bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Administrators' capacity for supporting reform‐oriented science instruction: An urban school district case study
Authors: Ferrell Venicia , Garner Joanna K.
Published: July 2023

Secondary school administrators play a vital role as instructional leaders, but little is known about their knowledge of science practices and perceptions of strategies for supporting reform‐oriented science instruction. This multiphase, mixed‐methods Q‐Methodology study explored administrators' perceptions of instructional leadership and, in particular, high‐quality science instruction. After a concourse of 40 items was developed through a review of literature and an expert panel,n = 22administrators from one urban school district completed a Q‐sort and a post‐sort questionnaire in which they commented on a lesson excerpt. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was used to assimilate the participants into three factors or groups explaining 40% of the variance. A subsample (n = 14) of administrators then participated in focus groups to engage in collective sensemaking. Although administrators consistently valued positive teacher‐student relationships and had high expectations for all students over other managerial duties, perceptions of how to support teachers and their ability to detect evidence‐based science pedagogy (NGSS), differed. Administrators with a science background or more experience as an administrator were more familiar with some of the evidence‐based instructional strategies for science included in the sample lesson. Administrators without such a background tended to emphasize general pedagogical techniques. We discuss implications for the development of school leaders with varying disciplinary backgrounds as one component of building districts' capacity for high‐quality science instruction.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Five‐ and Six‐Membered Benzo O‐heterocycles
Authors: Yang Lu , Liang Xiayu , Ding Yuyang , Li Xinran , Li Xuefeng , Zeng Qingle
Published: July 2023

Enantiomerically enriched five‐ and six‐membered benzo oxygen heterocycles are privileged architectures in functional organic molecules. Over the last several years, many effective methods have been established to access these compounds. However, comprehensive documents cover updated methodologies still in highly demand. In this review, recent transition metal catalyzed transformations lead to chiral five‐ and six‐membered benzo oxygen heterocycles are presented. The mechanism and chirality transfer or control processes are also discussed in details.
Data‐driven modelling of turbine wake interactions and flow resistance in large wind farms
Authors: Kirby Andrew , Briol François‐Xavier , Dunstan Thomas D. , Nishino Takafumi
Published: July 2023

Turbine wake and local blockage effects are known to alter wind farm power production in two different ways: (1) by changing the wind speed locally in front of each turbine and (2) by changing the overall flow resistance in the farm and thus the so‐called farm blockage effect. To better predict these effects with low computational costs, we develop data‐driven emulators of the ‘local’ or ‘internal’ turbine thrust coefficient
as a function of turbine layout. We train the model using a multi‐fidelity Gaussian process (GP) regression with a combination of low (engineering wake model) and high‐fidelity (large eddy simulations) simulations of farms with different layouts and wind directions. A large set of low‐fidelity data speeds up the learning process and the high‐fidelity data ensures a high accuracy. The trained multi‐fidelity GP model is shown to give more accurate predictions of
compared to a standard (single‐fidelity) GP regression applied only to a limited set of high‐fidelity data. We also use the multi‐fidelity GP model of
with the two‐scale momentum theory (Nishino & Dunstan 2020, J. Fluid Mech. 894, A2) to demonstrate that the model can be used to give fast and accurate predictions of large wind farm performance under various mesoscale atmospheric conditions. This new approach could be beneficial for improving annual energy production (AEP) calculations and farm optimization in the future.
Assembly and pseudocapacitive electrode materials application of octamolybdates based coordination polymers
Authors: Liu Guodong , Cai Yunheng , Ma Zhihan , Pang Qiyang , Sha Jingquan
Published: July 2023

A new octamolybdates based Cu‐organic polymer, [Cu2(mbix)2]2[Mo8O26] (mbix=1,3‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl) benzene), abbreviated as Cu‐Mo8, was hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by routine method. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that {Mo8} as template and linker induce and promote the formation and connection of quadcore planetary loop (Cu4mbix4) to form the 2D planetary plane, then are stacked by van der Waals forces to stabilize the whole structure. Electrochemical results show that compound Cu‐Mo8 as electrode materials for supercapacitors exhibits the better supercapacitor performance of ca. 592.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1, along with great cycling stability, which enriches POMs chemistry in the supercapacitor field.
A Flexible Family of Compactly Supported Covariance Functions Based on Cutoff Polynomials
Authors: Schubert Till , Schuh Wolf-Dieter
Published: July 2023

In time series analysis, signal covariance modeling is an essential part of stochastic methods like prediction or filtering. In geodetic applications, covariance functions are rarely treated as true compactly supported functions although large amounts of data would approve such. Covariance models for complex correlation shapes are also rare. Ideally, general families of covariance functions with a large flexibility are desirable to model complex correlations structures like negative correlations. In this paper, we derive isotropic finite covariance functions that are parametrized in a way that positive definiteness is guaranteed. These are based on cutoff polynomials which are derived from operations such as autoconvolution and autocorrelation. Next to the compact support, the resulting autocovariance models share the advantages of (a) positive definiteness by design, (b) extensibility to arbitrary orders and (c) extensive flexibility by employing multiple tunable shape parameters. All these realize various correlation shapes such as negative correlations (the so-called hole effect) and several oscillations. The methodological concepts are derived for homogeneous and isotropic random fields in
$$\mathbb{R}^d$$

