bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambiguities of urban détente: East German town twinning and the struggle with globalization in the 1960s
Authors: Rau Christian
Published: September 2023

This article provides a fresh perspective on the history of East German town twinning in the early era of détente. While previous studies have analysed East German town twinning solely as an instrument of the Socialist Unity Party (Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands, SED) to establish paradiplomatic relations in Western Europe, I explore the dynamic inter-relation between global, national and local actors and the ambiguities of urban détente. I reveal the importance of the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (Deutsche Städte- und Gemeindetag, DStuG), the East German association of municipalities, which crucially shaped the East German concept of urban détente through practising trans-local exchange. The role played by the DStuG was backed by the United Towns Organization (UTO), a non-governmental organization founded in 1957 whose aim was to form a global network of cities beyond the East–West divide. In 1960, the DStuG joined the UTO as a member and consciously used its new position to expand its scope and improve its national status through actively working on the conceptualization of urban détente. However, the conflicts between the East German foreign ministry and the UTO grew bigger, resulting in the marginalization of the DStuG and town twinning in the SED’s concept of détente. These conflicts encouraged the UTO to redefine its global approach.
Zona pellucida removal modifies the expression and release of specific microRNAs in domestic cat blastocysts
Authors: Veraguas-Dávila Daniel , Caamaño Diego , Saéz-Ruiz Darling , Vásquez Yazmín , Saravia Fernando , Castro Fidel Ovidio , Rodríguez-Alvarez Lleretny
Published: September 2023

The in vitro culture of domestic cat embryos without the zona pellucida affects their implantation capacity. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have an important role in embryo–maternal communication and implantation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of specific miRNAs in domestic cat blastocysts cultured without the zona pellucida. Two experimental groups were done: (1) domestic cat embryos cultured with the zona pellucida (zona intact control group, ZI); and (2) cultured without the zona pellucida (zona free group, ZF). The cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates were evaluated. The blastocysts and their spent medium were used for miRNA expression analysis using RT-qPCR (miR-21, miR-24, mi25, miR-29, miR-96, miR-98, miR-103, miR-191, miR-196, miR-199, miR-130, miR-155 and miR-302). The pre-mature microRNAs (pre-miRNAs) and miRNAs were evaluated in the blastocysts and only miRNAs were evaluated in the spent medium. No differences were observed in the cleavage, morula and blastocyst rates between the ZF and ZI groups (P > 0.05). For miRNAs analysis, miR-103 and miR-191 had the most stable expression and were selected as internal controls. ZF blastocysts had a higher expression of miR-21, miR-25, miR-29 and miR-199 and a lower expression of miR-96 than their ZI counterparts (P < 0.05). Furthermore, higher levels of miR-21, miR-25 and miR-98 were detected in the spent medium of ZF blastocysts (P < 0.05). In conclusion, in vitro culture of domestic cat embryos without the zona pellucida modifies the expression of miR-21, miR-25, miR-29, miR-199 and miR-96 at the blastocyst stage and the release of miR-21, miR-25 and miR-98.
Objective and subjective evaluation of a passive low-back exoskeleton during simulated logistics tasks
Authors: Mitterlehner Lukas , Li Yasmin Xinyue , Wolf Matthias
Published: September 2023

Musculoskeletal disorders remain the most common work-related health problem in the European Union. The most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder reported by workers is backache, especially in the logistics sector. Thus, this article aims to evaluate the effects of a commercial passive low-back exoskeleton during simulated logistics tasks. Thirty participants were recruited for this study. Typical logistics tasks were simulated in a laboratory environment. Cross-over research design was utilized to assess the effects of the exoskeleton on heart rate, trunk inclination, trunk acceleration, throughput, and perceived exertion. Also, usability and acceptance were obtained using a custom questionnaire. We found mostly non-significant differences. Effects on throughput varied widely between workplaces. Usability ratings were poor and acceptance moderate. The study suggests that a holistic evaluation and implementation approach for industrial exoskeletons is necessary. Further, prior to exoskeleton implementation, workplace adaptation might be required.
Verschwiegenes Wissen
Authors: Beisbart Claus
Published: September 2023

Was ist zu diesem Thema bereits bekannt?

In der Pflege ist viel Wissen implizit: Es wird nicht versprachlicht oder kann gar nicht versprachlicht werden.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Philosophische Analysen zeigen, dass unterschiedliche Wissensformen nur bedingt sprachlich erfassbar sind. Einige Erkenntnisleistungen des Menschen werden heute mit neuronalen Netzen modelliert, die für uns intransparent sind.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Die gute pflegerische Praxis lässt sich nicht erschöpfend in Leitlinien formulieren. Die wissenschaftliche Ausbildung von Pflegenden sollte auch die verschwiegenen Erkenntnisfähigkeiten trainieren.
Origin of Fe‐Ca‐Metasomatism in Exhumed Mantle Rocks at the MARK Area (23°N, ODP Leg 153) and Implications on the Formation of Ultramafic‐Hosted Seafloor Massive Sulfide Deposits
Authors: Coltat R. , Andreani M. , Patten C. G. C. , Godard M. , Debret B. , Escartin J.
Published: September 2023

