bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a Circular Arc Electron Source for a Self-Neutralizing Air-Breathing Plasma Thruster
Authors: Taploo Anmol , Soni Vikas , Solomon Halen , McCraw Marshall , Lin Li , Spinelli Jake , Shepard Steven P. , Solares Santiago D. , Keidar Michael
Published: July 2023

The paper presents an enhanced version of a circular arc electron source designed for air ionization applications in a self-neutralizing air-breathing plasma thruster. The arc electron source is specifically suited for the air-breathing plasma thruster, as it allows precise control of electron energy levels. This paper focuses on the ionization aspects of air-breathing thrusters through the development of a radially magnetized arc electron source. This source consists of a circular configuration of a metallic arc plasma source coupled with a positively biased grid to extract electrons and control electron energy. The average energy of electrons in the circular arc electron source is regulated by adjusting the bias voltage of the grid within the range of 0 V – 300 V. To investigate the behavior of ion current density and electron density concerning pressure and electron energy, the current probe and magnetic filter were utilized. It was demonstrated that the radial electron source leads to enhanced ionization of airflow by achieving plasma densities greater than 1018 m− 3. By utilizing a high-speed camera, the arc spot was seen to move azimuthally due to the magnetic field. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy and a conductance measurement system were employed to examine the deposition and conductance of the electron extraction grid. While the grid underwent deposition of about 600 microns, the conductance was observed to increase/saturate with time and bias voltage, indicating an electrically “self-healing material”.
Streamlining Robotic-Assisted Abdominoperineal Resection
Authors: Yamada Kazunosuke , Imaizumi Jun , Kato Ryuji , Takada Takahiro , Ojima Hitoshi
Published: July 2023

Background Robot-assisted surgery has proven to be a safe and feasible approach for the management of rectal cancer, including abdominoperineal resection (APR). However,it often incurs longer operative times and higher costs. This study aimed to overcome these limitations by adopting a synchronous approach utilizing an optimized team composition.
Methods Data on patients who underwent robot-assisted APR at our facility between June 2022 and June 2023 were analyzed. The key points of the optimized approach included the following: At the start of the surgery, the surgeon performed an anococcygeal ligament resection from the perineal side while the bedside assistants set up the ports. Then, through console manipulation, the presacral fascia, elevated by previously placed gauze, waseasily and safely incised, providing access to the perineal region.
Results A total of nine patients were included in this study. The median operation time was 231 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 170 ml. The operation time was reduced to 167.5 min, and the blood loss was 80.5 ml in cases without a trainee. Surgical site infections, classified as Clavien–Dindo grade II complications, were observed in two cases, but no obvious urinary or erectile dysfunction was observed.
Conclusion The study results indicate that the challenges associated with APR can be efficiently addressed without requiring additional personnel by streamlining team composition and the synchronous approach. This may lead to reduced operation time and enhanced cost-effectiveness.
Exploring the Integration of Blockchain and Distributed DevOps for Secure, Transparent, and Traceable Software Development
Authors: Qureshi Junaid Nasir , Farooq Muhammad Shoaib , Ali Usman , farooq Uzma , Shaheen Momina
Published: July 2023

Distributed DevOps is a software development methodology that aims to integrate the work of development and operations teams without being bound by geographical constraints. This methodology excels in enhancing collaboration and the speed of software development. However, it does suffer from a lack of security, transparency, and traceability, which can result in project delays, a lack of trust between stakeholders, and even project failure. This paper addresses these issues of Distributed DevOps by implementing Blockchain technology. In this paper, we propose a framework that utilizes the benefits of blockchain technology to eliminate the shortcomings of Distributed DevOps. We present performance results that show the effectiveness of our framework in a real-world scenario, highlighting its ability to improve transparency, traceability, and the security of the DevOps pipeline. In conclusion, our research contributes to the growing literature on the intersection of blockchain and DevOps. It provides a practical framework for organizations looking to leverage blockchain technology to improve their development processes.
HIV-1 drug resistance and genetic transmission network among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS in Ningbo, China between 2018 and 2021
Authors: Hong Hang , Tang Chunlan , Liu Yuhui , Jiang Haibo , Fang Ting , Xu Guozhang
Published: July 2023

