电化学促进的镍催化的α-氰基乙酸酯的α-芳基化反应

β-氨基酸在医药领域有着广泛的应用。本文利用镍催化的成对电解策略,发展了一种羰基α-芳基化反应,实现了α-芳基-α-氰基乙酸酯的合成。产物可通过简单还原制备α-芳基-β-氨基酸,具有极高的附加价值。在温和条件下,以缺电子芳基溴与α-氰基乙酸酯为底物,可以良好的收率获得目标产物,且具有较好的官能团兼容性。当芳基溴过于富电子时,目标产物发生自偶联。使用DFT计算了产物负离子的还原电势,表明了富电子芳基取代使产物还原电势降低,更易于在阳极发生氧化。通过电化学分析和机理实验,推测为烯醇负离子配体交换型机理而非自由基加成型机理。

The Combined Effect of Lumenato and Ceramide in the Protection of Collagen Damage Induced by Neutrophils in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Introduction: Collagen is the primary structural protein fibroblasts produce in the skin’s extracellular matrix. Infiltration of neutrophils into the epidermis and dermis by exposure to UV causes collagen damage and contributes to photoaging. Methods: To study the combined effect of Lumenato and ceramide in preventing collagen-1 damage induced by phagocytes, we used co-cultures of normal human dermal fibroblasts (fibroblasts) and activated human neutrophils. The present study aimed to determine the protective effect of the combination of Lumenato and ceramide on fibroblast collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils. Results: Lumenato (in the range of 6.5 - 208 μg/ml) or ceramide (in the range of 0.1 - 50 μM) inhibited the production of superoxides and MPO by TNFα-stimulated neutrophils, as well as the production of NO by LPS-stimulated macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. The combinations of Lumenato and ceramide, in low concentrations, caused synergistic prevention of fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by TNFα-activated neutrophils, detected by fluorescence immunostaining and WB analysis. MPO activity in the supernatants of the co-cultures was also synergistically inhibited. Adding Lumenato or ceramide singly or in combinations in these low concentrations to the fibroblast cultures did not affect the expression of collagen-1. The combinations of Lumenato or ceramide in these concentrations also caused a synergistic inhibition of NO production by activated macrophages. Conclusions: The results suggest that combining low concentrations of Lumenato and ceramide results in synergistic protection against fibroblasts’ collagen-1 damage induced by neutrophils, thus indicating their possible potential for enhanced skin health.

Innovative Technologies for Large-Scale Water Production in Arid Regions: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Water scarcity in arid regions poses significant challenges to sustainable development and human well-being. This article explores both existing and innovative technologies and methods to produce large amounts of water to address these challenges effectively. Key approaches include atmospheric water generation, advanced desalination techniques, innovative water collection methods such as fog nets and dew harvesting, geothermal water extraction, and water recycling and reuse. Each method is evaluated for its feasibility with existing technology, potential time of implementation, required investments, and specific challenges. By leveraging these technologies and combining them into a multifaceted water management strategy, it is possible to enhance water security, support agricultural and industrial activities, and improve living conditions in arid regions. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sector entities, and research institutions are crucial to advancing these technologies and ensuring their sustainable implementation. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of these technologies, their potential for large-scale application, and recommendations for future research and development.

Objective Model Selection in Physics: Exploring the Finite Information Quantity Approach

Traditional methods for selecting models in experimental data analysis are susceptible to researcher bias, hindering exploration of alternative explanations and potentially leading to overfitting. The Finite Information Quantity (FIQ) approach offers a novel solution by acknowledging the inherent limitations in information processing capacity of physical systems. This framework facilitates the development of objective criteria for model selection (comparative uncertainty) and paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of phenomena through exploring diverse explanations. This work presents a detailed comparison of the FIQ approach with ten established model selection methods, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each. We demonstrate the potential of FIQ to enhance the objectivity and robustness of scientific inquiry through three practical examples: selecting appropriate models for measuring fundamental constants, sound velocity, and underwater electrical discharges. Further research is warranted to explore the full applicability of FIQ across various scientific disciplines.

