INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is a pathology with an incidence of 1 in 100,000 inhabitants per year. There are very limited data on achalasia in the obese population, especially in those undergoing bariatric surgery. The approach of choice for cases of achalasia is fundoplication to correct the reflux; however, lacking a fundus due to a previous gastrectomy, an alternative that offers optimal results should be chosen. Here we present the surgical approach in a case of esophageal achalasia and a history of vertical sleeve gastrectomy, where we performed simultaneous Heller's cardiomyotomy and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, as well as the results obtained. CASE PRESENTATION: 44-year-old woman with no chronic degenerative diseases, with a previous record of vertical sleeve gastrectomy 5 years ago, who started 1 year and 5 months earlier with dysphagia to liquids, then to solids, in addition to weight loss of 10 kilograms in 4 months. The BMI before vertical sleeve gastrectomy was 32 kg/m2, her BMI at the time of admission was 20 kg/m2; she also presented regurgitation and generalized weakness. After analyzing the surgical options, it was decided to perform a Heller cardiomyotomy and a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The procedure turned out to be safe and successful in treating achalasia symptomatology, in addition to complete resolution of the reflux symptom.

Leptin is the archetypal adipokine that promotes a negative whole-body energy balance largely through its action on brain leptin receptors. As such, the sustained weight loss and food intake suppression induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery have been attributed to enhancement of leptin receptor signalling. We formally revisited this idea in Zucker Fatty fa/fa rats, an established genetic model of leptin receptor deficiency, and carefully compared their body weight, food intake and oral glucose tolerance after RYGB with that of sham-operated fa/fa (obese) and sham-operated fa/+ (lean) rats. We found that RYGB rats sustainably lost body weight, which converged with that of lean rats and was 25.5 % lower than that of obese rats by the end of the 4 week study period. Correspondingly, daily food intake of RYGB rats was similar to that of lean rats from the second postoperative week, while it was always at least 33.9 % lower than that of obese rats. Further, oral glucose tolerance of RYGB rats was normalized at the forth postoperative week. These findings assert that leptin is not an essential mediator of the sustained weight loss and food intake suppression as well as the improved glycemic control induced by RYGB, and instead point to additional circulating and/or neural factors.

Obesity is a troubling public health problem worldwide as it increases risks of respiratory complications, systemic arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, sleep disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). As a measure to counteract comorbidities associated with severe obesity, bariatric surgery stands out. This study aimed to investigate the adiponectin/leptin ratio in women with severe obesity with and without MetS undergone Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and to characterize the biochemical, glucose, and inflammatory parameters of blood in women with severe obesity before and after RYGB. Were enrolled female with severe obesity undergoing RYGP with MetS (n=11) and without (n=39). Anthropometric data and blood samples were obtained before and 6 months after RYGB to analyze total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high- density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL total cholesterol, and glucose; and circulating levels of adiponectin and leptin. Significant reductions in weight, body mass index, and glucose, total cholesterol, LDL, and leptin were observed after surgery, with higher levels of HDL, adiponectin, and adiponectin/leptin ratio observed after surgery compared to preoperative values. This study demonstrated that weight loss induced by RYGB in patients with severe obesity with or without MetS improved biochemical and systemic inflammatory parameters, particularly the adiponectin/leptin ratio.

(1) Background: Obesity and its comorbidities can cause burdens and limitations. Bariatric surgery (BS) is indicated as a safe procedure to reduce body mass and improve present comorbidities. Yet, several complications were reported, like vitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency. We evaluated if 25(OH)D serum levels relate to clinical characteristics, symptoms, or habits in women after their BS and whether the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene's TaqI and FokI polymorphisms affected 25(OH)D levels and the total body bone mineral density (TBBMD). (2) Methods: This cohort cross-sectional comparative analytical prospective study consisted of 27 women, 61.6 ± 5.0 years, submitted to BS one year prior at a public reference hospital, DF-Brazil. All participants were asked to follow the physical and dietary activity recommendations and received vitamin D3 supplements. Their anthropometric, biochemical, and immunological measurements and blood samples were obtained. (3) Results: 73.3% of participants had low 25(OH)D levels, and their levels correlated positively with TBBMD and negatively with systolic pressure. VDR TaqI did not affect 25(OH)D levels, whereas VDR FokI's allele f presence correlated to a median rise in 25(OH)D levels. Neither polymorphism correlated to TBBMD. (4) Conclusions: 25(OH)D levels were positively correlated with TBBMD, negatively with systolic blood pressure, and were higher in those with the VDR FokI allele f.

Long-term nutritional studies in subjects undergoing bariatric surgery that have assessed weight regain and nutritional deficiencies are few. In this study, we report data 8 years after surgery on weight loss, use of dietary supplements and deficit of micronutrients in a cohort of patients from five centres in central and northern Italy. The study group consisted of 52 subjects (age: 38.1±10.6 yrs, 42 females): 16 patients had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), 25 patients sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) and 11 subjects adjustable gastric banding (AGB). All three bariatric procedures led to sustained weight loss: average percentage excess weight loss, defined as weight loss divided by excess weight based on ideal body weight was 60.6%±32.3. 80.7% of subjects (72.7%, AGB; 76%, SG; 93.7%, RYGB) reported at least one nutritional deficiency: iron (F 64.3% vs. M 30%), vitamin B12 (F 16.6% vs. M 10%), calcium (F 33.3% vs. M 0%) and vitamin D (F 38.1% vs. M 60%). Average weight loss was constant in RYGB and SG subjects from the third year after surgery. Long-term nutritional deficiencies were greater than the general population among men for iron and among women for vitamin B12.

Keywords: bariatric surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, Roux-en-y gastric bypass, obesity, microbiota, gut-brain axis, beck scale, depression, diet, probiotics

