case series
Authors: Demina Irina , Mikhailova Ekaterina , Zerkalenkova Elena , Semchenkova Alexandra , Roumiantseva Julia , Borkovskaya Alexandra , Matveev Evgeny , Abramov Dmitry , Konovalov Dmitry , Miakova Natalia , Ponomareva Natalia , Belkina Julia , Kondratchik Konstantin , Olshanskaya Yulia , Novichkova Galina , Karachunskiy Alexander , Popov Alexander
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Mixed-phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a rare disease associated with difficulties in the correct lineage assignment of leukemic cells. One of the least common subtypes within this category is characterized by the simultaneous presence of B- and T-lineage–defining antigens. Each case of suspected B/T MPAL should be considered in light of all available laboratory and clinical data to avoid misdiagnosis.

Methods

In this study, we describe 6 pediatric patients who presented with leukemic blasts bearing B- and T-lineage antigens at diagnosis, including their clinical, immunophenotypic, morphologic, and cytogenetic characteristics.

Results

In 3 patients, more or less distinct populations of B- and T-lymphoid origin were found; the other 3 patients had a single mixed-phenotype blast population. All cases fulfilled the World Health Organization criteria, but not all of them turned out to be bona fide cases of B/T MPAL according to the available clinical and laboratory data. Found genetic lesions were helpful for the confirmation of MPAL instead of 2 concomitant tumors, but for a general B/T MPAL diagnosis, genetic studies provided the only descriptive data.

Conclusions

The accurate diagnosis of B/T MPAL requires a multidisciplinary approach combining high-tech laboratory methods and close cooperation between treating physicians and pathologists.