At Mid‐Ocean Ridges, hot, reduced, acidic, and metal‐rich fluids are responsible for the formation of ultramafic‐hosted seafloor massive sulfide deposits (UM‐SMSs), where mantle exhumation efficiently operates. As UM‐SMSs display great structural, mineralogical, and geochemical variabilities from site to site, a simple genetic model cannot be applied. Notably, fluid circulation and Fe‐Ca metasomatism are reported in ultramafic‐hosted hydrothermal deposits exposed in ophiolites, suggesting it might have genetic implications on the formation of mineralized systems. Similar Fe‐Ca metasomatism was reported in drilled mantle rocks at the Mid Atlantic Ridge Kane (MARK) area, offering access to the vertical dimension beneath an exhumed oceanic core complex to provide an integrative study of the nature and geometry of deep magmatic and hydrothermal processes. At MARK, mantle rocks underwent complex processes of melt‐rock and fluid‐rock interactions. Magma channeling and interactions with surrounding rocks enriched mantle silicates in Fe, Co, and Zn. There, subsequent hydrothermal alteration allowed to stabilize Fe‐rich silicates. Mineralogy and geochemistry of hydrothermal phases at MARK suggest mineral crystallization under temperatures from ∼830° down to 350°C during early mantle exhumation at a depth <6.5 km below seafloor, followed by serpentinization of the massif during progressive mantle denudation. Considering the lithological heterogeneity at (ultra)slow‐spreading ridges, metal enrichment in deep mantle rocks during melt‐rock interactions may be a widespread process. In ultramafic‐dominated environments where extensional tectonics allow fluid flows to these deep zones, fluids may leach and transport metals to the surface, accounting for metal entrapment in UM‐SMSs.
Geomagnetic Effect of the Atmospheric Acoustic Resonance Excited by Earthquakes and Volcano Eruptions
Authors: Surkov V. V. , Pilipenko V. A. , Shiokawa K.
Published: September 2023

An analytical model of the vertical acoustic resonance between the thermosphere and the earth's surface and its geomagnetic effect has been constructed. Resonance with a frequency of several mHz occurs when an atmospheric acoustic wave (AW) is excited by vibrations of the earth or ocean surface. The derived analytical relationships give a possibility to examine the dependence of the fundamental resonant frequency on the height of the reflecting atmospheric layer and horizontal AW number. Geomagnetic disturbances caused by the impact of AW on the ionosphere are calculated within the framework of a multi‐layered model of the ground‐atmosphere‐ionosphere system. The E‐layer of the ionosphere is treated in the approximation of a thin layer with an inclined geomagnetic field, while the topside ionosphere is assumed to consist of a cold collisionless plasma. The dependence of the spectral power of magnetic perturbations on the direction of the horizontal AW propagation is examined. The magnetic perturbation spectra are shown to have maxima at frequencies close to the acoustic resonance frequency. The spectral powers of magnetic perturbations and barometric variations measured during the Iwate‐Miyagi Nairik earthquake are in accordance with the model predictions for realistic media and AW parameters. Field‐aligned currents that arise when AWs enter the ionospheric E‐layer is shown to carry measurable electromagnetic disturbances into the geomagnetically conjugated region.
Survival with chronic myeloid leukaemia after failing milestones
Authors: Lauseker Michael , Hehlmann Rüdiger , Hochhaus Andreas , Saußele Susanne
Published: September 2023

Therapy after failing response milestones in CML is controversial. Risks associated with comorbidities, drug toxicities or transplantation may preclude switching to another tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) or other treatments. No information on long-term survival of failing patients is available. To systematically analyse survival after reaching, or not reaching, response milestones, 1342 patients from CML-study IV with newly diagnosed CML in chronic phase and regular molecular tests were studied. Landmark survival analyses were done by <0.1%, 0.1–1%, >1–10% and >10% BCR::ABL1IS at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months up to 14 years. 10- to 12-year survival of patients who failed the failure milestones (>10% BCR::ABL1IS at 6 months, >1% BCR::ABL1IS at 12 months) ranged around 80%, 10% less than in responding patients. These results suggest revision of milestones. Age (more or less than 60 years) had no major impact on survival differences, but on hazard ratios and CML-specific survival. Switching to alternative therapies, which was observed in 26.9% of the patients, did not change the main results. The data show that TKI-treated patients not reaching failure milestones still may derive benefit from continuing TKI-treatment and provide a basis for individualised decisions, if failing patients are confronted with risks of alternative treatments.
Adaptive physics-informed neural operator for coarse-grained non-equilibrium flows
Authors: Zanardi Ivan , Venturi Simone , Panesi Marco
Published: September 2023