Background: Although endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can provide a high rate of curative resection, remaining gastric mucosa after ESD is at risk of metachronous recurrence. We investigated risk factors for metachronous superficial gastric epithelial neoplasms (MSGENs) following ESD. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 369 patients with 382 lesions that underwent ESD for adenoma/early gastric cancer. The primary endpoint was to identify clinicopathological risk factors for the occurrence of MSGENs. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) eradication with the MSGENs. Results: Twenty-seven MSGENs were occurred. The subjects were divided into MSGEN and not-MSGEN groups. There was a significantly higher frequency of histological intestinal metaplasia (HIM) and initial neoplasm location in upper or middle part (INUM) in the MSGEN group. The HIM group and INUM group had significantly higher cumulative incidence of MSGENs. We compared the 27 patients of MSGEN group and 27 patients of matched not-MSGEN (Mnot-MSGEN) group that was matched to the MSGEN group for variables including HIM and INUM. There was a significantly higher frequency of Hp spontaneous eradication in the MSGEN group. Conclusion: HIM, INUM and Hp spontaneous eradication may be clinicopathological risk factors for developing MSGENs after ESD.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects on the presence and distribution of oxyntopeptic cells (OPs) and enteroendocrine cells (EECs) expressing GHR, NPY and SOM in the gastric mucosa of European seabass and seabream of dietary levels of bioactive peptides (BPs) obtained from salmon processing by-products (in silico approach). In this study, 27 seabass and 27 seabreams were divided into three experimental groups: a control group (CTR) fed a control diet and two groups fed different levels of BP to replace fishmeal: 5% BP (BP5%) and 10% BP (BP10%). The stomach of each fish was sampled and processed for immunohistochemistry. Some SOM, NPY and GHR-IR cells exhibited alternating “open type” and “closed type” EECs morphologies. In seabream gastric mucosa, the BP10% group (16.8 ± 7.5) showed a significant change in NPY-IR cell number compared to CTR (CTR 8.5 ± 4.8) and BP5% (BP10% vs. CTR P ≤ 0.01; BP10% vs. BP5% P ≤ 0.05). In seabream, SOM-IR cells in the BP 10% diet (16.8 ± 3.5) differed from those in CTR (12.5 ± 5) (CTR vs. BP 10% P ≤ 0.05) and BP 5% (12.9 ± 2.5) (BP 5% vs. BP 10% P ≤ 0.01). In seabass, EEC SOM-IR cells increased at 10 % BP (5.3 ± 0.7) compared to 5 % BP (4.4 ± 0.8) (5 % BP vs. 10 % BP P ≤ 0.05). The results obtained suggest that salmon BPs have a promising impact as circulating ingredients for seabass and seabream.

Background: Locally advanced rectal cancers (10-20%) can present with infiltration into adjacent viscera. R0 resections remain the key factor for better survival. Traditionally these cases have been managed with open surgery. There are some limitations of laparoscopic surgery in these case, which can potentially be overcome by robotic surgery. Objectives: To determine the feasibility and outcome results of robotic multi-visceral resection of stage T4 rectal carcinoma. Methods: Consecutive patients having locally advanced carcinoma of rectum, who undergone robotic multi-visceral resection as the primary treatment between 2015 -2018 were included, through our database which was maintained prospectively. All perioperative and intraoperative parameters were analyzed. Patient demographics, co-morbidities, preoperative imaging, endoscopic findings, operative data, histopathology results, postoperative hospital course and procedure related postoperative adverse events were noted and analyzed. Results: Twenty-one patients with the diagnosis of nonmetastatic locally advanced rectal cancers were operated with Robotic Si/X platform. The median body mass index was 28.5 kg/m2 (range 21-42). The mean blood loss during operation was 20 ml (range 5-200), and the mean duration of surgery was 280 min (range 240-430). The median hospital stay after operation was 6 days (range 4-25 days). On postoperative histopathology, R0 resection rate was 90.5% (19/21). Conclusions: The robotic multi-visceral en-bloc resection of stage T4 rectal carcinoma is technically feasible and oncologically safe. Advanced technical skills, accurate radiological staging and careful patient selection can allow the extension of minimal access surgery to this challenging group of patients.

The combustion of PVC cables in fires results in the release of hydrogen chloride gas. In the European Union, Regulation (EU) No 305/2011, in force since 2017, requires the classification of cables permanently installed in buildings for reaction to fire, smoke, flaming droplets, and acidity. The additional classification for acidity is evaluated through EN 60754-2, involving pH and conductivity measurements. This study focuses on the essential research and development of low-smoke acidity PVC compounds for cables, mainly aiming to meet the stringent additional classifications for acidity, a1 or a2, which cannot be achieved with traditional PVC cables. Understanding the chemistry of thermal decomposition and combustion, especially in the presence of hydrogen chloride scavengers, is crucial for meeting the best acidity classification. The article reviews the current tube furnace tests used in the European Union for cable halogen and acidity assessments. It discusses the limitations of the existing method (EN 60754-2) and highlights the potential of emerging tests such as IEC EN 60754-3, which employs ion chromatography for improved sensitivity and specificity. In the experimental part of the article, various standard and low-smoke acidity cable compounds are tested using tube furnace experiments with different heating regimes. The concentrations of cations and anions in solution are measured through ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry. This detailed analysis aims to identify the species influencing pH and conductivity, which is crucial for designing effective acid scavengers that do not impact conductivity. The conclusive results emphasize that HCl from PVC thermal decomposition is the primary driver of pH and conductivity, and the contribution from the decomposition of additives and byproducts from combustion is found to be negligible in most of the tested PVC compounds for cables. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the thermal decomposition of PVC compounds to design acid scavengers capable of trapping hydrogen chloride without adversely impacting conductivity.

Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 lays down harmonized conditions for marketing construction products in the European Union. One of its consequences has been the introduction of the product standard EN 50575 and standard EN 130501-6, concerning power, control, and communication cables permanently installed in buildings to prevent the risk of a fire and its consequences. EN 13501-6 provides the reaction to fire classifications for cables, the test methods to be performed, the requirements to meet a specific reaction to fire, and additional classifications for smoke production, flaming droplets, and acidity. EN 60754-2 is the technical standard used to assess acidity, and it defines three classes: a1, a2, and a3 (the less performant), based on pH and conductivity measurements. Due to the release of hydrogen chloride during the combustion, acidity is the weak point of PVC cables, which are not yet capable of achieving the a1 or a2 classes required in specific locations according to a fire risk assessment. EN 13501-6 does not include EN 60754-1. Both EN 60754-1 and EN 60754-2 are common standards for determining halogen gas content, acidity, and conductivity, respectively. They involve the same type of tube furnace but with different heating regimes, final temperatures, and detection methods. EN 60754-2 must be performed at temperatures between 935 – 965 °C. The paper demonstrates that, when EN 60754-2 is carried out with the thermal profile of EN 60754-1 or at 500 °C in isothermal conditions, the evolution of hydrogen chloride changes significantly if potent acid scavengers are utilized in the PVC compounds. The reason lies behind the kinetic of hydrogen chloride release during the combustion of PVC compounds: the higher the temperature or faster the heat release, the quicker hydrogen chloride evolution and the lower the probability for the acid scavenger to trap it. That further highlights the "fragility" of EN 60754-2 as a tool for assessing the risks associated with the release of hydrogen chloride in case of fire

Zeolite Y with microporous and hierarchical structure containing Ti–Ni and Ti–Co oxides were obtained as active photocatalysts. Different Ti amounts (5, 10% TiO2) were supported, followed by loading of Ni or Co oxides (5 %). The X-ray diffraction evidenced the presence of TiO2 as anatase. N2 adsorption-desorption results showed type IV isotherms, for hierarchical zeolite Y samples, and a combination of type IV and I isotherms, for zeolite Y samples. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectra showed shift of absorption band to visible with increasing of Ti loading and especially after Co and Ni addition. A significant effect of the support was evidenced for Ti and interaction with Co/Ni species. The zeolite Y support stabilizes Ti in the 4+ oxidation state while hierarchical zeolite Y support favored the formation of Ti 3+ species and oxidation of Co and especially of Ni to 3+. Photocatalytic activity, under UV and visible light, was evaluated in degradation of amoxicillin, used as a model test. The photocatalytic mechanism was investigated using ethanol, p-benzoquinone and KI as ·OH, ·O2- radicals and hole (h+) scavengers. The best results were obtained for the immobilized Ni-Ti species on hierarchical zeolite Y support.

