bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Arrhenius Activation Energy and Brownian motion on mixed convection in Darcy-Forchheimer flow of Ternary Nanofluids over a Porous Media
Authors: Chandrakala P. , Srinivasa V. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of ternary nanoparticles on heat and mass transfer through a porous medium, considering both mixed convection and Darcy-Forchheimer. A mathematical model is developed to describe the momentum, energy, and concentration profiles incorporating the Darcy-Forchheimer drag force, Brownian motion of nanoparticles, and the activation energy influencing the chemical reaction rate. The governing partial differential equations are transformed using appropriate similarity transformations, leading to nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These equations are subsequently numerically solved using the bvp4c solver in MATLAB, facilitating the analysis of key parameter variations. Moreover, this study includes an analysis of graphs for different types of nanofluids, such as ternary, hybrid, and mono nanofluids, providing valuable insights. Results indicate that Arrhenius activation energy significantly affects the concentration boundary layer, enhancing the mass transfer rate and causing a marked increase in the concentration profile. Brownian motion contributes to the thermal boundary layer thickness, promoting better heat transfer.
Plant extracts and omega-3 supplementation modulate hippocampal oxylipin profile in response to LPS-induced neuroinflammation
Authors: Martin Marie , Debenay Emie , Bardinet Jeanne , Peltier Adrien , Pourtau Line , Gaudout David , Layé Sophie , Pallet Véronique , Dinel Anne-Laure , Joffre Corinne 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Neuroinflammation is a critical protective mechanism in healthy humans but can become harmful if chronic and/or unregulated, leading to neuronal damage and cognitive alterations. Microglia, which regulate inflammation in the brain, become dysfunctional with age, producing proinflammatory cytokines and contributing to chronic low-grade neuroinflammation. Oxylipins, which are lipid mediators synthesized from fatty acids, play dual roles in inflammation, promoting both initiation and resolution. Limiting inflammation and promoting resolution is a goal that could be achieved with nutrients such as polyphenols from grapes and blueberries, saffron carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids from fish, which have anti-inflammatory and proresolutive properties. Hence, this study explored the impact of an 18-day supplementation on neuroinflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice at different time points post-LPS treatment (30 min, 2 h, 6 h). Inflammatory, oxidative and neuroprotective gene expression; oxylipin quantification; and fatty acid composition were analyzed at each time point. Our results revealed that plant extracts (Memophenol™ and a patented saffron extract) and omega-3 supplementation induced changes in the resolution of inflammation through oxylipin production. In fact, the production of proinflammatory mediators in the hippocampus started earlier in the supplemented group than in the LPS group. Pro-resolving mediators derived from EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) were also found in higher quantities in supplemented mice. These changes were associated with increased hippocampal antioxidant status at 6 h post-LPS. These findings suggest that such dietary interventions with polyphenols, saffron carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids could be beneficial in preventing or mitigating age-related neuroinflammation and, consequently, age-related cognitive decline. Further research is needed to explore the effects of these supplements on chronic inflammation in the context of aging.
Revisited and revalorized: Technological and refitting studies at the Middle Stone Age open-air knapping site Jojosi 1 (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)
Authors: Möller Gunther Heinz Dietrich , Mazel Aron David , Sommer Christian , Botha Gregory Allan , Conard Nicholas John , Riedesel Svenja , Will Manuel 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The Middle Stone Age (MSA) of southern Africa is mainly known from rock shelters and caves. How early modern humans interacted with their landscapes remains comparatively understudied. The site of Jojosi 1, situated north of Nquthu in north central KwaZulu-Natal, is set within erosional badlands, known locally as “dongas.” This locality offers a rare opportunity to study MSA technology and settlement dynamics in an open-air context. A. Mazel initially discovered and excavated Jojosi 1 in 1991, but did not publish the lithic assemblage. Here, we report on the site’s rediscovery coupled with the first lithic analysis and luminescence dating. This work provides insights into the site formation processes of Jojosi 1 and lithic reduction strategies, raw material provisioning, and landscape use. Our techno-typological analysis draws upon Mazel’s collection of 7529 artefacts while combining attribute analysis and refitting studies. The results show the exclusive use of hornfels and its reduction via platform and Levallois methods to produce flakes and blades. Retouched tools are scarce and comprise mostly notched or denticulate pieces but lack backed tools, unifacial, and bifacial points. The museum collection features abundant small debitage and a strong component of cortical, initial stage, and core preparation flakes. The 48 refitted artefacts and ample small debitage in a spatially constricted band suggest high assemblage integrity with minimal post-depositional disturbance. Infrared stimulated luminescence dating of coarse grain feldspars brackets the archaeological occurrence to ~ 139 − 106 ka. Comparisons with contemporary lithic assemblages link the assemblage to the early Middle Stone Age in southern Africa. We interpret Jojosi 1 as a knapping event aimed at blank production and exploitation of local high-quality hornfels. With little evidence for other behaviours, the site likely reflects an ephemeral knapping workshop on a source of abundant hornfels slabs. Our ongoing excavations in the Jojosi Dongas will be able to test this hypothesis and will work to characterise the technological adaptations and settlement dynamics of the MSA hunter-gatherers in this area.
