bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bi‐Doped and Bi Nanoparticles Loaded CeO2 Derived from Ce‐MOF for Photocatalytic Degradation of Formaldehyde Gas and Tetracycline Hydrochloride
Authors: Zhang Shuqing , Han Dongmei , Wang Zhihua , Gu Fubo
Published: April 2024

Bi/CeO2 (BC‐x) photocatalysts are successfully prepared by solvothermal loading Bi nanoparticles and Bi‐doped CeO2 derived by Ce‐MOF (Ce‐BTC). Formaldehyde gas (HCHO) and tetracycline hydrochloride (HTC) are used to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized Bi/CeO2. For BC‐1000 photocatalyst, the degradation of HTC by 420 nm < λ < 780 nm light reaches 91.89% for 90 min, and HCHO by 350 nm < λ < 780 nm light reaches 94.66% for 120 min. The photocatalytic cycle experiments prove that BC‐1000 has good cyclic stability and repeatability. The results of photoluminescence spectra, fluorescence lifetime, photocurrent response, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that the SPR (Surface Plasmon Resonance) effect of Bi nanoparticles acted as a bridge and promoted electron transfer and enhanced the response‐ability of Bi/CeO2 to visible light. Bi‐doping produced more oxygen vacancies to provide adsorption sites for adsorbing oxygen and generated more ·O2− thus promoting photocatalytic reactions. The mechanism of photocatalytic degradation is analyzed in detail utilizing active free radical capture experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) characterization. The experimental results indicate that ·O2− and h+ active free radicals significantly promote the degradation of pollutants.
Enhancing the Humidity Resistance of Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Review
Authors: Zhang Jin , Boyer Cyrille , Zhang Y. X.
Published: April 2024

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are sustainable energy resources for powering electronic devices from miniature to large‐scale applications. However, their output performance and stability can deteriorate significantly when TENGs are exposed to moisture or humidity caused by the ambient environment or human physiological activities. This review provides an overview of the recent research advancements in enhancing the humidity resistance of TENGs. Various approaches have been reviewed including encapsulation techniques, surface modification of triboelectric materials to augment hydrophobicity or superhydrophobicity, the creation of fibrous architectures for effective moisture dissipation, leveraging water assistance for TENG performance enhancement, and other strategies like charge excitation. These research efforts contribute to the improvement of environmental adaptability and lead to expanded practical TENG applications both as energy harvesters and self‐powered sensors. The efficacy of these strategies and future challenges are also discussed to facilitate the continued development of resilient TENGs in high humidity environments.
Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), thermodynamic properties and spectral analysis of methyl orange doped L–lysine sulfate (MLLS) semi organic crystals
Authors: Pachaiyappan Sanjeevi , Kumaresan Parasuraman , Kamatchi Thennarasu , Nithiyanantham Subramanian , Logeswari Jayaseelan , Kumar Kuppusamy Sambath
Published: April 2024

Semi organic compounds enable several structural and bonding methods for the molecular engineering of novel materials. The optical analysis, methyl orange doped L‐lysine sulfate (MLLS) is an innovative NLO material enabling the rate of frequency up change for stronger systems with lasers in the UV range with clear absorption. With this experimental studies the theoretical studies of the L‐lysine sulfate and its molecules were studied using Gaussian09w software. X‐ray analysis, UV, FTIR, NMR, Mulliken Charges, HOMO‐LUMO, MEP and some related thermodynamic properties were studied. The chosen nucleophilic site is symbolized by the color red, the more popular electrophilic site has been highlighted during MEP mapping. Spectroscopical and thermodynamical properties related to functional behavior of molecules were also discussed with obtained results.
Effect of the sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor, DWP16001, as an add‐on therapy to insulin for diabetic dogs: A pilot study
Authors: An Ju‐Hyun , Choi Han‐Sol , Choi Ji‐Soo , Lim Hyun‐Woo , Huh Wan , Oh Ye‐In , Park Joon Seok , Han Jumi , Lim Soo , Lim Chae‐Young , Kim Tae‐Hee , Moon Jae‐Bong , Youn Hwa‐Young
Published: April 2024

Background

Sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a novel class of anti‐hyperglycaemic agents.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and the adjuvant glycaemic control effect of an SGLT2 inhibitor, DWP16001, in diabetic dogs receiving insulin treatment.

Methods

Nineteen diabetic dogs receiving insulin treatment (NPH, porcine lente and glargine insulin) were divided into two groups according to dosing frequency: DWP TOD group (n = 10) and DWP SID group (n = 9). In the DWP TOD group, 0.025 mg/kg of DWP16001 was administered once every 3 days, whereas, in the DWP SID group, 0.025 mg/kg of DWP16001 was administered once a day. Food intake was maintained during the trial period. Hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis or unexpected life‐threatening reactions were assessed as adverse effects before and after DWP16001 administration. We compared insulin requirement reduction and blood glucose level control between two groups.

