Slow Decrease Research Articles

Microstructural properties of Pacific yew as determined with SilviScan

Summary Pacific yew (Taxus brevifolia Nutt.) is a conifer from the northwestern United States with unusually dense and flexible wood. Because the wood of Pacific yew is not used at scale in the commercial industry, there has been no study of radial variation in wood properties or of the microstructural characteristics responsible for its atypical combination of high density and relatively low stiffness. Increment cores (12.5 mm in diameter) were obtained from 15 Pacific yew trees; SilviScan was used to observe patterns of radial variation in density, microfibril angle (MFA), and stiffness in the cores, and these patterns were compared to other conifer species. Observations included unusually dense wood with uncharacteristically low stiffness, a very slow decrease in density from pith to bark unlike any of the typical patterns of radial density variation reported for other conifers in North America, and an MFA that remained constant at its high initial value of approximately 35 degrees throughout the tree’s lifespan. Microstructural properties and macro characteristics were used to explore the ecological niche into which T. brevifolia fits, as it possesses features not shared by any other species of North American conifer.

Luteinizing hormone profiles during ovarian stimulation in assisted reproductive treatment.

Few data is available on the natural course of luteinizing hormone (LH) during ovarian stimulation, but it has been suggested that 'oversuppressed' LH could decrease fertility outcomes. Our aim with this study is to evaluate the changes in LH depending on the used stimulation protocol to better define LH oversuppressioin. Patients undergoing oocyte retrieval in a tertiary fertility center between 01-01-2015 and 30-09-2020 after stimulation with a short-agonist (SA) or antagonist (A) protocol were included. Data were retrospectively retrieved from 858 electronic patient records, of which 338 SA cycles and 783 A cycles. A continuous profile was set out to evaluate the pooled measurements of the mean LH in time during ovarian stimulation and linear mixed modeling was used to compare the change of LH between 4 time points: the day prior to start of gonadotrophins (T1), stimulation day 5 (T2), stimulation day 6 (T3) and on the day of oocyte maturation trigger (T4). Oversuppression of LH was defined as a decrease of LH > 50% after initiation of GnRH antagonist and LH levels < 1.2 IU/l after GnRH antagonist. A subanalysis was performed for type of gonadotrophin (recFSH vs hp-hMG). In the SA protocol, an initial LH peak was followed by a slow decrease of LH until triggering. In the A protocol, LH decreased after gonadotrophin initiation with a further rapid decrease after initiation of the antagonist and remained low until trigger. LH levels dropped > 50% in 26.2% of the antagonist cycles and LH levels were < 1.2 IU/l in 45.3% of cycles after initiation of GnRH-antagonist. The course of LH in the SA protocol differs from the A protocol where low mean LH levels are seen. Oversuppression of LH, or iatrogenic LH deficiency as described in earlier studies, may be a rather pervasive phenomenon during stimulation with an antagonist protocol and warrants further investigation to elucidate the clinical relevance of low LH levels during ovarian stimulation.

Triggered and dispersed under feedback of super H ii region W4

The W3/4 Giant Molecular Cloud (GMC) was an ideal target to study the impact of H ii regions onto the surrounding molecular gas and star formation. We utilized PMO CO (1--0) data from the Milky Way Imaging Scroll Painting (MWISP) survey to analyze the cloud structure and the feedback effect from the W4 H ii region. Our observations showed that cold gas, traced by CO, mainly resided in the W3 GMC, with C18O concentrated in dense regions, while gas around W4 was dispersed. The 13CO position-position-velocity (PPV) distributions revealed a "C" shaped structure in the W3 cloud with more redshifted gas at higher galactic longitudes. A high density layer (HDL) region on the eastern side of the W3 region exhibited a flattened structure facing W4. Subdividing the area into sixteen subregions, we found that regions 6--9 on the HDL layer exhibited the strongest radiation, while clouds at the W4 bubble boundary not facing W3 exhibited weak signals, possibly due to star formation triggering and subsequent molecular gas dispersal by the H ii region. Analysis along four paths from the W4 H ii region to the far side showed a consistent trend of sharply increasing intensity followed by a slow decrease, indicating the gas was effectively eroded and heated by the photon dominated region (PDR) near the boundary of the H ii region. Clump identification based on 13CO emission revealed 288 structures categorized as "bubble," "HDL," and "quiescent" clumps. Analysis of mass-radius and Virial-mass relationships showed a potential for high-mass star formation in 29.5$&lt;!PCT!&gt;$ (85/288) of the clumps, with 39.2$&lt;!PCT!&gt;$ (113/288) being gravitationally bound. HDL clumps exhibited distinct $L/M$ and velocity dispersion, suggesting an earlier evolutionary stage and gravitational instability compared to quiescent and bubble clumps. Clump parameter differences provided evidence for triggered and dispersed effects of the W4 H ii region on the HDL and bubble regions, respectively.