Knowledge and Perception of Alcohol abuse as a Risk factor of Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Undergraduate Students at Lead City University
Authors: Omolara Abdulrahman Aishat , Olateju Bolade , Mercy Oluranti , Sanni Rukayat , Olateju Bolade S. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Low- and middle-income countries are experiencing a transition from a preponderance of infectious to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Many of the behaviours that produce these risks often commence in late adolescence. The study assessed knowledge and perception of alcohol abuse as a risk factor for NCDs among undergraduate students in Lead City University Ibadan, Oyo state.
This was a cross-sectional study using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using the semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and were entered and analysed using SPSS version 21. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics, and a Chi-square test at p < 0.05 were used to determine the level of association between two different variables.
Of 216 undergraduates, 132 (61.1%) were male, and 103 (47.7%) were aged 26 years and above; the mean age was 22.4 (+/-8.437) years; 139 (64.4%) were singles. Only 69.9% of the respondents were current drink containing alcohol, with 84.4% classified as having excess alcohol use. Moreover, 79.6% were classified as having good knowledge toward NCDs. The most prominent influence sources of alcohol intake reported by the students were friends. it was revealed in this study that knowledge of alcohol as a risk factor for NCDs was found to be statistically significant with awareness of alcohol abuse of the respondents.
These findings highlight the need to develop school-based health awareness and promotion programs at Lead City University. The findings of this study will serve as the baseline data to develop new programs and to evaluate existing programs (if any), as limited data are available related to the implementation of NCDs prevention efforts at Lead city University.
Biodegradation of Plasticizers by novel strains of Bacteria isolated from Plastic Waste near Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India.
Authors: Sharma Khushboo , Nayarisseri Anuraj , Singh Sanjeev Kumar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Phthalic acid esters are pivotalplasticizers in various applications, including cosmetics, packaging materials, and medical devices. They have garnered significant attention from the scientific community due to their persistence in ecosystems. The multifaceted aspects of PAEs, encompassing leaching, transformation, and toxicity, underscore their prominence as primary components of anthropogenic waste. In this study, we conducted an extensive investigation to isolate and evaluate bacterial strains with the potential to degrade plasticizers from soil samples collected at JUHU Beach, Mumbai. The degradation capabilities of the isolates were meticulously assessed, and their characterization was performed using established microbiological protocols followed by Sanger dideoxy 16S rRNA sequencing. Four isolates demonstrating notable plasticizer degradation proficiency were subjected to in-depth examinations of their growth dynamics and tolerance thresholds. The biodegradation capabilities of these isolates were evaluated under varying pH, temperature, and plasticizer concentrations. Optimization of degradation rates was achieved through a central composite design experiment. Phenotypic characterization of the isolates was conducted through phylogenetic analysis. The isolates were identified as novel strains belonging to Brevibacillus brevis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Moraxella sp., and Halomonas sp. respectively.The novel isolates were submitted to GenBank with accession numbers OP984197, OQ690115, PP174910, and PP177540 respectively.
A Weighted Function Based on Loss Distribution in Face Detection
Authors: Liu Jialong , Li Guanghui , Dai Chenglong , Zhang Feifei , Zhai Tianya 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In recent years, advancements in deep learning and general object detection technologies have significantly enhanced the performance of face detectors through optimizations in network architecture, loss functions, and other aspects. However, in anchor-based face detection methods, there remains the issue of uneven distribution of matched anchors for different faces. Existing methods often utilize data-based methods and compensate additional anchors for outer faces to enhance detector performance. However, these methods typically focus on a subset of faces, neglecting the optimization of each individual face during training. Our experiments investigate the distribution of classification and localization losses of faces matched with varying numbers of anchors. We propose a weighted function to alleviate the contradiction, enabling the detector to adjust losses on a per-face basis across various subtasks. This approach facilitates the exploration of hard samples and balances losses across different faces. Finally, our model is validated on the WIDER FACE and FDDB datasets, demonstrating a good balance between accuracy and computational overhead.
Long working hours at midlife and arterial stiffness at older age among white-collar workers followed over 24 years
Authors: Sisti Carolina Braga , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Lavigne-Robichaud Mathilde , Brisson Chantal , Milot Alain , Trudel Xavier 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite the well-documented link between long working hours and increased cardiovascular disease risk, the specific impact of prolonged exposure to long working hours on arterial stiffness, an early marker of vascular damage, remains underexplored. This study aims to examine whether long working hours, repeatedly assessed at midlife, is associated with increased arterial stiffness at older age in a 24-year prospective study of white-collar workers in Quebec City, Canada.
