bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
"Rasputin the traitor": the formation of an image in 1914-1916
Authors: Kaleda Georgii Kirillovich
Published: April 2024

The author of the article studies the process of forming the image of "Rasputin the traitor" during the First World War. The negative image of Grigory Efimovich began to form long before 1914. He was multifaceted: at first, Rasputin's detractors considered him a religious conman who posed as a "man of God", then he was accused of interfering in the management of the Church, as well as influencing the personnel policy of the supreme power. From the moment of the first failures at the front, an image of a traitor who acts in the interests of Germany began to form in relation to Rasputin. The mechanism for popularizing this image was rumors, newspaper publications and public speeches by deputies of the State Duma. The culprit behind the formation of the image of a traitor in relation to Rasputin was largely himself. On the eve of the Great War, the "Elder" Grigory spoke out several times in communication with the press against Russia's participation in the Balkan wars and the conduct of hostilities as such.  This research is based on the principle of historicism, the study of written historical sources: office records, press materials, sources of personal origin. In the spring of 1915, the "Sacred unity" proclaimed by the Duma opposition at the very beginning of the war was replaced by "patriotic anxiety", the public began to look for internal enemies, and espionage began. At the same time, Rasputin attracted attention by staging a drunken brawl in a Moscow restaurant. This was the reason for attacks on Grigory Efimovich and accusing him of pandering to the Germans. It is important to note that Rasputin's accusations of betrayal were unfounded, no evidence was presented. The image of "Rasputin the traitor" began to be used by the Duma opposition, which fought for the Ministry of Public Trust. Everyone knew that Rasputin was a friend of the royal family, so the tsar and the tsarina indirectly became the object of criticism. The purpose of using the image of "Rasputin the traitor" was an attempt to influence the adoption of state decisions by the emperor and the government.
Deep learning insights into the architecture of the mammalian egg-sperm fusion synapse
Authors: Elofsson Arne , Han Ling , Bianchi Enrica , Wright Gavin J. , Jovine Luca
Published: April 2024

A crucial event in sexual reproduction is when haploid sperm and egg fuse to form a new diploid organism at fertilization. In mammals, direct interaction between egg JUNO and sperm IZUMO1 mediates gamete membrane adhesion, yet their role in fusion remains enigmatic. We used AlphaFold to predict the structure of other extracellular proteins essential for fertilization to determine if they could form a complex that may mediate fusion. We first identified TMEM81, whose gene is expressed by mouse and human spermatids, as a protein having structural homologies with both IZUMO1 and another sperm molecule essential for gamete fusion, SPACA6. Using a set of proteins known to be important for fertilization and TMEM81, we then systematically searched for predicted binary interactions using an unguided approach and identified a pentameric complex involving sperm IZUMO1, SPACA6, TMEM81 and egg JUNO, CD9. This complex is structurally consistent with both the expected topology on opposing gamete membranes and the location of predicted N-glycans not modeled by AlphaFold-Multimer, suggesting that its components could organize into a synapse-like assembly at the point of fusion. Finally, the structural modeling approach described here could be more generally useful to gain insights into transient protein complexes difficult to detect experimentally.Structural modeling with AlphaFold-Multimer was used to investigate extracellular protein interactions involved in mammalian egg-sperm recognition, suggesting a putative pentameric complex that includes TMEM81, a sperm protein not previously involved in gamete recognition.
Embryonic origins of forebrain oligodendrocytes revisited by combinatorial genetic fate mapping
Authors: Cai Yuqi , Zhao Zhirong , Shi Mingyue , Zheng Mingfang , Gong Ling , He Miao
Published: April 2024

Multiple embryonic origins give rise to forebrain oligodendrocytes (OLs), yet controversies and uncertainty exist regarding their differential contributions. We established intersectional and subtractional strategies to genetically fate map OLs produced by medial ganglionic eminence/preoptic area (MGE/POA), lateral/caudal ganglionic eminences (LGE/CGE) and dorsal pallium. We found that, contrary to the canonical view, LGE/CGE-derived OLs make minimum contributions to the neocortex and corpus callosum, but dominate piriform cortex and anterior commissure. Additionally, MGE/POA-derived OLs, instead of being entirely eliminated, make small but sustained contribution to cortex with a distribution pattern distinctive from those derived from the dorsal origin. Our study provides a revised and more comprehensive view of cortical and white matter OL origins, and established valuable new tools and strategies for future OL studies.
Defective CAPSL function causes impaired retinal angiogenesis through the MYC axis and is associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Li Shujin , Yang Mu , Ma Jie , Liu Lu , Fei Ping , Xiang Qianchun , Huang Lulin , Zhao Peiquan , Yang Zhenglin , Zhu Xianjun
Published: April 2024

