Search Results (113)

The adrenal medulla and organs of Zuckerkandl consist of chromaffin cells that produce, store, and secrete catecholamines. In humans, the adrenal medulla is known to function throughout postnatal life, while the organs of Zuckerkandl degenerate by 2–3 years of postnatal life. Although the history of investigation of chromaffin cells goes back more than a century, little is known about the reciprocal organogenesis of the adrenal glands and organs of Zuckerkandl during human fetal development. In the current study, we compared these two organs using serial sectioning, routine histological staining, and immunohistochemical reactions in human embryos, prefetuses, and fetuses from 8 to 26 gestational weeks. In our study, we used antibodies for tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, and phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, which are enzymes of catecholamine synthesis, β-III tubulin, and S100. We found two morphological cell types (large and small) in the developing ganglia, organs of Zuckerkandl, and adrenal medulla, and two migration patterns of large cells and small cells. The immunohistochemical characteristics of these cells were determined. We revealed that the number of small cells increased significantly at the ages from 16 to 21–22 gestational weeks, followed by a decrease at 22.5–26 gestational weeks. The presence of two large cell subpopulations was suggested—those that migrate primarily from organs of the Zuckerkandl region and those that differentiate later from the small cells. We also determined that 12 gestational weeks was the age of the first appearance of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase reactivity in developing chromaffin cells, temporally correlating with synaptogenesis events. This is important data in the light of the controversial glucocorticoid theory of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase induction in humans. Full article

Background: Tobacco use is disproportionately high in rural areas, contributing to elevated cancer mortality, yet it often goes untreated due to limited access to care, high poverty and uninsured rates, and co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs). This study explored the utility of using rapid qualitative analysis (RQA) to guide the adaptation of a tobacco-free workplace program (TFWP) in Texas healthcare centers serving adults with SUDs in medically underserved areas. Methods: From September–December 2023 and May–July 2024, we conducted 11 pre-implementation, virtual semi-structured group interviews focused on adapting the TFWP to local contexts (N = 69); 7 with providers (n = 34) and managers (n = 12) and 4 with patients (n = 23) in 6 healthcare centers. Two qualified analysts independently summarized transcripts, using RQA templates of key domains drawn from interview guides to summarize and organize data in matrices, enabling systematic comparison. Results: The main themes identified were minimal organizational tobacco cessation support and practices, and attitudinal barriers, as follows: (1) the need for program materials tailored to local populations; (2) limited tobacco cessation practices and partial policies—staff requested guidance on enhancing tobacco screenings and cessation delivery, and integrating new interventions; (3) contradictory views on treating tobacco use that can inhibit implementation (e.g., wanting to quit yet anxious that quitting would cause SUD relapse); and (4) inadequate environmental supports—staff requested treating tobacco-use training, patients group cessation counseling; both requested nicotine replacement therapy. Conclusions: RQA identified key areas requiring capacity development through participants’ willingness to adopt the following adaptations: program content (e.g., trainings and tailored educational materials), delivery methods/systems (e.g., adopting additional tobacco care interventions) and implementation strategies (e.g., integrating tobacco cessation practices into routine care) critical to optimizing TFWP fit and implementation. The study findings can inform timely formative evaluation processes to design and tailor similar intervention efforts by addressing site-specific needs and implementation barriers to enhance program uptake. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for rapid, cost-effective tools to monitor transmission and immune response. We developed two novel paper-based colorimetric biosensors using glutaraldehyde as a protein dye—its first use in this context. Glutaraldehyde reacts with amino groups to generate a brown color, enabling detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Wathman filter paper was functionalized with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) to immobilize virus-like particles (VLPs) and nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) as biorecognition elements. Upon incubation with antibody-containing samples, glutaraldehyde enabled colorimetric detection using RGB analysis in ImageJ software. Both sensors showed a linear correlation between antibody concentration and RGB values in buffer and serum. The VLP sensor responded linearly within the range of 1.0–20 µg/mL (green coordinate) in 500-fold diluted serum and the N-protein sensor from 1.0–40 µg/mL (blue coordinate) in 250-fold diluted serum. Both sensors demonstrated good selectivity, with glucose causing up to 18% interference. These biosensors represent a paradigm shift, as they provide a sensitive, user-friendly, and cost-effective option for semi-quantitative serological analysis. Furthermore, their versatility goes beyond the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and suggests broader applicability for various molecular targets. Full article

