bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐linked electrospun polyvinyl alcohol/sodium caseinate nanofibers for antibacterial applications
Authors: Şendil Özge , Samatya Yilmaz Sema , Yazici Ozcelik Eda , Uzuner Hüseyin , Aytac Ayse
Published: August 2022

In this study, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium caseinate (SC) nanofibers were produced by a single‐fluid electrospinning method from their blends. Afterward, the cross‐linking process with two different methods was applied to the PVA/SC (70/30, v/v) ratio, which was selected according to the surface and mechanical properties of the electrospun mat. In the first method, different ratios (15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) of glutaraldehyde (GLA) cross‐linking agents were added to the PVA/SC solution and then, PVA/SC/GLA nanofibers were obtained. In the second method (in‐situ method), the nanofibers obtained from the PVA/SC solution were cross‐linked by dipping into the cross‐linking solution. After, PVA/SC/GLA/Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NP) mats were obtained by adding ZnO NP at different rates to the PVA/SC/GLA (7030‐25GLA) solution, which was chosen according to the results of thermal, mechanical, and moisture test. In addition, performing tests, a cytotoxicity test for fibroblast cell line (L929), and in vitro antibacterial test for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were also applied to them. Therefore, the usability of PVA/SC/GLA/ZnO NP nanofibers as an antibacterial effective wound dressing was investigated. Due to the high toxic effect of GLA, it was found that PVA/SC/ZnO cross‐linked nanofibers are not suitable for wound dressing use. However, it was determined that the PVA/SC nanofiber cross‐linked by the in‐situ method had high cell viability according to the cytotoxicity test result and thus could be used as a fibroblast tissue scaffold.
Emissions
Authors: Urbanski Shawn P. , O’Neill Susan M. , Holder Amara L. , Green Sarah A. , Graw Rick L.
Published: August 2022

This chapter assesses the current state of the science regarding the composition, intensity, and drivers of wildland fire emissions in the USA and Canada. Globally and in the USA wildland fires are a major source of gases and aerosols which have significant air quality impacts and climate interactions. Wildland fire smoke can trigger severe pollution episodes with substantial effects on public health. Fire emissions can degrade air quality at considerable distances downwind, hampering efforts by air regulators to meet air standards. Fires are a major global source of aerosols which affect the climate system by absorbing and scattering radiation and by altering optical properties, coverage, and lifetime of clouds. A thorough understanding of fire emissions is essential for effectively addressing societal and climate consequences of wildland fire smoke.
Social Considerations: Health, Economics, and Risk Communication
Authors: McCaffrey Sarah M. , Rappold Ana G. , Hano Mary Clare , Navarro Kathleen M. , Phillips Tanya F. , Prestemon Jeffrey P. , Vaidyanathan Ambarish , Abt Karen L. , Reid Colleen E. , Sacks Jason D.
Published: August 2022

At a fundamental level, smoke from wildland fire is of scientific concern because of its potential adverse effects on human health and social well-being. Although many impacts (e.g., evacuations, property loss) occur primarily in proximity to the actual fire, smoke can end up having a significant social impact far from the source. This dynamic, combined with lengthening fire seasons, suggests that understanding how wildland fire smoke affects diverse social values will be increasingly critical. This chapter reviews the existing scientific knowledge related to wildland fire smoke with respect to four topic areas: human health, economics, social acceptability, and risk communication. The broadest existing knowledge base, regarding the health effects attributed to wildland fire smoke exposure, stems from decades of research on the health effects of exposures to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Despite the potential consequences, scientific knowledge about chronic health effects, economic impacts, and effectiveness of protective actions in response to wildfire smoke risk communication is fairly limited. The chapter concludes with identification of (1) key areas where the need for more empirical information is most critical, and (2) challenges that inhibit an improved scientific understanding.
Resource Manager Perspectives on the Need for Smoke Science
Authors: Peterson Janice L. , Pitrolo Melanie C. , Schweizer Donald W. , Striplin Randy L. , Geiser Linda H. , Holm Stephanie M. , Hunter Julie D. , Croft Jen M. , Chappell Linda M. , Lahm Peter W. , Amezquita Guadalupe E. , Brown Timothy J. , Cisneros Ricardo G. , Connolly Stephanie J. , Halofsky Jessica E. , Loudermilk E. Louise , Navarro Kathleen M. , Nick Andrea L. , Procter C. Trent , Provencio Heather C. , Pusina Taro , Stone Susan Lyon , Tarnay Leland W. , West Cynthia D.
Published: August 2022

Smoke from wildland fire is a significant concern to resource managers who need tools, knowledge, and training to analyze, address, and minimize potential impacts; follow relevant rules and regulations; and inform the public of possible effects. Successful navigation of competing pressures to appropriately use fire on the landscape to manage fire-adapted and fire-dependent ecosystems, while protecting public health and other air quality values, depends on credible science and tools conceived of and developed in partnership between managers and the research community. Fire and smoke management are made even more complex by the current condition of ecosystems as a result of fire exclusion and the future implications of a changing climate. This chapter describes the scope of smoke management, social and regulatory contexts, and pathways through which scientific information and tools can improve the accuracy and timeliness of management and communication with the public.
Governance Reforms in Comparative Perspective and Their Path in the Italian Case
Authors: Capano Giliberto
Published: August 2022

