bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommend what to cache: a simple self-supervised graph-based recommendation framework for edge caching networks
Authors: Sun Aijing , Wang Guoqing , Han Qi
Published: July 2023

Deep Learning-based edge caching networks can accurately infer what to cache based on a user's historical content requests, thereby significantly relieving the burden of the backbone networks. However, the cold-start problem inherent in deep learning may limit the performance of history-based caching strategies. Due to the mobile and dynamic nature of wireless networks, base stations often lack sufficient data to accurately estimate the user's demands and cache the possible requested data. In this context, we adopt self-supervised learning (SSL) into the caching strategies and propose a Simple Self-supervised Graph-based Recommendation framework for edge caching networks (SimSGR). Specifically, we propose two new network layers: the Mixing layer and the Conversion layer. The former replaces the data augmentation of the SSL paradigm to avoid destroying the semantic loss, while the latter greatly simplifies the loss function, which helps to lighten the model structure and facilitates deployment on edge caching networks. Simulation results show that our model outperforms baseline algorithms that are sensitive to augmentation hyper-parameters, particularly when trained in a cold-start environment.
Beneficial effects of WON-21 on the symptoms of a hangover and identification of active compounds: experimental studies on antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and alcohol-metabolizing enzymes
Authors: Lee Ji Hwan , Huh Wonsang , Baek Ji Yun , Park Jun Yeon , Kim So Hyeon , Park Il-Ho , Pyo Jaesung , Seo Chang-Seob , Kang Ki Sung
Published: July 2023

Many hangover cure products containing natural ingredients that are also effective against alcohol-related liver damage or improve liver function have recently become available. In addition to curing liver damage, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and blood ethanol reduction aids are emerging as relief targets that reduce hangover symptoms. We investigated the ameliorating effect of WON-21 herbal medicinal products by studying the mixing ratio of oriental medicine concept with respect to antioxidant potential, anti-inflammation, and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzyme activities. WON-21 and its components exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Rutin, taxifolin, and quercetin showed superior antioxidant effects compared to the other components. WON-12 effectively reduced iNOS and COX-2 in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Quercetin and apigenin were 2 compounds effective for the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2. WON-21 and quercetin also significantly increased the activities of ALDH and ADH enzymes in a concentration-dependent manner.
Peripheral arterial tonometry versus polysomnography in suspected obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Röcken Jonathan , Schumann Desiree M. , Herrmann Matthias J. , Veitz Simon , Franchetti Léo , Grize Leticia , Strobel Werner , Jahn Kathleen , Tamm Michael , Stolz Daiana
Published: July 2023

Background

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Home sleep apnoea testing with peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) is a recommended diagnostic alternative for patients with an increased risk for OSA.

In a large clinical cohort, we investigated concordance and predictors for discordance in diagnosing OSA using PAT and PSG, and three-year cardiovascular risk in patients with discordant OSA diagnosis.

Methods

Retrospective monocentric cohort study. Patients with a PAT AHI ≥ 5/h followed by an in-hospital PSG within three months were included. All patients with a PAT AHI ≥ 5/h but a PSG AHI < 5/h were classified as discordant. Patients with PAT and PSG AHI ≥ 5/h were classified as concordant. To ascertain cardiovascular risk, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were analyzed in discordant patients and sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and cardiovascular disease-matched concordant patients over a follow-up time of 3.1 ± 0.06 years.

Results

A total of 940 patients, 66% male with an average age of 55 ± 0.4 years and BMI of 31 ± 0.2 kg/m2 were included. Agreement in OSA diagnosis was observed in 80% of patients (55% in mild and 86% in moderate and severe OSA). Factors significantly associated with a discordant diagnosis were female sex, younger age and lower BMI, but not comorbidities. There was no significant difference in MACE (p = 0.920) between discordant patients (n = 155) and matched concordant patients (n = 274) with or without therapy.

Conclusions

Concordance between PAT and PSG diagnosis of sleep apnoea is good, particularly in moderate and severe OSA. Predictors for discordant results between PAT and PSG were age, sex and BMI. MACE risk is similar in those with OSA diagnosed by PAT or PSG.
Screening of hub inflammatory bowel disease biomarkers and identification of immune-related functions based on basement membrane genes
Authors: Lin Penghang , Hua Jin , Teng Zuhong , Lin Chunlin , Liu Songyi , He Ruofan , Chen Hui , Yao Hengxin , Ye Jianxin , Zhu Guangwei
Published: July 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic, inflammatory, and autoimmune disease, but its specific etiology and pathogenesis are still unclear. This study aimed to better discover the causative basement membrane (BM) genes of their subtypes and their associations.

Methods

The differential expression of BM genes between CD and UC was analyzed and validated by downloading relevant datasets from the GEO database. We divided the samples into 3 groups for comparative analysis. Construction of PPI networks, enrichment of differential gene functions, screening of Lasso regression models, validation of ROC curves, nomogram for disease prediction and other analytical methods were used. The immune cell infiltration was further explored by ssGSEA analysis, the immune correlates of hub BM genes were found, and finally, the hub central genes were screened by machine learning.

