This short communication develops an existence result for a general non-linear parabolic equation and related eigenvalue problem. The method of proof comprises a variational approach for establishing a concerning solution existence at each instant of time, related to a model discretized in time. The main difference concerning the previous version, is that we have made some improvements and corrections concerning a heuristic part of the previous proof, presenting now a formal rigourous result.

In this paper, we would like to study the Cauchy problem for linear σ-evolution equations with mixing the parabolic like damping term corresponding to σ 1 ∈ [ 0 , σ / 2 ) and the σ-evolution like damping corresponding to σ 2 ∈ ( σ / 2 , σ ] . The main goals are on the one hand to conclude some estimates for solutions and their derivatives in the L q setting, with any q∈[1 ,∞], by developing the theory of modified Bessel functions effectively to control Fourier multipliers appearing the solution representation formula in a competition between these two kinds of damping. On the other hand, we are going to prove the global (in time) existence of small data Sobolev solutions in the treatment of the corresponding semi-linear equations by applying ( L m ∩ L q ) - L q and L q - L q estimates, with q∈(1 ,∞) and m∈[1 ,q), from the linear models. Thanks to flexible choices of parameters q,m and even suitably required regularities, one recognizes that not only some restrictions for power exponents can be relaxed, but also they allow us to conclude an existence result for global solutions with arbitrarily small regularity in terms of dealing with the semi-linear equations.

In recent years, metal phosphides (MPs) have aroused much concern due to their ideal performance in catalysis. In this work, we design a family of two-dimensional (2D) MPs (M = Co, Ge, and Sn) and investigated their structural, ferroelectric (FE), magnetic and catalytic properties based on first-principles calculations. We find that CoP is stable with multiferroic behaviors, which can be explained by the Pseudo Jahn-Teller distortion (PJTE) mechanism. With electrochemical stability, non-noble CoP realizes the overpotentials of 0.27 and 0.014 V for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and nitrogen monoxide reduction reaction (NORR), respectively. The adsorption of NO is attributed to the concept of “pseudo-inert”. Our work reveals the intrinsic multiferroicity and catalytic performance of 2D CoP, which may provide a guidance on the design of 2D functional materials for multiple applications.

Introduction: Premature infants are at increased risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases, predisposing them to severe infections, such as those caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Palivizumab reduces the severity of RSV infections in high-risk children; however, its relationship with asthma development in premature infants remains unclear. Objective: This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to review the literature and assess whether prophylaxis with palivizumab protects premature infants without congenital heart disease from developing asthma. Results: In total, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, assessing 1,364,238 children; of these, 9,232 received palivizumab. No significant difference in the chance of developing asthma between the groups (odds ratio (OR) of 0.84, 95% CI [0.62 to 1.13], p = 0.1968). Heterogeneity between studies was I 2 = 35.6%. Subgroup analysis for children with a family history of atopy showed no significant reduction in asthma risk (OR 0.78, 95% CI: 0.40–1.55, p = 0.3390). Sensitivity analysis confirmed result robustness. IgE levels were similar between the groups (standardized mean difference [SMD] -0.03 [95% CI: -0.30; 0.23], p = 0.8088). Children who received palivizumab were diagnosed younger (SMD -0.24 [95% CI: -0.38; -0.09], p = 0.0014), with lower gestational age (MD -0.75 [95% CI: -1.61; 0.12], p = 0.0915). Conclusions: Palivizumab prophylaxis does not reduce asthma risk in premature children without congenital heart disease. Its primary benefit lies in preventing severe RSV infections, with no direct impact on asthma developing.

A better understanding of headwater hydrogeology in the semi-arid Andes is critical because high-elevation basins are considered water towers for the main valleys, where there is over-allocated water demand. While international literature generally focuses on the glacier contribution to streamflow, there is little information on the contribution of sparsely glacierized basins and the origins and processes of groundwater generation at high elevations. The Corrales catchment in North-Central Chile contains both glacierized and s parsely sub-basins as well as the highest public borehole in the region, making it suitable to fill such scientific gaps. Geophysical surveys and a pumping test were carried out to obtain information on groundwater flows beneath the Tapado terminal rock glacier and a main tributary of the Elqui river. Radioactive and stable isotopes were used to characterize the hydrological connectivity and the water origins of the headwater basins. Low electromagnetic velocities and resistivities reveal the presence of liquid water beneath the rock glacier, which could be the upper limit of a proglacial aquifer. The downstream valley aquifer appears transmissive and dominated by old waters (several decades) that are a mix of high-glacierized and low-glacierized basins. Additionally, stable isotopes indicate different signatures for high- and low-glacierized basins, which could result from isotope fractionation. These results indicate that water isotopes could be used to discriminate waters originating from high-glacierized and low-glacierized basins. The study identifies also the presence of old waters in the low-glacierized basins, which indicates long term storage, slow release or low turnover times. This finding is important for understanding late season baseflow and streamflow evolution in the context of climate change. As the contribution of such basins to total streamflow is significant, a better understanding of hydrological processes in sparsely glacierized regions is required.