Results

No specific adverse effects were observed during the clinical trial, and haematological parameter remained unchanged. Moreover, the fasting glucose levels and daily insulin dose in the DWP TOD group were lower than the pre‐administration values, but not significantly different for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure, fructosamine and insulin dose decreased significantly in the DWP SID group compared to the DWP TOD group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05) without affecting food consumption. Among these patients, 10 patients were monitored while receiving DWP16001 for 12 months (DWP TOD group n = 5, DWP SID group n = 5). The fasting glucose and fructosamine levels and daily insulin dose were reduced in both groups at 12 months compared with those before receiving DWP16001.

Conclusion

When DWP16001, an SGLT2 inhibitor, was supplied to dogs with type 1 diabetes, no adverse effects were observed, and it was confirmed that the administered insulin dose can be reduced in controlling blood glucose.
Market Power: Imperfect Competition and Strategic Behavior
Authors: Masters William A. , Finaret Amelia B.
Published: April 2024

Previous chapters used the principles of economics to build analytical models of individual choice and market outcomes designed to explain and predict changes in price, quantity and wellbeing in response to a change in circumstances. Each model shows how economic principles would apply to one type of situation, using prior knowledge of the context to show how supply, demand and trade respond to policy interventions that alter the distribution and level of wellbeing, first in the benchmark case of perfect competition and then with externalities that drive change in sustainability and equity. This chapter introduces the concept of market power, which is when a single seller or buyer controls the entire quantity bought and sold. In the first section we explore how firms acquire market power through economies of scale and product differentiation, how firms use market power to raise profits through quantity restriction or price discrimination and how governments respond in ways that alter market outcomes. In the second section we show how economic principles apply to strategic interactions, introducing game theory through the example of two people each of whom chooses between two options. That example shows how each person’s choices, when taking the other’s responses into account, lead to outcomes that depend on the payoff matrix of potential outcomes. The chapter provides many examples of how market power and strategic interactions play out in the food system, showing how economic analysis can help decision-makers reach higher levels of efficiency, equity and sustainability.
The Duality Theory of Fractional Calculus and a New Fractional Calculus of Variations Involving Left Operators Only
Authors: Torres Delfim F. M.
Published: April 2024

Through duality, it is possible to transform left fractional operators into right fractional operators and vice versa. In contrast to existing literature, we establish integration by parts formulas that exclusively involve either left or right operators. The emergence of these novel fractional integration by parts formulas inspires the introduction of a new calculus of variations, where only one type of fractional derivative (left or right) is present. This applies to both the problem formulation and the corresponding necessary optimality conditions. As a practical application, we present a new Lagrangian that relies solely on left-hand side fractional derivatives. The fractional variational principle derived from this Lagrangian leads us to the equation of motion for a dissipative/damped system.
Nonlinear Eigenvalue Problems for (p, 2)-Equations and Laplace Equations with Perturbations
Authors: Bień Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

We consider two types of nonlinear eigenvalue problems involving Laplace and p-Laplace operators $$(p>2)$$

(
p
>
2
)

. The main result establishes the existence of at least two nontrivial weak solutions in the case of the perturbed equation and the existence of a continuous spectrum in the case of the (p, 2)-equation. In both cases, variational methods play a central role in our arguments.
The two faces of antibiotics: an overview of the effects of antibiotic residues in foodstuffs
Authors: Bacanlı Merve Güdül
Published: April 2024

Antibiotics, which have been used for many years to treat infections, also play an important role in food contamination with antibiotic residues. There is also unnecessary use of antibiotics, particularly to increase production efficiency. Non-compliance with withdrawal periods and maximum residue limits (MRLs) for antibiotics used in food-producing animals results in undesirable events, such as allergic reactions, teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, changes in the microbiota and, in particular, antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it may be useful to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics, to limit the use of antibiotics and to turn to alternatives that can be used instead of antibiotics. The aim of this review is to provide information on the undesirable effects of antibiotic residues in food-producing organisms and in the environment, their determination, and the precautions that can be taken.
Impact of the presence and number of chromosomal abnormalities on the clinical outcome in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: a monocentric experience
Authors: Danesin Nicolò , Bonaldi Laura , Martines Annalisa , Nalio Silvia , Bertorelle Roberta , Compagno Sofia , Marcato Raffaella , Manni Sabrina , Scarmozzino Federico , Pizzi Marco , Tos Angelo Paolo Dei , Cellini Alessandro , Scapinello Greta , Visentin Andrea , Trentin Livio , Piazza Francesco
Published: April 2024

