bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication of activated carbon from Acacia Crassicarpa bark by carbothermal functionalization for adsorptive removal the dyes in aqueous solution
Authors: Nong Mai X T , Nguyen Nam V , Doan Anh T , Nguyen Dat X , Tran Ninh V , Do Tung C , Nguyen Trung D , Nguyen Tue N , Dang Khanh Q 
Published: December 2023

AbstractActivated carbon adsorbent prepared fromAcacia Crassicarpa barkhas been successfully synthesized via carbonization and chemical activation processes to investigate the elimination of hazardous dyes in industrial wastewater, specifically the anionic dye methyl orange (MO) and the cationic dye methylene blue (MB) in this study. TheAcacia Crassicarpa barkwas washed with distilled water and dried it in an electric oven at 100 °C. The carbonization process was carried out at a temperature of 1050 °C in the Argon atmosphere and thoroughly was activated by NaOH. The results showed that a high BET surface area of 711.05 m2/g was obtained. XRD pattern presented that the high content of crystalline carbon was formed and carbon content was achieved approximately 83%. Also, SEM images illustrated the average size of carbon is 2.58 μm and surface structure of activated carbon appeared the pores inside the particle. The Langmuir was observed to fit the adsorption data well. The maximum equilibrium adsorption capacities predicted by the Langmuir isotherm were found to be 156.25 mg/g and 144.09 mg/g for MO and MB, respectively. All of those results confirm that the activated carbon originated fromAcacia Crassicarpa barkcan potentially be applied for water purification treatment. In comparison to traditional charcoal, this activated carbon presents numerous advantages. Notably, it can integrate into the biomass energy cycle, improve filtration capabilities, and result in cost savings.
Electrical and mechanical response of spin-coated PVDF-TrFE formed from MIBK and DMSO solvents under external excitations
Authors: Riaz Naeem , Wu Nan , Shafai Cyrus 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Flexible polymer piezoelectric materials are of interest in electro-mechanical applications; however, the mechanical and electrical properties of these materials can be affected by their formation. In this study vibrational analysis was performed to explore the mechanical and electrical properties of piezoelectric PVDF-TrFE polymer using external excitations. Frequency response study of cantilever cantilevers was used to explore the natural mechanical response of a flexible KAPTON cantilever coated with PVDF-TrFE of different concentrations, and with different solvent formations. It is found that the mechanical response of the PVDF-TrFE coated KAPTON cantilever has reduced vibration amplitude when a combined Methyl Isobutyl Ketone (MIBK) and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) is used, but it is not affected with only MIBK is used. When using a combined MIBK and DMSO solvent, the 1.25%w/v PVDF-TrFE material was easily mixed, and it possessed a higher piezoelectric electrical response to the MIBK solutions. The piezoelectrical coefficients were also calculated by applying a dynamic force to the cantilevers and found that q31 of cantilever coated with the PVDF formed using the mixture of DMSO and MIBK solution is higher than that formed using MIBK.
Efficient simultaneous removal of diesel particulate matter and hydrocarbons from diesel exhaust gas at low temperatures over Cu–CeO2/Al2O3 coupling with dielectric barrier discharge plasma
Authors: REN 任 Baoyong 保勇 , FANG 方 Shiyu 世玉 , ZHANG 张 Tiantian 甜甜 , SUN 孙 Yan 燕 , GAO 高 Erhao 尔豪 , LI 李 Jing 晶 , WU 吴 Zuliang 祖良 , ZHU 朱 Jiali 佳丽 , WANG 王 Wei 伟 , YAO 姚 Shuiliang 水良 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Diesel particulate matter (DPM) and hydrocarbons (HCs) emitted from diesel engines have a negative affect on air quality and human health. Catalysts for oxidative removal of DPM and HCs are currently used universally but their low removal efficiency at low temperatures is a problem. In this study, Cu-doped CeO2 loaded on Al2O3 coupled with plasma was used to enhance low-temperature oxidation of DPM and HCs. Removals of DPM and HCs at 200 °C using the catalyst were as high as 90% with plasma but below 30% without plasma. Operando plasma diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy coupled with mass spectrometry was conducted to reveal the functional mechanism of the oxygen species in the DPM oxidation process. It was found that Cu–CeO2 can promote the formation of adsorbed oxygen (