Sex-based differences in histologic lung cancer incidence trends in the United States, 2005-2019.

Decreases in lung cancer incidence in the United States (US) have paralleled decreasing smoking prevalence for several decades; however, recent data has revealed slower declines among females than males. Sex-based differences in histologic lung cancer-and specifically adenocarcinoma-for all 50 US states and the District of Columbia have never been investigated. Using population-based cancer registry data from the US Cancer Statistics, we examined age-adjusted histologic lung cancer incidence rates and trends by sex and state of residence at diagnosis. We compared state-level adenocarcinoma incidence to lung cancer screening (LCS) adherence and smoking prevalence estimates. Average annual percentage change (AAPC) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were used to assess changes over time. Nationally, females experienced faster increases in adenocarcinoma incidence than males (1.75%/year vs. 0.35%/year), and slower decreases in incidence of squamous cell (-0.06%/year vs. -1.58%/year) and small cell carcinoma (-2.06%/year vs. -3.19%/year). Adenocarcinoma incidence increased significantly (AAPC>0) in 41 states among females compared to 10 among males. Significant adenocarcinoma increases in individuals under age 55 (IRR >1) occurred among females in six states (four in the southeastern US) and none among males. State-level LCS adherence was significantly associated with adenocarcinoma incidence among females (r = 0.39; p<.01) but not males, though screening cannot account for increases among females under age 55. Our results highlight sex-based differences in histologic lung cancer incidence trends, with specific concern for increases in adenocarcinoma in the southeastern US. Further research is needed into appropriate LCS eligibility criteria and the risk factors driving sex-based disparities.

The mouse gingiva and HIF-1α, a key gene of hypoxic environment, as tools for post-mortem time estimation.

The post-mortem interval (PMI) is the time elapsed between the death of an individual and its forensic examination. It is a crucial information for judicial authorities, but current techniques still cannot establish a precise time interval. Novel approaches are therefore required. Recently, gingival tissue has emerged as interesting for forensic analysis thanks to the protection offered by lips to this tissue, limiting the influence of environmental factors. It is also easily accessible, and its sampling is minimally invasive even in the presence of rigor mortis. Moreover, the expression of HIF-1α, a master mediator of the hypoxic environment, has been described in gingival samples at different post-mortem (PM) times. We have hypothesized that the time-dependent post-mortem expression of HIF-1α could serve as a biomarker to more accurately predict the PMI. Our analyses were performed in an animal model, the mouse, where environment can be precisely controlled. Therewith, gingival tissue morphology was evaluated through histochemical staining and HIF-1α expression was analyzed by qPCR, western blots and immunofluorescence at different post-mortem times (0h to 100h). Our results showed (a) a global post-mortem stability of gingival tissue (b) a rapid increase in HIF-1α mRNA expression in the short post-mortem times followed by a slow decrease in transcript expression until 100h PM (c) an expression of the HIF- 1α protein and its degradation products, that follows the mRNA pattern (d) the presence of HIF-1α protein in the epithelial and connective layers of the tissue, with signal accumulation in both gingival strata until at least 32h post-mortem. This pilot study thus validated the mouse and the gingival tissue as models for post-mortem analyses, as well as for studying the fate of proteins such as HIF-1α. Transferring these approaches to human subjects may provide a more accurate estimate of PMI.

Soil Emissions of Reactive Oxidized Nitrogen Reduce the Effectiveness of Anthropogenic Source Control in China.