Results

We obtained 6 candidate hub BM genes related to cellular immune infiltration in the CD and UC groups, respectively, and further screened the central hub genes ADAMTS17 and ADAMTS9 through machine learning. And in the ROC curve models, AUC > 0.7, indicating that this characteristic gene has a more accurate predictive effect on IBD. We also found that the pathogenicity-related BM genes of the CD and UC groups were mainly concentrated in the ADAMTS family (ADAMTS17 and ADAMTS9). Addition there are some differences between the two subtypes, and the central different hub BM genes are SPARC, POSTN, and ADAMTS2.

Conclusions

In the current study, we provided a nomogram model of CD and UC composed of BM genes, identified central hub genes, and clarified the similarities and differences between CD and UC. This will have potential value for preclinical, clinical, and translational guidance and differential research in IBD.
RNA-seq research landscape in Africa: systematic review reveals disparities and opportunities
Authors: Doughan Albert , Adingo Wisdom , Salifu Samson Pandam
Published: July 2023

RNA sequencing has emerged as the standard method for transcriptome profiling of several human diseases. We performed a systematic review detailing the state of RNA-seq analyses in Africa from its inception till February 2022. Our goal was to provide an update on the state of RNA-seq analyses in Africa, including research gaps, funding information, participants information, authorship and collaborations. Following the PRISMA guidelines, we performed an exhaustive literature search for RNA-seq studies conducted in Africa, using PubMed, Scopus and Academic Search Complete (EBSCOhost). The output was exported to Endnote X9 for analyses. The initial literature search yielded 10,369 articles spread across PubMed (4916), Scopus (4847) and EBSCOhost (580). By applying our exclusion criteria, 28 full-text articles remained and were thoroughly analyzed. Overall, 17 human diseases were studied, including cancers (10/28), infectious disease (4/28), parasitic disease (4/28), autoimmune disorders (2/28) and neglected tropical diseases (2/28). Majority of the articles were published in PLoS Pathogens, BioMed Central and Nature. The National Institutes of Health (42.4%), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (7.5%) and the Wellcome Trust (7.5%) were the top funders of the research studies. Eleven African countries contributed to the participant group, with 57% located in Eastern Africa, 23.1% from Western and 16.7% from Southern Africa. The extremely low number of RNA-seq research studies in Africa is worrying and calls for an immediate investment in research by the African governments. The funding agencies and institutional review boards should also ensure that African collaborators are treated equitably in the course of the research projects.
Early administration of multiple vasopressors is associated with better survival in patients with sepsis: a propensity score-weighted study
Authors: Tong Xin , Xue Xiaopeng , Duan Chuanzhi , Liu Aihua
Published: July 2023

Background

The association between the timing of administration of multiple vasopressors and patient outcomes has not been investigated.

Methods

This study used data from the MIMIC-IV database. Patients with sepsis who were administered two or more vasopressors were included. The principal exposure was the last norepinephrine dose when adding a second vasopressor. The cohort was divided into early (last norepinephrine dose < 0.25 μg/kg/min) and normal (last norepinephrine dose ≥ 0.25 μg/kg/min) groups. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. Multivariable Cox analyses, propensity score matching, stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (sIPTW), and restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves were used.

Results

Overall, 1,437 patients who received multiple vasopressors were included. Patients in the early group had lower 28-day mortality (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65–0.89; p < 0.001) than those in the single group, with similar results in the propensity score-matched (HR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.68–0.94; p = 0.006) and sIPTW (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.63–0.88; p < 0.001) cohorts. RCS curves showed that the risk of 28-day mortality increased as the last norepinephrine dose increased.

Conclusions

The timing of secondary vasopressor administration is strongly associated with the outcomes of patients with sepsis.
Preparation of cellulose nanocrystals from commercial dissolving pulp using an engineered cellulase system
Authors: Yang Tiantian , Li Xuezhi , Xu Nuo , Guo Yingjie , Liu Guodong , Zhao Jian
Published: July 2023

There is increasing attention to the production of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from lignocellulosic biomass by enzymatic hydrolysis with cellulase. In this study, the feasibility of the application of a cellulase system from engineered strain Penicillium oxalicum cEES in the production of CNCs was assessed. Using commercial eucalyptus dissolving pulp (EDP) as substrate, the CNCs were successfully obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis with the cellulase cEES, and the total yields of CNCs reached 15.7% through three-step enzymatic hydrolysis of total 72 h (24 h for each step). The prepared CNCs were characterized and found that their crystallinity and thermal stability were higher than that of EDP. In the later stage of enzymatic hydrolysis, the process efficiency of enzymatic preparation of CNCs greatly decreased because of the high crystallinity of cellulosic substrate, and a simple homogenization treatment can promote the enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as produce fusiform CNCs with more uniform size and more fermentable sugar that could be further converted into fuels and bulk chemicals through fermentation. This study provides a feasible enzymatic preparation process for CNCs with engineered cellulase and commercial cellulosic materials.

