bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel slag/natural rubber composite as flexible material for protecting workers against radiation hazards
Authors: El-Khatib Ahmed M. , Doma A. S. , Abbas Mahmoud I. , Kashyout Abd El-Hady B. , Zaki Mohamed M. , Saleh Moamen , Alabsy Mahmoud T. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis work is an attempt to employ the electric arc furnace (EAF) slag as a by-product material to develop an alternative and environmentally friendly material for gamma-radiation protection applications such as in medical and industrial areas. For this purpose, different concentrations of micro-sized EAF slag (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 500, and 800 phr) were incorporated as fillers in the natural rubber (NR) matrix to produce the shielding composites. In addition, nano-sized EAF slag particles were prepared by using a high-energy ball milling technique to investigate the effect of particle size on the gamma-radiation shielding properties. The synthesized micro and nano EAF/NR composites were tested as protective materials against gamma-radiation by employing NaI(Tl) scintillation detector and standard radioactive point sources (152Eu, 137Cs, 133Ba, and 60Co). Different shielding parameters such as linear and mass attenuation coefficient, half value layer (HVL), tenth value layer, mean free path, effective atomic number (Zeff), and effective electron density (Neff) were determined to assess the radiation shielding capability of the EAF/NR composites. Furthermore, equivalent atomic number (Zeq) and the exposure buildup factor values for photon energy in the range from 0.015 to 15 MeV were also computed by Geometric Progression method. The experimental results of micro EAF/NR composites showed that at 121.78 keV, EAF0 composite (without EAF slag content) had the lowest μ value of 0.1695 cm−1, while the EAF800 composite (which was loaded with 800 phr of micro EAF slag) had the highest μ value of 0.2939 cm−1 at the same energy, which in turn decreases the HVL from 4.09 to 2.36 cm, respectively. Therefore, increasing the filler weight fractions of EAF slag in the NR matrix, increases the shielding properties of the composites. Moreover, the NR composite reinforced with 800 phr of nano EAF slag has better gamma-radiation shielding efficiency compared to that filled with 800 phr of micro EAF slag. The success of this work was to prepare a flexible, lightweight, low-cost, and lead-free material with better shielding capability.
Investigation of ortho-positronium annihilation for porous materials with different geometries and topologies
Authors: Trung Nguyen Thanh , Duong Nguyen Thuy , Hien Nguyen Quoc , Tap Tran Duy , Thanh Nguyen Duc 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this work, we present the results of the ortho-positronium (o-Ps) annihilation lifetimes and nitrogen adsorption measurements for different porous materials and an approach for describing the annihilation of o-Ps in a pore, which results in a surface-volume formula (SVF) for calculating the pore-related o-Ps lifetime. This proposed formula gives the relationship between the o-Ps annihilation rate and the effective pore radius, bulk composition, and pore structure, including pore geometry and topology. The pore-related o-Ps lifetimes of different materials calculated by the SVF are consistent with experimental results for both micro- and mesopores (and macropores) with different geometries and topologies. The SVF is convenient for calculations of pore dimensions for many cases of metal organic frameworks and zeolites. This approach enables us to fully explain the temperature dependence of the o-Ps annihilation lifetime over a wide temperature range, 20–700 K.