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has decreased by ∼33% across over 1200 monitoring sites in China during 2015-2023, following a series of clean air policies. However, most of these sites are located in or near cities, leading to uncertainties in NO2 trends beyond urban regions due to limited observations. Here, we used satellite measurements to examine the differences in NO2 trends between urban and rural China. In urban areas, NO2 columns decreased by 4.0% per annum (a-1) during summer 2011-2023, consistent with bottom-up anthropogenic emission inventory and in situ measurements. In contrast, rural NO2 columns showed a slower than expected reduction (-2.6 to -0.0% a-1) during the same period. Model simulations with updates in the soil reactive oxidized nitrogen (Nr) scheme indicated that increasing soil Nr emissions can be an important factor contributing to the observed slow NO2 decrease in rural areas. This unregulated source increased summertime pollutant levels, partially offsetting the national efforts to mitigate NO2, ozone (O3), and particulate nitrate (NO3-) levels by 20.9%, 15.4%, and 4.7%, respectively, from 2011 to 2020. In the agriculture-intensive North China Plain, the increase in soil Nr emissions offset 46.6% of the NO2 reductions achieved by clean air policies. Our results highlight the increasing significance of soil emissions and the need to control them in future air-quality policies.

Hyperandrogenism after menopause: diagnostic evaluation

Excessive androgen levels in women after menopause often result from an imbalance in ovarian steroid secretion: a rapid decline in estrogen secretion associated with a slow decrease in androgen secretion, compounded by a physiological decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin. Hyperandrogenism is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and gynecological neoplasms, also impacting the emotional well-being of affected women. Therefore, the aim of these guidelines is to guide the clinical physician in the appropriate clinical and biochemical evaluation of hyperandrogenism after menopause, thus optimizing therapeutic outcomes. The most frequent consultation in this stage of life is facial hirsutism associated with hair loss. If the onset of signs is abrupt, severe, associated with virilization and accompanied by serum testosterone levels in the male range, it is necessary to rule out a tumoral origin. A thorough medical history guides the diagnosis. Determination of total testosterone using reliable methods and imaging studies are valid tools to assist when doubts arise in the differential diagnosis.

Experimental study on the aerodynamic characteristics and wake flow feature of triangular prisms with various round corner radius

In this work, particle image velocimetry (PIV) and wind pressure measurements are employed in the wind tunnel to investigate triangular prisms with different rounded corner radius. The effect of rounded corner radius on wind pressure distribution, aerodynamic force, and wake flow characteristics are analyzed. Results indicate that the surface wind pressure can be effectively reduced through filleting treatment, with an average drag coefficient decrease of 52.7% as the corner shape transitions from sharp to round. The continuous increase of the radius of the rounded corner causes an accretion of the fluctuating lift coefficient, and a slow decrease of the drag coefficient. The modification of the corner radius has a limited impact on the vortex shedding frequency, but the shedding vortex tend to gather the leeward side. Additionally, statistical analysis of wake flow shows that an increment in the rounded corner radius leads to a significant reduction in the wake recirculation region, amounting to 20.16%. Concurrently, the peak values of turbulent kinetic energy and Reynolds stress exhibit a pattern of initial increase followed by a decrease. On the other hand, results of proper orthogonal decomposition suggest that the spatial distribution of vortex structures becomes increasingly compact with the enlargement of the rounded corner radius.

Quality and Shelf-Life Properties of Ready to Eat Dry-Cured Ham Slices under Different Packaging Systems during Storage.

This study has aimed to assess the quality and shelf-life stability of dry-cured ham under different packaging systems during storage. The types of packaging systems were: aerobic packing (AP), vacuum packing (VP), and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Pork bicep femoris muscles (n=20) were salted with 5% NaCl, 0.01% NaNO2 and 0.05% sodium erythorbate and then inoculated with Lactobacillus pentosus (4.0×109 CFU/g) and Staphylococcus carnosus (6.0×109 CFU/g). The products were cured, ripened, and dried for 12 mon by using a commercially available manufacturing process. The end products were sliced into 2 mm-thick slices, placed in pouches or trays, and packed with AP (overwrapping), VP, and MAP (70% N2 and 30% CO2). The packed samples were stored at 10°C for 84 d, and then analyzed for color, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN), lipid oxidation, microorganisms, tastes-related amino acids and fatty acids. The results showed that after 84 d of storage, the VP- and MAP-packed samples exhibited better color stability. Lower rates of TVBN formation and lipid oxidation were observed in VP- and MAP-packed samples (p<0.05). Noticeably, a slower decrease in sweet amino acid and unsaturated fatty acid content was found in the VP- and MAP-packed samples after 84 d of storage (p<0.05). Hence, to retain the quality, taste, and nutritional value during storage, ready-to-eat dry-cured ham slices should be packed under VP or MAP conditions.