Graphical Abstract
The impacts of nicotinamide and inositol on the available cells and product performance of industrial baker's yeasts
Authors: Shan Chengpeng , Xia Tianqing , Liu Jiao , Wang Ying , Bai Penggang , Xu Lili , Li Zailu , Zhao Jianzhi , Bao Xiaoming
Published: July 2023

A suitable nutrient supply, especially of vitamins, is very significant for the deep display of the inherent genetic properties of microorganisms. Here, using the chemically defined minimal medium (MM) for yeast, nicotinamide and inositol were confirmed to be more beneficial for the performance of two industrial baker's yeasts, a conventional and a high-sugar-tolerant strain. Increasing nicotinamide or inositol to proper levels could enhance the both strains on cell growth and activity and product performance, including trehalose accumulation and leavening performance. The activity of key enzymes (PCK, TPS) and the content of intermediate metabolites (G6P, UDPG) in the trehalose synthesis pathway were promoted by a moderate supply of nicotinamide and inositol. That were also proved that an appropriate amount of niacinamide promoted the transcription of longevity-related genes (PNC1, SIR2), and the proper concentration of inositol altered the phospholipid composition in cells, namely, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidyl choline. Furthermore, the cell growth and the leavening performance of the both strains were promoted after adjusting inositol to choline to the proper ratio, resulting directly in content changes of phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidyl choline in the cells. While the two strains responded to the different proper ratio of inositol to choline probably due to their specific physiological characteristics. Such beneficial effects of increased nicotinamide levels were confirmed in natural media, molasses and corn starch hydrolyzed sugar media. Meanwhile, such adjustment of inositol to choline ratio could lessen the inhibition of excess inositol on cell growth of the two tested strains in corn starch hydrolyzed sugar media. However, in molasse, such phenomenon was not observed probably since there was higher Ca2+ in it. The results indicated that the effects of nutrient factors, such as vitamins, on cell growth and other properties found out from the simple chemically defined minimal medium were an effective measure to use in improving the recipe of natural media at least for baker's yeast.
Safety, efficacy, and survival of drug-eluting beads-transarterial chemoembolization vs. conventional-transarterial chemoembolization in advanced HCC patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus
Authors: Chen Junwei , Lai Lisha , Zhou Churen , Luo Junyang , Wang Haofan , Li Mingan , Huang Mingsheng
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To compare the efficacy, overall survival (OS) and safety of drug-eluting beads-TACE (DEB-TACE) and C-TACE as initial treatment in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with main portal vein tumor thrombus (mPVTT).

Methods

The medical records of consecutive advanced HCC patients with mPVTT who underwent initial DEB-TACE or C-TACE from September 2015 to October 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Treatment crossover was allowed in this retrospective research. The adverse events, disease control rate (DCR), time to tumor progression (TTP) and OS of patients who underwent DEB-TACE were compared with those of patients who underwent C-TACE.

Results

Eighty-three patients were included: 42 patients in DEB-TACE group and 41 patients in C-TACE group. DEB-TACE could be safely performed in HCC patients with mPVTT, and they gained a better DCR than those submitted to the C-TACE (76.2% vs. 53.7%, P = 0.031), which might have resulted in longer TTP (median TTP: 9.0 months vs. 3.0 months, P < 0.001). Furthermore, DEB-TACE showed significant OS benefits compared with C-TACE (median OS: 12.0 months vs. 5.0 months, P < 0.001). DEB-TACE, absence of arterioportal shunts (APS), leisons with capsular non-infiltration were found to be independent prognostic factors for better OS. Furthermore, subgroup analysis proved that patients with good DCR gained longer OS in DEB-TACE group.

Conclusions

DEB-TACE could be safely performed and improve the DCR of HCC patients with mPVTT, which resulting in longer TTP and OS, compared with C-TACE.
Isolation and identification of antagonistic fungi on coffee leaf rust in the Dieng highlands of Banjarnegara, Indonesia
Authors: Wulansari Nur Kholida , Prihatiningsih Nur , Utami Dewanti Risa , Wiyantono Wiyantono , Riyanto Agus
Published: July 2023

Background

Coffee is an important plantation crop in Indonesia. The coffee cultivation process was disrupted due to the fungus Hemileia vastatrix which causes rust disease. Biological control has the potential to suppress disease development. The diversity of antagonistic fungi such as Trichoderma in nature is very abundant, so it is necessary to explore and find Trichoderma which has the potential as a biological agent in controlling coffee leaf rust. The research aimed to obtain antagonist fungi that have the potential as biological agents in controlling coffee leaf rust naturally in the coffee plant ecosystem.

Result

Morphology of a local antagonist fungus isolate, coded TBK1, was identified as Trichoderma atroviride which had the potential to naturally control coffee leaf rust by H. vastatrix through a mycoparasitic mechanism.

Conclusion

In the Dieng Plateau, Banjarnegara Indonesia, an antagonistic fungus as a biological agent, T. atroviride, was found to control H. vastatrix coffee leaf rust.
Identification of possible SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors: in silico molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies
Authors: Mukherjee Aniruddhya , Pandey Khushhali Menaria , Ojha Krishna Kumar , Sahu Sumanta Kumar
Published: July 2023

Background

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation in 2020 after its outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Since researchers have been working to develop specific drugs to cure COVID-19. COVID-19 is caused by the severe acute respiratory cornonavirus2 or popularly known as SARS-CoV2 attacking the ACE2 receptor in the human respiratory system. The main protease translated by the viral genome is a highly conserved protein that plays a crucial role in viral protein replication and transcription. Compounds such as Darunavir and danoprevir have been tested to show potential biological activity against the viral protein, but a high mutation rate defies a permanent solution to this problem.

