bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucose and lipid-related indicators in relation to elevated alanine aminotransferase in a pediatric population
Authors: Momeni Azin , Yazdi Maryam , Motlagh Mohammad Esmail , Qorbani Mostafa , Kelishadi Roya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the associations between various glucose and lipid-related indicators with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in pediatric population.

Methods
We analyzed the cross-sectional data of 3,771 Iranian children and adolescents aged 7–18 years using the fifth survey of a national school–based surveillance program. The predictive power of 11 different glucose and lipid-related indicators for predicting elevated ALT was examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results
In the total sample non-HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C showed the largest area under the curve (AUC) for elevated ALT detection, with 0.731 (cut-off, 129.5 mg/dL), 0.706, and 0.706, respectively. In girls, non-HDL-C had the highest predictive value (AUC, 0.741, cut-off, 129.5 mg/dL). Among boys, non-HDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C showed the largest AUC of 0.753 with optimum cut-off values of 2.63 and 3.63, respectively.

Conclusions
The findings of this study suggest that non-HDL-C, non-HDL-C/HDL-C, and TC/HDL-C can be predictors of elevated ALT in the pediatric population. These indices can be useful in large population-based studies for predicting children and adolescents at risk of fatty liver.
‘Where there is a will there is a way’: figurative language use and its pragmatic functions in political discourse
Authors: Neshkovska Silvana 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Although political discourse is essentially expected to be fact-based and objective, both practice and research show that literal language in political discourse is very often compounded with figurative language. The paper at hand tackles figurative language use in political interviews. For the purposes of this research, we conducted a critical discourse analysis of a corpus of political interviews given by a former Macedonian female politician – Radmila Shekerinska. The corpus consists of six interviews (with a total duration of about 3 h) in which she answers questions about the political climate and the challenges of North Macedonia in the last couple of decades. The selected interviews are all conducted in English as they are aimed at international audiences and they all fit into the time frame from 2017 to 2021, which practically overlaps with the final years of Shekerinska’s long-standing political career. This study uses a descriptive qualitative research design and focuses, first, on ascertaining the presence of different types of figures of speech in her answers (e.g. metaphors, simile, metonymy, synecdoche, personification, rhetorical questions, idiomatic expressions, proverbs, etc.); then, on identifying the pragmatic functions they perform in the context in which they are used, and finally, on establishing an interface between the figurative language use and the political ideology propagated by this politician. The results point to an extraordinarily resourceful use of a wide spectrum of figurative devices, skillfully intertwined with fact-based political discourse, primarily for addressing highly sensitive political issues, but also for driving important political points home; also, for gaining support from both the domestic and international community regarding the political ideology of this political figure as well as for enhancing the criticism addressed to political adversaries with an additional layer of creative flourish.
Friction stir lap welding of AZ31B magnesium alloy to AISI 304 stainless steel
Authors: Ekinci Omer 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