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a severe genetic disorder characterized by incomplete vascularization of the peripheral retina and associated symptoms that can lead to vision loss. However, the underlying genetic causes of approximately 50% of FEVR cases remain unknown. Here, we report two heterozygous variants, c.88C>T (p.Arg30Ter) and c.247C>T (p.Leu83Phe), in calcyphosine like (
CAPSL
), from four patients in two unrelated FEVR-affected families. Both variants exhibited compromised CAPSL protein expression. Vascular endothelial cell-specific inactivation of
Capsl
in postnatal mice resulted in defective sprouting, delayed radial/vertical vascular progression, compromised endothelial proliferation, and impaired cell migration, recapitulating the human FEVR phenotypes.
CAPSL
-depleted human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) exhibited impaired tube formation, decreased cell proliferation, disrupted cell polarity establishment and filopodia/lamellipodia formation, as well as disrupted collective cell migration
in vitro
. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of
CAPSL
-depleted HRECs revealed that
CAPSL
abolition inhibited the MYC signaling axis, in which the expression of core MYC targeted genes were profoundly decreased. Furthermore, a combined analysis of
CAPSL
-depleted HRECs and
c-MYC
-depleted human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) uncovered similar transcription patterns. Collectively, this study reports a novel FEVR-associated candidate gene,
CAPSL
, which provides invaluable information for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of FEVR. This study also reveals that compromised CAPSL function causes FEVR through MYC axis, shedding light on the potential involvement of MYC signaling in the pathogenesis of FEVR.
Association of healthy lifestyle score with control of hypertension among treated and untreated hypertensive patients: a large cross-sectional study
Authors: Dong Ting , Zhou Qin , Lin Weiquan , Wang Chang , Sun Minying , Li Yaohui , Liu Xiangyi , Lin Guozhen , Liu Hui , Zhang Caixia
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypertension stands as the leading single contributor to the worldwide burden of mortality and disability. Limited evidence exists regarding the association between the combined healthy lifestyle score (HLS) and hypertension control in both treated and untreated hypertensive individuals. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between HLS and hypertension control among adults with treated and untreated hypertension.

Methods

This cross-sectional study, including 311,994 hypertension patients, was conducted in Guangzhou using data from the National Basic Public Health Services Projects in China. The HLS was defined based on five low-risk lifestyle factors: healthy dietary habits, active physical activity, normal body mass index, never smoking, and no alcohol consumption. Controlled blood pressure was defined as systolic blood pressure <140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure <90 mmHg. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the association between HLS and hypertension control after adjusting for various confounders.

Results

The HLS demonstrated an inverse association with hypertension control among hypertensive patients. In comparison to the low HLS group (scored 0–2), the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for hypertension were 0.76 (0.74, 0.78), 0.59 (0.57, 0.60), and 0.48 (0.46, 0.49) for the HLS groups scoring 3, 4, and 5, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). Notably, an interaction was observed between HLS and antihypertensive medication in relation to hypertension control (Pinteraction < 0.001). When comparing the highest HLS (scored 5) with the lowest HLS (scored 0–2), adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.50 (0.48, 0.52, Ptrend < 0.001) among individuals who self-reported using antihypertensive medication and 0.41 (0.38, 0.44, Ptrend < 0.001) among those not using such medication. Hypertensive patients adhering to a healthy lifestyle without medication exhibited better blood pressure management than those using medication while following a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

HLS was associated with a reduced risk of uncontrolled blood pressure.
Comparative study of nasal cavity drug delivery efficiency with different nozzles in a 3D printed model
Authors: Fang Shengjian , Rui Xiaoqing , Zhang Yu , Yang Zhangwei , Wang Weihua
Published: April 2024

Background

Nasal sprays are widely used in treating nasal and sinus diseases; however, there are very few studies on the drug delivery efficiency of nasal sprays. In this study, the drug delivery efficiency of three different nasal spray devices was evaluated in vitro using a 3D printed cast model of nasal cavity.

Methods

Three nasal spray devices with different nozzles and angles of administration were used in the 3D model of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. The spraying area (SA), maximal spraying distance (MSD), and spraying distribution scores on the nasal septum and lateral nasal wall were recorded.

Results

Different nasal spray devices have their own characteristics, including volume of each spray, SA, and plume angle. The SA of the three nozzles on the nasal septum increased with an increasing angle of administration. When the angle of administration was 50°, each nozzle reached the maximal SA. There was no statistically significant difference in MSD among the three nozzles at the three angles. The total scores for each nozzle using the three different spraying angles were as follows: nozzle A, 40° > 30° > 50°; nozzle B, 30° > 40° > 50°; and nozzle C, 30° > 40° > 50°. The total scores for different nozzles using the same angle were statistically significantly different and the scores for nozzle C were the highest. Nozzle C had the minimum plume angle. None of the three nozzles could effectively delivered drugs into the middle meatus at any angle in this model.

Conclusions

The design of the nozzle affects drug delivery efficiency of nasal spray devices. The ideal angle of administration is 50°. The nozzle with smaller plume angle has higher drug delivery efficiency. Current nasal spray devices can easily deliver drugs to most areas of the nasal cavity, such as the turbinate, nasal septum, olfactory fissure, and nasopharynx, but not the middle meatus. These findings are meaningful for nozzle selection and device improvements.
Acessibilidade turística de pessoas com deficiência no centro histórico de São Luís do Maranhão
Authors: Carvalho Conceição de Maria Belfort , Chahini Thelma Helena Costa , Cutrim Klautenys Dellene Guedes , Silva Sâmya Carolyne Gonçalves da , Ferreira Simorelda Alves , Santos Sunshine Cristina de Castro Reis
Published: April 2024