Results

In this study, virtual screening of natural ligands (around 170,000 molecules) and FDA-approved repurposed drugs retrieved from ZINC Database was carried out against SARS-CoV2 main protease (PDB ID: 7DJR). Molecular coupling was performed for the top three ligands, where ZINC70699832 showed a significantly good binding affinity of − 11.05 kcal/mol. It has shown an interaction affinity for the residues THR-25, PHE-140, LEU-141, ASN-142, GLY-143, SER-144, CYS-145, MET-165, GLU-166, GLN-189 and GLN-192. The molecular dynamic simulation was also performed using GROMACS, for all complexes where the ZINC70699832–7DJR complex showed stability in terms of root mean square deviation.

Conclusion

The study recommends that ZINC70699832 has great potential to serve as a potent inhibitor of the main protease of SARS-CoV2 main protease.
Optimal control of a grid-connected photovoltaic agricultural water pumping system
Authors: Mahinda Mercy W. , Wanjiru Evan M. , Njiri Jackson G.
Published: July 2023

Optimization of water pumping systems has been studied using various techniques which include classical, mathematical, and heuristics. Few studies have explored use of optimal controllers in agricultural water pumping applications. Some studies also ignore the interconnection between the water demand and energy used. Introduction of renewable energy sources such as photovoltaic (PV) necessitates different geographical studies as the intensity of the renewable energy varies widely with location. In this paper, an optimal controller for a batteryless grid-connected photovoltaic system to power water supply system for irrigation purposes was developed. The aim was to minimize the operational cost of grid energy by maximizing utilization of photovoltaic power and minimizing the utilization of grid power. A case study was done at a farm in Kajiado (−1.6033257$$^{\circ }$$∘latitude and 36.7863352$$^{\circ }$$∘longitude). The farm photovoltaic, grid power, water pumps (underground and booster pump), and storage tanks were modelled into a binary linear programming optimization problem and solved using intlinprog solver on MATLAB. Energy demand data was collected using a three-phase power logger, while water demand data was collected using onsite water meter and stopwatch timer. Photovoltaic power produced was estimated using Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS). Simulation results obtained show that the use of an optimal controller results in reduced cost of energy by 44.4%. Better utilization of renewable photovoltaic energy by 24% was observed, and 3.6% more water was pumped.
Navigation-Assisted Surgery for Locally Advanced Primary and Recurrent Rectal Cancer
Authors: Solbakken Arne M. , Sellevold Simen , Spasojevic Milan , Julsrud Lars , Emblemsvåg Hanne-Line , Reims Henrik M. , Sørensen Olaf , Thorgersen Ebbe B. , Fauske Lena , Ågren Joanna Sara Maria , Brennhovd Bjørn , Ryder Truls , Larsen Stein G. , Flatmark Kjersti
Published: July 2023

Background

In some surgical disciplines, navigation-assisted surgery has become standard of care, but in rectal cancer, indications for navigation and the utility of different technologies remain undetermined.

Methods

The NAVI-LARRC prospective study (NCT 04512937; IDEAL Stage 2a) evaluated feasibility of navigation in patients with locally advanced primary (LARC) and recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC). Included patients had advanced tumours with high risk of incomplete (R1/R2) resection, and navigation was considered likely to improve the probability of complete resection (R0). Tumours were classified according to pelvic compartmental involvement, as suggested by the Royal Marsden group. The BrainlabTM navigation platform was used for preoperative segmentation of tumour and pelvic anatomy, and for intraoperative navigation with optical tracking. R0 resection rates, surgeons’ experiences, and adherence to the preoperative resection plan were assessed.

Results

Seventeen patients with tumours involving the posterior/lateral compartments underwent navigation-assisted procedures. Fifteen patients required abdominosacral resection, and 3 had resection of the sciatic nerve. R0 resection was obtained in 6/8 (75%) LARC and 6/9 (69%) LRRC cases. Preoperative segmentation was time-consuming (median 3.5 h), but intraoperative navigation was accurate. Surgeons reported navigation to be feasible, and adherence to the resection plan was satisfactory.

Conclusions

Navigation-assisted surgery using optical tracking was feasible. The preoperative planning was time-consuming, but intraoperative navigation was accurate and resulted in acceptable R0 resection rates. Selected patients are likely to benefit from navigation-assisted surgery.
Swedish school nurses' experience of identifying students who are exposed to violence – a qualitative study
Authors: Wilhsson Marie , Santo da Silva Erika Hagstrom , Löf Susanna Loander , Larsson Margaretha
Published: July 2023

Aim:

This study aims to describe how school nurses identify students who are being exposed to violence.

Design:

The study has a qualitative design focusing on illuminating the meanings embodied in lived experiences

Method:

Fourteen qualitative interviews with school nurses were conducted and a descriptive qualitative meaning analysis was used to cast light on the phenomenon. The COREQ checklist was used to ensure trustworthiness.