The prognostic and predictive role of specific gene mutations in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia (WM) is well-ascertained whereas the clinical impact of chromosome aberrations is far less known. Recent work has provided initial evidence for an adverse prognostic impact of some aberrations, such as del(6q), while other studies suggest a possible relationship between some clinical features (e.g. advanced age and/or inflammatory status) and specific cytogenetic abnormalities. To add to the still limited knowledge on WM cytogenetics and its clinical implications, we herein report our experience in a cohort of WM patients across 23 years. Based on our retrospective study, we found that abnormal karyotype was more represented in older patients and maintained a statistically significant independence from other molecular, clinical, and biological features related to WM. The presence and number of cytogenetic aberrations correlated with inferior overall and progression-free survival outcomes regardless of the type of single chromosome aberration. Our data suggests that the role of the altered karyotype deserves to be further clarified especially in elderly WM patients, in whom cytogenetic abnormalities and disease biology appear to be characterized by a higher degree of complexity.
The association between dietary fiber intake and gastric cancer: a pooled analysis of 11 case–control studies
Authors: Collatuzzo Giulia , Cortez Lainez Jacqueline , Pelucchi Claudio , Negri Eva , Bonzi Rossella , Palli Domenico , Ferraroni Monica , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Yu Guo-Pei , Lunet Nuno , Morais Samantha , López-Carrillo Lizbeth , Zaridze David , Maximovitch Dmitry , Guevara Marcela , Santos-Sanchez Vanessa , Vioque Jesus , Garcia de la Hera Manoli , Ward Mary H. , Malekzadeh Reza , Pakseresht Mohammadreza , Hernández-Ramírez Raúl Ulises , Turati Federica , Rabkin Charles S. , Liao Linda M. , Sinha Rashmi , López-Cervantes Malaquias , Tsugane Shoichiro , Hidaka Akihisa , Camargo M. Constanza , Curado Maria Paula , Zubair Nadia , Kristjansson Dana , Shah Shailja , La Vecchia Carlo , Boffetta Paolo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Gastric cancer (GC) is among the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between dietary fiber intake and GC.

Methods

We pooled data from 11 population or hospital-based case–control studies included in the Stomach Cancer Pooling (StoP) Project, for a total of 4865 histologically confirmed cases and 10,626 controls. Intake of dietary fibers and other dietary factors was collected using food frequency questionnaires. We calculated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the association between dietary fiber intake and GC by using a multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for study site, sex, age, caloric intake, smoking, fruit and vegetable intake, and socioeconomic status. We conducted stratified analyses by these factors, as well as GC anatomical site and histological type.

Results

The OR of GC for an increase of one quartile of fiber intake was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.97), that for the highest compared to the lowest quartile of dietary fiber intake was 0.72 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.88). Results were similar irrespective of anatomical site and histological type.

Conclusion

Our analysis supports the hypothesis that dietary fiber intake may exert a protective effect on GC.
Regulation of VEGF-A expression and VEGF-A-targeted therapy in malignant tumors
Authors: Kang Yan , Li Huiting , Liu Yiping , Li Zheng
Published: April 2024

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a highly conserved dimeric glycoprotein, is a key regulatory gene and a marker molecule of angiogenesis. The upregulation of VEGF-A facilitates the process of tumor vascularization, thereby fostering the initiation and progression of malignant neoplasms. Many genes can adjust the angiogenesis of tumors by changing the expression of VEGF-A. In addition, VEGF-A also exhibits immune regulatory properties, which directly or indirectly suppresses the antitumor activity of immune cells. The emergence of VEGF-A-targeted therapy alone or in rational combinations has revolutionized the treatment of various cancers. This review discusses how diverse mechanisms in various tumors regulate VEGF-A expression to promote tumor angiogenesis and the role of VEGF-A in tumor immune microenvironment. The application of drugs targeting VEGF-A in tumor therapy is also summarized including antibody molecule drugs and traditional Chinese medicine.
Student and teacher impact on the use of telepresence classrooms
Authors: Martín Adrián Carruana , Alario-Hoyos Carlos , Moreno-Marcos Pedro Manuel , Kloos Carlos Delgado
Published: April 2024

Hybrid learning environments saw significant growth due to the COVID-19 pandemic but persist beyond it, one example is the telepresence classroom. This classroom allows the connection of two classrooms in distance locations into a singular one. The technology in a telepresence classroom includes a camera, multiple projectors, microphones, and speakers to emulate a single learning space despite the distance, potentially overcoming some of the challenges presented by hybrid settings. However, the telepresence classroom presents technological and logistical complexities for the teachers. Thus, it is essential to understand the impact on the teacher agency, as well as on the workload of both students and teachers. Therefore, two collaborative learning sessions were conducted, utilising the collaborative learning flow pattern (jigsaw) in the telepresence classroom. From these experiments, the teacher and students workload was measured using the NASA-TXL questionnaire and supplemented with the Epistemic Network Analysis model to pinpoint key actions impacting the workload. The teacher agency was also assessed with another questionnaire. Finally, an interview was conducted with the teacher to gather more insights regarding the workload and agency. Results revealed a teacher workload score of 65.33 and 67.33, while student averages stood at 49.03 and 58.65 on a 0-100 scale. The data collected also served to identify potential factors influencing the workload, such as available time or the need for increased effort. Potential factors affecting teacher agency, such as decision-making challenges and tool limitations, were also identified.
A comparison electrical characteristics of the Au/(pure-PVA)/n-Si and Au/(CdTe doped-PVA)/n-Si (MPS) type Schottky structures using I–V and C–V measurements
Authors: Güçlü Çiğdem Şükriye , Ulusoy Murat , Altındal Şemsettin
Published: April 2024

