bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute and Chronic Performance Enhancement in Rowing: A Network Meta-analytical Approach on the Effects of Nutrition and Training
Authors: Held Steffen , Rappelt Ludwig , Donath Lars
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This systematic review and network meta-analysis assessed via direct and indirect comparison the occurrence and magnitude of effects following different nutritional supplementation strategies and exercise interventions on acute and chronic rowing performance and its surrogates.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, PsycNET and SPORTDiscus searches were conducted until March 2022 to identify studies  that met the following inclusion criteria: (a) controlled trials, (b) rowing performance and its surrogate parameters as outcomes, and (c) peer-reviewed and published in English. Frequentist network meta-analytical approaches were calculated based on standardized mean differences (SMD) using random effects models.

Results

71 studies with 1229 healthy rowers (aged 21.5 ± 3.0 years) were included and two main networks (acute and chronic) with each two subnetworks for nutrition and exercise have been created. Both networks revealed low heterogeneity and non-significant inconsistency (I2 ≤ 35.0% and Q statistics:p ≥ 0.12). Based on P-score rankings, while caffeine (P-score 84%; SMD 0.43) revealed relevantly favorable effects in terms of acute rowing performance enhancement, whilst prior weight reduction (P-score 10%; SMD − 0.48) and extensive preload (P-score 18%; SMD − 0.34) impaired acute rowing performance. Chronic blood flow restriction training (P-score 96%; SMD 1.26) and the combination of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate and creatine (P-score 91%; SMD 1.04) induced remarkably large positive effects, while chronic spirulina (P-score 7%; SMD − 1.05) and black currant (P-score 9%; SMD − 0.88) supplementation revealed impairment effects.

Conclusion

Homogeneous and consistent findings from numerous studies indicate that the choice of nutritional supplementation strategy and exercise training regimen are vital for acute and chronic performance enhancement in rowing.
Experimental investigation of the mechanical properties and large-volume laboratory test of a novel filling material in mining engineering
Authors: Hong Zi-jie , Li Zhen-hua , Du Feng , Xu Lei , Zhu Chun
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a novel filling material was developed that consisted of a coal gangue and fly ash mixture as the main material and a ground slag, quicklime and plaster mixture as the cementing material. Moreover, an auxiliary agent was added as an activator. The test results showed that the optimum composition of the filling material included coal gangue and fly ash at a 2:1 ratio, accounting for 85% of the total mass, ground slag (G), quicklime (Q) and plaster (P) at a 5:3:2 ratio, accounting for 15% of the total mass, an expansive agent content of 0.01%, and a modifier additive content of 1.0%. A large-volume sample (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) was evaulated with this optimized material composition. The experimental temperature, mechanical performance, regeneration strength, and failure characteristics were determined. The results showed that the temperature of the middle part of the filling body was the highest and peaked at 40.2 °C. The filling material had a high compressive strength and exhibited ideal plastic deformation characteristics. The strength could be restored after damage had occurred and the fracture surface was destroyed along a certain angle.
Fortresses in Portugal. Conservation and basis for new uses
Authors: Paupério Esmeralda , Arêde António , Silva Rui
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on the experience of the Rehabilitation Nucleus of the Construction Institute (NR-IC), integrated in the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP) in the analysis, inspection, and diagnosis of structures with ancient defensive walls existing in Portugal. Aiming at promoting careful and heritage-respecting rehabilitation interventions, in line with the recommendations of ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), the NR-IC has participated in several conservation and requalification projects. The development and implementation of a consolidated and holistic methodology of inspection and diagnosis aims to intervene in these historic structures by respecting their authenticity and integrity. In this context, this paper addresses two cases studies in different contexts and state of conservation: the Penedono Castle, in the countryside, and the Peniche Fortress in the sea shore.
Bipolar spectrum disorders among American registered nurses: a narrative literature review
Authors: Armijo Julianne E.
Published: April 2023

Background

Bipolar spectrum disorders (BSDs) are serious psychiatric conditions correlated with high rates of suicide, substance misuse, hospitalization, and cardiometabolic diseases. Little is known about how BSDs affect American registered nurses (RNs) diagnosed with the condition.

Purpose

This review aimed to identify risk factors and socioeconomic impacts influencing American RNs diagnosed with BSDs.

Methods

The study examined literature in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS. Articles discussing RNs diagnosed with BSDs were selected and evaluated for common risk factors and socioeconomic themes.

Results

Eight papers meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Five articles were personal narratives, two were mixed methods, and one was a cohort study. Risk factors included gender, stress, shift work, and sleep. Socioeconomic themes included economic impact and subjective experience. The female gender predominated in the RN workforce and, to a lesser extent, BSDs. Stress was intertwined with shift work and sleep, as they all influenced circadian alterations, mania, depression, and substance use. The economic impact was poorly understood; however, identified elements were related to hospitalization, absenteeism, and preclusion from insurance coverage. Subjective experiences of RNs with BSDs indicated that stigma incited hostile work environments and shame while seeking mental health care.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that the identified risk factors contributed to adverse psychological, neurological, and cardiometabolic outcomes. Identified socioeconomic themes suggested unfavorable outcomes, including absenteeism, exclusion from insurance coverage, stigmatization, and hospitalization. However, there is a paucity of information, especially from high-quality studies. This novel review provides the foundation for future research.
The Nationalist Dilemma
Authors: Suesse Marvin
Published: April 2023