Discovery and multimerization of cross-reactive single-domain antibodies against SARS-like viruses to enhance potency and address emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Hollingsworth Scott A. , Noland Cameron L. , Vroom Karin , Saha Anasuya , Sam Miranda , Gao Qinshan , Zhou Haihong , Grandy David U. , Singh Sujata , Wen Zhiyun , Warren Christopher , Ma Xiaohong Shirley , Malashock Daniel , Galli Jennifer , Go Gwenny , Eddins Michael , Mayhood Todd , Sathiyamoorthy Karthik , Fridman Arthur , Raoufi Fahimeh , Gomez-Llorente Yacob , Patridge Andrea , Tang Yinyan , Chen Shi-Juan , Bailly Marc , Ji Chengjie , Kingsley Laura J. , Cheng Alan C. , Geierstanger Bernhard H. , Gorman Daniel M. , Zhang Lan , Pande Kalyan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractCoronaviruses have been the causative agent of three epidemics and pandemics in the past two decades, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A broadly-neutralizing coronavirus therapeutic is desirable not only to prevent and treat COVID-19, but also to provide protection for high-risk populations against future emergent coronaviruses. As all coronaviruses use spike proteins on the viral surface to enter the host cells, and these spike proteins share sequence and structural homology, we set out to discover cross-reactive biologic agents targeting the spike protein to block viral entry. Through llama immunization campaigns, we have identified single domain antibodies (VHHs) that are cross-reactive against multiple emergent coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS). Importantly, a number of these antibodies show sub-nanomolar potency towards all SARS-like viruses including emergent CoV-2 variants. We identified nine distinct epitopes on the spike protein targeted by these VHHs. Further, by engineering VHHs targeting distinct, conserved epitopes into multi-valent formats, we significantly enhanced their neutralization potencies compared to the corresponding VHH cocktails. We believe this approach is ideally suited to address both emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants during the current pandemic as well as potential future pandemics caused by SARS-like coronaviruses.
Sex-differential association of suicide attempts with thyroid dysfunction in first-episode and drug-naïve young major depressive disorder patients with comorbid anxiety
Authors: Ye Gang , Yuan Ying , Li Zhe , Yue Yan , Wu Yuxuan , Yang Ruchang , Wang Haitao , Wu Siqi , Zhou Yue , Zhao Xueli , Lv Xiaoli , Yuan Nian , Li Ronghua , Zhang Guangya , Du Xiangdong , Zhang Xiangyang 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThis study aimed to explore sex differences in the relationship between thyroid function indicators and suicide attempts in first-episode and drug-naïve young major depressive disorder (MDD) patients with comorbid anxiety (MDA). A total of 917 MDD patients (aged 18–35 years) were recruited. The Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-17), Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA), positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) positive subscale and clinical global impression of severity scale (CGI-S) were used. 467 patients were classified as MDA. The prevalence of suicide attempts was 31.3% in MDA patients, which was significantly higher than that (7.3%) in MDD patients without anxiety. Compared with MDA patients without suicide attempts, MDA patients with suicide attempts were older, had a later age of onset, higher HAMD-17, HAMA, and PANSS positive symptom subscale scores, as well as higher TSH, TgAb and TPOAb levels. For male patients, TSH and TPOAb levels were independently associated with suicide attempts. For female patients, HAMA, PANSS positive symptom scores, CGI-S score and TPOAb levels were independently associated with suicide attempts. Our results suggest that the indicators of thyroid function which can predict suicide attempts in male and female MDA patients have sex differences.
Machine learning approach for predicting electrical features of Schottky structures with graphene and ZnTiO3 nanostructures doped in PVP interfacial layer
Authors: Barkhordari Ali , Mashayekhi Hamid Reza , Amiri Pari , Özçelik Süleyman , Altındal Şemsettin , Azizian-Kalandaragh Yashar 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn this research, for some different Schottky type structures with and without a nanocomposite interfacial layer, the current–voltage (I–V) characteristics have been investigated by using different Machine Learning (ML) algorithms to predict and analyze the structures’ principal electric parameters such as leakage current (I0), barrier height ($${\varphi }_{B0}$$

