bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Particulate matter increases Cutibacterium acnes-induced inflammation in human epidermal keratinocytes via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Noh Hyun Ha , Shin Sun Hye , Roh Yoon Jin , Moon Nam Ju , Seo Seong Jun , Park Kui Young
Published: August 2022

Recent studies have demonstrated that particulate matter (PM) can induce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses that are related to the development or exacerbation of several inflammatory dermatoses. However, the effect of PM on acne vulgaris has yet to be determined. In this study, we induced acne-like inflammation in HEKn cells with several concentrations ofCutibacterium acnes (C.acnes)andStaphylococcus aureuspeptidoglycan (PGN) to investigate whether PM exposure exacerbates acne-like inflammation and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. To confirm whether PM increases the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression inC.acnes-or PGN-treated HEKn cells, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and western blot assays. The results demonstrated thatC.acnes, PGN, and PM induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in a time- and dose-dependent manner at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Moreover, PM further increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, COX2, TLR4, and the phosphorylation of NF-κB inC.acnes-and PGN-treated HEKn cells. In conclusion, our results suggest that PM may exacerbate acne symptoms by increasing the inflammatory response.
Compressed fluorescence lifetime imaging via combined TV-based and deep priors
Authors: Ji Chao , Wang Xing , He Kai , Xue Yanhua , Li Yahui , Xin Liwei , Zhao Wei , Tian Jinshou , Sheng Liang
Published: August 2022

Compressed fluorescence lifetime imaging (Compressed-FLIM) is a novel Snapshot compressive imaging (SCI) method for single-shot widefield FLIM. This approach has the advantages of high temporal resolution and deep frame sequences, allowing for the analysis of FLIM signals that follow complex decay models. However, the precision of Compressed-FLIM is limited by reconstruction algorithms. To improve the reconstruction accuracy of Compressed-FLIM in dealing with large-scale FLIM problem, we developed a more effective combined prior model 3DTGp V_net, based on the Plug and Play (PnP) framework. Extensive numerical simulations indicate the proposed method eliminates reconstruction artifacts caused by the Deep denoiser networks. Moreover, it improves the reconstructed accuracy by around 4dB (peak signal-to-noise ratio; PSNR) over the state-of-the-art TV+FFDNet in test data sets. We conducted the single-shot FLIM experiment with different Rhodamine reagents and the results show that in practice, the proposed algorithm has promising reconstruction performance and more negligible lifetime bias.
Long-distance trade in the Middle Chalcolithic of the southern Levant: The case of the olivine beads from Tel Tsaf, Jordan Valley, Israel
Authors: Rosenberg Danny , Elkayam Yael , Garfinkel Yossi , Klimscha Florian , Vučković Vesna , Weiss Yaakov
Published: August 2022

Eight olivine beads found at the Middle Chalcolithic site of Tel Tsaf (ca. 5,200–4,700 cal. BC), Jordan Valley, Israel, underscore a new facet of interregional exchange for this period. The current paper presents the olivine beads assemblage, its morphometric and technological characteristics, and chemical composition. The results of the chemical analysis suggest that all eight beads derive from the same source. By means of comparison with the chemical characteristics of known olivine sources, we argue for a northeastern African–western Arabian provenience and cautiously suggest Ethiopia as a probable origin. Finally, we discuss the significance of the assemblage, its possible origin, and the mechanisms that may have brought the beads to the site.
Interaction-based Mendelian randomization with measured and unmeasured gene-by-covariate interactions
Authors: Spiller Wes , Hartwig Fernando Pires , Sanderson Eleanor , Davey Smith George , Bowden Jack
Published: August 2022

Studies leveraging gene-environment (GxE) interactions within Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses have prompted the emergence of two similar methodologies: MR-GxE and MR-GENIUS. Such methods are attractive in allowing for pleiotropic bias to be corrected when using individual instruments. Specifically, MR-GxE requires an interaction to be explicitly identified, while MR-GENIUS does not. We critically examine the assumptions of MR-GxE and MR-GENIUS in the absence of a pre-defined covariate, and propose sensitivity analyses to evaluate their performance. Finally, we explore the effect of body mass index (BMI) upon systolic blood pressure (SBP) using data from the UK Biobank, finding evidence of a positive effect of BMI on SBP. We find both approaches share similar assumptions, though differences between the approaches lend themselves to differing research settings. Where a suitable gene-by-covariate interaction is observed MR-GxE can produce unbiased causal effect estimates. MR-GENIUS can circumvent the need to identify interactions, but as a consequence relies on either the MR-GxE assumptions holding globally, or additional information with respect to the distribution of pleiotropic effects in the absence of an explicitly defined interaction covariate.
Osteoporotic hip fracture—Comorbidities and factors associated with in-hospital mortality in the elderly: A nine-year cohort study in Brazil
Authors: Peterle Viviane Cristina Uliana , Novaes Maria Rita Carvalho Garbi , Junior Paulo Emiliano Bezerra , Júnior João Carlos Geber , Magalhães Cavalcante Rodrigo Tinôco , da Silva Junior Jurandi Barrozo , Portela Ray Costa , de Paula Ana Patricia
Published: August 2022

Introduction

The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with the causes of in-hospital morbidity and mortality in an elderly Brazilian population due to osteoporotic hip fractures.

