bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photonic topological phase transition induced by material phase transition
Authors: Uemura Takahiro , Moritake Yuto , Yoda Taiki , Chiba Hisashi , Tanaka Yusuke , Ono Masaaki , Kuramochi Eiichi , Notomi Masaya
Published: August 2024

Photonic topological insulators (PTIs) have been proposed as an analogy to topological insulators in electronic systems. In particular, two-dimensional PTIs have gained attention for the integrated circuit applications. However, controlling the topological phase after fabrication is difficult because the photonic topology requires the built-in specific structures. This study experimentally demonstrates the band inversion in two-dimensional PTI induced by the phase transition of deliberately designed nanopatterns of a phase change material, Ge
2
Sb
2
Te
5
(GST), which indicates the first observation of the photonic topological phase transition in two-dimensional PTI with changes in the Chern number. This approach allows us to directly alter the topological invariants, which is achieved by symmetry-breaking perturbation through GST nanopatterns with different symmetry from original PTI. The success of our scheme is attributed to the ultrafine lithographic alignment technologies of GST nanopatterns. These results demonstrate how to control photonic topological properties in a reconfigurable manner, providing insight into the possibilities for reconfigurable photonic processing circuits.
Human/mouse CD137 agonist, JNU-0921, effectively shrinks tumors through enhancing the cytotoxicity of CD8
+
T cells in cis and in trans
Authors: Liu Lu , Chen Fenghua , Li Shan , Yang Tong , Chen Shuzhen , Zhou Yang , Lin Zejian , Zeng Guandi , Feng Pengju , Shu Hong-Bing , Zhou Qian , Ding Ke , Chen Liang
Published: August 2024

Agonistic antibodies against CD137 have been demonstrated to completely regress established tumors through activating T cell immunity. Unfortunately, current CD137 antibodies failed to benefit patients with cancer. Moreover, their antitumor mechanisms in vivo remain to be determined. Here, we report the development of a small molecular CD137 agonist, JNU-0921. JNU-0921 effectively activates both human and mouse CD137 through direct binding their extracellular domains to induce oligomerization and signaling and effectively shrinks tumors in vivo. Mechanistically, JNU-0921 enhances effector and memory function of cytotoxic CD8
+
T cells (CTLs) and alleviates their exhaustion. JNU-0921 also skews polarization of helper T cells toward T helper 1 type and enhances their activity to boost CTL function. Meanwhile, JNU-0921 attenuates the inhibitory function of regulatory T cells on CTLs. Our current work shows that JNU-0921 shrinks tumors by enhancing the cytotoxicity of CTLs in cis and in trans and sheds light on strategy for developing CD137 small molecular agonists.
Mast cell–derived BH4 and serotonin are critical mediators of postoperative pain
Authors: Starkl Philipp , Jonsson Gustav , Artner Tyler , Turnes Bruna Lenfers , Gail Laura-Marie , Oliveira Tiago , Jain Aakanksha , Serhan Nadine , Stejskal Karel , Lakovits Karin , Hladik Anastasiya , An Meilin , Channon Keith M. , Kim Hail , Köcher Thomas , Weninger Wolfgang , Stary Georg , Knapp Sylvia , Klang Victoria , Gaudenzio Nicolas , Woolf Clifford J. , Tikoo Shweta , Jain Rohit , Penninger Josef M. , Cronin Shane J. F.
Published: August 2024

Postoperative pain affects most patients after major surgery and can transition to chronic pain. The considerable side effects and limited efficacy of current treatments underline the need for new therapeutic options. We observed increased amounts of the metabolites BH4 and serotonin after skin injury. Mast cells were primary postoperative sources of
Gch1
, the rate-limiting enzyme in BH4 synthesis, itself an obligate cofactor in serotonin production by tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph1). Mice deficient in mast cells or in mast cell–specific
Gch1
or
Tph1
showed drastically decreased postoperative pain. We found that injury induced the nociceptive neuropeptide substance P, mast cell degranulation, and granule nerve colocalization. Substance P triggered serotonin release in mouse and human mast cells, and substance P receptor blockade substantially ameliorated pain hypersensitivity. Our findings highlight the importance of mast cells at the neuroimmune interface and substance P–driven mast cell BH4 and serotonin production as a therapeutic target for postoperative pain treatment.
Genome sequence of
Heterobasidion occidentale,
a fungus that causes annosus root and butt rot among conifer trees in North America
Authors: Sumampong Grace , Feau Nicolas , Bernier Louis , Hamelin Richard C. , Liu Jun-Jun , Shamoun Simon F.
Published: August 2024

We report an annotated draft genome of
Heterobasidion occidentale
, a fungus (Basidiomycota, Agaricomycetes) that has pathogenic and saprophytic lifestyles. This fungus belongs to the
H. annosum
(Fr.) Bref. sensu lato species complex that comprises several root rot pathogens.
Heterobasidion occidentale
causes annosus root and butt rot primarily in true fir (
Abies
spp.) and spruce (
Picea
spp.) species throughout western North America.
Correlation and consistency between resting full-cycle ratio and fractional flow reserve in assessing coronary artery function in a Chinese real-world cohort with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Lei Yumeng , Liu Xu , Jiang Mao , Li Mengyao , Zhang Shuaiyong , Wang Yunfei , Chen Ming , Guo Nan , Liu Yongxing , Cao Xufen , Yan Liqiu
Published: August 2024

Objective

The study aimed to investigate the correlation and consistency between resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) and fractional flow reserve (FFR) in functional assessment of coronary arteries in a Chinese real-world cohort with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

A single-centre study in China.