Results:

Four themes were highlighted: opportunity in the health dialogue, necessity to create and prove trustworthiness, cooperation with other professionals, and awareness of factors that could complicate reporting exposure to violence. The study provided new insights such as the school nurse having an important role in the identification of students exposed to violence. It is important that school nurses have an open approach and are systematic in the health dialogue, using questions about violence to create opportunities for students to talk about their living conditions.
Is routine screening for child neglect the way forward?
Authors: McArevey Catherine , Hayward Melanie
Published: July 2023

The consequences of childhood neglect can be severe and may lead to mental illness, substance misuse, criminal behaviour, and poor economic outcomes in adulthood. However, neglect is a complex issue, and professionals may lack the necessary skills and expertise to handle cases effectively. Further, communication barriers between professionals from different agencies can lead to misunderstandings, inconsistencies in response, and missed opportunities for early intervention. The absence of nationally recognised tools for early identification of neglect makes it challenging to respond effectively. Currently, professionals rely on tools that require professionals to have already identified concerns and be engaging with the parents. In response, the Multi Agency Checklist tool was developed to enable routine screening across all age groups by any professional. The tool has been shared across safeguarding children's partnerships in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
Are mothers who stay with their physically violent partners failing to protect their children?
Authors: Kennedy Claire , Kirman Jennifer
Published: July 2023

Tensions exist between the perceived roles and responsibilities of the protective mother, and the lived experiences of mothers in domestic abusive relationships. This paper challenges the prejudices faced by mothers by society, professionals and the law when living with abuse; specifically, exploring the concept of ‘failure to protect’ in order to understand the repercussions of this label on the mother-child dyad. A theoretical analysis of the literature examines an alternative view of the complex and multifactorial measures taken by women to protect their children. In doing so, the ecological model is examined to consider the term ‘mother blame’.
Digital technologies: Are they the solution for young people's mental health?
Authors: Thornton Stephanie
Published: July 2023

A recent survey found that over half of school age children said that their mental health had deteriorated while waiting for treatment. CAMHS does not have the resources to offer expert intervention to such a large percentage of the population. A digital solution may seem to offer instant accessibility at low cost; however, it is far from clear just how useful this digital approach will in fact be. Stephanie Thornton explains
Before the Small Machines, and: Time and Materials, and: The Age of Fishes
Authors: Elliott Chiyuma
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This poem is about living through the birth of mass surveillance technologies and assessing their impacts on friendships. This is a poem about moving to a new planet and the daily routines there. This poem uses the language and timescales of geology and evolution to talk about family history.
The Ugliest Girl at Marcy’s Wedding Pavilion
Authors: Luce Kelly
Published: July 2023

Abstract: A lonely mail carrier moves to Texas to heal from her recent divorce and traumatic car accident. She crashes a quinceañera, where she meets a young woman with whom she shares her hobby of scanning the sky for alien life.
Dear Denizen of Skyshot, and: Split Branch, and: Origin Stories, and: Dear Citizen of No Rain, and: Drop Hole
Authors: Borsuk Amaranth , Witek Terri
Published: July 2023

Abstract: W/\SH is a speculative ecopoetic manuscript that grapples with climate catastrophe through a series of transmissions sent between women on two worlds—one beset by torrential rains and the other by extensive drought—two very real futures of climate change. These women seek to understand what has brought them to this point and to balance out their two realities in the hopes that something will allow them to course-correct for the sake of their children, who will inherit these derelict worlds.
Debt Ritual: Invisible Sundays, and: Debt Ritual: Gracious
Authors: Naughton Katie
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This poem is about the difference between wealthy and middle-class suburbs. This poem is about the very close and yet hidden presence of the occult in our daily spaces and language and slippages between the two.
Crashing Shiva
Authors: Stempel Dyanne
Published: July 2023

Abstract: After giving birth to a stillborn baby late in her pregnancy, a woman attempts to navigate her grief and her guilt by attending the Shivas of random strangers all over New York City. With dark humor and self-deprecation, the protagonist of “Crashing Shiva” sets out to experience the loss of others in the hopes of finally learning to process her own profound sadness.
Tool-Using Animals, and: All Wild Animals Are Called Entropy
Authors: Peelen Mary
Published: July 2023

Abstract: In the 1970s, girls glean hickory nuts, then smash them open, while inside, their mothers cook and watch tv: seeming innocence in a context of violence and technologies of war. The universe tends toward disorder: a desk gets messier, wooden steps erode, the body aches. Amidst the process of continuous breakdown, there are moments of absurdity, beauty, small acts of love.
Mirage
Authors: Sonnenberg Susanna
Published: July 2023

Abstract: A writer examines the masks she and her former husband adopt to marry and to build a life together, and the consequences as the masks crumble.
Force-Feeding and “The Right to Maim”: Hunger Strikes at Guantánamo Bay
Authors: Georges Nicole
Published: July 2023