Nationalists think about the economy, Marvin Suesse argues, and this thinking matters once nationalists hold political power. Many nationalists seek to limit global exchange, but others prioritise economic development. The potential conflict between these two goals shapes nationalist policy making. Drawing on historical case studies from thirty countries – from the American Revolution to the rise of China – this book paints a broad panorama of economic nationalism over the past 250 years. It explains why such thinking has become influential, despite the internal contradictions and chequered record of many nationalist policy makers. At the root of economic nationalism's appeal is its ability to capitalise upon economic inequality, both domestic and international. These inequalities are reinforced by political factors such as empire building, ethnic conflicts, and financial crises. This has given rise to powerful nationalist movements that have decisively shaped the global exchange of goods, people, and capital.
Equilibrium shapes of liquid drops on pre-stretched nonlinear elastic membranes
Authors: Nair Vineet , Sharma Ishan , Shankar V.
Published: April 2023

We investigate the equilibrium of an axisymmetric system consisting of sessile and pendent drops on pre-stretched nonlinear elastic membranes. The membrane experiences large deformations due to the drop's weight and interfacial interactions. We first show that force balance alone leads to non-unique equilibrium solutions. Identifying the system's equilibrium with the minimum of its free energy, we then demonstrate that the equilibrium solution is made unique by requiring the continuity of meridional stretches across the three-phase contact circle. For a special class of nonlinear elastic materials –

$I_2$

materials – we then compute the equilibrium configurations of the drop–membrane system for a range of drop volumes and membrane pre-tensions. Finally, the present work facilitates two important applications: (a) the membrane's pre-tension and current tension are related exactly to help in utilizing the system as an elastocapillary probe for membrane pre-tension and (b) we suggest an experimental protocol for measuring the membrane's surface properties.
Balancing Hope and Fear: Muslim Modernists, Democracy, and the Tyranny of the Majority
Authors: Abbas Megan Brankley
Published: April 2023

During the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, many Muslim modernists exhibited mixed records regarding democracy. On the one hand, they articulated cogent arguments that Islam was, at its heart, democratic in nature and worked to counter Islamist claims to the contrary. Some crafted robust visions for Islamic democratic governance. On the other hand, many of the same modernists forged political alliances with military authoritarian regimes. How can we explain this seeming inconsistency between modernist democratic ideals and their not-so-democratic practices? This article argues that this paradoxical pattern stems from a classic dilemma within democratic theory: the tyranny of the majority. After providing a brief history of majoritarian fears in Western political theory, the article investigates two prominent case studies from mid-twentieth-century Pakistan and Indonesia. The first examines Fazlur Rahman’s ties to Ayub Khan’s military regime in 1960s Pakistan, and the second analyzes why a movement of young modernists was willing to collaborate with Suharto’s New Order regime in 1970s Indonesia. Together, the two cases demonstrate that Muslim modernists balance their genuine hopes for an Islamic democratic future with persistent fears of majoritarian tyranny by advocating for constraints on the majority will. While these constraints can be controversial and even authoritarian in nature, they have important parallels in Western democratic thought. Ultimately, this article argues that Muslim modernists’ mixed records are a function of democratic theory itself rather than some Islamic exception to it.
Ecology and distribution of the “Critically Endangered” Blue-throated HillstarOreotrochilus cyanolaemus
Authors: Tinoco Boris A. , Freile Juan F. , Molina Paul , Carrasco Agustín , Ordoñez Nolberto , Bonaccorso Elisa
Published: April 2023

The Blue-throated HillstarOreotrochilus cyanolaemusis a recently described hummingbird endemic to the southern Andes of Ecuador. This “Critically Endangered” species faces multiple conservation problems; thus, acquiring basic ecological information is a key step for guiding sound and integral conservation actions. We performed a series of expeditions throughout the cordillera Chilla-Tioloma-Fierro Urco to gain new data about its ecology, abundance, breeding, and distribution. From November 2019 to March 2020, we surveyed a total of 161.6 km searching forO. cyanolaemus, and gathered data on encounter rates, microhabitats used, and flower resources used. From November 2020 to January 2021 we studied the breeding ecology of the species. Occurrence records ofO. cyanolaemuswere used to build a species distribution model, based on climatic variables and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). We found that the species is relatively more abundant in the western and central portion of its distribution range. Males were found using more shrubby habitats than females, who used more open habitats. They visited flowers of 11 plant species, withChuquiraga jussieuiandPuyassp. being the most frequently used flowers. Nests were found in caves and rocky walls, and only one out of three active nests was successful. The distribution model indicated that the species has a potential distribution range of 62.7 km2. This manuscript is the first comprehensive evaluation of the ecological requirements of the species, and the information provided has important potential for use as a conservation guide for the species and its habitats.
Psychiatric advance directives facilitated by peer workers among people with mental illness: economic evaluation of a randomized controlled trial (DAiP study)
Authors: Loubière S. , Loundou A. , Auquier P. , Tinland A.
Published: April 2023

Aims

We aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of psychiatric advance directives (PAD) facilitated by peer workers (PW-PAD) in the management of patients with mental disorders in France.