–

) and terminal oxygen (M=O), which can react with DPM to form carbonates that are easily converted to gaseous CO2. Our results provide a practical plasma catalysis technology to obtain simultaneous removals of DPM and HCs at low temperatures.
Rail industry knowledge, experience and perceptions on the use of nature-based solutions as climate change adaptation measures in Australia and the United Kingdom
Authors: Blackwood Lorraine , Renaud Fabrice G , Gillespie Steven 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) have been identified as sustainable adaptation measures which could be applied to rail infrastructure in response to the impacts of climate change whilst also providing highly valued co-benefits. To date, however, only a limited number of examples of their use have been found in rail, and there has been little investigation into barriers to their uptake. We use an online questionnaire to examine rail industry professionals’ knowledge, experience and thoughts in relation to perceived and/or actual obstacles to the use of NbS as climate change adaptation (CCA) measures for railways, and establish what could aid their wider implementation. This research confirms multiple examples of NbS being used in rail which are not included in the literature, and identifies a lack of awareness of NbS as the largest perceived barrier to their uptake. Education on and promotion of NbS in the industry will therefore be key to its successful widespread deployment. Policy, standards, and client specification were viewed as the best vehicles to enable greater NbS uptake; rail NbS case studies are therefore recommended as means of gathering robust evidence and examples to inform the development of these instruments. Demonstration sites could be used to inform rail stakeholders and communities to garner wider support for the concept. These may also be valuable to the work of researchers and practitioners investigating the wider development and deployment of NbS as sustainable CCA measures across wider (non-rail) sectors and scenarios.
The symmetry regained
Authors: Lo Tien-Chun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Collin (2022) attempts to break the symmetry between the modal ontological argument for the existence of God and the reverse modal ontological argument against the existence of God by drawing on some Kripkean lessons about a posteriori necessity. He argues that there is an undercutting defeater for taking God’s non-existence to be possible. In this paper, I reply that taking the Kripkean considerations about a posteriori necessity into account does not help break the symmetry. For we can argue in a similar way that there is an undercutting defeater for taking God’s existence to be possible.
Test–Retest Reliability of Common Behavioral Decision-Making Tasks: A Multi-Sample, Repeated Measures Study
Authors: Buelow Melissa T , Kowalsky Jennifer M , Okdie Bradley M 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Decision-making is responsible for the best and worst of human nature. The field of decision science has done much to elucidate the psychological process of decision-making, variables that affect decision-making, and outcomes of disadvantageous decision-making. However, understanding any psychological process requires creation of reliable measures. Few studies focus on the test–retest reliability of behavioral decision-making tasks despite their utility in repeated assessment batteries.

Method
The present study examined the extent to which common behavioral decision-making tasks are reliable across time. Across two samples and two time points, participants completed multiple decision-making assessments.

Results
Results revealed moderate at best evidence of test–retest reliability across a 10-week interval in any of the tasks assessed.

Conclusions
These findings raise large questions for the field of behavioral decision-making and the utility for tasks to track changes in decision-making across time in clinical populations.
Does the Surgical Margin Affect Sexual Function Following Linear Labiaplasty Technique?
Authors: Dogan Ozan , Ucar Elif , Yassa Murat 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
How much labial tissue should be left after labiaplasty is a controversial issue.

Objectives
The objective was to investigate the effect of residual labial tissue following labiaplasty operations on sexual function.