Method

Retrospective cohort study involving a population over 60 years of age admitted to hospital due to osteoporotic hip fractures and followed up from hospitalization to outcome (discharge or mortality) from 2010 to 2018, in a public hospital in Brasília, the capital of Brazil. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Poisson regression model with a robust variance, observing the hierarchical model proposed and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to obtain the cutoff point for mortality incidence in relation the total length of hospital stay. Significance level was set as p < 0.05. The analyses were conducted using the SAS 9.4 software.

Result

The mean hospital mortality rate among the 402 patients involved was 18.4%, and the associations made with the outcome mortality were per relevance: respiratory infection, age over 90 years, high preoperative cardiovascular risk, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as comorbidity, serum hemoglobin level ≤ 10 and other infections. Mortality also showed association with longer total length of hospital stay, as well as with prolonged postoperative period.

Conclusion

Hip fractures in the elderly due to osteoporosis indicate a relationship between the sicker profile of the aging elderly population and the prevalence of chronic diseases strongly associated with in-hospital infections, contributing to increased mortality. There were fewer early interventions, and mortality was also associated with prolonged postoperative period. The aim of this study was not to compare independent variables with each other, but suggests the relationship between the presence of comorbidities, which predisposes to the development of infections, directly linked to mortality.
Finding Mycenaeans in Minoan Crete? Isotope and DNA analysis of human mobility in Bronze Age Crete
Authors: Richards Michael , Smith Colin , Nehlich Olaf , Grimes Vaughan , Weston Darlene , Mittnik Alissa , Krause Johannes , Dobney Keith , Tzedakis Yannis , Martlew Holley
Published: August 2022

We undertook a large-scale study of Neolithic and Bronze Age human mobility on Crete using biomolecular methods (isotope analysis, DNA), with a particular focus on sites dating to the Late Bronze Age (‘Late Minoan’) period. We measured the strontium and sulphur isotope values of animal remains from archaeological sites around the island of Crete to determine the local baseline values. We then measured the strontium and sulphur values of humans from Late Neolithic and Bronze Age sites. Our results indicate that most of the humans have sulphur and strontium isotope values consistent with being local to Crete, showing no evidence for a wide-scale movement of people from the Greek mainland or other areas away from Crete in these time periods. However, we found four individuals from the late Bronze Age (Late Minoan III) cemetery of Armenoi with sulphur isotope values not typically found in Crete and are instead consistent with an origin elsewhere. This cemetery at Armenoi also has one of only a few examples of the newly adopted Mycenaean Linear B script on Crete found outside of the palace sites, pointing to an influence (trade and possible migration) from the mainland, which may then be the place of origin of these four individuals. DNA (mtDNA) studies of eight Late Bronze Age individuals from Armenoi have results consistent with people living in Aegean region at this time and cannot be used to distinguish between individuals from Crete (‘Minoans’) and the Greek mainland [‘Mycenaeans’]).
An exploratory study of problematic shopping and problematic video gaming in adolescents
Authors: Greenberg Norman R. , Zhai Zu Wei , Hoff Rani A. , Krishnan-Sarin Suchitra , Potenza Marc N.
Published: August 2022

Problematic video gaming (PVG) and problematic shopping (PS) are addictive behaviors prevalent in adolescents, characterized by positive and negative reinforcement, and associated with psychosocial impairment. This study examined how PS and PVG relate in adolescents. It also examined how PS interacts with PVG in relation to health/functioning measures. Survey data from 3,657 Connecticut high-school students were evaluated. Chi-square analyses and logistic regression models were used to assess relationships between PS and measures of PVG. Interaction analyses measured effects of PS on relationships between PVG and health/functioning measures. Relative to adolescents without PS, those with PS had 8.79-fold higher odds of exhibiting PVG and were more likely to endorse gaming to relieve anxiety and impairment due to gaming. Interaction analyses revealed that in adolescents with PS, the relationships between PVG and aggressive behaviors, including fighting, serious fighting leading to physical injury, and weapon-carrying, were stronger than in adolescents without PS. PS strongly relates to PVG, and among youth reporting PS, there are stronger associations between PVG and aggressive behaviors. Prevention efforts for adolescents should consider the co-occurrence of PS and PVG. PS and PVG may be linked by negative reinforcement and propensities for aggressive and addictive behaviors, suggesting that further research should explore possible interventions targeting stress management and maladaptive coping.
Spatial and temporal variation of heat islands in the main urban area of Zhengzhou under the two-way influence of urbanization and urban forestry
Authors: Yang Yarong , Song Fan , Ma Jie , Wei Zheng , Song Lili , Cao Wei
Published: August 2022

