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Abstract:Objective: This paper explores the relationship between alcohol consumption and psychological health outcome in an economically underdeveloped area of China. Methods: We conducted convenience sampling and recruited 439 participants at alcohol-related risk as identified by Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Well-being and mental health were the primary outcomes. We employed multiple regression analysis to determine the correlation between alcohol consumption and health outcome. Results: Participants with higher scores for alcohol dependence were more likely to obtain higher scores for stress (0.11 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.19]), anxiety (0.15 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.23]) and depression (0.11 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.19]). Similarly, increasing scores for harmful alcohol use items were associated with higher scores for anxiety (0.08 [95% CI: 0.01,0.16]) and stress (0.08 [95% CI: 0.01,0.15]) and lower scores for positiveness (0.07 [95% CI: –0.14, –0.01]). Participants with stable incomes and the ethnic minority reported more favorable psychological outcomes or fewer negative emotions. Conversely, individuals who drank passively were more prone to experiencing lower positive and higher negative psychological effects. Conclusions: Higher scores on measures of alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use indicate elevated psychological risks. Socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and drinking motivations modified the associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective type of polymer heat-insulating material (foams) based on reactive oligomers is casting epoxy foams with high technological and operational parameters. However, polyepoxide foams are highly flammable, which significantly restrains their application in the construction industry. The aim of this work was to develop effective methods for reducing the flammability of filling epoxy foams. In order to achieve the objective, the following objectives were addressed: determining the influence of the chemical nature and content of additive and reactive bromine- and phosphorus-containing compounds on the thermal stability, flammability and operational properties of filling epoxy foams, and the development of polyepoxy foams of reduced flammability with high-quality physical and mechanical characteristics. When estimating the flammability of epoxy foams, we used both state-approved methods and the methods described in scientific and technical literature. The thermal properties of epoxy foams were studied with the help of multimodular thermoanalytical complex DuPont-9900. The data on the influence of the apparent density of foams and oxygen concentration in the oxidant flow on the flame propagation speed on the horizontal surface of polyepoxy foams are presented. It was revealed that the chemical nature of amine hardeners does not affect the thermal stability and flammability of epoxy foams. It was established that phosphate plasticizers are ineffective flame retardants of foamed epoxy resin, and the chemical structure of additive organobromic flame retardants insignificantly affects their efficiency. It was shown that microencapsulated flame retardants are inferior in flame retardant efficiency to additive flame retardants. It was found that effective flame retardants for casting polyepoxy foams are phosphorus-containing oligoether methacrylate and epoxidized waste from the production of tetrabromodiphenylpropane. The results of this research will form the basis for the production of an experimental industrial batch of samples of pouring epoxy foams of reduced flammability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide diversity of Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) are able to transfer host DNA. MGE-mediated 'sex' can be of significant influence on host evolution. Many instances of host DNA transfer are likely to be transient and non-adaptive. Evidence of MGE domestication suggests that host benefits of MGE-mediated sex could exist. The prokaryote world is replete with mobile genetic elements (MGEs) – self-replicating entities that can move within and between their hosts. Many MGEs not only transfer their own DNA to new hosts but also transfer host DNA located elsewhere on the chromosome in the process. This could potentially lead to indirect benefits to the host when the resulting increase in chromosomal variation results in more efficient natural selection. We review the diverse ways in which MGEs promote the transfer of host DNA and explore the benefits and costs to MGEs and hosts. In many cases, MGE-mediated transfer of host DNA might not be selected for because of a sex function, but evidence of MGE domestication suggests that there may be host benefits of MGE-mediated sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

English VP-preposing allows VP modifiers to remain on the right (John said he would arrive on Tuesday, and arrive he did, on Tuesday). The classic analysis of this invokes VP constituency, claiming that the modifiers are right-adjoined to VP and stranded by movement of a smaller VP ([VP arrive] he did [VP [VP arrive] on Tuesday]). This article proposes a radically different view based on the copy theory of movement (Chomsky 1993), wherein moved items leave a copy in their site of origin. I propose that VP-preposing always involves movement of the maximal VP with possible/impossible argument/ modifier "strandings" representing possible/impossible pronunciations of the original copy. This proposal allows a straightforward analysis of "paradox" examples in which VP-preposing constituency appears to clash with c-command requirements. It also raises the possibility of eliminating adjunction entirely in the analysis of modifiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: This paper explores the relationship between alcohol consumption and psychological health outcome in an economically underdeveloped area of China. Methods: We conducted convenience sampling and recruited 439 participants at alcohol-related risk as identified by Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test. Well-being and mental health were the primary outcomes. We employed multiple regression analysis to determine the correlation between alcohol consumption and health outcome. Results: Participants with higher scores for alcohol dependence were more likely to obtain higher scores for stress (0.11 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.19]), anxiety (0.15 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.23]) and depression (0.11 [95% CI: 0.03, 0.19]). Similarly, increasing scores for harmful alcohol use items were associated with higher scores for anxiety (0.08 [95% CI: 0.01,0.16]) and stress (0.08 [95% CI: 0.01,0.15]) and lower scores for positiveness (0.07 [95% CI: –0.14, –0.01]). Participants with stable incomes and the ethnic minority reported more favorable psychological outcomes or fewer negative emotions. Conversely, individuals who drank passively were more prone to experiencing lower positive and higher negative psychological effects. Conclusions: Higher scores on measures of alcohol dependence and harmful alcohol use indicate elevated psychological risks. Socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and drinking motivations modified the associations.

