bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of degree of saturation on stresses and pore water pressure in the subgrade layer caused by railway track loading
Authors: Fattah Mohammed Y. , Majeed Qutaiba G. , Joni Hassan H. 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThe experiments of this study investigated the effect of the subgrade degree of saturation on the value of the stresses generated on the surface and the middle (vertical and lateral stresses). The objectives of this study can be identified by studying the effect of subgrade layer degree of saturation variation, load amplitude and load frequency on the transmitted stresses through the ballast layer to the subgrade layer and the stress distribution inside it and investigating the excess pore water pressure development in the clay layer in the case of a fully saturated subgrade layer and the change in matric suction in the case of an unsaturated subgrade layer.Design/methodology/approachThirty-six laboratory experiments were conducted using approximately half-scale replicas of real railways, with an iron box measuring 1.5 x 1.0 × 1.0 m. Inside the box, a 0.5 m thick layer of clay soil representing the base layer was built. Above it is a 0.2 m thick ballast layer made of crushed stone, and on top of that is a 0.8 m long rail line supported by three 0.9 m (0.1 × 0.1 m) slipper beams. The subgrade layer has been built at the following various saturation levels: 100, 80, 70 and 60%. Experiments were conducted with various frequencies of 1, 2 and 4 Hz with load amplitudes of 15, 25 and 35 kN.FindingsThe results of the study demonstrated that as the subgrade degree of saturation decreased from 100 to 60%, the ratio of stress in the lateral direction to stress in the vertical direction generated in the middle of the subgrade layer decreased as well. On average, this ratio changed from approximately 0.75 to approximately 0.65.Originality/valueThe study discovered that as the test proceeded and the number of cycles increased, the value of negative water pressure (matric suction) in the case of unsaturated subgrade soils declined. The frequency of loads had no bearing on the ratio of decline in matric suction values, which was greater under a larger load amplitude than a lower one. As the test progressed (as the number of cycles increased), the matric suction dropped. For larger load amplitudes, there is a greater shift in matric suction. The change in matric suction is greater at higher saturation levels than it is at lower saturation levels. Furthermore, it is seen that the load frequency value has no bearing on how the matric suction changes. For all load frequencies and subgrade layer saturation levels, the track panel settlement rises with the load amplitude. Higher load frequency and saturation levels have a greater impact.
Wassach: firearms enchantment and ‘gun culture’ in an Israel Defense Forces reserve combat unit
Authors: Stern Nehemia , Ben‐Shalom Uzi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis article focuses on the ‘enchanted’ materiality of state militarism by offering an anthropological analysis of ‘gun culture’ within the reservist ranks of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Through primarily ethnographic observations of one reserve combat unit over the span of a decade, we will argue that the ways in which firearms are handled by individual soldiers symbolically mirrors much broader strategic and political tensions between two competing forms of organizational logic. On the one hand, there is what can be described as an enchanted allure with the tools of violence. This may include personal excitement around the expectation of combat, learned experience, and a curiosity regarding the weapons of war. On the other hand, there is a broader institutional and professionalizing tendency towards disciplining these individualistic modalities by distancing soldiers from both the tools and the results of battle itself. Ultimately, we argue that while the IDF may seek to harness individual enchanted engagements with firearms to further militaristic goals, on the ground, this process occurs amidst a stark clash of institutional logics and a good deal of ambivalence around the nature of warfare and uncertainty about the ethos of violence.
Proposing an ethics of care: Tracing Victoria's transport planning history
Authors: Legacy Crystal , Clements Rebecca , Woodcock Ian , Whitten James 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis paper examines the question what kind of ethics prevail in contemporary urban transport planning and what potential does an ethics of care hold for practice? Researchers have given ample attention to the need for better governance and coordination, and despite acknowledging the need to reduce reliance on private cars, little has been said by them about what ethics can or should guide planning to bring about such frameworks for caring. This area of research merits urgent work given our collective need to address the socio‐spatial, climate, and health impacts of car dependence. Taking as our focus transport planning in Victoria, Australia, we consider how an ethics of care could open new ways to redress how transport planning has perpetuated injustices in metropolitan Melbourne. We draw on secondary research to consider both the conditions that cultivated the current transport planning landscape and pathways for possible change that lie ahead. The research highlights opportunities to consider care as an ethical framework for transport planning that could amplify justice and equity claims in urban transport planning for Australian cities and that has salience for other cities elsewhere.