The Effect of Saccharin on SnNi Alloy: the Electrodeposition and its Electrocatalytic Activity in Ethanol Oxidation Reaction

The development of Direct Ethanol Fuel Cell (DEFC) has attracted much attention, as alternative energy sources due to its various advantages. However, among its various advantages, DEFC has several problems, such as the kinetics of the ethanol oxidation reaction. Transition metal-based catalysts such as nickel and tin are considered as potential catalysts for DEFC due to their oxophilic properties that can improve catalytic activity. In this study, the effect of saccharin on SnNi bimetallic alloy catalyst synthesized by electrodeposition method on copper wire substrate was investigated. SnNi samples were characterized by several techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and energi dispersive X-ray spectrocopy. Saccharin addition had a significant effect on the morphology, crystallite size, and composition of the catalyst. The presence of saccharin causes the formation of more uniform particles and has a smaller size. The sample with the addition of saccharin had a smaller charge transfer resistance value 4.82 Ω, lower tafel slope by 115 mV/dec, and show higher jf/jb ratio by 0.55. Furthermore, as the current density decreases, the SnNi catalyst with saccharin has a slow decrease rate and higher stability than the SnNi catalyst without saccharin.

Study on the Mechanical and Permeability Evolution of a Composite Rock Mass in an Aquifuge Under Hydraulic Coupling

The lithology and composition type of an aquifuge in overburden play a crucial role in influencing the crack evolution and permeability changes of the aquifuge. This study utilized the high-temperature and high-pressure rock triaxial seepage test system to conduct triaxial compression tests on mudstone, sandstone, and their combined rock samples. The mechanical characteristics and permeability evolution of each lithology law during the failure were investigated. Furthermore, computed tomography (CT) scanning technology was utilized for the three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction and theoretical permeability calculation of single and combined rock samples. The results indicated that the stress–strain curves for single and combined rock samples exhibited similar patterns, which were divided into four stages: pore compaction, linear elasticity, yield deformation, and post-peak residual deformation. The peak strength of rock samples positively correlated with confining pressure. Permeability trends for mudstone and sandstone exhibited an “N”-type pattern characterized by “slow decrease–gradual stabilization–sudden increase–rebound decrease”, while the permeability of mudstone–sandstone combined rock followed a “U”-type pattern of “initial decrease–stabilization–subsequent increase”. Notably, the permeability of the combined rock samples was significantly lower compared to the single rock samples. The failure mode indicated that fractures in a single rock sample transversed the entire sample, whereas failures in the combined rock samples were confined to the mudstone component. This observation accounted for the differences in the permeability changes between the rock sample types. Additionally, the theoretical permeability results from the 3D reconstruction correlated with the experimental results.

Precipitation strengthening behavior of Custom 455 stainless steel during tempering at 420 °C

After solid solution at 850 °C, the Custom 455 was aged at 420 °C for different times. The hardness changes were measured using a Vickers hardness tester, and the microstructure and composition of the second phase were studied using atom probe tomography (APT) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The APT results indicate that in the early stage of aging, Cu atoms first segregate and attract Ti to form CuTi clusters; As the aging time increases, Ti atoms in CuTi clusters attract Ni and form CuTiNi clusters, resulting in a rapid increase in sample hardness; Subsequently, CuNiTi clusters grew and gradually separated into Cu-rich and NiTi-rich particles; As the aging time further increases, some NiTi-rich particles grow into rod-shaped Ni3Ti precipitates, while others have Si atoms and grow into spherical G phase particles. The orientation relationship between Cu-rich phase, Ni3Ti phase, and G phase is: [100]M//[0–11]Cu//[-12–10]Ni3Ti//[100]G, (011)M//(111)Cu//(0004)Ni3Ti//(022)G. The formation of the Cu-rich, Ni3Ti, and G phase resulted in a hardness peak of 538 HV after 16 h of aging. Subsequently, the decrease in hardness caused by the coarsening of the Cu-rich and Ni3Ti particles was offset by the newly formed G phase, resulting in a slow decrease in hardness.