The energy sector is currently exploring eco-friendly energy conversion and storage devices, as an alternative to traditional fossil fuel devices. A unique hybrid proton exchange membrane is developed for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) application. Polymeric nanocomposite membranes are effective for the selective and controlled transportation of ions between the electrodes. This study utilizes various modifiers such as GO, SGO, SPES, and SiC, to modify the PES polymer matrix. Analysis of the functional groups confirmed the presence of modifiers and hydroxyl groups on the nanocomposite membrane. Additionally, the use of Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) validated the existence of honeycomb and sponge-like voids as well as the surface morphology on the membrane surface. The incorporation of modifiers into the nanocomposite membrane matrix serves as a reliable barrier for the transport of vanadium ions, leading to a significant reduction in vanadium ion permeability across the membrane. The mechanical properties and ion exchange capacity of nanocomposite membranes are enhanced, while the permeability of VO2+ decreases compared to that of the bare PES membrane. The enhancement of proton conductivity is further achieved with the utilization of modifiers in PES polymer. As compared to bare PES membrane, PES/SPES + SGO (5%) exhibits less than half the permeability for vanadium, and PES/SiC shows 44.03 % elongation means twice of bare PES membrane. [Display omitted] • Influences of GO, SGO, SPES, and SiC, and functional groups in PEMFCs and VRFB is also studied. • PES/SiC shows 44.03 % elongation means twice of bare PES membrane. • Enhanced the proton conductivity through the utilization of modifiers with PES polymer. • PES/SPES + SGO (5%) exhibits less than half the permeability for vanadium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogenic mutations in BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) confer high risks of both breast (up to 70%) and ovarian (up to 40%) cancers. Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are essential for various physiological functions, including antioxidant reactions. Their balance, reflected in the Zn/Cu ratio, plays a crucial role in maintaining redox homeostasis, which is vital for cancer prevention. This study examines the antioxidant properties of Zn and Cu, specifically focusing on the blood Zn/Cu ratio as a potential marker for cancer risk among BRCA1 mutation carriers. The study cohort consisted of 989 initially unaffected women, followed up for 7.5 years. Blood samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Although individual Zn and Cu levels did not significantly correlate with overall cancer risk, those women with a Zn/Cu ratio above 6.38 experienced a significantly lower cancer risk than women with a ratio below this cut-off point. This suggests that the Zn/Cu ratio may be a valuable biomarker for cancer prevention in this high-risk group. Given the increased cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers, optimizing Zn and Cu levels through dietary and active interventions could provide a preventive strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This journal article examines the grammatical construction of some TV news headlines, highlighting the issues that arise due to their structure. The primary concern is that the headlines use adverbial clauses or phrases of reason before the main clauses which inadvertently cause some confusion about the subjects and the actions of the news stories. That is because the adverbial clauses or phrases often function as appositives to modify the subject of the main clause. When used as clauses of reason as in the headlines, this grammatical construction creates ambiguity in understanding who is then performing the described actions. The study finds that these headlines are structurally complex and misleading, making them fail to convey their intended meaning. To address this issue, the article suggests that the headlines be rephrased to eliminate ambiguity. Improved headline construction not only enhances communication but also ensures that potential confusion for the audience is minimized.