Methods
This study relied on a prospective cohort, initiated in 1991–1993 (T1) with two follow-ups after 8 years (T2, 1999–2000) and 24 years (T3, 2015–2018). Participants (N = 1,629) were randomly selected for arterial stiffness measurement at T3 using carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). Long working hours (> 40 h/week) were assessed at baseline (T1) and at the first follow-up (T2). Mean differences in PWV were estimated using generalized linear models, accounting for sociodemographic factors, lifestyle-related risk factors, clinical factors and psychosocial stressors at work.
Results
Among participants who remained actively employed over the study period, baseline (+ 0.54 m/s, 95% CI: 0.05–1.02) and repeated (+ 1.54 m/s, 95% CI: 0.83–2.26) exposure to long working hours was associated with increased arterial stiffness. No association was observed among participants who retired between follow-ups.
Conclusion
The present study suggests that working long hours during midlife is associated with increased arterial stiffness, among aging workers. Workplace preventive strategies reducing long working hours may be effective to mitigate long-term arterial stiffening.
Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 11 Knockdown Slows Huntington's Disease Progression via Regulating Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neuronal Apoptosis Depending on PTEN- mediated AKT Pathway
Authors: Gao Bai , Jing Yuchen , Li Xi , Cong Shuyan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis are major symptoms of cytopathology in Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disease. Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 11 (USP11) is a deubiquitinating enzyme involved in various physiological processes through regulating protein degradation. However, its specific role in HD is unclear.
Methods
To interfere with USP11 expression, adeno-associated viruses 2 containing USP11-specific shRNA were injected into the bilateral striatum of 12-week-old R6/1 and WT mice. In vitro, the inducible PC12 cell model of HD was used in which the expression of an N-terminal truncation of huntingtin, with either wild type (Q23) or expanded polyglutamine (Q74) can be induced by the doxycycline. USP11 was knocked down to study its role in HD. The protein expression patterns in Q74 cells were quantified by label-free proteomics to further explore the target protein of USP11. Detecting the association between USP11 and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) through Co-IP.
Results
Herein, USP11 was found to be upregulated in the striatum of R6/1 mice (an HD model with gradual development of symptoms) in an age-dependent manner. The spontaneous HD was alleviated by silencing USP11, as evidenced by improved locomotor activity and spatial memory, attenuated striatal atrophy in R6/1 mice, reduced accumulation of mutant huntingtin protein and neuronal apoptosis, and restored mitochondrial function in vitro and in vivo. The results of label-free proteomics revealed a significant change in the protein expression profile. Through functional enrichment, we focused on PTEN, known as a negative regulator of the AKT pathway. We demonstrated that USP11 downregulation promoted ubiquitination modification of PTEN and activated the AKT pathway, and PTEN overexpression reversed the effects of USP11 knockdown.
Conclusions
Collectively, USP11 knockdown protects R6/1 mouse neurons from apoptosis, thereby preventing the HD progression. This is achieved by inhibiting PTEN expression, which in turn activates the AKT pathway. This study suggests that USP11-PTEN-AKT signaling pathway may be a new attractive therapeutic target for HD.
A Scenario for Heart Failure during the Filling Phase
Authors: Pedrizzetti Gianni , Numata Ryusuke , Collia Dario , Pedrizzetti Giulia , Zovatto Luigino , Banerjee Anirban 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a life-threating cardiac disease that develops progressively for the reduced ability of the left ventricle (LV) to pump blood into the circulation during systole. HF can also develop in patients with a preserved systolic function, typically in presence of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This type of HF is sometimes termed as diastolic HF, but its biomechanical origin is still unclear.
This study employs a physics-based analysis of both the LV and left atrium (LA) in selected HCM patients and matched healthy subjects using 3D echocardiography and demonstrates that alteration on the LV side (stiffening) reduces the elastic recovery of the LA. Moreover, the analysis of the forces exchanged between the two chambers demonstrates that they result unbalanced, keeping the LA in a sustained stretched condition that leads to dilation. This scenario clarifies the diastolic root of the dysfunction that may likely be the cause of the spiraling of events progressing toward failure of both LA emptying and LV filling.
This deeply interdisciplinary study provides a physics-based basis for both physics/engineering modeling of heart function and to cardiologists for the design of clinical studies.