This work proposes a new machine learning (ML)-based paradigm aiming to enhance the computational efficiency of non-equilibrium reacting flow simulations while ensuring compliance with the underlying physics. The framework combines dimensionality reduction and neural operators through a hierarchical and adaptive deep learning strategy to learn the solution of multi-scale coarse-grained governing equations for chemical kinetics. The proposed surrogate’s architecture is structured as a tree, with leaf nodes representing separate neural operator blocks where physics is embedded in the form of multiple soft and hard constraints. The hierarchical attribute has two advantages: (i) It allows the simplification of the training phase via transfer learning, starting from the slowest temporal scales; (ii) It accelerates the prediction step by enabling adaptivity as the surrogate’s evaluation is limited to the necessary leaf nodes based on the local degree of non-equilibrium of the gas. The model is applied to the study of chemical kinetics relevant for application to hypersonic flight, and it is tested here on pure oxygen gas mixtures. In 0-$$\textrm{D}$$
D
scenarios, the proposed ML framework can adaptively predict the dynamics of almost thirty species with a maximum relative error of 4.5% for a wide range of initial conditions. Furthermore, when employed in 1-$$\textrm{D}$$
D
shock simulations, the approach shows accuracy ranging from 1% to 4.5% and a speedup of one order of magnitude compared to conventional implicit schemes employed in an operator-splitting integration framework. Given the results presented in the paper, this work lays the foundation for constructing an efficient ML-based surrogate coupled with reactive Navier-Stokes solvers for accurately characterizing non-equilibrium phenomena in multi-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations.
Coixendide efficacy in combination with temozolomide in glioblastoma and transcriptome analysis of the mechanism
Authors: Zhao Zhenran , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xiaohan , Yue Yong , Liu Shengchen , Li Yanan , Ban Xiang , Zhao Cuizhu , Jin Peng
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of coixendide (Coix) combine with temozolomide (TMZ) in the treatment of Glioblastoma (GBM) and explore its possible mechanism. CCK-8 was used to determine the inhibitory rate of Coix group, TMZ group and drug combination group on GBM cells, and the combination index (CI) was calculated to determine whether they had synergistic effect. Then RNA was extracted from each group, transcriptome sequencing was performed, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The possible mechanism was analyzed by GO enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis. The CI of Coix and TMZ indicating a synergistic effect when TMZ concentration is 0.1 mg/ml and Coix concentration is 2 mg/ml. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that interferon (IFN) related genes were down-regulated by Coix and up-regulated by TMZ and combined drugs, however, the up-regulation induced by combined drugs was less than that of TMZ. Besides IFN related genes, cholesterol metabolism pathway were also been regulated. Coix and TMZ have synergistic effects in the treatment of GBM at certain doses. RNA-Seq results suggested that the abnormal on genetic materials caused by DNA damage induced by TMZ treatment can be sensed by IFN related genes and activates antiviral IFN signaling, causing the activation of repairing mechanism and drug resistance. Coix inhibits IFN related genes, thereby inhibits drug resistance of TMZ. In addition, the activation of ferroptosis and the regulation of DEGs in cholesterol metabolism pathway were also contributed to the synergistic effects of Coix and TMZ.
Metabolomic profiling implicates mitochondrial and immune dysfunction in disease syndromes of the critically endangered black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)
Authors: Corder Molly L. , Petricoin Emanuel F. , Li Yue , Cleland Timothy P. , DeCandia Alexandra L. , Alonso Aguirre A. , Pukazhenthi Budhan S.
Published: September 2023

The critically endangered black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis; black rhino) experiences extinction threats from poaching in-situ. The ex-situ population, which serves as a genetic reservoir against impending extinction threats, experiences its own threats to survival related to several disease syndromes not typically observed among their wild counterparts. We performed an untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum from 30 ex-situ housed black rhinos (Eastern black rhino, EBR, n = 14 animals; Southern black rhino, SBR, n = 16 animals) and analyzed differences in metabolite profiles between subspecies, sex, and health status (healthy n = 13 vs. diseased n = 14). Of the 636 metabolites detected, several were differentially (fold change > 1.5; p < 0.05) expressed between EBR vs. SBR (40 metabolites), female vs. male (36 metabolites), and healthy vs. diseased (22 metabolites). Results suggest dysregulation of propanoate, amino acid metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis in the subspecies and sex comparisons. Assessment of healthy versus diseased rhinos indicates involvement of arachidonic acid metabolism, bile acid biosynthesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway in animals exhibiting inflammatory disease syndromes. This study represents the first systematic characterization of the circulating serum metabolome in the black rhinoceros. Findings further implicate mitochondrial and immune dysfunction as key contributors for the diverse disease syndromes reported in ex-situ managed black rhinos.
Age-related reductions in arousal-enhanced memory are moderated by trait emotion regulation
Authors: Lee Kyoungeun , Sayre Brialisse , James Taylor A. , Duarte Audrey
Published: September 2023

Emotional arousal is known to enhance episodic memory in young adults. However, compared to valence, little is known about how healthy aging impacts arousal-enhanced memory effects. Furthermore, while emotion regulation is believed to improve with age, it is unclear how individual differences in emotion regulation influence arousal-enhanced memory. In this large-scale online study, we investigated the impact of age and individual differences in emotion regulation on arousal-enhanced memory. During encoding, participants made arousal ratings about negative, neutral, and positive images, and we compared their subsequent memory of high and low-arousal images. We found the impact of emotional arousal on memory was reduced with age, especially for older adults who habitually suppress their emotions. Our findings show that arousal-related memory benefits are reduced with advancing age, and that individual differences in habitual usage of emotion regulation impact these age-related alterations.
A probabilistic view of protein stability, conformational specificity, and design
Authors: Stern Jacob A. , Free Tyler J. , Stern Kimberlee L. , Gardiner Spencer , Dalley Nicholas A. , Bundy Bradley C. , Price Joshua L. , Wingate David , Della Corte Dennis
Published: September 2023

Various approaches have used neural networks as probabilistic models for the design of protein sequences. These "inverse folding" models employ different objective functions, which come with trade-offs that have not been assessed in detail before. This study introduces probabilistic definitions of protein stability and conformational specificity and demonstrates the relationship between these chemical properties and the $$p(\text {structure}|\text {seq})$$

p
(
structure
|
seq
)