Philosophers and linguists currently lack the means to reliably identify evaluative concepts and measure their evaluative intensity. Using a corpus-based approach, we present a new method to distinguish evaluatively thick and thin adjectives like 'courageous' and 'awful' from descriptive adjectives like 'narrow,' and from value-associated adjectives like 'sunny.' Our study suggests that the modifiers 'truly' and 'really' frequently highlight the evaluative dimension of thick and thin adjectives, allowing for them to be uniquely classified. Based on these results, we believe our operationalization may pave the way for a more quantitative approach to the study of thick and thin concepts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphasia assessment primarily examines an individual's syntax, nouns, and verbs. However, modifiers, such as adjectives and number words, and bound morphemes can be the subject of considerable difficulty for individuals with aphasia. The Morphosyntactic Generation (MorGen) targets nouns, modifiers, and bound inflectional morphemes in two-word phrases among people with aphasia. The purpose of this work is to provide the first report of the MorGen in hyperacute-acute aphasia. In doing so, we aim to (1) examine the MorGen's concurrent validity with common assessments of aphasia; (2) describe performance in modifiers by people with acute aphasia; and (3) associate MorGen performance with extent of lesioned vascular territories in acute stroke. 62 adult English speakers within the first 14 days of left hemisphere ischemic stroke and 61 healthy control participants completed the MorGen. In addition to receiving the MorGen, participants with stroke received the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB), Boston Naming Test, and Hopkins Action Naming Assessment. Clinical MRIs were analyzed for the extent of lesion in the vascular territory of the left anterior, medial, and posterior cerebral artery, as well as the left posterior choroidal and thalamoperforator arteries. Aim 1: Performance on the MorGen demonstrated consistently high, significant correlations with that on the WAB, Boston Naming Test, and Hopkins Action Naming Assessment. Aim 2: Individuals who had a stroke but were within functional limits (WFL) on the WAB performed significantly worse than healthy controls on the MorGen, driven by differences in adjective performance. When controlling for aphasia severity, those with fluent aphasia performed significantly better in their production of nouns, plurals, number, size, and color than those who had non-fluent aphasia, but both groups were similarly inclined to omit genitive marking. Aim 3: Lesions in the territory of the temporal branch of the posterior cerebral artery were associated with poorer performance in nouns, size, and color. Lesions in the territory of the anterior cerebral artery were associated with poorer performance in numbers. This work highlights the value of the MorGen as a tool for post-stroke language evaluation that complements the skills captured in more widely-used assessments such as the WAB and BNT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teaching materials are significant items that are unique and specific. Therefore, the selections should be relevant to students’ proficiency. This research aimed (1) to disclose lexical density, readability, nominalizations, and modifiers in pedagogical texts as teaching materials, (2) to reveal the linguistic features functional roles on text for pedagogical demand, and (3) to attempt to suggest consideration for simplification on authentic text. This research employed qualitative content analysis. The data sources were 18 pedagogical texts from senior high school textbooks by the Indonesian Ministry of Education. Human instruments and a text analyser for the automatic computation were utilized for the analysis under Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) pilots. This research disclosed the appropriate text lexical density for senior high school students is a fairly difficult construction. Then, nominalizations within the texts are unpreventable and process nominalization is frequently used. The nominalization and the modifiers affect sentence complexities; the nominalizations function to condense information, collocate words, create cohesiveness, interfere with conciseness, and use as trans-categorization while modifiers are to add explicitness to nouns. The simplification considerations are by utilizing lexical density and readability algorithm, de-nominalization, measuring modifiers, and splitting substance of modifiers to increase text accessibility.

In order to improve the color durability of colored asphalt pavement and study its anti-slip performance, silane-modified polyacrylate (SMP) was used to modify the two mixtures of color stone mastic asphalt (CSMA) and color open graded friction course (COGFC). The color durability of colored asphalt pavement was evaluated with the help of small accelerated loading equipment, and the pavement texture information was collected by 3D scanner to explore the relationship between the three-dimensional parameters of the pavement and its anti-slip performance. The results show that SMP modifier can effectively enhance the wear resistance of CSMA and COGFC and improve the color durability of two colored asphalt. The anti-slip performance of CSMA pavement and COGFC pavement is affected by different three-dimensional parameters, and the friction coefficient model of pavement is controlled by their respective correlation factors. The anti-slip performance of colored asphalt pavement can be improved by increasing the number of aggregates exposed to pavement and using sharp aggregates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we studied the effect of a modifying additive of finely dispersed polystyrene (2 wt.%) on the dielectric and pyroelectric properties of the ceramic samples Ca0.3Ba0.7Nb2O6 (CBN30) and solid solutions based on it with the addition (5%) of SrTiO3 or LiTaO3, obtained by the solid-phase synthesis method. It is shown that the presence of polystyrene during the sintering of solid solution ceramics based on CBN30 leads to the formation of nanosized pores in the samples and, as a result, leads to a significant decrease in the dielectric losses and a change in the nature of the permittivity dispersion in a wide frequency range of fabricated samples. As a result, the shape of the dispersion diagrams of the ceramics based on CBN30 became similar to the dielectric dispersion of industrial samples of the piezoelectric ceramics of lead zirconate-titanate. The studies of the pyroelectric effect on polarized ceramic samples based on CBN30 revealed that the samples sintered with the presence of polystyrene, in contrast to the samples sintered without polystyrene, have a uniform polarization distribution over the thickness.