φ

B
0

), ideality factor (n), series resistance (Rs), shunt resistance (Rsh), rectifying ratio (RR), and interface states density (Nss). The interfacial nanocomposite layer is made by composing polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP), zinc titanate (ZnTiO3), and graphene (Gr) nanostructures. The Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Kernel Ridge Regression (KRR), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) are used as ML algorithms. The ML techniques training data are obtained using the thermionic emission method. Finally, by comparing the experimental and predicted results, the performance of the different ML algorithms in predicting the electrical parameters of Schottky diodes (SDs) has been compared to find the optimized ML algorithm. The ML predictions of basic electrical parameters by almost all algorithms are in good agreement with the actual values, while the SVR model has predicted closer values to the corresponding actual ones. The obtained results show that the quantity of the leakage current and Nss for MS type SD decreases, and φB0 increases with the interfacial layer usage, especially with graphene dopant.
Associations between youth’s daily social media use and well-being are mediated by upward comparisons
Authors: Irmer Andrea , Schmiedek Florian 
Published: August 2023

AbstractStudies examining the associations between social media use and subjective well-being have revealed inconsistent results and mainly refer to the between-person level. We conducted a 14-day diary study among 200 youths ages 10 to 14 to examine within- and between-person associations of social media use (Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube), subjective well-being (positive/negative self-worth, positive/negative affect), and upward social comparisons (general impression of others being better off). Multilevel structural equation models showed that social media use was linked to lower positive and higher negative self-worth on a daily basis, and that upward social comparisons were linked to diminished subjective well-being on all dimensions. Furthermore, our findings were consistent with (partial) mediation of the effect of social media use on subjective well-being by upward social comparisons on the between- and within-person levels. Youths’ feelings that others are better off than themselves may help explain part of the heterogeneity of previous findings.
Surface and optical properties of phase-pure silver iodobismuthate nanocrystals
Authors: Matuhina Anastasia , Grandhi G. Krishnamurthy , Bergonzoni Ashanti , Pedesseau Laurent , Grisorio Roberto , Annurakshita Shambhavee , Ali-Löytty Harri , Varghese Riya , Lahtonen Kimmo , Volonakis George , Pecunia Vincenzo , Bautista Godofredo , Even Jacky , Vivo Paola 
Published: August 2023

Phase-pure and highly crystalline AgBiI4 NCs are synthesized by hot-injection synthesis route. The iodine-rich surface of the NCs enable their impressive long-term environmental and thermal stabilities. This study shines light on the surface-electronic structure relationship for AgBiI4 NCs.
Renal ischemia alters the transcriptomic and epigenetic profile of inflammatory genes in swine scattered tubular-like cells
Authors: Kazeminia Sara , Zhu Xiang Y. , Tang Hui , Jordan Kyra L. , Saadiq Ishran M. , Herrmann Sandra M. , Chade Alejandro R. , Irazabal Maria V. , Lerman Lilach O. , Eirin Alfonso 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Scattered tubular-like cells (STCs) are differentiated renal tubular cells that during recovery from ischemic injury dedifferentiate to repair other injured renal cells. Renal artery stenosis (RAS), often associated with chronic inflammatory injury, compromises the integrity and function of STCs, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We hypothesized that RAS alters the transcriptomic and epigenetic profile of inflammatory genes in swine STCs. Methods: STCs were harvested from pig kidneys after 10 weeks of RAS or sham (n=6 each). STC mRNA profiles of inflammatory genes were analyzed using high-throughput mRNA-sequencing (seq) and their DNA methylation (5mC) and hydroxymethylation (5hmC) profiles by DNA immunoprecipitation and next-generation sequencing (MeDIP-seq) (n=3 each), followed by an integrated (mRNA-seq/MeDIP-seq) analysis. STC protein expression of candidate differentially expressed (DE) genes and common proinflammatory proteins were subsequently assessed in vitro before and after epigenetic (Bobcat339) modulation. Results: mRNA-seq identified 57 inflammatory genes up-regulated in RAS-STCs versus Normal-STCs (&gt;1.4 or &lt;0.7-fold, P&lt;0.05), of which 14% exhibited lower 5mC and 5% higher 5hmC levels in RAS-STCs versus Normal-STCs, respectively. Inflammatory gene and protein expression was higher in RAS-STCs compared with Normal-STCs but normalized after epigenetic modulation. Conclusions: These observations highlight a novel modulatory mechanism of this renal endogenous repair system and support development of epigenetic or anti-inflammatory therapies to preserve the reparative capacity of STCs in individuals with RAS.
Psychosoziale Folgen der Harninkontinenz – tabuisiert und unterversorgt – eine systematische Übersichtsarbeit
Authors: Dräger Desiree Louise , Lackaja Jana , Nolting Julia , Rojas Cruz Cesar , Hake Karsten , Hakenberg Oliver 
Published: August 2023

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Harnkontinenz stellt ein international weitverbreitetes Gesundheitsproblem dar, das sowohl Frauen als auch Männer jeden Alters betreffen kann. Es handelt sich um keine lebensbedrohliche Erkrankung, jedoch können Symptome das physische, psychische und soziale Wohlergehen von Betroffenen stark beeinflussen. Bestehende Literatur berichtet vorwiegend von Inkontinenz im Alter über 65 Jahre, Studien über Belastungen und Auswirkungen von Inkontinenz bei jüngeren Betroffenen sind limitiert. Inkontinenz ist im sozialen Bereich ein Tabuthema, wenige Erkrankte suchen professionelle Hilfe, weil sie Scham empfinden. Manche inkontinente Menschen suchen Unterstützung, wenn Symptome zunehmen und dadurch ihre Lebensqualität weiter sinkt. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es, darzulegen, welche psychosozialen Belastungen und Auswirkungen von Harninkontinenz bei Erwachsenen in der Literatur beschrieben werden und wie Betroffene diese Belastungen erleben.