In this study, both the Au/(pure-PVA)/n-Si (MPS-1) and Au/(CdTe:PVA)/n-Si (MPS-2) type Schottky diodes (SDs) were fabricated onto the same n-Si wafer in same conditions. After that, their electrical parameters were obtained from the current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements and compared to each other to determine the effect (CdTe:PVA) interlayer on the performance of MPS type SD. The saturation current (Is), ideality factor (n), rectification ratio (RR = Ifor./Irev.), zero-bias barrier height (ΦBo), and series/shunt resistances (Rs, Rsh) were derived utilizing I–V data. The values of Io, n, and ΦBo were found as 9.13 × 10–7 A, 11.07, 0.63 eV for MPS1 and 1.54 × 10–10 A, 3.97, 0.85 eV for MPS2, respectively. The C−2–V graphs were drawn for 0.7 MHz to obtain the doping concentration of donor atoms (ND), Fermi energy (EF), BH/(ΦB(C–V)), depletion layer width (WD), and maximum electric field (Em). The Nss − (Ec − Ess) profile for two SDs was produced from the I–V data by considering the voltage dependence of n and BH. The values of surface states (Nss) were changed between 4.8 × 1013 and 1.7 × 1014 eV−1 cm−2 for MPS1 and 5 × 1012 and 1.15 × 1013 eV−1 cm−2 for MPS2, respectively. All experimental results show that the (CdTe:PVA) interlayer significantly improved the quality of the MS type SDs rather than (pure-PVA) in terms of lower values of leakage/saturation current, n, Nss, and higher RR, BH, and Rsh when compared (pure-PVA) interlayer. The (CdTe:PVA) interlayer may be used instead of the conventional interlayer in the future.
Agreement between three noninvasive temperature monitoring devices during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Vawda DO , King Christopher , Toit L du , Dyer RA , Masuku NJ , Bishop DG
Published: April 2024

Hypothermia during obstetric spinal anaesthesia is a common and important problem, yet temperature monitoring is often not performed due to the lack of a suitable, cost-effective monitor. This study aimed to compare a noninvasive core temperature monitor with two readily available peripheral temperature monitors during obstetric spinal anaesthesia. We undertook a prospective observational study including elective and emergency caesarean deliveries, to determine the agreement between affordable reusable surface temperature monitors (Welch Allyn SureTemp® Plus oral thermometer and the Braun 3-in-1 No Touch infrared thermometer) and the Dräger T-core© (using dual-sensor heat flux technology), in detecting thermoregulatory changes during obstetric spinal anaesthesia. Predetermined clinically relevant limits of agreement (LOA) were set at ± 0.5 °C. We included 166 patients in our analysis. Hypothermia (heat flux temperature < 36 °C) occurred in 67% (95% CI 49 to 78%). There was poor agreement between devices. In the Bland-Altman analysis, LOA for the heat flux monitor vs. oral thermometer were 1.8 °C (CI 1.7 to 2.0 °C; bias 0.5 °C), for heat flux monitor vs. infrared thermometer LOA were 2.3 °C (CI 2.1 to 2.4 °C; bias 0.4 °C) and for infrared vs. oral thermometer, LOA were 2.0 °C (CI 1.9 to 2.2 °C; bias 0.1 °C). Error grid analysis highlighted a large amount of clinical disagreement between methods. While monitoring of core temperature during obstetric spinal anaesthesia is clinically important, agreement between monitors was below clinically acceptable limits. Future research with gold-standard temperature monitors and exploration of causes of sensor divergence is needed.
Sexual receptivity of females on Neotropical scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 in response to male reproductive advances
Authors: Moreira Milena O. M. , Moura Geraldo J. B. , Lira André F. A.
Published: April 2024

Due to the high reproductive investment, females are the decisive sex when making decisions about whether or not to reproduce. Generally, female scorpions display aggressive sexual behavior in response to male reproductive advances when they are not receptive. However, female receptivity can vary over time, depending on environmental factors favorable to reproduction Thus, the current study aimed to examine the correlation between the number of reproductive attempts by male Tityus pusillus scorpion and mating success over time, considering the female's behavioral response. Behavioral analyses were monthly conducted on 150 T. pusillus field-caught pairs over a five-month period. Our results indicate that despite females reacting aggressively to male advances, the persistence of the male has a positive effect in courtship probability. Furthermore, we observed variations in female behavior throughout the studied period, suggesting that female receptivity might be linked to the reproductive season. Therefore, environmental factors may play a significant role in regulating scorpion reproduction in Neotropical forests.
Lagoviruses in European brown hares, first serologic evidence for RHDVa
Authors: Najt David , Lány Petr , Treml František , Jurčík Rastislav , Sládeček Tomáš , Salaj Juraj , Supuka Peter , Zákutná Ľubica , Ondrejková Anna , Korytár Ľuboš
Published: April 2024

Serological tests for the presence of antibodies to European brown hare syndrome virus and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type a and type 2 were performed on 275 samples of blood serum from the European brown hare by hemagglutination inhibition test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The presence of antibodies against European brown hare syndrome virus was 28% in the Czech Republic while in the Slovak Republic between 9–33%. Furthermore, the results showed the possibility of interspecies transmission, both rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type a and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 on the European brown hare. In case of RHDVa it is the first documented interspecies transmission, which has not yet been described. This study improved our knowledge about circulation of RHDV in Central European ecosystems and its possible ability to cross interspecies barriers. However, from an epizootiological point of view, it is likely European brown hare is not a significant source of RHD infection for domesticated rabbits.
Comprehensive Review on Seismic Pounding Between Adjacent Buildings and Available Mitigation Measures
Authors: Elgammal Ahmed , Seleemah Ayman , Elsharkawy Mohammed , Elwardany Hytham
Published: April 2024