O presente artigo analisa a acessibilidade turística de pessoas com deficiência no Centro Histórico de São Luís do Maranhão, bem como discute os desafios e possibilidades para a acessibilidade da pessoa surda em museus. É importante localizar o surdo na sociedade, assim como o turista ouvinte, visando o reconhecimento patrimonial. Pretende-se trazer a compreensão de alguns conceitos que ocasionem discussões e dialoguem com os estudos selecionados sobre os desafios e possibilidades para a acessibilidade turística da pessoa surda nos museus do Centro Histórico em São Luís - Maranhão. Para melhor compreender esse tema, foram consultados referenciais que versam sobre a acessibilidade comunicacional, bem como sobre o amparo da legislação brasileira no que tange à acessibilidade. A metodologia utilizada baseou-se no estado da arte, realizando levantamento bibliográfico inicial na Base de Dados do Google Acadêmico e no banco de Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Capes com abrangência entre os meses de abril e maio de 2022 e recorte sobre a acessibilidade turística da pessoa surda no Centro Histórico de São Luís no Maranhão. Para a fundamentação teórica, dialoga-se principalmente com autores tais como: Almeida (2010), Borges e Silva (2019), Dias (2019), Freire (2017), Nascimento e Uvinha (2016), Oliveira (2015), Paiva (2009), Reis e Guimarães (2013), Rodrigues (2007), Romanowski (2002), Santos e Duarte (2018), dentre outros. Os achados da pesquisa sinalizam que o Centro Histórico de São Luís, carece de acessibilidade turística às pessoas com deficiência, assim como para as pessoas surdas nos espaços museais.
Atuação das unidades de auditoria interna nas instituições federais de ensino: uma revisão integrativa da literatura
Authors: Alcon Alan Novaes , Alcon Samira Novaes , Pereira Tiago Henrique
Published: April 2024

Este estudo buscou identificar como a literatura brasileira tem discutido a atuação das unidades de auditoria interna singulares (AUDINS) no âmbito das instituições federais de ensino superior (IFES). A metodologia utilizada trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura baseada em publicações disponíveis nos bancos de dados selecionados, compreendendo o interstício entre 2015 e maio de 2023. Utilizando as palavras-chaves e em seguida a aplicação de critérios de aceitação e rejeição, 06 artigos constituíram o corpus e subsidiaram as análises dessa revisão. O estudo possibilitou compreender as percepções da alta administração das IFES e dos auditores lotados nas AUDINS sobre as atividades de auditoria desempenhadas. Salienta-se que sobre alguns pontos de atuação das AUDINS as perspectivas da alta administração vão de encontro com as dos auditores. Ademais, o estudo possibilitou analisar quais aspectos da boa governança pública carecem de atenção por parte da alta administração. Sob outro enfoque, foi percebida a necessidade de evolução nos tipos de auditoria executados pelas AUDINS, carecendo ampliação de seu campo de atuação e reduzindo a assimetria da percepção da alta administração sobre os resultados dos trabalhos. O fruto desse trabalho apresenta oportunidades de pesquisas futuras que abordem análises sobre a atuação da auditoria interna no âmbito das IFES. Outrossim, esse estudo viabiliza reflexões que cooperam para o entendimento do atual estágio das AUDINS das IFES, compreendendo o processo de institucionalização e as áreas de trabalho de auditoria que necessitam de atenção, possibilitando a melhora na performance das instituições e fidedignidade das informações dispostas por ela.
Точное решение двумерного интегрального уравнения Винера - Хопфа в задачах для анизотропных сред
Authors: Бабешко В.А. , Евдокимова О.В. , Бабешко О.М. , Евдокимов В.С.
Published: April 2024

В работе впервые дается точное решение двумерного интегрального уравнения Винера - Хопфа, широко применяемого в смешанных, в том числе контактных, задачах. Рассматривается уравнение, описывающее контактную задачу о действии жесткого штампа в четверти плоскости на анизотропную деформируемую среду произвольной реологии. Попытки аналитического решения этой задачи предпринимались многими авторами, однако они завершались получением тех или иных приближенных решений. Разработанный авторами универсальный метод моделирования, основанный на свойствах блочных элементов, а также решения двумерных интегральных уравнений с мероморфной функцией в ядре подсказали подход, позволивший построить точное решение двумерного интегрального уравнения методом факторизации.
Модификационная изменчивость вегетативных органов Pinus Nigra pallasiana D. Don в лесах Южного берега Крыма
Authors: Коба В.П.
Published: April 2024

Исследования проводили в чистых одновозрастных лесах Pinus nigra pallasiana в западной части Южного берега Крыма в 2014-2023 гг. на высоте 250 м н.у.м. С использованием методов лесной таксации заложена пробная площадь размером 30 × 30 м, на которой было выбрано 10 модельных деревьев. На каждом модельном дереве в средней части кроны с южной стороны выделено 3 побега ростового типа, по которым изучали динамику сезонного прироста. Отдельно по годам вегетации определяли длину хвои. Целью исследований являлось изучение особенностей роста вегетативных органов P. nigra pallasiana в связи с динамикой погодных условий, выявление влияния увлажненности на величину сезонного прироста побегов и хвои. При благоприятных по влагообеспечению условиях уровень изменчивости сезонного прироста побегов P. nigra pallasiana не превышает 28,4 % от среднего многолетнего показателя. С наступлением засушливого периода дефицит увлажненности оказывает негативное влияние на сезонный прирост побегов. Модификационная изменчивость побегов P. nigra pallasiana проявляет инерцию в отношении изменения количества атмосферных осадков. Задержка изменения сезонного прироста как реакции на динамику режима увлажненности составляет 1 год. Длина хвои как показатель состояния P. nigra pallasiana более активно реагирует на уровень увлажненности в сравнении с величиной прироста побегов.
Онтогенетические состояния Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz. ) Schischkin
Authors: Чащина Н.А. , Ткачук Т. Е. , Попова О.А. , Никифорова Ю.В. , Лесков А.П. , Лаевская М.В.
Published: April 2024