Boltzmann probability objective. This links the Boltzmann probability objective function to experimentally verifiable outcomes. We propose a novel sequence decoding algorithm, referred to as “BayesDesign”, that leverages Bayes’ Rule to maximize the $$p(\text {structure}|\text {seq})$$

p
(
structure
|
seq
)

objective instead of the $$p(\text {seq}|\text {structure})$$

p
(
seq
|
structure
)

objective common in inverse folding models. The efficacy of BayesDesign is evaluated in the context of two protein model systems, the NanoLuc enzyme and the WW structural motif. Both BayesDesign and the baseline ProteinMPNN algorithm increase the thermostability of NanoLuc and increase the conformational specificity of WW. The possible sources of error in the model are analyzed.
Depression and anxiety mediate the relationship between illness representations and perceived distress in patients with chronic pain
Authors: Rometsch Caroline , Teufel Martin , Skoda Eva-Maria , Schweda Adam , Cosci Fiammetta , Zipfel Stephan , Stengel Andreas , Salewski Christel
Published: September 2023

Illness representations explain the individual’s perception and processing of health-related information. In a chronic condition such as persistent pain, illness representations might influence treatment adherence and outcome. This study aims to exploratively identify illness representations of patients with chronic pain and their association to mental disorders and subjective distress. 95 participants admitted to an inpatient university clinic were included. Validated instruments were used to assess illness representations (IPQ-R), mental health disorders (PHQ-D), and subjective distress (PSQ). Sociodemographic data and scores for the instruments were first inspected descriptively. Correlation, regression, and mediator analyses were conducted. Analyses indicated that the distributions of the IPQ-R range toward higher values. In regard to mental disorders (PHQ-D) and subjective distress (PSQ), we found several significant correlations with subscales of the IPQ-R. A regression analysis showed the IPQ-R subscales personal control, emotional representation and sex (males) to be significant predictors of subjective distress measured with the PSQ (F(11,86) = 11.55, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 0.545). Depression, anxiety, and stress syndromes (PHQ-D) significantly mediated the positive association between emotional representations (IPQ-R, predictor) and subjective distress (PSQ, outcome) with a total effect of c = .005, 95% CI [.005; .129]. Illness representations play a significant role in evaluating patients’ subjective distress and mental health. It is advised to incorporate illness representations into standard protocols for psychological interventions to comprehend their influence on targeted therapeutic strategies, particularly those tailored for pain management.
Enhancement of persistent currents and magnetic fields in a two dimensional quantum ring
Authors: Prasad Vinod , Arora Monika , Varsha
Published: September 2023

We present the study of the SiGe quantum ring (QR) modeled by an anharmonic axially symmetric potential with a centrifugal core in the effective mass approximation. We show how the femtosecond laser pulses (FLPs) can be used efficiently for controlling the induced current and magnetic field. We have compared the strength of induced currents and magnetic fields with and without pulsed laser which shows a substantial change. The spin-orbit interaction (SOI) and Zeeman energy show a massive impact on the generation and enhancement of these induced current and magnetic fields. These induced currents and magnetic fields have many applications in interdisciplinary areas. We have shown that the SOI presence with the FLP fields while competing with the confinement strength lowers the strength of the induced current and field.
Breastmilk from COVID-19 negative lactating mothers shows neutralizing activity against SARS-COV-2
Authors: Morniroli Daniela , Signorini Lucia , Dolci Maria , Vizzari Giulia , Ronchi Andrea , Pietrasanta Carlo , Pugni Lorenza , Mosca Fabio , Delbue Serena , Gianni Maria Lorella
Published: September 2023

Breastmilk protects newborns from infections through specific and nonspecific compounds. This study investigated the neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 of breastmilk from SARS-CoV-2 negative, unvaccinated mothers, and compared it to that from infected nursing mothers. We enrolled women after COVID-19 swab testing results upon maternity admission, and divided them into two groups: group A, COVID-19-positive mothers, and group B, negative mothers. Breastmilk was randomly sampled at 2, 7, and 20 days postpartum. We collected 19 samples for Group A and 41 for Group B. A microneutralization assay was used to determine the 50% neutralization (NT50) titre. The presence of neutralizing antibodies was also determined. Group A had 100% neutralizing samples at 2 days postpartum (T0), declining 7 days postpartum (T1) and 20 days postpartum (T2). Group B samples exhibited neutralizing activity mostly at 7 days postpartum (T1) (90%). Negative mothers' samples showed no correlation between NT50 titres and antibodies' presence, suggesting that non-specific breastmilk components may exert antiviral action against SARS-CoV-2.
Materials and interfaces properties optimization for high-efficient and more stable RbGeI3 perovskite solar cells: optoelectrical modelling
Authors: Samaki Soulye , Tchangnwa Nya Fridolin , Dzifack Kenfack Guy Maurel , Laref Amel
Published: September 2023