The Dependence between Solar Flare Emergence and the Average Background Solar X-Ray Flux Emission

Solar flares, sudden bursts of intense electromagnetic radiation from the Sun, can significantly disrupt technological infrastructure, including communication and navigation satellites. To mitigate these risks, accurate forecasting of solar activity is crucial. This study investigates the potential of the Sun’s background X-ray flux as a tool for predicting solar flares. We analyzed data collected by solar telescopes and satellites between the years 2013 and 2023, focusing on the duration, frequency, and intensity of solar flares. We compared these characteristics with the background X-ray flux at the time of each flare event. Our analysis employed statistical methods to identify potential correlations between these solar phenomena. The key finding of this study reveals a significant positive correlation between solar flare activity and the Sun’s background X-ray flux. This suggests that these phenomena are interconnected within the framework of overall solar activity. We observed a clear trend: periods with increased occurrences of solar flares coincided with elevated background flux levels. This finding has the potential to improve solar activity forecasting. By monitoring background flux variations, we may be able to develop a more effective early warning system for potentially disruptive solar flares. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between solar flares and the Sun’s overall radiative output. These findings indicate that lower-resolution X-ray sensors can be a valuable tool for identifying periods of increased solar activity by allowing us to monitor background flux variations. A more affordable approach to solar activity monitoring is advised.

Unleashing the Power of Information Theory: Enhancing Accuracy in Modeling Physical Phenomena

When building a model of a physical phenomenon or process, scientists face an inevitable compromise between the simplicity of the model (qualitative-quantitative set of variables) and its accuracy. For hundreds of years, the visual simplicity of a law testified to the genius and depth of the physical thinking of the scientist who proposed it. Currently, the desire for a deeper physical understanding of the surrounding world and newly discovered physical phenomena motivates researchers to increase the number of variables considered in a model. This direction leads to an increased probability of choosing an inaccurate or even erroneous model. This study describes a method for estimating the limit of measurement accuracy, taking into account the stage of model building in terms of storage, transmission, processing and use of information by the observer. This limit, due to the finite amount of information stored in the model, allows you to select the optimal number of variables for the best reproduction of the observed object and calculate the exact values of the threshold discrepancy between the model and the phenomenon under study in measurement theory. We consider two examples: measurement of the speed of sound and measurement of physical constants.

Advancing Scientific Rigor: Towards a Universal Informational Criterion for Assessing Model-Phenomenon Mismatch

The escalating costs of research and development, coupled with the influx of researchers, have led to a surge in published articles across scientific disciplines. However, concerns have arisen regarding the accuracy, validity, and reproducibility of reported findings. Issues such as replication problems, fraudulent practices, and a lack of expertise in measurement theory and uncertainty analysis have raised doubts about the reliability and credibility of scientific research. Rigorous assessment practices in certain fields highlight the importance of identifying potential errors and understanding the relationship between technical parameters and research outcomes. To address these concerns, a universally applicable criterion called comparative certainty is urgently needed. This criterion, grounded in an analysis of the modeling process and information transmission, accumulation, and transformation in both theoretical and applied research, aims to evaluate the acceptable deviation between a model and the observed phenomenon. It provides a theoretically grounded framework applicable to all scientific disciplines adhering to the International System of Units (SI). Objective evaluations based on this criterion can enhance the reproducibility and reliability of scientific investigations, instilling greater confidence in published findings. Establishing this criterion would be a significant stride towards ensuring the robustness and credibility of scientific research across disciplines.

Inequalities for Sums and Products of Complex Zeros of Solutions to ODE with Polynomial Right Parts

The paper is devoted to non-homogeneous second-order differential equations with polynomial right parts and polynomial coefficients.We derive estimates for the partial sums and products of the zeros of solutions to the considered equations.These estimates give us bounds for the function counting the zeros of solutions and information about the zero-free domains.

Modulatory effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on chronic metabolic diseases

The increased global incidence of chronic metabolic diseases,a vital threat to human health and a burden on our healthcare systems,includes a series of clinical metabolic syndromes such as obesity,diabetes,hypertension,and dyslipidemia.One of the well-known probiotic microorganisms,Lactiplantibacillus plantarum plays an important role in promoting human health,including inhibiting the occurrence and development of a variety of chronic metabolic diseases.The present study provides an overview of the preventive and therapeutic effects of L.plantarum on diabetes,obesity,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,kidney stone disease,and cardiovascular diseases in animal models and human clinical trials.Ingesting L.plantarum demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress levels by regulating the production of cytokines and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and the balance of intestinal microbial communities to alleviate the symptoms of chronic metabolic diseases.Furthermore,updated applications and technologies of L.plantarum in food and biopharmaceutical industries are also discussed.Understanding the characteristics and functions of L.plantarum will guide the development of related probiotic products and explore the modulatory benefit of L.plantarum supplementations on the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic metabolic diseases.

From Black Holes to Information Erasure: Uniting Bekenstein’s Bound and Landauer’s Principle

This research aims to integrate Bekenstein’s bound and Landauer’s principle, providing a unified framework to understand the limits of information and energy in physical systems. By combining these principles, we explore the implications for black hole thermodynamics, astrophysics, astronomy, information theory, and the search for new laws of nature. The result includes an estimation of the number of bits stored in a black hole (less than 1.4 × 1030 bits/m3), enhancing our understanding of information storage in extreme gravitational environments. This integration offers valuable insights into the fundamental nature of information and energy, impacting scientific advancements in multiple disciplines.