Background: As the HIV epidemic continues to grow, transmitted drug resistance(TDR) and determining relationship of HIV transmission are major barriers to reduce the risk of HIV transmissions.This study aimed to examine the molecular epidemiology and TDR and evaluated the transmission pattern among newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS(PLWHA) in Ningbo city, which could contribute to the development of targeted precision interventions.
Methods: Consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Ningbo City between January 2018 and December 2021. The HIV-1 pol gene region was amplified and sequenced for drug resistance and genetic transmission network analysis. TDR was determined using the Stanford University HIV Drug Resistance Database. Genetic transmission network was visualized using Cytoscape with the genetic distance threshold of 0.013.
Results: A total of 1006 sequences were sequenced successfully, of which 61 (6.1%) showed evidence of TDR. The most common mutations were K103N (2.3%), E138A/G/Q (1.7%) and V179D/E (1.2%). 12 HIV-1 genotypes were identified, with CRF07_BC being the major genotype (43.3%, 332/767), followed by CRF01_AE (33.7%, 339/1006). 444 (44.1%) pol sequences formed 856 links within 120 transmission clusters in the network. An increasing trend in clustering rate between 2018 and 2021(χ2=9.546, P=0.023) was observed. The odds of older age (≥60 years:OR =2.038, 95%CI=1.072~3.872, compared to <25 years), HIV-1 genotypes (CRF07_BC: OR=2.147, 95%CI=1.582~2.914; CRF55_01B:OR=2.217, 95%CI=1.201~4.091, compared to CRF01_AE) were significantly related to clustering. Compared with CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC were prone to form larger clusters. The largest cluster with CRF07_BC was increased from 15 cases in 2018 to 83 cases in 2021.
Conclusions: This study revealed distribution of HIV-1 genotypes, and genetic transmission network were diverse and complex in Ningbo city. The prevalence of TDR was moderate, and NVP and EFV were high-level NNRTI resistance. Individuals aged≥60 years old were more easily detected in the networks and CRF07_BC were prone to form rapid growth and larger clusters. These date suggested that surveillance and comprehensive intervention should be designed for key rapid growth clusters to reduce the potential risk factors of HIV-1 transmission.
Asymmetric post-translational modifications regulate the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers in response to leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Diallo Mickael , Alves Daniela Martins , Letra-Vilela Ricardo , Murtinheira Fernanda , Costa André Abrantes , Martin Vanesa , Rodriguez Carmen , Rodrigues Mário S. , Herrera Federico
Published: July 2023

STAT3 is a pleiotropic transcription factor overactivated in 70% of solid tumours. We have recently reported that inactivating mutations on residues susceptible to post-translational modifications (PTMs) in only one of the monomers (i.e. asymmetric) caused changes in the cellular distribution of STAT3 homodimers. Here, we used more controlled experimental conditions, i.e. without the interference of endogenous STAT3 (STAT3-/- HeLa cells) and in the presence of a defined cytokine stimulus (Leukemia Inhibitory Factor, LIF), to provide further evidence that asymmetric PTMs affect the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers. Time-lapse microscopy for 20 minutes after LIF stimulation showed that S727 dephosphorylation (S727A) and K685 inactivation (K685R) slightly enhanced the nuclear translocation of STAT3 homodimers, while K49 inactivation (K49R) delayed STAT3 nuclear translocation. Our findings suggest that asymmetrically modified STAT3 homodimers could be a new level of STAT3 regulation and, therefore, a potential target for cancer therapy.
“Why would you open someone’s brain up?” Lived experience insights inform a psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy treatment manual for body image disturbance
Authors: Finkelstein Claire , Soha Olivia , Roy Alana , Phillipou Andrea , Rossell Susan
Published: July 2023

Background:
Body Image Disturbance (BID) is the distorted experience of one’s body. BID presents a risk for the onset, maintenance and relapse of body dysmorphic disorder and eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa (AN). Current treatments tend to focus on the cognitive and behavioural aspects while overlooking the perceptual symptoms and BID frequently persists beyond physical recovery. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) may bridge the gap in current BID treatments by addressing perceptual and affective symptoms. This study sought to inform the development of a PAP treatment manual for BID in AN, through a co-design process informed by individuals with lived/living experience of AN.
Methods:
A Lived Experience Panel (LEAP) comprising six adult women who had a lived or living experience of AN and associated BID were presented with the proposed treatment protocol, including therapeutic interventions, and invited to provide feedback. An experiential, relativist framework informed reflexive thematic analysis of the LEAP data.
Results:
Reflexive thematic analysis of the LEAP data identified three central themes: enduring uncertainty; managing internal experience, and ambivalence in recovery. The LEAP also proposed strategies to address the challenges they identified and enhance the treatment manual more broadly.
Conclusions:
The LEAP identified challenges associated with intolerance of uncertainty, harm avoidance, alexithymia, and interoceptive impairment. The LEAP provided feedback that directly informed adaptations to the PAP treatment manual, including graduated interventions, the inclusion of nominated supports, and comprehensive psychoeducation for participants and their supports. Accordingly, a PAP treatment manual to treat BID for individuals with AN has been developed through lived experience co-design.
Delineation of the central retinal artery using computed tomography: a pilot study
Authors: Inaba Toshihisa , Tsutsumi Satoshi , Sugiyama Natsuki , Ueno Hideaki , Omino Takashi , Ishii Hisato
Published: July 2023