Urban heat islands are major factors hindering the quality of present-day urban habitats. The ongoing acceleration of the worldwide urbanization process is leading to an exacerbation of the urban heat island effect; however, urban forestry can mitigate it. For a sustainable urban development, it is particularly important to evaluate the dual effect of both factors on the urban heat island phenomenon. In this study, we focused on Zhengzhou City (China), at the center of the Central Plains Forest City Cluster. The spatial and temporal evolutions of the local urban heat island and vegetation coverage were measured from Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 remote sensing images taken between 2006–2020 and the effects of urban construction and urban forestry on the urban heat island effect were evaluated. The results showed that, in the past 15 years, the high-temperature zone in the urban area of Zhengzhou City has gradually spread from its center to surrounding areas. Within the same period, the whole urban heat island has deteriorated and gradually improved: its area increased by 138.72 km2 between 2006–2014 and decreased by 135.66 km2 between 2014–2020. Notably, the development of vegetation coverage occurred consistently with the improvement of the heat island. A quantitative analysis of the relationship between urban construction, the urban forest, and the urban heat island has shown that factors like population density (representing urban construction), urban planning, and vegetation cover (representing the urban forest) all have an impact on the urban heat island. Based on the dynamic changes of the urban heat island in the urban area of Zhengzhou City between 2006–2020, we conclude that urban forest construction strategies are beginning to bear fruit. Overall, the findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for future urban construction and urban forest construction plans; moreover, they can support landscape pattern optimization and urban heat island mitigation.
Factor structure of the diabetes knowledge questionnaire and the assessment of the knowledge of risk factors, causes, complications, and management of diabetes mellitus: A national population-based study in Singapore
Authors: Roystonn Kumarasan , AshaRani P. V. , Siva Kumar Fiona Devi , Wang Peizhi , Abdin Edimansyah , Sum Chee Fang , Lee Eng Sing , Chong Siow Ann , Subramaniam Mythily
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated the knowledge of diabetes mellitus and predictors of the level of diabetes knowledge among the general public of Singapore. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used to evaluate the fit of different factor models for the diabetes knowledge questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions were performed to determine the sociodemographic characteristics associated with diabetes knowledge. The final factor model identified three domains for diabetes knowledge: general knowledge, diabetes specific knowledge and causes of diabetes, and complications of untreated diabetes. Overall knowledge scores were 23.8 ± 2.4 for general diabetes knowledge, 2.3 ± 0.8 for diabetes specific knowledge, 2.3 ± 1.2 for causes, and 5.2 ± 1.2 for complications of untreated diabetes. Patients with diabetes were more knowledgeable than adults without diabetes in the population. While the general public in Singapore has adequate knowledge of diabetes, misconceptions were identified in both groups which underscores the need to tailor specific educational initiatives to reduce these diabetes knowledge gaps.
Optimal dose of lactoferrin reduces the resilience of in vitro Staphylococcus aureus colonies
Authors: Hussan Jagir R. , Irwin Stuart G. , Mathews Brya , Swift Simon , Williams Dustin L. , Cornish Jillian
Published: August 2022

The rise in antibiotic resistance has stimulated research into adjuvants that can improve the efficacy of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Lactoferrin is a candidate adjuvant; it is a multifunctional iron-binding protein with antimicrobial properties. It is known to show dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus through iron sequestration and repression of β–lactamase expression. However, S. aureus can extract iron from lactoferrin through siderophores for their growth, which confounds the resolution of lactoferrin’s method of action. We measured the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for a range of lactoferrin/ β–lactam antibiotic dose combinations and observed that at low doses (< 0.39 μM), lactoferrin contributes to increased S. aureus growth, but at higher doses (> 6.25 μM), iron-depleted native lactoferrin reduced bacterial growth and reduced the MIC of the β-lactam-antibiotic cefazolin. This differential behaviour points to a bacterial population response to the lactoferrin/ β–lactam dose combination. Here, with the aid of a mathematical model, we show that lactoferrin stratifies the bacterial population, and the resulting population heterogeneity is at the basis of the dose dependent response seen. Further, lactoferrin disables a sub-population from β-lactam-induced production of β-lactamase, which when sufficiently large reduces the population’s ability to recover after being treated by an antibiotic. Our analysis shows that an optimal dose of lactoferrin acts as a suitable adjuvant to eliminate S. aureus colonies using β-lactams, but sub-inhibitory doses of lactoferrin reduces the efficacy of β-lactams.
Influence of synthesis on composite/laminated starch-gelatine based biopolymer film properties
Authors: Šuput Danijela , Popović Senka , Ugarković Jovana , Hromiš Nevena
Published: August 2022