This article presents an experimental approach to fatigue testing of cableway gondolas, carried out in accordance with the EN 13796-3 standard. Due to the limitations of the aforementioned regulations and the lack of clarity in their content, when designing and conducting fatigue tests of gondolas, there is a need to find solutions that meet the normative requirements, while ensuring the cost-effectiveness of the tests. The work presents the method of loading, receiving the degrees of freedom, the methodology of gondola strength verification, and additional suggestions allowing for the satisfactory preparation of a plan of fatigue tests and their implementation. The paper shows problems and ways to solve it, what may occur during cableway gondolas fatigue test design. The research object is a 6-seater gondola designed by TRANSSYSTEM S.A. with its registered office in Wola Dalsza (Poland).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the EQ-5D-Y-3L (Y-3L) and the expanded five level version, the EQ-5D-Y-5L (Y-5L). Methods: Children/adolescents with an acute or chronic health condition and from the general population completed the Y-5L and Y-3L self-report questionnaires. Performance of the Y-5L and Y-3L was determined by comparing feasibility, redistribution of dimension responses, discriminatory power, validity, and test-retest reliability. Results. Five hundred and fifty children/adolescents completed baseline measures and 173 completed repeat measures. The ceiling effect decreased by 15% from the Y-3L to Y-5L. Informativity of dimensions improved by 0.094 on the Y-5L. There was a range of 4-9% inconsistent responses moving from the Y-3L to Y-5L. Convergent validity of the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Y-3L, Y-5L dimensions was similar, weak to moderate (r_s range: 0.18 – 0.38) but similar and strong on paired Y-3L and Y-5L dimensions: Kendall Tau B (range 0.69 – 0.80) and Gamma (range 0.92 – 0.98). The Y-5L and Y-3L showed moderate to substantial agreement for test-retest reliability across dimensions and VAS scores in stable chronic health conditions and fair agreement for the general population. Conclusion: The EQ-5D-Y-5L is a valid, reliable extension of the Y-3L for children/adolescents across health conditions and healthy children/adolescents. The expanded levels reduced the ceiling effect. The relative informativity of report across dimensions increased on the Y-5L compared to the Y-3L with retention of the evenness of reporting. The convergent validity and test-retest reliability of the Y-5L was comparable to the Y-3L.

IgY antibodies are found in the blood and yolk of eggs. Several studies show the feasibility of utilising IgY for immunotherapy and immunodiagnosis. These antibodies have been studied because they fulfil the current needs for reducing, replacing, and improving the use of animals. Affinity and avidity represent the strength of the antigen-antibody interaction and directly influence antibody action. The aim of this review was to examine the factors that influence the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies and the methodologies used to determine these variables. In birds, there are few studies on the maturation of antibody affinity and avidity and these studies suggest that the use of an adjuvant, type of antigen, strain of the animal, number of immunisations, and time interfere with the affinity and avidity of IgY antibodies. Regarding the methodologies, most studies use chaotropic agents to determine the avidity index. Studies involving solution phase and equilibrium titration reactions are also described. These results demonstrate the need for standardisation of methodologies for determination of affinity and avidity so that further studies can be performed to optimise the production of high avidity IgY antibodies.

Ti-aluminosilicate gels were used as supports for immobilization of Fe, Co and Ni oxides (5%) by impregnation, and synthesis of efficient photocatalysts in degradation of β-lactam antibiotic from water. Titanium oxide (1 and 2%) was incorporated into zeolite network by modifying the gel during the zeolitation process. The formation of the zeolite Y structure and its microporous structure were evidenced by X-ray diffraction and N2 physisorption. The structure, composition, reduction and optical properties were studied by X-ray difraction, H2-TPR, XPS, Raman, photoluminiscence and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The obtained results indicated a zeolite Y structure for all photocatalysts with tetra-coordinate Ti4+ sites. The immobilized metals from group VIII are both in the form of metal oxides such as Fe2O3, Fe3O4, CoO, Co3O4 , NiO and also in the me-tallic state (Fe0, Co0, and Ni0). A red shift of the absorption edge was observed in UV-Vis spectra of photocatalysts upon addition of Fe, Co or Ni species. The photocatalytic performances were evaluated in degradation of cefuroxime from water under visible light irradiation. The best results were obtained for iron immobilized photocatalysts. Scavenger experiments explained the photocatalytic results and their mechanisms. A different contribution of the active species to the photocatalytic reactions was evidenced.

Viruses frequently contain overlapping genes, which encode functionally unrelated proteins from the same DNA or RNA region but in different reading frames. Yet overlapping genes are often overlooked during genome annotation, in particular in DNA viruses. Here we looked for the presence of overlapping genes likely to encode a functional protein in human parvovirus B19 (genus erythroparvovirus), using an experimentally validated software, Synplot2. Synplot2 detected an open reading frame, X, conserved in all erythroparvoviruses, which overlaps the VP1 capsid gene, and is under highly significant selection pressure. In a related virus, human parvovirus (genus tetraparvovirus), Synplot2 also detected an open reading frame under highly significant selection pressure, ARF1, which overlaps the VP1 gene. X and ARF1 have exactly the same location (both overlap the region of VP1 encoding the phospholipase A2 domain), and encode proteins with similar predicted properties, such as a transmembrane region, strongly suggesting that they are homologous. These findings provide compelling evidence that the X protein must be expressed and functional. It is probably translated either from a polycistronic mRNA by a non-canonical mechanism, or from an unmapped monocistronic mRNA. Finally, we also discovered proteins predicted to be expressed from a frame overlapping VP1 in other species related to parvovirus B19: porcine parvovirus 2 (Z protein) and bovine parvovirus 3 (X-like protein).

