bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the possibility of accelerating charged particles in the low-pressure acoustoplasma and plasma bunches in the air
Authors: Abrahamyan A.S. , Chilingaryan R.Yu. , Mkhitaryan S.A. , Kocharyan V.R. , Margaryan A.A. , Mkrtchyan A.H. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In this paper obtained results of two experimental investigations are presented: on the acceleration of electrons in low-pressure acoustoplasma discharge and acceleration of plasma bunch-plasmoids in the air. The first experimental results on the acceleration of electrons in the low-pressure discharge were obtained in 2008. In the current paper an attempt to explain the obtained results by means of wake accelerations of particles in electromagnetic fields without utilization of usual drivers is made. Formerly calculated theoretical data for accelerated particles even in the energy range of 10–100 eV are experimentally confirmed. Experimental investigations on origination and initiating acceleration of plasma bunches in crossed fields in the air were conducted in 2023. In the current paper the obtained first results on acceleration of the originated long-life plasmoids in the air are presented as an announcement of our planned subsequent corresponding investigations. To carry out corresponding experiments a unique experimental setup, as well as appropriate devices and equipment were developed. A new conceptual model of a plasmoid is offered. The realization of this concept opens the possibility of carrying out the experimental investigations of the phenomena of origination of long-life plasmoids in air. During the experimental investigations, any ionizing additives into the discharge were not injected.
Land-use change as a major driver for mid-20th-century flood intensity reduction in the Southeastern US
Authors: Shen Zhixiong , Conway Nicholas , Bao Shaowu , Muñoz Samuel , Lang Andreas 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Land-use changes affect hydrologic processes, but their impact on flooding remains obscure amid increasingly heavy precipitation. Instrumental records are short relative to land-use change history and inadequate for flood attribution studies. Here we integrate a high-resolution paleodischarge record spanning the past ∼200 years from the largest basin in the Southeastern United States with instrumental data and hydrological modeling. We find that the 100 yr flood magnitude for large regional rivers exhibits 50%–75% reductions in the mid-20th century. We attribute at least 50% of the reductions to a regional shift from widespread agricultural land to conservation and reforestation and the rest to streamflow regulations. A sensitivity test of the largest post-1950s flood in our study area using the WRF-Hydro model shows that the peak early-1900s agriculture activity in the region could have doubled the flood’s magnitude. Our findings suggest that land-use change can profoundly impact flood severity at catchment to regional scales. Therefore, reforestation and soil conservation contribute to alleviating flood hazard in some regions, while aggressive agriculture expansion in other areas will amplify the hazard.
Geometrically frustrated systems which are as singles hotter than in company
Authors: Bauer Wolfgang Rudolf 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
We show that a set of thermally weakly coupled geometrically frustrated systems (GFSs), each of which is constraint to reside at negative Boltzmann temperatures, is in equilibrium cooler than its constituents. It may even exhibit positive temperatures at low energies. The challenge for the second law of thermodynamics arising from potential heat flow related to the gradient of temperatures between a GFS and its environment is resolved by considering the energy fluctuations above the ground state. They are comprised in the canonical temperature, derived from information theory. Whereas the gradient of Boltzmann temperatures gives the direction of the stochastic drift of the most probable state of a GFS within its environment, the canonical temperature gradient defines that of heat flow.
Fabrication of heterocellular spheroids with controllable core-shell structure using inertial focusing effect for scaffold-free 3D cell culture models