Participants

A total of 292 diseased vessels of 226 Chinese patients with NSTE-ACS at Cangzhou Central Hospital of Hebei Medical University from September 2021 to June 2023 were included.

Methods

The correlation between RFR and FFR, resting ratio of distal coronary artery pressure (Pd) to aortic pressure (Pa) and FFR were analysed by using Person correlation, and the consistency between RFR and FFR, resting Pd/Pa and FFR were assessed by Bland-Altman test. The diagnostic values of RFR and resting Pd/Pa for predicting FFR≤0.80 were evaluated according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

RFR and resting Pd/Pa were significantly correlated with FFR, and correlation coefficients were 0.787 (p<0.001) and 0.765 (p<0.001), respectively. We found no significant differences between RFR and FFR or between resting Pd/Pa and FFR. The areas under the ROC curves for predicting FFR≤0.80 were 0.883 (p<0.001) for RFR and 0.858 (p<0.001) for resting Pd/Pa, and the optimal critical values were 0.91 for RFR and 0.93 for resting Pd/Pa. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of RFR≤0.91 for predicting FFR≤0.80 were 79.1%, 84.0%, 76.6%, 65.1% and 90.2%, respectively.

Conclusion

The current study suggests that RFR exhibits a good correlation and consistency with FFR in patients with NSTE-ACS. RFR is expected to significantly enhance the application of coronary artery functional assessment in clinical practice, thereby providing patients with more precise revascularisation strategies.
Preventing retraumatisation in torture survivors during surgical care: results of a guideline-development project and qualitative study exploring healthcare providers’ experiences
Authors: Schippert Ana Carla , Grov Ellen Karine , Dahl-Michelsen Tone , Silvola Juha , Sparboe-Nilsen Bente , Danielsen Stein Ove , Lie Irene , Aaland Mariann , Bjørnnes Ann Kristin
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Insufficient training and the absence of guidelines increase the risk of retraumatisation in torture survivors during surgical procedures. This study aims to develop guidelines to mitigate this risk and gather healthcare professionals’ experiences treating torture survivors and insights on the guideline’s feasibility and acceptability.

Design

The study was conducted in two phases. Phase ‘a’ involved developing guidelines based on reviews of torture survivors’ encounters in somatic care and potential retraumatisation triggers, as well as a qualitative study on survivors’ experiences during surgical interventions. The development process adhered to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) principles and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument for methodological rigour. Phase ‘b’ involved focus groups and individual interviews with healthcare professionals to explore challenges in caring for torture survivors and to evaluate the guidelines.

Setting

The study, conducted from May to August 2023, involved participants from surgical departments in three hospitals in southern and southeastern Norway.

Participants

Twenty-one healthcare professionals, including surgeons, anaesthesiologists, nurses and a dentist, participated in the study. Both focus group interviews and individual interviews were conducted.

Results

Phase ‘a’: guidelines comprising six sections were developed: an introduction, general guidelines and four sections covering the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative surgical stages. Phase ‘b’: healthcare professionals struggled to understand torture’s complexities and identify survivors’ unique needs. They faced challenges using interpreters and assisting patients with strong reactions. While the guidelines were viewed as practical and useful for raising awareness, their length was questioned.

Conclusions

We provide recommendations for preventing retraumatisation in torture survivors undergoing surgical treatment. The guidelines may serve as a starting point for offering safe and individualised care to torture survivors. Teaching institutions and hospitals may incorporate the guidelines into healthcare professionals’ education.
Impact of a financial incentive on early rehabilitation and outcomes in ICU patients: a retrospective database study in Japan
Authors: Honda Yudai , Shin Jung-ho , Kunisawa Susumu , Fushimi Kiyohide , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: August 2024

Background

Early mobilisation of intensive care unit (ICU) patients has been recommended in clinical practice guidelines. Therefore, the Japanese universal health insurance system introduced an additional fee for early mobilisation and/or rehabilitation, which can be claimed by hospitals when starting rehabilitation of ICU patients within 48 hours after their ICU admission. However, the effect of this fee is unknown.

Objective

To measure the proportion of ICU patients who received early rehabilitation and the impact on length of ICU stay, the length of hospital stay and discharged to home after the introduction of the financial incentive (additional fee for early mobilisation and/or rehabilitation).

Design/methods

We included patients who were admitted to ICU within 2 days of hospitalisation between April 2016 and January 2020. We conducted interrupted time series analyses to assess the effects of the introduction of the financial incentive.