Сапожниковия растопыренная Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischkin является стержнекорневым многолетним монокарпиком и имеет исключительно семенное возобновление. В Забайкальском крае произрастает в степных и лесостепных районах, встречаясь на степных участках, в зарослях степных кустарников, на опушках лесостепных лесов, на залежах. Материал для исследования собирали в ценопопуляциях на залежах преимущественно средних и поздних стадий зарастания, в степных и лесостепных районах Забайкальского края в период 2022-2023 гг. При определении онтогенетических состояний использовали классификацию, разработанную Т.А. Работновым и дополненную А.А. Урановым. Онтогенез S. divaricata включает 3 периода (латентный, прегенеративный и генеративный) и 8 состояний (семена, проростки, ювенильное, имматурное, молодое, среднее и позднее виргинильное и генеративное). Особенностью онтогенеза S. divaricata являются три виргинильных состояния. Генеративный период очень короткий, длится всего один вегетационный сезон и на возрастные состояния не подразделяется. Прегенеративные растения имеют розеточные побеги, генеративные - полурозеточные. У виргинильных, реже генеративных особей может быть не одна, а несколько розеток, в том числе у особей, поврежденных при заготовке корневого сырья. Постгенеративных особей S. divaricata обнаружено не было.
Стоит ли молодому человеку заниматься наукой?
Authors: Юдович Яков Эльевич
Published: April 2024

В статье в популярной форме рассказывается о некоторых интересных результатах в геохимии осадочных горных пород. Эти результаты иллюстрируют геохимию: калия в глинистых породах, стронция в карбонатных раковинах, марганца в морских осадках и урана в черных сланцах, а также геохимию угля, геохимическую индикацию литогенеза и концепцию геохимических горизонтов стратисферы. Цель работы -показать, что научное исследование может быть весьма увлекательным занятием.
Advancements in the Analysis of Sobolev Spaces and Function Spaces on Manifolds: Theoretical Framework and Applications
Authors: Evans Mogoi N. , Apima Samuel B. , Wanjara Amos Otieno
Published: April 2024

This research paper delves into Sobolev spaces and function spaces on smooth manifolds, revealing fundamental theorems such as existence, embeddings, and compactness properties. Noteworthy results include the Poincare inequality elucidating function behavior on compact manifolds and compactness properties of Sobolev spaces on Riemannian manifolds. The study establishes trace theorems for functions on the boundary and interpolation results between Sobolev spaces. Isoperimetric inequalities and stability under weak convergence contribute to a holistic understanding of geometric and analytical aspects of Sobolev spaces. The research concludes by exploring invariance under diffeomorphisms and compactness in dual spaces, providing a unified framework for analyzing function spaces on manifolds.
A Detailed Proof of the Strong Goldbach Conjecture Based on Partitions of a New Formulation of a Set of Even Numbers
Authors: Sankei Daniel , Njagi Loyford , Mutembei Josephine
Published: April 2024

The Strong Goldbach's conjecture, a fundamental problem in Number Theory, asserts that every even integer greater than 2 can be expressed as the sum of two prime numbers. Despite significant efforts over centuries, this conjecture remains unproven, challenging the core of mathematics. The known algorithms for attempting to prove or verify the conjecture on a given interval [a,b] consist of finding two sets of primes Pi and Pj such that Pi+Pj cover all the even numbers in the interval [a,b]. However, the traditional definition of an even number as 2n for n ∈ ℕ (where ℕ is the set of natural numbers), has not provided mathematicians with a straightforward method to obtain all Goldbach partitions for any even number of this form. This paper introduces a novel approach to the problem, utilizing all odd partitions of an even number of a new formulation of the form Eij = ni  + nj + (nj - ni)n or alln ∈ ℕ. By demonstrating that there exist at least a pair of prime numbers in these odd partitions, the fact that the sum of any two prime numbers is even and there exists infinitely many prime numbers, this paper provides a compelling proof of the conjecture. This breakthrough not only solves a long-standing mathematical mystery but also sheds light on the structure of prime numbers.
Effect of Different Fertilizer Levels on Growth and Yield of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) under Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Based Agroforestry System
Authors: . Somya , Srivastava V.K , Pandey Rajnish , Yadav Chandra Jeet , Sushma Miryala , Khatri Gaurav
Published: April 2024

The study was conducted during 2021-2022 during the Rabi season in Mirzapur district, Uttar Pradesh (Vindhyan region) at the agroforestry system of Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Department of Agronomy, Banaras Hindu University.  This research aimed to analyze different levels of NPK on the growth parameters, yield attributes, and yield of linseed under guava based Agroforestry system. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments. Results indicated that increasing NPK levels positively impacted linseed growth parameters and yield attributes. The highest NPK application (60-60-50 kg ha-1) resulted in the most favorable outcomes. Economic analysis revealed that higher NPK concentrations led to increased gross returns, net returns, and benefit-cost ratios. Based on the findings, it is recommended to apply 60 kg N ha-1, 30 kg P ha-1, and 25 kg K ha-1 for optimal growth and yield of linseed under the guava-based Agroforestry system, leading to maximum net returns.
Seasonal Effects on Performance of Three Dual-purpose Cowpeas Varieties Production in Sahelian Sandy Soil of Niger
Authors: Abdoul-Karim Toudou Daouda , Sanoussi Atta , Yacoubou Bakasso
Published: April 2024