Methods
A total of 150 females who underwent labiaplasty between 2019 and 2021 and their partners were included in the study. In this retrospective study, linear labiaplasty technique was applied according to the patient's request. Patients were either below 1 cm or above 1 cm according to the remaining labial width at follow-up. The remaining labial tissues were classified according to the Motakef classification. Patients with a labial width above 1 cm were included in Group 1, and patients with a labial width below 1 cm were included in Group 2. Sexual function, sexual experience, body image, and erectile function of their partners were compared preoperatively and 2 years postoperatively with appropriate questionnaires.

Results
Sexual function, sexual experience, and body image of females improved in all patients. However, the improvement was more apparent with with remaining labial tissue of greater than 1 cm. The increase in the survey results of the partners was found to be similar.

Conclusions
The sexual function of the patients was better when the width of the labium was longer than 1 cm. This may be due to better protection of the neurovascular structures. This favorable effect was also seen in the subjective evaluation of the partners.

Level of Evidence: 3
Clustering malignant cell states using universally variable genes
Authors: Yoon Sang-Ho , Nam Jin-Wu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revealed important insights into the heterogeneity of malignant cells. However, sample-specific genomic alterations often confound such analysis, resulting in patient-specific clusters that are difficult to interpret. Here, we present a novel approach to address the issue. By normalizing gene expression variances to identify universally variable genes (UVGs), we were able to reduce the formation of sample-specific clusters and identify underlying molecular hallmarks in malignant cells. In contrast to highly variable genes vulnerable to a specific sample bias, UVGs led to better detection of clusters corresponding to distinct malignant cell states. Our results demonstrate the utility of this approach for analyzing scRNA-seq data and suggest avenues for further exploration of malignant cell heterogeneity.
Applying a novel kinomics approach to study decidualization and the effects of antigestagens using a canine model
Authors: De Geyter Isabelle , Kowalewski Mariusz P , Tavares Pereira Miguel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Maternal decidual cells are crucial for the maintenance of canine pregnancy as they are the only cells expressing the nuclear progesterone (P4) receptor (PGR) in the placenta. Interfering with P4/PGR signaling adversely affects decidual cells and terminates pregnancy. Although immortalized dog uterine stromal (DUS) cells can be decidualized in vitro using cAMP, the involvement of cAMP-dependent kinases in canine decidualization had not been investigated. Therefore, the present project investigated changes in the kinome of DUS cells following in vitro decidualization, using the serine/threonine kinase (STK) PamChip assay (PamGene). Decidualization led to a predicted activation of 85 STKs in DUS cells, including protein kinase (PK) A, PKC, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and other mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CAMKs), and Akt1/2. In addition, blocking PGR with type 2 antigestagens (aglepristone or mifepristone) decreased the activity of virtually all kinases modulated by decidualization. The underlying transcriptional effects were inferred from comparison with available transcriptomic data on antigestagen-mediated effects in DUS cells. In targeted studies, interfering with PKA or MAPK kinase (MEK)1/2 resulted in downregulation of important decidualization markers (e.g., insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), prostaglandin E2 synthase (PTGES), prolactin receptor (PRLR), PGR, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2/COX2)). Conversely, blocking of PKC decreased the mRNA availability of IGF1, PGR, and PTGS2, but not of PTGES and PRLR. Moreover, suppressing PKA decreased the phosphorylation of the transcription factors cJUN and CREB, whereas blocking of PKC affected only cJUN. This first kinomics analysis to target decidualization showed an increased activity of a wide range of STKs, which could be hindered by disrupting P4/PGR signaling. Decidualization appears to be regulated in a kinase-dependent manner, with PKA and PKC evoking different effects.
Drought experiments need to incorporate atmospheric drying to better simulate climate change