Methods

In a prospective multicentre randomized controlled trial, we randomly assigned adults with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition diagnosis of schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder or schizoaffective disorders, who were compulsorily hospitalized in the past 12 months, to either fill out a PAD form and meet a peer worker for facilitation or receive usual care. We assessed differences in societal costs in euros (€) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) over a year-long follow-up to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of the PW-PAD strategy. We conducted multiple sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our results.

Results

Among the 394 randomized participants, 196 were assigned to the PW-PAD group and 198 to the control group. Psychiatric inpatient costs were lower in the PW-PAD group than the control group (relative risk, −0.22; 95% confidence interval, [−0.33 to −0.11]; P < 0.001), and 1-year cumulative savings were obtained for the PW-PAD group (mean difference, −€4,286 [−4,711 to −4,020]). Twelve months after PW-PAD implementation, we observed improved health utilities (difference, 0.040 [0.003–0.077]; P = 0.032). Three deaths occurred. QALYs were higher in the PW-PAD group (difference, 0.045 [0.040–0.046]). In all sensitivity analyses, taking into account sampling uncertainty and unit variable variation, PW-PAD was likely to remain a cost-effective use of resources.

Conclusion

PW-PAD was strictly dominant, that is, less expensive and more effective compared with usual care for people living with mental illness.
The Global Representativeness of Fair‐Weather Atmospheric Electricity Parameters From the Coastal Station Maitri, Antarctica
Authors: Jeeva K. , Sinha A. K. , Seemala Gopi K. , Pawar S. D. , Guha A. , Kamra A. K. , Williams E. R. , Ravichandran M.
Published: April 2023

Atmospheric electricity parameters (AEP) measurements from Antarctica predominantly feature either the potential gradient (PG) and/or air‐Earth current (AEC) density. We report for the first time simultaneous measurements of the bipolar ions concentration/conductivity, PG, and AEC density. AEP measurements were carried out at Maitri (70.8°S, 11.8°E) from December 2018 to November 2019. We formulated a few criteria, irrespective of the weather conditions, to select the electrically quiet days and some additional criteria based on the conductivity measurements to discern globally representative data (GRD) from such days. The measurements of the PG and AEC density over the Antarctic plateau demonstrated the diurnal curves similar to the Carnegie pattern, which represents the global thunderstorms and electrified shower clouds (ESCs) occurring on different continents and oceans, we regard the data having such trend as GRD. We found significant variability in the concentration of small bipolar ions/conductivity in the austral summer which in turn affects GRD. However, the concentration of bipolar ions is nearly consistent at ∼250 negative ions cm−3 and ∼300 positive ions cm−3 in winter and enhances the probability of GRD. Such differences can arise out of the prevalent planetary boundary layer processes in the two seasons. When the PG varied between ∼50 Vm−1 and ∼150 Vm−1 and the maximum range of conductivity variations was ∼0.2 × 10−14 ℧ m−1, the AEPs represented the signatures of the global thunderstorm and ESC activities.
Floods and Heavy Precipitation at the Global Scale: 100‐Year Analysis and 180‐Year Reconstruction
Authors: Renard B. , McInerney D. , Westra S. , Leonard M. , Kavetski D. , Thyer M. , Vidal J.‐P.
Published: April 2023

Floods and heavy precipitation have disruptive impacts worldwide, but their historical variability remains only partially understood at the global scale. This article aims at reducing this knowledge gap by jointly analyzing seasonal maxima of streamflow and precipitation at more than 3,000 stations over a 100‐year period. The analysis is based on Hidden Climate Indices (HCIs). Like standard climate indices (e.g., Nino 3.4, NAO), HCIs are used as covariates explaining the temporal variability of data, but unlike them, HCIs are estimated from the data. In this work, a distinction is made between common HCIs, that affect both heavy precipitation and floods, and specific HCIs, that exclusively affect one or the other. Overall, HCIs do not show noticeable autocorrelation, but some are affected by noticeable trends. In particular, strong and wide‐ranging trends are identified in precipitation‐specific HCIs, while trends affecting flood‐specific HCIs are weaker and have more localized effects. A probabilistic model is then derived to link HCIs and large‐scale atmospheric variables (pressure, wind, temperature) and to reconstruct HCIs since 1836 using the 20CRv3 reanalysis. In turn this allows estimating the probability of occurrence of floods and heavy precipitation at the global scale. This 180‐year reconstruction highlights flood hot‐spots and hot‐moments in the distant past, well before the establishment of perennial monitoring networks. The approach presented in this study is generic and paves the way for an improved characterization of historical variability by making a better use of long but highly irregular station data sets.
Continental and Glacial Runoff Fingerprints in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, the Inuit Nunangat Ocean
Authors: Rogalla B. , Allen S. E. , Colombo M. , Myers P. G. , Orians K. J.
Published: April 2023