Palm‐based nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) in carotenoid encapsulation and its incorporation into margarine‐like reduced fat spread as fat replacer
Authors: Bernice Qiao Qing Low , Chong Wai Ting , Thilakarathna R. C. N. , Tong Shi Cheng , Tang Teck‐Kim , Phuah Eng‐Tong , Lee Yee‐Ying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) from plant biomass is becoming popular, attributed to the protective encapsulation of bioactive compounds in Pickering emulsion, preventing degradation and stabilizing the emulsion. NFC, as a natural dietary fiber, is a prominent fat replacer, providing a quality enhancement to reduced‐fat products. In this study, NFC Pickering emulsions were prepared at NFC concentrations of 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1% to encapsulate carotenoids. The NFC Pickering emulsions at NFC concentrations of 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1% were incorporated into margarine‐like reduced fat (3%) spreads as the aqueous phase. Characterization of both NFC Pickering emulsion and the incorporated NFC Pickering emulsion, margarine‐like reduced fat spreads, was conducted with mastersizer, rheometer, spectrophotometer, and texture analyzer. The particle size (73.67 ± 0.35 to 94.73 ± 2.21 nm), viscosity (138.36 ± 3.35 to 10545.00 ± 567.10 mPa s), and creaming stability (25% to 100% stable) of the NFC Pickering emulsions were increased significantly when increasing the NFC concentration, whereas the encapsulation efficiency was highest at NFC 0.4% and 0.6%. Although imitating the viscoelastic solid‐like behavior of margarine was difficult, the NFC Pickering emulsion properties were still able to enhance hardness, slip melting point, and color of the reduced fat spreads compared to the full‐fat margarine, especially at 0.6% of NFC. Overall, extensive performances of NFC can be seen in encapsulating carotenoids, especially at NFC concentrations of 0.4% and 0.6%, with the enhancement of Pickering emulsion stability while portraying futuristic possibilities as a fat replacer in margarine optimally at 0.6% of NFC concentration.Practical ApplicationNanocellulose extracted from palm dried long fiber was utilized to encapsulate carotenoids and replace fats in margarine‐like reduced fat (3%) spreads. Our study portrayed high encapsulation efficiency and successful fat replacement with promising stability performances. Hence, nanocellulose displayed extensive potential as encapsulating agents and fat replacers while providing quality and sustainability enhancements in reduced‐fat food.
Photoprotective activities of Capsosiphon fulvescens in UVB‐induced SKH‐1 mice and human keratinocytes
Authors: Seo Jiwon , Jeong Chanhyeok , Choi Won Jo , Park Jung Han Yoon , Lee Chang Hyung , Lee Ki Won 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCapsosiphon fulvescens (CF) is a green alga widely consumed in East Asian countries, particularly in Korea. It has a rich composition of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and bioactive compounds, which contribute to its multiple therapeutic properties. Its application ranges from acting as an antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent to supporting the skin system. Despite these benefits of CF, the effects and mechanisms of action related to photoaging of the skin have not yet been elucidated. To investigate the photoprotective effects of CF against photoaging, both animal (SKH‐1 mouse) and cell models (HaCaT cell line) were used in this study. As a result, administering the CF extract over a period of 10 weeks, which included times of Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, significantly reduced erythema and various UVB‐induced skin changes, such as wrinkle formation, and the thickening of the epidermis and dermis, as well as alterations in the length and depth of wrinkles. Furthermore, our investigation into CF extract's antiwrinkle properties revealed its efficacy in enhancing skin hydration and collagen content, counteracting the collagen depletion and moisture loss induced by UVB radiation. Also, the fact that the levels of p‐ERK, p‐p38, and p‐JNK proteins went down shows that the CF extract might have a controlling effect on the MAPK signaling pathways. Our findings suggest that CF holds significant potential for preventing photoaging, providing a foundation for the development of functional foods or botanical drugs targeting skin aging and related skin disorders.Practical ApplicationThis research proved that Capsosiphon fulvescen, a green alga widely consumed in East Asian countries, provides photoprotective activities against UV‐induced skin aging. Therefore, Capsosiphon fulvescen can be utilized as functional foods or botanical drugs targeting skin aging and related skin disorders.