Biopolymer films have an increasing share in the packaging material sector due to a number of advantages: availability, cheapness, easy processing, degradability, etc. On the other hand, numerous methods have been developed to optimize their unfavorable properties (weaker mechanical characteristics, hydrophilicity, etc.). This paper examines the influence of the synthesis method on starch-gelatin films properties. The starch-gelatin film was synthesized in a ratio 1:1 as a composite film (C). The second sample was obtained by gelatin film lamination on starch film (L). Plain starch film was used as a control (0). Mechanical, structural and physico-chemical properties of importance for the application of packaging materials were tested on the obtained samples. All the obtained biopolymer films were transparent and easy to handle. FTIR spectroscopy identified all characteristic groups and bonds formed in composite and laminated films. The results showed a significant contribution of gelatin in the developed biopolymer films compared to the control sample. Gelatin incorporated as a film component or as a separate layer improved mechanical properties and water solubility. Slight differences were observed between composite and laminated films because the effect of the method of added gelatin is minimal compared to the sample without the addition of gelatin.
Designing an Excel VBA function to recognize more important irrational numbers
Authors: Fabulya Zoltán
Published: August 2022

Calculations typically performed on a calculator or computer show the result as a decimal fraction if it is not an integer. It would be easier to interpret the result if a value could be expressed with integers and operations, such as the root subtraction operation. This article shows how this can be done with a developed algorithm in Microsoft Excel, which recognizes the most famous irrational numbers and displays them in text form together with the character of the operation sign. For example, “5√3/2” is given for 4.330127019. It is also useful to display irrational numbers with integers because only an infinite number of decimal places in a decimal fraction could show the exact value, and that is not possible. So, the developed algorithm can display a more interpretable and accurate form of the irrational number. In addition to the results that can be written as square roots, the algorithm is capable of displaying irrational numbers that can be expressed as the number Pi, using the π character. The Excel algorithm which was implemented in Visual Basic for Applications shows all rational numbers as the quotient of two integers that are relative primes.
Soft Robotics
Authors: Mészáros Attila , Sárosi József
Published: August 2022

Widely used robot systems have a rigid base structure that limits the interaction with their environment. Due to the inflexible attachment points, conventional robotic structures can only manipulate objects with their special gripping system. It can be difficult for these systems to grasp objects with different shapes, handle complex surfaces or navigating in a heavily crowded environment. Many of the species observed in nature, like octopuses are able to perform complex sequences of movements using their soft-structured limbs, which are made up entirely of muscle and connective tissue. Researchers have been inspired to design and build robots based on these soft biological systems. Thanks to the soft structure and high degree of freedom, these soft robots can be used for tasks that would be extremely difficult to perform with traditional robot manipulators. This article discusses the capabilities and usability of soft robots, reviews the state of the art, and outlines the challenges in designing, modelling, manufacturing, and controlling.
La atención a las diversidades y la equidad en las políticas educativas de la Comunidad de Madrid
Authors: García Medina Raúl , Penna Tosso Melani , Sánchez Sáinz Mercedes
Published: August 2022

Se presenta en este artículo, derivado del proyecto de investigación, “Nuevas Políticas Educativas y su Impacto en la Equidad: Gestión de las Escuelas y Desarrollo Profesional Docente (PGC2018-095238-B-100),” un análisis de los documentos normativos que regulan la atención educativa a las diversidades en la Comunidad de Madrid, para ponerlo en contraste con la interpretación que algunos de los agentes educativos principales hacen de dicha legislación y su aplicación en relación con la equidad educativa. Se adoptó una metodología cualitativa que permitiera la producción de datos descriptivos, estructurando el estudio en tres fases diferentes: análisis documental de la normativa de esta comunidad sobre atención a las diversidades, entrevistas en profundidad a profesionales de la educación y triangulación de los resultados obtenidos en las dos fases anteriores. Se tomó como referencia la concepción de equidad educativa propuesta en la Ley Orgánica para la mejora de la calidad educativa pues se trataba del marco legislativo vigente. El análisis normativo desveló que el principio de equidad educativa pierde su universalidad –aunque admitida en la citada Ley Orgánica-, para asociarse de manera simplificadora a la excepcionalidad, al déficit y, en general, a las necesidades educativas especiales, sin un análisis mínimo de las condiciones de discriminación y desigualdad con la que estos colectivos acceden al sistema educativo y que podrían perpetuarse, anulando el efecto de cualquier medida de apoyo educativo. Los datos recogidos en las entrevistas revelaron que el modelo de atención a la diversidad parece incidir negativamente en la equidad educativa, lo que estaría en sintonía con la escasa precisión y coherencia con la que se contempla el principio de equidad en los documentos legislativos de la Comunidad de Madrid.
The other side of the tracks: How academic streaming impacts student relationships
Authors: Maharaj Sachin , Zareey Sana
Published: August 2022

While the inequitable academic impacts of curricular tracking are well understood, less attention has been paid to its social impacts. Utilizing focus groups and in-depth interviews with students and parents in a low-income neighbourhood in Toronto, Canada, this paper uses social identity theory to explore how tracking impacts the nature of relationships between students in different tracks. Findings include that tracking contributed to widening social divides between students, working to replicate and reinforce social stratification, with negative consequences falling most heavily on those assigned to lower tracks. Students formed friendships primarily with same-track peers, while negative stereotyping and bullying across tracks was common. Tracking also increased racial divisions, which led to geographic segregation and schools becoming a racially divided space.
Dynamics of Mortality and Life Expectancy of the Population of the Regions of the Far East of Russia: 2013–2021
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Naiden Svetlana
Published: August 2022