Keywords: Y RNA; Canine hepatocellular carcinoma, canine hepatocellular adenoma

As a medical student (Granada University Medical School, Spain), interested in Pediatrics, expended countless hours at the hospital pediatric facilities and got to know many of the children and their medical problems. A particular case, still vivid on my mind, awaken my scientific curiosity. One day, walking and talking with a seven years old child he unexpectedly felt down unconscious with multiple, incontrollable and erratic muscular contractions involving face, body and extremities and salivating. I was overwhelmed thinking it was the child’ last hour. At the time, my knowledge of epilepsy was nil. Following the seizures, the child was up, talking and walking with me as if nothing has happened and without any knowledge of the event. What could have caused the brain motor cortex to suddenly discharge that amount of altered activity causing generalized and erratic muscular contractions remains inexplicable. I migrated to USA, become a Pediatric (Developmental) Pathologist and Director of the Pediatrics Autopsy Service (1962-1999) at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, New Hampshire. I carried out countless postmortem studied of children brains, normal (unaltered) as well as those altered by hemorrhagic, hypoxic-ischemic and/or traumatic damage. With an NIH Fellowship, I spend one year (1967-68) at the Cajal Institute (Madrid, Spain) studying Cajal’ old Golgi preparations and learning about the method. Some of my Golgi studies of children’ brains have been published: The Human Brain. Prenatal Development and Structure, Springer, Heidelberg, Germany, 2012. The present monograph explores the developmental neuropathology of selected perinatal cortical injuries through their acute, subacute and chronic stages. Including: a) how an altered neuronal activity evolves in a damaged cortical region; b) how it moves through the cortex (epileptic auras); and c) how it reaches the motor cortex to be discharged as erratic and incontrollable muscular contractions. Understanding these processes should provide insights into the pathogenesis of epilepsy secondary to perinatal brain damage.

This article presents a review of current advances and future prospects in the field of forecasting renewable energy generation using machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques. With the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) into the electricity grid, accurate forecasting of their generation becomes crucial for efficient grid operation and energy management. Traditional forecasting methods have limitations, and thus ML and DL algorithms have gained popularity due to their ability to learn complex relationships from data and provide accurate predictions. This paper reviews the different approaches and models that have been used for renewable energy forecasting and discusses their strengths and limitations. It also highlights the challenges and future research directions in the field, such as dealing with uncertainty and variability in renewable energy generation, data availability, and model interpretability. Finally, this paper emphasizes the importance of developing robust and accurate renewable energy forecasting models to enable the integration of RES into the electricity grid and facilitate the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

The impact of obesity upon bone metabolism is controversial since both negative and positive effects have been reported. Bone remodeling is modulated by the central nervous system through cytokines, hormones and neuromodulators. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects evoked by bilateral retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (rWAT) denervation (Dnx) upon bone mineral metabolism and remodeling in an experimental model of obesity in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed during 18 weeks with high-fat diet (HFD) or standard diet (SD) as controls, and rWAT Dnx or Sham surgery was performed at the 14th week. Biochemical and hormonal parameters, bone histo-morphometry, rWAT and hypothalamus protein and gene expression were analyzed. HFD group presented decreased bone formation parameters, increased serum and bone leptin and FGF23, increased serum and hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and decreased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and PTH. After rWAT Dnx, bone markers and histomorphometry showed restoration of bone formation, serum and hypothalamic NPY decreased, without altera-tion in leptin levels. The present study showed that the denervation of rWAT improved bone formation in obese rats mediated by a preferential reduction in neurohormonal actions of NPY, emphasizing the relevance of the adipose tissue-brain-bone axis in the control of bone metabolism in obesity.

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), is a family member of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and a widespread environmental pollutant and neurotoxicant that contribute to the development of cancer. Microtubules are polymers of tubulin that form part of the cytoskeleton and target for anticancer drugs. Furthermore, NPY significantly increased the percentage of cells in S and G2/M phases. However, little is known about the specific role of NPY in proliferation and the underlying protective mechanism remains unclear. Hence, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of B[a]P on SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and to explore the potential mechanism for alteration of tubulin-microtubule equilibrium causing mitotic arrest and NPY expression. The present findings showed B[a]P treatment significantly increase number of SH-SY5Y cells in S and G2/M phase as compared to G1 phase and provokes cell cycle arrest that correlated with significant decrease in G0/G1 cells. Immunofluorescence study showed significantly distorted tubulin arrangement from metaphasic plate in formation of bipolar mitotic spindle apparatus. Further, higher doses of B[a]P treatment lead to chromosomal abnormalities accompanied by DNA damage due ROS causing oxidative stress showing significant decrease in tubulin protein around spindle. The results of present study demonstrated that NPY exerts a proliferative and protective effect on B[a]P-induced oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner in vitro and importantly, these effects may be mediated via mitotic arrest and involved in spindle arrangement during cell division. Our findings addresses a novel pathological outcomes of B[a]P-induced NPY expression by oxidative stress through spindle abnormalities leading to microtubule disruption.

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is expressed in kidneys and constitutes a feedforward mechanism leading to inflammation in other tissues where they form hemichannels and gap junction channels. However, the possible functional relationship between these membrane channels and their role in damaged renal cells remains unknown. Here, analyses of ethidium uptake and thiobarbituric acid reactive species revealed that TNF-α plus IL-1β increase Cx43 hemichannel activity and oxidative stress in MES-13 cells, a cell line derived from mesangial cells. The latter also was accompanied by a reduction in gap junctional communication, whereas western blotting analysis showed a progressive increase of phosphorylated MYPT (a substrate of RhoA/ROCK) and Cx43 upon TNF-α/IL-1β treatment. Additionally, inhibition of RhoA/ROCK strongly diminished the TNF-α/IL-1β-induced activation of Cx43 hemichannels and reduction in gap junctional coupling. We propose that activation of Cx43 hemichannels and inhibition of cell coupling during pro-inflammatory conditions could contribute to oxidative stress and damage of mesangial cells via the RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Today’s concepts of space and time trace back to Albert Einstein’s theories of relativity. In special relativity, he derives relations of how a “moving observer” experiences space and time with respect to an “observer at rest”. In general relativity, he derives relations of how mass and energy are affecting space and time. Both theories have been very successful, but fail to solve fundamental mysteries such as competing values of the Hubble constant, dark energy, the wave–particle duality, and quantum entanglement. Here we show that this failure is due to prioritizing a primary observer: Einstein’s relations are valid only for a “system at rest” or a momentarily comoving reference frame. There is no superordinate reference frame in which all observers (“at rest” and moving) are treated alike. In what we call “Euclidean relativity”, we replace Minkowski spacetime (MS) with Euclidean spacetime (ES). We claim that an observer’s reality is formed by projecting ES to 3D space. The major benefit is: ES is a superordinate frame which is not limited to individual observers. It even gives us a Theory of Everything. Matching the symmetry simplifies physics! Alternative models of Euclidean relativity run into paradoxes as they claim reality to be in ES. Our theory profits from two concepts: “distance” (space and time in one) and “wavematter” (electromagnetic wave packet and matter in one). Time is a subordinate quantity: covered distance divided by the speed of light. Wavematter is a generalized concept of energy: Waves and particles are the same thing (energy), but seen from two perspectives. Length contraction, time dilation, acceleration, and gravitation are geometric effects.