Rising temperatures and an acceleration of the hydrological cycle due to climate change are increasing river discharge, causing permafrost thaw, glacial melt, and a shift to a groundwater‐dominated system in the Arctic. These changes are funneled to coastal regions of the Arctic Ocean where the implications for the distributions of nutrients and biogeochemical constituents are unclear. In this study, we investigate the impact of terrestrial runoff on marine biogeochemistry in Inuit Nunangat (the Canadian Arctic Archipelago)—a key pathway for transport and modification of waters from the Arctic Ocean to the North Atlantic—using sensitivity experiments from 2002 to 2020 with an ocean model of manganese (Mn). The micronutrient Mn traces terrestrial runoff and the modification of geochemical constituents of runoff during transit. The heterogeneity in Arctic runoff composition creates distinct terrestrial fingerprints of influence in the ocean: continental runoff influences Mn in the southwestern Archipelago, glacial runoff dominates the northeast, and their influence co‐occurs in central Parry Channel. Glacial runoff carries micronutrients southward from Nares Strait in the late summer and may help support longer phytoplankton blooms in the Pikialasorsuaq polynya. Enhanced glacial runoff may increase micronutrients delivered downstream to Baffin Bay, accounting for up to 18% of dissolved Mn fluxes seasonally and 6% annually. These findings highlight how climate induced changes to terrestrial runoff may impact the geochemical composition of the marine environment, and will help to predict the extent of these impacts from ongoing alterations of the Arctic hydrological cycle.
Observation of critical phase transition in a generalized Aubry-André-Harper model with superconducting circuits
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Yong-Yi , Shi Yun-Hao , Huang Kaixuan , Song Xiaohui , Liang Gui-Han , Mei Zheng-Yang , Zhou Bozhen , Zhang He , Zhang Jia-Chi , Chen Shu , Zhao S. P. , Tian Ye , Yang Zhan-Ying , Xiang Zhongcheng , Xu Kai , Zheng Dongning , Fan Heng
Published: April 2023

Quantum simulation enables study of many-body systems in non-equilibrium by mapping to a controllable quantum system, providing a powerful tool for computational intractable problems. Here, using a programmable quantum processor with a chain of 10 superconducting qubits interacted through tunable couplers, we simulate the one-dimensional generalized Aubry-André-Harper model for three different phases, i.e., extended, localized and critical phases. The properties of phase transitions and many-body dynamics are studied in the presence of quasi-periodic modulations for both off-diagonal hopping coefficients and on-site potentials of the model controlled respectively by adjusting strength of couplings and qubit frequencies. We observe the spin transport for initial single- and multi-excitation states in different phases, and characterize phase transitions by experimentally measuring dynamics of participation entropies. Our experimental results demonstrate that the recently developed tunable coupling architecture of superconducting processor extends greatly the simulation realms for a wide variety of Hamiltonians, and can be used to study various quantum and topological phenomena.
Retinal vessel architecture and geometry are not impaired in normal-tension glaucoma
Authors: Leveque Anne-Sophie , Bouisse Magali , Labarere José , Trucco Emanuele , Hogg Stephen , MacGillivray Tom , Aptel Florent , Chiquet Christophe
Published: April 2023

To investigate the associations between retinal vessel parameters and normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). We conducted a case–control study with a prospective cohort, allowing to record 23 cases of NTG. We matched NTG patient with one primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and one control per case by age, systemic hypertension, diabetes, and refraction. Central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal venule equivalent (CRVE), Arteriole-To-Venule ratio (AVR), Fractal Dimension and tortuosity of the vascular network were measured using VAMPIRE software. Our sample consisted of 23 NTG, 23 POAG, and 23 control individuals, with a median age of 65 years (25–75th percentile, 56–74). No significant differences were observed in median values for CRAE (130.6 µm (25–75th percentile, 122.8; 137.0) for NTG, 128.4 µm (124.0; 132.9) for POAG, and 135.3 µm (123.3; 144.8) for controls, P = .23), CRVE (172.1 µm (160.0; 188.3), 172.8 µm (163.3; 181.6), and 175.9 µm (167.6; 188.4), P = .43), AVR (0.76, 0.75, 0.74, P = .71), tortuosity and fractal parameters across study groups. Vascular morphological parameters were not significantly associated with retinal nerve fiber layer thickness or mean deviation for the NTG and POAG groups. Our results suggest that vascular dysregulation in NTG does not modify the architecture and geometry of the retinal vessel network.
Optimizing growth conditions in vertical farming: enhancing lettuce and basil cultivation through the application of the Taguchi method
Authors: Farhangi Hadis , Mozafari Vahid , Roosta Hamid Reza , Shirani Hossein , Farhangi Mosen
Published: April 2023