Background: Concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy represent the core treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma; however, the damage caused by this treatment can seriously affect patients’ immune function and quality of life. These effects may lead to treatment interruption, ultimately impacting treatment effectiveness. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed the role of thymosin as an immunomodulatory therapy in improving the immune function and quality of life in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma undergoing concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy between January and December 2023. Among 26 patients (15 men and 11 women, median age 53 years), the pathological type was non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, undifferentiated, with staging ranging from T2N1 to T3N0M0 (stage II–III). All patients underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Among them, 13 patients (the experimental group) received Thymosin therapy during the period of radiotherapy and chemotherapy and within 1 months after the end of treatment. Simultaneously, 13 patients (the control group) were matched and only received concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The radiation-induced oral mucositis, CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, neutrophil count/lymphocyte count (NLR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA, and quality of life (QOL) of these patients was compared between the adjuvant treatment groups before, during, and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Results: At baseline, sex, age, pathological type, stage, CD4+, CD8+, NLR, LDH, EBV DNA, and quality of life scores did not differ significantly between the two groups before treatment. In the experimental group, during the same period of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, 13 patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis were mainly grade 1–2, and only 2 patients developed grade 3. However, all 13 patients in the control group developed grade 3–4 radiation-induced oral mucositis, which was considerably more severe than that in the experimental group. After 1 and 3 months of treatment, the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell counts were markedly higher in patients in the experimental group than those in the control group. Additionally, the experimental group also showed larger decreases in NLR, LDH, and EBV DNA compared with the control group. Moreover, the recovery of quality of life in the experimental group was significantly better than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: These results demonstrated that Thymosin neoadjuvant immunotherapy can improve the adverse side effects of concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and enhance immune function and quality of life of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

A document by Ranjeet Singh Mahla. Click on the document to view its contents.

Apuntes de audio Introducción El sonido es la vibración de un medio elástico, bien sea gaseoso, líquido o sólido. Cuando nos referimos al sonido audible por el oído humano, estamos hablando de la sensación

INTRODUCTIONDiastema or spacing in anterior teeth is one of the most complaints of patients for undergoing orthodontic treatment. Abnormalities in tooth size or shape discrepancy are common causes of tooth spacing. The most commonly presenting of these are small lateral incisors. The Bolton Analysis may be used to compare tooth size discrepancies1. This group is often treated by restoring the teeth to standard size and closing the remaining gaps by utilizing the correct inclination of the anterior teeth in case they are proclined.Nowadays, patients not only seek treatment to address their issues but also demand appliances that are both more aesthetic and comfortable2. Clear aligners meet the patient’s needs since the Clear Aligners system is more tolerable and more esthetic than ceramic or metal brackets3. However, orthodontic treatment with clear align presents challenges in controlling anterior mesiodistal tipping and buccolingual tipping. Kravitz et al. showed a mean accuracy of 41% for mesiodistal tipping, in which the maxillary central incisors (39%) had the lowest accuracy and 53% for labial crown tip4. Castroflorio et al.5described the accuracy of inclination (buccolingual tipping) and angulation (mesiodistal tipping) correction for maxillary central incisors as 32% and 22.9%, respectively. Control of mesiodistal tipping and buccolingual tipping is mandatory in cases requiring space closure and reduction of the protrusion of anterior teeth.In this case, the patient requires significant retraction of the incisors to close the gaps. Controlling the movement of the incisors in the buccolingual direction is crucial to ensure the root does not move outside of the alveolar bone, and to minimize root resorption. Additionally, the patient has several incisors with distally inclined roots (teeth 12, 21, 22), which makes it challenging to maintain the proper mesiodistal inclination when closing gaps and retracting the incisors. Clear aligners are not effective in controlling the buccolingual inclination of anterior teeth6.This objective of this case report is to describe an adult male patient with significant spacings and proclined anterior teeth successfully treated with clear aligners, along with some clinical tips we used to control the movement of maxillary central incisors.CASE REPORTA 21-year-old male patient came for consultation with chief complaints of spacing in anterior teeth which affects the aesthetics of his smile.His current overall health is good, and he is no longer affected by his previous condition. He has never had any dental treatment before.