R

d

. The family of covariance functions is then derived for one-dimensional applications. A data example demonstrates the covariance modeling approach using stationary time-series data.
Fine-Grained Long-Term Analysis of Resurgent Urban Morphotypes
Authors: Paulouro João , Beirão José Nuno
Published: July 2023

We present the methodology employed for the study of an architectural type within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area spanning over eight hundred years with two chief epochs of exponential growth and commonly referred today as the gated community. Covering the use of remote sensing, georeferencing, data scraping, contemporary census, early modern period population counts, spatial disaggregation, spatial analytics, network analysis and new network-based socio-urban measures, the methodology offers a single semi-automated design for the reproducible urban analysis of a metropolitan area, culminating with the production of eight urban models covering periods from the late XVI to the early XXI centuries. Evaluation carried out on the models through statistical analysis and probabilistic unsupervised learning methods shows the resurgence of morphological and socio-urban patterns separated in time by centuries of urban development.
Lebenszufriedenheit und subjektives Wohlbefinden in der Hochaltrigkeit
Authors: Kaspar Roman , Ernst Annika C. , Zank Susanne
Published: July 2023

Zwischen November 2020 und Dezember 2021 wurde im Rahmen der bundesweiten Studie „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ eine schriftliche und telefonische Befragung von mehr als 10.000 Personen ab 80 Jahren zu deren Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität durchgeführt. Dieser abschließende zehnte Kurzbericht aus der deutschlandweiten Repräsentativbefragung stellt die allgemeine Lebenszufriedenheit und das subjektive Wohlbefinden hochaltriger Menschen in Deutschland dar.
Soziale Eingebundenheit
Authors: Wenner Judith , Albrecht Andrea , Schäfer Nicole , Wagner Michael
Published: July 2023

Zwischen November 2020 und April 2021 wurde im Rahmen der bundesweiten Studie „Hohes Alter in Deutschland“ eine schriftliche Befragung von mehr als 10.000 Personen ab 80 Jahren zu deren Lebenssituation und Lebensqualität durchgeführt. Das vorliegende Kapitel beschreibt die soziale Einbindung der Hochaltrigen. Hierbei werden besonders betrachtet: die Größe des sozialen Netzwerks, die Lebens- bzw. Wohnform, die sozialen Kontakte mit Verwandten, Freund:innen und Bekannten sowie der Erhalt sozialer Unterstützung.
Building with DNA: From Curiosity-Driven Research to Practice
Authors: Zhang Fei
Published: July 2023

The origins of DNA nanotechnology can be traced back to 1982, when Dr. Ned Seeman proposed assembling branched junctions as 3D lattices to facilitate protein crystallization. Over the past four decades, this concept has evolved into a multidisciplinary research field with vast potential for applications. In this mini review, we present a brief introduction of selected topics in nucleic acid nanotechnology, focusing on scaling up DNA assembly, achieving higher resolutions, and transferring to RNA structural design. We discusses the advantages and challenges of each topic, aiming to shed light on the enormous potential of nucleic acid nanotechnology.
Ok: A Kinetic Model for Locally Reconfigurable Molecular Systems
Authors: Marcus Pierre , Schabanel Nicolas , Seki Shinnosuke
Published: July 2023

Oritatami is a formal model of RNA co-transcriptional folding, in which an RNA sequence (transcript) folds upon itself while being synthesized (transcribed) out of its DNA template. This model is simple enough for further extension and also strong enough to study computational aspects of this phenomenon. Some of the structural motifs designed for Turing universal computations in oritatami have been demonstrated approximately in-vitro recently. This model has yet to take a significant aspect of co-transcriptional folding into full account, that is, reconfiguration of molecules. Here we propose a kinetic extension of this model called the oritatami kinetic (Ok) model, similar to what kinetic tile assembly model (kTAM) is to abstract tile assembly model (aTAM). In this extension, local rerouting of the transcript inside a randomly chosen area of parameterized radius competes with the transcription and the folding of the nascent beads (beads are abstract monomers which are the transcription units in oritatami). We compare this extension to a simulation of oritatami in the nubot model, another reconfiguration-based molecular folding model. We show that this new extension matches better a reconfiguration model and is also faster to simulate than passing through a nubot simulation.
Implementing a Theoretician’s Toolkit for Self-Assembly with DNA Components
Authors: Patitz Matthew J.
Published: July 2023

A diverse array of theoretical models of DNA-based self-assembling systems have been proposed and studied. Beyond providing simplified abstractions in which to develop designs for molecular implementation, these models provide platforms to explore powers and limitations of self-assembling systems “in the limit” and to compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of systems and components of varying capabilities and constraints. As these models often intentionally overlook many types of errors encountered in physical implementations, the constructions can provide a road map for the possibilities of systems in which errors are controlled with ever greater precision. In this article, we discuss several such models, current work toward physical implementations, and potential future work that could help lead engineered systems further down the road to the full potential of self-assembling systems based on DNA nanotechnology.
Scaling Up DNA Computing with Array-Based Synthesis and High-Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Chen Yuan-Jyue , Seelig Georg
Published: July 2023