Seismic pounding has taken place in several earthquake events since adjacent structures that lack adequate separation distance usually suffer from repetitive, severe collisions. These collisions result in considerable impact forces in addition to acceleration spikes, thus dealing damage to both structural and non-structural elements. So, a meaningful effort has been widely directed towards the investigation of that phenomenon, leading to a considerable number of publications that are related to that field of study. A review of these publications has thus become a matter of interest. Accordingly, this paper mainly aims to present a detailed state-of-the-art review concerned with seismic pounding between adjacent buildings. Firstly, general definitions, types, and causes of seismic pounding are addressed. Later, facts and statistics of historical earthquake incidents that reflect the scale of the threat caused by seismic pounding are clarified. Moreover, the effect of seismic pounding on fixed-base and base-isolated buildings is discussed. Furthermore, the effect of soil-structure interaction is also presented. Additionally, alternative mitigation methods for seismic pounding are presented. Their classification, types, efficiency, and applicability are also discussed. Eventually, different impact analytical models that can be used to simulate seismic pounding in theoretical studies are discussed. By the end of this paper, deficiencies in previous studies are clarified in order to be taken into account throughout future studies.
Defining “Ethical Mathematical Practice” Through Engagement with Discipline-Adjacent Practice Standards and the Mathematical Community
Authors: Tractenberg Rochelle E. , Piercey Victor I. , Buell Catherine A.
Published: April 2024

This project explored what constitutes “ethical practice of mathematics”. Thematic analysis of ethical practice standards from mathematics-adjacent disciplines (statistics and computing), were combined with two organizational codes of conduct and community input resulting in over 100 items. These analyses identified 29 of the 52 items in the 2018 American Statistical Association Ethical Guidelines for Statistical Practice, and 15 of the 24 additional (unique) items from the 2018 Association of Computing Machinery Code of Ethics for inclusion. Three of the 29 items synthesized from the 2019 American Mathematical Society Code of Ethics, and zero of the Mathematical Association of America Code of Ethics, were identified as reflective of “ethical mathematical practice” beyond items already identified from the other two codes. The community contributed six unique items. Item stems were standardized to, “The ethical mathematics practitioner…”. Invitations to complete the 30-min online survey were shared nationally (US) via Mathematics organization listservs and other widespread emails and announcements. We received 142 individual responses to the national survey, 75% of whom endorsed 41/52 items, with 90–100% endorsing 20/52 items on the survey. Items from different sources were endorsed at both high and low rates. A final thematic analysis yielded 44 items, grouped into “General” (12 items), “Profession” (10 items) and “Scholarship” (11 items). Moreover, for the practitioner in a leader/mentor/supervisor/instructor role, there are an additional 11 items (4 General/7 Professional). These results suggest that the community perceives a much wider range of behaviors by mathematicians to be subject to ethical practice standards than had been previously included in professional organization codes. The results provide evidence against the argument that mathematics practitioners engaged in “pure” or “theoretical” work have minimal, small, or no ethical obligations.
Periodic Solutions of Generalized Lagrangian Systems with Small Perturbations
Authors: Janczewska Joanna
Published: April 2024

In this paper we study the generalized Lagrangian system with a small perturbation. We assume the main term in the system to have a maximum, but do not suppose any condition for perturbation term. Then we prove the existence of a periodic solution via Ekeland’s principle. Moreover, we prove a convergence theorem for periodic solutions of perturbed systems.
Symptoms of Traumatic Encephalopathy Syndrome are Common in Community-Dwelling Adults
Authors: Terry Douglas P. , Bishay Anthony E. , Rigney Grant H. , Williams Kristen , Davis Philip , Jo Jacob , Zuckerman Scott L.
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives

The consensus criteria for traumatic encephalopathy syndrome (TES), the possible in vivo clinical syndrome associated with significant repetitive head impacts, have only been minimally studied to date. This study examined the prevalence of the proposed core clinical features of TES in a sample of healthy adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey study was conducted through ResearchMatch, a national health volunteer registry. Participants were assessed for symptoms of TES based on the 2021 consensus criteria, including prior repetitive head impacts and core clinical features. Additional health information (e.g., concussion history, psychological health, sleep, chronic pain) was also evaluated. The consensus proposed research criteria for TES (i.e., reporting at least one progressive core clinical feature of TES, as in progressive difficulties with episodic memory, executive functioning, or neurobehavioral dysregulation) were applied to the sample.