Authors: Tang Tan , Zhang Pengfei , Zhang Qiuting , Man Xingkun , Xu Ye 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models capable of emulating the biological functions of natural tissues are pivotal in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Despite progress, the fabrication of in vitro heterocellular models that mimic the intricate structures of natural tissues remains a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce a novel, scaffold-free approach leveraging the inertial focusing effect in rotating hanging droplets for the reliable production of heterocellular spheroids with controllable core-shell structures. Our method offers precise control over the core-shell spheroid’s size and geometry by adjusting the cell suspension density and droplet morphology. We successfully applied this technique to create hair follicle organoids, integrating dermal papilla cells within the core and epidermal cells in the shell, thereby achieving markedly enhanced hair inducibility compared to mixed-structure models. Furthermore, we have developed melanoma tumor spheroids that accurately mimic the dynamic interactions between tumor and stromal cells, showing increased invasion capabilities and altered expressions of cellular adhesion molecules and proteolytic enzymes. These findings underscore the critical role of cellular spatial organization in replicating tissue functionality in vitro. Our method represents a significant advancement towards generating heterocellular spheroids with well-defined architectures, offering broad implications for biological research and applications in tissue engineering.
Can pulsed laser treatment reduce microbial adhesion on the surface of resin denture base materials?
Authors: Saran Runki , K Keerthi , V K Unnikrishnan , George Sajan Daniel , H Raghu Chandrashekhar , Upadhya P Nagaraja , Ginjupalli Kishore 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives. The present work investigates the influence of pulsed nanosecond laser patterning of two commercial heat cure poly (methyl methacrylate) denture base materials, Trevalon and DPI heat cure, on their surface characteristics such as roughness, hydrophobicity, and microbial adhesion. Methods. A Q-switched Nd:YAG solid state nanosecond pulsed laser at a wavelength of 532 nm with a fluence of 2.55 × 1010 W cm−2 having a pulse frequency of 10 Hz was used at varying translation stage speed and vertical spacing for the surface patterning of denture base materials. The surface properties of control and patterned materials were characterized by measuring the compositional changes, wettability, and roughness. Microbial adhesion was assessed by incubating the specimens in Candida albicans suspension at 37 °C for 2 h followed by estimating the number of adherent Candida cells. Results. The micro-Raman spectroscopic studies indicated no chemical changes in the materials due to laser patterning. However, laser patterning increased the average surface roughness from 0.02 ± 0.005 and 0.04 ± 0.003 μm to 3.85 ± 0.20 μm and 3.70 ± 0.12 μm respectively for Trevalon and DPI heat cure materials. In addition, a reduction in the surface wettability was evident as manifested by an increase in water contact angle from 76 ± 2° to 105 ± 1° for Trevalon and from 72 ± 1° to 97 ± 1° for DPI heat cure. Finally, the microbial adhesion studies clearly indicated that the surfaces with higher hydrophobicity and roughness following laser patterning exhibited reduced microbial adhesion. Significance. Laser patterning can be utilized to tune the surface features of denture base materials and thus offer a promising method to create microbial adhesion resistant surfaces. Clinically, such surfaces help in reducing the incidence of denture stomatitis, especially in immunocompromised patients, without altering the composition and bulk properties of denture base materials.
Modeling chlorine residuals in urban water distribution networks (Al-Ashrafieh – Homs)
Authors: Alsaeed Ruba D , Alaji Bassam , Khouri Lina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Maintaining water quality in the water distribution networks has become a prominent issue. Chlorine Residual is an indicator to ensure water quality in the network A hydraulic analysis of the water distribution network in the Al-Ashrafieh city in Homs governorate was used to determine the chlorine residual concentration in the network. Samples were collected from the network to determine the percentage of free residual chlorine at three points and to compare with the program results. The results of the program represent a good simulation of field values, with an error less than 5%, RMSE = 0.02, 0.1, 0.02 for nodes 14, 11, and 3 respectively. The simulation showed that chlorine values in the network were within the permissible values in more than 95% of the network pipes, where Chlorine values decrease at peak times and at high-pressure values. Available data indicate a decrease in the percentage of free residual chlorine at some points. Three support point scenarios were studied, where the UCC (Uniform Chlorine Coefficients) increases when the support is used by using number of points of support near the pipes that has the low levels of chlorine from a value of 0.84 to 0.9.
Net evaporation-induced mangrove area loss across low-lying Caribbean islands