Authors: Wright Alexandra J , Collins Scott L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Climate models predict more frequent, prolonged, and extreme droughts in the future. Therefore, drought experiments varying in amount and duration across a range of biogeographical scenarios provide a powerful tool for estimating how drought will affect future ecosystems. Past experimental work has been focused on the manipulation of meteorological drought: Rainout shelters are used to reduce precipitation inputs into the soil. This work has been instrumental in our ability to predict the expected effects of altered rainfall. But what about the nonrainfall components of drought? We review recent literature on the co-occurring and sometimes divergent impacts of atmospheric drying and meteorological drying. We discuss how manipulating meteorological drought or rainfall alone may not predict future changes in plant productivity, composition, or species interactions that result from climate change induced droughts. We make recommendations for how to improve these experiments using manipulations of relative humidity.
The new missense G376V-TDP-43 variant induces late-onset distal myopathy but not amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Zibold Julia , Lessard Lola E R , Picard Flavien , da Silva Lara Gruijs , Zadorozhna Yelyzaveta , Streichenberger Nathalie , Belotti Edwige , Osseni Alexis , Emerit Andréa , Errazuriz-Cerda Elisabeth , Michel-Calemard Laurence , Menassa Rita , Coudert Laurent , Wiessner Manuela , Stucka Rolf , Klopstock Thomas , Simonetti Francesca , Hutten Saskia , Nonaka Takashi , Hasegawa Masato , Strom Tim M , Bernard Emilien , Ollagnon Elisabeth , Urtizberea Andoni , Dormann Dorothee , Petiot Philippe , Schaeffer Laurent , Senderek Jan , Leblanc Pascal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
TAR DNA binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43)-positive inclusions in neurons are a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases including familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (fALS) caused by pathogenic TARDBP variants as well as more common non-Mendelian sporadic ALS (sALS). Here we report a G376V-TDP-43 missense variant in the C-terminal prion-like domain of the protein in two French families affected by an autosomal dominant myopathy but not fulfilling diagnostic criteria for ALS.
Patients from both families presented with progressive weakness and atrophy of distal muscles, starting in their fifth to seventh decade. Muscle biopsies revealed a degenerative myopathy characterized by accumulation of rimmed (autophagic) vacuoles, disruption of sarcomere integrity and severe myofibrillar disorganization. The G376V variant altered a highly conserved amino acid residue and was absent in databases on human genome variation. Variant pathogenicity was supported by in silico analyses and functional studies.
The G376V mutant increased the formation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 condensates in cell culture models, promoted assembly into high molecular weight oligomers and aggregates in vitro, and altered morphology of TDP-43 condensates arising from phase separation. Moreover, the variant led to the formation of cytoplasmic TDP-43 condensates in patient-derived myoblasts and induced abnormal mRNA splicing in patient muscle tissue.
The identification of individuals with TDP-43-related myopathy, but not ALS, implies that TARDBP missense variants may have more pleiotropic effects than previously anticipated and support a primary role for TDP-43 in skeletal muscle pathophysiology. We propose to include TARDBP screening in the genetic work-up of patients with late-onset distal myopathy. Further research is warranted to examine the precise pathogenic mechanisms of TARDBP variants causing either a neurodegenerative or myopathic phenotype.
PAK2 is necessary for myelination in the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Hu Bo , Moiseev Daniel , Schena Isabella , Faezov Bulat , Dunbrack Roland , Chernoff Jonathan , Li Jun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Myelination enables electrical impulses to propagate on axons at the highest speed, encoding essential life functions. The Rho family GTPases, RAC1 and CDC42, have been shown to critically regulate Schwann cell myelination. P21-activated kinase 2 (PAK2) is an effector of RAC1/CDC42, but its specific role in myelination remains undetermined. We produced a Schwann cell-specific knockout mouse of Pak2 (scPak2−/−) to evaluate PAK2’s role in myelination.