Methoden Für den Zeitraum 2007–2022 wurde eine systematische Literaturrecherche in den Datenbanken CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews via OvidSP, PsycINFO via OvidSP und PubMed durchgeführt. Zusätzlich zu der Recherche in den Datenbanken erfolgte eine Handsuche über eine Internetsuche sowie über die Referenzlisten der eingeschlossenen und kritisch bewerteten Artikel.

Ergebnisse Inkontinenz beeinflusst das gesamte Leben von Betroffenen. Inkontinente Menschen leiden unter geringem Selbstwert und empfinden Scham. Sie reduzieren körperliche Aktivitäten, verringern soziale Kontakte und erfahren Probleme im Erwerbsleben. Oft führt die Erkrankung zu Beeinträchtigungen in der Partnerschaft und Sexualität. Jüngere Menschen erleben diese Probleme belastender als ältere.

Zusammenfassung Um zur Enttabuisierung von Harninkontinenz beizutragen, sollte bei allen Berufsgruppen im Gesundheitswesen ein verstärktes Bewusstsein über die Lebenssituation von inkontinenten Menschen geschaffen werden. Aufklärung bekommt einen hohen Stellenwert und Strategien zur besseren Unterstützung von Betroffenen sollten entwickelt werden.
Comparison of Sinonasal Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Uni-nostril and Bi-nostril Endoscopic Trans-sphenoidal Excision of Pituitary Adenomas: A Prospective Study
Authors: Vupputuri Hemanth , D'Souza Wilson Prashanth , Ralte Zoremsangi , Malleshappa Vikram , Chacko Ari George , Rupa Vedantam , Rajshekhar Vedantam 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background Prospective studies comparing quality-of-life and olfaction in patients undergoing endoscopic uni-nostril versus bi-nostril trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery have not been published.
Methods We prospectively compared olfaction and quality-of-life at baseline and at 3 to 6 months follow-up using the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12 (ASK-12) questionnaire, composite olfaction score, and Lund–Kennedy Endoscopic Score (LKES) in 43 patients who underwent endoscopic excision of pituitary adenoma with either a uni-nostril (24 patients) or a bi-nostril (19 patients) approach.
Results Baseline data for both groups were comparable. In the uni-nostril group, ASK-12 and LKES scores were not significantly different at follow-up when compared with the preoperative scores. In the bi-nostril group, there was a significant postoperative worsening of ASK-12 scores (mean: 3.2 vs. 5.3; p = 0.04) and the LKES (mean: 2.9 vs. 6.6; p = 0.01). Composite olfaction score was not significantly affected postoperatively with either approach. Nasal complications were also more in the bi-nostril group (5/18, 27.8% vs. 1/23, 4.3%) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.07).
Conclusion Both approaches preserve olfactory function but the uni-nostril approach is associated with better postoperative quality-of-life and endoscopic scores and subjective olfaction outcomes. At least in short term, the postoperative morbidity is higher in the bi-nostril approach compared with the uni-nostril approach. Although preference for a particular approach is related to a surgeon's preference, preoperative counselling of the patients regarding sinonasal morbidity is important.
Nutritional Management in Children and Adolescents with Severe Neurological Impairment—Who Cares? A Web-Based Survey Among Pediatric Specialists in Germany
Authors: Hommel Sara , Lücke T. , Schmidt-Choudhury A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background Nutritional management of children and adolescents with severe neurological impairment (SNI) is challenging. A web-based survey was distributed to identify the present situation and the knowledge of the involved medical professionals in Germany.
Methods The survey was created with LimeSurvey, and access data were distributed by several medical societies. Eighty-three questions covered four topics: “general information,” “gastro- and jejunostomy procedure,” “handling of gastrostomies and feeding tubes,” and “nutritional management and follow-up of children and adolescents with SNI.” A descriptive analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel.
Results A total of 156 participated (65 completed and 91 partially), 27% being pediatric gastroenterologists, 23% pediatric neurologists, and 10% pediatric surgeons. The most common indications for gastrostomy and tube feeding were oropharyngeal dysfunction and failure to thrive. Many patients were still underweight after some months of enteral feeding. The procedure of gastrostomy and handling recommendations varied broadly. Frequently, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and written local guidelines did not exist, and there was a considerable request for training. Only 53% of participants were aware of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition position paper published in 2017, even fewer (38%) followed the guidelines. The recommended measures to assess a nutritional status were often not respected.
Conclusion Nutritional management of children and adolescents with SNI in Germany is still strongly deficient. Despite the international guideline of 2017, few colleagues are aware of and adhere to the recommendations. This could be improved by interdisciplinary teaching and evaluation of the reasons for noncompliance. The procedure of gastrostomy and the patients' follow-up vary widely. Therefore, modified SOPs should be developed.
Analysis of the cylindrical plasma antenna system modes in a wide frequency range
Authors: Wang Hailu , Yao Jingfeng , Astafiev A. M. , Li He-Ping 
Published: August 2023