Brands, collections, colors and styles are increasingly being created every season, changing accordingly to the many trends’ society generates. People and lifestyle transform rapidly, and so their expectations. With all the demanding adjustments this sector has to currently face, it seems, the industry is facing unprecedented challenges to meet consumer needs. The textile industry is one of the many industries that has the capacity to have a big impact on the environment and society. In the presents that impact leads toward the negative side. It is known that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of global annual carbon emissions. This creates an urgency for us to reduce the effects the industry has as much as possible. One way is going back what we know from our ancestors and that is bio-dying. The processes of bio-dying successfully exploit the potential of natural biological systems, making industrial activity more environmentally friendly. This paper is the result of using the bio-dying method as a way to be sustainable and, at the same time, bring back the knowledge we have while using contemporaneous technology, by creating a project and products that balances the past and present with the aim of offering people the possibility to preserve memories of the past and now, in the present.

It has been shown that elementary crystalline cells of α‑phases of tin, aluminum bronzes and main modifying phases do not correspond to the principle of structural and dimensional correspondence of Dankov‑Konobeevsky. Modifying structures in tin and aluminum bronze castings is a nanostructured process. The main role of tin and aluminum bronze modifiers is to significantly reduce the concentration of adsorbed hydrogen, which prevents the formation of crystallization centers of α‑phase microcrystals in castings when they solidify.

Silicon‐bridged/N, P (PNSiP) ligand/Cr (III) catalyst system based on different fluorinated hydrocarbons as modifiers have been explored for ethylene selective tri‐/tetramerization. Modifiers like 1H‐Perfluorohexane (1H‐PFH), Hexafluorobenzene (HFB), and Perfluorobiphenyl (PFB) have been proven to show a significant influence on ethylene oligomerization toward 1‐hexene and 1‐octene of the catalytic system. Among them, 1H‐PFH showed the most significant promotion effect in improving activity from 0.95 × 106 g·(mol Cr·h)−1 to as much as 5.66 × 106 g·(mol Cr·h)−1 at high temperature 90°C. Through the analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and ultraviolet visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS) results, we concluded that 1H‐PFH can react with an amount of trimethylaluminum (TMA) contained in the cocatalyst modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) and the solubility of Cr (III) in solvent can be increased after adding 1H‐PFH. Furthermore, the possible reaction routes of 1H‐PFH with TMA and MMAO were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional asphalt has been used along the time with relatively satisfactory performance. However better performance in terms of development, environment, and economic benefits needs to be addressed. Asphalt binder modification has been one of the most common methods to improve the performance of bitumen over time. The objective of this study is to provide insight into the modification of asphalt binders to reduce thermal cycling by introducing Aerogel. Several tests were conducted including Softening Point (SP), Rotational Viscosity (RV), Dynamic Shear Modulus (G*), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), Flexural Creep Stiffness (BBR), Binder Bond Strength (BBS), and Thermal Conductivity (TC) tests. The response of five aerogel products was assessed based on performance. The outcomes of this study were encouraging and promising. Thermal resistance properties and cost per kilogram of each product were used to determine the more suitable aerogel product for further utilisation. The addition of aerogel reduced the susceptibility to damaging thermal effects of bitumen, reducing the permanent deformation and thermal cracking potential. However, the implementation of aerogel in binder must be enhanced to overcome the workability and safety concerns, which restrict the feasibility of its usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adhesion and moisture damage are significant factors in the early failure of pavements. This study examined the adhesion and moisture resistance of three types of binders (40–50, 60–70, and 80–100 pen bitumen) modified with paraffin wax (PW), hydrated lime (HL), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at dosages of 1% and 2% by weight of the binder. The Bitumen Bond Strength (BBS) test was performed using the Pneumatic Adhesion Tensile Testing Instrument (PATTI) to measure Pull-Off Tensile Strength (POTS) and determine the type of failure following dry and wet conditioning. Additionally, the mixture was tested for moisture susceptibility using the Rolling Bottle Test (RBT). The RBT results showed that adding LDPE and HL to the control binder increased bitumen coverage, indicating greater resistance to moisture damage. In contrast, adding PW reduced bitumen coverage, indicating higher susceptibility to moisture damage. Based on the BBS test, LDPE and HL-modified bitumen developed greater bond strengths as POTS values increased, while PW-modified bitumen developed decreased bond strengths as POTS values decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic modifiers are variants modulating phenotypic outcomes of a primary detrimental variant. They contribute to rare diseases phenotypic variability, but their identification is challenging. Genetic screening with model organisms is a widely used method for demystifying genetic modifiers. Forward genetics screening followed by whole genome sequencing allows the detection of variants throughout the genome but typically produces thousands of candidate variants making the interpretation and prioritization process very time-consuming and tedious. Despite whole