Reforming governance in higher education has been a kind of mantra that has characterised governmental policies worldwide. Under the pressure of massification, globalisation and socio-economic demands, governments have continuously intervened to redesign the characteristics of the governance arrangements of their higher education systems as well as institutional governance. This common effort has been characterised by the adoption of a common template (i.e. the ‘steering at a distance’ model), mainly based on the idea of making universities more accountable to the societal goals through the massive use of evaluation, assessment and monitoring. The final results are highly differentiated, owing to the fact that each country has implemented a common template according to its own national characteristics and legacies. In this context, the Italian case shows its own peculiarities, whereas evaluative tools have been significantly adopted in a design highly contradictory of other dimensions such as institutional governance, the rules of careers and academic recruitment and the lack of clear systemic goals to be reached.
Drop-Out Decisions in a Cohort of Italian Universities
Authors: Atzeni Gianfranco , Deidda Luca G. , Delogu Marco , Paolini Dimitri
Published: August 2022

In this chapter, we study the determinants of student drop-out decisions using data on a cohort of over 230,000 students enrolled in the Italian university system. The empirical analysis reveals that the probability of dropping out of university negatively correlates with high school grades and student age, controlling for the course of study and university fixed effects. The benchmark estimation suggests a negative correlation between high school final grade and drop-out probability. We also find that enrolling late at the university increases the likelihood of dropping out. In line with the literature, our results suggest that women have a lower propensity to drop out. Our dataset allows differentiating between students who leave their homes to enroll at university (off-site students) and on-site students. We find that off-site students drop out significantly less than those who study in their hometowns. We provide significant evidence that off-site students are a self-selected sample of the total population. Accordingly, we use an instrumental variable (IV) approach to identify the causal relationship. The IV estimation shows that studying off-site negatively affects drop-out decisions and more so for students growing up in the south of Italy who typically study off-site in the Center-North of Italy. Taking advantage of a more detailed dataset concerning students enrolled at the Università di Sassari, we show that the choice of the degree is also important to predict the magnitude of drop-out. Specifically, we resort to a bivariate probit specification to account for self-selection into the course of study, finding that the estimates of the determinants of drop-out and the predicted probabilities are heavily affected. Accounting for self-selection, we show that an unconditional comparison among degrees is misleading, as some degrees attract more heterogeneous students than others, as far as skills and motivation are concerned. For instance, regarding the effect of gender, we show that while the estimation without selection suggests that women drop out less, once we account for selection, the contribution of women to drop-out becomes either positive or negative, depending on which course of study they choose. In line with these results, policymakers should tailor drop-out reducing policy interventions to the specificities of each course of study.
Zweiwertig zu Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI)
Authors: Groschupp Steffen
Published: August 2022

Das Beispiel eines historischen Problems linearer Klassifizierer dient zur Verdeutlichung und zur Erregung von Aufmerksamkeit für ‚simple‘ Lösungen. Deren Wirkungen befruchteten einst das Konzept der Künstlichen Intelligenz zum Nutzen der Menschheit. Es bleibt die Frage danach, inwieweit unsere heutigen Bemühungen bezüglich der Nutzbarmachung der Fähigkeiten der KI zum Wohle der Menschheit und ihren Nachhaltigkeitsbemühungen ausreichen, wenn die Lernaufgaben der KI lediglich auf binären Codes basieren.

Der Inhalt dieses Kapitels ist mit Hinweis auf die Fußnoten und das Literaturverzeichnis vollständig von der Zitier- und Abbildungsbefugnis des § 51 Urheberrechtsgesetz, Satz 1 - 3 umfasst.
Center of Distances and Central Cantor Sets
Authors: Banakiewicz Michał , Bartoszewicz Artur , Filipczak Małgorzata , Prus-Wiśniowski Franciszek
Published: August 2022

We study a recently discovered metric invariant - the center of distances. The center of distances of a nonempty subset A of a metric space $$(X,\,d)$$

(
X
,

d
)

is defined by $$S(A) :=\{ \alpha \in [0,\,+\infty ):\ \forall \ x\in A\ \ \exists \ y\in A d(x,\,y)=\alpha \} $$

S
(
A
)
:
=
{
α
∈
[
0
,

+
∞
)
:

∀

x
∈
A

∃

y
∈
A
d
(
x
,

y
)
=
α
}

. Given a nonincreasing sequence $$(a_{n})$$

(

a
n

)

of positive numbers converging to 0, the set $$E(a_{n})\ :=\ \left\{ x\in {\mathbb {R}}:\ \exists A\subset {\mathbb {N}} \ \ x=\,\sum _{n\in A}a_{n}\right\} $$

E

(

a
n

)

:
=

x
∈
R
:

∃
A
⊂
N

x
=

∑

n
∈
A

a
n

is called the achievement set of the sequence $$(a_{n})$$

(

a
n

)

. This new invariant is particularly useful in investigating achievability of sets on the real line. We concentrate on computing the centers of distances of central Cantor sets. Any central Cantor set C is an achievement set of exactly one fast convergent series $$ \sum a_{n}$$