Plasma antennas have promising prospects for practical use with quick changes in their parameters in a wide frequency range. In this work, the radiation pattern of a plasma antenna system, which consists of a short linear antenna surrounded by fluorescent lamps, is analyzed in a frequency range of 0.5–1.5 GHz. In numerical simulation, the parameters of the gas-discharge plasma were used, which were obtained using the drift theory. In addition, an analysis of the radiation patterns using a simple and intuitive ring antenna array model was carried out, and the limit of its applicability was demonstrated. The experimental data were compared with those of simulation and theoretical analysis. Finally, a simulation was performed to compare the plasma antenna system with its metal counterpart. The results obtained are important for a whole class of nested antenna systems.
Implementation of extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy on a sheared-flow-stabilized Z pinch
Authors: Klemmer A. W. , Fuelling S. , Bauer B. S. , Wurden G. A. , Taylor A. S. , Sutherland D. A. , Shah A. P. , Stepanov A. D. , Levitt B. J. , Nelson B. A. , Weber T. R. , Quinley M. , Shumlak U. 
Published: August 2023

A diagnostic for extreme ultraviolet spectroscopy was fielded on the sheared-flow-stabilized (SFS) fusion Z-pinch experiment (FuZE-Q) for the first time. The spectrometer collected time-gated plasma emission spectra in the 5–40 nm wavelength (30–250 eV) range for impurity identification, radiative power studies, and for plasma temperature and density measurements. The unique implementation of the diagnostic included fast (10 ns risetime) pulsed high voltage electronics and a multi-stage differential pumping system that allowed the vacuum-coupled spectrometer to collect three independently timed spectra per FuZE-Q shot while also protecting sensitive internal components. Analysis of line emission identifies oxygen (N-, C-, B-, Be-, Li-, and He-like O), peaking in intensity shortly after maximum current (&gt;500 kA). This work provides a foundation for future high energy spectroscopy experiments on SFS Z-pinch devices.
Generational populism and the political rise of Robert Kyagulanyi – aka Bobi Wine – in Uganda
Authors: Melchiorre Luke 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT
This article analyses the political rise of the Ugandan opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, arguing that he has a deployed a novel type of generational populism – a mobilising political discourse which frames the struggle between ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’ in generational terms, defining the former in relation to their status as youth, and in antagonistic opposition to an elite, which is depicted as defending a gerontocratic political order. At a theoretical level, the article broadens political science’s conception of populism, by introducing a new subtype of the political phenomenon which demonstrates the importance of intergenerational dynamics in the construction of the discursive categories of ‘the people’ and ‘the elite’. While it argues that Kyagulanyi’s success demonstrates the potential of populism in African countries to electorally challenge incumbent regimes, by helping to build political coalitions across ethno-regional lines, incorporating previously excluded social groups into the political process, it concludes by stressing that Kyagulanyi’s political project has failed to offer any real ideological alternative to the neoliberal orthodoxy that has characterised President Museveni’s Uganda over the last four decades.