The main attention of this paper focuses on studying the dynamical behaviors, cubic-quartic optical solitons, chaotic pattern and phase portraits for the nonlinear coupled Kaup-Newell equation in birefringent fibers. First of all, by means of traveling wave transforms and homogeneous balance principle, the coupled Kaup-Newell equation in birefringent fibers is simplified into ordinary differential equation. Secondly, the dynamical properties of two dimensional system and the corresponding perturbed system have been studied. Finally, with the assistance of the complete discriminant system method, the optical soliton solutions of the coupled Kaup-Newell equation in birefringent fibers can be derived, which include solitary wave solutions, ational function solutions, Jacobian elliptic function solutions and hyperbolic function solutions. In addition, two-dimensional portraits, three-dimensional portraits, contour plots, density plots and two-dimensional gradplots of the obtained solutions are also given by explaining the propagation of optical solitons for the coupled Kaup-Newell equation in birefringent fibers.

This study examines the complex relationship between power prices and energy sources in Germany's electricity market through an innovative combination of multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MFDCCA) and copula modeling. Analyzing hourly data from 2015 to 2023, we investigate production values from conventional sources (lignite, hard coal, natural gas) and renewables (offshore/onshore wind, pumped storage hydropower). Our copula analysis reveals distinct patterns: offshore wind shows minimal monthly correlation with prices, while onshore wind exhibits strong seasonal negative correlation patterns. The MFDCCA uncovers deeper structural relationships, with fossil fuels displaying persistent long-range correlations and strong multifractal characteristics. Natural gas emerges as both a price driver and volatility amplifier, while wind generation contributes to price fluctuations at scale. Base load sources like lignite and hard coal demonstrate steady correlation structures, aligning with merit order theory. These findings gain particular relevance as Germany's power market opens to smaller stakeholders, including private households accessing day-ahead prices. Our results suggest that while merit order theory remains fundamentally valid, modern energy markets require more sophisticated modeling approaches to capture their full complexity.

Different metals including Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, and Ag were used to synthesize the metal/ CeO2 nanoparticles. Thereafter, the peroxidase-like activity of each metal/ CeO2 nanoparticle was calculated using the TMB standard assay. Notably, the bare CoO2 nanoparticles were used as the control and its activity was considered as 100%. The results revealed that although the presence of Cr, Co, and Ag in the nanozyme structure led to enhancement of the peroxidase-like activity of the CeO2 nanoparticles, by doping the Mn and Ni in the nanozyme structure, a significant decrease in the peroxidase-like activity was observed. The Cr/CeO2 nanoparticles showed the highest activity which was 4.0-fold higher than that of the bare CeO2 and 2.0-fold higher than that of the CO/CeO2 and Ag/CeO2 nanoparticles.  

Title: Sun and Night Detector with Micro:bit –a steam lesson-Prepared by: Carlos Soto to get a STEM.org certification. Grade: 6-8          Total time: 50min

Despite the advancements in technological innovations and scientific research in the field of clinical oncology, colon cancer remains one of the predominant factors of cancer-related death all around the world. Hypoxic conditions, characterized by diminished oxygen levels in the tumor microenvironment, are implicated in the tumorigenesis of various types of cancer. HIF-1α, as a principal hypoxic transcription factor, promotes tumor progression due to its interaction with multiple molecular pathways and oncogenic function. Various researches have demonstrated that HIF-1α can increasingly promote the growth and development of colon tumor cells by stimulating downstream target genes through multiple mechanisms such as immune evasion, cancer stem cell enrichment, metastasis, invasion, angiogenesis, and glycolysis. In this review, we will comprehensively review the mechanisms and functions of HIF-1α that contribute to the growth and progression of colon cancer in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment.

The rise of industrial systems driven by recent advances in engineering and data science has significantly changed the landscape of manufacturing and production. Equipped with modern tools and capabilities, industrial systems can streamline processes, enhance production, analyze complex scenarios, and support decision-making. Central to these systems is industrial data, which provides the insights and means necessary to drive operations and achieve production objectives. Given its critical value, protecting industrial data from potential risks is essential for ensuring consistency, utility, and competitiveness. While various studies have focused on security factors, the literature addressing industrial data privacy remains limited. Recognizing this gap and the importance of both industrial systems and data privacy, this study thoroughly explores these topics. First, industrial systems are examined, highlighting their prevalent types and establishing a foundation for understanding their distinctive features. Next, 34 selected studies on industrial data privacy are reviewed, discussing its significance, current challenges, and potential solutions. The study identifies 10 common types of industrial systems and their shared characteristics. Additionally, it presents 15 definitions and contexts, proposing an inclusive definition that aligns with modern industrial systems. The study also defines industrial data and identifies eight contexts associated with industrial data privacy, providing a comprehensive review of each. Finally, it highlights and recommends a range of solutions including operational and technical means for protecting industrial data. Overall, the findings underscore the pressing need to prioritize industrial data privacy and address it more closely in both research and practice.