Purpose
The prospective study aimed to examine the central retinal artery (CRA) using computed tomography (CT).
Materials and Methods
Seventy adult outpatients were enrolled in the study. The patients underwent contrast-enhanced CT. The scan timing was set to start 5.0 s after the circle of Willis began to be delineated.
Results
The ophthalmic arteries (OphAs) were comfortably delineated in all. In 97% of the patients, the CRA was delineated from the original site on the OphA to a more distal segment coursing on the optic sheath. Unilateral and bilateral CRA delineations were observed in 44% and 53% of cases, respectively. The delineated CRAs demonstrated highly variable morphologies in terms of the course and length on the optic sheath. In addition, the distance between the original site of the CRA and the posterior limit of the bulb was measured. The mean distance was 18.6 ± 5.0 mm on the right and 17.8 ± 4.3 mm on the left, respectively. No significant right-to-left differences in the measurements (p > 0.05) were observed.
Conclusions
If optimal scan timing is adopted, the CRA segments coursing on the optic sheath can be delineated using contrast-enhanced CT. CT may be a useful diagnostic modality for the CRAs and associated pathological conditions.
PERP may affect the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting apoptosis
Authors: Liu Zhongxiang , Han Shuhua , Jiang Yongqian , Zhao Zhangyan , Ni Lingyu , Chai Linlin , Tang Haicheng
Published: July 2023

Background
PERP, a member of the peripheral myelin protein gene family, is a new therapeutic target in cancer. The relationships between PERP and immune cell infiltration in lung cancer have not been studied. Therefore, the role of PERP in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of lung cancer needs to be further explored.
Methods
In this study, we explored the association between PERP expression and clinical characteristics by analysing data from the TCGA database. Cox regression and Kaplan‒Meier methods were used to investigate the relationship between the expression of PERP and overall survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The relationship between PERP expression and the degree of infiltration of specific immune cell subsets in LUAD was evaluated using the TIMER database and GEPIA. We also performed GO enrichment analysis and KEGG enrichment analysis to reveal genes coexpressed with PERP using the Coexpedia database. Finally, we verified the expression and function of PERP in LUAD tissues and the A549 cell line by RT‒PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, IHC, and wound healing assays. The mouse model was used to study the in vivo effects of PERP.
Results
According to our results, PERP expression was significantly higher in LUAD tissues and associated with the clinical characteristics of the disease. Survival was independently associated with PERP in LUAD patients. We further verified that PERP might regulate B-cell infiltration in LUAD to affect the prognosis of LUAD. To identify PERP-related signalling pathways in LUAD, we performed a genome-aggregation analysis (GSEA) between low and high PERP expression datasets. LUAD cells express higher levels of PERP than paracarcinoma cells, and PERP inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of A549 cells through apoptosis.
Conclusions
PERP may affect the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma by inhibiting apoptosis and is associated with immune cell infiltration.
New insights on philicity through shannon’s entropy
Authors: Flores-Gallegos Nelson , Morales-Bayuelo Alejandro
Published: July 2023

This manuscript discusses the application of Conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) to understand chemical reactivity and site selectivity in molecular systems. It involves global chemical reactivity indices such as chemical potential, global hardness, global softness, electronegativity, and electrophilicity. Fukui Function (FF) and local softness are also explored for probing local reactivity and site selectivity. The concept of electrophilicity and its relation to the Fukui functions is discussed. In this vein, this work proposes to study the `philicity' concept and explore its relationship with Shannon's entropy, which is a measure of electron interactions in quantum chemistry. In this order of ideas, this work establish a relationship between philicity and Shannon's entropy and discuss how this can provide insights into chemical reactivity and the susceptibility of a molecule to react. Numerical results are presented for a set of molecules, and a comparison is made between the proposed philicity concept and well-known hardness indices. It is shown that philicity and hardness exhibit similar trends, suggesting that philicity can be a useful descriptor for chemical reactivity. Graphical representations of the electron density distribution, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP), and Laplacian of the electron density for selected molecules are also provided to support the discussion. The numerical results and graphical representations demonstrate the potential usefulness of our proposal as a descriptor for predicting chemical reactivity trends in molecules.
Co-CNT/TiO2 composites effectively improved the photocatalytic degradation of malachite green
Authors: Zhang Meifang , Liang XiangFei , Liu Yi
Published: July 2023