The article discusses the current trends in demographic development in the Far Eastern Federal District in the period 2013–2021, which, on the one hand, is characterized by the implementation of a large-scale package of state economic and social policy measures in relation to the accelerated development of the macroregion, and, on the other hand, includes a two-year period restrictive measures in connection with the spread of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). On the basis of statistical information, the parameters reflecting the natural movement of the population (birth and death rates) are analyzed, and the relative mortality rates for the main causes in the context of the subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District are analyzed in more detail. As part of the study, it was found that a high level of mortality continues to persist in the macroregion, especially due to diseases of the circulatory system, digestion, and respiration, including against the background of the spread of COVID-19, as well as under the influence of external causes, significantly outstripping the average indicators for certain territories around the country. It is shown that the combination of negative consequences of increased mortality contributes to a decrease in life expectancy of the population, both in the Far East as a whole and in each of the subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District, which during the study period in this indicator never reached the average Russian level. Taking into account the existing negative trends in the natural movement of the population of the macroregion, exacerbated by the external shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the low probability of achieving the target indicators stated in the official strategic documents on the demographic development of the Far East is substantiated
Item Analysis, Reliability Estimates, Percentile Ranks and Stanine Scores Among University Students in Ghana
Authors: Yeboah Abraham , Gyamfi Abraham , Wintson Dominic Kaku , Prempeh Akosua Dwomoh
Published: August 2022

The objective of the study was to perform item analysis on a forty (40) multiple choice test items among students of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. The study further sought to estimate the reliability of the results and compute the percentile ranks and stanine scores.  The results showed that, regarding the two statistics; difficulty (P) and discrimination (D) indices, it was observed that twelve (12) items functioned properly. Five items, although were easy, discriminated well. Nine (9) items were either easy or difficult and had low discrimination indices. It was found that nine (9) items had acceptable difficulty level but did not discriminate well. The results revealed that two (2) items had negative discrimination indices and two items were too easy and did not discriminate. The estimate of reliability; Spearman Brown prophecy (rxy) and Cronbach alpha (α) were found to be 0.63 and 0.78 respectively. It was found that examinees with scores of 33 had 99% of the norm group performing below them whiles examinees with scores of 26 had 70% of the norm group falling below them. Examinees with scores of 32 and 33 were found to be in stanine nine, those with scores of 23 to 24 were in stanine five whilst examinees with scores of 4 to 16 were in stanine one. Test results are essential for the determination of learner’s future endeavours. It is recommended that test item developers (teachers) in schools, colleges and universities adhere to principles of test construction, administration and interpretation so as to enhance dependability of learners’ test results.
In search of lost space
Authors: Rojas Plata Daniel , Castro Sánchez Noé Alejandro
Published: August 2022

This paper analyzes the semantics of the French and Spanish prepositions en from the point of view of diachrony. We focus on the spatial variation of their usage in both languages. Our methodological approach is based on a corpus analysis. We draw on comparable ancient texts and analyze some semantic categories that are fundamental for the spatial description. Our results reveal a fairly active evolution of prepositions with increases and decreases of usage where we did not expect them.
Viscoelastic behavior of glass fiber reinforced rubber-modified epoxy
Authors: Al-Azzawi Adnan Abbass
Published: August 2022

Epoxies as a thermoset polymer have got a great attention in different applications. To elaborate their employing and surmount their brittleness, many polymers were blended with them. The results confirm that the good mechanical properties are obtained when 6wt% of Polysulfide Rubber (PSR) is blended with epoxy and reinforced with fiber glass. The effect of rubber and glass fiber on the viscoelastic properties of epoxy were investigated using creep-recovery data under different stress levels (5, 10, 15 and 20 MPa) and temperatures (30, 50, 70 and 90°C). Polysulfide addition caused larger creep and creep recovery. In addition, the creep resistance of glass fiber reinforced blend was significantly enhanced.
Bilingual processing of verbal and constructional information in English dative constructions: effects of cross-linguistic influence
Authors: Kim Hyunwoo , Chen Yunchuan , Liu Xueyan
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the role of cross-linguistic influence in L2 learners’ integration of a verb and a construction during online English sentence processing. In a self-paced reading task, L1-English speakers and Chinese-L1 learners of English read the English double-object and prepositional dative constructions with verbs whose Chinese translation equivalents are either compatible or incompatible with each dative form. When including only a subset of trials for which participants provided expected translations for the target sentences (i.e., translating the English prepositional dative construction into a Chinese prepositional dative sentence and translating the English double-object construction into a Chinese double-object sentence), the effect of cross-linguistic influence emerged only in a certain type of verbs. When including all trials in the analysis, we found the effect of cross-linguistic influence for all verb types. These results provide some evidence that the cross-linguistic activation of verbs can influence verb-construction integration in L2 processing. The study highlights how bilingual co-activation of verbs extends beyond the lexical and structural levels to influence the integration of multiple sources of information.
Corrosion inhibition of hydrazine on carbon steel in water solutions with different pH adjusted by ammonia
Authors: Yu Huaqiang , Ge Honghua , Zhang Jialin , Li Ji , Liu Jiaman , Zhao Yuzeng
Published: August 2022