Background: The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is more than ten percent globally and they show higher mortality with COVID-19. The immune response of CKD patients to Covishield vaccine may vary. Therefore, understanding vaccine efficacy in this population is critical. Aim: To compare the immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of Covishield vaccine in Non-Dialysis CKD patients with healthy subjects. Methods: Non dialysis CKD patients represent Cohort one and healthy participants represent cohort two. Eligible participants were recruited between 21 and 90 days post second dose of Covishield vaccination. IgG and IFN gamma levels were measured to assess immunogenicity. Any adverse effects were documented in an Adverse Event Following Immunization form through direct or telephonic interview. The occurrence of COVID-19 illness was used to assess efficacy. Data analysis was done by using t-tests and Chi-square tests. Results: We recruited 40 non-dialysis CKD patients and 38 healthy participants. IgG (p = 0.072) and IFN gamma levels (p = 0.339) were not statistically different between these groups. The ADR profile was also similar between the two groups. None of the participants developed COVID-19 illness during the study period. Conclusion: Non-dialysis CKD patients showed similar immunogenicity, safety, and efficacy to the Covishield vaccine as compared to healthy participants. Hence, non-dialysis CKD patients can follow the routine vaccination schedule.

With the advent of high-throughput sequencing techniques, natural history museums and herbaria have become new frontiers for genetic research. Genomic information from historical specimens has provided evidence to solve significant questions in broad research areas. However, access to such valuable genetic resources remains limited in lichens due to experimental challenges in extracting and amplifying highly degraded DNA in historical specimens. So far, only a handful of studies have reported successful sequencing of several short genetic markers from historical lichen specimens despite the increasing importance of genetic information in lichenology. Here, we aim to establish an efficient method for sequencing the whole genome of historical lichen specimens. We modified a method used in ancient DNA studies and sequenced the whole genome of 75-year-old Usnea hakonensis specimens, including the holotype. Our approach shows that 3.9 % and 9.8 % of the total sequenced reads originate from the genomes of U. hakonensis fungal (mycobiont) and algal (photobiont) symbionts. The mycobiont- and photobiont-derived reads are comprised of DNA fragments shorter than 45 bp, covering 77 % and 93 % of the mycobiont and photobiont reference genomes in average coverage of 27x and 45x, respectively. We retrieved 792,245 Single Nucleotide Variants (SNVs) to perform phylogenetic analysis of the mycobiont. We also demonstrated experimental modifications that improved proportions of symbionts-derived reads within sequenced data. We believe that our method is applicable to lichen specimens in a broad range of age and taxonomic groups, thereby potentially converting historical lichen specimens into resources of genome-wide studies.

Bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) are tightly associated with Arctic sea ice during their crucial summer feeding period. However, anthropogenic climate change is causing a decline in sea ice concentrations, threatening bowhead whale suitable habitat. To characterise the long-term affinity of bowhead whales to sea ice across the Holocene, and project the response of populations to 21st century climate change, we built ecological models of occurrence-environmental relationships using distribution-wide fossil, historical, and contemporary records. We found that throughout the Holocene, bowhead whale habitat suitability was consistently highest in summer average sea ice concentrations of 15-30%. Projecting these models into the future up to 2100 CE showed that 21st century climate change is set to erode these critical sea ice conditions, resulting in the circumpolar range of bowhead whales contracting by up to 75%. We project that during this century, habitat suitability will decline in all four bowhead whale management populations by 52-95%, with suitable habitat predicted to vanish completely in the Sea of Okhotsk. It is likely that most viable habitat for bowhead whales will exist outside their current distribution range by the end of the century, directly impacting conservation policies. Our results further highlight the vulnerability of Arctic marine endemics in a warming world, showcasing how knowledge of the past can strengthen predictions of species future vulnerability to rapid warming.

A document by Hedieh Alimi. Click on the document to view its contents.