The Definition of Non-Urgent Visits to the Emergency Department and Validation of Criteria for Referrals

Background: The centers of disease control and prevention define a non-urgent Emergency Department (NU-ED) visit as a medical condition requiring treatment within more than 24 hours. These visits constitute one of the main reasons for emergency department (ED) overcrowding, which greatly affects healthcare workers’ wellbeing, health costs, patients’ satisfaction and treatment outcomes. Currently, there is no solid definition of non-urgent emergency visits, which is the first step towards dealing and potentially solving this issue. Having that, the aim of the current study is to define and validate the criteria for NU-ED visits in Israel. Methods: This qualitative study included twelve senior physicians and nurses working in Emergency Department and/or Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) across Israel. The study was performed using in-depth, semi-structured, open-ended interviews. Qualitative data analysis was performed by conventional content analysis. Results: The urgency of medical visits was defined based on these two questions: 1) Does the medical condition require an immediate treatment? 2) Is the emergency department the only place that can provide the required treatment at a certain timepoint? We found that non-urgent visits mostly occur during the nights and weekends, when medical treatments are not available in the HMOs. Visitors for non-urgent cases mostly complained about minor injuries or chronic conditions, fever, abdominal or chest pain. Most visits occurred based on referral from the family physician or the nurse from the call center. Participants reported a lack of awareness and knowledge about the roles of the EDs and the available options in the HMOs, which seem unable to provide patients with appropriate treatments. The usage of triage scales seems to ensure that patients are being treated based on the clinical urgency of their condition. Medical cases that score above 3 can be defined as non-urgent visits. Therefore, implementation of these scales in the community and their use in decision making of referrals to emergency department might greatly reduce non-urgent visits. Conclusions: Participants defined urgent ED visits as medical situations that need to be treated immediately, while there are no available treatment options in the HMOs. Participants identified many reasons behind NU referrals to the ED, mainly, low awareness about the role of ED, low availability of certain tests in the HMOs, and inability to provide adequate treatment in the community.

On Topics in Quantum Games

This work concentrates on simultaneous move non-cooperating quantum games. Part of it is evidently not new, but it is included for the sake self consistence, as it is devoted to introduction of the mathematical and physical grounds of the pertinent topics, and the way in which a simple classical game is modified to become a quantum game (a procedure referred to as a quantization of a classical game). The connection between game theory and information science is briefly stressed, and the role of quantum entanglement (that plays a central role in the theory of quantum games), is exposed. Armed with these tools, we investigate some basic concepts like the existence (or absence) of a pure strategy and mixed strategy Nash equilibrium and its relation with the degree of entanglement. The main results of this work are as follows: 1) Construction of a numerical algorithm based on the method of best response functions, designed to search for pure strategy Nash equilibrium in quantum games. The formalism is based on the discretization of a continuous variable into a mesh of points, and can be applied to quantum games that are built upon two-players two-strategies classical games, based on the method of best response functions. 2) Application of this algorithm to study the question of how the existence of pure strategy Nash equilibrium is related to the degree of entanglement (specified by a continuous parameter γ ). It is shown that when the classical game GC has a pure strategy Nash equilibrium that is not Pareto efficient, then the quantum game GQ with maximal entanglement (γ = π/2) has no pure strategy Nash equilibrium. By studying a non-symmetric prisoner dilemma game, it is found that there is a critical value 0γc such that for γγc there is a pure strategy Nash equilibrium and for γ≥γc there is no pure strategy Nash equilibrium. The behavior of the two payoffs as function of γ starts at that of the classical ones at (D, D) and approaches the cooperative classical ones at (C, C) (C = confess, D = don’t confess). 3) We then study Bayesian quantum games and show that under certain conditions, there is a pure strategy Nash equilibrium in such games even when entanglement is maximal. 4) We define the basic ingredients of a quantum game based on a two-player three strategies classical game. This requires the introduction of trits (instead of bits) and quantum trits (instead of quantum bits). It is proved that in this quantum game, there is no classical commensurability in the sense that the classical strategies are not obtained as a special case of the quantum strategies.