genome sequencing is more time and cost-efficient, usage of computational pipelines specific to modifier identification remains a challenge for biological-experiment-focused laboratories doing research with model organisms. To facilitate a broader implementation of whole genome sequencing in genetic screens, we have developed Model Organism Modifier or MOM, a pipeline as a user-friendly Galaxy workflow. Model Organism Modifier analyses raw short-read whole genome sequencing data and implements tailored filtering to provide a Candidate Variant List short enough to be further manually curated. We provide a detailed tutorial to run the Galaxy workflow Model Organism Modifier and guidelines to manually curate the Candidate Variant Lists. We have tested Model Organism Modifier on published and validated Caenorhabditis elegans modifiers screening datasets. As whole genome sequencing facilitates high-throughput identification of genetic modifiers in model organisms, Model Organism Modifier provides a user-friendly solution to implement the bioinformatics analysis of the short-read datasets in laboratories without expertise or support in Bioinformatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal desorption mass spectrometry is used to study products of the heat treatment of concrete samples containing a plasticizer and an antifreeze additive (urea). It is established that the heat treatment of concrete above 100°C is accompanied by the hydrolysis of urea with the release of ammonia and carbon dioxide. Destruction of the plasticizer and the urea remaining in the pores of the concrete begins at temperatures above 200°C. The release of ammonia from concrete continues up to 300°C. The release of toxic products of the plasticizer's decomposition is observed in the same area. The energy of the observed processes is estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the energetic material 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) has potential safety hazards during its application, it was chosen to solve this problem by coating the surface of HMX through the self-polymerization reaction of methyl methacrylate (MMA). However, its mechanical properties were poor for further application, so graphene oxide (GO), hydroxylated graphene (GO-OH), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were chosen to be doped into PMMA for coating modification. The properties were also investigated. The composite microspheres were regular in shape. Furthermore, it was observed that graphene materials were present on the surface of the microspheres, and no crystal transformation of HMX occurred during the process. The thermal stability of the composite microspheres was improved, and the activation energies of the HMX/PMMA/GO, HMX/PMMA/rGO and HMX/PMMA/GO-OH composite microspheres were increased compared with those of the HMX/PMMA microspheres. At the same time, the high-energy dropout characteristics of the composite microspheres were improved, and the impact sensitivity of all microspheres was reduced, compared with that of the HMX/PMMA microspheres. The compressive strength of pillars pressed with composite microspheres increased by 1.91, 0.92 and 3.13 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composite microspheres were improved. As a result, HMX/PMMA composite microspheres have better properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of modifiers can reduce the effects of environmental stress in plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of salicylic acid and zeolite in reducing alkalinity stress in black seed (Nigella sativa L.). A factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications in 2022 in the greenhouse of Razi university, Kermanshah. The factors included alkalinity stress (at three levels of 0, 50 and 100 mM as NaHCO3), salicylic acid (at three levels of 0, 0.5 and 1 mM), and zeolite (at three levels of 0, 0.25 and 0.5 % by weight). The results showed that the effects of salicylic acid and zeolite on most of the plant growth characteristics under alkalinity stress were significant (P ≤ 0.01). The highest amount of proline (12.65 μmol/g) and soluble sugars (0.2 mg/g) were obtained under severe alkalinity stress without the use of salicylic acid and zeolite. Also, the highest shoot height (24.6 cm), root length (19.5 cm), shoot dry mass (0.78 g) and leaf area (22.47 cm2) were obtained without alkalinity and with application of 1 mM salicylic acid and 0.5 % zeolite. In general, the use of salicylic acid, as a plant hormone, and zeolite, as a soil amendment, is a suitable and cheap strategy to reduce the effects of alkalinity stress in black seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zein is an alcohol-soluble protein in corn. It can self-assemble into spherical amphiphilic micro-/nanoparticles utilized as ideal carriers, encapsulating hydrophobic bioactive molecules and suitable emulsifiers for biocompatible and biodegradable Pickering emulsions. However, Pickering emulsions stabilized by zein particles alone are less efficient and can be creamed easily. Attempts have been made to overcome this limitation, for instance, polysaccharides, proteins, and particular compounds are being used as modifiers to produce zein-based composite particles, aiming to enhance the performance of zein-based Pickering emulsions (ZBPEs). Here, we review the preparation and mechanism, of the zein-based particles (including zein particles and composite zein particles), and explore the formation of ZBPEs. Suggestions about future research on ZBPEs are also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biallelic mutations in PINK1 / PRKN cause recessive Parkinson's disease. Given the established role of PINK1/Parkin in regulating mitochondrial dynamics, we explored mitochondrial DNA integrity and inflammation as disease modifiers in carriers of mutations in these genes. Mitochondrial DNA integrity was investigated in a large collection of biallelic (n = 84) and monoallelic (n = 170) carriers of PINK1 / PRKN mutations, idiopathic Parkinson's