bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bernard–Soulier Syndrome: A Review of Epidemiology, Molecular Pathology, Clinical Features, Laboratory Diagnosis, and Therapeutic Management
Authors: Kaya Zühre
Published: August 2024

Bernard–Soulier syndrome (BSS) is an inherited platelet function disorder caused by mutations in the genes that encode the glycoprotein (GP) Ibα and GPIbβ subunits, as well as the GPIX subunit in the GPIbIX complex, which is located on the platelet surface and has roles in platelet adhesion and activation. Patients with autosomal recessively inherited biallelic BSS have a homozygous or compound heterozygous expression in the GPIbα, GPIbβ, and GPIX subunits of the GPIbIX complex. Patients with autosomal dominantly inherited monoallelic BSS have a heterozygous expression in only the GPIbα and GPIbβ subunits of the GPIbIX complex. To date, no BSS mutations in the GP5 gene have been reported. Patients with biallelic form are usually diagnosed at a young age, typically with mucocutaneous bleeding, whereas monoallelic forms are generally identified later in life and are frequently misdiagnosed with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). In biallelic BSS, giant platelets in the peripheral blood smear, absence of ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation (RIPA) using light transmission aggregometry (LTA), and complete loss of GPIbIX complex in flow cytometry are observed, whereas in monoallelic forms, genetic diagnosis is recommended due to the presence of large platelets in the peripheral blood smear, decreased or normal RIPA response in LTA, and partial loss or normal GPIbIX complex in flow cytometry. Platelet transfusion is the main therapy but recombinant factor VIIa is advised in alloimmunized patients, and allogeneic stem cell transplantation is suggested in refractory cases. Antifibrinolytics and oral contraceptives are utilized as supplementary treatments. Finally, differentiation from ITP is critical due to differences in management. Thus, BSS should be kept in mind in the presence of individuals with chronic persistent thrombocytopenia, positive family history, unresponsive ITP treatment, macrothrombocytopenia, and absence of RIPA response.
Colorectal Carcinoma: Is There Any Correlation between Her2/neu Expression, Ki-67 Score, and Tumor Budding and Clinicopathological Parameters?—A Prospective Institution-Based Study
Authors: Khan Susnata , Dasgupta Senjuti , Deb Asit Ranjan
Published: August 2024

Objectives Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide and is still a major cause of cancer mortality. Her2/neu, Ki67 score, and tumor budding are independent prognostic factors in colorectal carcinomas. The objectives of the study were to evaluate Her2/neu expression, Ki67 score, and tumor budding index at invasive margin in colorectal carcinoma and find out their possible correlations with different clinicopathological factors.

Materials and Methods An institution-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted for 18 months. Forty-one patients with histologically proven diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma were included. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses (Her2/neu and Ki-67) of each case were done.

Statistical Analysis Data analysis was done using the SPSS software.

Results A significant correlation was found between tumor budding status and pathological T stage, Dukes' and American Joint Committee on Cancer stages, and between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes status and Ki-67 expression status (p < 0.05).

Conclusion The prognostic importance of tumor budding in colorectal carcinoma is very clear. Considering the small sample size of the present study, the prognostic values of Her2/neu and Ki-67 are required to be explored further in larger cohorts in the future.
Extraordinary Presentation of Chronic Pyelonephritis as Retroperitoneal Mass: An Image Report
Authors: Tripathi Mayank , Kumar Nishant , Vineet Kumar
Published: August 2024

Here we are presenting a unique presentation of chronic pyelonephritis as retroperitoneal mass. It produced a diagnostic dilemma, and final diagnosis was confirmed after histopathology report.
Treatment Outcomes and Toxicity Profiles with PORTEC-3 Trial Regimen in South Asian Cohort of High-Risk Endometrial Cancer Patients: A Single-Center Ambispective Analysis
Authors: Verma Parth , Rajan Rajasree , Sasidharan Ajay , Kalavagunta Sruthi , Dutta Debnarayan , Kunheri Beena , Kunnath Neethu , Bhati Priya , Rajanbabu Anupama , Nair Indu , Puthenveedu Rakesh Moolayil , Haridas Nikhil , Jose Wesley , Pavithran Keechilat
Published: August 2024

Objectives Adjuvant chemoradiation followed by chemotherapy is the current standard of care in high-risk endometrial cancer after the PORTEC-3 trial. There is a lack of data on this treatment regimen in the South Asian patient cohort. The present study aims to assess toxicity profiles and outcomes in this cohort of patients.

Materials and Methods High-risk endometrial cancer patients planned for adjuvant chemoradiation followed by chemotherapy were included. Toxicity was graded using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events criteria. Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was done to find out the predictors of DFS.