Results

The proportion of patients who received early rehabilitation immediately increased after the introduction of the financial incentive (rate ratio (RR) 1.293, 95% CI 1.240 to 1.349). The RR for proportion of patients received early rehabilitation was 1.008 (95% CI 1.005 to 1.011) in the period after the introduction of the financial incentive compared with period before its introduction. There was no statistically significant change in the mean length of ICU stay, the mean length of hospital stay and the proportion of patients who were discharged to home.

Conclusion

After the introduction of the financial incentive, the proportion of ICU patients who received early rehabilitation increased. However, the effects of the financial incentive on the length of ICU stay, the length of hospital stay and the proportion of patients who were discharged to home were limited.
Assessing patient work system factors for medication management during transition of care among older adults: an observational study
Authors: Xiao Yan , Hsu Yea-Jen , Hannum Susan M , Abebe Ephrem , Kantsiper Melinda E , Pena Ivonne Marie , Wessell Andrea M , Dy Sydney M , Howell Eric E , Gurses Ayse P
Published: August 2024

Objective

To develop and evaluate measures of patient work system factors in medication management that may be modifiable for improvement during the care transition from hospital to home among older adults.

Design, settings and participants

Measures were developed and evaluated in a multisite prospective observational study of older adults (≥65 years) discharged home from medical units of two US hospitals from August 2018 to July 2019.

Main measures

Patient work system factors for managing medications were assessed during hospital stays using six capacity indicators, four task indicators and three medication management practice indicators. Main outcomes were assessed at participants’ homes approximately a week after discharge for (1) Medication discrepancies between the medications taken at home and those listed in the medical record, and (2) Patient experiences with new medication regimens.

Results

274 of the 376 recruited participants completed home assessment (72.8%). Among capacity indicators, most older adults (80.6%) managed medications during transition without a caregiver, 41.2% expressed low self-efficacy in managing medications and 18.3% were not able to complete basic medication administration tasks. Among task indicators, more than half (57.7%) had more than 10 discharge medications and most (94.7%) had medication regimen changes. Having more than 10 discharge medications, more than two medication regimen changes and low self-efficacy in medication management increased the risk of feeling overwhelmed (OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.08 to 6.38, OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.29 to 7.74 and OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.25 to 5.26, respectively). Low transportation independence, not having a home caregiver, low medication administration skills and more than 10 discharge medications increased the risk of medication discrepancies (incidence rate ratio 1.39, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.91, incidence rate ratio 1.73, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.66, incidence rate ratio 1.99, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.89 and incidence rate ratio 1.91, 95% CI 1.24 to 2.93, respectively).

Conclusions

Patient work system factors could be assessed before discharge with indicators for increased risk of poor patient experience and medication discrepancies during older adults’ care transition from hospital to home.
Evaluation of small fibre neuropathies
Authors: Malek Naveed , Hutchinson Joseph , Naz Asma , Cordivari Carla
Published: August 2024

Small fibre neuropathies (SFNs) are common and can significantly affect patients’ lives due to debilitating pain and autonomic symptoms. We explain the tests that neurologists can use to diagnose SFNs and how neurophysiologists perform and interpret them. This review focuses on neurophysiological tests that can be used to investigate SFNs, their sensitivity, specificity and limitations. Some of these tests are available only in specialist centres. However, newer technologies are emerging from scientific research that may make it easier to diagnose these conditions in the future.
On the conformal limit of a QED-inspired model
Authors: Oliveira O. , Frederico T. , de Paula W.
Published: August 2024

A conformal invariant QED-inspired model is solved for a general covariant linear gauge using the Dyson–Schwinger equations for the propagators assuming a pure vector like interaction. The leading corrections to the asymptotic solutions and the exponents, that characterize the corrections to each of the two fermion propagator functions, are computed as a function of the coupling and gauge fixing parameter $$\xi $$
ξ
. For the scalar component of the fermion propagator our findings generalizes for linear covariant gauges previous results found in the literature and reproduce the outcome of the perturbative analysis of quenched QED in the Landau gauge. Our solution for the exponent associated with vector component of the fermion propagator is new and, in the weak coupling regime, agrees with the estimation based on the perturbative analysis of quenched QED. Of the two critical exponents describing the conformal limit of the vector interaction, one of them is, in QED, associated with the regime where chiral symmetry is broken dynamically, which demands one mass scale, namely the Miransky scaling. A second mass scale has to be introduced at larger coupling constants and is associated with a change on the nature of the fermion wave function. This provides one example, that it is possible to find two interwoven cycles in Quantum Field Theory, albeit in a truncated framework, as it is known in the quantum few-body problem in the limit of a zero-range interaction.
Spectra and decay properties of higher lying BC meson states
Authors: Nayana T. S. , Bhaghyesh A.
Published: August 2024