In Niger, cowpea is primarily cultivated under rainfed conditions and therefore often suffers from water stress at the end of its cycle. However, cultivating dual-purpose varieties during the cold dry season can help minimize the effects of water stress and improve cowpea production. A field study was conducted to assess the seasonal effect (cold dry season and rainy season) on the yield of three dual-purpose cowpea varieties `over two consecutive years, 2022 and 2023. The analysis of the results shows that pod and seed yields during the cold dry season were on average higher than those of the rainy season. The varieties can produce an average of over 4000 kg/ha of seeds during the cold dry season compared to 1770.18 kg/ha during the rainy season. During the rainy season, the varieties produced more haulms than in the cold dry season, with 8217.38 kg/ha and 6163.19 kg/ha, respectively. During the cold dry season, cowpea benefited from low temperatures, which favored increased pod and seed yields. Due to its advantages, cowpea cultivation during the cold dry season should be developed and promoted in Niger.
Effect of Windbreaks (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) on Productivity of Paddy in South Gujarat
Authors: Prajapati V M , Jilariya D J , Mevada R J , M B Tandel M B x , Bhanderi B N , Patel D P , Arvadiya L K , M. Husain M. X
Published: April 2024

The intentional integration of trees into an agroecosystem results in agroforestry practices such as windbreak, which simultaneously help the economy, the environment, and society. It is a crucial tool for safeguarding agricultural land and boosting crop productivity. An investigation was therefore conducted to determine the impact of windbreaks (Casuarina equisetifolia L.) on paddy productivity in South Gujarat. In the current study, we found that environmental competition caused paddy growth and production to decrease close to the Casuarina windbreak. The impact of the windbreaks on paddy growth and yield became positive, and the continuously increased distance from the windbreaks reached its maximum at 17 m (Plant height 97.34 cm, number of tillers per plant 11.17, total fresh weight plant 17,799 kg ha-1, dry straw weight 6,577 kg ha-1 and grain yield 4,103 kg ha-1) and then gradually decreased (plant height 83 cm, tillers per plant 8.17, total fresh weight plant 12,315 kg ha-1, dry straw weight 4,855 kg ha-1 and grain yield 3,101 kg ha-1). The wind velocity maximum (4.57 km hr-1) close to windbreaks exhibits an opposite tendency, decreasing continually to a minimum (3.32 km hr-1) at a distance of 17 meters from the windbreaks before increasing once again. In addition, this system's net returns (Rs. 40,619) and benefit-cost ratio (0.61) were noticeably higher than those of open fields (Rs. 34,749 and benefit cost ration 0.52). In contrast to the control, the pH of the soil beneath the windbreak was reported to be considerably closer to neutral (7.46), while electrical conductivity (0.19 dS/m) was reduced. The impact of windbreaks was found to considerably increase soil organic carbon (0.68%), accessible nitrogen (234.46 kg/ha), phosphorus (75.75 kg/ha), and potassium (398.07 kg/ha) as compared to control. According to the study's overall findings, windbreak-protected paddy fields perform noticeably better than open ones.
Spin Analysis in Randomized Clinical Trials of Physiotherapeutic Treatment for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Ferreira Lais Silva , Prado Luciana Cavalcante Urze , Nakamoto Fernanda Cardoso , Santos Alcylene Carla de Jesus dos , Gomes Cid André Fidelis de Paula , Politti Fabiano , Biasotto-Gonzalez Daniela Aparecida
Published: April 2024

Objective: To investigate whether clinical trials of physiotherapeutic interventions for treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD) contained spin and whether there was consistency between the abstract and the full text.
Study Design:  Systematic Review Protocol. (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022369637)
Methodology: Study selection and data extraction assessments were conducted independently and in duplicate. The sample will be composed of randomized controlled clinical trials of physiotherapeutic treatment for TMD as one of the treatments, regardless of whether it is muscular, articular, or mixed; and have at least pain and mandibular range of motion as outcome measures. Without language restriction, 2010 to 2025 is the year of publication, which allows a comparative analysis between the abstract and the full text. The analysis will be performed independently and in duplicate. In case of disagreement, a third reviewer will be consulted to reach a consensus through discussion. The electronic databases used were PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL, PEDro, SPORTDiscus, and LILACS. A search strategy developed for PubMed/Medline will be adapted for each database. Two checklists will be used to analyze the studies: Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) for abstract (CONSORT-A) to evaluate the completeness of reporting of the abstracts and the spin checklist to evaluate the presence and consistency of spin in abstract. The risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale independently and in duplicate.
Results: The results will be presented in tables and flowcharts.
Conclusion: Inconsistencies between the abstract and full text require investigation to alert clinicians, researchers, and readers.
Design and Techno-economic Analysis of an Improved Multipurpose Cooker Stove
Authors: Kaputo Kingsley , Mwanza Mabvuto
Published: April 2024