Results This study included 58 patients treated from October 2016 to August 2022. Median age was 61 years (interquartile range [IQR] 56–66), with Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique Stages I = 26 (44.8%), II = 5 (8.6%), and III = 27 (46.6%). p53 positivity was seen in 38 (65.5%) patients. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was used in 44 (79.3%) patients. There was no treatment discontinuation during chemoradiation. Acute Grade 2 and above toxicity during chemoradiation were diarrhea in 10 (17.2%) and hematological in 2 (3.4%). For the planned adjuvant chemotherapy in 55 patients, 51 (92.7%) completed four cycles. Grade 2 or above neuropathy was seen in 11 (20%), with 5 (9%) having persisting neuropathy at 1-year follow-up. At a median follow-up of 31 months, 15 (25.8%) patients recurred; distant = 13 and isolated para-aortic = 2. The median time to recurrence was 16 months (IQR 12–22), with 80% (12 out of 15) of recurrence within the first 2 years of follow-up. The actuarial 5-year DFS and OS were 63.8 and 76.5%, respectively. In univariate analysis, p53 positivity and lymphovascular space invasion were predictors for DFS, with p-values 0.031 and 0.027, respectively. There was no significant predictor identified in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion There is good tolerance and compliance to adjuvant chemoradiation and chemotherapy in this South Asian cohort of patients with high-risk endometrial cancer, with no toxicity-related treatment breaks during radiation. The majority of the recurrences were seen at distant sites and within the first 2 years of follow-up. These findings are in line with the outcomes of the PORTEC-3 trial.
Finite element method for natural convection flow of Casson hybrid (Al2O3–Cu/water) nanofluid inside H-shaped enclosure
Authors: Nadeem Sohail , Rehman Atiq ur , Hamed Y. S. , Riaz Muhammed Bilal , Ullah Inayat , Alzabut Jehad
Published: August 2024

The fundamental problem in electronic cooling systems is the implementation of a cavity such that it can be used to provide localized cooling to specific components, such as CPUs or GPUs, enhancing their performance and longevity. It can also be used in microfluidic devices for controlled drug delivery, where precise control of fluid flow is crucial. The present article numerically explores the free convection non-Newtonian Casson hybrid nanofluid phenomena that occur within an H-shaped cavity while heated from the middle. The heating efficiency and heat flow in a cavity are influenced by perpendicular hot walls that connect two vertical closed channels. A numerical solution is obtained by implementing the Galerkin finite element method to solve the partial differential equation. The numerical outcomes are depicted on the contour of streamlines and isotherms for different parameters in the following ranges: 0.1 ≤ η ≤ 0.4, 0.005≤ϕhp≤0.020, 0.1 ≤ γ ≤ 2, and 103 ≤ Ra ≤ 106 at fixed Pr = 6.2. In addition, line graphs show rate of heat transfer within the enclosure using the average Nusselt number for these parameters. Increased aspect ratios (η = 0.4) result in a minimal rate of heat transfer enhancement, whereas decreasing η leads to a significantly higher average Nusselt number and maximum heat transfer within the cavity. The convective rate of heat transfer increases with the presence of hybrid nanoparticles inside an H-shaped cavity for all Rayleigh numbers. The rotation of the Casson hybrid nanofluid also rises as the volume ratio of nanoparticles increases. For a fixed aspect ratio (A.R) of 0.1, the heat dissipation is 6.91% at a lower ϕhp value of 0.005 at a fixed Ra value of 105. However, it increases to 7.072% for a higher ϕhp value of 0.02 at Ra = 105. With increasing Ra number, ϕhp, and γ, the number NuAve increases.
Development and acceptability of a digital tool for promoting syphilis testing in Australian general practice: qualitative study using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability
Authors: Hunter Barbara , Hocking Jane S. , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , Jung Jun , Wigan Rebecca , Chen Marcus Y. , Boyle Douglas , Chidgey Christine , O’Donnell Heather , Goller Jane L.
Published: August 2024

Background In Australia, syphilis notifications increased 2.5-fold during 2013–2022 and 83 congenital syphilis cases were reported. Timely diagnosis and management are crucial. We developed a tool to promote syphilis testing into our existing ‘Future Health Today’ (FHT) software and explored its acceptability in general practice. Methods Our tool (FHT-syphilis) scans electronic medical record data to identify and prompt testing for pregnant women, and, people recently tested for sexually transmissible infection (STI) or HIV, but not syphilis. It links to relevant guidelines and patient resources. We implemented FHT-syphilis in 52 general practices using FHT for other conditions and interviewed practice clinicians (n = 9) to explore it’s acceptability. Data were analysed deductively guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Results Interviewees considered syphilis an important infection to focus on and broadly viewed FHT-syphilis as acceptable for identifying patients and giving clinicians authority to discuss syphilis testing. Time constraints and unrelated reasons for a patient’s visit were barriers to initiating syphilis testing discussions. Australian STI guidelines were considered appropriate to link to. Some interviewees considered prompts should be based on sexual behaviour, however this is not well captured in the electonic medical record. Two interviewees were alerted to updated Australian STI guidelines via their interaction with FHT-syphilis and expanded their syphilis testing practices. Expertise to initiate discussions about syphilis and risk was deemed important. Conclusions A digital tool for prompting syphilis testing was acceptable to clinicians already using FHT. Linkage to STI guidelines alerted some end-users to updated guidelines, informing STI testing practices.
A neural network for religious fundamentalism derived from patients with brain lesions
Authors: Ferguson Michael A. , Asp Erik W. , Kletenik Isaiah , Tranel Daniel , Boes Aaron D. , Nelson Jenae M. , Schaper Frederic L. W. V. J. , Siddiqi Shan , Turner Joseph I. , Anderson J. Seth , Nielsen Jared A. , Bateman James R. , Grafman Jordan , Fox Michael D.
Published: August 2024