Inflammatory bowel disease among first generation immigrants in Israel:A nationwide epi-Israeli Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Nucleus study

BACKGROUND Israel has a high rate of Jewish immigration and a high prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).AIM To compare IBD prevalence in first-generation immigrants vs Israel-born Jews.METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of IBD as of June 2020 were included from the validated epi-IIRN(Israeli IBD Research Nucleus)cohort that includes 98%of the Israeli population.We stratified the immigration cohort by IBD risk according to country of origin,time period of immigration,and age group as of June 2020.RESULTS A total of 33544 patients were ascertained,of whom 18524(55%)had Crohn’s disease(CD)and 15020(45%)had ulcerative colitis(UC);28394(85%)were Israel-born and 5150(15%)were immigrants.UC was more prevalent in immigrants(2717;53%)than in non-immigrants(12303,43%,P<0.001),especially in the<1990 immigration period.After adjusting for age,longer duration in Israel was associated with a higher point prevalence rate in June 2020(high-risk origin:Immigration<1990:645.9/100000,≥1990:613.2/100000,P=0.043;intermediate/low-risk origin:<1990:540.5/100000,≥1990:192.0/100000,P<0.001).The prevalence was higher in patients immigrating from countries with high risk for IBD(561.4/100000)than those originating from intermediate-/low-risk countries(514.3/100000;P<0.001);non-immigrant prevalence was 528.9/100000.CONCLUSION Lending support to the environmental effect on IBD etiology,we found that among immigrants to Israel,the prevalence of IBD increased with longer time since immigration,and was related to the risk of IBD in the country of origin.The UC rate was higher than that of CD only in those immigrating in earlier time periods.

基于格式塔的建筑物图画抽象

格式塔(Gestalt)理论总结了人类认知规则、模式和语义的若干规律,已有大量的研究针对独立的格式塔规则建立计算模型,但建立多个格式塔规则相互作用的耦合模型仍然是一个挑战.基于格式塔理论的若干主要规则建立了一个针对多个格式塔规则耦合的计算模型,并将该模型用于建筑物线画图的抽象;通过减少图画中重复结构元素的数目,或者将复杂的结构用简单结构替换的方式对建筑物结构进行概括和抽象.实验结果表明,该方法可以应用于风格各异的建筑物线画图,并可以扩展到其他类型的图画以及三维模型.

Regulation of spermatogenesis by paracrine/autocrine testicular factors

Spermatogenesis is a complex process regulated by endocrine and testicular paracrine/autocrine factors. Gonadotropins are involved in the regulation of several testicular paracrine factors, mainly of the IL-1 family and testicular hormones. Testicular cytokines and growth factors (such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF, IFN-γ, LIF and SCF) were shown to affect both the germ cell proliferation and the Leydig and Sertoli cells functions and secretion. Cytokines and growth factors are produced by immune cells and in the interstitial and seminiferous tubular compartments by various testicular cells, including Sertoli, Leydig, peritubular cells, spermatogonia, differentiated spermatogonia and even spermatozoa. Corresponding cytokine and growth factor receptors were demonstrated on some of the testicular cells. These cytokines also control the secretion of the gonadotropins and testosterone in the testis. Under pathological conditions the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines are increased and negatively affected spermatogenesis. Thus, the expression levels and the mechanisms involved in the regulation of testicular paracrine/autocrine factors should be considered in future therapeutic strategies for male infertility.

Differentiation of murine male germ cells to spermatozoa n a soft agar culture system

Establishment of an in vitro system that allows the development of testicular germ cells to sperm will be valuable for studies of spermatogenesis and future treatments for male infertility. In the present study, we developed in vitro culture conditions using three-dimensional agar culture system （SACS）, which has the capacity to induce testicular germ cells to reach the final stages of spermatogenesis, including spermatozoa generation. Seminiferous tubules from testes of 7-day-old mice were enzymatically dissociated, and intratubular cells were cultured in the upper layer of the SACS in RPMI medium supplemented with fetal calf serum （FCS）. The lower layer of the SACS contained only RPMI medium supplemented with FCS. Colonies in the upper layer were isolated after 14 and 28 days of culture and were classified according to their size. Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR were used to analyse specific markers expressed in undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia （Vasa, Dazl, OCT-4, C-Kit, GFR- a-l, CD9 and a-6-integrin）, meiotic cells （LDH, Crem-1 and Boule） and post-meiotic cells （Protamine-1, Acrosin and SP-IO）. Our results reveal that it is possible to induce mouse testicular pre-meiotic germ cell expansion and induce their differentiation to spermatozoa in SACS. The spermatozoa showed normal morphology and contained acrosomes. Thus, our results demonstrate that SACS could be used as a novel in vitro system for the maturation of pre-meiotic mouse germ cells to post-meiotic stages and morphologically-normal spermatozoa.