disease patients (n = 67) and controls (n = 90). In addition, we studied global gene expression and serum cytokine levels in a subset. Affected and unaffected PINK1 / PRKN monoallelic mutation carriers can be distinguished by heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA variant load (area under the curve = 0.83, CI 0.74–0.93). Biallelic PINK1 / PRKN mutation carriers harbour more heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA variants in blood (P = 0.0006, Z = 3.63) compared to monoallelic mutation carriers. This enrichment was confirmed in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (controls, n = 3; biallelic PRKN mutation carriers, n = 4) and post-mortem (control, n = 1; biallelic PRKN mutation carrier, n = 1) midbrain neurons. Last, the heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA variant load correlated with IL6 levels in PINK1 / PRKN mutation carriers (r = 0.57, P = 0.0074). PINK1 / PRKN mutations predispose individuals to mitochondrial DNA variant accumulation in a dose- and disease-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the ceramic samples Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 pure and with modifying additives (5%) SrTiO3, KTaO3 or LiTaO3 were obtained by solid-phase synthesis. All studied compositions of ceramics revealed the presence of large and small grains. It is shown that the addition of LiTaO3 to the composition of Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 ceramics reduces the grain size by an order of magnitude, while the addition of SrTiO3 leads to an elongation of the grain shape. Based on the analysis of the elemental composition, it was found that the introduction of modifiers into the composition of Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 reduces the excess of oxygen in the structure of tetragonal tungsten bronze, compared to unmodified Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 ceramics. The maximum on the temperature dependence of the permittivity is practically independent of the type of modifier and is located in the range of 279-285°C. This is 60 degrees higher than the Curie temperature of the Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 single crystal. Regardless of the measurement temperature, Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 + 5%SrTiO3 material has the maximum value of the permittivity. Whereas the minimum value of the permittivity at room temperature has the Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 + 5%LiTaO3 sample, and at the Curie point, the Са0,3Ba0,7Nb2O6 sample.

In this study, the physical properties of modified asphalt binders and performance of asphalt mixes after the addition of different modifiers such as CR (crumb rubber) derived from different automobile waste tyres and LDPE (low-density polyethylene) were investigated. The wheel tracker test was carried out up to 5000 wheel passes for each specimen and at a temperature of 60 °C to determine the rut depth for unmodified and modified asphalt mixtures. For 5000 wheel passes, the rut depth observed in specimens modified with heavy automobile tyres are 13.36%, 19% and 38.11% lower than that compared to specimens modified with medium, light automobile tyres and unmodified specimen, respectively. After 5000 wheel passes, the rut depth for LDPE-modified asphalt specimen was 30% and 56.54%, respectively, lower than that of heavy automobile modified and unmodified mixture. Also, heavy vehicle tyre-modified mixture shows better results among all crumb rubber modified asphalt mixtures at 9% dosage. But, LDPE-modified mixture at 3% dosage is superior among the entire asphalt modifiers used in the study considering the Marshall stability, tensile strength and wheel tracker test results. Apart from the experimental investigation, the significance of test results were obtained with the help of ANOVA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of PVA fiber rubber concrete modified by modifier in the structure was investigated using the portal frame as the research object. The basic mechanical properties of modified PVA rubber concrete materials were tested mechanically first, and then ABAQUS was used to establish the ordinary concrete portal frame model, and after confirming the model's rationality, the rubber concrete, PVA rubber concrete, and modified PVA rubber concrete models were established on this basis, and the displacement and strain comparison analysis with ordinary concrete was carried out. The simulation results show that using PVA rubber concrete material in the concrete frame structure can improve the large deformation of rubber concrete, and using PVA rubber concrete treated with a modifier can improve structural strength and deformation even more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) is the method of choice for the untargeted profiling of biological samples. A multiplatform LC-MS-based approach is needed to screen polar metabolites and lipids comprehensively. Different mobile phase modifiers were tested to improve the electrospray ionization process during metabolomic and lipidomic profiling. For polar metabolites, hydrophilic interaction LC using a mobile phase with 10 mM ammonium formate/0.125% formic acid provided the best performance for amino acids, biogenic amines, sugars, nucleotides, acylcarnitines, and sugar phosphate, while reversed-phase LC (RPLC) with 0.1% formic acid outperformed for organic acids. For lipids, RPLC using a mobile phase with 10 mM ammonium formate or 10 mM ammonium formate with 0.1% formic acid permitted the high signal intensity of various lipid classes ionized in ESI(+) and robust retention times. For ESI(−), the mobile phase with 10 mM ammonium acetate with 0.1% acetic acid represented a reasonable compromise regarding the signal intensity of the detected lipids and the stability of retention times compared to 10 mM ammonium acetate alone or 0.02% acetic acid. Collectively, we show that untargeted methods should be evaluated not only on the total number of features but also based on