In this work, the spectra and decay properties of [Formula: see text] mesons [Formula: see text]) have been investigated using a nonrelativistic potential model incorporating corrections from LQCD. The nonrelativistic Schrödinger wave equation is solved numerically using the Matrix Numerov Method. Using the obtained masses and wave functions, decay widths, lifetime, branching ratios and radiative decay widths are computed for the [Formula: see text] system. Influence of the bound state effect on decay width of [Formula: see text] mesons is also analyzed. We compare the obtained results with the experimental data and with other theoretical models.
Exploring double diffusive oscillatory flow in a Voigt fluid
Authors: Vinod Y. , Raghunatha K. R. , Felemban Bassem F. , Aly Ayman A. , Inc Mustafa , Rezapour Shahram , Nagappanavar Suma Nagendrappa , Sangamesh
Published: August 2024

This paper’s goal is to investigate the oscillatory flow of double-diffusive convection in a Voigt fluid. We re-design the basic equations of the channel flow, which initially appear dimensional, in a dimensionless manner using non-dimensional variables. The oscillation technique transforms the governing equations into coupled ordinary differential equations (CODEs). We have derived the analytical expressions for velocity, temperature, and concentration distribution by solving the CODEs using the direct analytical method. The study focuses on how physical factors, like the thermal Grashof number, the solutal Grashof number, the Prandtl number, the Lewis number, and the Voigt fluid parameter, affect different aspects of flow, such as speed, temperature, concentration, rate of heat transfer, and mass transfer. Notably, the study finds that skin friction increases on both channel plates with increasing injection on the heated plate. The significance of double-diffusive oscillatory flow lies in its ability to improve heat and mass transfer rates, as well as its impact on pattern formation and stability, which influences a wide range of applications from engineering design to environmental studies.
Pairs of knot invariants
Authors: Taniyama Kouki
Published: August 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a map from the set of all knot types [Formula: see text] to a set [Formula: see text]. Let [Formula: see text] be a map from [Formula: see text] to a set [Formula: see text]. We define the relation between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to be the image of a map [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] sending an element [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text]. We determine the relations between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for certain [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] such as crossing number, unknotting number, bridge number, braid index, genus and canonical genus. This is a study of geography problem in knot theory.
Computing Some Resolvability Parameters for Two-Fold Circular Ladder
Authors: Sharma Sunny Kumar , Bhat Vijay Kumar
Published: August 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be an undirected, planar, non-trivial, connected, and simple graph, where the sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are respectively the vertex and edge sets for [Formula: see text]. The cardinalities of the sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] (i.e., [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) are referred to be the size and order of [Formula: see text]. A subset [Formula: see text] (ordered vertices) of [Formula: see text] is termed as a resolving set [edge resolving set (ERS)] for [Formula: see text] if for every two distinct vertices [Formula: see text] [edges [Formula: see text]], there is a vertex [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] [[Formula: see text]]. A resolving set (ERS) consisting of the minimum number of vertices is called the metric basis [edge metric basis (EMB)] for [Formula: see text] and the cardinality of metric basis (EMB) set is its metric dimension (edge metric dimension), represented by [Formula: see text] [[Formula: see text]]. In this paper, we initiate the study of edge and vertex resolvability parameters for a novel class of planar graphs. Further, we will show that the planar graph possesses an independent minimum vertex and the edge resolving sets having cardinality 3 or 4.
Reducing Random Valued Impulse Noise in Digital Color Images Using Clustering and Median Filtering
Authors: Gantenapalli Srinivasa Rao , Choppala Praveen Babu
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a new approach for filtering out impulse noise in digital color images. This work is of critical interest in biomedical imaging, visual tracking, etc. The conventional filtering methods operate by applying a noise reduction scheme, generally the vector median filtering approach and its variants, for the center pixel of a suitably chosen window that iteratively slides along the entire image. These methods consider the window in its entirety in the filtering process. This consideration, however, comprehends the noise within the noisy pixels in the filtering process and could prove detrimental to the overall output. The method proposed in this paper operates by clustering the pixels in the chosen window into two groups, one that corresponds to the pixel intensities that lie in the signal space and the other to those that lie in the noise space. The motivating rationale for this clustering scheme is to marginalize those pixels that lie in the noise space that seemingly do not contribute to the information in the image. The median filter is then applied to the pixels that contribute to the signal, in isolation from the color components, to filter out the impulse noise. Simulation results show that the proposed method outperforms conventional filtering methods in terms of noise reduction and structural similarity and thus validates the proposed approach. The proposed method is applied to analyze CT scans for improved diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 COVID-19 disease. The method is also applied to a visual tracking example as a preprocessor.
MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERISTIC ANALYSIS OF SKELETAL GEOMETRIC PARAMETERS IN CHINESE HUMANS
Authors: FAN TIQIANG , WU XIAOFAN , XIAO SEN , ZHANG HUIDA , WANG GUOJIE , LIU YU
Published: August 2024