Results

Out of 1100 participants (average age = 53.6 ± 17.7 years, 55% women), 34.6% endorsed one or more progressive core clinical features of TES. Participants with a significant history of contact sports (i.e., ≥ 5 years total, with ≥ 2 years in high school or beyond) had similar rates of endorsing a progressive core clinical feature of TES compared to those without significant histories of repetitive head impacts (36.4% vs 32.8%, respectively, χ2 = 0.52, p = 0.47). A significant history of repetitive head impacts in sports was not associated with endorsing a core clinical feature of TES in univariable or multivariable models (p > 0.47), whereas current depression/anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 6.94), a history of psychiatric disorders (OR = 2.57), current sleep problems (OR = 1.56), and younger age (OR = 0.99) were significant predictors of TES status in a multivariable model. In a subsample of 541 participants who denied a lifetime history of contact sports, other forms of repetitive head impacts, and concussions, approximately 31.0% endorsed one or more progressive core clinical features of TES. Additionally, 73.5% of neurotrauma-naïve participants with current anxiety or depression reported at least one core progressive feature of TES, compared with 20.2% of those without clinically significant depression/anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of adults without a significant history of repetitive head impacts from sports endorsed core TES features, particularly those experiencing mental health symptoms. Having a significant history of contact sports was not associated with endorsing a core progressive clinical feature of TES, whereas other health factors were. These findings underscore the need for validating and refining TES criteria in samples with and without substantial neurotrauma histories.
Diamond-Like Carbon Depositing on the Surface of Polylactide Membrane for Prevention of Adhesion Formation During Tendon Repair
Authors: Xiao Yao , Tao Zaijin , Ju Yufeng , Huang Xiaolu , Zhang Xinshu , Liu Xiaonan , Volotovski Pavel A. , Huang Chao , Chen Hongqi , Zhang Yaozhong , Liu Shen
Published: April 2024

Post-traumatic peritendinous adhesion presents a significant challenge in clinical medicine. This study proposes the use of diamond-like carbon (DLC) deposited on polylactic acid (PLA) membranes as a biophysical mechanism for anti-adhesion barrier to encase ruptured tendons in tendon-injured rats. The results indicate that PLA/DLC composite membrane exhibits more efficient anti-adhesion effect than PLA membrane, with histological score decreasing from 3.12 ± 0.27 to 2.20 ± 0.22 and anti-adhesion effectiveness increasing from 21.61% to 44.72%. Mechanistically, the abundant C=O bond functional groups on the surface of DLC can reduce reactive oxygen species level effectively; thus, the phosphorylation of NF-κB and M1 polarization of macrophages are inhibited. Consequently, excessive inflammatory response augmented by M1 macrophage-originated cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is largely reduced. For biocompatibility evaluation, PLA/DLC membrane is slowly absorbed within tissue and displays prolonged barrier effects compared to traditional PLA membranes. Further studies show the DLC depositing decelerates the release of degradation product lactic acid and its induction of macrophage M2 polarization by interfering esterase and PLA ester bonds, which further delays the fibrosis process. It was found that the PLA/DLC membrane possess an efficient biophysical mechanism for treatment of peritendinous adhesion.
Effect of Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC. aerial parts on some non-communicable diseases: in vitro study and HPLC-QTOF/MS-MS analysis
Authors: Ghanem Dina M. , Ammar Nagwa M. , El-Hawary Seham S. , Hamed Ahmed R. , Hussein Rehab A. , El-Desoky Ahmed H. , Mohamed Doha A. , Mokhtar Fatma A. , Okba Mona M.
Published: April 2024

Carissa species are evergreen plants that have long been employed in treating different diseases by traditional healers in many cultures. Carissa macrocarpa (Eckl.) A. DC. known as Natal plum is characterized by bright red, edible, plum-shaped fruit that tastes like cranberries. The pharmacological studies on Carissa species validated its use in indigenous medicine systems. The evidence-based modulatory potential of C. macrocarpa aerial parts (leaves and stems) on non-communicable diseases and hepato-protective activity is herein evaluated via testing its in vitro activity against key enzymes for metabolic disorders and support it with phytochemical study to identify the key metabolites responsible for the claimed activities. Potent antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) and anti-inflammatory (iNOS, COX-1 and COX-2) potentials were observed along with significant inhibitory potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase anti-diabetic enzymes. In addition, the hepato-protective activity (Annexin V apoptosis detection and evaluation of telomerase reverse transcriptase TERT) beside its beneficial effect on the neuropharmacological parameters (acetylcholinesterase and β-amyloid) were also proved. The HPLC-QTOF/MS-MS analysis allowed the identification of 10 fatty acids, 6 phenolics, 6 flavonoids, 4 triterpenoid saponins, and 3 miscellaneous metabolites. These findings support the notion that C. macrocarpa is a medicinal plant with multifactorial therapeutic potentials against some non-communicable diseases. Furthermore, this study supports the claim of traditional healers that Carissa species are promising hepato-protective and anti-diabetic medicines.
New insights into MHD squeezing flows of reacting-radiating Maxwell nanofluids via Wakif's–Buongiorno point of view
Authors: El Harfouf Amine , Wakif Abderrahim , Hayani Mounir Sanaa
Published: April 2024