Religious fundamentalism, characterized by rigid adherence to a set of beliefs putatively revealing inerrant truths, is ubiquitous across cultures and has a global impact on society. Understanding the psychological and neurobiological processes producing religious fundamentalism may inform a variety of scientific, sociological, and cultural questions. Research indicates that brain damage can alter religious fundamentalism. However, the precise brain regions involved with these changes remain unknown. Here, we analyzed brain lesions associated with varying levels of religious fundamentalism in two large datasets from independent laboratories. Lesions associated with greater fundamentalism were connected to a specific brain network with nodes in the right orbitofrontal, dorsolateral prefrontal, and inferior parietal lobe. This fundamentalism network was strongly right hemisphere lateralized and highly reproducible across the independent datasets (
r
= 0.82) with cross-validations between datasets. To explore the relationship of this network to lesions previously studied by our group, we tested for similarities to twenty-one lesion-associated conditions. Lesions associated with confabulation and criminal behavior showed a similar connectivity pattern as lesions associated with greater fundamentalism. Moreover, lesions associated with poststroke pain showed a similar connectivity pattern as lesions associated with lower fundamentalism. These findings are consistent with the current understanding of hemispheric specializations for reasoning and lend insight into previously observed epidemiological associations with fundamentalism, such as cognitive rigidity and outgroup hostility.
Microglial cGAS–STING signaling underlies glaucoma pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Yutong , Wang Ailian , Chen Chen , Zhang Qian , Shen Qin , Zhang Dan , Xiao Xueqi , Chen Shasha , Lian Lili , Le Zhenmin , Liu Shengduo , Liang Tingbo , Zheng Qinxiang , Xu Pinglong , Zou Jian
Published: August 2024

Characterized by progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and vision loss, glaucoma is the primary cause of irreversible blindness, incurable and affecting over 78 million patients. However, pathogenic mechanisms leading to glaucoma-induced RGC loss are incompletely understood. Unexpectedly, we found that cGAS–STING (2′3′-cyclic GMP-AMP–stimulator of interferon genes) signaling, which surveils displaced double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytosol and initiates innate immune responses, was robustly activated during glaucoma in retinal microglia in distinct murine models. Global or microglial deletion of STING markedly relieved glaucoma symptoms and protected RGC degeneration and vision loss, while mice bearing genetic cGAS–STING supersensitivity aggravated retinal neuroinflammation and RGC loss. Mechanistically, dsDNA from tissue injury activated microglial cGAS–STING signaling, causing deleterious macroglia reactivity in retinas by cytokine-mediated microglia–macroglia interactions, progressively driving apoptotic death of RGCs. Remarkably, preclinical investigations of targeting cGAS–STING signaling by intraocular injection of TBK1i or anti-IFNAR1 antibody prevented glaucoma-induced losses of RGCs and vision. Therefore, we unravel an essential role of cGAS–STING signaling underlying glaucoma pathogenesis and suggest promising therapeutic strategies for treating this devastating disease.
Imprinted X chromosome inactivation in marsupials: The paternal X arrives at the egg with a silent DNA methylation profile
Authors: Milton Ashley M. , Marín-Gual Laia , Lister Nicholas C. , McIntyre Kim L. , Grady Patrick G. S. , Laird Melanie K. , Bond Donna M. , Hore Timothy A. , O’Neill Rachel J. , Pask Andrew J. , Renfree Marilyn B. , Ruiz-Herrera Aurora , Waters Paul D.
Published: August 2024

X chromosome inactivation (XCI) is an epigenetic process that results in the transcriptional silencing of one X chromosome in the somatic cells of females. This phenomenon is common to both eutherian and marsupial mammals, but there are fundamental differences. In eutherians, the X chosen for silencing is random. DNA methylation on the eutherian inactive X is high at transcription start sites (TSSs) and their flanking regions, resulting in universally high DNA methylation. This contrasts XCI in marsupials where the paternally derived X is always silenced, and in which DNA methylation is low at TSSs and flanking regions. Here, we examined the DNA methylation status of the tammar wallaby X chromosome during spermatogenesis to determine the DNA methylation profile of the paternal X prior to and at fertilization. Whole genome enzymatic methylation sequencing was carried out on enriched flow-sorted populations of premeiotic, meiotic, and postmeiotic cells. We observed that the X displayed a pattern of DNA methylation from spermatogonia to mature sperm that reflected the inactive X in female somatic tissue. Therefore, the paternal X chromosome arrives at the egg with a DNA methylation profile that reflects the transcriptionally silent X in adult female somatic tissue. We present this epigenetic signature as a candidate for the long sought-after imprint for paternal XCI in marsupials.
The impact of an online doctoral writing group
Authors: García Marrugo Alexandra I. , Anson Daniel W. J.
Published: August 2024