Sick-leave trajectories among people sickness absent with stress-related diagnoses; cohort studies

Abstract Background Stress-related disorders are common sickness absence (SA) diagnoses in many Western countries. Knowledge of SA and disability pension (DP) patterns among people with such SA is needed. Thus, the aim was to identify future SADP trajectories among people with a new SA spell due to stress-related diagnosis and to examine sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with identified trajectories. Methods Using microdata from nationwide registers, we included all people living in Sweden with a new SA spell &amp;gt;14 days due to stress-related diagnoses (ICD-10 code F43) in 2011 (N = 32,417) or 2018 (N = 65,511), respectively. These two cohorts were followed prospectively for 13 months from the SA spell start, to identify trajectory groups of mean SA/DP days/month using group-based trajectory modeling. We used multinomial logistic regression to explore associations between sociodemographic and health-related predictors and trajectory membership. Results We identified the following SA/DP trajectories in both cohorts: steep drop (30.6% and 35.9% of all included in 2018 and 2011, respectively); fluctuating (8.7%, 11.2%); fast decrease (25.5%, 24.4%); medium decrease (18.1%, 13.1%); slow decrease (10.8%, 7.3%), and constant high (6.2%, 8.0%). Compared to the steep drop trajectory, individuals in the other trajectories were more likely women, older, and had prior SA/DP or secondary outpatient healthcare visits. Starting the SA spell full-time was the strongest predictor for the slow decrease and constant high trajectory, and previous SA or diagnosis of other mental disorders were predictors of the constant fluctuating and constant high trajectory. Conclusions The similarity of the identified trajectories in the two cohorts is a strength. The results reveal the diversity of future SA/DP in this patient group, indicating the importance of identifying patients at risk of long-term SA who might need further interventions early in the process. Key messages • In two population-wide cohorts with a new sickness absence (SA) spell with stress-related diagnoses, six trajectories of SA/disability pension days were identified during the 13-month follow-up. • Most of those in the cohorts had trajectories that ended with no SA/DP after 13 months, while two trajectories, including 15-19% of individuals, showed high or varying SA/DP days during the follow-up.

Study on the Influence Mechanism of Hot Flue Gas Injection Pressure on the Wettability of Anthracite Coal: From the Perspective of Molecular Dynamics.

A multicomponent wetting model of coal-water-methane-hot flue gas was hereby constructed to investigate the influence of complex components of hot flue gas on coal wettability. Besides, whether it is feasible to use the NIST method to capture the system pressure was verified from a microscopic perspective. Moreover, how the interaction energy and hydrogen bonds between water and coal, the spreading length of water nanodroplets in the X-direction, and the three-phase contact angle vary with the hot flue gas injection pressure were discussed. Here are the findings: (1) The absolute value of interaction energy between water and coal is negatively correlated with the pressure. In addition, the gradient of decrease shrinks continuously when the pressure rises. (2) As the pressure rises, a decline is monitored in both the number of hydrogen bonds and the spreading length of water nanodroplets in the X-direction, and a critical pressure value exists around 32.64 MPa, which divides the variation into two stages, i.e., rapid decrease and slow decrease. (3) The three-phase contact angle grows with the rise of pressure, and its critical pressure value is similar to that of number of hydrogen bonds and spreading length. In addition, it is found that the density of the gas adsorption layer augments as the pressure rises, which can be seen that a higher injection pressure is favorable for gas wetting. These research observations brought to light that appropriately raising the hot flue gas injection pressure can promote the transition of wetting mode from water wetting to gas wetting, which is of great benefit for relieving the water lock effect and effectively improving the transportation environment of gas.

Association between healthy lifestyle on life course and multimorbidity in adults: results from two national prospective cohort studies

ObjectivesTo examine the correlation between healthy lifestyle patterns, their change trajectories, and the risk of multimorbidity in adults.MethodsBased on two representative national cohorts, the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) including adults aged 50 years and over. We employed Cox regression, lifestyle change trajectories, and restricted mean survival times to explore the relationship between lifestyle (assessed by SCORE2, LE’8, and HLS scores) and multimorbidity. We also conducted mediation analysis to investigate the underlying mechanisms.ResultsA healthy lifestyle (higher LE’8, higher HLS, or lower SCORE2) can reduce the risk of multimorbidity. 2-10% lower multimorbidity risk per one-point increase in LE’8 and HLS. The hazard ratio of multimorbidity for improvements in unhealthy lifestyles or deterioration in healthy lifestyles compared to always healthy lifestyles ranged from 1.598 to 5.602. Besides, for LE’8 and HLS, participants with higher scores had a slower decrease in survival probability in ELSA. Triglyceride, C-reaction protein, fibrinogen, and cystatin C partly mediate the association between lifestyle and multimorbidity.ConclusionsKeeping a healthy lifestyle over time can help reduce the risk of multimorbidity.