It was 40 years ago today, when Ned taught DNA to play [32]. When Ned Seeman began laying the theoretical foundations of what is now DNA nanotechnology, he likely did not imagine the entire diversity and scale of molecular structures, machines, and computing devices that would be enabled by his work. While there are many reasons for the success of the field, not least the creativity shown by Ned and the community he helped build, such progress would not have been possible without breakthroughs in DNA synthesis and molecular analysis technology. Here, we argue that the technologies that will enable the next generation of DNA nanotechnology have already arrived but that we have not yet fully taken advantage of them. Specifically, we believe that it will become possible, in the near future, to dramatically scale up DNA nanotechnology through the use of array-synthesized DNA and high-throughput DNA sequencing. In this article, we provide an example of how DNA logic gates and circuits can be produced through enzymatic processing of array-synthesized DNA and can be read out by sequencing in a massively parallel format. We experimentally demonstrate processing and readout of 380 molecular gates in a single reaction. We further speculate that in the longer term, very large-scale DNA computing will find applications in the context of molecular diagnostics and, in particular, DNA data storage.
DNA Nanotechnology Out of Equilibrium
Authors: Simmel Friedrich C.
Published: July 2023

Dynamic DNA nanotechnology aims at the realization of molecular machines, devices, and dynamic chemical systems using DNA molecules. DNA is used to assemble the components of these systems, define the interactions between the components, and in many cases also as a chemical fuel that drives them using hybridization energy. Except for biosensing, applications of dynamic DNA devices have so far been limited to proof-of-concept demonstrations, partly because the systems are operating rather slowly, and because it is difficult to operate them continuously for extended periods of time. It is argued that one of the major challenges for the future development of dynamic DNA systems is the identification of driving mechanisms that will allow faster and continuous operation far from chemical equilibrium. Such mechanisms will be required to realize active molecular machinery that can perform useful tasks in nanotechnology and molecular robotics.
Organizing Charge Flow with DNA
Authors: Walker David J. F. , Szmuc Eric R. , Ellington Andrew D.
Published: July 2023

The seminal recognition by Ned Seeman that DNA could be programmed via base-pairing to form higher order structures is well known. What may have been partially forgotten is one of Dr. Seeman’s strong motivations for forming precise and programmable nanostructures was to create nanoelectronic devices. This motivation is particularly apt given that modern electronic devices require precision positioning of conductive elements to modulate and control electronic properties, and that such positioning is inherently limited by the scaling of photoresist technologies: DNA may literally be one of the few ways to make devices smaller (Liddle and Gallatin in Nanoscale 3:2679–2688 [1]). As with many other insights regarding DNA at the nanoscale, Ned Seeman recognized the possibilities of DNA-templated electronic devices as early as 1987 (Robinson and Seeman in Protein Eng. 1:295–300 [2]). As of 2002, Braun’s group attempted to develop methods for lithography that involved metalating DNA (Keren et al. in Science 297:72–75 [3]). However, this instance involved linear, double-stranded DNA, in which portions were separated using RecA, and thus, the overall complexity of the lithography was limited. Since then, the extraordinary control afforded by DNA nanotechnology has provided equally interesting opportunities for creating complex electronic circuitry, either via turning DNA into an electronic device itself (Gates et al. in Crit. Rev. Anal. Chem. 44:354–370 [4]), or by having DNA organize other materials (Hu and Niemeyer in Adv. Mat. 31(26), [5]) that can be electronic devices (Dai et al. in Nano Lett. 20:5604–5615 [6]).
Revisiting leading quantum corrections to near extremal black hole thermodynamics
Authors: Banerjee Nabamita , Saha Muktajyoti
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Computing the 4D Euclidean path integral to one-loop order we find the large quantum corrections that govern the behavior of a spherically symmetric non-supersymmetric near-extremal black hole at very low temperature. These corrections appear from the near-horizon geometry of the near-extremal black hole. Using first-order perturbation theory we find that such corrections arise from the zero modes of the extremal background. In the logarithm of the partition function, these correspond to terms involving logarithm of temperature. Part of our result matches with the existing one in literature derived from an effective Schwarzian theory.
Connectomes and properties of quantum entanglement
Authors: Melnikov Dmitry
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Topological quantum field theories (TQFT) encode properties of quantum states in the topological features of abstract manifolds. One can use the topological avatars of quantum states to develop intuition about different concepts and phenomena of quantum mechanics. In this paper we focus on the class of simplest topologies provided by a specific TQFT and investigate what the corresponding states teach us about entanglement. These “planar connectome” states are defined by graphs of simplest topology for a given adjacency matrix. In the case of bipartite systems the connectomes classify different types of entanglement matching the classification of stochastic local operations and classical communication (SLOCC). The topological realization makes explicit the nature of entanglement as a resource and makes apparent a number of its properties, including monogamy and characteristic inequalities for the entanglement entropy. It also provides tools and hints to engineer new measures of entanglement and other applications. Here the approach is used to construct purely topological versions of the dense coding and quantum teleportation protocols, giving diagrammatic interpretation of the role of entanglement in quantum computation and communication. Finally, the topological concepts of entanglement and quantum teleportation are employed in a simple model of information retrieval from a causally disconnected region, similar to the interior of an evaporating black hole.
Open string field theory with stubs
Authors: Schnabl Martin , Stettinger Georg
Published: July 2023