The ammonia-hydrazine shutdown protection method is widely used in thermal power plants in China because of its good protective performance. However, the toxicity and safety of hydrazine have restricted its use in many power plants, and it is necessary to improve the shutdown protection techniques. In this paper, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization curves were used to study the effect of hydrazine in water solutions of different pH values, adjusted with ammonia on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel. It was found that in the water solution without hydrazine, the corrosion resistance of a carbon steel electrode increased with raising the pH. When the pH value of water increased to 10.5, the impedance value of the carbon steel increased significantly, the corrosion current density decreased from 26.06 μA·cm−2 at pH 10.0 to 2.36 μA·cm−2, and the steel surface was passivated. Hydrazine had different effects on the electrochemical corrosion behavior of carbon steel in water solutions with various pH. When the pH of water was not higher than 10.0, hydrazine had a good corrosion inhibition effect on carbon steel. When the pH of water was not lower than 10.5, the addition of hydrazine inhibited the passivation of carbon steel and promoted the corrosion. The adsorption and substitutional oxidation of hydrazine in the anode region of carbon steel surface should be the reasons for the above phenomenon.
Preparation and performance of retention and drainage aid made of cationic spherical polyelectrolyte brushes
Authors: Su Na
Published: August 2022

Spherical polymer brushes were synthesized by grafting acrylamide from the surface of γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy-silane-modified SiO2 nanoparticles. Then, cationic spherical polyacrylamide (CSPAM) brushes were obtained by a manniched polyacrylamide (PAM). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and gel permeation chromatography were introduced to analyze the structure, morphology, and molecular weight of CSPAM, respectively. The effects of pH and the dosage of CSPAM on the flocculation of fine pulp and precipitated calcium carbonate were studied. Furthermore, the optimal drainage performance could be achieved when the beating degree (°SR) decreased by about 14.42% with the dosage of CSPAM of 2 mg·g−1. The retention effect of CSPAM revealed that the highest first-pass retention was 71.1% when the dosage of CSPAM was 3.5 mg·g−1. In addition, the mechanism of retention and drainage of CSPAM was discussed.
Evaluating wettability of vessels in poplar by Micro-CT imaging
Authors: Huang Saisai , Gao Xin , Zhou Fan , Zhou Yongdong
Published: August 2022

The wettability of wood affects some natural phenomena and applications in industry, such as the ascent of sap in the plant stem, wood drying, and impregnation processes for wood modification. Wettability is generally evaluated by measuring the contact angle using techniques such as the sessile drop method and the Wilhelmy method. However, these methods are not applicable to phenomena at the micro-scale such as liquid transport in hardwood vessels. In this study, micro-CT was used to measure the contact angle of liquid in a single wood vessel directly at the submicron scale. The wettability of a wood vessel was analyzed using contact angles of distilled water and diiodomethane. Conventional contact angles of the wood surface were measured using a fixed drop technique. The average contact angle in a vessel determined by the direct CT observation was significantly smaller than that on the wood surface measured by the sessile drop technique. This discrepancy is attributable to the higher total surface energy of the vessel compared to the free energy of a flat surface. The difference in surface energy is due to different chemical composition distributions in various cell wall layers, roughness and surface topography between the wood surface and vessels, and moisture state.
First-principles calculations to investigate switching from semiconducting to metallic with enhanced mechanical and optoelectronic properties of CsPbCl3 under pressure
Authors: Hossain Khandaker Monower
Published: August 2022

Lead-free halide perovskites have received increasing attention from the research community due to their various applications in scientific and engineering disciplines. The semiconducting perovskite halide CsPbCl3 is one of the most promising candidates for constructing photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. From this perspective, density functional theory is employed in this study to investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic, and optical properties of this perovskite under different hydrostatic pressures ranging from 0 to 20 GPa. The lattice constant (5.732 and 5.047 Å at 0 and 20 GPa pressure, respectively) and unit cell volume (188.33 and 128.57 Å3 at 0 and 20 GPa pressure, respectively) are significantly reduced due to the pressure effect, while the phase stability is maintained. The mechanical properties of CsPbCl3 reflect its ductile nature, which has an increasing affinity with pressure. The decreasing tendency of the band gap is also observed at pressure values up to 16 GPa, however, the transformation from semiconducting to metallic behavior occurs at 20 GPa pressure. The tuning of the band gap is responsible for enhancing electron transfer from the valence band to the conduction band, which increases the optical absorption and conductivity, thus making the compound more advantageous for optoelectronic device applications. The overall analysis of optical functions in this study suggests some feasible applications of CsPbCl3 under pressure.
Crystal structure of poly[diaqua-(μ2-1H-benzo[d][1,2,3]triazole-5-carboxylato-κ2
O:O′)(μ2-oxalato-κ4O,O:O″,O′″)europium(III)] monohydrate, C9H10N3O9Eu
Authors: Zhang Tian , Li Hua Bing
Published: August 2022

