bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of adiabatic flame temperature of natural gas combustion under different conditions
Authors: Bani‐Hani Ehab Hussein , Al‐Khatib Fadi , El Haj Assad Mamdouh , Alshabi Mohammad , Castellanos Humberto Garcia , Aryanfar Yashar , Deifalla Ahmed , Ragab Adham E. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe combustion of natural gas consisted of methane , ethane , and propane is theoretically investigated to obtain the optimum adiabatic flame temperature (AFT). The investigation includes the development of combustion equations that take into consideration different compositions of natural gas. The final equation to calculate the AFT is derived and used in the optimization study. The optimization study using genetic algorithm investigates the effect of changing the composition of the gas mixture, the inlet temperature of used air, and the amount of excess air used on the AFT. It is possible to get the required composition of each component, the air inlet temperature, and the excess air by reading the chart to get the required AFT. The heat capacity of all reactants and products is used as a function of temperature. Results showed that the optimum values for , percentages in the gas mixture, air inlet temperature, and the amount of excess air are 0.478, 0.166, 0.356 mol %, 1.848, 382.104 K, respectively. These optimum values lead to a value of about 1300 K for the AFT. The derived equation shows the AFT at different natural gas compositions along with different process parameters such as the amount of excess air. Thus, the required combustion temperature can be controlled by adjusting the natural gas composition or the combustion temperature can be specified based on the provided composition of the natural gas stream by using either the derived equations or output chart. (R1. 1).
Parents face several barriers in providing a healthy school lunch for their primary school children: A survey of Victorian (Australian) parents
Authors: Nanayakkara Janandani , Margerison Claire , Booth Alison O. , Worsley Anthony , Aydin Gozde 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIssue AddressedThis paper aims to explore Victoria parents' perceptions of their current practices and barriers in providing school lunches for their primary school children.MethodsRespondents were asked via an online survey about their lunch provision practices, perceptions of the healthiness of school lunches, and barriers to providing healthy school lunches. Data were analysed using different statistical techniques: Chi‐square test, Spearman correlation analysis, Mann–Whitney U test, and Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsIn total, 359 respondents completed the survey. Most respondents (84%) reported their child takes a home‐packed lunch to school every day. Most respondents provided fruits (94%), vegetables (57%), and sandwiches (54%) every day for school lunches, whilst other core food items such as milk, meats, and legumes were provided less frequently. A substantial proportion of respondents provided some discretionary food items frequently (e.g., the proportion of respondents providing selected discretionary food items daily or 3–4 times/week: salty crackers—50%, sweet cookies/biscuits—40%, chips—20%). Respondents strongly agreed or agreed with several barriers; examples include not packing certain foods due to food spoilage concerns (50%) (school‐related), the allocated time at their child's school is not enough to eat and enjoy school lunch (48%) (school‐related), need more meal ideas (61%) (parent‐related), healthy foods take more time to prepare (51%) (parent‐related), and children request easy‐to‐eat food for school lunches (50%) (child‐related). Core food score (an indicator of frequency of preparing/packing core food) was negatively correlated with parent‐related and child‐related barrier scores, whilst discretionary food score (an indicator of frequency of preparing/packing discretionary food) was positively correlated with these barrier scores.ConclusionsOverall, home‐packed lunches remain the main option in primary schools in Victoria, and parents face several challenges in providing healthy lunches for their primary school children.So What?The findings suggest the need for strategies from school leaders, education authorities, and policymakers to improve the quality of lunch content and address the barriers faced by parents.
Neuroanatomical and functional correlates in post‐traumatic stress disorder: A narrative review
Authors: Liberati Anna S. , Perrotta Giulio 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPost‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), currently included by the Diagnostic and Statistical of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision in the macro‐category “disorders related to traumatic and stressful events”, is a severe mental distress that arises acutely as a result of direct or indirect exposure to severely stressful and traumatic events. A large body of literature is available on the psychological and behavioral manifestations of PTSD; however, with regard to the more purely neuropsychological aspects of the disorder, they are still the subject of research and need greater clarity, although the roles of the thalamus, hypothalamus, amygdala, cingulate gyrus, cerebellum, locus coeruleus, and hippocampus in the onset of the disorder's characteristic symptoms have already been elucidated.