This paper reports on the findings of an experimental study that investigated the impact of various environmental factors on the growth of lettuce and basil plants in vertical farms. The study employed the Taguchi method, a statistical design of experiments approach, to efficiently identify the optimal growth conditions for these crops in a hyper-controlled environment. By reducing the time and cost of designing and running experiments, this method allowed for the simultaneous investigation of multiple environmental factors that affect plant growth. A total of 27 treatments were selected using the Taguchi approach, and the signal to noise ratio was calculated to predict the optimal levels of each environmental condition for maximizing basil and lettuce growth parameters. The results showed that most of the parameters, except for EC and relative humidity for certain growth parameters, were interrelated with each other. To validate the results, confirmation tests were conducted based on the predicted optimal parameters. The low error ratio between expected and predicted values (1–3%) confirmed the effectiveness of the Taguchi approach for determining the optimal environmental conditions for plant growth in vertical farms.
Predicting surgical outcome and sagittal alignment change in patients with cervical spondylosis and degenerative kyphosis after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Authors: Li Shaoqing , Bai Bingqing , Li Qiang , Yuan Qian , Peng Xiangping
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study was to forecast the risk factors of poor outcomes and postoperative loss of lordosis or recurrence of kyphosis. In this retrospective study, 101 patients with cervical spondylosis and preoperative kyphosis who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) were enrolled, between June 2015 and June 2019. Patients were grouped according to the recovery rate of Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score whether more than 50%, and the change of postoperative cervical Cobb angle. There were 22 cases with less than 50% of recovery rate and 35 cases with the worsening of postoperative sagittal alignment (WPSA). Multivariate linear-regression analysis was conducted with the data. Advanced age (p = 0.019), longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.003) and loss of local Cobb angle (LCA) after surgery (p = 0.031) was significantly associated with a poor clinical outcome. A whole kyphosis (p = 0.009), aggravated neck pain after surgery (p = 0.012), preoperative lower thoracic 1 (T1) (p < 0.001), bigger change of C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (p = 0.008) and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) (p = 0.024) was significantly associated with the WPSA. Preoperative health education, nutritional support and early postoperative rehabilitation intervention, in perioperative period, were recommended for patients with advance age, longer duration of symptoms, whole cervical kyphosis and lower T1. Postoperative sagittal malalignment was related to neck pain and ASD after surgery.
Phylogenetic and metabolic diversity of microbial communities performing anaerobic ammonium and methane oxidations under different nitrogen loadings
Authors: Li Jie , Liu Tao , McIlroy Simon J , Tyson Gene W , Guo Jianhua
Published: April 2023

The microbial guild coupling anammox and nitrite/nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-DAMO) is an innovative process to achieve energy-efficient nitrogen removal with the beneficial use of methane in biogas or in anaerobically treated wastewater. Here, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics were used to reveal the microbial ecology of two biofilm systems, which incorporate anammox and n-DAMO for high-level nitrogen removal in low-strength domestic sewage and high-strength sidestream wastewater, respectively. We find that different nitrogen loadings (i.e., 0.1 vs. 1.0 kg N/m3/d) lead to different combinations of anammox bacteria and anaerobic methanotrophs (“Candidatus Methanoperedens” and “Candidatus Methylomirabilis”), which play primary roles for carbon and nitrogen transformations therein. Despite methane being the only exogenous organic carbon supplied, heterotrophic populations (e.g., Verrucomicrobiota and Bacteroidota) co-exist and actively perform partial denitrification or dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), likely using organic intermediates from the breakdown of methane and biomass as carbon sources. More importantly, two novel genomes belonging to “Ca. Methylomirabilis” are recovered, while one surprisingly expresses nitrate reductases, which we designate as “Ca. Methylomirabilis nitratireducens” representing its inferred capability in performing nitrate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation. This finding not only suggests a previously neglected possibility of “Ca. Methylomirabilis” bacteria in performing methane-dependent nitrate reduction, and also challenges the previous understanding that the methane-dependent complete denitrification from nitrate to dinitrogen gas is carried out by the consortium of bacteria and archaea.
Design and development of hydrogen bonded molecular assemblies based on pyromellitic diimide tethered carboxylic acids as optical materials
Authors: Puniya Raju Ram , Takhar Priyanka , Kalita Tanmoy , Kalita Dhruba Jyoti , Singh Devendra
Published: April 2023

Multiple hydrogen bonding patterns between pyromellitic diimide tethered carboxylic acid hosts and identical guest molecules were studied.
Titanate nanotubes as an efficient oral detoxifying agent against drug overdose: application in rat acetaminophen poisoning
Authors: Salek Abir , Selmi Mouna , Njim Leila , Umek Polona , Mejanelle Philippe , Moussa Fathi , Douki Wahiba , Hosni Karim , Baati Tarek
Published: April 2023

Voluntary drug intoxication is mainly due to drug overdose or the interaction of several drugs.
Mixed electronic and oxide ionic conduction and migration mechanisms in digermanate La2−xCaxGe2O7−x/2
Authors: Liang Lu , Li Xiaohui , Wang Xiaoge , Luo Zhaoji , Lin Kun , Li Qiang , Deng Sihao , He Lunhua , Kuang Xiaojun , Xing Xianran
Published: April 2023

Mixed electronic and oxide ion conduction was enabled in digermanate La2−xCaxGe2O7−x/2. Oxygen vacancy was stabilized and transported by sharing oxygen and oxygen exchange between Ge3O10 and GeO4 units, showing three-dimensional oxide ion transport.
UV induced hydrophosphination of dimethyl 2-vinylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate towards phosphine chalcogenides
Authors: Adjei Jeanette A. , Kerr Michael A. , Ragogna Paul J.
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of new phosphine sulfides through the UV irradiation of dimethyl 2-vinylcyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylate with either a primary or secondary phosphine.
Quaternary alkaline-earth metal thiophosphate SrAgPS4: syntheses, structures, and optical properties
Authors: Xing Wenhao , Tang Jian , Liang Fei , Tang Chunlan , Wu Jieyun , Yin Wenlong , Kang Bin , Deng Jianguo
Published: April 2023