Response of remote sensing-based climatic indicators to drought conditions during El Niño events and implications for water–food–energy nexus
Authors: Banda Kawawa , Phiri Micheal Katongo , Nyambe Imasiku 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Hydrometeorological extremes, such as droughts, are a major threat to society and can have extensive damaging effects. In this study, daily rainfall estimates from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) quasi-global rainfall dataset were used to calculate the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) for the assessment of meteorological drought in Southern Province, Zambia. Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) imagery (250 m resolution) from MODIS-Terra, for the period 2000–2021, were used to derive the Standardised Vegetation Index (SVI) in order to assess agricultural drought. The Mann–Kendall trend test and Sen's slope were used to determine the spatial-temporal trends and their magnitudes. This study demonstrated that the droughts of the Southern Province of Zambia can be classified into two categories: regressive and aggressive droughts. Regressive droughts are associated with moderate to strong El Niño events. Although El Niño events undermine water security, regressive droughts tend to result in resilient vegetation owing to residue soil moisture. In contrast, aggressive droughts are characterised by an increase in drought intensity as the season progresses. Water security prospects in the region should focus on climate-smart approaches, such as managed aquifer recharge, to ensure water availability even under extreme drought conditions.
A multi-point leakage prediction statistical method using Bayesian inference in water distribution networks
Authors: Xie Chenlei , Tian Zheng , Chen Jie , Fang Qiansheng , Wang Jie 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Leakage in water distribution networks (WDNs) not only leads to serious water loss and pipe contamination but also affects residents’ daily water. Accurate localization of leaks in WDN is significant to conserve water resources and reduce economic losses. However, in traditional optimization and verification methods for leak detection, factors such as modeling and pressure monitoring point errors are not taken into account, resulting in the deviation from the actual location of leaks. To address the mentioned issues, this article presents a WDN leakage probability prediction method based on Bayesian inference. The method converts the prior probability of leakage events into posterior probability. Then, by utilizing the posterior probability density function, the uncertainty of modeling and measurement errors in the hydraulic simulation model are quantified. The probability distribution of leakage pipes and leakage quantity within the leakage area is calculated, allowing for the location prediction and corresponding magnitude of leakage. The experimental results indicate that the prediction model can detect unknown quantities of leakage events. By collecting multiple sets of leakage data, it is possible to accurately predict the location and quantity of leaks, enhancing the efficiency of leakage detection in large-scale water supply networks and providing decision-making assistance for water utilities.
Community Health Workers as Mental Health Paraprofessionals: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Moyce Sally , Crawford Cassidy 
Published: September 2024

Background
Community health workers (CHWs) are effective in delivering behavioral activation (BA), especially in low-resource settings. In an area with a lack of Spanish-speaking mental health counselors, such as southwest Montana, CHWs can provide needed care.

Objective
The goal of this pilot study protocol is to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a model of care that engages CHWs as providers of BA.

Methods
We will train 2 CHWs in BA methodology. We will enroll 20 participants who screen positive for depression in a 12-week telephone intervention for BA. Preliminary efficacy will be tested in pre- and postscores of the Beck Depression Inventory and semistructured interviews. Feasibility and acceptability will be measured through participant retention and treatment adherence. The Therapeutic Alliance with Clinician Scale will be used to measure the strength of the therapeutic relationship. Descriptive statistics will measure alliances and repeated measures ANOVA will measure trends and changes in depression scores.

Results
Enrollment began in October 2023. A total of 12 participants completed at least 10 BA sessions and all study measures by the time the study concluded in May 2024. In August 2024, data analysis occurred with an anticipated manuscript to be submitted for publication in October 2024.

Conclusions
Results from this study will inform future studies into the implementation of an evidence-based mental health intervention in a limited resource setting for Latino people with limited English proficiency.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/57343
Reproductive cycle of the sub-Antarctic nototheniid Patagonotothen cornucola (Nototheniidae) in the Argentine Patagonian Shelf
Authors: Marcinkevicius Mauro S. , Serrano-Aguirre Carolina C. , Jones Bárbara A. , Álvarez María V. 
Published: September 2024

Nototheniidae is the most numerous family of notothenioids and, although they are mainly Antarctic, they are also well represented in Patagonian waters. In both Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, they adopt a wide variety of reproductive strategies. In Antarctic waters they usually have a biennial reproductive cycle, whereas in sub-Antarctic ones, they reproduce annually or biannually. In the intertidal zone of central Patagonia the most abundant nototheniid fish is Patagonotothen cornucola and, despite this, there is little information about their biology. The aim of this work was to study its reproductive cycle in a rocky intertidal coast of Argentine Patagonia by means of histological and morphological analyses. Samples were collected monthly at two intertidal sites in the San Jorge Gulf. Condition factor, gonadosomatic and hepatosomatic indexes were calculated and thin sections of gonads were stained with one-step trichrome to determine gonadal stages. Relative and potential fecundity were also estimated. Males and females mature synchronously and reach maximum gonadosomatic index between July and August. In females the hepatosomatic index increases synchronously with gonadosomatic index, while in males it remains constant throughout the cycle. It is concluded that P. cornucola has an annual reproductive cycle and that spawning occurs in winter. Maximum potential fecundity is approximately 27,095 oocytes in a 11.7 cm female and it increases with size.