Nitrophenols disrupt the expression and activity of biotransformation enzymes (CYP3A and COMT) in chicken ovarian follicles in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Kozubek Anna , Katarzyńska‐Banasik Dorota , Kowalik Kinga , Grzegorzewska Agnieszka K. , Hrabia Anna , Sechman Andrzej 
Published: January 2024

AbstractNitrophenols are environmental pollutants and xenobiotics, the main sources of which are diesel exhaust fumes and pesticides. The biotransformation processes that take place in the liver are defence mechanisms against xenobiotics, such as nitrophenols. Our previous study showed that the chicken ovary is an additional xenobiotic detoxification place and that nitrophenols disrupt steroidogenesis in chicken ovarian follicles. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the in vivo and in vitro effects of 4‐nitrophenol (PNP) and 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenol (PNMC) on the expression and activity of phase I (CYP3A) and phase II (COMT) biotransformation enzymes in chicken ovary. In an in vivo study, hens were treated with a vehicle or 10 mg PNP or PNMC/kg b.wt. per day for 6 days. In an in vitro study, prehierarchical white and yellowish follicles, as well as the granulosa and theca layers of the three largest preovulatory follicles (F3, F2 and F1), were isolated and then incubated in a control medium or medium supplemented with PNP (10−6 M) or PNMC (10−6 M) for 24 or 48 h. Both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that nitrophenols exert tissue‐ and compound‐dependent (PNP or PNMC) effects on CYP3A and COMT gene (real‐time PCR) protein (Western blot) expression and their activity (colorimetric methods). The inhibitory effect of nitrophenols in vivo on the activity of biotransformation enzymes suggest that the ovary has the capacity to metabolise PNP and PNMC.
Ab initio investigation of excited state charge transfer pathways in differently capped bithiophene cages
Authors: Shaalan Alag Ahmed , Szalay Péter G. , Tajti Attila 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe electronic excitations of conformationally constrained bithiophene cage systems as previously investigated by Lewis et al. (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 143, 18548 (2021)) are revisited, employing the correlated ab initio Scaled Opposite‐Spin Algebraic Diagrammatic Construction Second Order electronic structure method. Quantitative descriptors are determined to assess the extent of charge transfer between the bithiophene moieties and the capping domains, represented by either phenyl or triazine groups. The investigation substantiates intrinsic differences in the photophysical behavior of these two structural variants and reveals the presence of lower‐energy excited states characterized by noteworthy charge transfer contributions in the triazine cage system. The manifestation of this charge transfer character is discernible even at the Franck–Condon geometry, persisting throughout the relaxation of the excited state. By examining isolated monomer building blocks, we confirm the existence of analogous charge transfer contributions in their excitations. Employing this methodological approach facilitates the prospective identification of potential wall/cap chromophore pairs, wherein charge transfer pathways can be accessed within the energetically favorable regime.
Differential temporal release and lipoprotein loading in B. thetaiotaomicron bacterial extracellular vesicles
Authors: Juodeikis Rokas , Martins Carlo , Saalbach Gerhard , Richardson Jake , Koev Todor , Baker Dave J. , Defernez Marianne , Warren Martin , Carding Simon R. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) contribute to stress responses, quorum sensing, biofilm formation and interspecies and interkingdom communication. However, the factors that regulate their release and heterogeneity are not well understood. We set out to investigate these factors in the common gut commensal Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron by studying BEV release throughout their growth cycle. Utilising a range of methods, we demonstrate that vesicles released at different stages of growth have significantly different composition, with early vesicles enriched in specifically released outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) containing a larger proportion of lipoproteins, while late phase BEVs primarily contain lytic vesicles with enrichment of cytoplasmic proteins. Furthermore, we demonstrate that lipoproteins containing a negatively charged signal peptide are preferentially incorporated in OMVs. We use this observation to predict all Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron OMV enriched lipoproteins and analyse their function. Overall, our findings highlight the need to understand media composition and BEV release dynamics prior to functional characterisation and define the theoretical functional capacity of Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron OMVs.