∑

a
n

, and consequently $$S(C)\supset \left\{ 0\right\} \cup \left\{ a_{n}:n\in {\mathbb {N}}\right\} $$

S

(
C
)

⊃

0

∪

a
n

:
n
∈
N

. We try to check which central Cantor sets have the minimal possible center of distances and which have not.
A Novel Dual-Energy CT Method for Detection and Differentiation of Intracerebral Hemorrhage From Contrast Extravasation in Stroke Patients After Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Grkovski Risto , Acu Leyla , Ahmadli Uzeyir , Terziev Robert , Schubert Tilman , Wegener Susanne , Kulcsar Zsolt , Husain Shakir , Alkadhi Hatem , Winklhofer Sebastian
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been shown to be able to differentiate between intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and extravasation of iodinated contrast media (contrast staining [CS]). TwinSpiral DECT is a recently introduced technique, which allows image acquisition at two different energy levels in two consecutive spiral scans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of TwinSpiral DECT to distinguish between ICH and CS after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study conducted between November 2019 and July 2020 included non-contrast TwinSpiral DECT scans (tube voltages 80 and 150Sn kVp) of 39 ischemic stroke patients (18 females, 21 males, mean age 69 ± 11 years) within 48–72 h after endovascular thrombectomy. Parenchymal hyperdensity was assessed for the presence of ICH or/and CS by two board certified and fellowship-trained, blinded and independent neuroradiologists using standard mixed images and virtual non-contrast (VNC) images with corresponding iodine maps from TwinSpiral DECT. Follow-up examinations (FU; CT or MRI) were used as a standard of reference. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of ICH as well as the inter-reader agreement were calculated.

Results

Parenchymal hyperdensities were detected in 17/39 (44%) patients. Using DECT, they were classified by both readers as ICH in 9 (53%), CS in 8 (47%), and mixture of both in 6 (35%) cases with excellent agreement (κ = 0.81, P < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of ICH in DECT was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84–96%), 100% (95% CI 94–100%) and 95% (95% CI 89–100%), and in mixed images 90% (95% CI 84–96%), 86% (95% CI 80–92%) and 88% (95% CI 82–94%), respectively. Inter-reader agreement for detecting ICH on DECT compared to the mixed images was κ = 1.00 (P < 0.0001) vs. κ = 0.51 (P = 0.034).

Conclusion

TwinSpiral DECT demonstrates high accuracy and excellent specificity for differentiating ICH from CS in patients after mechanical thrombectomy due to acute ischemic stroke, and improves inter-reader agreement for detecting ICH compared to the standard mixed images.
Energetic basis of hydrogen bond formation in aqueous solution
Authors: Crane-Robinson Colyn , Privalov Peter
Published: August 2022

The thermodynamic forces driving the formation of H-bonds in macromolecules have long been the subject of speculation, theory and experiment. Comparison of the energetic parameters of AT and GC base pairs in DNA duplexes has recently led to the realisation that formation of a ‘naked’ hydrogen bond, i.e. without other accompanying Van der Waals close contacts, is a non-enthalpic process driven by the entropy increase resulting from release of tightly bound water molecules from the component polar groups. This unexpected conclusion finds a parallel in the formation of ionic bonds, for example between the amino groups of DNA binding proteins and the oxygens of DNA phosphate groups that are also non-enthalpic and entropy driven. The thermodynamic correspondence between these two types of polar non-covalent bonding implies that the non-enthalpic nature of base pairing in DNA is not particular to that specific structural circumstance.
An unreported infraspinatus muscle variation—two-headed infraspinatus minor muscle and three-headed fusion with the teres minor muscle
Authors: Koptas Krzysztof , Zielinska Nicol , Tubbs R. Shane , Olewnik Łukasz
Published: August 2022

The infraspinatus muscle is situated under the scapular spine in the infraspinous fossa and inserts into the greater tuberosity of the humerus. It is a component of a crucial shoulder muscle group, the rotator cuff. There are a few interesting additional muscles in the infraspinal region. In the literature they are called the infraspinatus superficialis, infraspinatus minor and infraspinatus accessory muscles. The infraspinatus minor muscle is described as a superficial muscle bundle running under the scapular spine. During routine anatomical dissection, an unreported variation of the infraspinatus minor muscle was found. It derived from the inferior surface of the scapular spine and the infraspinous fossa. It had two heads. The superior head inserted on the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The inferior head inserted on the tendinous part of the infraspinatus muscle. There was also an unusual fusion of the infraspinatus muscle with the teres minor muscle. In this paper we will discuss the anatomical and physiological relationships of this morphological variation.
Low-grade mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) of the appendix in Germany between 2011 and 2018: a nationwide analysis based on data provided by the German Center for Cancer Registry Data (ZfKD) at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI)
Authors: Köhler Franziska , Reese Lena , Hendricks Anne , Kastner Carolin , Müller Sophie , Lock Johan F. , Germer Christoph-Thomas , Wiegering Armin
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN) are semi-malignant tumors of the appendix which are incidentally found in up to 1% of appendectomy specimen. To this day, no valid descriptive analysis on LAMN is available for the German population.