AZ31B magnesium alloy plates were lap-joined to AISI 304 stainless steel plates through the friction stir welding (FSW) method and utilizing various tool welding speeds. It has been found that the most important factor governing the weld strength is the hook formed on the advancing side of the welds. The weld tensile shear strength improved with an increase in the tool feed rate. Because, in general, height, length, and width of the hook taking place on the advancing side shrunk. Furthermore, the angle between the hook and interface of the plates increased, leading to reduced sharp corner formation. Apart from these, imperfections such as cavities, voids, and uncombined regions at the weld interface reduced and disappeared when increasing the welding speed. During the tensile shear test, all the welds fractured tensile mode and brittle type from the top AZ31B plate next to the hook on the advancing side. There was no breakage occurred in the weld interface, which is an indication of the strong joints. No intermetallic compounds between iron and magnesium were determined at the fracture region. At lower welding speeds, a higher amount of AISI 304 particles occurred at the weld stir zone resulting in a higher hardness.
Numerical and experimental investigation of impact performances of cast and stretched polymethyl methacrylate panels
Authors: Tezel Muhammed C. , Erdoğan Nursev , Acar Erdem 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In this study, numerical and experimental analysis of impact performances of cast polymethyl methacrylate (CPMMA) and stretched polymethyl methacrylate (SPMMA) panels were conducted. First, the material characterization tests (tensile and compression tests as well as split Hopkinson pressure bar tests) of CPMMA and SPMMA materials were performed to determine the Johnson–Cook material model parameters to be used in the finite element models. Next, impact tests were performed for CPMMA and SPMMA panels. The velocity of the impactor before and after penetration was measured and the deformation patterns are recorded. Then, finite element models were generated using LS-DYNA to simulate the impact tests. Finally, the impact performances of the CPMMA and SPMMA panels were compared. It is found that CPMMA has better impact performance than SPMMA for the impact velocities investigated in this study.
Biogenic fabrication and multifunctional therapeutic applications of silver nanoparticles synthesized from rose petal extract
Authors: Alsalhi Abdullah , Alshamrani Meshal , Safhi Awaji Y. , Salawi Ahmad , Sabei Fahad Y. , Albariqi Ahmed H. , Sultan Muhammad H. , Ansari Mohammad Azam 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This study explores a novel, eco-friendly approach to silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis by using rose petal (RP) extracts. Unlike traditional chemical synthesis, this method reduces silver ions (Ag+) to elemental silver (Ag0) with RP, facilitating nanoparticle stabilization. RP-AgNPs were structurally characterized using UV/Vis (ultraviolet/visible) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy which confirmed the synthesis of predominantly spherical to oval RP-AgNPs, with a distinct absorption peak at 410 nm as observed in UV/Vis spectra. The NPs demonstrated exceptional antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (inhibitory zones of 12.5  ±  0.20 and 14  ±  0.67 mm at 50 µg) and potent antibiofilm activity. Crucially, they also exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward HeLa cervical cancer cells when assessed by viability assays, fluorescence imaging, and flow cytometry. These findings underscore the potential of green synthesized AgNPs for future biomedical applications in areas such as infection control and cancer treatment.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of lung metastases from unknown primary cancer sites
Authors: Gao Fuli , Liu Luojie , Xu Xiaodan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Limited knowledge exists regarding lung metastases from cancer of unknown primary (CUPL), particularly concerning young patients. This study aims to investigate the clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of CUPL patients, with a specific focus on comparing the survival outcomes across different age groups.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with CUPL between 2010 and 2020, utilizing the SEER database. Clinical characteristics among different age groups were compared. Prognostic factors influencing overall survival (OS) in CUPL patients were assessed through Cox regression analysis, while competing risks analysis was employed to evaluate cancer-specific survival (CSS) prognostic factors. A comparison of survival differences between age groups was conducted utilizing the Kaplan–Meier and Cumulative Incidences Function.