This work presents a computational investigation of a squeezing nanofluid flow under the influence of thermal radiation, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and chemical process in a constrained parallel-wall geometry. In this study, the non-Newtonian behavior of a rate-type (Maxwell) nanofluid is captured by rheological expressions that serve as the foundation for the flow formulation. This kind of thinking makes it possible to simulate the intricate nanofluid behavior that incorporates the elastic and viscous responses, which are useful in a variety of situations related to nanofluid dynamics, rheology, and materials science. Additionally, the transport equations are modeled properly using Wakif's–Buongiorno nanofluid model. The equations reflecting the dynamics of the nanofluid and heat-mass transport are developed based on admissible physical assumptions, such as the negligible viscous dissipation as well as the lower magnetic Reynolds number. After that, several similarity variables are introduced in these equations to get the dimensionless formulation form. Akbari–Ganji's method is used to carry out extensive computational simulations. Our results show that the increased squeezing parameters lead to larger horizontal and vertical velocities. On the other hand, the temperature showed a reverse relationship with the increasing squeezing parameters and exhibiting a cooling impact.
Haque’s approach with mickens’ iteration method to find a modified analytical solution of nonlinear jerk oscillator containing displacement time velocity and time acceleration
Authors: Ali Md. Ishaque , Haque B. M. Ikramul , Hossain M. M. Ayub
Published: April 2024

Haque’s approach with Mickens’ iteration method has been used to obtain the modified analytical solutions of the nonlinear jerk oscillator, including displacement time velocity and acceleration. The jerk oscillator represents the features of chaotic behavior in numerous nonlinear phenomena, cosmological analysis, kinematical physics, pendulum analysis, etc., such as electrical circuits, laser physics, mechanical oscillators, damped harmonic oscillators, and biological systems. In this paper, we have used different harmonic terms for different iterative stages using the truncated Fourier series. A comparison is made between the iteration method, the improved harmonic balance method, and the homotopy perturbation method. After comparison, the suggested approach has been shown to be more precise, efficient, simple, and easy to use. Furthermore, there was remarkable accuracy in the comparison between the numerical results and the generated analytical solutions. For the third approximate period, the maximum percentage error is 0.014.
Availability and saccharification of starchy biowastes for bioethanol production in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Malki Fadia , Alamri Saad , Hashem Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Bioenergy has received a great interest because of increase in oil price, rapid depletion of fossil fuels, global climate change, and environmental pollution. However, cheap, and fermentable sugar-rich substrates represent a challenge that face production of biofuel on commercial scale. Therefore, this study offers a reliable solution for sustainability of biofuel production by recycling cheap resource (starchy biowaste) that is abundant in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). To achieve the goal of this study, we applied different hydrolysis protocols to obtain a high quantity of fermentable sugars from starchy biowaste collected from restaurants as meal leftover. The results approved that starchy biowastes are abundant in the KSA; with the size of the residue per meal ranging from 149 to 5218 g, and starchy materials, mostly waste rice (WR), representing 72.5%. The saccharification of thermochemically pre-treated WR, carried out using an α-amylase and glucoamylase mixture for 4 h, was the most effective technique amongst all the pre-treatment methods, and produced the highest glucose concentration, i.e. 430.6 g/kg WR. Among five yeast isolates that were tested for their ability to produce ethanol from pre-treated WR via fermentation, Kluyveromyces marxianus KKU-RDI-11 and Pichia kudriavzevii KKU-RDI-18 produced the highest bioethanol concentrations, i.e. 15.44 g/L and 15.62 g/L, respectively. This study recommends application of our technique and the fermentative yeasts on the industrial and commercial scale in KSA, for production of biofuel and recycling of starchy waste materials from restaurants.
Au- ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres based gas sensor for detecting the mustard gas simulant 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide
Authors: Yang Junchao , Qin Molin , Pan Yong , Yang Liu , Wei Jianan , Yan CanCan , Zhang Genwei , Cao Shuya , Huang Qibin
Published: April 2024

Mustard gas, a representative of blister agents, poses a severe threat to human health. Although the structure of 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES) is similar to mustard gas, 2-CEES is non-toxic, rendering it a commonly employed simulant in related research. ZnFe2O4-based semiconductor gas sensors exhibit numerous advantages, including structural stability, high sensitivities, and easy miniaturization. However, they exhibit insufficient sensitivity at low concentrations and require high operating temperatures. Owing to the effect of electronic and chemical sensitization, the gas-sensing performance of a sensor may be remarkably enhanced via the sensitization method of noble metal loading. In this study, based on the morphologies of ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres, a solvothermal method was adopted to realize different levels of Au loading. Toward 1 ppm of 2-CEES, the gas sensor based on 2 wt.% Au-loaded ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres exhibited a response sensitivity twice that of the gas sensor based on pure ZnFe2O4; furthermore, the response/recovery times decreased. Additionally, the sensor displayed excellent linear response to low concentrations of 2-CEES, outstanding selectivity in the presence of several common volatile organic compounds, and good repeatability, as well as long-term stability. The Au-loaded ZnFe2O4-based sensor has considerable potential for use in detecting toxic chemical agents and their simulants.