Challenges with writing have been identified as a key factor in the timely completion of PhD programs. Doctoral
writing groups, where students provide peer feedback on drafts, are increasingly being implemented as a potential solution to
support and develop student writing. This paper presents an exploration of the impact of an online doctoral writing group program
at a large Australian university. The group supports students in writing a research article for publication in an academic journal
and includes both facilitator-led instruction and peer feedback. We explored the group’s impact on the participants’ writing
ability, feedback literacy, and general well-being. Data were drawn from two doctoral writing groups and derived from several
sources: session transcripts, focus groups, anonymous surveys, student drafts, and published samples of students’ academic journal
articles. We found that instruction was key to demystifying the writing process and developing feedback literacy. Furthermore, the
online delivery mode provided access to support for cohorts traditionally excluded from these opportunities, as well as a safe
space that fostered a sense of well-being. This approach suggests a sustainable and effective model for implementation in graduate
programs.
The emergence of vowel harmony in Armenian dialects
Authors: Hopkins Elizabeth , Vaux Bert
Published: August 2024

We find vowel harmony systems in many non-standard varieties of modern Armenian. It has been speculated that these may have acquired vowel harmony due to contact with Turkic varieties (Scala 2018). On the basis of an exploration of the synchrony and typology of Armenian vowel harmony, consideration of historical changes that could have caused harmony to develop, and evaluation of new data bearing on the origins of backness and rounding harmony in Oghuz, we propose that the vowel harmony systems of the modern Armenian dialects show evidence of having been influenced by Turkish, but the numerous differences between Armenian and Turkish vowel harmony point against a straightforward copying of the Turkish phonological system. We theorize that vowel harmony in Armenian arose due to a combination of language-internal and ‑external factors: vowel shifts in some Armenian dialects, alongside universal analytic and channel biases, provided the necessary preconditions for the development of vowel harmony by the 11th century AD, prior to the arrival of Turkic speakers in the Armenian homeland. Extensive contact with Turkic vowel systems may then have encouraged the phonologization of this assimilation process, but in strikingly different ways than are found in Turkic languages.
Distributions of quasars as an indicator of the homogeneity or inhomogeneity in the Universe
Authors: Hovhannisyan M.A. , Mkhitaryan S.A. , Mahtessian L.A. , Mnatsakanyan A.R. , Vardanyan J.H. , Minasyan A.M. , Mahtessian A.P.
Published: August 2024

Quasars are perhaps the brightest extragalactic sources and thanks to their brightness
they are visible at great distances. By studying the distribution of quasars in the Universe, it
is possible to determine whether there are large-scale inhomogeneities in the Universe or not. If
the distribution of quasars at large distances is not uniform, the same can be said also about the
Universe. At small distances, quasars either do not exist, or their number is very
small. Therefore, the distribution of quasars at small distances is very conditional, and we
cannot draw any conclusions about the homogeneity of the Universe there based on the distribution
of quasars. Therefore, the distribution of quasars allows us to determine the distribution of
matter at large distances, which we use to detect large-scale inhomogeneities in the Universe.
Rooting meta-ecosystems with reciprocal lateral carbon and nitrogen flows in a Yangtze coastal marsh
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhao Bin , Saintilan Neil , Chen Jiquan , Wu Wanben , Wen Li , Zhao Feng , Zhang Tao , Geng Zhi , Yang Gang , Song Chao , Zhuang Ping
Published: August 2024

The dynamics of lateral nutrient fluxes through hydrological movements are crucial for understanding ecological functions related to the flow of energy, materials, and organisms across various spatiotemporal scales. To investigate the connectivity of multiple spatial flow processes, we conducted a one-year field study to measure lateral hydrologic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fluxes across the continental shelf in the Yangtze estuary. We observed a significant correlation between the differences in remote sensing-based estimates of gross primary production (GPP) (ΔGPPMODIS) and the differences in eddy covariance (EC) tower-based GPP (ΔGPPEC) at both high-elevation and low-elevation sites. Our findings indicate that the saltmarsh acts as a net source of dissolved total C while serving as a net sink for dissolved total N. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation in the total dissolved stoichiometry of the C/N ratio between imports from and exports to adjacent aquatic systems. These findings highlight the importance of integrating ecological stoichiometric principles to improve our understanding of the complex relationships among physical, chemical, and ecological processes, particularly within the context of the meta-ecosystem framework. Additionally, when reciprocal hydrological lateral C and N flows are considered, a single ecosystem can function as both a source and sink within the meta-ecosystem framework.
Global sustainability scenarios lead to regionally different outcomes for terrestrial biodiversity
Authors: Ambrósio Geanderson , Doelman Jonathan C , Schipper Aafke M , Stehfest Elke , van Vuuren Detlef
Published: August 2024