common metabolites detected by a specific platform along with the long-term stability of retention times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interest in non‐formaldehyde adhesives has reinvigorated studies using proteins from plant and animal sources, with an emphasis on plant‐based sources, especially the oilseed plants such as soybean. Although animal‐based sources have received much less attention, and ovalbumin from egg whites has not been studied at all, it provides a surprising low viscosity and high wet strength as a wood adhesive. Of the animal and plant proteins used in the past, egg protein has been used for centuries as a binder in tempera, for book illumination, and for gilding, but not as a water‐resistant wood adhesive. The isolated ovalbumin is the best, but dried egg whites and whole egg have good adhesive strength. The parameters for ovalbumin wood bonding are examined with thin veneers using ASTM D 7998 and plywood tests using D 906. Sodium metabisulfite, sodium periodate, urea, and polyamidoamine‐epichlorohydrin (PAE) improve the wet bond strength, but the surfactants CTAB and SDS at low concentrations do not. Although the high protein content of the ovalbumin is important for good strength, the low viscosity of the protein adhesive provides further insight into protein–protein interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent decades have witnessed an increasing interest in motion events resulting in thorough knowledge about expressions of manner. However, the individual dimensions of manner of motion have been investigated less extensively. In this study, we focus on one particular dimension of manner: speed. By analysing the Estonian language and applying corpus methods, we show that speed is one of the core dimensions of manner. In Estonian, speed can be expressed with motion verbs and various types of manner modifiers. Speed modifiers can have a function of compensation (providing information that is not present in the verb), specification (providing additional details), and/or intensification (strengthening the meaning conveyed by the verb). Moreover, compared to slow motion, the expression of fast motion in modifiers is more frequent and more diverse in terms of semantic distinctions and morphosyntactic realisations. Drawing on these results, we frame a hypothesis of the fast-over-slow bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in cost of carbonaceous materials, as well as significant costs of industrial waste, have prompted scientists to use alternative raw materials as components of the construction industry. This study investigated the suitability of waste products from the coke industry as modifying agents for polymer bitumen. The by-product of the coking industry reaches a high level of silicon and is called siliconcontaining additive (SCA), the composition of which is similar to the mineral solutions for bitumen. In this article, the results of using SCA as standard additives for modified polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with bitumen waste is presented. Using the Simdist boiling point distribution method, simulated high temperature distillation by gas chromatography, differential thermal (DTA) analyzes, and other methods of physic-chemical properties of bitumen after adding of SCA were studied. It was revealed that the connection and consumption of additives occurs because of the content of aromatic components, as well as an increase in the consumption of bitumen characteristics. Thus, the presented method for obtaining road surfaces based on PET waste and coke production waste meet the requirements of sustainable development, which implements both a significant use of industrial waste as secondary products and their processing into a new product using an energy-saving technology that reduces the consumption of raw materials and resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on the noun phrase in Tanti Dargwa (East Caucasian) and presents evidence for the distinction between modifiers proper (adjectival phrases, participial relative clauses and non-genitive adnominal NPs) and determiner-like elements (demonstratives, indefinite pronouns, numerals and most quantity expressions) in this language. Crucially, this dichotomy, which presumably reflects the distinction between the determinative and descriptive components in the NP, is realized in Tanti Dargwa mostly morphologically – in the distribution of “attributive markers” and in the expression of number. Syntactically, in the most neutral constructions the order of elements other than the head is virtually free and does not display any scope-related effects, while the head occupies the final position. In addition, Tanti Dargwa shows marginal constructions (a right-periphery construction locating a modifier after the head and a construction showing quasi-incorporation of a modifier into the noun) which are restricted to modifiers. Tanti Dargwa data support the idea that the description/determination distinction is gradual rather than discrete, as there are elements that show behavior intermediate between modifiers proper and determiner-like elements: possessor NPs, contrastive modifiers and the expressions like ‘other’.

The paper presents the results of studies on the production of composites during the processing of aluminum melt based on high‑strength alloy B95 activated dispersed particles of nitrides (AlN, Si3N4, TiN), carbides (SiC, TiC), nanostructured carbon (fullerene carbon black), nitrogen‑containing components (glycine C2H5NO2, carbamide CH4N2O). The evaluation of the strength properties of the obtained composites from the activation modes of the charge with dispersed particles and the modes of heat treatment of the material is given. The possibility of increasing the strength characteristics of the casting composite by 15–20 % due to additional mechanical activation of the charge and achieving, after heat treatment, the compressive strength of 900–1050 MPa, hardness of 150–160 NV, elastic modulus of 20–25 GPa is shown.