Although tremendous progress has recently been made in multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and titania. However, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency is still greatly limited by the ideal cobalt dopant concentration and temperature. Herein, Co-CNT/TiO2 composites were used to improve the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of malachite green (MG) solution. Consequently, compared to the binary CNT/TiO2 and pure TiO2 samples, the ternary Co-CNT/TiO2 samples had much better photocatalytic activity. The sample calcined at 500°C showed better reactivity, and the ideal cobalt dopant concentration was 0.5% for the highest photocatalytic degradation.
Analysis of Adulteration Dog Meat in Beef Sausages Using FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Wirnawati Wirnawati , Lestari Dwi , Rohman Abdul , Andayani Regina , Hamidi Dachriyanus
Published: July 2023

One of the most important issues in Indonesia where the majority of the population is Muslim is halal, especially in terms of food, one of which is meat and its preparations. Beef Sausage is a good source of protein and is liked by almost everyone, but due to the high price difference of halal meat in the market, to keep the price low, some manufacturers cheat by trying to adulterate beef with dog meat. The aim of this study was to explore whether dog meat can be detected and measured in beef sausage formulations using FTIR and PLS spectroscopy by analyzing fat derived from dog meat. Lipid in the beef sausage was obtained by extraction using the Soxhlet method, the solvent used was petroleum benzene. FTIR spectroscopy was then used to investigate the lipid components in the 4000–650 cm-1 spectrum using TQ analysis. Qualitative chemometric analysis was performed using discriminant analysis (DA), while quantitative chemometric analysis was performed using the partial least squares (PLS) technique and principal component regression (PCR) method. The results showed that wave numbers 1800–850 cm−1 were chosen to distinguish between beef sausage and sausage adulterated with dog meat using linear chemometric discriminant analysis (LDA). With 100% accuracy, LDA was successfully used to categorize lipid elements isolated by Soxhlet extraction, lipids from beef sausages, lipids from dog sausages, and mixtures of dog and beef sausages. For the detection and measurement of dog meat in beef sausage formulations, FTIR spectra and chemometrics can produce accurate findings.
Iron alloying improved electrocatalytic activity of Cu2Cu1-xFexSnS4 counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Li K. P. , Liu Z. Z. , Wang C. , Zhang Y. Q. , Yang X. B. , Zhou B. , Xie Z. X. , Duan Z. Q. , Hu Y. M.
Published: July 2023

Nanocrystalline Cu2Cu1 − xFexSnS4 (CCFTS) was prepared by a simple liquid-phase method. Conduction band shifts as well as the bandgap increase were observed in the as-prepared CCFTS. For the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with CCFTS counter electrodes (CEs), charge transfer impedance (Rct1) and short-circuit current (Jsc) were reduced by 64.54% and improved by 14.64% respectively compared with that with Fe-free Cu3SnS4 (CTS) CE. The enhancement of electron transfer through the CE/electrolyte interfaces indicates the improvement of electrocatalytic activity of the CEs for reduction of I3− to I−. As a consequence, photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.95% was obtained which is 1.25 times that of the cell with Fe-free CTS CE.
PRIDA, a protoplast-based assay for efficient identification of oxidative- and heat-stress regulatory genes
Authors: Lei Shanshan , Zeng Lingshuang , Jia Weiyu , Zhang Jing , Chi Yingjun , Xu Bin
Published: July 2023