Deletion of Pak2, specifically in mouse Schwann cells, resulted in severe hypomyelination, slowed nerve conduction velocity and behaviour dysfunctions in the scPak2−/− peripheral nerve. Many Schwann cells in scPak2−/− sciatic nerves were arrested at the stage of axonal sorting. These abnormalities were rescued by reintroducing Pak2, but not the kinase-dead mutation of Pak2, via lentivirus delivery to scPak2−/− Schwann cells in vivo. Moreover, ablation of Pak2 in Schwann cells blocked the promyelinating effect driven by neuregulin-1, prion protein and inactivated RAC1/CDC42. Conversely, the ablation of Pak2 in neurons exhibited no phenotype. Such PAK2 activity can also be either enhanced or inhibited by different myelin lipids.
We have identified a novel promyelinating factor, PAK2, that acts as a critical convergence point for multiple promyelinating signalling pathways. The promyelination by PAK2 is Schwann cell-autonomous. Myelin lipids, identified as inhibitors or activators of PAK2, may be utilized to develop therapies for repairing abnormal myelin in peripheral neuropathies.
‘Dance against the void’: Derek Jarman, dance, queer classical receptions
Authors: Bell Marcus 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article considers three moments from the beginning, middle and end of Derek Jarman’s artistic career: Lindsay Kemp’s opening dance in Sebastiane (1976), Jarman’s words on a performance by Michael Clark in the 1980s, and Jarman’s last film Blue (1993), while holding onto the affective registers of his final diary entry (1994). Considering the ways in which Jarman indexed the ephemeral myth-making processes of queer life and art, the author develops a new kinetic-temporal methodology for exploring reception based on the fleeting queer modalities of dance. As such this article makes a series of important connections between classical reception studies, queer theory, critical theory, and dance studies. It argues that, despite the fleeting, erotic, and partial engagements with the past offered by Jarman — which challenge ideas of fixity or lineage — an identification nevertheless emerges with the hierarchies of white supremacist imperialism.
Measuring speech intelligibility with deaf and hard-of-hearing children: A systematic review
Authors: Stefánsdóttir Harpa , Crowe Kathryn , Magnússon Egill , Guiberson Mark , Másdóttir Thora , Ágústsdóttir Inga , Baldursdóttir Ösp V 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There is great variability in the ways in which the speech intelligibility of d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children who use spoken language as part, or all, of their communication system is measured. This systematic review examined the measures and methods that have been used when examining the speech intelligibility of children who are DHH and the characteristics of these measures and methods. A systematic database search was conducted of CENTRAL; CINAHL; Cochrane; ERIC; Joanna Briggs; Linguistics, Language and Behavior Abstracts; Medline; Scopus; and Web of Science databases, as well as supplemental searches. A total of 204 included studies reported the use of many different measures/methods which measured segmental aspects of speech, with the most common being Allen et al.’s (2001, The reliability of a rating scale for measuring speech intelligibility following pediatric cochlear implantation. Otology and Neurotology, 22(5), 631-633. https://doi.org/10.1097/00129492-200109000-00012) Speech Intelligibility Rating scale. Many studies included insufficient details to determine the measure that was used. Future research should utilize methods/measures with known psychometric validity, provide clear descriptions of the methods/measures used, and consider using more than one measure to account for limitations inherent in different methods of measuring the speech intelligibility of children who are DHH, and consider and discuss the rationale for the measure/method chosen.
Leftover liquids and the moisture of mourning: the oozes of Ocean Vuong’s oeuvre
Authors: Vu Minh Huynh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This article tracks the moisture that spills across Ocean Vuong’s poetry and prose. Whereas the oceanic serves as the spectacular site across which Vietnamese refugees are rescued and rehabilitated through the scripts of US humanitarianism, moisture – as an ambient material and process – coagulates a queer, minor mode of refugee mourning and melancholia in the ongoing aftermath of the War in Vietnam. Pooling together these leftover liquids – sweat, mud, blood, amniotic fluid, semen, and urine – this study considers how the literary and chemical properties of humidity can alter extant epistemic configurations of war: not as an exceptional event, but instead as an everyday surround that continues to be weathered.