The use of steel-concrete composite slim-floor beams with dowel shear connectors is uncommon, and the design rules provided in Eurocode 4 for composite construction are not directly applicable to the slim-floor composite beam. In this paper, a finite element model is developed, followed by a parametric study that examines the effects of various shear connector parameters on the structural behaviour of composite beams. The comparison and analysis show that the load-bearing capacity increases with a bigger concrete dowel, as long as the shear connection degree is less than 100% and the dowel diameter is not greater than 80 mm; the load-bearing capacity goes up about 5–10% for every 10 N/mm² increase in concrete strength and about 2% for every 4 mm increase in rebar diameter in the dowel; also, the dowel central spacing has a big impact on the structural behaviour. The composite beams showed great flexibility, with the end slip at the highest load being more than 6 mm and the maximum load declining by less than 15% when the midspan deflection reached L/30. The proposed calculation method for bending moment resistance is more than 90% accurate for composite beams that have a shear connection degree greater than 40%. The findings from this research provided more profound insights into the behaviour of this type of slim-floor composite beam. Full article

The ongoing biodiversity crisis, driven by human activities, threatens ecosystems and public health. Understanding how different demographic groups perceive biodiversity change is key to effective conservation strategies. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of German-speaking participants (n = 899, 62.2% female) to assess biodiversity perception. Respondents reported declines in familiar species like fish and birds, but perceived microbial diversity as increasing. As for age-related differences, younger participants were generally less likely to recognize biodiversity change. However, this pattern did not hold uniformly across all age groups. No significant gender differences were observed. The well-established concept of shifting baseline syndrome shows how each generation tends to underestimate long-term ecological change. Our findings suggest a more complex pattern. We introduce the novel idea of a drifting baseline syndrome, in which biodiversity perceptions shift both downward and upward over time. This dynamic process goes beyond generational change alone. By bridging the gap between long-term and short-term perception shifts, the concept helps to deepen our understanding of how environmental change is perceived and remembered. Intergenerational dialogue and education can help address drifting baselines. These approaches may bridge perception gaps, encourage sustainable behaviors, and strengthen conservation efforts, ultimately benefiting both ecosystems and human well-being. Full article

This study employs Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate interactions between water molecules and Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM). DFT reveals preferential water binding sites, with enhanced binding energy observed in the linker zone. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and electron localization function (ELF) analyses highlight the roles of hydrogen bonding and steric hindrance. MD simulations unveil temperature-dependent hydration dynamics, with structural transitions marked by changes in the radius of gyration (Rg) and the radial distribution function (RDF), aligning with DFT findings. Our work goes beyond prior studies by combining a DFT, QTAIM and MD simulations approach across different PNIPAM monomer-to-30mer structures. It introduces a systematic quantification of pseudo-saturation thresholds and explores water clustering dynamics with structural specificity, which have not been previously reported in the literature. These novel insights establish a more complete molecular-level picture of PNIPAM hydration behavior and temperature responsiveness, emphasizing the importance of amide hydrogen and carbonyl oxygen sites in hydrogen bonding, which weakens above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), resulting in increased hydrophobicity and paving the way for understanding water sorption mechanisms, offering guidance for future applications such as dehumidification and atmospheric water harvesting. Full article

China currently faces critical climatic conditions, with persistent global warming trends and extreme heat waves across the northern hemisphere. To explore the predictive trajectory of regional extreme high temperature influenced by groundwater over-exploitation, the SGMC(1,N) was established. Additionally, the SGMC(1,N) model was validated using 2019–2023 observational data from the world’s largest groundwater depression cone. The results demonstrate superior performance, with the model achieving a MAPE of 1.97% compared to benchmark models. Scenario simulations with annual groundwater reduction rates (−15%, −20%, −25%) successfully project extreme heat evolution for 2024–2028. When the decline rate of annual groundwater over-exploitation is set at −20%, a 6.66 °C temperature reduction from baseline by 2028 is projected. Stable decline trends emerge when GOE reduction exceeds 20%. To mitigate regional extreme heat, implementing phased groundwater extraction quotas and total extraction cap regulations is recommended. Full article