In response to the growing concerns surrounding the adverse health and environmental impacts of inefficient and hazardous traditional cooking fuels and stoves, this research aims to design and assess the performance of an improved multipurpose cooker stove. The study focuses on Zambia, a country deeply affected by air pollution and deforestation due to charcoal and firewood production using inefficient cooking stoves called Mbaula.
The primary objective is to create an economically viable and environmentally friendly cooking stove that addresses the sustainability challenges of traditional cooking practices. The research is guided by key objectives. The study outlines the design process of the improved multipurpose cooker stove, emphasizing the incorporation of sustainable design principles.
The improved multipurpose cooker stove demonstrated a thermal efficiency of 87.49%, significantly higher than the 11.88% thermal efficiency of traditional stoves. This improvement in efficiency is crucial for reducing fuel consumption and maximizing heat transfer during cooking processes. In addition, the research findings showed that the improved multipurpose cooker stove consumed 0.3643 kg/L less fuel compared to traditional stoves. This fuel savings not only reduces the cost of raw materials but also contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering deforestation rates and air pollution. Despite the initial investment cost of the improved cooker stove, the long-term operation costs are lower due to reduced fuel consumption and maintenance expenses.
The study's findings and recommendations hold promise for addressing critical challenges related to clean cooking solutions, environmental preservation, and the well-being of households in Zambia and similar contexts.
Senna alata with Selenium Mitigates Liver and Kidney Injury from Isoniazid and Rifampicin in Mice
Authors: Okwulu Oluwadunni Joan , Lawal Ibrahim , Danjuma-Audu Naomi Oghenefega , Abatan Mathew Olawale
Published: April 2024

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative potentials of S. alata in combination with Selenium on liver and kidney injury induced by Isoniazid-Rifampicin (INH-RIF).
Study Design: Original Research work.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, between August and October 2023.
 Methods: Hydroethanolic extract of S. alata (EESA) was obtained by maceration, 25 Swiss mice (25-35g) were divided into 5 groups, GP1 received distill water, GP 2-5 INH-RIF 150mg/kg for the first two days; while groups 3-5 received S.alata 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg in combinAtion with Selenium 1mg/kg respectively from day 3 till day 14 orally. Sera samples were obtained and organs (liver and kidney) for weighing and histopathology on day 15.
Results: This study showed that S.alata (EESA) (100mg/kg) and Selenium (1mg/kg) showed no reduction (P>.05) in the biochemical parameters (AST, ALP, ALT, BUN, Uric acid, and creatinine); histo-anatomy of both organs showed injury. The 200mg/kg EESA/Se (1mg/kg) reduced significantly (P<.05) elevated parameters for liver only (ALT, ALP); liver histo-picture showed no lesion; 400mg/kg combination decreased all parameters significantly (P<.05); histo-pathology showed no lesion in both organs. Weights of the liver showed significant reduction (P=.0025, .0052, and .0027) at 100, 200, and 400mg/kg respectively; but no significant difference in weights of the kidney compared to the toxic group.
Conclusion: It was concluded that EESA 200mg/kg with Selenium 1mg/kg can mitigate the toxic effects of Isoniazid-Rifampicin on the liver, while EESA/Se 400mg/kg combination has ameliorative potentials on liver and kidney toxicity from INH-RIF. These effects may be dose-dependent. It was recommended that 400mg/kg of EESA and 1mg/kg of Selenium combination be considered in drug development.
Psychosocial Aspects of Children with Thalassemia in Mosul City
Authors: Ali Mohammed Abdul-Aziz , Dhahir Nawaf Mohammed
Published: April 2024

Background: Thalassemia is a widespread heritable disease in Mediterranean region, the assessment of psychological and social status of thalassemic children is an important issue.

Objectives:  The main aim is to assess psychosocial status of children with thalassemia and to find out the association between some demographic characteristics and psychosocial aspects.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study of (101) randomly selected thalassemic children. The study was conducted at Al-Hadbaa Specialist Hospital for blood diseases and bone marrow transplantation, Mosul City, Iraq for the period from 1st November 2023 to 5th January 2024.In order to collect the required data, a questionnaire was developed based on the standards of the pediatric quality of life Scale (PedsQoL).

Results: shows that the largest proportion of samples belong to the age group (9-12) years and the highest percentage of the study sample is female (50.5%).Regarding education, the table presents that the highest percentage of patients are student (67.3%). The table also shows that (65.3%) of patients have family history of thalassemia. For the number of blood transfusion, the highest percentage was (every 3 weeks) to be (59.4%). The mean+SD emotional domain score was 1.8733±0.602, social domain score was 1.2436±3.55.

Conclusion: The present study indicates that psychosocial aspects were range between moderate for emotional functioning and good for social functioning. And there is significant association between some demographic variables and psychosocial functioning of thalassemic children.

Recommendations: The current study recommended to provide psychological and social support units for thalassemic children to help them to adapt with the disease by reducing negative thoughts about themselves and building a positive self-image.
Limited Awareness of HCV among Ophthalmic Patients in Nigeria
Authors: Onwuegbuna Arinze Anthony , Apakama Akunne Ijeoma , Eze Ugochukwu , Chianakwalam Emeka Akujuobi , Ezeude Chidiebele Malachy , Ochiogu Bernard Chukwunonyerem , Chigbo Chisom God’swill , Eleje George Uchenna
Published: April 2024

Background: The hepatitis C virus causes serious morbidity and mortality and is a global public health concern.