In this research work, we investigated the effects of a broad set of materials properties and external operating parameters on the opto-electrical output of a hybrid RbGeI3-based perovskite solar cell (PSC) as a means of enhancing its performance. We first performed a judicious numerical modelling of the reference cell with the following structure FTO/TiO2/RbGeI3/Spiro-OMeTAD/Ag, with data retrieved from the experiment. SCAPS program enables to model the device, considering charge carriers transport governing equations. Investigations are directed on addressing the current challenges that include thinner, less environmentally harmful, cost-effectiveness, and more stable solar devices over time. Analysis of the effects of different hole transport material (HTM) on current–voltage (J-V) and external quantum efficiency (QE) characteristics, helps to identify CuI as an ideal HTM. Optimal cell output were achieved by investigating the effects of metal contact work function, defect states, RbGeI3 thickness, light transmission/reflection at the front/back contact, as well as operating temperature. As a result, efficiency increased significantly from 10.11 to 18.10%, and fill factor that represents a stability indicator, increased from 63.68 to 76.95%. Moreover, an optimum open-circuit voltage Voc = 0.70 V and a high short-circuit current density of Jsc = 33.51 mA/cm2 were recorded. An additional study on the capture cross-section of charge carriers ($${\sigma }_{n,p}$$

σ

n
,
p

) on PV characteristics, enabled to achieve a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 29.71% and FF of 88% at a value of $${\sigma }_{n,p}$$

σ

n
,
p

selected to be 10–22 cm2. This contribution aims at designing and producing thinner, more efficient, more stable and more environmentally clean and economically viable PSCs.
Significance of heat transfer rate in water-based nanoparticles with magnetic and shape factors effects: Tiwari and Das model
Authors: Asif Ali Shah Syed , Kanwal Shumaila , Idrees Muhammad , Mahmood Asif , Mahmood Irfan , Akgul Ali , Bariq Abdul
Published: September 2023

Nanofluids are implementable in a variety of applications, such as heat exchangers, the healthcare sector, the cooling of various devices, hybrid-powered machines, microelectronics, power plants, chemical processes, astronomical technology, cancer treatment, etc. Nanofluids also have enhanced heat transmission and thermal efficiency. The heat radiation of nanoparticles and the natural-convective flow of electrically conducting nanofluids over the rotating disk using Darcy Forchheimer’s porous media, thermal radiation is investigated in this paper. The nanoparticles titanium dioxide and single-walled carbon nanotubes are taken into account with base fluid water. The main goal of this investigation is to enhance heat transfer in nanofluids. The mathematical solution for the model has been obtained through the utilization of cylindrical coordinates. The flow model, which forms the basis of the investigation, is constructed around partial differential equations (PDEs). To address the inherent nonlinearity of these PDEs, physical similarities are employed to transform them into ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Subsequently, the fourth-order Runge–Kutta technique is employed via Matlab to solve these ODEs. The graphical examination of the velocities and temperature with various parameters is an exquisite display of scientific artistry. The magnetic field component is anticipated to exhibit an inverse correlation with velocities, while the temperature profile is expected to surge with the rise of the nonlinear mixed convection parameter. Additionally, the skin friction and Nusselt number are meticulously computed and presented in a tabular format, adding a touch of elegance to the already breathtaking analysis. By boosting the radiation parameter, the Nusselt value declined. Moreover, it is observed that the nanofluids having a laminar nanoparticle shape have a greater heat transfer rate.
Slow wave activity across sleep-night could predict levodopa-induced dyskinesia
Authors: Amato Ninfa , Caverzasio Serena , Manconi Mauro , Staedler Claudio , Kaelin-Lang Alain , Galati Salvatore
Published: September 2023

A disruption in the slow wave activity (SWA) mediated synaptic downscaling process features Parkinson's disease (PD) patients presenting levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). To corroborate the role of SWA in LID development, 15 PD patients with LID, who underwent a polysomnography before LID’s appearance, were included. Slow wave sleep epochs were extracted, combined and segmented into early and late sleep. SWA power was calculated. A linear regression model established that the SWA overnight decrease could predict the time to the emergence of LID. Our finding supports the link between SWA-mediated synaptic downscaling and the development of LID. If confirmed, it could pave the way to the study of possible sleep targeted therapies able to protect PD patients from LID development.
The mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and fear of COVID-19
Authors: Dil Satı , Yıldırım Tuğba , Öztürk Pınar Çiçekoğlu
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has jeopardized humanity worldwide and has considerably altered the healthy lifestyle behaviors of societies. This study examined the possible mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and fear of COVID-19 among Turkish adults. This study used an observational and descriptive design. It was carried out online with 1,130 participants across Turkey between April and August 2021. The data were collected using a questionnaire, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FC-19S), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Orthorexia Nervosa-R (ON-R). The participants had an ON-R mean score of 3.08 ± 0.90 and a mean PSQI score of 8.03 ± 2.80. Likewise, their mean FC-19S score was 18.24 ± 6.55. There was a significant positive correlation between the FC-19S and the PSQI (r = 0.208; p = 0.000) as well as a significant negative correlation between the ON-R and the PSQI (r = − 0.145; p = 0.000). In addition, the results of the process model analysis supported our hypotheses that the PSQI was a predictor of ON-R and that its direct and indirect effects were moderated by FC19S and the PSQI. A one-unit increase in FC-19S scores causes an average 1% increase on the ON-R scale, while it generates an 8% increase on the PSQI. It was determined that the PSQI total score caused an average of 6% increase in the ON-R scale score. The findings of this study showed that sleep quality has a mediating role in the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and fear of COVID-19 experienced by Turkish adults during the pandemic. For this reason, governments need to take the necessary precautions concerning this subject when creating action plans for possible global crisis situations that may adversely affect public health in the future.
Evaluation of agricultural and rural pollution under environmental measures in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Pang Aiping , Wang Dawei
Published: September 2023