We compare enhancements of mesospheric volume mixing ratios of hydroperoxyl radical ${\mathrm{HO}}_2$ and nitric acid ${\mathrm{HNO}}_3$, as well as ozone depletion in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) polar night regions during energetic particle precipitation (EPP) in January of 2005 and 2012. We utilize mesospheric observations of ${\mathrm{HO}}_2$, ${\mathrm{HNO}}_3$, and ozone from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS/Aura). During the second half of January 2005 and 2012, the GOES satellite identified strong solar proton events with virtually the same proton flux parameters. Geomagnetic disturbances in January of 2005 were stronger, with Dst decreasing up to 100 nT compared to January 2012 while the Dst drop did not exceed 70 nT. Comparison of observations made with the MLS/Aura shows the highest change of ${\mathrm{HO}}_2$ and ${\mathrm{HNO}}_3$ concentrations and also the deepest ozone destruction at the latitudinal range from ${60}^{\circ }$ NH to ${80}^{\circ }$ NH inside the north polar vortex right after the spike in energetic particle flux registered by GOES satellites. MLS/Aura observations show ${\mathrm{HNO}}_3$ maximum enhancements of about 1.90 ppb and 1.66 ppb around 0.5 hPa (about 55 km) in January 2005 and January 2012, respectively. The ${\mathrm{HO}}_x$ increases lead to short-term ozone destruction in the mesosphere, which is seen in MLS/Aura ozone data. The maximum ${\mathrm{HO}}_2$ enhancement is about 1.05 ppb and 1.62 ppb around 0.046 hPa (about 70 km) after the onset of EPP in the second half of January 2005 and January 2012, respectively. Ozone maximum depletion is observed around 0.02 hPa (about 75 km). Ozone recovery after EPP was much faster in January 2005 than in January 2012. Full article

Dekker’s algorithm for mutual exclusion of two processes is the well-known first developed correct solution based only on software mechanisms. The algorithm served as the starting point for researchers to create subsequent safe solutions both for two and N > 2 processes. In recent years, Dekker proposed a generalization of his mutual exclusion algorithm for N > 2 processes (here referred to as Dekker-N). To the best of our knowledge, Dekker-N correctness was only proven by the author using informal arguments. This paper’s original contribution consists of formal modeling and verification of Dekker-N using an approach based on timed automata (TA) and the Uppaal model checker. The Dekker-N model is checked under atomic registers and also in cases where non-atomic registers are used. This paper first demonstrates that Dekker-N is correct and fair with atomic registers and effectively ensures bounded waiting for competing processes through a linear overtaking. Unfortunately, the algorithm becomes incorrect when non-atomic registers are used. The adopted formal approach, though, allowed us to prove that by making just one single common variable safe, Dekker-N turns out to be fully correct and fair with non-atomic registers as well. The paper presents the TA-based formal approach and goes on by presenting models of Dekker-N and by verifying all its mutual-exclusion properties. Full article

The effect of the presence of guar gum (0–0.75 wt%) in a thermo-responsive triple-network (TN) PVA/TA/PVA-MA-g-PNIPAAm hydrogel (PVA: polyvinyl alcohol; MA: methacrylate, PNIPAAm: poly-N-isopropyl acryl amide; TA: tannic acid) with respect to the structural, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties was mapped. A comprehensive analysis, using large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS), SEM imaging, XRD, and mechanical analysis revealed that guar enhances hydrogel crystallinity (up to 30% at 0.75 wt%), which goes along with a strain hardening. The hydrogel achieved superior mechanical performance at a gum concentration of 0.5 wt% with a 40% increase in shear-thickening, an enhanced strain tolerance in nonlinear regimes, and a good mechanical robustness (maximum elongation to break of 500% and stress of 620 kPa). The hydrogel with 0.5 wt% guar exhibited also a good thermal response (equilibrium swelling ratio changed from 8.4 at 5 °C to 2.5 at 50 °C) and an excellent thermal cycling dimensional stability. Higher guar concentrations reduce structural resilience, leading to brittle hydrogels with lower extensibility and viscoelastic stability. Full article