Alpha‐ketoglutarate ameliorates age‐related and surgery induced temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis via regulating IKK/NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Ye Xiaoping , Li Xinping , Qiu Jin , Kuang Yiwen , Hua Bingqiang , Liu Xianwen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRecent studies have shed light on the important role of aging in the pathogenesis of joint degenerative diseases and the anti‐aging effect of alpha‐ketoglutarate (αKG). However, whether αKG has any effect on temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that αKG administration improves condylar cartilage health of middle‐aged/aged mice, and ameliorates pathological changes in a rat model of partial discectomy (PDE) induced TMJOA. In vitro, αKG reverses IL‐1β‐induced/H2O2‐induced decrease of chondrogenic markers (Col2, Acan and Sox9), and inhibited IL‐1β‐induced/ H2O2‐induced elevation of cartilage catabolic markers (ADAMTS5 and MMP13) in condylar chondrocytes. In addition, αKG downregulates senescence‐associated (SA) hallmarks of aged chondrocytes, including the mRNA/protein level of SA genes (p16 and p53), markers of nuclear disorders (Lamin A/C) and SA‐β‐gal activities. Mechanically, αKG decreases the expressions of p‐IKK and p‐NF‐κB, protecting TMJ from inflammation and senescence‐related damage by regulating the NF‐κB signaling. Collectively, our findings illuminate that αKG can ameliorate age‐related TMJOA and PDE‐induced TMJOA, maintain the homeostasis of cartilage matrix, and exert anti‐aging effects in chondrocytes, with a promising therapeutic potential in TMJOA, especially age‐related TMJOA.
Neurosteroid [3α,5α]3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one inhibition of chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 in alcohol‐preferring rat brain neurons, microglia, and astroglia
Authors: Chéry Samantha Lucenell , O'Buckley Todd K. , Boero Giorgia , Balan Irina , Morrow A. Leslie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundNeuroimmune dysfunction in alcohol use disorder (AUD) is associated with activation of myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)‐dependent Toll‐like receptors (TLR) resulting in overexpression of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1/CCL2). MCP‐1 overexpression in the brain is linked to anxiety, higher alcohol intake, neuronal death, and activation of microglia observed in AUD. The neurosteroid [3α,5α][3‐hydroxypregnan‐20‐one (3α,5α‐THP) has been reported as an inhibitor of MyD88‐dependent TLR activation and MCP‐1 overexpression in mouse and human macrophages and the brain of alcohol‐preferring (P) rats.MethodsWe investigated how 3α,5α‐THP regulates MCP‐1 expression at the cellular level in P rat nucleus accumbens (NAc) and central amygdala (CeA). We focused on neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, examining the individual voxel density of MCP‐1, neuronal marker NeuN, microglial marker IBA1, astrocytic marker GFAP, and their shared voxel density, defined as intersection. Ethanol‐naïve male and female P rats were perfused 1 h after IP injections of 15 mg/kg of 3α,5α‐THP, or vehicle. The NAc and CeA were imaged using confocal microscopy following double‐immunofluorescence staining for MCP‐1 with NeuN, IBA1, and GFAP, respectively.ResultsMCP‐1 intersected with NeuN predominantly and IBA1/GFAP negligibly. 3α,5α‐THP reduced MCP‐1 expression in NeuN‐labeled cells by 38.27 ± 28.09% in male and 56.11 ± 21.46% in female NAc, also 37.99 ± 19.53% in male and 54.96 ± 30.58% in female CeA. In females, 3α,5α‐THP reduced the MCP‐1 within IBA1 and GFAP‐labeled voxels in the NAc and CeA. Conversely, in males, 3α,5α‐THP did not significantly alter the MCP‐1 within IBA1 in NAc or with GFAP in the CeA. Furthermore, 3α,5α‐THP decreased levels of IBA1 in both regions and sexes with no impact on GFAP or NeuN levels. Secondary analysis performed on data normalized to % control values indicated that no significant sex differences were present.ConclusionsThese data suggest that 3α,5α‐THP inhibits neuronal MCP‐1 expression and decreases the proliferation of microglia in P rats. These results increase our understanding of potential mechanisms for 3α,5α‐THP modulation of ethanol consumption.