Methods

Data of LAMN (ICD-10: D37.3) were collected from the population-based cancer registries in Germany, provided by the German Center for Cancer Registry Data (Zentrum für Krebsregisterdaten—ZfKD). Data was anonymized and included gender, age at diagnosis, tumor staging according to the TNM-classification, state of residence, information on the performed therapy, and survival data.

Results

A total of 612 cases were reported to the ZfKD between 2011 and 2018. A total of 63.07% were female and 36.93% were male. Great inhomogeneity in reporting cases was seen in the federal states of Germany including the fact that some federal states did not report any cases at all. Age distribution showed a mean age of 62.03 years (SD 16.15) at diagnosis. However, data on tumor stage was only available in 24.86% of cases (n = 152). A total of 49.34% of these patients presented with a T4-stage. Likewise, information regarding performed therapy was available in the minority of patients: 269 patients received surgery, 22 did not and for 312 cases no information was available. Twenty-four patients received chemotherapy, 188 did not, and for 400 cases, no information was available. Overall 5-year survival was estimated at 79.52%. Patients below the age of 55 years at time of diagnosis had a significantly higher 5-year survival rate compared to patients above the age of 55 years (85.77% vs. 73.27%).

Discussion

In this study, we observed an incidence of LAMN in 0.13% of all appendectomy specimen in 2018. It seems likely that not all cases were reported to the ZfKD; therefore, case numbers may be considered underestimated. Age and gender distribution goes in line with international studies with females being predominantly affected. Especially regarding tumor stage and therapy in depth information cannot be provided through the ZfKD-database. This data analysis emphasizes the need for further studies and the need for setting up a specialized registry for this unique tumor entity to develop guidelines for the appropriate treatment and follow-up.
Appearance-based health promotion messages for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption: gender, age and adverse effects
Authors: Appleton Katherine M.
Published: August 2022

Aim

This study sought to investigate the effects of body-weight-based compared to health-based public health messages for encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption, dependent on gender and age, while also gauging adverse consequences.

Subject and methods

Using an independent groups design, male and female participants, aged 18–65 years, were randomized to view either a weight-based (N = 245) or a health-based (N = 231) public health message for increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and intentions to consume, immediate selection and subsequent consumption of fruit and vegetables and biscuit/cake-bars, adverse consequences and various confounders were assessed.

Results

Weight-based messages resulted in greater immediate selection and subsequent fruit and vegetable consumption compared to health-based messages in females (smallest Beta = 0.375, p = 0.04), specifically younger females (least significant Beta = 0.683, p = 0.04). No effects were found in males. Intentions to consume fruit and vegetables, biscuit/cake-bars and subsequent biscuit/cake-bar consumption were predicted only by confounders. Adverse consequences of the messages were low (χ2(1) = 44.16, p < 0.05; smallest t(148) = 10.22, p < 0.01), and did not differ between weight-based and health-based messages (χ2(2) = 2.72, p > 0.05; largest t(278) = 0.75, p = 0.46).

Conclusions

This work demonstrates a role for weight-based compared to health-based public health promotion messages for increasing fruit and vegetable selection and consumption in young females. Adverse consequences following the messages were low, but care may still be needed.
Protein Biomarkers in Blood Reflect the Interrelationships Between Stroke Outcome, Inflammation, Coagulation, Adhesion, Senescence and Cancer
Authors: Fuellen Georg , Walter Uwe , Henze Larissa , Böhmert Jan , Palmer Daniel , Lee Soyoung , Schmitt Clemens A. , Rudolf Henrik , Kowald Axel
Published: August 2022

The most important predictors for outcomes after ischemic stroke, that is, for health deterioration and death, are chronological age and stroke severity; gender, genetics and lifestyle/environmental factors also play a role. Of all these, only the latter can be influenced after the event. Recurrent stroke may be prevented by antiaggregant/anticoagulant therapy, angioplasty of high-grade stenoses, and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Blood cell composition and protein biomarkers such as C-reactive protein or interleukins in serum are frequently considered as biomarkers of outcome. Here we aim to provide an up-to-date protein biomarker signature that allows a maximum of mechanistic understanding, to predict health deterioration following stroke. We thus surveyed protein biomarkers that were reported to be predictive for outcome after ischemic stroke, specifically considering biomarkers that predict long-term outcome (≥ 3 months) and that are measured over the first days following the event. We classified the protein biomarkers as immune‑inflammatory, coagulation-related, and adhesion-related biomarkers. Some of these biomarkers are closely related to cellular senescence and, in particular, to the inflammatory processes that can be triggered by senescent cells. Moreover, the processes that underlie inflammation, hypercoagulation and cellular senescence connect stroke to cancer, and biomarkers of cancer-associated thromboembolism, as well as of sarcopenia, overlap strongly with the biomarkers discussed here. Finally, we demonstrate that most of the outcome-predicting protein biomarkers form a close-meshed functional interaction network, suggesting that the outcome after stroke is partially determined by an interplay of molecular processes relating to inflammation, coagulation, cell adhesion and cellular senescence.
Left atrial appendage sealing performance of the Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman FLX device
Authors: Korsholm Kasper , Kramer Anders , Andersen Asger , Saw Jacqueline , Nørgaard Bjarne Linde , Jensen Jesper Møller , Nielsen-Kudsk Jens Erik
Published: August 2022

Background

The left atrial appendage (LAA) sealing properties of the Amplatzer Amulet and Watchman FLX devices were compared using cardiac computed tomography (CT) follow-up.