Abstract: This article explores how “involuntary enteral feeding” at the Joint Task Force – Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO) allows for the United States to thwart the hunger striking protests of detainees resisting grave mistreatment and unlawful incarceration. Involuntary enteral feeding, also referred to as force-feeding in this article, is presented in the JTF-GTMO’s standard operating procedure as a necessary medical intervention used to rescue the frail hunger striker, but in fact uses excessive violence and causes further injury to the ailing detainee. This purportedly lifesaving protocol enables the US to interrupt hunger strikers’ protests and ironically underscores the very conditions inspiring detainee striking efforts.
The Limits of Pharmaceutical Internationalism: Mexico, the Third World, and the Resource of Medicinal Plants in the 1970s
Authors: Mentanko Joshua
Published: July 2023

Abstract: In the 1970s, research into traditional medicine helped suture solidarity between Mexico and the Third World. The Mexican national agency for traditional medicine research convened a meeting of researchers in the same field from Africa, Asia, and Latin America as well as the World Health Organization and Organization of African Unity in 1977 in Mexico City. Transcripts from their discussions demonstrate how parallel conversations about decolonizing global health and the global economy converged around revalorizing medicinal plants as the basis for sovereignty and development. The article also excavates tensions within this common front around negotiating internal gender and cultural differences.
Self-compression of femtosecond laser pulses in ambient air
Authors: Xie Xinhua , Cavalieri Adrian , Johnson Steven
Published: July 2023

We demonstrate the self-compression of 98 fs near-infrared laser pulses down to 8.8 fs in ambient air, utilizing self-phase modulation in air and negative dispersion in the properties of a laser-induced plasma. The blue-shifted pulses achieve self-compression through conical radiation, eliminating the need for additional dispersion compensation. The results highlight a simple and compact approach to generate sub-10 fs laser pulses without additional measures for time-resolved applications in ultrafast diagnostics and spectroscopy.
Simple, fast, yet rigorous modeling of a 355 nm pumped, doubly resonant, linear cavity Type I BBO OPO with spatial walk-off compensation and ISO 13694:2018 beam parameters
Authors: Stegeman Robert , Norris Julia , Gregg John , Evans Jonathan
Published: July 2023

A commercially available linear cavity BBO OPO has been modeled with a new method and provides excellent agreement with experimental data. The OPO is doubly resonant linear cavity, uses a single- or dual-pass pump, and has two BBO crystals of 30 mm total length in a walk-off compensation design. The BBO crystals phase-match in a Type I geometry to produce 622 and 827 nm output, and the 355 nm pump experiences 73.778 mrad of spatial walk-off. The energy conversion efficiency agreement between the model and experiment is around 95% in both pump configurations. Neither trigonometric functions nor differential equation solvers are used.
Comportamiento durante el almacenamiento y longevidad potencial en semillas de cuatro especies de árboles nativos de Argentina
Authors: Pastrana-Ignes Valeria , Giamminola Eugenia M. , Rivero M. Victoria , Álvarez Ana , Malagrina Gisela , Galíndez Guadalupe , Ortega-Baes Pablo
Published: July 2023

Trees of forest importance are a group of special interest for conservation actions due to their use value. To determine whether they can be conserved in seed banks, we studied the tolerance to desiccation and storage behaviour of four species from north-eastern Argentina: Handroanthus impetiginosus, Jacaranda mimosifolia, Neltuma alba y Pterogyne nitens. Desiccation tolerance was evaluated by decreasing the moisture content of the seeds to 4-5%. Storage behaviour was determined by storing dried seeds at -20, 5 and 20 °C for three, six and twelve months. The potential longevity of the seeds was estimated with an accelerated aging experiment. Response variable in all cases was the percentage of germinated seeds. The results indicated that the species have orthodox behaviour and can therefore be stored in seed banks. Throughout twelve months of storage the N. alba y P. nitens seeds remained dormant and had to be scarified to germinate. The potential longevity of the seeds allowed the species to be classified as short-lived (H. impetiginosus), intermediate-lived (J. mimosifolia y P. nitens), and long-lived (N. alba). The results will be useful to establish ex situ conservation strategies for these species, which should be complemented with in situ conservation actions.
Utilidad clínica de los biomarcadores óseos: un desafío a la variabilidad
Authors: Filella Xavier , Guañabens Núria
Published: July 2023

Los biomarcadores óseos son un conjunto de sustancias que son liberadas a la circulación sanguínea durante el proceso de formación y/o resorción ósea y que podemos medir en sangre y orina para obtener información sobre los trastornos metabólicos del hueso. La revisión traza una perspectiva sobre los factores que influyen en la variabilidad de los biomarcadores óseos y describe los aspectos a considerar para reducirla al máximo e interpretar los resultados de manera adecuada. La variabilidad que podemos observar en la concentración de los biomarcadores óseos engloba diversos aspectos que abarcan desde su variabilidad biológica y la variabilidad de los ensayos empleados en su medida hasta la variabilidad derivada de la influencia de numerosos factores, entre los cuales el sexo, la edad, el ejercicio, su ritmo circadiano o la dieta. Todo ello se refleja en la dificultad de establecer valores de referencia precisos. El conocimiento de esta variabilidad es el primer desafío que debe afrontar su empleo en la práctica clínica. Es necesario minimizar la variabilidad de los biomarcadores óseos controlando el máximo de variables que sea posible, así como estandarizando la preparación del paciente antes de la toma de las muestras, así como su obtención y manejo.
Idiosyncratic Shocks, Lumpy Investment and the Monetary Transmission Mechanism
Authors: Reiter Michael , Sveen Tommy , Weinke Lutz
Published: July 2023