Aim: To ascertain adult patients’ awareness of hepatitis C in a specialist eye clinic in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Methods: A pretested, semi-structured questionnaire administered by interviewers and also self-administered by participants was used in this prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study to ascertain the awareness of hepatitis C among adults visiting a specialist eye clinic in Anambra State, Nigeria. Descriptive variables and tests of significance were used in the analysis of data on socio demographics, awareness, and knowledge of hepatitis C. The COUTH Ethics committee granted ethical approval.

Results: Because they met the inclusion criteria, 264 people in total took part in this survey. With an age range of 20–87 years, there were 110 (41.7%) males and 154 (58.3%) females, with a ratio of 1:1.4. The average age was 60.6 +/- 14.8 years. The majority of the 149(56.4%) participants were unaware of HCV infection while 258 (97.8%) were unaware of the method by which HCV is spread.

Conclusion: In Nigeria, adult patients who visit eye clinics have low knowledge of hepatitis C.
Reaction mechanism and kinetics for the liquid‐phase catalytic oxidation of meta‐xylene to meta‐phthalic acid
Authors: Wang Qinbo , Zhang Yongzhao , Cheng Youwei , Li Xi
Published: July 2008

A detailed radical chain elementary reaction mechanism for the liquid‐phase catalytic oxidation of meta‐xylene to meta‐phthalic acid catalyzed by cobalt acetate and manganese acetate and promoted by hydrogen bromide was proposed. Using several reasonable assumptions a simple fractional‐like kinetic model was derived from the assumed reaction mechanism. Several batch oxidation experiments were carried out to study the oxidation kinetics. The experiments included three values of the initial concentration of meta‐xylene and four values of reaction temperature. The developed model parameters were determined in a nonlinear optimization, minimizing the difference between the simulated and experimental time evolutions of the product compositions obtained in a batch oxidation reactor, where the gas and liquid phases were well mixed. The experimental results cannot be interpreted by the empirical n‐th order kinetics, but can be interpreted by the kinetic model proposed in this work. It means the kinetic model proposed in this work reveals the reaction mechanism. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Experimental study of a turbulent cross‐flow near a two‐dimensional rough wall with narrow apertures
Authors: Mokamati Satya , Olson James A. , Martinez D. Mark , Gooding Robert W.
Published: July 2008

Turbulent flow over a rough wall with suction or blowing is a common fluid mechanics problem that has many practical applications including pulp screening. To better understand, the complex hydrodynamics at the critical region near the surface of the wall, the streamwise mean and velocity fluctuations were determined experimentally using laser Doppler velocietry. The near‐wall streamwise velocity fluctuations and local mean streamwise velocity were shown to be a strong function of the surface roughness, and the aperture and cross‐flow velocities. A correlation for the mean velocity and the wall shear stress acting near the wall was determined. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Jenseits von Prostaglandinen – Chemie und Biologie radikalisch gebildeter cyclischer oxygenierter Metabolite von mehrfach ungesättigten Fettsäuren
Authors: Jahn Ullrich , Galano Jean‐Marie , Durand Thierry
Published: July 2008

Mehrfach ungesättigte Fettsäuren (polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFA) sind wichtige Bestandteile aller Organismen. Sie erfüllen viele Aufgaben, von der Modulation der Membranstruktur bis hin zur Funktion als Vorstufen für andere physiologisch bedeutsame Naturstoffe. Prominenteste Beispiele sind die Prostaglandine, die lange als die dominierenden cyclischen PUFA‐Metabolite galten. Seit Beginn der 1990er Jahre wurde jedoch eine große Zahl cyclischer PUFA‐abgeleiteter Naturstoffe entdeckt, die sich in vivo unter autoxidativen Bedingungen in wesentlich größeren Mengen als Prostaglandine bilden. Diese Verbindungen – Isoprostane, Neuroprostane, Phytoprostane und Isofurane – kommen überall in der Natur vor und zeigen eine ganze Reihe von biologischen Aktivitäten. Sie sind gegenwärtig die verlässlichsten Indikatoren oxidativen Stresses im menschlichen Organismus. In relativ kurzer Zeit wurden vielfältige Strukturen, Eigenschaften und Funktionen autoxidativ gebildeter cyclischer PUFA‐Metabolite aufgedeckt.
Non‐holonomic filamentary dynamos as generalized Arnold's maps in Riemannian space
Authors: Garcia de Andrade L.C.
Published: July 2008

A filamentary non‐holonomic dynamo solution of self‐induction magnetic field equation is found by considering highly conducting filaments. It is shown that planar filaments cannot support dynamo action since the flow along the filament vanishes for torsion‐free filaments. This is a generalization of the Zeldovich theorem for linear magnetic dynamo filaments. The flow of filament is proportionally to the product between Frenet torsion and curvature. This shows that filamentary dynamos must possess Frenet torsion. A well‐known example of this result is the α ‐dynamo in solar physics. Magnetic helicity and magnetic energy for this filamentary dynamo are computed. Magnetic helicity vanishes by construction and the magnetic field decays with torsion energy in helicoidal dynamos. The approach considered here is useful for the investigation of anisotropic turbulent cascades. As a particular simple example it is shown that under certain constraints the solution can be reduced to the Arnold cat dynamo map solution where the non‐holonomic directional mixed derivative, would play the role of the Lyapunov exponent which appears on stretching the magnetic field in Riemannian space. The solution seems to describe marginal slow dynamos when the velocities involved in the dynamo flows are constants. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Productivity and impact of astronomical facilities: Three years of publications and citation rates
Authors: Trimble V. , Ceja J.A.
Published: July 2008