Graphical abstract
C.S. Lewis and the Problem of God
Authors: Werther David
Published: April 2024

Understanding C.S. Lewis's vocation is essential for reading his works well, as is knowing how he came to it: his long and winding philosophical journey and reoccurring experiences of 'Joy.' Lewis discounted 'proofs' in philosophical theology but offered key arguments in support of theism per se, and Christianity in particular. His account of “mere Christianity” shows the centrality of self-determination, an emphasis on Christ's human nature, and a relativizing of atonement theories. Finally, Lewis's understanding of faith, his attempts to make sense of petitionary and imprecatory prayers, and his emphasis on theosis/deification, are considered.
The Prohibition of Annexations and the Foundations of Modern International Law
Authors: Brunk Ingrid , Hakimi Monica
Published: April 2024

The international legal norm that prohibits forcible annexations of territory is foundational to modern international law. It lies at the core of three projects that have been central to the enterprise: (1) to settle title to territory as the basis for establishing state authority; (2) to regulate the use of force across settled borders; and (3) to provide for people within settled borders collectively to determine their own fates. Prohibiting forcible annexations is integral to each of these projects independently, and by tying them together, has had a transformative effect on the legal system as a whole. However, its significance is widely overlooked or misunderstood. Analysts have also largely failed to appreciate that it is now caught up in a broader contest over the future world order and at risk of erosion.
Combined Theodorsen and Sears theory: experimental validation and modification
Authors: Feng Li-Hao , Wang Tong
Published: April 2024

The response of airfoils to unsteady disturbances is a classic problem in the aerodynamics field. Many theoretical models have been proposed in the past to predict the unsteady aerodynamic forces of airfoils. However, these theories focused on individual airfoil motions or incoming flow disturbances, while the theoretical models for multiple disturbances still need to be developed. In this study, a theoretical model to predict the aerodynamic force of an oscillating airfoil encountering vertical gust is derived from a linear combination of Theodorsen's and Sears’ theories. Experimental investigations involving a two-dimensional pitching airfoil encountering a sinusoidal vertical gust are carried out to examine the proposed theory. It is found that the theory effectively captures the trends in the unsteady lift of airfoils subjected to dual disturbances. However, it tends to overestimate the lift amplitude. Notably, when a quasi-steady correction is applied to the theory, the prediction accuracy is greatly improved. The theory correction agrees well with experiment at small pitching frequencies, while deviations exist at higher pitching frequencies. The temporal evolution of the flow velocity reveals that the velocity disturbance induced by the coupled disturbance around the airfoil conforms to the linear superposition of the velocities induced by each individual disturbance, consistent with the prediction of the vortex sheet model. As the pitching frequency increases, significant nonlinear effects appear near the trailing edge of the airfoil, which may be one key factor for the disparities between the theoretical predictions and the experimental lift at higher pitching frequencies.
On the non-local nature of turbulent fluxes of passive scalars
Authors: Flierl Glenn R. , Souza Andre N.
Published: April 2024

The parameterization of fluxes associated with representing unresolved dynamics in turbulent flows, especially in the atmosphere and ocean (which have a vast range of scales), remains a challenging task. This is especially true for Earth system models including complex biogeochemistry and requiring very long simulations. The problem of representing the dependence of the mean flux of a passive tracer in terms of the mean has a very long history; in this study, we take a somewhat different approach. We use a formalism showing that the mean flux will be a functional of the mean gradients, a formalism that can be used to calculate the structure of the functional which is non-local in both space and time. Two-dimensional turbulent simulations are used to explore the weight of nearby (in space or time) gradients. We also use stochastic velocities and iterated maps to show that the results are similar. The functional formalism provides an understanding of when non-locality needs to be considered and when a local eddy diffusivity can be a reasonably good approximation. Furthermore, the formalism provides guidance for the development of data-driven parameterizations.
Improved processing methods for eddy covariance measurements in calculating sensible heat fluxes at glacier surfaces
Authors: Lord-May Cole , Radić Valentina
Published: April 2024

Bulk aerodynamic methods have been shown to perform poorly in computing turbulent heat fluxes at glacier surfaces during shallow katabatic winds. Katabatic surface layers have different wind shear and flux profiles to the surface layers for which the bulk methods were developed, potentially invalidating their use in these conditions. In addition, eddy covariance-derived turbulent heat fluxes are unlikely to be representative of surface conditions when eddy covariance data are collected close to the wind speed maximum (WSM). Here we utilize two months of eddy covariance and meteorological data measured at three different heights (1 m, 2 m, and 3 m) at Kaskawulsh Glacier in the Yukon, Canada, to re-examine the performance of bulk methods relative to eddy covariance-derived fluxes under different near-surface flow regimes. We propose a new set of processing methods for one-level eddy covariance data to ensure the validity of calculated fluxes during highly variable flows and low-level wind speed maxima, which leads to improved agreement between eddy covariance-derived and modelled fluxes across all flow regimes, with the best agreement (correlation >0.9) 1 m above the surface. Contrary to previous studies, these results show that adequately processed eddy covariance data collected at or above the WSM can provide valid estimates of surface heat fluxes.
Inhomogeneous Poisson processes in the disk and interpolation
Authors: Hartmann Andreas , Massaneda Xavier
Published: April 2024

We investigate different geometrical properties, related to Carleson measures and pseudo-hyperbolic separation, of inhomogeneous Poisson point processes on the unit disk. In particular, we give conditions so that these random sequences are almost surely interpolating for the Hardy, Bloch or weighted Dirichlet spaces.