Genetic counseling for congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG)
Authors: Weixel Tara , Wolfe Lynne , Macnamara Ellen F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractCongenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs) are a genetically and clinically diverse group of disorders that arise as a result of defects within glycosylation synthetic pathways. CDGs are caused by pathogenic variants in many different genes in the glycosylation network. With over 160 different CDG types currently identified and a vast range of severity and presentations existing within and across those types, the road to a CDG diagnosis is often lengthy and complicated. The perils of this arduous CDG diagnostic odyssey are fraught with various genetic counseling uncertainties: (1) confusion about family planning, (2) queries about inheritance, (3) managing treatment, and (4) dealing with the uncertainty of rare diseases. Thus, the role of the genetic counselor is paramount in helping affected individuals and their families navigate these genetic counseling complexities. Case examples of common genetic counseling difficulties for CDGs are outlined, providing clinical applications of what CDG presentations, diagnostic processes, and common difficulties look like. Information on the nomenclature, incidence, prevalence, diagnostic testing, treatment, and management of CDGs are also discussed to provide a comprehensive summary of CDGs for genetic counselors, and subsequently to affected individuals and their families.
Drosophila melanogastermodels ofMPS IIIC(Hgsnat‐deficiency) highlight the role of glia in disease presentation
Authors: Hewson Laura , Choo Amanda , Webber Dani L. , Trim Paul J. , Snel Marten F. , Fedele Anthony O. , Hopwood John J. , Hemsley Kim M. , O'Keefe Louise V. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSanfilippo syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type III or MPS III) is a recessively inherited neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder. Mutations in genes encoding enzymes in the heparan sulphate degradation pathway lead to the accumulation of partially degraded heparan sulphate, resulting ultimately in the development of neurological deficits. Mutations in the gene encoding the membrane protein heparan‐α‐glucosaminideN‐acetyltransferase (HGSNAT; EC2.3.1.78) cause MPS IIIC (OMIM#252930), typified by impaired cognition, sleep–wake cycle changes, hyperactivity and early death, often before adulthood. The precise disease mechanism that causes symptom emergence remains unknown, posing a significant challenge in the development of effective therapeutics. AsHGSNATis conserved inDrosophila melanogaster, we now describe the creation and characterisation of the firstDrosophilamodels of MPS IIIC. Flies with either an endogenous insertion mutation or RNAi‐mediated knockdown ofhgsnatwere confirmed to have a reduced level of HGSNAT transcripts and age‐dependent accumulation of heparan sulphate leading to engorgement of the endo/lysosomal compartment. This resulted in abnormalities at the pre‐synapse, defective climbing and reduced overall activity. Altered circadian rhythms (shift in peak morning activity) were seen inhgsnatneuronal knockdown lines. Further, whenhgsnatwas knocked down in specific glial subsets (wrapping, cortical, astrocytes or subperineural glia), impaired climbing or reduced activity was noted, implying thathgsnatfunction in these specific glial subtypes contributes significantly to this behaviour and targeting treatments to these cell groups may be necessary to ameliorate or prevent symptom onset. These novel models of MPS IIIC provide critical research tools for delineating the key cellular pathways causal in the onset of neurodegeneration in this presently untreatable disorder.