The genus Echinopsis comprises a polyphyletic group of columnar cacti with hermaphrodite, actinomorphic flowers, displaying diverse floral phenotypes and attracting a varied flower visitors. In Chile, the genus includes seven taxa, notably the Echinopsis chiloensis complex with three sub-species: E. c. chiloensis, E. c. litoralis, and E.c. skottsbergii. In this work, evaluated different reproductive traits that could be accounting for restrictions in gene flow between the different subspecies of the complex, as reproductive biology, floral visitors, floral morphology, nectar production and pollen limitation, including the specie E. bolligeriana, previously part of the complex. Results indicate all species are self-incompatible with diurnal anthesis, except for southern E.c. chiloensis populations (here E.c. australis). Only, detected small morphological differences distinguish between E. c. litoralis and E. bolligeriana, despite which, the pollinator assemblages presented diferences on the identity of pollinators and visit frequencies , displaying highs modularity between subspecies. Nectar sugar production and concentration remain constant throughout flower opening, except for E. c. litoralis, which produces nectar only in the morning, despite hosting a diverse pollinator assemblage with significant dipteran presence. Distinctions in morphological characters, nectar production, and pollinator assemblages account part for the persistence of subspecies differences, and potentially play a vital role in subspecies genetic isolation

As is known, hypercomplex numbers have both a scalar part and imaginary parts. Unlike the well-known Maxwell equations, the equations written for a quaternion in 4D hypercomplex space also have a scalar part. Since these equations are obtained mathematically by multiplying a quaternion in vector representation by a differential operator of a quaternion in matrix representation, the quaternion is a solution to this equation. It is shown that by solving the presented equations, it is possible to obtain two types of waves: magnetic and electric, using, respectively, magnetic and electric intensities. Quaternion waves contain particles that are formed from magnetic or electric intensities through the operation of scalar multiplication by the Hamiltonian operator. Magnetic waves have charged electrons as particles, and electric waves have electron spins (rotors). The obtained equations satisfy the Cauchy-Riemann conditions and, consequently, the requirements of conservation of energy during transformations.

This study evaluates the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from high-voltage power lines (HVLs) on soil biochemical properties in Şanlıurfa, Türkiye. Soil samples from HVL-exposed areas and control sites were analyzed for soluble carbon (Csoluble) and nitrogen (Nsoluble), microbial biomass carbon (Cmic) and nitrogen (Nmic), nitrate (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), basal respiration (CO2), and enzymatic activities, including catalase (CAT) and dehydrogenase (DHG). Results showed significant alterations in soil properties due to EMF exposure. Soluble C increased from 106.1 to 116.0 mg C kg⁻¹ (+9.3%), and Nsoluble increased from 15.0 to 24.1 mg N kg⁻¹ (+60.7%) in irradiated soils compared to controls. However, Cmic decreased from 180.0 to 140.8 mg C kg⁻¹ (-21.8%), and CAT activity dropped from 81.4 to 60.8 O₂ g⁻¹ soil 5 min⁻¹ (-25.3%). Similarly, DHG activity declined from 8.59 to 7.85 μg TPF g⁻¹ soil 24 h⁻¹ (-8.6%). These reductions suggest microbial stress under EMF influence, with increased microbial metabolic quotient (qCO₂) from 1.19 to 1.54 mg CO₂-C g⁻¹ Cmic h⁻¹ (+29.4%), indicating reduced microbial efficiency. Collectively, these findings reveal significant EMF-induced disruptions to soil biochemical processes, raising concerns about soil health and fertility near HVLs. Further research is essential to elucidate the long-term ecological impacts of EMFs and develop mitigation strategies for sustainable soil management in HVL-affected areas.

The global outbreak of COVID-19 is linked to long-term neurological complications, including an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among older adults. We investigated whether phenotypes of COVID-19 and AD held pathological connections by analyzing the genetic relationship between them. This study explored the association between AD and polygenic risk scores (PRS) of three COVID-19 phenotypes in European ancestry (EA) and African ancestry (AA) cohorts. PRS-AD associations were determined using logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, and APOE genotypes. Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to test putative causal relationships between the COVID-19 phenotypes and AD. We also identified overlapping genomic regions between AD and COVID-19 GWASs, and performed a phenome-wide association scan (PheWAS) in the region to identify traits associated with the shared genetic variants. Significant positive associations ( p<0.0167) were found between COVID-19 PRSs and AD in both populations, with the strongest identified in the AA population. However, MR analyses revealed no evidence of a causal effect of COVID-19 phenotypes on AD liability in either ancestry. Exploring this finding further, we identified overlapping genetic associations on chromosome 17 between COVID-19 hospitalization, critical illness, and AD in the EA population. A PheWAS of the rs12373123 and rs199515 SNPs found within the overlapping region revealed multiple significant trait associations ( p<1.05 x10 -5) implicating immune function, psychiatric disorders, and lung function phenotypes. This suggests that while COVID-19 and AD share overlapping polygenic contributions found across multiple traits, they lack a direct connection involving core genes that drive the development of their respective pathologies.

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