Comments on recent International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants Exposure Drafts regarding sustainability assurance and the use of external experts
Authors: Hay David , Harding Noel , Botica Redmayne Nives , Khan Jahanzeb , Singh Harjinder , Sultana Nigar , You Jean 
Published: July 2024

AbstractWe commend the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants for the initiative in releasing the two related Exposure Drafts regarding sustainability assurance and the use of external experts. There is a need for assurance over sustainability information, and for that assurance to be provided by professional people who have the appropriate guidance on ethical issues. There is an increasing need to draw on the work of experts and an increasing possibility that inappropriate reliance on that work by professional accountants and sustainability assurance practitioners may threaten compliance with the fundamental principles of the code of ethics.
A promising approach utilising photothermal energy to disinfect the root canal system: An in vitro investigation
Authors: Auerbach Daniela , Alaugaily Ibrahim , Davis Scott , Azim Adham A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to assess root canal disinfection through various irrigation protocols, including a novel photothermal system called ‘LEAP’. Mandibular premolars were infected with Enterococcus faecalis and divided into five groups for different treatments: Group 1: standard needle irrigation; Group 2: passive ultrasonic irrigation; Group 3: GentleWave; Group 4: LEAP; and Group 5: Group 1 + Group 4. Microbial counts were measured before (S1) and after disinfection (S2) using colony‐forming units (CFU) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Results revealed a significant reduction in bacterial counts for all groups (p < 0.05). While the percentage of dead bacteria near the canal wall (0–50 μm) did not differ significantly, at 50–150 μm, LEAP and SNI + LEAP exhibited significantly higher bacterial reduction than other groups (p < 0.05). The findings indicate that LEAP is comparable to existing irrigation devices in the main root canal and notably superior in tubular disinfection.
Initial experience of minimally invasive mesh explantation for inguinodynia
Authors: Wiener Jonathan , Novis Elan , Rabindran Joel , Fenton‐Lee Douglas 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundChronic pain after minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair with mesh can have debilitating effects on quality of life (QOL), limiting daily activities and ability to work. Many medical and surgical options for treatment have been proposed, however there is no consensus on the role of mesh explantation in the management of these patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent groin mesh removal by robotic or laparoscopic approach from July 2012 to July 2023 at our institution. Patients were interviewed post‐operatively to determine their overall pain scores and QOL was assessed using the Carolinas Comfort Scale (CCS) Questionnaire. Patient characteristics, operative times, pre‐operative imaging techniques and analgesia use was also recorded.ResultsTwenty‐two patients underwent groin mesh removal for chronic pain, including 12 robotic and 10 laparoscopic operations. The mean pre‐operative pain score in all patients was 7.6/10 compared to 4.0/10 post‐operatively. The mean post‐operative CCS score was 24, indicating moderate discomfort. Four patients demonstrated CCS scores <11 indicating no discomfort and no patients demonstrated CCS scores >90, indicating severe debilitating discomfort. The majority of patients had a reduction or total cessation of analgesia intake post‐operatively.ConclusionBoth laparoscopic and robotic mesh explantation for treatment of chronic pain post‐inguinal hernia repair is safe and effective in achieving a reduction in pain and reducing the need for long‐term analgesia.