Abstract

There are various reasons why adding stubs to the vertices of open string field theory (OSFT) is interesting: the stubs can not only tame certain singularities and make the theory more well-behaved, but also the new theory shares a lot of similarities with closed string field theory, which helps to improve our understanding of its structure and possible solutions. In this paper we explore two natural ways of implementing stubs into the framework of OSFT, resulting in an A∞-algebra giving rise to infinitely many vertices. We find two distinct consistent actions, both generated by a field redefinition, interestingly sharing the same equations of motion. In the last section we illustrate their relationship and physical meaning by applying our construction to nearly marginal solutions.
On Weak Generalized Stability of Random Variables via Functional Equations
Authors: Jarczyk Witold , Járai Antal , Matkowski Janusz , Misiewicz Jolanta
Published: July 2023

In this paper we characterize random variables which are stable but not strictly stable in the sense of generalized convolution. We generalize the results obtained in Jarczyk and Misiewicz (J Theoret Probab 22:482-505, 2009), Misiewicz and Mazurkiewicz (J Theoret Probab 18:837-852, 2005), Oleszkiewicz (in Milman VD and Schechtman Lecture Notes in Math. 1807, Geometric Aspects of Functional Analysis (2003), Israel Seminar 2001–2002, Springer-Verlag, Berlin). The main problem was to find the solution of the following functional equation for symmetric generalized characteristic functions $$\varphi , \psi $$

φ
,
ψ

: $$\begin{aligned}{} & {} \forall \, a,b \ge 0 \; \exists \, c(a,b) \ge 0 \; \exists \, d(a,b) \ge 0\, \forall \, t \ge 0 \\{} & {} \quad \varphi (at) \varphi (bt) = \varphi (c(a,b)t) \psi (d(a,b)t),\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \text {(A)} \end{aligned}$$

∀

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where both functions c and d are continuous, symmetric, homogeneous but unknown. We give the solution of equation (A) assuming that for fixed $$\psi , c, d$$

ψ
,
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,
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there exist at least two different solutions of (A). To solve (A) we also determine the functions that satisfy the equation $$\begin{aligned}{} & {} \bigl (f(t(x+y)) - f(tx)\bigr ) \bigl (f(x+y) - f(y)\bigr ) \\{} & {} \quad = \bigl (f(t(x+y)) - f(ty)\bigr ) \bigl (f(x+y) - f(x)\bigr ),\quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \quad \text {(B)} \end{aligned}$$

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$$x,y,t >0$$

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, for a function $$f: (0,\infty ) \rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

f
:
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. As an additional result we infer that each Lebesgue measurable or Baire measurable function f satisfying equation (B) is infinitely differentiable.
Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätskonferenz
Authors: Vonzun Ladina , Haslinger Christian
Published: July 2023

Die Morbiditäts- und Mortalitätskonferenz (MuM-Konferenz) definiert sich als regelmäßige interdisziplinäre Fallkonferenz von vermeidbaren und/oder unerwünschten Ereignissen. Ziel ist die Sicherstellung eines zeitnahen und kontinuierlichen Verbesserungsprozesses von Behandlungsqualität und Patientensicherheit sowie der Stärkung der Zusammenarbeit und Sicherheitskultur. Dieser Beitrag bietet praktische Tipps und Tricks für die Vorbereitung, Durchführung und Nachbereitung einer MuM-Konferenz anhand unserer Erfahrungen in der Klinik für Geburtshilfe des UniversitätsSpitals Zürich. Die MuM-Konferenz reiht sich in eine Reihe von Maßnahmen ein, welche maßgebend zur Verbesserung von Zusammenarbeit, Behandlungsqualität, Patientensicherheit und Sicherheitskultur sowie der Erweiterung relevanter Wissens- und Handlungskompetenzen beitragen.
Polypyrrole/carbon dot nanocomposite as an electrochemical biosensor for liquid biopsy analysis of tryptophan in the human serum of normal and breast cancer women
Authors: Abdel-aal Fatma A. M. , Kamel Rania M. , Abdeltawab Asmaa A. , Mohamed Fardous A. , Mohamed Abdel-Maaboud I.
Published: July 2023

Liquid biopsy analysis represents a suitable alternative analysis procedure in several cases where no tumor tissue is available or in poor patient conditions. Amino acids can play a crucial role in aiding cancer diagnosis. Monitoring of tryptophan (Trp) catabolism can aid in tracking cancer progression. Therefore, a novel nanocomposite was fabricated using overoxidized polypyrrole film doped with nano-carbon dots (nano-CDs) on the pencil graphite electrode (PGE) surface for sensitive evaluation of Trp in human serum. Using square wave voltammetry (SWV), the overoxidized polypyrrole/carbon dots/pencil graphite electrode (Ov-Ox PPy/CDs/PGE) achieved excellent electrochemical catalytic activity for evaluating Trp. The modified electrode, known as Ov-Ox PPy/CDs/PGE, demonstrated superior electrochemical catalytic activity compared to bare PGE, CDs/PGE, PPy/PGE, and PPy/CDs/PGE for evaluation of Trp. The method’s excellent sensitivity was confirmed by the low limits of detection (LOD = 0.003 μmol L−1) and limit of quantitation (LOQ = 0.009 μmol L−1). The biosensor that was developed can measure tryptophan (Trp) levels in the serum of both healthy individuals and female breast cancer patients with high accuracy and sensitivity. The results indicate that there is a significant difference, as shown by theF-test, between healthy individuals and those with breast cancer. This suggests that Trp amino acid could be an essential biomarker for cancer diagnosis. Consequently, liquid biopsy analysis presents a valuable opportunity for early disease detection, particularly for cancer.