The effects of rare earth Y content on the microstructure and high-temperature oxidation properties of 47Fe-36Ni-15Cr-1.5Mn alloy at 1000°C were investigated. The results show that 47Fe-36Ni-15Cr-1.5Mn alloy oxidizes at 1000°C under laboratory atmospheric pressure to form an oxide film layer dominated by Cr2O3 and (Fe, Ni, Mn) Cr2O4 spinel, and the oxidation curve of the alloy follows the parabolic law. After the addition of rare earth Y, rare earth phases precipitated along the grain boundaries in the alloy, and the more Y content, the more precipitated phases in the grain boundaries. The alloy with added rare earths was oxidized at a high temperature of 1000 °C for 2160 min, the oxidation law still followed the parabolic law, while the rare earth phase at the grain boundary reacted with the oxygen atoms infiltrated from the outside to generate a rare earth Y-rich oxide residing at the boundary between the grain boundary and the precipitated phase of the alloy. Add 0.5 wt.% rare earth Y 47Fe-36Ni-15Cr-1.5Mn-0.5Y alloy 1000 ° C high temperature oxidation of the formation of spinel oxide crystalline particles, dense and complete oxide film layer, the surface of the addition of a small amount of (0.5 wt.%) rare earth Y after the refinement of the oxide particles, and in the alloy grain boundaries in the form of oxides reside in the alloy to inhibit the cations in the matrix and the oxygen negative ions. and oxygen-negative ions in the alloy matrix, improving the antioxidant performance of the alloy. With the further increase of rare earth Y, during the oxidation of the alloy at high temperature, the precipitation phase at the grain boundary promotes the inward diffusion of oxygen, resulting in the deterioration of the antioxidant property of the alloy.

Semi-solid feedstock of AZ80 magnesium alloy modified by minor rare-earth Y element (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 wt.%) were fabricated by strain induces melting activated (SIMA) in the form of extrusion and partial remelting. The effect of Y addition on the microstructure evolution of extruded and isothermal treated alloy was observed by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and quantitative analysis. The results show that the Y addition can refine the microstructure and make the β-Mg17Al12 phases agglomerating. During the subsequent isothermal treatment at 570℃, the average solid grain size, shape factor and liquid fractions increased with prolonged soaking time. Smaller spheroidal solid grains and the larger shape factor were obtained due to Y addition. The coalescence and Ostwald ripening of solid grains operated the coarsening process simultaneously. The coarsening rate constants of AZ80M1 (0.2 wt.% Y addition) of 164.22 μm3s-1 was approximately four times less than the un-modified AZ80 alloy of 689.44 μm3s-1. In contrast, the desirable semi-solid structure featured by fine, well globular solid grains and appropriate liquid fractions and shape factor was achieved in AZ80M1 alloy treated at 570℃ for 20-30 min.

The following system of equations {x_1 \cdot x_1=x_2, x_2 \cdot x_2=x_3, 2^{2^{x_1}}=x_3, x_4 \cdot x_5=x_2, x_6 \cdot x_7=x_2} has exactly one solution in ({\mathbb N}\{0,1})^7, namely (2,4,16,2,2,2,2). Hypothesis 1 states that if a system of equations S \subseteq {x_i \cdot x_j=x_k: i,j,k \in {1,...,7}} \cup {2^{2^{x_j}}=x_k: j,k \in {1,...,7}} has at most five equations and at most finitely many solutions in ({\mathbb N}\{0,1})^7, then each such solution (x_1,...,x_7) satisfies x_1,...,x_7 \leq 16. Hypothesis 1 implies that there are infinitely many composite numbers of the form 2^{2^{n}}+1. Hypotheses 2 and 3 are of similar kind. Hypothesis 2 implies that if the equation x!+1=y^2 has at most finitely many solutions in positive integers x and y, then each such solution (x,y) belongs to the set {(4,5),(5,11),(7,71)}. Hypothesis 3 implies that if the equation x(x+1)=y! has at most finitely many solutions in positive integers x and y, then each such solution (x,y) belongs to the set {(1,2),(2,3)}. We describe semi-algorithms sem_j (j=1,2,3) that never terminate. For every j \in {1,2,3}, if Hypothesis j is true, then sem_j endlessly prints consecutive positive integers starting from 1. For every j \in {1,2,3}, if Hypothesis j is false, then sem_j prints a finite number (including zero) of consecutive positive integers starting from 1.

Vanadium(IV) chalcogenide materials are of increasing interest for use in catalysis and energy conversion-related applications. Since no ternary compounds are yet known in the V–Se–Te system, we studied ternary VwSeyTe2–y (w = 1.10, 1.13; y = 0.42, 0.72) phases crystallizing in space group P3m1 (no. 164). Two single-crystal specimens with differing compositions of a solid solution were obtained using the ceramic method. All products were characterized by either single-crystal or powder X-ray diffraction. The lattice parameters increase with rising tellurium content in accordance to the larger ionic radius of the tellurium anion compared to selenium. The chemical compositions were confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Further, magnetic measurements revealed mostly antiferromagnetic properties. Simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analyses in nitrogen atmosphere showed endothermic decomposition accompanied by the formation of VN. The results of this work can serve as a basis for the synthesis of new phases in the V–Se–Te and related vanadium chalcogenide systems.

Four groups (sugar, lipid, protein and waste based) of bait materials combined with boric acid were evaluated in laboratory and field conditions. When compared to all the sugar-based bait materials, a mixture of honey with boric acid registered to be the most effective in attracting the maximum number (83.00) of red ants followed by a mixture of molasses with boric acid (55.00). Likewise, among the oils tested, the highest number (47.33) of red ants registered was in the mixture of rice bran oil with boric acid followed by mustard oil with boric acid mixture (37.00). Similarly, from the protein-based bait materials, the maximum number of red ants (35.00) attraction was found in the mixture of gram flour with boric acid which was followed by dog biscuits with boric acid mixture (27.67). When all the waste-based bait materials were tested, sugarcane trash with boric acid mixture attracted most of the red ants (96.67) followed by banana peel with boric acid mixture (36.67). Based on the laboratory performance, the two best bait materials in each group were assessed against red ant, Dorylus orientalis in potato crops. Of the 8 bait materials tested, the use of rice bran oil with boric acid was found to be more attractive against red ants (1564.66, 1972.33 and 2636.33 during tuber formation, tuber maturity and harvesting stages, respectively) in potato crop when compared to other bait materials. Additionally, the attraction of D. orientalis was tested separately against rice bran oil, boric acid and rice bran oil in combination with boric acid using Y-tube olfactometer under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that rice bran oil in combination with boric acid had the highest attractiveness ratio of 86.66 per cent followed by boric acid and rice bran at 76.66 and 73.33 per cent, respectively. The outcome of the current investigation can be explored for the management of red ant menace in potato and other field crops, particularly grown under organic cultivation approach.