Background/Objectives: The published report of the MARS2 trial suggested that the addition of extended pleurectomy/decortication to chemotherapy for pleural mesothelioma was harmful. Thus, the report goes on, all disease should be considered as unresectable and no further mesothelioma surgery for survival benefit should be considered. This statement has changed clinical practice in the UK; however, the design of the MARS2 trial has several limitations which should prevent its conclusions being over interpreted. These limitations include the following: the inclusion of too many patients who would fall outside contemporary selection criteria including age, co-morbidity and histology; the unnecessary resection of too much tissue, particularly the diaphragm, and operating on patients too late in the disease process due to less than rigorous staging. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the selection and outcome of data of 79 of the 158 (50%) patients who underwent surgery in the surgical arm of the MARS2 study who were operated by the authors in four of the five trial surgical centres. We revised the clinical staging of these patients by applying the criteria in the forthcoming 9th TNM edition including the measurement of pleural thickness. Results: Based on reported guidelines, the selection for surgery was reset as stage I or II epithelioid PM. We found that 52 (66%) of these patients (group A) would not have been considered for surgery using contemporary selection criteria for the following reasons: non-epithelioid PM in 5; cT/4 in 35; cT2N1 in 10 and 2 cT2N0 (pN1), which would have been detected on preoperative mediastinal biopsy. Of the 27 (34%) trial patients fulfilling current criteria (group B), 12 were cT1N0, 1 was cT1N1, 6 were cT1N0pN1 and 8 were cT2N0, all with epithelioid PM. The median survival of group B was 32 (1–72) months, which was significantly higher than in group A: 8.5 (1–55) months, p < 0.0005 (Mann–Whitney). Conclusions: As contemporary selection criteria were not applied in MARS2, its conclusions cannot be universally applied to all those with PM. Together with the favourable postoperative survival in this selected group, we suggest that there is still scope for a further trial of surgery in early-stage epithelioid mesothelioma. Full article

On 25 February 2014 at around 00:39 UT, a major solar flare (code: SOL2014-02-25T00:39) erupted at sunspot region AR11990. Using the updated science quality data of GOES-15, it has been classified as an X7.13 solar flare. This gave rise to the electron density changes that affected the strengths of ionospheric electric currents. In this work, the difference in total electron content (TEC), between the TEC during a flare day and a quiet, fitted TEC, $\Delta \mathrm{T}\mathrm{E}\mathrm{C}$, and rate of change of TEC, $dTEC/dt$, are determined to observe electron density changes due to the solar flare over a low-latitude region. These stations are at Quezon City (PIMO) and Taguig City (PTAG). Also, responses in the geomagnetic field component, $\Delta H$, are calculated along with the variations in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) strength. These are observed at equatorial, Davao (DAV) and Cagayan de Oro (CDO), and off-equatorial, Muntinlupa (MUT) and Legazpi (LGZ), stations. The resulting $\Delta \mathrm{T}\mathrm{E}\mathrm{C}$ values were 1.17–1.97 TECU while $dTEC/dt$ maxima were 0.29–0.48 TECU/min. The $dTEC/dt$ maxima were found to concur with the time the solar EUV reached peak intensity at 00:45 UT, 4 min before the flare (i.e., X-ray) peaked. Furthermore, the $\Delta H$ variations exhibited larger enhancements at the equatorial stations. These are mostly attributed to the EEJ contributing to the geomagnetic field variations. The amplification experienced by the EEJ due to the increased ionospheric conductivity is then reflected in the geomagnetic responses. For the CDO-LGZ stations, the EEJ strength reached ~37 nT, while for the DAV-MUT, this was ~60 nT. Full article