Graphical abstract
Collagen Type IV Alpha 5 Chain in Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome After Lung Transplant: The First Evidence
Authors: Armati M. , Cattelan S. , Guerrieri M. , Messina M. , Perea B. , Genovese M. , d’Alessandro M. , Gangi S. , Cameli P. , Perillo F. , Bennett D. , Fossi A. ,   Tuscany Transplant Group, Bargagli E. , Bergantini L.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) is the most common form of CLAD and is characterized by airflow limitation and an obstructive spirometry pattern without parenchymal opacities. The protein signature of BOS lesions concerns extracellular matrix organization and aberrant basement membrane composition. In this pilot study, we investigated the presence of COL4A5 in the serum of patients with BOS.

Methods

41 patients who had undergone LTX were enrolled. Of these, 27 developed BOS and 14 (control group) were considered stable at the time of serum sampling. Of BOS patients, serum samples were analysed at the time of BOS diagnosis and before the clinical diagnosis (pre-BOS). COL4A5 levels were detected through the ELISA kit.

Results

Serum concentrations of COL4A5 were higher in pre-BOS than in stable patients (40.5 ± 13.9 and 24.8 ± 11.4, respectively, p = 0.048). This protein is not influenced by comorbidities, such as acute rejection or infections, or by therapies. Survival analysis also reveals that a higher level of COL4A5 was also associated with less probability of survival. Our data showed a correlation between concentrations of COL4A5 and FEV1 at the time of diagnosis of BOS.

Conclusion

Serum concentrations of COL4A5 can be considered a good prognostic marker due to their association with survival and correlation with functional parameters.
Metabolomics investigation of post-mortem human pericardial fluid
Authors: Chighine Alberto , Stocchero Matteo , Ferino Giulio , De-Giorgio Fabio , Conte Celeste , Nioi Matteo , d’Aloja Ernesto , Locci Emanuela
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Due to its peculiar anatomy and physiology, the pericardial fluid is a biological matrix of particular interest in the forensic field. Despite this, the available literature has mainly focused on post-mortem biochemistry and forensic toxicology, while to the best of authors’ knowledge post-mortem metabolomics has never been applied. Similarly, estimation of the time since death or post-mortem interval based on pericardial fluids has still rarely been attempted.

Objectives

We applied a metabolomic approach based on 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to ascertain the feasibility of monitoring post-mortem metabolite changes on human pericardial fluids with the aim of building a multivariate regression model for post-mortem interval estimation.

Methods

Pericardial fluid samples were collected in 24 consecutive judicial autopsies, in a time frame ranging from 16 to 170 h after death. The only exclusion criterion was the quantitative and/or qualitative alteration of the sample. Two different extraction protocols were applied for low molecular weight metabolites selection, namely ultrafiltration and liquid-liquid extraction. Our metabolomic approach was based on the use of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance and multivariate statistical data analysis.

Results

The pericardial fluid samples treated with the two experimental protocols did not show significant differences in the distribution of the metabolites detected. A post-mortem interval estimation model based on 18 pericardial fluid samples was validated with an independent set of 6 samples, giving a prediction error of 33–34 h depending on the experimental protocol used. By narrowing the window to post-mortem intervals below 100 h, the prediction power of the model was significantly improved with an error of 13–15 h depending on the extraction protocol. Choline, glycine, ethanolamine, and hypoxanthine were the most relevant metabolites in the prediction model.

Conclusion

The present study, although preliminary, shows that PF samples collected from a real forensic scenario represent a biofluid of interest for post-mortem metabolomics, with particular regard to the estimation of the time since death.
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells: the multitaskers in the brain
Authors: Fang Li-Pao , Bai Xianshu
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In the central nervous system, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are recognized as the progenitors responsible for the generation of oligodendrocytes, which play a critical role in myelination. Extensive research has shed light on the mechanisms underlying OPC proliferation and differentiation into mature myelin-forming oligodendrocytes. However, recent advances in the field have revealed that OPCs have multiple functions beyond their role as progenitors, exerting control over neural circuits and brain function through distinct pathways. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of OPCs by first introducing their well-established features. Subsequently, we delve into the emerging roles of OPCs in modulating brain function in both healthy and diseased states. Unraveling the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which OPCs influence brain function holds great promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets for central nervous system diseases.
Ambient temperature modulates body weight changes in patients with advanced oncological diseases and anorexia cachexia syndrome
Authors: Encinas Paloma , Rodriguez-Arias Jose Luis , Pérez Luis Miguel Luengo , Cortizo Daniel , Gutierrez Emilio
Published: July 2023

Objective

To assess the impact of ambient temperature (AT) on the evolution of bodyweight in patients with heterogeneous types of cancer in advanced stages of the disease (stages III and IV) and anorexia- cachexia syndrome (ACS).