In this study, material flow and spatial analysis methods were used to evaluate and predict the spatial–temporal pattern evolution of agricultural and rural nitrogen (N) flow in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China from 1949 to 2050 and to analyze agricultural and rural pollution control by environmental measures. The results showed that since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the crop harvest in the Yangtze River Economic Belt has shown an overall upward trend, and the increase in the period from 1979 to 1997 was the fastest, with an average annual increase rate of 3.8%. Since the reform and opening up, N loss (storage) increased from 50.97 × 108 kgN in 1978 to 140.15 × 108 kgN in 2014, a 2.75-fold increase. In 2015, China began to implement measures to prevent and control agricultural and rural pollution, and N loss (storage) decreased yearly. In 2019, the N loss (storage) decreased by 18.22% compared with that in 2015, but it was still high. Each year, 113.44 × 108 kgN was still lost to the atmosphere, water and soil, which was 1.53 times the amount of N harvested with crops. The N loss rate was as high as 60%. Before 2014, N discharge into surface water from agricultural and rural areas in the Yangtze River Economic Belt increased annually, especially after 1978, with an average growth rate of 4.76%, leading to severe nonpoint source pollution. With the implementation of the pollution control policy, the N lost to surface water began to show a downward trend in 2015, but it was still 2.17 times higher than the environmental risk threshold in 2019. According to the prediction, under the scenarios of the business-as-usual, fertilizer reduction, engineering and rural improvement patterns, the N emissions from the system to surface water in 2050 are expected to be reduced by 25.76%, 45.5%, 30% and 30%, respectively, compared with those in 2019, but will still be higher than the environmental risk threshold. Under the integrated pattern, the N emissions to surface water are reduced to 4.32 × 108 kgN in 2050, which is lower than the environmental risk threshold and can achieve the goal of nonpoint source pollution control. A single environmental measure cannot effectively control nonpoint source pollution. It is necessary to promote an integrated pattern to achieve green and sustainable development of agriculture in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
A novel modified-curcumin 2.24 resolves inflammation by promoting M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Deng Jie , Golub Lorne M. , Lee Hsi-Ming , Bhatt Heta-Dinesh , Johnson Francis , Xu Tian-min , Gu Ying
Published: September 2023

To assess resolving-like activity by a novel chemically-modified curcumin (CMC2.24) in a “two-hit” model of diabetes-associated periodontitis. Macrophages from rats were cultured in the presence/absence of either Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1st hit); or advanced-glycation-end products (AGE, 2nd hit); or both combined. CMC2.24 was added as treatment. The conditioned media were analyzed for MMP-9, cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), resolvins (RvD1, RvE1, lipoxin A4), and soluble receptor for AGE (sRAGE). The phenotypes of M1/M2 macrophage were analyzed by flow cytometry. Both LPS/AGE-alone, and two-combined, dramatically increased the secretion of MMP-9 by macrophages. CMC2.24 “normalized” the elevated levels of MMP-9 under all conditions. Moreover, CMC2.24 significantly reduced the secretion of IL-1β and IL-6 with a fewer effects on TNF-α. Importantly, CMC2.24 increased RvD1 and sRAGE secretion by macrophages exposed to LPS/AGE; and both treatment groups exhibited increased M2 relative to M1 populations. Furthermore, scatter-diagram showed the macrophages gradually shifted from M1 towards M2 with CMC2.24-treated, whereas LPS/AGE-alone groups remained unchanged. CMC2.24 “normalized” cytokines and MMP-9, but also enhanced RvD1 and sRAGE in macrophages. Crucially, CMC2.24 appears to be a potent inhibitor of the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype; and a promotor of the pro-resolving M2 phenotype, thus acting like a crucial “switch” to reduce inflammation.
Sustainable approach for catalytic green epoxidation of oleic acid with applied ion exchange resin
Authors: Rahman Mariam Abdul , Mubarak Nabisab Mujawar , Azmi Intan Suhada , Jalil Mohd Jumain
Published: September 2023

Epoxides were primarily derived from petroleum-based sources. However, there has been limited research on optimizing the process parameters for epoxidized palm oil-derived oleic acid, resulting in its underutilization. Therefore, this study aimed to optimize the catalytic epoxidation of palm oleic acid concerning the oxirane content by applying ion exchange resin as a catalyst. Epoxidized oleic acid was produced using in-situ-formed performic acid by combining formic acid as the oxygen carrier with hydrogen peroxide as the oxygen donor. The findings revealed that the optimal reaction conditions for producing epoxidized oleic acid with the highest oxirane content were an Amberlite IR-120 catalyst loading of 0.9 g, a molar ratio of formic acid to oleic acid of 1:1., and a molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to oleic acid of 1:1.1. By employing these optimal conditions, the maximum relative conversion of palm oleic acid to oxirane was achieved at 85%. The reaction rate constants (k) based on the optimized epoxidized oleic acid are determined as follows: k11 = 20 mol L−1 min−1, k12 = 2 mol L−1 min−1, and k2 = 20 mol L−1 min−1. The findings validated the kinetic model by showing good agreement between the simulation and experimental data.
An S-scheme heterojunction between Mn/Mg co-doped BiFeO3 and g-C3N4 nanosheets for photodegradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Chen Wei-Cheng , Qi Xiaoding
Published: September 2023