The quaternary alkaline-earth metal thiophosphate SrAgPS4has been synthesized. It possesses desirable properties as a preferred IR NLO material: a large band gap (2.97 eV), phase-matched intense second harmonic generation (SHG) (1.10AgGaS2), and moderate birefringence.
A metal-free catalyst for electrocatalytic NO reduction to NH3
Authors: Zhang Guike , Wan Yuying , Zhao Hongyan , Guo Yali , Chu Ke
Published: April 2023

Metal-free BP is explored as an efficient catalyst for the electrocatalytic NO reduction reaction to NH3(NORR), which is attributed to the B and P atoms of BP, which act as dual-active centers to synergistically promote the NORR and inhibit the competing HER.
Evaluation of membrane fouling in a microalgal-bacterial membrane photobioreactor treating secondary wastewater effluent: effect of photoperiod conditions
Authors: Segredo-Morales E. , González E. , González-Martín C. , Vera L.
Published: April 2023

In microalgal-bacterial membrane photobioreactors, membrane fouling was mainly determined by the biopolymer cluster content, with best performance being attained at intermediate photoperiods.
Manipulating the spin state to activate the atomically dispersed Fe–N–C catalyst for oxygen reduction
Authors: Liu Fan , Shi Chengxiang , Pan Lun , Huang Zhen-Feng , Zhang Xiangwen , Zou Ji-Jun
Published: April 2023

Magnetic moment of 3dxz+ 3dyzis a good ORR activity descriptor for Fe–N–C with e1g. Medium spin Fe(iii) after NC–N doping balances O2activation and *OH desorption by tuning hybridization degree between Fe 3dxz(yz)and ORR intermediates π* orbitals.
Ionic electroactive PEDOT:PSS/liquid-crystalline polymer electrolyte actuators: photopolymerization of zwitterionic columnar liquid crystals complexed with a protic ionic liquid
Authors: Cao Siyu , Liu Chengyang , Yoshio Masafumi
Published: April 2023

Ionic electroactive polymer actuators based on photopolymerizable zwitterionic columnar liquid crystals complexed with a protic ionic liquid provided a high bending strain and a large blocking force under a voltage of 2 V.
Engineering thermostable affinity proteins for use in high-throughput immunoassay formats
Authors: Jia Huan , Moomen Nazirulmubin Abdul , Leong Jeanette , Kongsuphol Patthara , Lim Zhi Feng Sherman , Pui Carmen Sze Min , Tan Yuxuan , Sung Ki-Joo , Sikes Hadley D.
Published: April 2023

Protein engineering approach enables effective immobilisation of thermostable affinity proteins onto polystyrene materials.
Effect of Predicate Types on the Production of Copula “
Is
” in 2-Year-Old Children Who Speak General American English
Authors: Guo Ling-Yu , Weiler Brian
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Prior work has shown that subject types affected the production of copula BE in young children who spoke General American English (GAE). However, the role of predicate types on the production of copula BE remains unclear. This study examined how predicate types affected the production of copula “
is
” in young GAE-speaking children.

Method:

Seventeen 2-year-old children with typical language development who spoke GAE were included in this study. Children's production rate of copula “
is
” in sentences with nominal (e.g.,

The dog is
a king

), permanent-adjectival (e.g.,

The dog is
white

), temporary-adjectival (e.g.,

The dog is
very hot

), or locative (e.g.,

The dog is
outside

) predicates was examined using an elicited repetition task.

Results:

Two-year-old children who spoke GAE were more likely to repeat copula “
is
” correctly with nominal, permanent-adjectival, and temporary-adjectival predicates than with locative predicates after sentence length was controlled. There were no other significant differences between predicate types.

Conclusions:

Overall, locative predicates are the least facilitative for the production of copula “
is
” as compared to other predicate types. Predicate types, especially locative predicates, should be considered when the clinician creates sentences to evaluate the production of copula BE and to provide intervention for GAE-speaking children.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22630726
Evaluation of the Therapeutic Efficacy of Perceptual Learning Using the Bartimeus Training Program in the Clinic as an Additional Therapy to Glasses or Patching
Authors: Maurer Simon Gustav Arpàd , Palmowski-Wolfe Anja
Published: April 2023

Abtract

Background The Bartimeus training program (BT) is a perceptual learning task that consists of a drawing assignment performed in 12 sessions of 30 minutes duration. Here we aim to
retrospectively assess visual improvement in children who underwent BT and in whom visual acuity had not improved by glasses or patching in relation to patient age and diagnosis.

Material and Methods Retrospective chart analysis of patients who had undergone BT at our institution after consent. Visual acuity prior to and following BT was analyzed, as were
diagnosis and age at BT.

Results Thirteen patients (20 eyes) with a mean age of 7 years (range: 3.9 – 10.75) were included. Overall acuity (LogMar) improved in 75%. Six patients aged 6.5 – 7.5 years had a
mean improvement of 1.4 lines. The greatest improvement (5 lines crowding acuity) was seen in a 9-year-old with recent onset amblyopia due to corneal scarring. Two patients aged 6 years with
deprivation amblyopia following surgery of a congenital cataract and one 5-year-old with retinitis pigmentosa did not benefit from BT.