Methods

A prospective naturalistic multicenter study of patients undergoing oncological treatment at four hospitals during a three-year period (2017–2020) in the Autonomous Community of Extremadura in southwestern Spain with a continentalized Mediterranean climate of mild and relatively rainy winters, and particularly hot and sunny summers. Bodyweight changes were obtained from the medical records of 84 oncological patients (59 men and 25 women, age range 37–91 yrs). Mean monthly AT was used to examine the association of weight changes across cold and warm bimesters -BIMs (December and January, vs. July and August), Trimesters -TRIMs (July to September vs. December to February), and Semesters -SEMs (May to October vs. November to April). Weight changes between two consecutive weight measures were categorized as weight gain, weight loss, or no weight change. Differences across cold and warm seasons were analysed using parametric (ANOVA), and nonparametric statistics (Chi-square and binomial z tests). An alpha-rate of 0.05 was used for all analyses.

Results

A weight loss trend was observed during BIMs cold periods in comparison to warm ones (p 0.04). However, differences in average bodyweight were not significant. The negative impact of cold periods was more marked in men than in women, (p = 0.05; p = 0.03, for cold vs. warm BIMs and TRIMs, respectively). In contrast, significantly higher weight gain percentages were found in women during warm TRIMs and SEMs (p = 0.03, and p = 0.01, respectively). As for the number of patients dying during the study (N = 56; 39 men, 17 women), there were a significant interaction between temperature (cold/warm), and mean weight F (1, 499) = 6.06, p = 0.01, which revealed a pattern of weight loss in the cold semester as opposed to weight gain during the warm SEM months.

Conclusions

AT temperature modulated body weight changes in patients with advanced oncological disease and ACS. Two main limitations of the study were the absence of information on diets as a moderating factor of weight loss/gain, and the lack of the patients’ weight measurements closest to the date of diagnosis prior to admittance to the study. As for the practical implications, it remains to be seen whether an adjunctive heat supply will serve a buffering effect on weight loss during colder seasons for patients with advanced cancer and ACS.
Calorimetric analysis of Mg–Li ultra light magnesium alloy
Authors: Król Mariusz , Hajnyš Jiří
Published: July 2023

The Thermal-Derivative Analysis, or Computer-Aided Cooling Curve Analysis, is a commonly used method for determining the solidification parameters of metals and alloys. Knowledge of the enthalpy, kinetics and broad characteristics of the transformations taking place during the cooling of an alloy can be obtained with the proper configuration of analytical equipment and arrangement of test techniques. This work practically analyses the changes occurring in the Mg–4.5Li–1.5Al alloy as a result of the modification of the structure by the addition of TiB and Sr. The results indicate that adding grain refinements significantly affects the microstructure and thermal parameters of Mg–4.5Li–1.5Al alloy. The nucleation temperature and solidus temperature decrease with the addition of chemical reagents. Compressive strength improved due to the refinement of grain size. The results confirmed that thermal-derivative analysis is suitable for analysing changes in cast magnesium alloys.
Linear cuts in Boolean networks
Authors: Naldi Aurélien , Richard Adrien , Tonello Elisa
Published: July 2023

Boolean networks are popular tools for the exploration of qualitative dynamical properties of biological systems. Several dynamical interpretations have been proposed based on the same logical structure that captures the interactions between Boolean components. They reproduce, in different degrees, the behaviours emerging in more quantitative models. In particular, regulatory conflicts can prevent the standard asynchronous dynamics from reproducing some trajectories that might be expected upon inspection of more detailed models. We introduce and study the class of networks with linear cuts, where linear components—intermediates with a single regulator and a single target—eliminate the aforementioned regulatory conflicts. The interaction graph of a Boolean network admits a linear cut when a linear component occurs in each cycle and in each path from components with multiple targets to components with multiple regulators. Under this structural condition the attractors are in one-to-one correspondence with the minimal trap spaces, and the reachability of attractors can also be easily characterized. Linear cuts provide the base for a new interpretation of the Boolean semantics that captures all behaviours of multi-valued refinements with regulatory thresholds that are uniquely defined for each interaction, and contribute a new approach for the investigation of behaviour of logical models.
Mesoproterozoic geomagnetic field strength from Nova Guarita mafic dykes (Amazon Craton)
Authors: Di Chiara Anita , Muxworthy Adrian R. , Trindade Ricrdo I. F. , Bispo-Santos Franklin , Baker Evelyn B.
Published: July 2023