BiFe1−2xMnxMgxO3 (BFMM) showed a reduced bandgap for efficient light absorption. The heterojunction between BFMM and g-C3N4 (GCN) was efficient for separation of photogenerated charge carriers, leading to an increased photodegradation efficiency.
Design of a potassiophilic 3D conductive scaffold potassium anode (3D-CTZ@K) with dendrite-free and high energy-power density in potassium metal batteries
Authors: Zhang Dong-Ting , Liu Mao-Cheng , Li Min-Peng , Chen Hao , Li Chen-Yang , Hu Yu-Xia , Kong Ling-Bin , Zhang Xiang-Yun , Gu Bing-Ni , Liu Ming-Jin , Zhao Kun , Ren Jun-Qiang , Yuan Zi-Zhou , Chueh Yu-Lun
Published: September 2023

A 3D-CTZ@K anode was constructed by infusion of molten K metal into a 3D-CTZ scaffold to achieve extraordinary cycle stability with high rate capability. The 3D-CTZ@K//PB full battery exhibits an unprecedented energy and power densities.
Sulphur vacancy driven phase conversion of MoS2 nanosheets for efficient photoreduction of CO2 under visible light
Authors: Das Kousik , Lohkna Sarika , Yang Gang , Ghosh Prasenjit , Roy Soumyajit
Published: September 2023

Here, we have shown the sulphur vacancy induced phase conversion of MoS2 from the 2H to the 1T′ phase. The as-synthesized mixed phase MoS2 catalyst has been utilized for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction.
Molecular dynamics-machine learning approaches for the accurate prediction of electrochemical windows of ionic liquid electrolytes for dual-ion batteries
Authors: Manna Surya Sekhar , Manna Souvik , Pathak Biswarup
Published: September 2023

We have considered different cation and anion based ionic liquids and predicted the electrochemical window of 660 ionic liquid-based electrolytes using machine learning techniques for dual ion battery studies.
Sensory Gating to Speech and Nonspeech Stimulus and Its Relationship to Speech Perception in Noise
Authors: Gafoor Shezeen Abdul , Uppunda Ajith Kumar
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

Sensory gating is the cortical phenomenon that involves selective inhibition of responses to task-irrelevant stimuli. Perceiving speech in noise, a situation commonly encountered by humans, requires the irrelevant noise to be inhibited while processing the relevant speech stimulus. We hypothesized that the two (sensory gating and speech perception in noise [SPiN]) might be related and that sensory gating may provide evidence of cortical inhibition involved in SPiN.

Method:

An observational research following a correlational design was conducted on 10 neurotypical individuals. Auditory sensory gating was assessed using a conditioning–testing paradigm for tone and speech token pairs. The SPiN was measured using standardized sentences in the participants' native language.

Results:

Differences were observed in the gating index of the P2 peaks of speech and tone pairs. A significant relationship between SPiN and the auditory sensory gating of the P2 peak of the speech-evoked cortical potential was obtained.

Conclusion:

The results of this preliminary investigation indicate an association between the sensory gating mechanism and neurotypical individuals' ability to perceive speech in noise.
FAUST
Authors: Evans L. , Vastel C. , Fontani F. , Pineda J. E. , Jiménez-Serra I. , Alves F. , Sakai T. , Bouvier M. , Caselli P. , Ceccarelli C. , Chandler C. , Svoboda B. , Maud L. , Codella C. , Sakai N. , Le Gal R. , López-Sepulcre A. , Moellenbrock G. , Yamamoto S.
Published: September 2023

Context. Deuterium in H-bearing species is enhanced during the early stages of star formation. However, only a small number of high-spatial-resolution deuteration studies exist towards protostellar objects, leaving the small-scale structures of these objects unrevealed and understudied.

Aims. We aim to constrain the deuterium fractionation ratios in a Class 0/I protostellar object in formaldehyde (H2CO), which has abundant deuterated isotopologues in this environment.

Methods. We used the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) within the context of the Large Program Fifty AU STudy of the chemistry in the disk/envelope system of Solar-like protostars (FAUST) to observe the Class 0/I protobinary system [BHB2007] 11, whose emission components are embedded in circumstellar disks that have radii of 2 to 3 au. The system is surrounded by a complex filamentary structure (the so-called streamers) connected to the larger circumbinary disk. In this work, we present the first study of formaldehyde D-fractionation towards this source with detections of H2CO 3(0,3)–2(0,2), combined with HDCO 4(2,2)–3(2,1), HDCO 4(1,4)–3(1,3) and D2CO 4(0,4)–3(0,3). These observations probe the structures of the protobinary system, enabling us to resolve multiple velocity components associated with the methanol hot spots also uncovered by FAUST data, as well as the colder external envelope. In addition, based on the kinematics seen in our observations of the H2CO emission, we propose the presence of a second large-scale outflow.