Perioperative outcomes in patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy versus chemotherapy versus up‐front surgery in patients with oesophageal cancer
Authors: Bhimani Nazim , Mitchell David , Law Cameron , Leibman Steven , Smith Garett 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundOesophagectomy is the mainstay of curative treatment for oesophageal cancer. The role of neoadjuvant therapy has evolved over time as evidence for its survival benefit comes to hand. Clinician reluctance to offer patients neoadjuvant therapy may be based on the perception that patients receiving treatment before surgery may be exposed to a greater risk of perioperative complications. The aim of this study was to examine short‐term outcomes in patients who undergo neoadjuvant therapy versus up‐front surgery in patients with oesophageal cancer.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of prospectively collated data from 2001 to 2020 of patients undergoing resection for oesophageal cancer. Patients who had neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, chemotherapy and up‐front surgery were compared for perioperative morbidity (via the Clavien–Dindo classification), length of stay, unplanned readmission, and 30‐ and 90‐day mortality. Logistic regression was performed to predict perioperative morbidity following surgery.ResultsIn total, 284 patients underwent an oesophagectomy. Most patients received neoadjuvant treatment (41% received chemoradiotherapy (117/284), 33% received chemotherapy (93/284)), and 26% of patients received up‐front surgery (74/284). Patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy or up‐front surgery were more likely to have a complication (57%, 67/117 and 57%, 43/74) than patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy only (38%, 35/93, P = 0.009). The 30‐ and 90‐day mortality rates were 1.4% (n = 4) and 2.8% (n = 8), respectively, with no difference between the use of neoadjuvant therapy.ConclusionIn this series, we found that patients who received neoadjuvant treatment could undergo oesophagectomy with curative intent with acceptable postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Paternal adverse childhood experiences are associated with a low risk of atopy in the offspring
Authors: Puosi Emma , Karlsson Hasse , Lukkarinen Heikki , Karlsson Linnea , Lukkarinen Minna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimParental adverse childhood experiences (ACE) might affect the offspring health through intergenerational inheritance. The aim of this study was to investigate how paternal ACE associate with offspring sensitisation and allergic rhinitis (AR).MethodsThe study included 590 Finnish father‐child dyads from the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. Outcomes were offspring sensitisation against allergens and AR at age 5.5 years. Paternal ACE up to 18 years were assessed using the Trauma and Distress Scale (TADS) with the lowest quarter as the reference group.ResultsOf the children, 317 (54%) were males. Sensitisation occurred in 162/533 (30%) and AR in 122/590 (21%). Paternal TADS (median 17 points; interquartile range 11–27) was inversely associated with the risk of sensitisation. Children whose fathers scored the highest quarter had the lowest risk of sensitisation (adjusted odds ratio 0.42; 95% confidence interval 0.24–0.75), followed by those in the second highest quarter (0.58; 0.34–0.99). The association between the highest quarter and reduced risk of AR was similar.ConclusionPaternal ACE were associated with a low risk of offspring sensitisation and AR, suggesting paternal childhood stress might influence immune responses in their offspring.
Managing giant omphalocele: A systematic review of surgical techniques and outcomes
Authors: Ghattaura Harmit , Ross Andrew , Aldeiri Bashar , Mutanen Annika , Saxena Amulya 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimWe analysed closure techniques in the treatment of giant omphalocele. A challenging pathology where there lacks consensus.MethodsCochrane, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched between 1 January 1992 and 31 December 2022 using terms and variations: omphalocele, exomphalos, giant, closure and outcome. Papers were selected using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta‐Analyses 2020 criteria. Data collected included demographics, timing and technique of surgical repair, morbidity and mortality.ResultsWe identified 342 papers; 34 met inclusion criteria with a total 356 neonates. Initial non‐operative management was described in 26 papers (14 dressings, eight silo, four serial sac‐ligation). Operative techniques by paper were as follows: Early closure: nine primary suture closure without patch, two primary closure with patch and four mixed methods. Delayed closure: five simple, four‐component separation technique, four tissue expanders, one Botox/pneumoperitoneum and two with patch. Median number of procedures was two (1–6) in the early group versus three (1–4) in the delayed. The most favourable was early primary closure with biological patch. The most unfavourable was delayed closure with patch. Cumulative reported mortality remained high, mostly due to non‐surgical causes.ConclusionDefinitions of giant omphalocele in the literature were heterogeneous with a variety of management approaches described.