Mitigating climate change (CC) and reversing biodiversity decline are urgent and interconnected global priorities. Strategies to address both crises must consider the relationships, synergies and trade-offs between key response measures, including sustainable production and consumption patterns, protected areas (PAs) and climate mitigation policy (CP). In this paper, we review a large set of scenarios (n = 96) from the Integrated Model to Assess the Global Environment (IMAGE) describing future development of land use, greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on CC and biodiversity. We calculate the global mean temperature increase (GMTI) and the Mean Species Abundance (MSA) of plants, a metric indicative of local terrestrial biodiversity intactness. The set includes scenarios with and without specific CP to address CC, PA for biodiversity and demand and supply sustainability measures such as increased energy efficiency and reduced meat consumption. Our findings indicate that scenarios with integrated measures can prevent biodiversity loss at the global scale, yet with clear regional differences. By 2050, 15 out of 30 (50%) scenarios with at least 30% of global land as PAs show positive MSA changes in grasslands and tropical non-forests (Grass & TnF), but only 1 (3%) does so in tropical forests (TF). We demonstrate that pasture and food/feed crops are the main drivers of MSA loss in Grass & TnF and that scenarios with high levels of PAs prevent land conversion and increase biodiversity. By 2100, 28 out of 46 (60%) scenarios with mitigation measures to restrict CC to 2 °C or less in 2100 result in positive MSA changes in TF, but only 13 (28%) do so in Grass & TnF, reflecting the larger impacts of land use change in the latter region. These results underscore the importance of time and regionally-tailored approaches to address the biodiversity and CC crises.
Shannon entropy in quasiparticle states of quantum chains
Authors: Ye Wentao , Zhang Jiaju
Published: August 2024

We investigate the Shannon entropy of the total system and its subsystems, as well as the subsystem Shannon mutual information, in quasiparticle excited states of free bosonic and fermionic chains and the ferromagnetic phase of the spin-1/2 XXX chain. For single-particle and double-particle states, we derive various analytical formulas for free bosonic and fermionic chains in the scaling limit. These formulas are also applicable to certain magnon excited states in the XXX chain in the scaling limit. We also calculate numerically the Shannon entropy and mutual information for triple-particle and quadruple-particle states in bosonic, fermionic, and XXX chains. We discover that Shannon entropy, unlike entanglement entropy, typically does not separate for quasiparticles with large momentum differences. Moreover, in the limit of large momentum difference, we obtain universal quantum bosonic and fermionic results that are generally distinct and cannot be explained by a semiclassical picture.
Modes of the Sakai-Sugimoto soliton
Authors: Amano Markus A G , Gudnason Sven Bjarke
Published: August 2024

The instanton in the Sakai-Sugimoto model corresponds to the Skyrmion on the holographic boundary—which is asymptotically flat—and is fundamentally different from the flat Minkowski space Yang–Mills instanton. We use the Atiyah–Patodi–Singer index theorem and a series of transformations to show that there are 6k zeromodes—or moduli—in the limit of infinite ‘t Hooft coupling of the Sakai-Sugimoto model. The implications for the low-energy baryons—the Skyrmions—on the holographic boundary, is a scale separation between 2k ‘heavy’ massive modes and

6
k
−
9

‘light’ massive modes for k > 1; the 9 global transformations that correspond to translations, rotations and isorotations remain as zeromodes. For k = 1 there are 2 ‘heavy’ modes and 6 zeromodes due to degeneracy between rotations and isorotations.
Stability examination of non-linear convection flow with partial slip phenomenon in a Riga plate channel
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Sharma Tanya
Published: August 2024

The present work examines the linear stability of non-linear convected flow inside a Riga plate channel. The channel is filled with hybrid nanoliquid and is under the novel influence of the partial slip phenomenon in the present scenario. The left domain of the channel is supported by the Riga sheet whereas the right part is bounded by a sheet of slippery nature. The stability model for this partial slip mechanism is developed in the form of an eigenvalue problem which is explored via the Chebyshev pseudospectral method in combination with the QZ-algorithm. It is reported that the convection forces in hybrid nanofluid are amplified with Riga magnetic number (Hr) under slip/no-slip assumptions. It is interestingly noted that the flow is destabilized by 11.47

%

with non-linear convection (Nc) when considering no-slip at the right-hand sheet. However, the stability region is enlarged with Nc by 9.53

%

in the presence of slip at the right-hand sheet. The partial-slip (γ) assumption in the channel decelerates the growth rate of disturbances. The increment in

F

e
3

O
4

-nanoparticles over the fixed volume of

C
o
F

e
2

O
4

-nanoparticles hampers the instability of the hybrid nanofluid mixture.
Green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Lantana camara leaf extract for the enhancement of plant growth
Authors: Singh Pushpendra Pratap , Chaturvedi Sarika , Bhatnagar Tripti , Das Sumistha , Debnath Nitai
Published: August 2024

Zinc is an important micronutrient for plants, involved in numerous physiological processes as well as numerous enzymatic and metabolic events. Zinc deficiency results in slowed plant development, higher chlorosis rates, smaller leaves, and fewer tillers, which lengthen the crop maturity period and lowers crop quality. In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized through co-precipitation approach by using Lantana camara plant leaf extract. The synthesized ZnONPs were hexagonal in shape with mean size of around 60 nm. The bactericidal activity of ZnONPs was assessed against three phytopathogenic bacterial strains namely Ralstonia solanacearum, Xanthomonas campestris and Erwinia carotovora through broth dilution method. The MIC50 of ZnONPs was 248.33 μg ml−1, 320 .27 μg ml−1 and 320.95 μg ml−1 against R. solanacearum, X. campestris and E. carotovora respectively. The fungiciadal activity of ZnONPs against three phytopathogenic fungal strains was studied by poison food technique. It was observed that 500 ppm ZnONPs could inhbit 86%, 85% and 55% growth of Alterneria solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Athelia rolfsii respectively. The efficacy of ZnONPs as nano fertilizer was evaluated in Solanum lycopersicum Linn. by foliar spray under laboratory condition and it was observed that in comparison with micron sized ZnO, ZnONP treatment could significantly boost up fresh and dry weight, root and shoot length, chlorophyll, lipid and carbohydrate content of the plants.
Explicitly describing fibered 3-manifolds through families of singularly fibered surfaces
Authors: Miller Maggie
Published: August 2024