Re-visiting the mass-flux model for Explosive Reactive Armor and the effect of plate thickness

Explosive Reactive Armor was originally modeled under the assumption that the plates in the cassettes were very thin.Hence their thickness could be ignored,and the thicknesses of the plates were considered only based on their areal mass density.In particular,it was assumed that the jet-plate interaction was controlled by the plates to jet-mass-flux ratio criteria for a specific jet velocity and diameter.In the present study,we extended this analysis,examining the effect of the variation of the mass-flux along the jet on the disruption effect by the two plates.In addition,we examined the thickness effect of the plates on the plate's effectiveness,replacing the steel plates by low-density materials like aluminum and polycarbonate.The mass-flux model was adjusted to account for the plate-thickness effect.It was found that increasing the thickness of the plate,keeping the areal weight unchanged,slightly increases the overall effectiveness of the cassette,in particular by the forward moving plate interacting with the center and the slow parts of the jet.

Mathematical Study of Medicine Propagation in Biological Tissue and Some of Its Applications

The paper deals with the problem of the distribution of the medicine (enzyme) in the damaged biological tissue where the reaction enzyme—substrat takes place. The biological problem is reduced to a singular degenerate initial-boundary value problem for two coupled ordinary differential equations. Analytical solution of the singular degenerated IBV-problem was obtained by power series. The solution demonstrates the real situation and found suitable to depict the degeneration of singular system, caused by low concentration of the enzyme.

Effect of Radio-Frequency and Low-Frequency Bias Voltage on the Formation of Amorphous Carbon Films Deposited by Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition

The effect of radio-frequency （RF） or low-frequency （LF） bias voltage on the for- mation of amorphous hydrogenated carbon （a-C：H） films was studied on silicon substrates with a low methane （CH4） concentration （2-10 vol.%） in CH4＋Ar mixtures. The bias substrate was applied either by RF （13.56 MHz） or by LF （150 kHz） power supply. The highest hardness values （~18-22 GPa） with lower hydrogen content in the fihns （~20 at.%） deposited at 10 vol.% CH4, was achieved by using the RF bias, However, the films deposited using the LF bias, under similar RF plasma generation power and CH4 concentration （50 W and 10 vol.%, respectively）, displayed lower hardness （~6-12 GPa） with high hydrogen content （~40 at.%）. The structures analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared （FTIR） and Raman scattering measurements provide an indication of trans-polyacetylene structure formation. However, its excessive formation in the films deposited by the LF bias method is consistent with its higher bonded hydrogen concentration and low level of hardness, as compared to the film prepared by the RF bias method. It was found that the effect of RF bias on the film structure and properties is stronger than the effect of the low-frequency （LF） bias under identical radio-frequency （RF） powered electrode and identical PECVD （plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition） system configuration.

Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with selective immunoglobulin E deficiency

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)-infected dyspeptic patients with selective immunoglobulin E deficiency(IgE d).METHODS: All individuals who underwent serum totalimmunoglobulin E(Ig E) measurement at the Leumit Healthcare Services(Israel) in 2012 were identified in an electronic database search(n = 18487).From these,selected case group subjects were ≥ 12 years of age and had serum total Ig E < 2 k IU/L(n = 158).The control group was selected from a random sampling of the remaining subjects ≥ 12 years of age to obtain a case-control ratio of 1:20(n = 3160).Dyspeptic diseases,diagnosed no more than 5 years before serum total Ig E testing,were identified and retrieved from the electronic database using specific International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes.Results of C13-urea breath tests were used to identify subjects infected with H.pylori.Categorical variables between case and control subjects were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests,whereas continuous variables were analyzed using χ2 tests.RESULTS: Dyspepsia was present in 27.2%(43/158) of case subjects and 22.7%(718/3160) of controls.Of these,significantly more case subjects(32/43,74.4%) than controls(223/718,31.1%) were positive for H.pylori(P < 0.01).Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed in 19 case and 94 control subjects,revealing that gastritis was more prevalent in IgE d case subjects than in controls(57.9% vs 29.8%,P < 0.05).Furthermore,a significantly greater proportion of case subjects presented with peptic duodenal ulcers(63.2% vs 15.9%,P < 0.01).Histopathologic examination showed marked chronic inflammation,lymphoid follicle formation and prominent germinal centers,with polymorphonuclear cell infiltration of gastric glands,that was similar in case and control biopsy tissues.Finally,Ig Ed case subjects that underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy were more likely to exhibit treatment-refractory H.pylori infections that require second-line triple antibiotic therapy(47.4% vs 11.7%,P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: IgE d is associated with higher rates ofH.pylori-associated gastritis and peptic duodenal ulcers.