Methods

Single-center cohort study of patients undergoing LAAO between 2017 and 2020. Two consecutive cohorts were enrolled, one treated with the Amplatzer Amulet (n = 150) up till 2019, and a second cohort treated with the Watchman FLX (n = 150) device from 2019. Cardiac CT was performed 2 months postprocedure. The primary outcome was complete LAA occlusion defined as no visible peri-device leak (PDL) and absence of contrast patency in the distal LAA. Secondary outcomes included PDL, contrast patency without visible PDL, PDL area, and periprocedural complications.

Results

Complete occlusion was achieved in 39 (30.5%) of the Amulet group, compared to 89 (71.8%) of the FLX group, p < 0.001. A PDL at the Amulet disc was present in 65 (50.8%), at the lobe in 16 (12.5%), and at both the disc and lobe in 13 (10.2%). For FLX, a PDL was present in 20 (16.1%). Contrast patency without visible PDL was observed in 24 (18.8%) and 15 (12.1%) of the Amulet and FLX group, respectively. The PDL area at the Amulet mid-lobe was 92 mm2 (59–158) and 32 mm2 (IQR 28–96) for FLX, p = 0.019. Device-related thrombosis occurred in 1 (0.7%) and 2 (1.3%), respectively (p = 0.99), with periprocedural adverse events occurring in 6 (4%) and 8 (5.3%) of the Amulet and FLX group (p = 0.79).

Conclusion

Complete LAA occlusion was achieved in a significantly higher proportion treated with the Watchman FLX compared to the Amulet device. PDL was smaller with the FLX than the Amulet. Conceptual device design differences make interpretation of results complex, and additional studies with clinical outcomes are needed.
High-elevation landforms limit the movement of invasive small mammal species
Authors: Foster Nicholas J. , Maloney Richard F. , Seddon Philip J. , Rodríguez-Recio Mariano , van Heezik Yolanda
Published: August 2022

Context

Large-scale programs for eradication of pest mammals are confronted with the challenge of managing reinvasion. Exploiting high-elevation landscape features that naturally limit the rate of reinvasion is a strategy that is presumed to improve the success of such initiatives, however, the efficacy of doing so has not yet been investigated.

Objectives

We aimed to assess whether high-elevation landforms limit the movements of 10 species of invasive small mammal in New Zealand to such a degree that they could be exploited in landscape-scale eradication programmes.

Methods

We determined the upper elevation limits of species’ distributions, and made spatial predictions based on occupancy models. We applied these in concert to a 310,000 ha area of rugged mountainous environments and identified landforms that function as dispersal barriers to each species of interest. We validated our predictions with existing presence/absence and GPS movement data, and tested our predictions of high-elevation landform barriers with the GPS movement data of a sample of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).

Results

We found that the extent of barriers which limited movement ranged from widespread (5/10 species), to localised, (3/10 species) to limited (2/10 species). Our predictions of hedgehog movement barriers were strongly supported by GPS movement data of 26 hedgehogs that were tracked in the study area.

Conclusions

Our findings show there is enormous potential to advance landscape-scale eradication of invasive small mammals in areas adjacent to high-elevation landforms by identifying and exploiting landscape features that limit the movement of target species in the strategies of eradication programmes.
HC-1119, a deuterated Enzalutamide, inhibits Migration, Invasion and Metastasis of the AR-positive triple-negative breast Cancer cells
Authors: Wu Xuehong , Feng Wanru , Yang Mao , Liu Xunxi , Gao Mengdi , Li Xinghai , Gan Lin , He Tao
Published: August 2022

Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are aggressive, and they develop metastasis at earlier stages, relapse more frequently, and exhibits poorer prognosis than other subtypes of breast cancer. Due to the lack of estrogen receptor for endocrine therapy and HER2 for targeted therapy, new targeted therapies for TNBCs are urgently needed. Enzalutamide is a second-generation androgen receptor (AR) inhibitor, and HC-1119 is a new synthetic deuterated enzalutamide. Owing to the isotope effect, HC-1119 has many advantages over enzalutamide, including slow metabolism, high plasma concentration and low brain exposure. However, the efficacy of HC-1119 in inhibition of AR function in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been studied. In this study, we found high-level AR expression in both Hs578T and SUM159PT TNBC cell lines. Activation of AR by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in both cell lines increased AR protein, induced AR-nuclear localization, enhanced cell migration and invasion in culture, and promoted liver metastasis in mice. Importantly, cotreatment with HC-1119 of these cells efficiently abolished all of these effects of DHT on both Hs578T and SUM159PT cells. These results indicate that HC-1119 is a very effective new second-generation AR antagonist that can inhibit the migration, invasion and metastasis of the AR-positive TNBC cells.
A virtual reality classroom to teach and explore crystal solid state structures
Authors: Stella Erica , Agosti Isabella , Di Blas Nicoletta , Finazzi Marco , Lanzi Pier Luca , Loiacono Daniele
Published: August 2022