Results
A total of 2,474 patients with CUPL were included in this study, predominantly in the middle-aged and elderly demographic. The median survival time was a mere 1 month, with a one-year OS rate of 11 % and a one-year CSS rate of 13.8 %. Age, tumor histological typing and grading, liver metastasis, bone metastasis, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors affecting both OS and CSS. Despite the small representation of young patients (<40 years old) at 3 %, their OS and CSS rates significantly surpassed those of middle-aged (40–70 years old) and elderly patients (>70 years old). This advantage persists among patients undergoing radiation and chemotherapy.

Conclusions
While exceedingly uncommon among young patients, the prognosis for survival is more favorable than in middle-aged and elderly patients. Administration of radiotherapy and chemotherapy emerges as a potential avenue to enhance the survival prognosis for CUPL patients.
Empowering farmers: Unveiling the economic impacts of contract farming on red chilli farmers’ income in Magelang District, Indonesia
Authors: Angreheni Diah , Darma Rahim , Fudjaja Letty 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Contract farming is widely recognised as an empowering tool to improve the welfare of farmers in developing countries and as an institutional solution to address issues related to market failure, credit, insurance, and information. This research endeavours to scrutinise the socio-economic distinctions between farmers engaged in contract farming and those not involved in such agreements. Additionally, it seeks to identify the factors influencing farmers’ participation in contract farming schemes and assess the impact of such arrangements on the income of red chilli farmers. The study, conducted in Magelang District, included 40 respondents from contract farmers and 45 from non-contract farmers. Employing the probit model, the ordinary least square model, and the treatment effect by Heckman, the research aimed to estimate the income impacts of existing contract farming. The findings revealed a noteworthy 57.50% increase in farmers’ incomes attributed to enhanced productivity and effective product management within the context of contract farming. Moreover, contracted farmers demonstrated advanced socio-economic conditions, boasting higher levels of education, knowledge, productivity, and agricultural assets compared to their non-contracted counterparts.
The isotypic series of tetragonal lanthanoid(III) fluoride oxoarsenates(III) Ln
5F3[AsO3]4 (Ln = Eu–Lu)
Authors: Locke Ralf J. C. , Ledderboge Florian , Goerigk Felix C. , Zimmer Frank C. , Schleid Thomas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The new fluoride-containing lanthanoid(III) oxoarsenates(III) with the composition Ln
5F3[AsO3]4 (Ln = Eu–Lu) could be obtained through partial metallothermic reduction from mixtures of the corresponding trifluorides (LnF3) and the metals (Ln) with As2O3 upon heating in fused silica ampoules. They all crystallize tetragonally in the space group P4/ncc with lattice parameters ranging from a = 1164.71(8) pm and c = 1097.95(7) pm for Eu5F3[AsO4]4 down to a = 1125.72(8) pm and c = 1061.16(7) pm for Lu5F3[AsO3]4 for Z = 4 as consequence of the lanthanoid contraction. The crystal structure exhibits three positions for the trications occupied by one As3+ and two Ln
3+ species. The lanthanoids occur with two different coordination polyhedra consisting of a fluoride-capped oxygen cube [(Ln1)O8F]14− and a bicapped trigonal prism [(Ln2)O6F2]11− of F− and O2− anions. A surprisingly diverse Ln
3+ cation coordination for the F− anions is noteworthy, as (F1)− has contact to five, but (F2)− to only two of them. The crystallographically unique As3+ cation is coordinated in a discrete ψ
1-tetrahedron [AsO3]3− by three oxygen atoms. The lone-pairs of electrons at the As3+ centers point into empty channels along [001], flanked by four columns of condensed [(Ln1)O8F]14− polyhedra. As rather short oxygen-fluorine distances are present within this structural feature, the absence of (OH)− units apt to replace F− needed to be verified by single-crystal Raman spectroscopy. The composition Ln
5F3[AsO3] was also confirmed by electron-beam microprobe (EDXS) measurements and the phase purity of selected samples could be proven by powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD).
Electrically tunable total reflection of light by oblique helicoidal cholesteric
Authors: Iadlovska Olena S. , Thapa Kamal , Rajabi Mojtaba , Mrukiewicz Mateusz , Shiyanovskii Sergij V. , Lavrentovich Oleg D. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
An oblique helicoidal state of a cholesteric liquid crystal (ChOH) is capable of continuous change of the pitch $$P$$
P
in response to an applied electric field. Such a structure reflects 50% of the unpolarized light incident along the ChOH axis in the electrically tunable band determined by $$P$$
P
/2. Here, we demonstrate that at an oblique incidence of light, ChOH reflects 100% of light of any polarization. This singlet band of total reflection is associated with the full pitch $$P$$
P
. We also describe the satellite $$P/2$$

P
/
2

, $$P/3$$

P
/
3

, and $$P/4$$

P
/
4

bands. The $$P/2$$

P
/
2

and $$P/4$$

P
/
4

bands are triplets, whereas $$P/3$$

P
/
3

band is a singlet caused by multiple scatterings at $$P$$
P
and $$P/2$$

P
/
2

. A single ChOH cell acted upon by an electric field tunes all these bands in a very broad spectral range, from ultraviolet to infrared and beyond, thus representing a structural color device with enormous potential for optical and photonic applications.

Impact statement
Pigments, inks, and dyes produce colors by partially consuming the energy of light. In contrast, structural colors caused by interference and diffraction of light scattered at submicrometer length scales do not involve energy losses, which explains their widespread in Nature and the interest of researchers to develop mimicking materials. The grand challenge is to produce materials in which the structural colors could be dynamically tuned. Among the oldest known materials producing structural colors are cholesteric liquid crystals. Light causes coloration by selective Bragg reflection at the periodic helicoidal structure formed by cholesteric molecules. The cholesteric pitch and thus the color can be altered by chemical composition or by temperature, but, unfortunately, dynamic tuning by electromagnetic field has been elusive. Here, we demonstrate that a cholesteric material in a new oblique helicoidal ChOH state could produce total reflection of an obliquely incident light of any polarization. The material reflects 100% of light within a band that is continuously tunable by the electric field through the entire visible spectrum while preserving its maximum efficiency. Broad electric tunability of total reflection makes the ChOH material suitable for applications in energy-saving smart windows, transparent displays, communications, lasers, multispectral imaging, and virtual and augmented reality.

Graphical Abstract
Thermal processes in the heat exchange unit of a combined photovoltaic plant with solar radiation concentration
Authors: Khrypunov G.S. , Nikitin V.O. , Meriuts A.V. , Minakova К.О. , Zaitsev R.V. , Kirichenko M.V. , Shelest T.M. , Leliuk S.Yu. 
Published: June 2024