Determination of the fetal gender in the first trimester is important in twin pregnancy cases of familial X-linked genetic syndromes and helps determine chorionicity. We assessed and compared the accuracy of first-trimester ultrasound scans, and circulating cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) performed by non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in determining fetal gender in the first trimester of twin pregnancies. For this purpose, we enrolled prospectively pregnant women with twin during the first trimester, gestational week (GA) 11-13. The fetal gender was determined using both ultrasound scans and cffDNA screening. Both results were compared to the newborn gender at delivery. A total of 113 women with twin pregnancies were enrolled. There was 100% sensitivity and specificity in Y chromosome detection using cffDNA. The accuracy of gender assignment using ultrasound in any first-trimester scans was 79.7%. Accuracy level increased from 54.2% in CRL 45-54 mm to 87.7% in CRL 55-67 mm and 91.5% in CRL 67-87 mm. Male fetuses had significantly higher chances of a gender assignment error compared to female fetuses, odds ratio = 23.57 (CI 7.356 - 75.66). This is the first study that compared the accuracy of gender determination in the first trimester by cffDNA and by ultrasound scanning in twin pregnancy. It was concluded that the cffDNA is highly sensitive and specific in determining the presence of the Y chromosome in twin pregnancies in the first trimester. Between CRL 67-87 mm, ultrasound scanning offers a highly accurate determination of fetal gender in twin pregnancies. Larger cohorts of multi-center studies are warranted.

Anal stenosis, which develops as a result of aggressive excisional hemorrhoidectomy, especially with the stoutly use of advanced technologies (LigaSure, Ultrasonic Dissector, Laser, etc.), has become common, causing significant deterioration in the patient's quality of life. Although non-surgical treatment is effective for mild anal stenosis, surgical reconstruction is unavoidable for moderate to severe anal stenosis that causes distressing, severe anal pain, and inability to defecate. The problem in anal stenosis, unlike anal fissure, is that the skin does not stretch as a result of chronic fibrosis due to surgery. Therefore, the application of lateral internal sphincterotomy does not provide satisfactory results in the treatment of anal stenosis. Surgical treatment methods are based on the use of flaps of different shapes and sizes to reconstruct the anal caliber and flexibility. This article aims to review the functional results, postoperative care, and complications of these methods.

Depression and obesity are highly comorbid with one another, with evidence for bidirectional causal links between each disorder and a shared biological basis. The available evidence suggests that genetic factors play a major role in influencing both the occurrence of comorbid depression and obesity, their courses, and their response to existing treatments. The current paper is a scoping review of studies that have evaluated the contribution of specific genetic variants to the comorbidity between obesity and depression. Based on a search of the PubMed and EMBASE databases, 28 studies were included in this review, covering 54 candidate genes. Positive associations were identified for fourteen genetic loci (AKR1C2, APOA5, COMT, DAT1, FTO, KCNE1, MAOA, MC4R, MCHR2, NPY2R, NR3C1, Ob, PCSK9 and TAL1). Replicated findings across two or more independent samples were observed for the FTO and MC4R genes. Many of these gene products represent novel molecular targets for the pharmacological management of obesity which are not pharmacologically influenced by existing anti-obesity or antidepressant medications. The implications of these associations for future drug development are discussed, with an emphasis on recent evidence on the polygenic architecture of comorbid depression and obesity, and on a precision medicine approach to these conditions.

Integrated landscape approaches (ILA) aim to reconcile multiple, often competing, interests across agriculture, nature conservation, and other land uses. Recognized ILA design principles provide guidance for their implementation, yet application remains challenging, and a strong performance evidence-base is yet to be formed. A comprehensive literature review and focus group discussions with practitioners identified considerable diversity of ILA in actors, temporal, and spatial scales, inter alia. This diversity hampers learning from and steering these integrated planning approaches because of its intractable nature. Therefore, we developed a tool—an ‘ILA mixing board’—to structure the complexity of ILA into selectable and scalable attributes in a replicable way to allow planning, diagnostics, and comparative assessment of ILA. The ILA mixing board tool presents seven qualifiers, each representing a key attribute of ILA design and performance such as project flexibility, inclusiveness of the dialogue, and the centrality of the power distribution. Each qualifier has five (non-normative) outcome indicators that can be registered as present or absent. This process in turn guides planners, evaluators and other participating stakeholders involved in landscape management to diagnose the ILA type, and or its performance. We apply the ILA mixing board as a diagnostic tool to three ILA cases in Nicaragua, Madagascar, and the Congo Basin to show some of the many possible configurations of qualifiers on the mixing board. Overall, the tool allows comparative analyses of the complexity of ILA in a structured and manageable way.

Vegetation has a significant influence on velocity distribution and turbulent energy in a confluence channel. A laboratory measurement with ADV was used to investigate the flow through a Y-shaped confluence channel partially covered with rigid vegetation on its inner bank. In this study, the flow velocities in cases with and without vegetation were measured by the ADV in a Y-shaped confluence channel. The results clearly show that the existence of non-submerged rigid plants has changed the internal flow structure, that the velocity in the non-vegetated area is greater than in the vegetated area, and that there is a large exchange of mass and momentum between the vegetated and non-vegetated areas. The velocity on both sides is significantly reduced when vegetation is present. In the vicinity of tributaries, due to the presence of vegetation, the high-velocity area moved rapidly to the middle of the non-vegetated area, and the secondary flow phenomenon disappeared. In the mainstream, when vegetation was present, circulation disappeared, and the degree of lateral mixing decreased. The presence of vegetation caused a great change in the internal flow structure and made the flow in non-vegetated areas more intense.

Shear connectors are used in steel beam–concrete slabs of composite frame and bridge structures to transfer shear force according to design loads. The existing Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors are designed for girder slabs of composite bridges. Therefore, the rib and transverse rebars of the conventional Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors are extremely large for the composite frames of building structures. We performed push-out tests of stubby Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors for composite frames. These shear connectors have relatively small ribs than conventional Y-type perfobond rib shear connectors. To confirm the shear resistance of these stubby shear connectors, we performed an experiment by using transverse rebars D13 and D16. The results indicate that these shear connectors have suitable shear strength and ductility for application in composite frame structures. The shear strengths obtained using D13 and D16 were not significantly different. However, the ductility of the shear connectors with D16 was 45.1% higher than that of the shear connectors with D13.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an established rescue therapy for patients with chronic respiratory failure waiting for lung transplantation (LTx). The therapy inherent immobilization may result in fatigue, consecutive deteriorated prognosis and even lost eligibility for transplantation. We conducted a feasibility study on a novel system designed for the deployment of a mobile ECMO device, enabling physical exercise of awake patients prior to LTx. The system comprises a novel mobile oxygenator with a directly connected blood pump, a double lumen cannula, gas blender and supply, as well as control, and energy management. In-vitro experiments included tests regarding performance, efficiency, and blood damage. A reduced system was tested in vivo for feasibility using a novel large animal model. Six anesthetized pigs were first positioned in supine position, followed by a 45° angle, simulating an upright position of the patients. We monitored performance and vital parameters. All in-vitro experiments showed good performance for the respective subsystems and the integrated system. The acute invivo trials of 8h duration confirmed the results. The novel mobile ECMO-system enables adequate oxygenation and decarboxylation sufficient for, e.g., physical exercise of designated LTx-recipients. These results are promising and suggest further preclinical studies on safety and efficacy to facilitate translation into clinical application.