We present an educational application of virtual reality that we created to help students gain an in-depth understanding of the internal structure of crystals and related key concepts. Teachers can use it to give lectures to small groups (10-15) of students in a shared virtual environment, both remotely (with teacher and students in different locations) and locally (while sharing the same physical space). Lectures can be recorded, stored in an online repository, and shared with students who can either review a recorded lecture in the same virtual environment or can use the application for self-studying by exploring a large collection of available crystal structures. We validated our application with human subjects receiving positive feedback.
Open texture, rigor, and proof
Authors: Zayton Benjamin
Published: August 2022

Open texture is a kind of semantic indeterminacy first systematically studied by Waismann. In this paper, extant definitions of open texture will be compared and contrasted, with a view towards the consequences of open-textured concepts in mathematics. It has been suggested that these would threaten the traditional virtues of proof, primarily the certainty bestowed by proof-possession, and this suggestion will be critically investigated using recent work on informal proof. It will be argued that informal proofs have virtues that mitigate the danger posed by open texture. Moreover, it will be argued that while rigor in the guise of formalisation and axiomatisation might banish open texture from mathematical theories through implicit definition, it can do so only at the cost of restricting the tamed concepts in certain ways.
Co-expression of candidate genes regulating growth performance and carcass traits of Barki lambs in Egypt
Authors: Ghanem Nasser , Zayed Mohamed , Mohamed Ismail , Mohammady Mona , Shehata M. F.
Published: August 2022

Sheep are considered one of the main sources of animal protein in Egypt and the producers of sheep mutton eagers to find biological criteria for selecting fast-growing lambs that reach market weight early. Therefore, the present study aimed to find a link between the expression profile of selected candidate genes with growth performance and carcass traits of Barki lambs. Thirty-eight Barki lambs were kept and fed individually after weaning till 12 months of age and were divided into 3 groups according to growth performance (fast, intermediate, and slow-growing). Three samples were taken from different body tissues (eye muscle, liver, and fat tail) of each group, directly during slaughtering and stored at − 80 °C until RNA isolation. Real-time PCR was used to profile selected candidate genes (RPL7, CTP1, FABP4, ADIPOQ, and CAPN3) and GAPDH was used as a housekeeping gene. The results indicated that the final body weight was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in the fast (49.9 kg) and intermediate (40.7 kg) compared to slow-growing animals (30.8 kg). The hot carcass weight was heavier (P ≤ 0.05) in the fast and intermediate-growing (24.57 and 19.07 kg) than slow-growing lambs (15.10 kg). The blood profiles of T3 and T4 hormones in addition to other parameters such as total protein, total lipids, and calcium level showed no clear variations among different experimental groups. At the molecular level, our data demonstrated upregulation of genes involved in protein biosynthesis (RPL7), fatty acid oxidation (CPT1), and lipolysis (FABP4) in the fast and intermediate-growing lambs in all studied tissues which facilitate protein accretion, energy expenditure, and fatty acid partitioning required for muscle building up. Moreover, the expression profile of the gene involved in muscle development (CAPN3) was increased in fast and intermediate-growing compared to slow-growing lambs in order to support muscle proper development. On the other hand, a candidate gene involved in lipogenesis (ADIPOQ) was expressed similarly in fat and liver tissues; however, its expression was increased in muscles of fast and intermediate-growing lambs compared to slow-growing animals. In conclusion, the current study indicated that the expression profile of genes involved in metabolic activities of liver, muscle, and adipose tissue is linked with the growth performance of lambs although no variations were detected in blood parameters. This provides an evidence for the importance of co-expression of these genes in body tissues to determine the final body weight and carcass characteristics of Barki sheep.
Pyrenochaeta fraxinina as colonizer of ash and sycamore petioles, its morphology, ecology, and phylogenetic connections
Authors: Bilański P. , Grad B. , Kowalski T.
Published: August 2022

Pyrenochaeta fraxininawas first described in 1913 from the state of New York (USA) on petioles ofFraxinussp. Since then, the species has not been reported from North America and reports from the other regions of the world are very sparse. The results of this study onP.fraxininaare based on the material collected in various regions of Poland from 2012 to 2019. The material comprised 2700 previous year’s leaf petioles ofFraxinus excelsiorand 1970 petioles or leaf residues of eight other deciduous tree species. As a result, the occurrence of pycnidial conidiomata ofP.fraxininawas confirmed onF.excelsior(3.4% of petioles),F.mandshurica(1.5%),F.pennsylvanica(3.2%), andAcer pseudoplatanus(2.0%). The morphology of the microstructures was described based on the fresh material and compared with the holotype ofP.fraxinina. The optimal temperature for the growth of the fungus in vitro was estimated as 20 °C. The analyses based on ITS-LSU rDNA sequences and a protein coding sequence ofTUB2andRPB2genes showed thatP.fraxininaisolates form a well-supported clade in the phylogenetic trees. The species proved to be closely related toNematostoma parasiticum(asexual morphPyrenochaeta parasitica), a species occurring onAbies albain connection with needle browning disease. Interactions betweenP.fraxininaand the ash dieback pathogen,Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, were analyzed in vivo on ash petioles and in vitro in dual cultures. Among 93 petioles ofF.excelsior, for whichP.fraxininaconidiomata were detected, 26 were also colonized byH.fraxineus. Mostly, these two fungi occurred separately, colonizing different sections of a petiole. For all dual cultures, both fungi,P.fraxininaandH.fraxineus, showed growth inhibition toward the counterpartner. The role ofP.fraxininaas a saprotrophic competitor towardH.fraxineusin ash petioles is discussed.
A comparison of parameter choice rules for $$\ell ^p$$-$$\ell ^q$$ minimization
Authors: Buccini Alessandro , Pragliola Monica , Reichel Lothar , Sgallari Fiorella
Published: August 2022