Results. The results derived from our ALMA observations agree with the current literature in that we only find the deuterated species HDCO and D2CO in the central regions of the core, while undeuterated H2CO is found more ubiquitously. From our radiative transfer modelling, we the column density of H2CO to be in the range of (3-8) × 1014 cm−2 and that of HDCO to be within (0.8−2.9) × 1013 cm−2. The column density for the single detected velocity component of D2CO is within (2.6–1.3) × 1012 cm−2. This yields an average D/H ratio for formaldehyde in [BHB2007] 11 of $0.02_{ - 0.01}^{ + 0.02}$ from HDCO. The results of our kinematic model suggest that the dynamic feature is inconsistent with a streamer-like nature given the flat and outflowing velocity relation; we therefore tentatively conclude that the feature is an asymmetric molecular outflow launched by a wide-angle disk wind.
PENELLOPE
Authors: Armeni A. , Stelzer B. , Claes R. A. B. , Manara C. F. , Frasca A. , Alcalá J. M. , Walter F. M. , Kóspál Á. , Campbell-White J. , Gangi M. , Mauco K. , Tychoniec L.
Published: September 2023

HM Lup is a young M-type star that accretes material from a circumstellar disk through a magnetosphere. Our aim is to study the inner disk structure of HM Lup and to characterize its variability. We used spectroscopic data from HST/STIS, X-shooter, and ESPRESSO taken in the framework of the ULLYSES and PENELLOPE programs, together with photometric data from TESS and AAVSO. The 2021 TESS light curve shows variability typical for young stellar objects of the “accretion burster” type. The spectra cover the temporal evolution of the main burst in the 2021 TESS light curve. We compared the strength and morphology of emission lines from different species and ionization stages. We determined the mass accretion rate from selected emission lines and from the UV continuum excess emission at different epochs, and we examined its relation to the photometric light curves. The emission lines in the optical spectrum of HM Lup delineate a temperature stratification along the accretion flow. While the wings of the H I and He I lines originate near the star, the lines of species such as Na I, Mg I, Ca I, Ca II, Fe I, and Fe II are formed in an outer and colder region. The shape and periodicity of the 2019 and 2021 TESS light curves, when qualitatively compared to predictions from magnetohydrodynamic models, suggest that HM Lup was in a regime of unstable ordered accretion during the 2021 TESS observation due to an increase in the accretion rate. Although HM Lup is not an extreme accretor, it shows enhanced emission in the metallic species during this high accretion state that is produced by a density enhancement in the outer part of the accretion flow.
Cold gas in the heart of Perseus A
Authors: Morganti Raffaella , Murthy Suma , Oosterloo Tom , Blanchard Jay , Cook Claire , Paragi Zsolt , Orienti Monica , Nagai Hiroshi , Schulz Robert
Published: September 2023

We present new Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) and Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations that traced the H I in the central region of 3C 84 (Perseus A). This radio source is hosted by the bright cluster galaxy NGC 1275 in the centre of the iconic Perseus cluster. With the JVLA, we detected very broad (FWHM ∼500 km s−1) H I absorption at arcsecond resolution (∼300 pc) that is centred at the systemic velocity of NGC 1275 against the bright radio continuum, suggesting that the detected gas is very close to the supermassive black hole (SMBH). However, we did not detect any absorption in the higher-resolution VLBA data against the parsec-scale radio core and jet. Based on a comparison of the properties of the H I absorption with those of the molecular circum-nuclear disc (CND) known to be present in NGC 1275, we argue that the H I seen in absorption arises from H I in this fast-rotating CND, and that neutral atomic hydrogen is present as close as ∼20 pc from the SMBH. The radio continuum providing the background for absorption arises from non-thermal synchrotron emission from the star formation activity in the CND, whose presence has been reported by earlier VLBA studies. We did not detect any signature that the H I gas is affected by an interaction with the radio jet. Thus, at this stage of the evolution of the source, the impact of the radio jet on the gas in NGC 1275 mainly creates cavities on much larger galaxy scales. This prevents the circum-galactic gas from cooling, and it does not produce gas outflows. Overall, the properties of the CND in Perseus A present a very similar case to that of Mrk 231, suggesting that, unlike often assumed, H I absorption can arise against the radio emission from star formation in a CND and is perhaps common in radio AGN. With the JVLA, we serendipitously detected a new, faint absorbing system that is redshifted by ∼2660 km s−1, in addition to the already known high-velocity absorption system that is redshifted 2850 km s−1 with respect to NGC 1275. We identify this new system as gas that is stripped from a foreground galaxy falling into the Perseus cluster. This new absorption remains undetected with the VLBA.
Cylindrical magnetic nanowires: geometry, magnetisation and applications
Authors: Vazquez Manuel
Published: September 2023

Emerging magnetism phenomena are observed in curvilinear nanostructures. Particularly, cylindrical metallic nanowires are attracting much attention because of their singular magnetic configurations and remagnetisation processes as determined by advanced microscopy techniques and micromagnetism. Profiting of curvature, applications are envisaged in spintronics, spincaloritronics, sensors, robotics or biomedicals.
Opportunities and challenges for spintronics
Authors: Adelmann C. , Jenkins A. , Pirro P. , Schultheiss K. , van Dijken S. , Kruglyak V. , Bortolotti P.
Published: September 2023

Conventional electronics use the flow of electric charges and are based on standard semiconductors. Spintronic devices exploit the electrons’ spin to generate and control currents and to combine electric and magnetic signals. Today there is a strong effort worldwide to integrate spintronic devices with standard CMOS technology towards hybrid spin-CMOS chips, offering advantages in terms of power consumption, compactness, and speed. Recent results (from SAMSUNG [1], TSMC [2], etc.) confirm the merit of this approach.