We give an explicit description of a fibration of the complement of the closure of a homogeneous braid, understanding how each fiber intersects every cross-section of

S
3

S^3

.
The Gysin sequence and the 𝔰𝔩(𝔑) homology of 𝔗(2,𝔪)
Authors: Wang Joshua
Published: August 2024

The

s
l

(
N
)

\mathfrak {sl}(N)

homology of the torus knot or link

T
(
2
,
m
)

T(2,m)

may be calculated explicitly. By direct comparison, the result is isomorphic to the cohomology of a naturally associated space of

S
U
(
N
)

SU(N)

representations of the knot group. In honor of Tom Mrowka’s 60th birthday, we explain how the Gysin exact sequence may be used to show that these groups are isomorphic without explicitly calculating them.
Legal Validity and Other Properties of Legal Norms
Authors: Moreso JJ , Ródenas Ángeles
Published: August 2024

In Kelsen’s very influential account, legal validity is the specific mode of existence of legal norms. For this reason, legal validity entails legal applicability and legal bindingness. The chapter intends to show that these notions should be distinguished. It starts with the notion of membership to a legal system: which are the criteria to identify certain norms as belonging to a legal system? Several issues are relevant here, for instance, is the efficacy a necessary condition of membership of legal norms to legal systems? In which sense the authorization of another legal norm N2, also a member to the legal system LS, is a criterion of membership of a legal norm N1 to a legal system LS? And, is this authorization only a formal authorization or a material authorization too? Secondly, the notion of applicability is introduced: in legal practice there are applicable norms that are not members of a legal system, we can think on foreign legal norms, which are not part of the domestic legal system, but applicable in virtue of conflict of laws rules. Finally, the notion of bindingness of legal norms is presented. This notion refers to the question of justified normativity. In which conditions are legal norms apt to provide us reasons for action? Moreover, is legal normativity linked in some sense to robust normativity?
Sources of Law in the Common Law
Authors: Lamond Grant
Published: August 2024

This chapter explores the topic of sources of law from a common law analytical jurisprudential perspective. It sketches the ideas of Salmond, Hart, and Raz on sources before examining the idea of a source of law in detail. It argues that a source of law is best understood as the materials or practices from which legal considerations are directly derived, rather than other candidates, such as the author of the materials, the activities by which the material is created, or the norms empowering the author to create the material. The chapter goes on to argue that: (1) what makes a source a legal source is its treatment as authoritative by the officials in a system—officials regard there to be merit-independent reasons for using the source; (2) what distinguishes sources from each other is their mode of creation and/or their mode of existence (ie how they can be modified or extinguished); (3) what are often known as ‘persuasive’ sources are very varied, and essentially amount to ‘non-binding’ sources, differing significantly in their relevance; and (4) sources can be classified from a legal philosophical perspective as ‘official’ or ‘unofficial’ depending on the legal status of a source in the system to which it belongs, and the actual use of the source.
Legal Interpretation
Authors: Brunet Pierre , Poggi Francesca
Published: August 2024

This chapter enquires the main issues involved in legal interpretation, showing how they have been addressed in civilian legal theory. First, there are ontological questions: what does legal interpretation amount to? Is legal interpretation a matter of cognition (cognition of what?), a matter of decision or volition (will theory), or both (and if so, which aspect is dominant)? Second, there are epistemological questions: are there correct criteria for legal interpretation and, if so, what are they? Is legal interpretation concerned solely with the ordinary meaning of language, or are there peculiarly legal criteria? Do these legal criteria vary from one legal culture to another? Third, there are conceptual questions about the distinction between the creation and the application of law: is legal interpretation a matter of pure discretion, of strict determinacy, or is there a third way? The chapter is not meant to provide a definitive answer to the problems mentioned above, but to clarify them, grasping their complexity and showing the variety of ways in which they have been addressed and solved in civil law countries.
Legal Norms and Normative Relevance
Authors: Navarro Pablo E , Rodríguez Jorge L
Published: August 2024

Legal norms highlight as relevant certain circumstances for the qualification of actions as obligatory, prohibited, or permitted. But, in so doing, they disregard the relevance of many other circumstances, some of which could be significant if we look at the full spectrum of the reasons at stake. However, if legal norms are interpreted and applied as if they were completely ‘transparent’ concerning our evaluation of the full balance of all the relevant reasons in each case, legal norms as such would be useless tools. Thus, the use of legal norms for the solution of practical problems seems to lead to the following dilemma: either we accept the orientation they offer to us, which would ultimately result in a form of disqualification in advance of certain potentially relevant factors and, consequently, a form of irrationality, or we leave aside the guide offered by legal norms and concentrate on the particularities of each situation to decide how to act following the full plexus of reasons, in which case legal norms would become irrelevant. This well-known dilemma, and an answer in terms of the alleged defeasible character of legal norms, will be taken as the central axis for the evaluation of important tenets of contemporary legal theory. In particular, the notion of normative relevance, legal gaps, and axiological gaps. We will also try to show that a proper understanding of these issues requires the incorporation of analytical tools (ie a distinction between a logic of norms and a logic of norm-propositions) that have not been systematically explored in Anglo-Saxon legal theory.
Reconstruction and the Supreme Court, 1862–1880
Authors: Wiecek William M
Published: August 2024