In calendar years 2001 to 2003, 20 journals of astronomy and astrophysics published 11 831 papers that reported or analyzed observations at wavelengths from meter radio to ultrahigh energy gamma rays. These were cited 161 556 times in the three calendar years following publication, according to the Science Citation Index/Web of Science, for an average of 13.66 citations per paper or 4.55 citations per paper per year. We examine these numbers as a function of subject matter, wavelength bands, journals, and individual telescopes used and explore a small subset of possible temporal trends, anomalies, and sources of uncertainty, including blockbuster journals, papers and facilities. Many of the results resemble qualitative expectations. There are hot topics (cosmology, exoplanets) and not so hot topics (binary stars, planetary nebulae). Papers reporting data from space are cited a bit more often, and ground‐based radio papers a bit less often, than optical papers, while multi‐wavelength ones do noticeably better than average. The total number of telescopes involved is surprisingly large, approximately 350 optical and infrared (mostly ground‐based but including HST because of its long life), 144 radio facilities on about 100 sites (including WMAP and COBE and a few balloon‐borne CMB experiments), and 105 space‐based detectors (including satellites, interplanetary probes, things carried on rockets, balloons, the Shuttle, and so forth). The outstanding telescopes are generally both stable with time and predictable. HST and the VLA are responsible for the largest number of optical and radio papers respectively, but the most frequently cited optical papers come from SDSS (by a wide margin), Keck, and the AAT, while the JCMT, Parkes and (especially) CMB observatories lead the radio brigade. Among things that fly, leadership changes more quickly, as missions are launched, vigorously exploited, and turned off, sometimes achieving geostationary, suboceanic orbits. If you have a choice, large trumps small, but wellsupported sites trump struggling ones by a comparable factor. And service to the community, in the form of catalogues and mission descriptions, is rewarded, at least in citation numbers, if not always in other ways. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photometric and astrometric analysis of a mutual event between the Uranian satellites Miranda and Oberon
Authors: Birlan M. , Nedelcu D.A. , Lainey V. , Arlot J.‐E. , Binzel R.P. , Bus S.J. , Rayner J. , Thuillot W. , Vaduvescu O. , Colas F.
Published: July 2008

Observations of the predicted occultation between the satellites Miranda and Oberon were performed on 2007 July 30. Data analysis reveals that the predicted magnitude drop for this phenomenon was overestimated and we establish an upper limit of 0m. 05 for the phenomenon, perhaps due to a non‐lambertian limb scattering. The new astrometry obtained from this run is in good agreement with the LA06 numerical model and these new data will improve the dynamical models of the Uranus system. The paper concludes with an uncertainty analysis on the parameters for the event, determined by the uncertainty of the magnitude drop of about 0.04 mag, and the difficulty to observe mutual phenomena between satellites in the Uranian system. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Aldehyde–alcohol dehydrogenase and/or thiolase overexpression coupled with CoA transferase downregulation lead to higher alcohol titers and selectivity in Clostridium acetobutylicum fermentations
Authors: Sillers Ryan , Al‐Hinai Mohab Ali , Papoutsakis Eleftherios T.
Published: July 2008

Metabolic engineering (ME) of Clostridium acetobutylicum has led to increased solvent (butanol, acetone, and ethanol) production and solvent tolerance, thus demonstrating that further efforts have the potential to create strains of industrial importance. With recently developed ME tools, it is now possible to combine genetic modifications and thus implement more advanced ME strategies. We have previously shown that antisense RNA (asRNA)‐based downregulation of CoA transferase (CoAT, the first enzyme in the acetone‐formation pathway) results in increased butanol to acetone selectivity, but overall reduced butanol yields and titers. In this study the alcohol/aldehyde dehydrogenase (aad) gene (encoding the bifunctional protein AAD responsible for butanol and ethanol production from butyryl‐CoA and acetyl‐CoA, respectively) was expressed from the phosphotransbutyrylase (ptb) promoter to enhance butanol formation and selectivity, while CoAT downregulation was used to minimize acetone production. This led to early production of high alcohol (butanol plus ethanol) titers, overall solvent titers of 30 g/L, and a higher alcohol/acetone ratio. Metabolic flux analysis revealed the likely depletion of butyryl‐CoA. In order to increase then the flux towards butyryl‐CoA, we examined the impact of thiolase (THL, thl) overexpression. THL converts acetyl‐CoA to acetoacetyl‐CoA, the first step of the pathway from acetyl‐CoA to butyryl‐CoA, and thus, combining thl overexpression with aad overexpression decreased, as expected, acetate and ethanol production while increasing acetone and butyrate formation. thl overexpression in strains with asRNA CoAT downregulation did not significantly alter product formation thus suggesting that a more complex metabolic engineering strategy is necessary to enhance the intracellular butyryl‐CoA pool and reduce the acetyl‐CoA pool in order to achieve improved butanol titers and selectivity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 38–49. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.