Standard (S, s) models of lumpy investment allow us to match many aspects of the micro data, but it is well known that the implied interest rate sensitivity of investment is unrealistically large. In fact, the micro-level lumpiness in investment puts empirical discipline on the modeling of investment decisions, and this makes it hard to explain the monetary policy transmission mechanism.
Is language an issue? Accuracy of the German computerized diagnostic decision support system ISABEL and cross-validation with the English counterpart
Authors: Marcin Thimo , Lüthi Ailin , Graf Ronny R. , Krummrey Gert , Schauber Stefan K. , Breakey Neal , Hautz Wolf E. , Hautz Stefanie C.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Existing computerized diagnostic decision support tools (CDDS) accurately return possible differential diagnoses (DDx) based on the clinical information provided. The German versions of the CDDS tools for clinicians (Isabel Pro) and patients (Isabel Symptom Checker) from ISABEL Healthcare have not been validated yet.

Methods

We entered clinical features of 50 patient vignettes taken from an emergency medical text book and 50 real cases with a confirmed diagnosis derived from the electronic health record (EHR) of a large academic Swiss emergency room into the German versions of Isabel Pro and Isabel Symptom Checker. We analysed the proportion of DDx lists that included the correct diagnosis.

Results

Isabel Pro and Symptom Checker provided the correct diagnosis in 82 and 71 % of the cases, respectively. Overall, the correct diagnosis was ranked in 71 , 61 and 37 % of the cases within the top 20, 10 and 3 of the provided DDx when using Isabel Pro. In general, accuracy was higher with vignettes than ED cases, i.e. listed the correct diagnosis more often (non-significant) and ranked the diagnosis significantly more often within the top 20, 10 and 3. On average, 38 ± 4.5 DDx were provided by Isabel Pro and Symptom Checker.

Conclusions

The German versions of Isabel achieved a somewhat lower accuracy compared to previous studies of the English version. The accuracy decreases substantially when the position in the suggested DDx list is taken into account. Whether Isabel Pro is accurate enough to improve diagnostic quality in clinical ED routine needs further investigation.
Influence of fractures in tight sandstone oil reservoir on hydrocarbon accumulation: A case study of Yanchang Formation in southeastern Ordos Basin
Authors: Zhang Zaiyu , Liu Weiwei , Wu Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

The southwestern Ordos Basin is located at the junction of several stable plates, where faults and fractures are relatively developed, and the influence of fractures on the distribution of tight oil reservoirs in the Yanchang Formation is not clear. To solve this problem, the characteristics of fracture development of the Yanchang Formation, southwestern Ordos Basin and its control on hydrocarbon accumulation have been systematically studied using the core, thin section, well logging, productivity, fault and sand body distribution data. The results show that vertical and horizontal bedding fractures are much more developed in the Chang 8 Member compared with the Chang 6 and 7 Members. For horizontal bedding fractures, they are mainly developed in fine sandstone, followed by siltstone, while no horizontal bedding fractures are observed in medium sandstone. This is because horizontal bedding fractures are more common in fine-grained sediments. For vertical fractures, they are also mainly developed in fine sandstone. The controlling factors of fractures include lithology, sand body thickness, sedimentary microfacies and fault–fracture coupling relationship. Fractures are well developed in the fine-grained sandstone of the wing parts of the main river channel due to small compacted space. In the area where multiple river channels intersect, the sand is pure and easy to break. Based on the comprehensive study of sedimentation, structure and fracture, the classification criteria of sweet point reservoir of the Yanchang Formation are determined: sedimentary microfacies of the main river channel and its wing, tectonic location within 1.5 km from the main fault, plane arrangement of right-lateral and right-order faults and developed fractures. The sweet point reservoir can be identified effectively using the developed sweet point screening criteria.
Broadband synchronization of ultrafast pulse generation with double-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zheng Jiancheng , Li Diao , Liu Peng , Cui Xiaoqi , Zhang Bin , Geng Wei , Zhang Qiang , Xu Zhenyu , Kauppinen Esko I. , Sun Zhipei
Published: July 2023

Double-walled carbon nanotubes have shown competitive properties in broadband optical pulse generation owning to the intrinsic electronic properties. Synchronization of ultrafast optical pulses in multiple wavelengths is a key technique for numerous applications, such as nonlinear frequency conversion, ultrafast pump-probe, coherent Raman scattering spectroscopy, coherent optical synthesis, etc. In this work, we demonstrate the mode-locking and synchronization of 1.55 µm pulses with 1 µm and 1.9 µm pulses via a single saturable absorber based on double-walled carbon nanotubes. The large optical nonlinearity and broadband optical absorption in the double-walled carbon nanotubes enable independent and synchronized mode-locking in >900 nm bandwidth. In addition, we present a creative concept to realize multi-wavelength synchronization from a single laser system. Our results demonstrate a straightforward and feasible approach towards pulse synchronization over ultra-broad bandwidth with flexible wavelength selection in the near-infrared region.
Dansyl based selective fluorescence sensor for Hg in aqueous environment: an experimental and computational studies
Authors: Qureshi Naseem , Ali Mahar , Shah Shahen , Hussain Manzoor , Hassan Mehdi , Khan Hawas , Ibrahim Sobhy M. , Iqbal Munawar , Nazir Arif , Younas Umer
Published: July 2023