Problem: Significant differences exist between the body dimensions of Chinese and Western individuals, and these differences affect the injury characteristics of passengers in traffic accidents. Most current parametric finite element human models are based on Western body data, which does not adequately assess the injury risks for Chinese individuals. Therefore, it is imperative to establish a digital model that reflects the anatomical features of Chinese humans. This requires comprehensive anthropometric data specific to the Chinese population. Aim: This study aims to collect and analyze skeletal geometric parameters from various representative regions in China across different age groups to fill the gap in Chinese anthropometric data. Additionally, it seeks to explore regional and age-related differences in these parameters, providing a scientific basis for developing finite element models that reflect the characteristics of the Chinese population. Methods: Clinical CT data of skeletal geometric parameters were collected from 224 individuals across seven representative regions of China, including parameters of the head, chest, and lower limbs. Descriptive statistics, K-W tests, and U-tests were used to analyze regional differences. Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were employed to assess the impact of age. Furthermore, weighted averages and weighted variances of skeletal geometric parameters were calculated to reflect the characteristics of individuals from various regions across the country, which will be applied in the development of Chinese human models. Results: The results indicate significant regional differences in the skeletal geometric parameters of Chinese individuals, exhibiting regional patterns between the north–south and east–west areas. While skeletal geometric parameters showed significant differences with age, no clear statistical pattern was observed. Conclusion: This study systematically extracts and analyzes the skeletal geometric parameters of the Chinese population from regional and age perspectives for the first time. These data will be applied in the development of Chinese human models, providing crucial support for improving passenger safety in traffic accidents, enhancing vehicle safety design, and establishing anthropometric standards suitable for the Chinese context.
Fermions moving around strong gravitational sources
Authors: Dogan Burcin , Salti Mustafa , Aydogdu Oktay , Rej Pramit
Published: August 2024

A black hole is a mysterious cosmic object that cannot be observed directly, and research on its structure continues with increasing interest today. Investigating the effects on the motion of a half-spin relativistic particle around a black hole may provide us with interesting information. Research on the particle scale requires considering quantum contributions, but a well-established quantum gravity theory has not yet been constructed in literature. In our research, the interaction between the spin of a Dirac particle and the gravitational field is discussed within the scope of the rainbow formalism, which is one of the most studied quantum gravity approaches.
Green and High Throughput Assay Using 96‐Microwell Base to Determine Metformin Hydrochloride in the Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed , Alshehri Atheer , Almalki Bayan , Althumali Refah , Alghamdi Maram , Alqahtani Rawan , Alotibi Safia G. , Alqarni Ali , Awad Adel H. , Naguib Ibrahim A.
Published: August 2024

Metformin (MET) is an oral antidiabetic drug widely used as the primary treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While various spectrophotometric assays exist for determining MET in pharmaceutical formulations, they often have limited throughput for quality control purposes. This study describes the validation of a 96‐microwell plate spectrophotometer method using charge‐transfer complexes (CTCs) with chloranilic acid (CLA) and 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ) for the quality control and detected of MET. This reaction was carried out in 96‐microwell plates, and the absorbance of the colored complexes of CLA and DDQ were measured at 530 nm and 460 nm, respectively, using an absorbance microplate reader. This study aims to identify and quantify the use of a 96‐microwell plate spectrophotometer analytical technique for assessing complicated formulations. The method was successfully used for the quantification of MET in the tablet dosage form. The results showed good correlation coefficients (0.996 and 0.997) with CLA and DDQ, respectively. The present method showed high precision with RSD % not exceeding 2.17%. The accuracy of the method was obtained by recovery percentage, with percentage values less than ±5%. The Analytical Greenness Metric (AGREE) was used to evaluate greenness of the assays. The result show that the microwell assay method is greenness and suitable for handling large samples on a daily used with high throughput analysis. The use of the 96‐microwell‐plate method is superior to the existing method in terms of simplicity of the procedure, the low economic cost, and its consumption of low amounts of reagents and organic ethanol solvent, making it an environmentally friendly method. Therefore, these advantages make them suitable and rapid alternatives method to current methods for routine metformin analysis in quality control laboratories.
Development of Strength‐Maturity Relationship for Coral Sand Concrete Incorporating Bamboo Leaf Ash
Authors: Nzimbi Peter Kavita , Abuodha Silvester Ochieng , Kabando Erastus Karoki , Chelelgo Kiplagat
Published: August 2024