Capability of satellite data to estimate observed precipitation in southeastern South America
Authors: Benítez Victoria D. , Forgioni Fernando P. , Lovino Miguel A. , Sgroi Leandro , Doyle Moira E. , Müller Gabriela V. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPrecipitation is a fundamental component of the water cycle. Satellite‐derived precipitation estimates with high spatial resolution and daily to subdaily temporal resolution become very important in regions with a limited ground‐based measurement network, such as southeastern South America (SESA). This study evaluates the performance of four state‐of‐the‐art satellite products, including IMERG V.06 Final Run, PERSIANN, PERSIANN CCS‐CDR and PDIR‐NOW in representing observed precipitation over SESA during the 2001–2020 period. The ability of each product to represent observed annual and seasonal precipitation patterns was assessed. Statistical and categorical evaluation metrics were used to evaluate the performance of satellite precipitation estimates at monthly and daily timescales. Our results report that IMERG and CCS‐CDR achieve the best performance in estimating observed precipitation patterns at annual and seasonal timescales. While all satellite products effectively identify autumn and spring precipitation patterns, they struggle to represent winter and summer patterns. Notably, all satellite precipitation products have a better agreement with observed precipitation in wetter regions compared to drier regions, as indicated by the spatial distribution of continuous validation metrics. IMERG stands out as the most accurate product, reaching the highest correlation coefficients (0.75 < CC < 0.95) and Kling–Gupta efficiencies (0.65 < KGE < 0.85, rate as good to very good performance). Regarding categorical statistical metrics, IMERG correctly estimates the fraction of observed rainy days (POD > 0.7, CSI > 0.6) and shows the lowest fraction of estimated precipitation events that did not occur. PERSIANN, CCS‐CDR and PDIR‐NOW exhibit lower performances, mainly in drier areas. Moreover, PERSIANN and PDIR‐NOW tend to overestimate observed precipitation in almost the entire SESA region. We expect this validation study will provide greater reliability to satellite precipitation estimates, in order to provide an alternative that complement the scarce observed information available for decision‐making in water management and agricultural planning.
Relationships between motivation, service quality, tourist satisfaction, quality of life, and spa and wellness tourism
Authors: Xia Lantian , Lee Timothy J. , Kim Dae‐Kwan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study explores the relationships between motivation, service quality, tourist satisfaction, quality of life (QOL), and spa and wellness tourism. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) approach was used to analyze the hypotheses generated. The ‘snowball’ sampling technique was used to collect data via an online survey. Derived from a sample of 270 Chinese respondents, the results demonstrate that motivations positively impact service quality perception and tourist satisfaction, which in turn influence QOL. The tourists who perceived good spa and wellness services quality are more likely to be satisfied with their tourism experience. Furthermore, tourist satisfaction mediates the relationship between service quality and the QOL resulting from spa and wellness tourism.
A geospatial decision support system to support policy implementation on climate change in EU
Authors: Bonfante A. , Monaco E. , Vitale A. , Barbato G. , Villani V. , Mercogliano P. , Rianna G. , Mileti F. A. , Manna P. , Terribile F. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractClimate change (CC) is a global problem bringing multiple different changes in different regions that exacerbate the conflict between landscape demands. Policy in EU and elsewhere are facing the huge challenge of CC by developing specific regulations and strategies (e.g., European climate law, RDP 2014–2020) generally shaped in the United Nations Frameworks Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The “new EU strategy on adaptation to climate change” sets out how the EU can adapt to the unavoidable impacts of CC and become climate resilient by 2050. Unfortunately, the factual implementation of these policies remains critical. Most often there is a lack of science‐based decision support tools empowering regional and local levels to act toward climate resilience. Here we have produced a strong interdisciplinary research effort to support the implementation of the EU strategy on adaptation to CC by providing free web‐based Decision Support Systems having a strong focus on factual territories. Our Geospatial Decision Support System aims to support local authorities/communities, scientists, and other stakeholders in EU and more in detail in Italy in better understanding and implementing local adaptation to climate change by means of a “Climate Change Resilience” toolbox oriented to evaluate the climatic anomalies and thermal crop adaptation. Specifically, in this research, two implemented tools have been discussed: (i) tool on General climatic variation and (ii) tool on Crop thermal adaptation. These tools are demonstrated in two different case studies at both EU and national level. Such a toolbox has been produced in the framework of the LANDSUPPORT Horizon 2020 project (www.landsupport.eu).