Purpose. Calculate the energy balance of a photo-energy installation for operation in conditions of concentrated solar radiation, develop the design of a heat exchange unit with "micro" channels.
Methodology. Analytical studies using criterion equations of hydrodynamics, creation and study of computer models based on heat balance equations.
Findings. Based on the analysis of thermal processes, the design of a heat exchange unit equipped with "micro channels" for a combined photoelectric plant designed to work in conditions of concentrated solar radiation is proposed. It is shown that such a design creates a transitional mode of cooling liquid flow, which allows for efficient cooling of solar cells under conditions of concentrated solar radiation. Based on the results of research, ways of improving the design of the heat exchange unit for equipping a photoelectric system designed to work in conditions of disruption of the typical energy infrastructure are proposed. It has been shown that in order to reduce the temperature difference over the SC area, the design of the heat exchange block can be optimized by moving the coolant inlet to the center and creating two exits at the opposite ends of the block.
Originality. For the first time, the design of the radiator of the heat exchange unit based on "micro-channels" was proposed, which provides a transitional mode of coolant flow with a heat exchange coefficient between the coolant and the upper plate of the radiator. hf ~ 10000 W/(m2K) at a flow speed in the gaps between the plates ~2.1 m/s.
Practical value. The evaluation of the efficiency, thermal and electrical characteristics of the combined photo-energy system with the concentration of solar radiation was performed. It is proposed to use the developed design of the heat exchange unit for equipping a photoelectric plant for operation in conditions of disruption of the typical energy infrastructure. A preliminary calculation of the thermal and electrical parameters of a photovoltaic installation equipped with multi-cascade solar cells based on gallium arsenide and a heat exchange unit with "microchannels" was carried out.
Study of Ridostin Pro and Poly(I:C) as adjuvants for cancer vaccine on the E.G7-OVA model
Authors: Tsarapaev P. V. , Baryshnikova M. A. , Ponomarev A. V. , Rudakova A. A. , Sokolova Z. A. , Baryshnikov K. A. , Levagina G. M. , Danilenko E. D. , Kosorukov V. S. 
Published: June 2024

Background. Adjuvant is necessary for enhancing the efficacy of cancer peptide vaccines. Our previous work has demonstrated the efficacy of TRL-3 agonists, which include Poly(I:C) and Ridostin Pro, as part of peptide neoantigen vaccines against murine melanoma B16-F10.Aim. To evaluate the antitumor efficacy of Ridostin Pro or Poly(I:C) against murine lymphoma E.G7-OVA.Materials and methods. The study was performed on C57Bl / 6 mice with subcutaneously transplanted E.G7-OVA lymphoma containing the complete chicken ovalbumin sequence. The antitumor effects of Ridostin Pro and Poly(I:C) were evaluated in monotherapy as well as in vaccines containing chicken ovalbumin in addition to the adjuvant. The antitumor effect of Ridostin Pro and Poly(I:C) was evaluated when used in different vaccination regimens: in one case treatment was started after tumour transplantation and in the other case before tumour transplantation. The criteria of antitumor response were inhibition of tumour growth, increased survival of mice and cure.Results. Ridostin Pro and Poly(I:C) both as part of the vaccine and when administered without ovalbumin increased the percentage of tumour growth inhibition and survival of mice with E.G7-OVA lymphoma. In a regime where vaccination with ovalbumin and Ridostin Pro or Poly(I:C) was started before tumour transfection, a complete cure of the mice was shown.Conclusion. Ridostin Pro and Poly(I:C) enhance the antitumor effect of a peptide vaccine against E.G7-OVA lymphoma.
Modern views on the pathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Shnayder N. A. , Trefilova V. V. , Ashkhotov A. V. , Ovdienko O. A. 
Published: June 2024

Introduction. Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is defined as a multifactorial degenerative disease of the spine, starting from the structures of the nucleus pulposus of the IVD, spreading to the fibrous ring and other elements of the spinal motion segment. Unlike natural aging, a pathological degenerative process that occurs in IVDs as a result of the additive effect of genetic predisposition and external environmental factors leads to the formation of chronic back pain and reduces the patient’s quality of life. Despite many years of studying the problem of the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration, it is far from being resolved, which encourages us to further study the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of this pathology.Aim. To update the knowledge of practicing neurologists about the results of modern studies of the leading mechanisms of development of IVD degeneration in humans and their role in the development of promising biomarkers of this pathology and new strategies for pathogenetic therapy.Materials and methods. A search and analysis of publications was carried out in Russian-language (e-Library) and Englishlanguage databases (PubMed, Oxford Press, Clinical Keys, Springer, Elsevier, Google Scholar). Search depth – 5 years (2018–2023).Results. The analyzed and generalized results of studies of the molecular mechanisms influencing the development and progression of this pathology are presented. The leading pathogenetic mechanisms for the development of IVD degeneration, such as oxidative stress and the NO system, cytokine imbalance, increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases, dysfunction of fibrillar collagens and proteoglycan, as well as their relationship with each other, were considered.Conclusion. The review provides a broader look at the pathogenetic mechanisms of IVD degeneration, which makes it possible to set new goals for future development of promising therapeutic strategies.