In this study, the maturity concept was applied to predict the compressive strength of coral sand concrete incorporating bamboo leaf ash as a cement replacement material. The use of coral sand concrete is restricted due to drawbacks such as low compressive strength, which result from the brittleness and high breakage of coral sand. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the effect of varying percentages of coral sand on the compressive strength of conventional river sand concrete incorporating bamboo leaf ash as a partial replacement for cement. The coral sand content was varied as a percentage of the total fine aggregate content in amounts of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. The maximum amount of 40% was chosen to confine the combined fineness of coral and river sand in zone 2 of the gradation curve, which was the zone for the river sand used in the control mix. Bamboo leaf ash was used as a cementitious supplementary material and varied at 0%, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% according to the weight of cement. The combined effect of bamboo leaves ash and coral sand on concrete strength development was investigated. To determine the optimal content of coral sand and bamboo leaf ash, 25 mixes were prepared and subjected to compressive strength tests. The mixture containing only river sand and no bamboo leaf ash was the control. Three sets of samples were cured in temperature baths kept at 4°C, 17.5°C, and 40°C. The bath samples were drawn periodically and their compressive strength was tested during a 28‐day curing period. It was observed that the early age strength development rate increased with increasing percentage of coral sand. An increase in the amount of bamboo leaf ash was observed to lead to a lower rate of strength development for mixes containing no coral sand. The optimal mix was found to have 40% partial replacement of river sand with coral sand and 5% partial replacement of cement with bamboo leaf ash. The findings were further supported by XRD, SEM, and EDS analyses. The strength‐maturity relationship was developed for the optimal mix. Activation energy, datum temperature, and strength gain constant for the optimal mix were determined as per ASTM C 1074. Calibration curves for predicting concrete strengths were developed using logarithmic, modified exponential, modified hyperbolic, and dose‐response Hill models. Nurse–Saul and Arrhenius maturity indices were used to develop the compressive strength prediction models. The modified exponential model and the dose‐response Hill model were found to have higher accuracy in estimating compressive strengths compared to the logarithmic and modified hyperbolic models which gave poor prediction of compressive strength. Arrhenius maturity function was effective in strength estimation compared to Nurse–Saul maturity function. The results of this study showed promising performance for certain mixtures and hence suggesting potential application in construction projects.
Supplementary Table S3 from Coordinated Targeting of S6K1/2 and AXL Disrupts Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in PTEN-Deficient Glioblastoma
Authors: Behrmann Catherine A. , Ennis Kelli N. , Sarma Pranjal , Wetzel Collin , Clark Nicholas A. , Von Handorf Kate M. , Vallabhapurapu Subrahmanya , Andreani Cristina , Reigle James , Scaglioni Pier Paolo , Meller Jarek , Czyzyk-Krzeska Maria F. , Kendler Ady , Qi Xiaoyang , Sarkaria Jann N. , Medvedovic Mario , Sengupta Soma , Dasgupta Biplab , Plas David R.
Published: August 2024

Glucose flux
Figure 2 from Coordinated Targeting of S6K1/2 and AXL Disrupts Pyrimidine Biosynthesis in PTEN-Deficient Glioblastoma
Authors: Behrmann Catherine A. , Ennis Kelli N. , Sarma Pranjal , Wetzel Collin , Clark Nicholas A. , Von Handorf Kate M. , Vallabhapurapu Subrahmanya , Andreani Cristina , Reigle James , Scaglioni Pier Paolo , Meller Jarek , Czyzyk-Krzeska Maria F. , Kendler Ady , Qi Xiaoyang , Sarkaria Jann N. , Medvedovic Mario , Sengupta Soma , Dasgupta Biplab , Plas David R.
Published: August 2024

PTEN-deficient patient-derived sphere growth is inhibited by combination S6K1 and AXL inhibition. A, JHH136 patient-derived GBM were treated for 72 hours with 10 μmol/L LY-2584702 and/ or 10 μmol/L BMS-777607. Phase contrast images show reduced sphere size with inhibitor combination compared with single inhibitor treatment and vehicle control (n = 3). Scale bar, 100 μm. B, Quantification of spheres in three independent cultures as in A are shown. P values from t tests indicate combination efficacy compared with single agent controls. C, Mayo59 treated with 10 μmol/L LY-2584702 and/or 10 μmol/L BMS-777607 for 7 days. Combination treatment reduced sphere size and induced an altered morphology (n = 3). Scale bar, 200 μm. D, Quantification of images in C shows significant reduction in sphere size in combination-treated spheres. E, Symptom-free survival of mice bearing intracranial tumors of Mayo59 PDX treated with vehicle or a combination of LY-2584702 and BMS-777607 together. Survival curve shows that animals gained a sustained delay in disease from combination treatment (n = 10 per group). F, Cox proportional hazard ratio analysis for mice in E. Log-rank score for combination treatment is below 0.002.
IV Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke with Unknown Onset in Patients on Oral Anticoagulation
Authors: Macha Kosmas , Sembill Jochen A. , Muehlen Iris , Engelhorn Tobias , Doerfler Arnd , Schwab Stefan , Kallmünzer Bernd
Published: August 2024