This chapter examines the role of the Supreme Court during the period of Reconstruction. It cites the cataclysmic end of slavery by 1865. The period of Reconstruction revolves around the American people’s attempt to create a society based on some measure of racial equality. With some hesitancy, Republicans and their party leader, Abraham Lincoln, embraced antebellum antislavery constitutional ideas that outlined the contours of freedom and equality. The chapter explains that Congress adopted the Thirteenth Amendment, which swept away the remaining slavery in the United States as of December 1865. However, the Thirteenth Amendment remains racially coded despite prohibiting the enslavement of any racial group.
Redemption Redux, 1972–2015
Authors: Wiecek William M
Published: August 2024

This chapter focuses on the second Redemption, which had been a dismaying echo of the first. In the second Redemption, the Supreme Court repeated the pattern of behavior by protecting structural racism that is the current avatar of racial inequality in America. The chapter elaborates on how American society is filled with structural racism. The second Reconstruction rested on the foundations of concern for discrete and insular minorities and the commitment to equality found in the case of Brown v. Board of Education. The chapter also considers how issues of family composition and integrity became more tangled after racial considerations influenced judicial choices.
The Science of Change
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E
Published: August 2024

Change is ephemeral if it occurs at all. The Science of Change is about the quest for sustained, desired change. It uses 58 years of research from many fields on the multilevel fractal Intentional Change Theory (ICT). The ICT process has five phases with tipping points of the Positive or Negative Emotional Attractors (PEA and NEA) that move or stop the process. They are Ideal Self (shared vision), Real Self (norms), learning agenda, experimentation/practice, and resonant relationships. PEA and NEA are combinations of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems, Default Mode and Task Positive Neural Networks, and positive and negative affect. Each of these components are antagonistic to the other. As a fractal theory, ICT proposes within its 10 principles that resonant leadership and social identity groups move information and emotions across levels. Each phase and principle is examined with research and cases of sustained, desired change for individuals, dyads, teams, organizations, community, and country. Based on longitudinal behavior change, fMRI, and hormonal studies, a few highlights are that the Ideal Self and shared vision are the drivers of change, not discrepancies with the Real Self or current norms. Goal setting and problem solving suppress openness to new ideas and people in the early phases of any change process. Resonant relationships are characterized by a degree of shared vision (hope), shared compassion (caring and gratitude), and shared energy (activation).
A Path to My/Our Dreams: Joyful Planning and Preparation (Principle 5)
Authors: Boyatzis Richard E
Published: August 2024

Chapter 5 is about planning and preparation as it relates to Intentional Change Theory (ICT). The third phase of ICT is articulation of a learning agenda and plan to use one’s strengths to move closer to the Ideal Self while possibly working on developing one to two weaknesses. It is a joyful exploration of possibilities. For most people, setting specific goals prematurely limits options, but later in the change process specific goals can help focus attention toward the new thoughts or behavior. The frontoparietal control network (FPCN) is key to instrumental thinking during goal setting. When the Task Positive Network is activated along with the FPCN, the Default Mode Network is suppressed. Specific goals can also cause a person to focus on the wrong things. The Ought Self invokes the Negative Emotional Attractor and further inhibits sustained effort, and also moves the person away from their own desires. When the challenge is not routine or task defined, learning-oriented goals, a growth mindset, and promotion self-regulatory focus help sustained, desired change. People with a relatively high Need for Achievement like specific goals. For most people, domain and direction planning may be a more effective form of planning.
Assessment of interstitial lung disease in a systemic sclerosis patient cohort using photon-counting detector CT with ultra-high resolution and a 1024-pixel image matrix
Authors: Jungblut Lisa , Sartoretti Thomas , Landsmann Anna , Nakhostin Dominik , Rabadi Toni , Mergen Victor , Jordan Suzana , Mihai Carmen-Marina , Dister Oliver , Frauenfelder Thomas , Martini Katharina
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study assessed the potential of ultra-high resolution (UHR) and a 1024-matrix in photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) for evaluating interstitial lung disease (ILD) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients.

Methods

Sixty-six SSc patients who underwent ILD-CT screening on a first-generation PCD-CT were retrospectively included. Scans were performed in UHR mode at 100 kVp with two different matrix sizes (512×512 and 1024x1024) and reconstructed at slice thicknesses of 1.5 and 0.2 mm. Image noise, subjective image quality, and ILD changes (ground glass opacities and reticulations) were evaluated on a 5-point Likert-scale by two independent readers.