Multifunctional Soft Actuator Based on Dielectric Liquid with Simultaneous Luminance and Weight Lifting Capabilities
Authors: Han Dong Jin , Kim Hea Ji , Lee Byung Yang 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSoft robots require soft actuators for mobility and functionality. To integrate multiple functions in a limited space, researchers are developing multifunctional soft actuators with several functions integrated in one device. This study successfully demonstrates an electroluminescent (EL) soft actuator, a single device with both light‐emitting and actuating capabilities, using liquid dielectric and uniformly dispersed EL phosphor particles. EL phosphor particles are copper‐doped zinc sulfide (ZnS) particles doped with copper. The work is able to disperse the ZnS particles uniformly in the oil by coating the ZnS particles with silica, ensuring consistent luminescence across the device's active area. The performance of the soft actuator is notable, with a strain of 25% and a maximum EL intensity of 23 cd m−2 for a single actuator. When stacking multiple actuators, the intensity exceeds 29 cd m−2. The findings suggest that EL actuator devices will be valuable smart components for soft robots and interactive sensors. They can effectively represent external stimuli through color signals, expanding the capabilities of these systems.
Use of ZDR columns for early detection of severe convection within the operational radar network of the United Kingdom
Authors: Lo Chun Hay Brian , Stein Thorwald H. M. , Scovell Robert W. , Westbrook Chris D. , Darlington Timothy , Lean Humphrey W. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDifferential reflectivity () columns were observed using a Met Office three‐dimensional radar composite. An algorithm for automatic detection of columns was developed, based on  dB and  dBZ. Across three case days, detected columns were found to precede severe convection in tracked convective cells with a range of lead times from 0 to 20 min depending on the case day. Requiring maxima above 1.4 dB and 30 dBZ of and respectively was an appropriate second condition for all three cases although the skill in the early detection of severe convection varied across case days. Despite the high probability of detections, the high false alarm rate accompanied by low critical success index and data latency limit performance based on the three cases considered in this study. Nevertheless, the ability to detect columns in operational radar data with a useful lead time prior to severe convection in certain conditions is a promising development towards advancing nowcasting of severe convection in the United Kingdom.
Genotype–phenotype correlations in carriers of the PMS2 founder variant c.1831dup
Authors: Gass Melanie , Seebauer Britta , Thommen Aline , Fischler Alexandra , Heinimann Karl 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundLynch syndrome represents one of the most common cancer predispositions worldwide and is caused by germline pathogenic variants (PV) in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. We repeatedly identified a PV in the MMR gene PMS2, c.1831dup, accounting for 27% of all Swiss PMS2 PV index patients identified. Notably, 2/18 index patients had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) before age 30.MethodsIn this study, we investigated if this PV could (i) represent a founder variant by haplotype analysis and (ii) be associated with a more severe clinical phenotype.ResultsHaplotype analysis identified a shared common region of about 0.7 Mb/1.3 cM in 13 (81%) out of 16 index patients. Genotype–phenotype correlations, combining data from the 18 Swiss and 18 literature‐derived PMS2 c.1831dup PV index patients and comparing them to 43 Swiss index patients carrying other PMS2 PVs, indicate that the PMS2 c.1831dup variant may be associated with earlier (<50 y) age at CRC diagnosis (55% vs. 29%, respectively; p = 0.047). Notably, 30% (9/30) of cancers from c.1831dup carriers displayed atypical MMR protein expression patterns on immunohistochemistry.ConclusionOur results suggest that the PMS2 c.1831dup PV represents a, probably ancient, founder mutation and is possibly associated with an earlier CRC diagnosis compared to other PMS2 PVs.