Introduction: IV thrombolysis (IVT) is established in the unknown or extended time window based on multimodal imaging. Further, increasing evidence exists regarding IVT in patients on oral anticoagulation including direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). However, data on IVT in ischemic stroke patients on oral anticoagulation with unknown time of stroke onset are sparse. Methods: This study bases on the longitudinal cohort study Stroke Research Consortium in Northern Bavaria (STAMINA; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04357899). Acute ischemic stroke patients treated with IVT in the unknown or extended time window from January 2015 to December 2019 were included. Patient selection was based on multimodal CT or MRI. Patients on oral anticoagulation (vitamin-K antagonist [VKA] or DOAC within 48 h) were eligible for IVT based on INR measurement (VKA) or plasma levels (DOAC) according to an institutional protocol. Primary outcomes were the incidence of any and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Results: Of 170 ischemic stroke patients treated with IVT in the unknown or extended time window, 151 had no oral anticoagulation at stroke onset and 19 were on oral anticoagulation (6 on VKA and 13 on DOAC). The risk of symptomatic ICH according to ECASS II criteria was similar between the patients with and without oral anticoagulation (1 [5.3%] vs. 4 [2.7%], p = 0.453). After adjustment for confounding factors, pre-medication with oral anticoagulation was not associated with symptomatic ICH (aOR 1.02 [0.09–11.02], p = 0.988). Conclusion: IVT for ischemic stroke with unknown onset appeared safe in selected patients on oral anticoagulation with both DOAC and VKA.
The End of the Affair: the Extinction of Disputes in International Law
Authors: Thin Sarah
Published: August 2024

Determining the existence of a dispute is key to establishing and exercising jurisdiction in international adjudication by international courts and tribunals. Much has been written on the definition and emergence of a dispute, but there has been almost no scholarly consideration of the question of the ending of a dispute. This article contends that the extinction of a dispute is a separate and independent legal process, distinct from the mere non-fulfilment of the criteria for the definition of a dispute. It conducts a thorough study of the different means of extinguishing a dispute as recognised thus far in the case law of the ICJ and ITLOS, identifying and analysing three methods by which a dispute may be extinguished. It then demonstrates that each such method is deeply rooted in core legal principles related to the international judicial function.
On the Ethnonym Khazar
Authors: Karatay Osman
Published: August 2024

The early or proto-history of the Khazars is still far from being thoroughly investigated, in regard to the world wide popularity of the Khazar studies. There are still many vague points to be discovered, despite the great attempts especially for the last hundred years of modern Khazar studies. We may differentiate between the terms Khazar and Khazarian, the former referring to the ethnie in the core of the process making Khazaria, and thus to the proto stage, and the latter to the well-known imperial formation in Eastern Europe. The scattered but rich sources of Khazarian history are not, on the other hand, very helpful in Khazar history. The debates on the meaning of the ethnonym Khazar are also a part of the proto-history. We are bound, for the early parts of the history, with the eastern, i.e., Chinese and Turkic sources. Previously the Chinese sources were effectively used in that regard, and with the publication of the readings of the two Uyghur inscriptions Tes and Terkhin from the 750s some fifty years ago opened a new chapter for the early history of the Khazars and the etymology of their name. This paper suggests a new frame for the early history of the Khazars in Asia and Europe and slightly revises the etymology of what we may call the French school, supposing that the Khazars came from South Siberia to the Caucasus in the wave of the Suvar union, after being defeated by the Uyghurs during an internal strife likely instigated by the Türks and their overlords Juan-juans.
That Exalted Heaven and This Visible Firmament
Authors: Stadel Seth M.
Published: August 2024

Aḥob of Qatar is a late 6th-century East Syriac biblical commentator whose cosmology has not previously been studied. Aḥob’s cosmology is preserved in two parts in several late 19th-century Denḥa-Grigor Commentary (first half of the 9th century?) manuscripts: one part is a scholion connected to Psalm 104 and the other part is a diagrammatic illustration (in four related witnesses), which portrays five levels of heaven as envisioned by Aḥob. This paper introduces and presents Aḥob’s cosmology in six parts: 1) an exploration of the authorship of the original version of the diagrammatic illustration, 2) an analyzed study of the rare word ܩܢܘܒܘܪܘܢ, which is used in both Aḥob’s Psalm 104:2–3 scholion and the four witnesses of the diagrammatic illustration, 3) an examination of the extant contents of Aḥob’s cosmology, 4) a discussion of the sources and significance of Aḥob’s cosmology, 5) a presentation of the first annotated edition and English translation of Aḥob’s Psalm 104:2–3 scholion and diagrammatic illustration, and 6) a presentation of the images of the diagrammatic illustration’s four witnesses.
Egyptian Geography of the Southern Red Sea: The Land of Wetenet
Authors: Cooper Julien
Published: August 2024

The land of Wetenet is one of the most enduring Red Sea placenames mentioned in Egyptian literature. Its place in the Egyptian conceptual map of the Red Sea has been largely ignored due to it being eclipsed by the much more ubiquitous toponym, Punt. Unlike Punt and its aromatics, Wetenet was visited primarily to secure ebony, with these voyages also providing the stimulus or “field notes” for the elucidating the Eastern Souls, the solar baboons of cosmographic literature. A study of the etymology and geography of this land provides a framework for Wetenet’s possible location, namely in the coastal regions of Sudan or Eritrea.
Baptist Mission in Nineteenth-Century Burma
Authors: Mang Pum Za
Published: August 2024

With determination, zeal, and commitment, American Baptist missionaries arrived in Burma in 1813 and proselytized the ethnic Burman and the ethnic Karen. Whereas their mission efforts among the Burman ended in failure, they converted many Karen to Christianity. This article has explored why they failed among the Burman, but relatively succeeded among the Karen. The thesis of this essay is that American missionaries failed among the Burman, mostly because Buddhism already permeated Burman society for centuries, and that they Christianized many Karen, largely because they still practiced a cosmic religion.
The association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and mental health in migrant adolescents: A scoping review
Authors: Hasnain Anila , Hajek John , Borschmann Rohan
Published: August 2024

Background:

Although previous reviews have examined the relationship between heritage cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes among migrants, none have focussed specifically on migrant adolescents (i.e. those aged 10–24 years).