Images that have been contaminated by various kinds of blur and noise can be restored by the minimization of an$$\ell ^p$$ℓp-$$\ell ^q$$ℓqfunctional. The quality of the reconstruction depends on the choice of a regularization parameter. Several approaches to determine this parameter have been described in the literature. This work presents a numerical comparison of known approaches as well as of a new one.
Benchmarking Computational Shell Models
Authors: Krysl Petr , Chen Jiun-Shyan
Published: August 2022

The practice of verification of shell finite element formulations is discussed from a variety of viewpoints: The provenance of benchmark target values, the suitability of benchmark problems for different classes of shell models, the importance of reporting limit values, and the completeness of the benchmark sets are critically examined. A set of benchmark problems that are most suitable across common shell finite element models is identified.
Homicide and Criminal Maturity of Juvenile Offenders: A Critical Review
Authors: Welner Michael , DeLisi Matthew , Knous-Westfall Heather M. , Meltzer Carolyn C. , Seward James D.
Published: August 2022

In 2012, the United States Supreme Court struck down existing legislative statutes mandating life without parole sentencing of convicted homicide offenders under age 18. The Court’s core rationale credited research on brain development that concludes that juveniles are biologically less capable of complex decision-making and impulse control, driven by external influences, and more likely to change. Closer scrutiny of the research cited in the defendants’ amicus brief; however, reveals it to be inherently flawed because it did not include relevant populations, such as violent offenders; utilized hypothetical scenarios or games to approximate decision-making; ignored research on recidivism risk; made untenable leaps in their interpretation of relevance to the study of homicide, and failed to include contradictory evidence, even from the brief’s authors. In forensic assessment, a blanket assumption of immaturity based on a homicide offender’s age is not appropriate, as research has demonstrated that in relevant respects, older adolescents can be just as mature as adults. An individualized and thorough assessment of each juvenile offender, including an analysis of personal history, behavioral evidence such as pre, during, and post crime behavior, and testing data more accurately inform questions of immaturity and prognosis in juvenile violent offenders.
Out of New Guinea? Two new species of Zygogynum (Winteraceae) extend the genus west of Lydekker’s and Wallace’s Lines
Authors: Utteridge Timothy M. A. , Rustiami Himmah
Published: August 2022

The Winteraceae comprise 100 – 130 species in five to nine genera. The genus Zygogynum is currently thought to have a Papuasian-Pacific distribution and is only known from the western Pacific islands (New Caledonia, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands), Australia and New Guinea, including the far western Bird’s Head Peninsula, but is not yet recorded from islands to the west of the Sahul Plate and the biogeographic boundary of Lydekker’s Line. Here, two new species of Zygogynum are described from west of both Wallace’s and Lydekker’s Lines. Zygogynum moluccanum is described from the Moluccan islands of Indonesia, and Z. sundaicum, a new species and generic record for the Sunda shelf, is described from the northern part of the Malaysian State of Sarawak in Borneo. In addition to descriptions and illustrations of the new species, the generic delimitation, fossil record and potential dispersal agents of Zygogynum are discussed.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. leaves extract and its modified cysteine preparation for the management of insulin resistance: chemical analysis and bioactivity
Authors: Kravchenko Ganna , Krasilnikova Oksana , Raal Ain , Mazen Matar , Chaika Natalia , Kireyev Igor , Grytsyk Andriy , Koshovyi Oleh
Published: August 2022

Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L.) is a perennial plant of the heather family (Ericaceae). The leaves are dominated by arbutin, phenol carbonic acids flavonoids, saponins, etc. It was previously shown that the bearberry leaves extract reduced blood glucose level in healthy animals under glucose overload, so it need to be studied more detail. The aim of the study was to investigate the chemical composition and the effect of dry alcohol extract from bearberry leaves, which enriched with cysteine, on the rats pancreas under experimental dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance (IR). Arctostaphylos uva-ursi L. leaves extract and its modified cysteine preparation were obtained according to the developed method with 50% ethanol solution. Their phytochemical profile, hypoglycaemic and pancreatic protective effect were investigated. Phenologlycoside (arbutin), phenolic carboxylic acid (gallic acid), 5 flavonoids and 4 hydroxycinnamic acids were identified and quantified in the extracts by HPLC. Present data revealed that bearberry leaves alcoholic dry extract enriched with cysteine has a hypoglycaemic and pancreatic protective effect in treated animals under dexamethasone-induced IR model. Treatment improved hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and beta cell reduction induced by dexamethasone injections.