Authors: Cortés Isamar M , Lorenzo-Trueba Jorge , Rovai Andre S , Twilley Robert R , Chopping Mark , Fatoyinbo Temilola 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Although mangroves provide many beneficial ecosystem services, such as blue carbon storage and coastal protection, they are currently under threat due to changes in climate conditions, such as prolonged drought exposure. Under drought conditions, evaporation exceeds precipitation and high soil salinities can lead to stunted growth and die-back. To quantify this interplay, we developed a database for low-lying and uninhabited mangrove islands in the Caribbean under various evaporation and precipitation regimes. We extracted physical and biological information from each island using remote sensing techniques and coupled it with a process-based model. We used this database to develop a model that explains both the spatial variability in vegetated area across the Caribbean—as a function of rates of evaporation and precipitation—and porewater salinity concentration and dispersion from island edge towards the interior of mangrove islands. We then used this validated model to predict mangrove area loss associated with increases in evaporation to precipitation rates by 2100 for different Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP). Less wealthy Caribbean regions such as Belize, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela are disproportionally affected, with mangrove area losses ranging from 3%–7% for SSP 2.6 and 13%–21% for SSP 7.0. Furthermore, foregone carbon sequestration in lost biomass under SSP 4.5 and 7.0 scenarios could compromise the ability of low-lying Caribbean mangrove islands to vertically adjust to sea level rise.
Why Delight in Screamed Vocals? Emotional Hardcore and the Case Against Beautifying Pain
Authors: Murphy Sean T 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Emotional hardcore and other music genres featuring screamed vocals are puzzling for the appreciator. The typical fan attaches appreciative value to musical screams of emotional pain, all the while acknowledging it would be inappropriate to hold similar attitudes towards their sonically similar everyday counterpart: actual human screaming. Call this the screamed vocals problem. To solve the problem, I argue we must attend to the anti-sublimating aims that get expressed in the emotional hardcore vocalist’s choice to scream the lyrics. Screamed vocals help us see the value in rejecting (a) restrictive social norms of emotional expressiveness and (b) restrictive artistic norms about how one ought to express or represent pain in art—namely that if one is going to do so, one must ensure the pain has been ‘beautified’. In developing this second point, I argue that emotional hardcore is well-suited (although not individually so) for putting pressure on longstanding views in the history of aesthetics about the formal relationship between art and human pain.
Confidentiality and privacy of arbitration in the digital era: pies in the sky?
Authors: Teramura Nobumichi , Trakman Leon 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Confidentiality and privacy are essential components of arbitration, preceding the digital data era. This article discusses how arbitration stakeholders—arbitration institutions and associations, arbitrators, attorneys, and commercial users—have increasingly lost control over confidentiality and privacy in international commercial arbitration by adopting digital technologies provided by Internet giants, such as Microsoft, Google, Dropbox, and Zoom. Arbitration institutions and users have, often unconsciously, defined confidentiality and privacy expansively to promote the wider use of email, cloud storage, and video conferencing platforms in conducting arbitration proceedings. However, they have overlooked the extent to which the use of digital technologies exposes private and confidential information to third parties, including but not limited to Big Data. They have also placed undue faith in the capacity of Internet giants that dominate the Internet to protect highly sensitive arbitration proceedings which those giants commercialize to garner public attention including in arbitration disputes. In responding to this troubling reality, the article examines how to better protect confidentiality and privacy in arbitration, by refining existing protections embodied in international rules and guidelines and choosing domestic forums that favour such protections. It also encourages arbitration stakeholders to update the rules and their application to arbitral proceedings to respond to both intended and unintended violations of commercial and personal data. That strategy includes redressing the downstream disclosure of injurious data, including by choosing legal forums that protect against the use of intelligence to violate private and confidential data.
Safety and efficacy of very low calorie diet in patients receiving haemodialysis therapy
Authors: Woods Julie E , Snelson Anne , Kok Joanne , Leger Melinda A , Wei Jenny , Hung Jessica , Rio Ruth , Medara Sujatha , Prasad Seema , Ganesh Kalaiselvi , Kerr Peter G , Polkinghorne Kevan R 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT

Background
Very low calorie diets (VLCDs) are an obesity treatment option in the general population, but their efficacy and safety in patients on haemodialysis (HD) is unknown.

Methods
Prospective single arm study of VLCD in haemodialysis patients. All participants received 2.5–3.3 MJ/day for 12 weeks. Weekly assessment of VLCD, pre- and post-dialysis weight, inter-dialytic weight gain, and blood electrolytes occurred for the first 4 weeks, then fortnightly for another 8 weeks. Linear mixed models compared the change in weight over time as well as biochemical outcomes including potassium.

Results
Twenty-two participants [nine home HD (HHD) and 13 satellite HD (SHD)] enrolled with 19 completing the 12-week intervention. Mean post-dialysis weight declined from 121.1 kg at baseline to 109.9 at week 12 resulting in average decline of 0.88 kg per week (95% C.I. 0.71, 1.05, P &lt; .001) with 12-week mean percentage weight loss9.3% (SD 3.5). Mean post-dialysis body mass index declined from 40.9 kg/m2 at baseline to 37.1 kg/m2 at week 12 (95% C.I. 0.25, 0.35, P &lt; .001). Serum potassium rose from week 1 to 3, stabilized during weeks 4 to 6, and fell from week 8, returning near baseline by week 12. Six of the nine (66.6%) HHD participants and seven of the 13 (70%) SHD participants had at least one episode of hyperkalaemia (K &gt; 6 mmol/l). There were no clinical changes in serum sodium, corrected calcium, or phosphate levels during the study.

Conclusion
VLCD with dietitian supervision was effective in producing significant weight reduction, with an acceptable safety profile in patients treated with haemodialysis.
Takayasu arteritis manifesting as acute kidney injury and congestion due to renal artery stenosis and myocarditis: a case report
Authors: Hara Misato , Mandai Shintaro , Mori Takayasu , Maejima Yasuhiro , Uchida Shinichi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Takayasu arteritis is a large-vessel vasculitis that affects the aorta and its primary branches. Myocarditis is a rare life-threatening complication and potential diagnostic pitfall in patients with Takayasu arteritis.

Case summary
A previously healthy 18-year-old woman presenting with fever, back pain, and dyspnoea was admitted to another hospital for acute hypertension (blood pressure, 230/106 mmHg) and congestive heart failure. Intravenous methylprednisolone pulse with antihypertensive and diuretic medications slightly improved her congestion. However, she developed acute kidney injury and was transferred to our hospital. Transthoracic echocardiography indicated a left ventricular ejection fraction of 45% and diffuse left ventricular hypokinesis. Doppler ultrasound test and magnetic resonance angiography revealed severe bilateral renal artery stenosis. Her diagnosis was Takayasu arteritis, and she received high-dose glucocorticoids. She required temporary haemodialysis, but 2 months after admission, her serum creatinine improved to 1.1 mg/dL without surgical or cardiovascular interventions. Although the pre-discharge test with 1.5 T cardiac magnetic resonance initially failed to diagnose myocarditis, 3 T cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed increased native T1 values on T1 mapping (1283–1393 ms), moderate pericardial effusion, and systolic left ventricular wall motion abnormality, indicating active myocarditis. During 6-month subcutaneous tocilizumab treatment (162 mg/week), a left ventricular ejection fraction improved to 55–60% without a relapse.

Discussion
This case report highlights the benefits of early multimodal imaging tests including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for myocarditis and renal artery involvement in Takayasu arteritis. Tocilizumab might be an efficient therapeutic option for severe acute manifestations including myocarditis in young women of reproductive age.
Echocardiographic parameters and Galectin-3 in patients with atrial fibrillation as a marker of left atrial fibrosis
Authors: Barros Melo Da Silveira M M B , Victor Batista Cabral J O Ã O , Remigio Figueiredo T H A I S A , Tavares Xavier A M A N D A , Palmeira Do O K L E Y T O , Furtado De Mendonca Belmont T A C I A N , Maria Del Castillo J O S E , Sibelly Pereira De Lima V , Jesus Barreto De Melo Rego M O A C Y R , Carneiro Da Silva Filho J , Silva T A M A R A , Araujo Medeiros C , Cavalcanti De Oliveira D , Celestino Sobral Filho D A R I O , Richardson Da Silva Vasconcelos L 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of sustained arrhythmia in clinical practice. Many cardiovascular nursing studies incorporate markers into the design and conduct of the study. Biochemical markers and imaging tests have been used with the aim of stratifying the risk and detecting atrial fibrosis. Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) is used for the detection of atrial fibrosis and Gal-3 provides an important prognostic value. The objective of the study was to assess the association between atrial fibrosis markers and serum levels and genic expression of galectin-3.