Conclusions BT is a cheap noninvasive method that may help improve visual outcomes. Further studies with larger numbers are needed to assess optimal indication, timing, and length of
treatment.
Immunohistochemical Findings in Retrocorneal Membranes of Eyes with Corneal Decompensation after Complicated Intraocular Surgery
Authors: Gerding Heinrich , Schlageter Manuel , Zettl Andreas , Goldblum David , Tappeiner Christoph
Published: April 2023

Background Retrocorneal membranes (RCMs) may result from epithelial ingrowth, stromal keratocytic downgrowth, fibrous metaplasia of the corneal endothelium, or a combination of these
processes. In an institutional case series, the clinical history, ocular findings, and immunohistochemical staining results of RCMs were analysed in patients with unilateral corneal
decompensation after complicated intraocular surgery.

Methods and Patients Between January 2021 and September 2022, six retrocorneal membranes were excised during Descemetʼs stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) procedures and classified after screening with haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, elastic van Gieson staining, and
immunohistochemical screening with cytokeratin 7 (CK7), anti-cytokeratin (CAM5.2 and AE1/3), cell surface glycoprotein CD34, smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and vimentin.

Results On the basis of the immunohistochemical screening, the majority of excised RCMs (5 of 6) could histopathologically be classified as membranes originating from fibrous
metaplasia of the corneal endothelium. All these RCMs were positive for CK7, α-SMA, and vimentin and negative for CAM5.2 and CD34. In one patient, an RCM had developed after 18 days
of corneal contact to a free-floating dexamethasone implant in the anterior chamber and was classified as originating from stromal keratocyte downgrowth (α-SMA- and vimentin-positive,
all others negative). All eyes in this series had a previous history of complicated cataract surgery, partially with subsequent intraocular lens exchange. No eyes after previous penetrating
keratoplasty were in this series.

Conclusions In this series of eyes with previous complicated intraocular interventions (in most cases cataract surgery and revisions), the dominating RCM belonged to the type
originating from fibrous metaplasia of the corneal endothelium.
Severe Complications after Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL)
Authors: Blaser Frank , Zweifel Sandrine , Wiest Maximilian Robert Justus , Bajka Anahita , Said Sadiq , Barthelmes Daniel , Muth Daniel Rudolf
Published: April 2023

Purpose To present a case series of rare and severe complications after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) of keratoconus patients.

Methods Single-center descriptive case series covering the period of 2012 to 2022 at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland.

Results We present four eyes of four patients that showed severe unusual complications within the first month after CXL. Three patients had been treated with the classical
epithelium-off “Dresden” protocol. One patient had been treated with the accelerated epithelium-off protocol. One patient presented with extensive corneal edema due to rubbing the eye after
treatment. Two patients showed a bacterial infectious keratitis: one due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and the other due to Staphylococcus hominis, Micrococcus luteus, and
Streptococcus epidermidis. The latter of the two patients exhibited extensive infectious crystalline keratopathy. The fourth patient showed a severe ulcerative lesion where no
infectious cause could be found. Therefore, an autoimmune keratolytic process had to be suspected. Apart from the corneal edema, which resolved ad integrum, the other complications
resulted in permanent corneal scarring and thinning. One patient needed an emergency amniotic transplant.

Conclusion Severe complications after CXL remain rare. Most common causes are complications that are not directly associated with the treatment as such. Those indirect complications
occur after the treatment during the healing course of the epithelium. Associations with bandage contact lenses, topical steroids, atopic disease, and inappropriate patient behavior are
often suspected. Correctly performed corneal scrapings with repeated microbiological analysis and a detailed patient history are essential for establishing the correct diagnosis, especially
in complicated cases that do not respond to a standard therapeutic regimen. This case series supports the efforts that are currently taken to improve the CXL technique in a way that
postoperative complications are further reduced. A more efficient epithelium-on technique might be a step in that direction.
Didn’t she say to you, “Oh my God! In Pafos?”
Authors: Fotiou Constantina
Published: April 2023

This study examines the linguistic and discursive format as well as the functions of hypothetical quotations in
everyday, informal conversations amongst Greek Cypriot friends. Drawing from a dataset of 270 minutes of naturally-occurring
conversations, this study documents the linguistic format of sixty-one hypothetical quotations and examines why speakers resort to
formulating such quotations to begin with. To do so, Goffman’s (1981) work on footing
and participation framework is employed along with an analysis of these quotations in interaction following the work of Goodwin (2007). This study shows that most instances of hypothetical quotations are
formulated as direct quotations. There can be both self- and other-quotations, and the quotative can take various forms.
Hypothetical quotations serve an array of discursive functions, such as showing the listener’s involvement in an interaction,
creating humour, supporting one’s argument or refuting the argument of the other, in line with other studies in the
literature.
Transformation of bonds and redistribution of partial states of valence electrons at α(С23)-WGe
2
→β(С11
b

)-WGe
2 high-pressure polymorphic transformation
Authors: Zaulychnyy Ya , Bolen E , Karpets M , Petrovska S , Khyzhun O , Deligoz E , Ozisik H
Published: April 2023