Graphical Abstract
Assessment of manual perioperative anesthesia record-keeping practice: A multicenter; descriptive cross-sectional study, Ethiopia, 2022
Authors: Misganaw Abebaw , Seyoum Fetene
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the practice of manual perioperative anesthesia record-keeping in Debre Markos and Debre Berhan Comprehensive Specialized hospitals from May to June 2022.

Methods:

A descriptive study was undergone from May 1 to June 30, 2022 at two Hospitals that are under Amhara regional health bureau. To retrieve and analyze manual anesthesia record-keeping practice, a checklist was developed from manual perioperative anesthesia record sheet of study hospitals and the American society of anesthesiologists which comprises indicators with corresponding predefined components. The checklist comprised questions with three alternatives “complete” for full data recorded, “incomplete” for partial data recorded, and “No” for totally missed data. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data.

Result:

The name of the anesthetist was recorded as our expectation which means 100% complete. The name of the surgeon was the second most frequently recorded preoperative related indicator with a completion rate of 98.4%. Other preoperative indicators like last food/drink, current/previous medications, alcoholic/cigarette hx, pregnancy, cardiovascular, other system, and laboratory also not recorded in an eligible way. The anesthesia record completion rate was below fifty percent in many intraoperative indicators.

Conclusion:

and recommendation: Most of the perioperative anesthesia recording indicators were found poorly recorded or below the standards. Information about preoperative patient condition and identity, intraoperative drug administrations, monitoring related information, and postoperative orders regarding pain and fluid management are among inadequately/illegibly recorded indicators. We recommend different interventional strategies like training, refresher course on the importance of the anesthetic record, and regular feedback for anesthetists improves the practice of manual anesthesia record-keeping.

Highlights
Bioethics, Public Reason, and Religion
Authors: Fleck Leonard M.
Published: August 2022

Can religious arguments provide a reasonable, justified basis for restrictive (coercive) public policies regarding numerous ethically and politically controversial medical interventions, such as research with human embryos, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, or using artificial wombs? With Rawls, we answer negatively. Liberally reasonable policies must address these controversial technologies on the basis of public reasons accessible to all, even if not fully agreeable by all. Further, public democratic deliberation requires participants to construct these policies as citizens who are agnostic with respect to the truth of all comprehensive doctrines, whether secular or religious. The goal of these deliberations is practical, namely, to identify reasonable policy options that reflect fair terms of cooperation in a liberal, pluralistic society. Further, religious advocates may participate in formal policymaking processes as reasonable liberal citizens. Finally, public reason evolves through the deliberative process and all the novel technological challenges medicine generates for bioethics and related public policies.
The Cultural History of War in the Twentieth Century and After
Authors: Winter Jay
Published: August 2022

This Element is a user's guide to the cultural history of warfare since 1914. It provides summaries of the basic questions historians have posed in what is now a truly global field of research. It is divided into three parts. The first provides an introduction to the cultural history of the state, focusing on the institutions of violence, both political and military, as well as introducing the key concept of the civilianization of war. The second part addresses civil society at war. It asks the question as to how do men and women try to make sense and attach meaning to the violence and cruelty of war. It also explores commemoration, religious life, humanitarianism, painting, cinema and the visual arts, and war literature and testimony. The third part explores the family, gender and migration in wartime, and shows how modern war continues to transform the world in which we live today.
Inward turning base-bleed technique for base drag reduction
Authors: Paul S. , Vinoth Raj A. , Senthil Kumar C.
Published: August 2022

This paper consists of CFD and experimental study for shell projectile at angle of attack 00 and at various Mach numbers (0.7, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0), without spin effect. Passive method of base modification is used to reduce base drag. The goal of this study is to reduce base drag by utilising a base bleed approach called the Inward Turning Base Bleed Method (IWTB). The concept of IWTB is to draw relatively high-pressure air behind the driving band and allow it to pass through the bleed holes and direct it into the low-pressure base. This will in turn raise the base pressure and lower the base drag. The study comprises of (i) basic model with a boattail angle of
$8^{\circ}$
, (ii) eight different cavity models having different lip thickness and depth thickness ratios and (iii) nine different IWTB configurations for the optimised cavity model. At first, cavity model is optimised by varying the lip thickness and depth thickness ratio. Later IWTB parameters such as the bleed hole entry angles
$10^{\circ}$
,
$12^{\circ}$
&
$15^{\circ}$
, exit bleed hole angles
$30^{\circ}$
,
$45^{\circ}$
&
$60^{\circ}$
, bleed hole diameters 3mm, 4mm, 5mm & 6mm and number of bleed holes i.e., 4 & 8 were studied and optimised. Based on this study, the model with 8 holes, 3mm base bleed hole diameter,
$15^{\circ}$
entry and
$60^{\circ}$
exit angle gives comparatively lower base drag. CFD result shows, in supersonic region the base drag reduction for optimised shell projectile is
$3.08\%$
; at Mach number 0.9 the base reduction is
$75.63\%$
; and in subsonic region it reduces to
$23.53\%$
. CFD results were compared with experimental result, is found to be good and the differences lies within
$3.85\%$
.