Aims:

To examine (1) the focus, scope and nature of quantitative empirical research investigating heritage cultural maintenance – including linguistic maintenance – and mental health outcomes among migrant adolescents globally and (2) the association between cultural and linguistic maintenance and migrant adolescents’ mental health outcomes.

Method:

Following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework for scoping reviews, we searched 11 electronic health, medical, social science and language databases from database inception until the search date (6 June 2023), using English search terms. We extracted data from included empirical studies using a template with pre-defined data items, which we present in comprehensive overviews and narrative summaries.

Results:

Thirty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. We identified considerable heterogeneity between studies regarding their research foci, methodologies, terminologies, outcomes and findings regarding the association between cultural maintenance and mental health outcomes. We specifically identified mixed findings regarding the latter, which cannot be transferred or generalised.

Conclusions:

The heterogenous nature of methodologies and outcome measures in the published literature, in addition to a scarcity of research from low- and middle-income countries, have hindered meaningful progress in this field. Efforts to address these issues, and to take adolescent context into consideration, will facilitate a more accurate understanding of how cultural maintenance relates to migrant adolescent mental health, and inform future interventions to improve mental health outcomes.
Firearm Violence and Off-Premises Alcohol Outlets: The Role of Outlet Characteristics and Distance
Authors: Snowden Aleksandra J. , Kostelac Constance A. , Borisy-Rudin Felice F. , Pridemore William Alex
Published: August 2024

Firearm violence is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among young men in the US. While an association of alcohol availability with violence is well established, the mechanisms through which it operates are unclear, and the role of alcohol availability in firearm violence specifically is less often studied. In this study we examined the effects of off-premises alcohol outlet characteristics on firearm violence in their immediate environs in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Firearm violence was 1.5–3 times higher in areas near off-premises retail alcohol outlets, with levels on the higher end of the range when outlets possessed certain characteristics, specifically graffiti, greater foot traffic, loitering, or younger clientele. Examining alcohol outlet characteristics provides insight into mechanisms driving the alcohol-violence association and may aid in harm reduction.
Missional Rest: A Fusion Point Between Being and Doing
Authors: Patty Tyler J. , Smith Sean M.
Published: August 2024

In current missiological discussions, economy is the operant lens with its focus on action, often to the neglect of being. Part of the reason for a neglect of ontology appears to be the inattention of Creation theology for theological conceptions of Christian mission. In this article, we argue that the practice of rest is a key element in the missional connection between being and doing. We ground our discussion in biblical texts marked by Creation theology, showing that God's rhythms of work and rest are the foundation of Christian missional practice. This is drawn out by close attention to Genesis 1–2, as well as key Synoptic Gospel texts on Jesus’ relationship to the Sabbath. Since these texts integrate mission with the Sabbath rhythms of rest and reflection, we argue that rest allows for greater integration of human ontology and economy into a life of participation in the Missio Dei. This has implications for shaping a richer participation of God's missional rhythms, measuring fruitfulness in mission, and contemplating longevity in ministry.
Does sibling differentiation promote relational harmony or discord? Evidence from a longitudinal dyadic study
Authors: Zhou Weimiao , Page Leslie A. , Serang Sarfaraz , Whiteman Shawn D.
Published: August 2024

Sibling differentiation (or deidentification) is theoretically posited as a mechanism that reduces competition and comparison between siblings and thus fosters sibling harmony (i.e., more positivity and less negativity). Empirical research, however, reveals inconsistent findings regarding the links between sibling differentiation and youths’ sibling relationship qualities. The present study utilized a longitudinal dyadic design to investigate whether sibling differentiation promoted relational harmony or discord over time and to identify the reciprocal longitudinal linkages between older and younger siblings’ perceptions of differentiating from each other. Two waves of survey data were collected from 682 families (older siblings: 51% female, M = 15.67 years; younger siblings: 48% female, M = 13.14 years; and one parent: 85% mothers, M = 45.15 years at Time 1) in five Midwestern states in the U.S. Results suggested that adolescents who tried to differentiate more from their siblings perceived their relationships more negatively at follow-up. These findings held for both older and younger siblings and are consistent with prior cross-sectional research, but inconsistent with deidentification theory. Additionally, older and younger adolescent siblings’ differentiation efforts were mutually related over time, especially among siblings from same-gender dyads. The discussion focuses on the relational impact of sibling differentiation and the reciprocal influences of differentiation between consecutively-born siblings during adolescence.