Methods
Two hundred and six patients with permanent AF and 70 patients with paroxysmal AF were included in the study. Serum levels of Gal-3 were determined by ELISA and STE was performed to assess fibrosis.

Results
Mean age of individuals with permanent AF was 66.56±12 years. With regard to echocardiographic parameters, the alterations that occur mainly in the permanent AF group when compared to the paroxysmal AF group are noteworthy, namely LA diameter (46.49±7.68 vs. 41±5.85, p=0.007), LA volume (106.5±41.64 vs. 79; P25: 54.7, P75: 97, p=0.02), and LA volume indexed to body surface area (51.29; P25: 39.9, P75: 78.1 vs. 41.55; P25: 28; P75: 54.9, p=0.04), in addition to the peak atrial longitudinal strain values (PALS) (10; P25: 7.2, P75: 12.4 vs. 16.3; P25: 8.1, P75: 21.2, p=0.002). When we compared the Gal-3 mRNA expression with the types of AF, there was no association (p=0.95). Serum levels of Gal-3 were assessed and compared to the parameter LA strain (PALS). The Spearman and Pearson correlations were evaluated in both groups and the group with permanent AF was correlated with serum levels of Gal-3 (r=0.24; p=0.01). The lower is the Gal-3 serum levels, the lower is the LA strain. Other comparisons presented no statistically significant correlation.

Conclusions
The integration of markers in cardiovascular nursing studies unfolds as a complex journey from the initial study design to the reporting phase, researchers may be intricately involved in all of these steps. The present study assessed the association between echocardiographic parameters that are suggestive of atrial fibrosis and coding for galectin-3, as well as its genic expression and serum levels in patients with atrial fibrillation. In this way, the use biomarkers can be incorporated into care practice as a tool for assessment and care planning.
Gender related incidence of frailty syndrome occurrence in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mlynarska A , Mikulakova W , Hudakova Z , Mlynarski R 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the biggest challenges associated with the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in modern countries. On the other hand frailty syndrome is one of the main problems of modern gerontology and is also an indicator of a poor prognosis. The exact relationship between frailty syndrome and AF is still the subject of research. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between the gender of patients with AF and the presence of frailty syndrome.

Methods
132 consecutive patients over 60 years (58 women; 72,71 ± 6,73) of age with diagnosed atrial fibrillation were included. In all patients occurrence of frailty syndrome using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator scale (TFI) was analyzed. Having 5 or more points indicates that a patient has frailty syndrome. AF was also divided into types according to modified ESC guidelines: paroxysmal (first diagnosed AF + paroxysmal AF); persistent AF and permanent AF (long-standing persistent AF + permanent AF).

Results
Frailty syndrome was diagnosed in 59,85% of patients with atrial fibrillation, including 47,95% of men and 81,49% of women, p = 0,0002. The mean point value of the frailty syndrome was 5,31 ± 2,69. Women had a greater severity of frailty syndrome in general and in the physical and social domain – exact results are presented in the table below. Regardless of the type of atrial fibrillation, frailty syndrome was more common syndrome in women: persistent AF: 7,64 ± 2,53 vs 5,28 ± 2,39; p = 0,0226 paroxysmal AF: 6,18 ± 2,63 vs 3,88 ± 2,47; p = 0,0465, permanent AF: 5,52 ± 2,58 vs 3,86 ± 1,77; p = 0,0324.

Conclusions
Frailty syndrome is more common among women what can suggest worst prognosis. Existing of frailty syndrome was independently from the type of AF.