Six N^C^N cyclometalated Ni(II) complexes [Ni(N^C^N)Cl] or [Ni(N^C^N’)Br] with symmetric N^C^N or non-symmetric N^C^N’ ligands in which the peripheral N-groups were varied with pyridine (Py), 4-thiazole (4Tz), 2-thiazole (2Tz), and 2-benzothiazole (2Btz) complementing the previously reported complexes with di(2-pyridyl)phenide ligands [Ni(Py(Ph)Py)X] X = Cl or Br. The non-symmetric [Ni(N^C^N’)Br] complexes were synthesized from NiBr₂ and N^CH^N’ protoligands through base-assisted nickelation, while the symmetric [Ni(N^C^N)Cl] complexes were received from the N^C(Cl)^N protoligands and [Ni(COD)₂] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). Introduction of 4Tz on both sides shifted the electrochemical gap ΔE_exp = E_ox–E_red and the long wavelength UV-vis absorption maxima of the complexes to higher energies, while 2Tz leads to a shift to lower energies. When introducing only one 4Tz or 2Tz as peripheral groups, the remaining PhPy moiety dominates the electronic properties and electrochemistry and photophysics are very similar to the Py(Ph)Py derivatives. In contrast to this, introduction of 2Btz shifts both values to lower energies, regardless of one or two 2Btz groups and the 2Btz moiety dominates the character of the frontier molecular orbitals of the complexes, as DFT calculations show. Long-wavelength UV-vis absorptions vary from 416 to 443 nm, and their energies correlate well with the first reduction potentials. Negishi-type C–C cross-coupling reactions gave total yields ranging from 1 to 60% and cross-coupling yields from 1 to 44%. The reactivities correlate roughly with the first reduction potentials. Facilitated reduction (E around –2 or higher) goes generally along with improved performance, making the thiazole-containing complexes interesting candidates for such catalysis. Full article

The integration, miniaturization, and high frequency of microwave vacuum electronics put forward higher requirements for heat-conducting and wave-absorbing integrated materials. However, these materials must balance the dispersion and isolation of wave-absorbing components to optimize absorption while maintaining the continuity of thermal conductivity pathways with low defect rates and minimal interfaces. This presents a significant challenge in achieving both high thermal conductivity and efficient wave absorption simultaneously. Here, AlN/FeNi microwave-attenuating ceramics were synthesized via non–pressure sintering in a nitrogen atmosphere. The influence of FeNi content (0–20 wt%) on the density, phase composition, microstructure, microwave-absorption properties and thermal conductivity of the composites was investigated. AlN/FeNi composites consist primarily of an AlN phase with FeNi_0.0578, Fe, AlYO₃, and Al₅Y₃O₁₂ as secondary phases, and the microstructure is uniform and dense. As the FeNi content rises from 0 to 20 wt%, the density of the composites sintered at 1800 °C × 2 h increases from 3.3 to 3.7 g/cm³. Their X-band (2–18 GHz) dielectric constant goes up from 6.5 to 8.5, the dielectric loss factor rises from 0.1 to 0.9, and thermal conductivity diminishes from 130 to 123 W/m·K. Upon reaching an FeNi content of 20 wt%, the composite achieves a minimum reflection loss of −39.1 dB at 9.5 GHz, with over 90% absorption across an effective absorption bandwidth covering 2.5 GHz. It exhibits excellent impedance matching, electromagnetic wave-attenuation properties, a relative density of 98.6%, and a thermal conductivity of 123 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹. The prepared AlN/FeNi composites, with integrated outstanding microwave-absorption capabilities and thermal conductivity, holds great promise for applications in 5G communications, aerospace, and artificial intelligence. Full article

Sarcopenia is characterized by a degeneration of muscle mass and strength that incurs impaired mobility, posing grievous impacts on the quality of life and well-being of older adults worldwide. In 2018, a new international consensus was formulated to incorporate ultrasound imaging of the rectus femoris (RF) muscle for early sarcopenia assessment. Nonetheless, current clinical RF muscle identification and delineation procedures are manual, subjective, inaccurate, and challenging. Thus, developing an effective AI-empowered RF segmentation model to streamline downstream sarcopenia assessment is highly desirable. Yet, this area of research readily goes unnoticed compared to other disciplines, and relevant research is desperately wanted, especially in comparison among traditional, classic, and cutting-edge segmentation networks. This study evaluated an emerging Automatic Segment Anything Model (AutoSAM) compared to the U-Net and nnU-Net models for RF segmentation on ultrasound images. We prospectively analyzed ultrasound images of 257 older adults (aged > 65) in a community setting from Hong Kong’s District Elderly Community Centers. Three models were developed on a training set (n = 219) and independently evaluated on a testing set (n = 38) in aspects of DICE, Intersection-over-Union, Hausdorff Distance (HD), accuracy, precision, recall, as well as stability. The results indicated that the AutoSAM achieved the best segmentation agreement in all the evaluating metrics, consistently outperforming the U-Net and nnU-Net models. The results offered an effective state-of-the-art RF muscle segmentation tool for sarcopenia assessment in the future. Full article