Palaeointensity data from the Precambrian are key to understanding the timing of the Earth’s Inner Core Nucleation (ICN). Due to the scarcity of data, the ICN timing is still poorly constrained and is thought to have occurred between 2500 to 500 Ma. Numerical dynamo simulation models predict an increase in entropy, a stronger driving force for convection that could affect the field strength and show an anomaly in the palaeointensity record at ICN. We present new estimates of the geomagnetic field intensity (palaeointensity) from the Mid-Mesoproterozoic (1406 ± 1424 Ma) Nova Guarita dyke swarm, in the northern Mato Grosso State (SW Amazon Craton, Brazil). To obtain palaeointensity estimates, we used the non-heating Preisach method, with palaeointensity criteria at the specimen, and site level. Five sites provided accepted palaeointensity results, yielding virtual dipole moment (VDM) estimate of 65 ± 12 ZAm2 at 1416 ± 13 Ma, 53 ± 4 ZAm2 at 1418 ± 3 Ma, 12 ± 2 and 8 ± 2 ZAm2 at 1418 ± 5 Ma, and 71 ± 16 ZAm2 at 1424 ± 16 Ma, thus an average estimate of 43 ± 30 ZAm2 for ∼1410 Ma. The estimate is similar to the average VDM data (∼50 ZAm2), calculated for the period from 1600 to 1000 Ma. This average represents only a snapshot of the Earth’s magnetic field strength. While the new data are too limited in time to contribute directly to the question of ICN, they nevertheless contribute to constraints useful for assessing numerical simulations of the Mesoproterozoic geodynamo.
Short-term impact of different doses of spent coffee grounds, salt, and sand on soil chemical and hydrological properties in an urban soil
Authors: Khan Muhammad Owais , Klamerus-Iwan Anna , Kupka Dawid , Słowik-Opoka Ewa
Published: July 2023

Natural and human activities have deteriorated urban soil’s health and ecological functions as compared to forest soils. Therefore, we hypothesized that any intervention in poor quality soil in urban area will change their chemical and water retention properties. The experiment was conducted in Krakow (Poland) in completely randomized design (CRD). The soil amendments used in this experiment consisted of control, spent coffee grounds (SCGs), salt, and sand (1 and 2 t ha−1) in order to evaluate the impact of these soil amendments on the urban soil chemical and hydrological properties. Soil samples were collected after 3 months of soil application. The soil pH, soil acidity (me/100 g), electrical conductivity (mS/cm), total carbon (%), CO2 emission (g m−2 day−1), and total nitrogen (%) were measured in laboratory condition. The soil hydrological properties like volumetric water content (VWC), water drop penetration time (WDPT), current water storage capacity (Sa), water storage capacity after 4 and 24 h (S4 and S24), and capillary water Pk (mm) were also determined. We noted variations in soil chemical and water retention properties in urban soil after the application of SCGs, sand, and salt. It was observed that SCGs (2 t ha−1) has reduced soil pH and nitrogen (%) by 14 and 9%, while the incorporation of salt resulted in maximum soil EC, total acidity, and soil pH. The soil carbon (%) and CO2 emission (g m−2 day−1) were enhanced and declined by SCGs amendment. Furthermore, the soil hydrological properties were significantly influenced by the soil amendment (spent coffee grounds, salt, and sand) application. Our results showed that spent coffee grounds mixing in urban soil has considerably enhanced the soil VWC, Sa, S4, S24, and Pk, whereas it decreased the water drop penetration time. The analysis showed that the single dose of soil amendments had not improved soil chemical properties very well. Therefore, it is suggested that SCGs should be applied more than single dose. This is a good direction to look for ways to improve the retention properties of urban soil and you can consider combining SCGs with other organic materials like compost, farmyard manure, or biochar.
A Refutation of Spectrum Arguments for Nontransitive Betterness
Authors: Carlson Erik
Published: July 2023

This short paper states a new objection against “spectrum arguments” for nontransitive betterness. It is shown that defenders of such arguments must reject one of two very plausible principles.
Mammary nodules as incidental findings on chest computed tomography: a retrospective analysis on their frequency and predictive value
Authors: Agliata Maria Francesca , Calabrò Naomi , Tricca Stefano , Rampi Anna Maria , Gambaro Anna Clelia Lucia , Ferrante Daniela , Carriero Alessandro
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the frequency of mammary nodules as incidental findings on chest CT scans and to determine a correlation between semiological features and mammographic and histopathological outcomes.

Methods

A total of 42,864 chest CT scans performed on patients with breast-unrelated working diagnoses by the Radiology Department at AOU Maggiore della Carità, between 1st January 2016 and 30th April 2022, were analysed. Sixty-eight patients (3 males and 65 females) with mammary nodule CT detection were selected and subjected to mammography, mammary ultrasound and, eventually, biopsy.

Results

Thirty-five of the 68 patients received a histopathological confirmation of malignancy. According to Pearson’s Chi-square test, the CT features most likely associated with BI-RADS 5 following mammography were post-contrast enhancement (p = 0.001), margin irregularity (p = 0.0001), nipple retraction (p = 0.001), skin thickening (p = 0.024), and the presence of structurally atypical lymph nodes suspicious for metastatic involvement (p = 0.0001). The CT features predictive of a biopsy positive for malignancy were post-contrast enhancement (p = 0.0001), margin irregularity (p = 0.0001), and the presence of suspicious lymph nodes (p = 0.011). Finally, 63.4% of patients with a working diagnosis related to cancer were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Conclusion