This paper examines the learning experience of an inter-faculty higher education course conducted in an expanded remote format, using digital space as facilitator. The study focuses on the implementation of personalized education, a pedagogical approach that emphasizes the diversification of resources, strategies, and actions to empower learners in assigning personal value and meaning to their learning journey. By presenting an action research project, this study highlights the pivotal role of personalized education in guiding the course design. To foster an engaging learning environment, the course incorporated open activities and leveraged tools and platforms of the social web. Through these means, the participants, forming a community of practice, were able to collaboratively generate knowledge before, during, and after synchronous sessions. Furthermore, the participants effectively disseminated this knowledge through networks and engaged in discussions with external stakeholders. The study underscores how personalized education facilitates situated and meaningful learning by fostering expanded, flexible, and distributed experiences. These experiences revolve around a transmedia narrative that seamlessly integrates digital culture into learning opportunities and processes, effectively naturalizing its presence. The results highlight the value of personalized education approaches in adapting to the complexities of the digital age and establishing meaningful learning experiences for students.

The study investigates the determinants of mobile Internet banking adoption among Gen-Y in Malaysia. Align the issue of the study and research objectives, and the study underpinned Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as the main guideline or a blueprint to analyze the research model. The study applied survey research design and analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) under the PLS-SEM technique with SmartPLS 2.0. A total of 358 mobile internet banking users in Malaysia were random proportional selected as respondents and analyzed. Results from the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) revealed that perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, facilitating condition, and personal innovativeness in IT have significantly influenced the attitude of mobile internet banking adoption in Malaysia. Additionally, perceived ease of use and facilitating conditions found to have a significant influence on the perceived usefulness of Mobile Internet Banking. Lastly, facilitating conditions and personal innovativeness in IT are significantly influence the perceived ease of use of mobile internet banking among Gen-Y in Malaysia

Let {$\Gamma(k)$} denote {$(k-1)!$}, and let {$\Gamma_{n}(k)$} denote {$(k-1)!$}, where {$n \in \{3,\ldots,16\}$} and {$k \in \{2\} \cup [2^{\textstyle 2^{n-3}}+1,\infty) \cap \mathbb N$}. For an integer {$n \in \{3,\ldots,16\}$}, let $\Sigma_n$ denote the following statement: if a system of equations {${\mathcal S} \subseteq \{\Gamma_{n}(x_i)=x_k:~i,k \in \{1,\ldots,n\}\} \cup \{x_i \cdot x_j=x_k:~i,j,k \in \{1,\ldots,n\}\}$} with $\Gamma$ instead of $\Gamma_{n}$ has only finitely many solutions in positive integers {$x_1,\ldots,x_n$}, then every tuple {$(x_1,\ldots,x_n) \in (\mathbb N \setminus \{0\})^n$} that solves the original system ${\mathcal S}$ satisfies {$x_1,\ldots,x_n \leqslant 2^{\textstyle 2^{n-2}}$}. Our hypothesis claims that the statements {$\Sigma_{3},\ldots,\Sigma_{16}$} are true. The statement {$\Sigma_6$} proves the following implication: if the equation {$x(x+1)=y!$} has only finitely many solutions in positive integers $x$ and $y$, then each such solution {$(x,y)$} belongs to the set {$\{(1,2),(2,3)\}$}. The statement {$\Sigma_6$} proves the following implication: if the equation {$x!+1=y^2$} has only finitely many solutions in positive integers $x$ and $y$, then each such solution {$(x,y)$} belongs to the set {$\{(4,5),(5,11),(7,71)\}$}. The statement {$\Sigma_9$} implies the infinitude of primes of the form {$n^2+1$}. The statement {$\Sigma_9$} implies that any prime of the form {$n!+1$} with {$n \geqslant 2^{\textstyle 2^{9-3}}$} proves the infinitude of primes of the form {$n!+1$}. The statement {$\Sigma_{14}$} implies the infinitude of twin primes. The statement {$\Sigma_{16}$} implies the infinitude of Sophie Germain primes.

The intracellular calcium dynamics in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in response to wall shear stress (WSS) and/or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) have been commonly regarded as an important factor in regulating VEC function and behavior including proliferation, migration and apoptosis. However, the effects of time-varying ATP signals have been usually neglected in the past investigations in the field of VEC mechanobiology. In order to investigate the combined effects of WSS and dynamic ATP signals on the intracellular calcium dynamic in VECs, a Y-shaped microfluidic device, which can provide the cultured cells on the bottom of its mixing micro-channel with stimuli of WSS signal alone and different combinations of WSS and ATP signals in one single micro-channel, is proposed. Both numerical simulation and experimental studies verify the feasibility of its application. Cellular experimental results also suggest that a combination of WSS and ATP signals rather than a WSS signal alone might play a more significant role in VEC Ca²⁺ signal transduction induced by blood flow.

Mutations in KRT1 (keratin 1) or KRT10 (keratin 10) underlie a spectrum of diseases known as keratinopathic ichthyoses. Epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI) is caused by heterozygous missense mutations in the genes KRT1 or KRT10, mutations in the gene KRT2 (keratin 2) lead to superficial epidermolytic ichthyosis, and congenital reticular ichthyosiform erythroderma is caused by frameshift mutations in the genes KRT10 or KRT1, which lead to the phenomenon of revertant mosaicism. Epidermolytic ichthyosis is also present in a mosaic pattern known as epidermolytic (acantholytic) nevus, isolated or diffuse. In the latter case, gonadic involvement is possible, leading to a rare pedigree in which a parent with diffuse epidermolytic nevus (linear EI) gives birth to a child affected by EI. We present here an update on the phenotypic presentations of keratinopathic ichthyoses and their molecular mechanisms.

To improve the understanding of soil–pile interaction of laterally loaded piles, the quasi-static test of pile group foundation in silty clay with 5 foundation piles arranged in cross shape is carried out. The direct measurement-based p–y curves at different depths showed nonlinear behavior, in which the initial stiffness and ultimate soil reaction increased as the depth increased. The loading displacement amplitude corresponding to the failure of each foundation pile in the high axial compression reinforced concrete pile group foundation is given as follows: the front-end nappe foundation pile (#3 pile) is 6mm, the middle pile is 16mm, the front-end nappe foundation pile is 20mm, and the loading displacement amplitude of side pile is 24mm. In silty clay, due to the existence of pile group effect, the edge effect has little effect on the horizontal foundation bed coefficient of foundation pile in pile group, while the influence of masking effect on the horizontal foundation bed coefficient of each foundation pile in pile group is not related to the position of pile, but only to the existence of masking effect, and the influence of different columns of masking effect on the horizontal foundation bed coefficient is the same.