The selective fluorescence sensors are used for the analysis of toxic pollutants in the environment. In this study, phenol dansyl amide (PDA) was prepared as highly stable fluorescence ligand by using nucleophilic substitution reaction. Its interaction with eighteen different cations including Hg2+ and series of anions were investigated by using UV-visible and fluorescent spectrophotometry. However, PDA significantly indicated high sensitivity and selective quenching effect towards mercury ion. Furthermore, Density Functional Theory (DFT) along with the B3LYP method was implemented to explore minimum energy complex and fluorescence mechanism. The computed results revealed that among four possible optimized complexes of PDA and Hg+ ion, the first complex (PDA-Hg2+–I) was observed to be the most stable complex with the estimated energy difference of 8.91 kcal/mol and intermolecular charge transfer mechanism was observed in the same complex by HOMO and LUMO computation.
Aging and cancer hallmarks as therapeutic targets
Authors: Wang Jingchao , Wei Jonathan , Inuzuka Hiroyuki
Published: July 2023

The prevalence of age-related diseases has been progressively increasing worldwide. The pathogenesis of these disorders, including cancer, is closely associated with an age-dependent decline in cellular functions. There are multiple layers of crosstalk between aging processes and oncogenesis. Therefore, a better understanding of the interplay between aging and cancer will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic intervention strategies for malignancies at advanced ages. Recent review articles have concisely summarized and updated aging and cancer hallmark features and adequately discussed the interplays at both the cellular and molecular levels. Because aging and cancer share several key mechanisms that define the hallmarks, targeting shared features, such as cellular senescence, may be beneficial for cancer prevention and treatments. Notably, senolysis, an innovative therapeutic intervention for selectively removing senescent cells, holds great promise for developing new therapeutic approaches for cancers and other age-related diseases, such as viral infections and cardiovascular diseases. Herein we briefly summarize the recently updated knowledge on aging and cancer hallmarks, as well as the advances in senolysis for age-related conditions.
Project notes Brazilians in Israel, oral history and virtual exhibitions
Authors: Russi Adriana
Published: July 2023

The community of Brazilian immigrants in Israel is made up of around 17,000 people. The first of them began to immigrate in the 1950s, motivated by Zionism and willing to build the young State of Israel that was being formed at the time. Unlike other groups of immigrants, who have locus in places of memory such as ethnographic museums to represent their communities, Brazilians still do not have a place to narrate their trajectory and diversity. There are also few studies on this group. In view of this, in 2020 a group of Brazilian and Israeli researchers conceived the Brazilians in Israel project: memories and diversity. Among the objectives of this interinstitutional initiative, emphasis on the collection and preservation of the life stories of these Brazilians who immigrated to Israel at different times and motivated by numerous factors. The necessary dissemination of these oral histories imposed some challenges on the project. Among them, to reflect on strategies to guarantee, on the one hand, visibility to the Brazilian community in a contemporary language and, on the other hand, accessibility. For this, museological communication in the form of an exhibition in cyberspace was chosen. This brief report presents the aforementioned project, its paths and some aspects related to virtual exhibitions. Among them, to reflect on strategies to guarantee, on the one hand, visibility to the Brazilian community in a contemporary language and, on the other hand, accessibility. For this, museological communication in the form of an exhibition in cyberspace was chosen. This brief report presents the aforementioned project, its paths and some aspects related to virtual exhibitions. Among them, to reflect on strategies to guarantee, on the one hand, visibility to the Brazilian community in a contemporary language and, on the other hand, accessibility. For this, museological communication in the form of an exhibition in cyberspace was chosen. This brief report presents the aforementioned project, its paths and some aspects related to virtual exhibitions.
Komal distribution with properties and application in survival analysis
Authors: Shanker Rama
Published: July 2023

The modeling and analysis of lifetime data are becoming a challenge for the statistician and policy makers because the lifetime data are in general stochastic in nature. During recent decades several one parameter lifetime distributions have been proposed by researchers but they are not suitable due to the nature of the distribution and the stochastic nature of the data. In this paper an attempt has been made to propose a new one parameter lifetime distribution named Komal distribution. The statistical properties, estimation of parameter and application of the distribution to a lifetime dataset have been presented.
Weighted Adya distribution with properties and application
Authors: Shanker Rama , Kumar Shukla Kamlesh
Published: July 2023

In this paper a weighted version of Adya distribution which includes Adya distribution has been suggested for modeling lifetime data. The natures of descriptive statistics including coefficients of variation, skewness, kurtosis, and index of dispersion have been studied. The reliability measures including hazard rate function, reversed hazard rate function, mean residual life function and stochastic ordering have been studied. Method of maximum likelihood estimation has been discussed for estimating the parameters. A simulation study has been presented to know the performance of maximum likelihood estimates of parameters. The goodness of fit of the proposed distribution has been explained with a real lifetime data