This work investigates the effect of gamma-ray doses on the glass structure and optical properties of BaO–TeO 2 modified with different oxides, such as Bi 2 O 3 , TiO 2 , MnO 2 , and MoO 3 , for possible use in the radiation shielding field. Five glass samples were fabricated and given codes: BaTe, BaTeBi, BaTeTi, BaTeMn, and BaTeMo. The structural and optical properties were investigated pre- and post-irradiation by a 100 kGy gamma-ray dose. The intensity of Raman spectra for the BaTe sample was impacted by the gamma-ray dose, which diminished with exposure to gamma rays while adding different modifiers enhanced the glass stability against gamma-ray dose. In contrast, the gamma-ray dose raised the band gap (Eg) for all glasses except the BaTe and BaTeBi samples. The mechanical properties of glasses showed variation with the addition of various oxides, indicating a different role for each one. Here, the BaTeMo and BaTeTi showed the highest mechanical properties. The linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) at 0.184 MeV for BaTe, BaTeBi, BaTeTi, BaTeMn, and BaTeMo was 1.967, 3.393, 1.831, 1.851, and 2.044 cm−1, respectively. The BaTeBi sample recorded the highest shielding performance compared to other glasses. It can be concluded that the BaTeBi sample is a suitable material for the shielding field due to its superiority in radiation shielding properties and no variation with exposure to gamma rays based on optical properties and Raman spectroscopy. • Raman results revealed slight variation with subjected glasses for 100 kGy gamma-ray. • Band gap showed enhancement when subjected to 100 kGy gamma-ray dose. • The BaTeMo and BaTeTi glass samples showed the highest mechanical properties. • The BaTeBi glass sample showed the highest radiation shielding properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of this research, it was established that the chlorine atom replacement rates in hexa-chlorocyclotriphosphazene by o-, m-, and p-methylanilines' temperatures are crucial in determining which reaction is made. The speed of reaction practically does not affect the polarity of the synthesis solvent. For the formation of fully substituted o-, m-, and p-arilaminocyclotriphosphazenes, the reaction takes 5 h and is carried out in the diglyme at its boiling temperature. The structure of the synthesized AAP was confirmed by 31P and 1H NMR spectroscopy and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. By means of synchronous DSK and TGA, it is found that the synthesized AAP are crystalline and their thermal destruction has a stepped character. Thermal destruction is shown to be accompanied by the simultaneous removal of three aniline molecules from the AAP molecules. Conducted curing of epoxy resin DER-331 is carried out using the AAP as a curing agent. It has been established that due to steric difficulties, o- AAP does not interact with epoxy resin, unlike m- and p- AAP. The gel fraction in curing resin is measured, and the AAP relate to the stage processes of macromolecule formation. The result is that polymers based on DER-331 and m-, p-AAP have a gel fraction content up to 97 mass. %. These polymers have glass-transition temperatures 80 and 85 °C (m- and p-AAP-based, respectively) and demonstrate fire resistance to standard UL-94 of category V-0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of target analytes at very low concentrations is important for various fields such as the pharmaceutical industry, environmental protection, and the food industry. Caffeine, as a natural alkaloid, is widely consumed in various beverages and medicines. Apart from the beneficial effects for which it is used, caffeine also has negative effects, and for these reasons it is very important to determine its concentration in different mediums. Among numerous analytical techniques, electrochemical methods with appropriate sensors occupy a special place since they are efficient, fast, and entail relatively easy preparation and measurements. Electrochemical sensors based on carbon materials are very common in this type of research because they are cost-effective, have a wide potential range, and possess relative electrochemical inertness and electrocatalytic activity in various redox reactions. Additionally, these types of sensors could be modified to improve their analytical performances. The data available in the literature on the development and modification of electrochemical sensors for the determination of caffeine are summarized and discussed in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Like other syntactic elements, affixes are sometimes said to be heads or modifiers. In Russian, one suffix,-onok, can be either: as a head, it is a size diminutive denoting baby animals, and as a modifier, it is an evaluative with a dismissive/affectionate flavor. Various grammatical properties of this suffix differ between the two uses: gender, declension class, and interaction with suppletive alternations, both as target and trigger. We explore a reductionist account of these differences: the baby diminutive comprises a lexical morpheme plus a functional nominalizing head, while the evaluative affix is the lexical morpheme alone. We contend that our account is superior to two conceivable alternatives: first, the view that these are homophonous but unrelated affixes, and second, a cartographic alternative, whereby diminutives attach at different levels in a universal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutation rates and spectra differ among human populations. Here, we examine whether this variation could be explained by evolution at mutation modifiers. To this end, we consider genetic modifier sites at which mutations, "mutator alleles," increase genome-wide mutation rates and model their evolution under purifying selection due to the additional deleterious mutations that they cause, genetic drift, and demographic processes. We solve the model analytically for a constant population size and characterize how evolution at modifier sites impacts variation in mutation rates within and among populations. We then use simulations to study the effects of modifier sites under a plausible demographic model for Africans and Europeans. When comparing populations that evolve independently, weakly selected modifier sites (2Nes > 1), which evolve slowly, contribute the most to variation in mutation rates. In contrast, when populations recently split from a common ancestral population, strongly selected modifier sites (2Nes >1), which evolve rapidly, contribute the most to variation between them. Moreover, a modest number of modifier sites (e.g. 10 per mutation type in the standard classification into 96 types) subject to moderate to strong selection (2Nes > 1) could account for the variation in mutation rates observed among human populations. If such modifier sites indeed underlie differences among populations, they should also cause variation in mutation rates within populations and their effects should be detectable in pedigree studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]