C9H10N3O9Eu, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.9645(5) Å, b = 9.2934(6) Å, c = 10.0409(6) Å, α = 66.8554(8)°, β = 72.9671(8)°, γ = 83.4968(9)°, V = 653.41(7) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0210, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0522, T = 296(3) K.
Crystal structure of dimethylammonium poly[μ4-1,1′-(1,4- phenylenebis(methylene))bis(1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylato-κ6
N,O:O′:N′,O″:O‴) manganese(II)], C22H26MnN6O8
Authors: Xia Yu-Pei , Han Lu-Lu
Published: August 2022

C22H26MnN6O8, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 11.1483(9) Å, b = 10.5789(8) Å, c = 11.8538(10) Å, β = 115.883(2)°, V = 1257.76(18) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0585, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1614, T = 298 K.
Synthesis and crystal structure of ethyl 4-((4-iodobenzyl)amino)benzoate, C16H16INO2
Authors: Lv Chun-Jie
Published: August 2022

C16H16INO2, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 5.7004(2) Å, b = 6.8909(3) Å, c = 19.6509(8) Å, α = 100.035(4)°, β = 94.465(3)°, γ = 99.447(4)°, V = 745.27(5) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0321, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0595, T = 100.15 K.
Membrane assisted transport of thorium (IV) across bulk liquid membrane containing DEHPA as ion carrier: kinetic, mechanism and thermodynamic studies
Authors: Milani S. A. , Zahakifar F. , Faryadi Mohammad
Published: August 2022

Extraction and carrier mediated transport of thorium (IV) ions through bulk liquid membrane containing di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid (DEHPA) in kerosene as metal ion carrier. The feed comprised of thorium (IV) ions solutions containing various concentrations of hydrochloric acid, while sulfuric acid solutions of different concentrations are used as a stripping agent. Various parameters about thorium (IV) ion extraction and transport were investigated: the feed solution acidity, initial metal ions aqueous solution concentration, carrier concentration and stripping agent concentration. More than 85% thorium (IV) is recovered in 960 min using 0.2 M DEHPA/kerosene as carrier and 1.5 M H2SO4 as stripping agent from the 0.0001 M HCl solution containing 50 mg L−1 thorium (IV) as feed. Assuming a consecutive, irreversible extraction and back-extraction (stripping) reactions a simple kinetic model was proposed for estimating the reaction rate constant or reaction rate coefficient under the investigated experimental conditions. The activation energy values of extraction and back-extraction reactions were calculated to be 29.94 kJ mol−1 and 20.55 kJ mol−1, respectively, which indicates that the extraction process was controlled by the mixed regime (both kinetic and diffusion), and the back-extraction process was mainly controlled by diffusion process.
Corrosion inhibition relevance of semicarbazides: electronic structure, reactivity and coordination chemistry
Authors: Verma Chandrabhan , Quraishi Mumtaz A. , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: August 2022

Semicarbazide (OC(NH2)(N2H3)) and thiosemicarbazide (SC(NH2)(N2H3)) are well-known for their coordination complex formation ability. They contain nonbonding electrons in the form of heteroatoms (N, O and S) and π-electrons in the form of >C=O and >C=S through they strongly coordinate with the metal atoms and ions. Because of their association with this property, the Semicarbazide (SC), thiosemicarbazide (TSC) and their derivatives are widely used for different applications. They serve as building blocks for synthesis of various industrially and biologically useful chemicals. The SC, TSC and they derivatives are also serve as strong aqueous phase corrosion inhibitors. In the present reports, the coordination ability and corrosion protection tendency of Semicarbazide (SC), thiosemicarbazide (TSC) and their derivatives is surveyed and described. These compounds are widely used as inhibitors for different metals and alloys. Through their electron rich sites they adsorb on the metal surface and build corrosion protective film. Their adsorption mostly followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Through their adsorption they increase the value of charge transfer resistance and decrease the value of corrosion current density. Computational studies adopted in the literature indicate that SC, TSC and their derivatives adsorb flatly and spontaneously using charge transfer mechanism.
Na2Cu+[Cu2+
3O](AsO4)2Cl and Cu3[Cu3O]2(PO4)4Cl2: two new structure types based upon chains of oxocentered tetrahedra
Authors: Kornyakov Ilya V. , Krivovichev Sergey V.
Published: August 2022