The electronic properties and phase transition of β(C11b)-WGe2 and α(C23)-WGe2 phases were investigated via x-ray emission spectroscopy method and first-principles calculations. The analysis of the comparison of the partial energy distributions of the valence electrons of the β(C11b)-WGe2 and α(C23)-WGe2 phases was also studied. The transformation of interatomic bonds during the polymorphic transition α(C23)-WGe2→β(C11b)-WGe2 under comprehensive compression was proposed. The first-principles calculations showed that the phase transition from the α(C23)-WGe2 phase to the β(C11b)-WGe2 phase occurs under high pressure. Furthermore, the electronic structure calculations indicate that the considered phases are metallic in nature. The results have revealed that the fine-structure peculiarities of the WLβ
5- and GeKβ
2-emission bands match well with the main peaks of the partial densities of the W d- and Ge p- electronic states for the both phases.
Confinement and null-source collision in a particular 4-dimensional third-order Lovelock gravity
Authors: Mazharimousavi S Habib , Halilsoy M , Hsieh Chia-Li
Published: April 2023

Recently the 4-dimensional Gauss-Bonnet (GB) theory has been extended by introducing a new parameter of the form

α

D
−
4

where α is a nonzero real parameter. The idea also has been extended to higher-order pure Lovelock theory by rescaling the parameter in a similar manner. In a particular third-order Lovelock spacetime we investigate particle confinement, the absence of flat rotation curves, and the possible collision of null sources that gives rise locally to such a static spacetime.
Development of a flexible piezoelectric and triboelectric energy harvester with piezo capacitive sensing ability from barium tungstate nanorod-dispersed PVDF nanofabrics
Authors: Ekbote Govind S , Khalifa Mohammed , Venkatesa Perumal B , Anandhan S
Published: April 2023

Lead-free flexible piezoelectric nanogenerator (PNG) and triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) are sought after due to their ability to produce electricity by harnessing wasteful mechanical energy. A comprehensive understanding of additives and processing techniques is crucial for fine-tuning the performance of such energy systems. We have investigated in detail the effect of the addition of reverse microemulsion synthesized barium tungstate nanorods (BWN) on morphology, crystallinity, polymorphism of electrospun nanofabrics of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The electroactive phase content of the nanofabrics was enhanced upon the addition of BWN and the highest electroactive phase content of 86.5% was observed in the nanofabric containing 3 wt% of BWN. The dielectric constant of the nanofabric containing 5 wt% BWN was ∼1.96 times higher than that of pristine electrospun PVDF nanofabric (EPVDF). The ratio of relative change in the capacitance to initial capacitance of the sensor fabricated from the same system was ∼4 times greater than that of EPVDF. Consequently, its piezoelectric and triboelectric performances were improved. The PNG fabricated using the nanofabric containing 3 wt% BWN produced the highest open-circuit voltage of 8 V under an applied load of 8 N. A TENG made using the same system was able to produce a voltage output of 200 V, which was 1.77 times as high as that of EPVDF under one-finger tapping in contact-separation mode. The same composite nanofabric produced piezoelectric and triboelectric power densities of 4.3 µW cm−2 and 646 µW cm−2, respectively. The TENG was able to light 40 LEDs under one finger tapping. Fluttering-driven TENG fabricated using the aforementioned nanofabric was able to produce a triboelectric voltage of 84 V at a wind speed of 7 m s−1. Overall, these nanofabrics could be a potential material for energy harvesting devices for powering wearable devices, environmental sensors, and internet of things.
An Examination of Visual Quality of Life and Functional Vision Among Collision and Non-Collision Athletes Over a Competitive Season
Authors: Kelly Jon T , Wilkes James R , Slobounov Semyon M
Published: April 2023

Objective

Repetitive head impacts (RHIs) experienced during sports are gaining attention due to potential long-term neurological dysfunction, absent of a diagnosed concussion. One area susceptible to dysfunction is vision. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in visual quality of life (VQOL) and functional vision scores from pre- to post-season among collision and non-collision athletes.

Methods

The Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 and Neuro-Ophthalmic Supplement (NOS), as well as functional vision testing (Mobile Universal Lexicon Evaluation System – MULES) were completed pre- and post-season by three groups: collision athletes, non-collision athletes, and minimally active controls (MACs).

Results

There were 42 participants, with 41 (21 male, 20 female) completing both testing sessions, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 21 (2.46) years (collision group, n = 14; non-collision group, n = 13, MACs, n = 14). Baseline analyses revealed no significant differences between groups for VQOL or MULES scores. However, those with a family history of psychiatric disorder scored significantly worse on NOS. Post-season/follow-up testing revealed no significant differences between groups for VQOL scores. Non-collision athletes significantly improved on the MULES test by 2.46 ± 3.60 (SD) s (35.0 [95% confidence interval, 0.29–4.63]; p = .03). Change score results from pre- to post-season were not significant.

Conclusion

Although the groups were not significantly different from one another, non-collision athletes significantly improved MULES scores, whereas collision athletes performed the worst, suggesting exposure to RHIs may impact functional vision. Thus, further evaluation of RHIs and their impact on vision is warranted.