The selection equation (replicator equation) has been independently discovered not only in various fields of biology (population genetics, ecology, prebiotic evolution, and sociobiology), but also in laser theory, where it accounts for the emergence of coherent light. Selection theory (replicator dynamics) is an ensemble theory, i. e., it describes the entire system rather than individual events, neglecting details in favor of a statistical view. However, the underlying processes at the individual level are well known in biology. For light quanta, this is not the case, because quantum theory says nothing about individual events. In the Copenhagen interpretation even the existence of causality on "quantum level" is denied. A large number of recent publications, however, makes this interpretation seem questionable.In the present paper, therefore, an attempt is made to describe the basic interactions between light and matter, as far as they are relevant for the emergence of coherent light in the laser (a photon pair interaction mediated by matter is postulated), and to apply replicator dynamics on this basis. Starting point are papers of A. Einstein about the interaction of light and matter as well as the photoelectric effect. Both theories are slightly modified. Furthermore, the double-slit experiment is investigated and finally the emergence of coherent light by density-dependent selection of photons of different phase in a laser-like model. The relationship between “mean fitness”, information content of the photon ensemble and the amplitude of the light is also analyzed.

Cholest-4-en-3-one Δ1-dehydrogenase (AcmB) from Sterolibacterium denitrificans is successfully immobilized on 3-aminopropyltrimethoysilane functionalized MCF and SBA-15 silica supports using adsorption or covalently with glutaraldehyde or divinyl sulfone linkers. The best catalyst, AcmB on MCF linked covalently with glutaraldehyde, retains the specific activity of the homogenous enzyme while exhibiting a substantial increase of the operational stability. The immobilized enzyme was used continuously in the fed-batch reactor for 27 days, catalyzing 1,2-dehydrogenation of androst-4-en-3-one to androst-1,4-dien-3-one with a final yield of 29.9 mM (8.56 g/L) and 99% conversion. The possibility of reuse of the immobilized catalyst was also demonstrated and resulted with a doubling of the product amount compared to that in the reference homogenous reactor. Finally, it was shown that molecular oxygen from the air can efficiently be used as an electron acceptor either reoxidizing directly the enzyme or the reduced DCPIPH2. Keywords: 3-ketosteroid D1-dehydrogenase; KSTD; KSDH; AcmB; 1,2-dehydrogenation; cholest-4-en-3-one Δ1-dehydrogenase; enzyme immobilization, FAD-dependent enzymes; enzyme immobilization;

This article utilized electrodeposition technology to fabricate Zn and Zn-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ composite coatings on Q235 steel plates. The composite coatings were obtained by adding Y₂O₃/Al₂O₃ nanoparticles (0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L) to acidic chloride solutions. This study then examined the impact of these nanoparticles on the microstructure, morphology, microhardness, hydrophobicity, and corrosion resistance of the composite coatings. The results indicate that the addition of the nanoparticles increased the nucleation sites on the surface of the coating, thereby refining the grain size and reducing the roughness of the coating surface. When 10g/L of Y₂O₃ and 10g/L of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were added, the hardness of the composite coating (369 Hv) was 2.49 times higher than that of the pure Zn coating (148 Hv), which was attributed to the dispersion strengthening and grain refinement effects of the nanoparticles. The corrosion resistance of the Zn and Zn-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ composite coatings was studied using linear sweep voltammetry and AC impedance spectroscopy. The addition of the nanoparticles improved the corrosion resistance of the composite coating, and the composite coating prepared in an electrolyte containing 10 g/L of Y₂O₃ and 10 g/L of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles exhibited the best corrosion resistance. Meanwhile, the composite coating exhibited good hydrophobicity, with a contact angle of 120.9°, 1.94 times that of the pure Zn coating (62.2°). The Zn-Y₂O₃-Al₂O₃ nanocomposite coating material has significant potential advantages in the field of steel corrosion.

This study continued the analysis of immunization with the receptor binding domain (RBD) associated with the adjuvants Dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDA) and Saponin (Sap) (RBD+DDA/Sap) or Aluminum hydroxide (AH) and outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of Neisseria meningitidis (RBD+AH/OMV); from adult to old age and assessed maternal-fetal transference of antibodies. Outbred Swiss mice were immunized with 2 intramuscular (IM) doses with the antigenic preparations RBD+DDA/Sap, RBD+AH/OMV or RBD alone. The humoral immune response was evaluated using ELISA, avidity-ELISA, Immunoblotting and a Omicron-surrogate-neutralization assay (BA.1), while the cellular immune response was analyzed by ELISpot. Our previous work studied the IgG response; here, we verified that IgM levels were higher right after the immunization doses, but, as IgG, it persisted until 368 days after the immunization. The avidity of IgM increased from low to intermediate-to-high after the booster dose. RBD+DDA/Sap presented neutralizing indexes against Omicron at days 47 and 176, while RBD+AH/OMV showed neutralization on days 21, 47 and 176. Cellular response, measured 465 days after immunization, revealed IFN-Y and IL-4 secretion. The offspring of RBD+DDA/Sap had detectable antibodies, which decreased around 45 days after birth, the last point we analyzed. The results suggested that DDA/Sap is a promising adjuvant mixture to enhance humoral and cellular immune response against SARS-CoV-2, improving maternal-fetal transference of antibodies; cross-reactivity with Omicron variant; and the maintenance of antibodies for a long period.

This comprehensive study delves into the implementation and effectiveness of the flipped classroom model in engineering EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) courses in Taiwan. Situated within the strategic framework of Taiwan's Bilingual Nation 2023 policy, this research aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Taiwan's semiconducting manufacturing engineering sector. The study’s primary focus is on understanding the perceptions and learning outcomes of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students in engineering courses. Through a methodical approach using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, the study analyzes data from 33 junior engineering students specializing in mechanical and mechatronic fields. The findings highlight a significant positive influence of the flipped classroom model on various aspects of student learning, including increased engagement, heightened creativity, and enhanced problem-solving skills. Additionally, the study emphasizes the critical role of timely L1 support in facilitating effective learning in EMI settings. These outcomes not only demonstrate the flipped classroom's viability as a sustainable educational approach but also provide crucial insights for educators and policymakers. By aligning cutting-edge teaching methods with the evolving needs of engineering education, this study contributes to the discourse on educational innovation. It ultimately guides the development of future engineering programs that cater to diverse student needs and fosters the cultivation of skilled engineering professionals.