Single crystals of Na2Cu+[Cu2+
3O](AsO4)2Cl (1) and Cu3[Cu3O]2(PO4)4Cl2 (2) were prepared by chemical vapor transport reactions. Both crystal structures are based upon the same [O2Cu6]8+ chains formed by corner-sharing (OCu4)6+ tetrahedra and interconnected by (TO4)3− (T = P, As) tetrahedra into porous {[OCu3](TO4)2Cl}3− frameworks. The channels within the frameworks are occupied by Na+, Cu+ and Cl− ions in the crystal structure of 1, whereas the channels in the structure of 2 contain edge-sharing CuO4Cl tetragonal pyramids. Both compounds are structurally related to the previously described synthetic Na2Cu+[Cu2+
3O](PO4)2Cl and NaCu2+[Cu2+
3O](PO4)2Cl. The compound 2 is structurally and chemically related to yaroshevskite, Cu3[Cu3O]2(VO4)4Cl2, a mineral discovered in volcanic fumaroles, but the two structure types are drastically different. The crystal chemical analysis of the title and related compounds allows to recognize a family of at least four compounds based upon {[OCu3](TO4)2Cl}3− frameworks with channels occupied by different chemical constituents.
New evidence for mountain Palaeolithic human occupation in the western Tian Shan piedmonts, eastern Uzbekistan
Authors: Pavlenok Konstantin , Kot Małgorzata , Moska Piotr , Leloch Michał , Muhtarov Gayrathon , Kogai Sergey , Khudjanazarov Mukhiddin , Holmatov Azbiddin , Szymczak Karol
Published: August 2022

This article presents preliminary results from mountain survey in the Chatkal Range in the western Tian Shan piedmonts, eastern Uzbekistan. In 2021, several new Palaeolithic sites were discovered, including a single, multi-layered, open-air site—Kuksaray 2—located near a flint outcrop. The authors’ initial investigations have recovered a stone tool assemblage containing tools displaying both Middle Palaeolithic and Initial Upper Palaeolithic characteristics.
Knowledge and Use of Evidence-Based Programs for Older Adults in the Community: A Survey of Physical Therapy Professionals
Authors: Brach Jennifer S. , Schrodt Lori A. , Vincenzo Jennifer L. , Perera Subashan , Hergott Colleen , Sidelinker Jennifer , Rohrer Beth , Tripken Jennifer , Shubert Tiffany E.
Published: August 2022

Background and Purpose:

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality highlights the need for sustainable linkages between clinical and community settings to enhance prevention and improve care of people with chronic conditions. The first step in promoting linkages is understanding the knowledge and use of evidence-based programs by physical therapy (PT) professionals. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the knowledge of and referral to evidence-based programs in the community by a convenience sample of PT professionals and to examine the characteristics of those who refer to evidence-based programs.

Methods:

A cross-sectional web-based survey containing 36 questions regarding respondents' demographics and evidence-based program knowledge and referral practices was disseminated to a convenience sample of PT professionals via email, news-blasts, social media, and word of mouth.

Results and Discussion:

A total of 459 PT professionals completed the survey. Approximately half reported practicing for more than 20 years and 75% are members of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). The majority (74%) are aware of evidence-based programs; however, fewer (56%) refer to these programs. Compared with individuals who do not refer to evidence-based programs, individuals who refer are more likely to be involved in PT organizations and be an APTA Geriatrics member. Of the individuals who do not refer to evidence-based programs, 21.5% reported not knowing they existed and 33% reported not knowing where the programs are located.

Conclusions:

Most survey respondents reported knowing about evidence-based programs and more than half reported being aware of the evidence-based programs available in their communities. These results indicate many PT professionals already have a knowledge of evidence-based programs to support clinic-community linkages. As survey respondents were a sample of convenience and likely do not represent all PT professionals in the United States, the results should be interpreted with caution. Additional research on a more representative sample is needed to fully understand the current utilization of evidence-based programs, which will enable us to design efforts to improve the clinic to community transition. Improving linkages between PT professionals and community resources has the potential to benefit both patients and clinicians and lessen the burden on the health care system.
Dynamic Fracture Characteristics of Polymethyl Methacrylate with Two Symmetrical Prefabricated Notches
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Wang Zhaoyang , Geng Yanjie , Ren Bin , Fu Dairui
Published: August 2022

In this article, the dynamic fracture of polymethyl methacrylate specimen with two symmetrical prefabricated notches was investigated by dynamic caustics experiment and distinct lattice spring model (DLSM). Three variables in respect of the pitch between these prefabricated notches, a = 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm, were designed here. The failure form, crack propagation trajectory, crack propagation velocity, stress state at crack tip, ratio of damaged lattice, and load-displacement curve of the specimen under different working conditions were analyzed and compared. Results show that DLSM can invert the results very well. Finally, the impact factors (support constraints and heterogeneity) involved in this experiment were quantitatively analyzed by DLSM.
Unions
Authors: Esquivel-King Reyna
Published: August 2022

This article examines the relationship between the Mexican government and cinema unions between the 1910s and 1944. I show how unions influenced the creation and dissemination of a national identity in film through strikes and contract negotiations. To that end, I analyze the history of cinema unions in Mexico and then examine the conflict between two major groups within the cinema unions—the actors and technical workers—and its impact on the film industry. The article also examines how the government negotiated with the unions and argues that unions influenced the film industry and censorship through debates and compromises with government officials.