Optical moiré bound states in the continuum

Trapping electromagnetic waves within the radiation continuum holds significant implications in the field of optical science and technology. Photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) present a distinctive approach for achieving this functionality, offering potential applications in laser systems, sensing technologies, and other domains. However, the simultaneous achievement of high Q-factors, flat-band dispersions, and wide-angle responses in photonic BICs has not yet been reported, thereby impeding their practical performance due to laser direction deviation or sample disorder. Here, we theoretically demonstrate the construction of moiré BICs in one-dimensional photonic crystal (PhC) slabs, where high-Q resonances in the entire moiré flat band are achieved. Specifically, we numerically validate that the radiation loss of moiré BICs can be eliminated by aligning multiple topological polarization charges with all diffraction channels, enabling the strong suppression of far-field radiation from the entire moiré band. This leads to a slow decay of Q-factors away from moiré BICs in the momentum space. Moreover, it is found that Q-factors of the moiré flat band can still maintain at a high level with structural disorder. In experiments, we fabricate the designed 1D moiré PhC slab and observe both high-Q resonances and a slow decrease of Q-factors for moiré flat-band Bloch modes. Our findings hold promising implications for designing highly efficient optical devices with wide-angle responses and introduce a novel avenue for exploring BICs in moiré superlattices.

ОГЛЯД РЕЗУЛЬТАТІВ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ ЗАБРУДНЕННЯ КАХОВСЬКОГО ВОДОСХОВИЩА ЦЕЗІЄМ-137 І СТРОНЦІЄМ-90, ЯКІ ПРОВОДИЛИСЬ ПІСЛЯ АВАРІЇ НА ЧОРНОБИЛЬСЬКІЙ АЕС (1986-1921 РР.)

The available data on the state of radioactive contamination of water and bottom sediments of the Kakhovka Reservoir were analyzed in order to assess the possible deterioration of the quality of the environment based on the indicators of radioactive contamination in the zone of influence of the emergency discharge of water due to destruction of the Kakhovka NPP dam by the Russian military. Contamination of the Kakhovka Reservoir with 137Cs occurred mainly through the fallouts of this radionuclide with aerosols on the water surface in May 1986. A much smaller part of this radionuclide transported by water runoff directly from the headwaters of the Dnieper basin. Strontium-90 entered the reservoir exclusively by water pathway starting from October 1986. The steady trends of decreasing activity of both radionuclides in water has been observed since 1987. Approximately to 1996 137Cs activity concentrations had decreased to pre-accident level, 90Sr activity demonstrated a slow decrease and by 2022 remained slightly higher than pre-accidental level. The average levels of contamination of the Kakhovka reservoir bottom with 137Cs and 90Sr turned out to be the lowest compared to the other reservoirs of the Dnieper cascade. It was shown that in 1994 137Cs activity levels were 0.06 Ci/km2(2,2 kBq/m2) on 80% of the bottom surface (submerged former floodplain of the Dnieper) and were lower than on the territory adjacent to the reservoir. In the areas of silt accumulation (former channel of the Dnieper) 137Cs activity was on average three times higher. Balance calculations based on the data of radiation monitoring of water showed that the amount of 137Cs activity in the bottom sediments in the period 1987-2022 halved due to natural radioactive decay, the amount of 90Sr activity decreased by approximately 20%, since activity losses due to natural radioactive decay were partially compensated by the constant supply of this radionuclide with water runoff from the contaminated part of the catchment. After a catastrophic water leak from the reservoir, the Dnieper floodplain had exposed. According to the calculations, the average density of soil contamination of the ехposed areas with 137Cs does not exceed 0.03 Ci/km2 (1,1 kBq/m2), with 90Sr – less than 0.1 Ci/km2 (3,7 kBq/m2). Silt deposits of the former Dnieper channel, which had an increased level of 137Cs contamination, were re-suspended, probably, and carried out into the Dnipro-Bug estuary and further into the Black Sea. However, according to our assumptions, this should not have a negative effect on the radioecological state of the sea, because the 137Cs activity concentrations in the water of north-western part of the Black Sea were always 20-30 times higher than in the Dnieper water.