Chest CT incidental findings of mammary nodules had a 0.21% incidence rate. The accurate description of some CT scan features, such as post-contrast enhancement, margin irregularity, nipple retraction, skin thickening and the presence of structurally atypical lymph nodes, may help to establish a radiological suspicion of malignancy, especially if these characteristics are supported by a working diagnosis of cancer.
Assessing the Hotline Services on Child Trafficking Victims: An Analysis of Vietnam
Authors: Van Nguyen Oanh , Luong Hai Thanh
Published: July 2023

While rescuing trafficked children has been focused on several countries in the Global North, little is known about what and how it worked and what and how it has not worked in some nations in the Global South, such as Vietnam. Although Vietnam has been considered the source’s country at Tier 3’s classification in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report 2022, its victim-centered approach still lacks focus and improvement. Given the country’s political ideology, top-down management, and centralized governance, copying Western strategies for supporting those children’s victims is challenging in Vietnam. This study analyzes the hotline services to understand better the process of child trafficking victims’ (CTV) rescues in Vietnam. To assess the inside of support victims of child trafficking, we use a mixed-qualitative method by combining focus-group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 28 participants from the hotline operators, law enforcers, and social welfare. Our findings point out (1) various information of callers to hotline operators, (2) different pathways to handle these sources, and (3) the impacts of COVID-19’s outbreak on supporting the victims. Outcomes of hotline services also depend on human resources, legal frameworks, and collaborative mechanisms. Some practical gaps also call for further attention to enhance the hotline services in Vietnam.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease as an Emerging Risk Factor for Heart Failure
Authors: Inciardi Riccardo M. , Mantovani Alessandro , Targher Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Purpose of the Review

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart failure (HF) are two chronic diseases that have become important global public health problems. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the association between NAFLD and increased risk of new-onset HF, briefly discusses the putative biological mechanisms linking these two conditions, and summarizes targeted pharmacotherapies for NAFLD that might also beneficially affect cardiac complications leading to new-onset HF.

Recent Findings

Recent observational cohort studies supported a significant association between NAFLD and the long-term risk of new-onset HF. Notably, this risk remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, adiposity measures, pre-existing type 2 diabetes and other common cardiometabolic risk factors. In addition, the risk of incident HF was further increased with more advanced liver disease, especially with higher severity of liver fibrosis. There are multiple potential pathophysiological mechanisms by which NAFLD (especially in its more advanced forms) may increase the risk of new-onset HF.

Because of the strong link existing between NAFLD and HF, more careful surveillance of these patients will be needed. However, further prospective and mechanistic studies are required to better decipher the existing but complex link between NAFLD and risk of new-onset HF.
Efficacy of switching from teriparatide to zoledronic acid or denosumab on bone mineral density and biochemical markers of bone turnover in older patients with severe osteoporosis: a real-life study
Authors: Dito Giorgia , Lugaresi Marina , Degradi Chiara , Guabello Gregorio , Longhi Matteo , Corbetta Sabrina
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Osteoporosis is characterized by loss of bone mass and susceptibility to fracture. Skeletal effects of teriparatide (TPT) are not persistent after drug withdrawal and sequential therapy with bisphosphonates or denosumab (Dmab) after TPT discontinuation represents a valid option. Here, the two sequential strategies were evaluated in severe osteoporotic patients.

Methods

The study retrospectively enrolled 56 severe osteoporotic patients who received TPT for 24 months followed by 24 months of zoledronic acid (ZOL) (TPT + ZOL) or Dmab (TPT+Dmab). Clinical features, incident fractures, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements, and bone marker profiles were collected. One-way ANOVA analyzed the difference between mean T-scores at baseline, after 24 months of TPT, and after 2 doses of ZOL or after at least 3 doses of Dmab.

Results

Twenty-three patients received TPT + ZOL (19 females, 4 males; median [IR] age, 74.3 [66.9, 78.6] years) and 33 patients received TPT+Dmab (31 females, 2 males; mean [IR] age, 66.6 ± 11.3 years). Mean lumbar and hip T-scores were increased after both TPT + ZOL and TPT+Dmab (all p < 0.05 vs baseline). The size effects induced by TPT + ZOL on the lumbar and hip BMD T-scores were similar to those observed with TPT+Dmab with mean T-scores increases of about 1 and 0.4 SD, respectively. No significant between-group differences were identified. Incident fragility fractures occurred in 3 (13%) patients treated with TPT + ZOL and in 5 (15%) patients treated with TPT+Dmab.

Conclusions

Sequential TPT + ZOL therapy is likely to increase bone mineralization at the lumbar level and to stabilize it at the femoral level, similarly to what obtained with the sequential TPT+Dmab. Both ZOL and Dmab are suggested to be effective sequential treatments after TPT.
Aufwachsen
Authors: Thole Werner
Published: July 2023

In dem Beitrag werden Veränderungen der Phase jugendlichen Aufwachsens diskutiert. Modelle, die die in der Jugendphase zu bewerkstelligenden Aufgaben anhand von Entwicklungskonzepten analysieren, werden kritisch betrachtet. Vorgeschlagen wird, Jugend in seinen pluralen Ausprägungen differenzierter zu sehen. Insbesondere Prozesse der Entzeitlichung – Entstandardisierung – und Pluralisierung – Entstrukturierung – von Jugend sollten, so wird argumentiert, auch unter sozialpädagogischen Aspekten eine prominentere Beachtung erfahren.