Results

Interreader agreement for subjective image quality ranged from fair to almost perfect (Krippendorff-Alpha: 0.258-0.862). Overall image quality was highest for 1.5 mm/1024 matrix images [(reader 1: 4(4.4), reader 2: 5(4.5)]. Image sharpness was rated significantly better in 0.2 mm images (P < .001). Regarding ILD changes, 0.2 mm slice thickness outperformed 1.5 mm slice thickness significantly (P < .001), while there was no significant difference between the two matrix sizes. A 1024-matrix size demonstrated superiority in evaluating coarse reticulations compared to 512-matrix size.

Conclusion

UHR mode with a 0.2 mm slice thickness showed enhanced image sharpness and improved visibility of ILD changes compared to standard reconstructions. This has the potential to enable the early detection of subtle disease manifestations.

Advances in knowledge

With the invention of PCD-CT different reconstruction algorithms need to be evaluated for specific pathologies. In our study ILD UHR mode with 0.2 mm slice thickness showed to be beneficial in the detection of parenchymal changes in patients with scleroderma.
Regulation of Ptbp1-controlled alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase muscle by liver kinase B1 governs vascular smooth muscle cell plasticity in vivo
Authors: Cai Zhaohua , Satyanarayana Ganesh , Song Ping , Zhao Fujie , You Shaojin , Liu Zhixue , Mu Jing , Ding Ye , He Ben , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: August 2024

Aims

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) plasticity is a state in which VSMCs undergo phenotypic switching from a quiescent contractile phenotype into other functionally distinct phenotypes. Although emerging evidence suggests that VSMC plasticity plays critical roles in the development of vascular diseases, little is known about the key determinant for controlling VSMC plasticity and fate.

Methods and results

We found that smooth muscle cell-specific deletion of Lkb1 in tamoxifen-inducible Lkb1flox/flox;Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice spontaneously and progressively induced aortic/arterial dilation, aneurysm, rupture, and premature death. Single-cell RNA sequencing and imaging-based lineage tracing showed that Lkb1-deficient VSMCs transdifferentiated gradually from early modulated VSMCs to fibroblast-like and chondrocyte-like cells, leading to ossification and blood vessel rupture. Mechanistically, Lkb1 regulates polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (Ptbp1) expression and controls alternative splicing of pyruvate kinase muscle (PKM) isoforms 1 and 2. Lkb1 loss in VSMC results in an increased PKM2/PKM1 ratio and alters the metabolic profile by promoting aerobic glycolysis. Treatment with PKM2 activator TEPP-46 rescues VSMC transformation and aortic dilation in Lkb1flox/flox;Myh11-Cre/ERT2 mice. Furthermore, we found that Lkb1 expression decreased in human aortic aneurysm tissue compared to control tissue, along with changes in markers of VSMC fate.

Conclusion

Lkb1, via its regulation of Ptbp1-dependent alterative splicing of PKM, maintains VSMC in contractile states by suppressing VSMC plasticity.
A four-party evolutionary game analysis of carbon emission reduction behavioral strategies in the shipping industry
Authors: Zhang Suyong , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2024

Global warming and the urgency of environmental issues have brought the issue of carbon emissions in the shipping industry to the forefront. Taking the government, port enterprises, shipping companies, and social and environmental organizations as research subjects, this study delves into the key challenges of carbon emission reduction in the shipping industry. By constructing a complex and dynamic evolutionary game model and conducting data simulations with the help of MATLAB 2016b, we analyze in detail the strategic choices of each party on the emission reduction issue and explore the impact of these choices on the evolution of the system. In this study, we find that the government plays a crucial role in emission reduction regulation. Regulatory strategy and intensity have far-reaching impacts on the development of the whole system, and a flexible and intelligent regulatory system will promote active emission reduction by all parties. In addition, the reputation mechanism of social and environmental organizations plays a significant role in motivating all parties to take the initiative to adopt emission reduction strategies. In terms of economic incentives, we find that the government needs to provide differentiated support according to the characteristics of different enterprises, so that all parties can work together to move towards the emission reduction target. Through this study, we present a comprehensive game analysis of carbon emission reduction in the shipping industry and propose practical recommendations that are valuable to the shipping industry and environmental managers. These findings provide strong policy and action support for realizing the decarbonization of the shipping industry.
Smart urban progress as a tool to assess urban and environmental sustainability: a case study of Zhenjiang, China
Authors: Ma Min
Published: August 2024

The proliferation of urban areas has led to significant economic and environmental challenges, prompting urban experts to seek effective strategies to address these issues. Over recent decades, various localized solutions have been proposed. However, in the late 20th century, the concept of smart urban growth emerged as a comprehensive strategy to combat environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development. A “smart city” leverages information and communication technologies (ICTs) to optimize service delivery to its residents. This research aims to explore the regional smart city metrics in Zhenjiang, China. Utilizing descriptive and analytical methodology, the study is both practical and exploratory in nature. Data collection was conducted through library research and surveys involving 25 IT specialists, city managers, and professors. To ensure the reliability of the survey questions, Cronbach’s alpha and hybrid alpha were employed. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and Smart PLS software through structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that the smart economy has the most substantial impact, with a path coefficient of 0.689, followed by smart people at 0.419, and smart government at 0.292. These results validate the outcomes of the survey. The study discusses the potential implementation of smart city components to foster the adoption of smart city initiatives in Zhenjiang and its potential contributions to environmental and sustainability objectives.