Synthesis, characterization, and electrical properties of Nd3+‐doped (Bi0.4Na0.2K0.2Ba0.2)TiO3 high‐entropy ceramics

AbstractRecently, high‐entropy perovskites have attracted considerable attention due to their diverse chemical composition and multifunctionality. In this study, the high‐entropy approach was employed in a (Bi0.4Na0.2K0.2Ba0.2)TiO3 matrix, and Nd3+ was introduced to enhance the configurational entropy and modify its dielectric and ferroelectric properties. Notably, despite Nd3+ doping, all samples maintained a tetragonal perovskite structure at room temperature. The configurational entropy increased with the Nd3+ concentration, consequently leading to a gradual decline in the ferroelectric properties along with the associated temperature (Tm) and maximum dielectric constant (εm). The P–E loops of the ceramics also became thinner as Pm and Pr decreased, resulting in a slow decrease in the recoverable energy density (Wrec) and a simultaneous increase in the energy storage efficiency (η). Especially, the energy storage performance reached its peak at an Nd3+ concentration of 12 mol%, exhibiting an energy storage efficiency of 85.8% and a recoverable energy storage density of 0.74 J/cm3 at a low electric field of 100 kV/cm. These results highlight the potential of this material for dielectric applications in low electric fields and contribute to the advancement of alternative high‐entropy energy storage perovskite ceramics.

Bictegravir alters glucose tolerance in vivo and causes hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction

Growing evidence associates antiretroviral therapies containing integrase strand transfer inhibitors or tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) with increased weight gain and metabolic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study evaluated the impact of lamivudine, dolutegravir (DTG), bictegravir (BIC), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and TAF on metabolic alterations, and explored glucose homeostasis and mitochondrial stress as potential mechanisms. These pathways were analyzed both in vivo (C57BL/6J mice treated with the abovementioned drugs or vehicle for 16 weeks) and in vitro (in Hep3B cells). Mice treated with BIC exhibited higher glucose levels and a slower decrease during a glucose tolerance test. Functional enrichment analyses of livers from antiretroviral-treated mice revealed that only BIC altered the cellular response to insulin and induced a gluconeogenic-favoring profile, with Fgf21 playing a significant role. In vitro, BIC significantly reduced hepatocyte glucose uptake in a concentration-dependent manner, both under basal conditions and post-insulin stimulation, while the other drugs produced no significant changes. Hep3B cells treated with clinically relevant concentrations of BIC exhibited significant alterations in the mRNA expression of enzymes related to glucose metabolism. Both DTG and BIC reduced mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity, but only BIC increased reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cellular granularity, thereby indicating mitochondrial stress. BIC promoted mitochondrial dysfunction, modified carbohydrate metabolism and glucose consumption in hepatocytes, and altered glucose tolerance and gluconeogenesis regulation in mice. These findings suggest that BIC contributes to insulin resistance and diabetes in people living with HIV, warranting clinical studies to clarify its association with carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

Abundance of brown bears and wolves in central south Norway after 1733 as revealed by bounty records

Disbursements for bounties were made locally in Norway from 1733 to 1845 for the killing of brown bears (Ursus arctos) and wolves (Canis lupus). More than 3000 bounty records of these two species from 19 parishes in central south Norway were analysed. The greatest number of bounties paid per unit of area was found in forested areas in the lowland. The number of bounties paid was positively correlated with the size of forested areas and negatively with the density of people and their wealth, represented by the number of cows per inhabitant. The gradient of the regression lines for bounties paid in relation to time in the period 1738 - 1815 was negative, even after correcting for inflation, suggesting that the bounty system caused a slow decrease in the populations of both brown bears and wolves during the 18th century. The introduction of better firearms after about 1850 led to an abrupt decline in the wolf population, which was nearly exterminated around 1870. The brown bear survived a few decades longer, but was also gradually reduced to very small numbers in the beginning of the 20th century.