Background: Rapidly identifying candidate genes potentially involved in stress tolerance is crucial for functional genetic studies in non-model plant species. Agrobacterium-based transient assays can be conducted in many plants using fleshy tissues such as leaf/fruit/petal. However, such assays are not feasible in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and most other grass species since these plants have no fleshy tissue to be readily infected.
Results: In this study, we developed a Protoplast-based Rapid stress regulatory gene Identification Assay (briefed as ‘PRIDA’) to rapidly identify genes in the regulation of plant heat and oxidative tolerance in perennial ryegrass. Using ryegrass mesophyll protoplasts, vectors harboring target genes or their RNAi hairpin structures driven under the maize ubiquitin promoter were transformed into protoplasts to transiently over-express or suppress the target genes. The transformed protoplasts were then subjected to optimized heat (35 to 37 ℃) or oxidative (50 to 75 mM H2O2) stress, and their viabilities were immediately recorded under a microscope after 0.1% Evans blue dye staining. The validity and reliability of PRIDA were verified by transiently knocking-down LpNOL/LpSGR and over-expressing LpTT3.1/LpTT3.2 that led to significantly compromised or enhanced protoplast viability after heat or H2O2-induced oxidative stresses. Finally, using ‘PRIDA’, we identified three heat-induced differentially expressed E3 ligase genes as potential regulators in plant heat and/or oxidative stress tolerance.
Conclusion: This protoplast-based ‘PRIDA’ can be used as a versatile assay to rapidly identify and characterize candidate regulatory genes in heat and oxidative stress that will accelerate molecular genetic studies in perennial ryegrass. This assay can be adapted to other non-model plant species after adjusting abiotic stress parameters for further research and the development of improved cultivars.
An enhanced, Robust, adaptive Kalman filter for continuous urban navigation with low-cost sensors
Authors: Vana Sudha , Bisnath Sunil
Published: July 2023

Low-cost sensor navigation has been on the rise in the past decade with the onset of many modern applications that demand decimetre-level accuracy using mass market sensors. The key advantage of Precise Pointing Positioning (PPP) technique over Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) is the non-requirement of local infrastructure and still being able to attain decimetre to sub-metre level accuracy while using mass market low-cost sensors. Achieving dm to submetre-level accuracy is a challenge in urban environments. Therefore, adaptive filtering needs to be implemented along with low-cost sensors motion based constraining and atmosphere constraints. The traditional robust adaptive Kalman filter (RAKF) uses empirical limits that are derived by analyzing the GNSS receiver data beforehand to determine when the adaptive factor needs to be applied. In this research, a novel technique is proposed to determine the adaptive factor computation based on the detection of increase in the number of satellite signals after a partial outage, independent of using the traditional empirical values. The proposed method provides 38-55% better accuracy than the traditional RAKF and proves to be a significant improvement for the next generation applications, such as low-autonomous, virtual reality and others.
A new multilevel image thresholding algorithm based on image partitioning approach with metaheuristic parameter for segmentation
Authors: Thapliyal Shivankur , Kumar Narender
Published: July 2023

The multilevel threshold technique of image segmentation is a popular and intriguing domain in the field of image vision and has received a lot of attention in several image processing applications due to its use in numerous image applications for assisting with a variety of problems. The key issue in this domain is figuring out the optimal number of thresholds and their values due to the limitations of conventional algorithms, such as fixed threshold values, a lack of adaptability, manual parameter setting, and a lack of contextual information. In order to deal with this problem, a new multilevel thresholding (MLT) algorithm (IP-MH-MLT) has been proposed in this paper. It is based on the image partitioning (IP) approach and has a few parameters that are computed using any metaheuristic (MH) technique, and the remaining parameters are evaluated through image characteristics. In this paper, for the metaheuristic parameter, a swarm-based metaheuristic called Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is taken into consideration due to its numerous features, such as simplicity and ease of implementation, efficient convergence speed, and limited computational complexity. The performance of the proposed algorithm has been validated on a set of fifteen benchmark images using various thresholds and compared quantitatively in terms of a number of performance metrics, including structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), with eight different metaheuristic algorithms. In order to examine the proposed algorithm qualitatively, Friedman ranking tests are carried out on the proposed algorithm over other comparable algorithms. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and competitive performance of the proposed algorithm.
The clinical and radiographic resuls of oblique lateral internal fusion combined with percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Liu Chen , Gen Ying , Li Yifeng
Published: July 2023

Backgrounds Oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) has been a popular technique for the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. Previous studies have shown its efficiency in lumbar spinal stenosis. But few studies have reported its application of severe lumbar spinal stenosis. The purpose the of study is to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcome of OLIF with percutaneous pedicle screws in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods Fifteen patients who underwent OLIF with percutaneous pedicle screws were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were diagnosed as severe lumbar stenosis (Schizas grade C or D) through preoperative magnetic resonance image and recieved OLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screws surgery. Clinical outcomes including visual analogue scale (VAS)-back and and VAS-leg scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were evaluated before surgery and at last follow-up. Mean disc height (DH), mean foraminal height (FH), segmental lumbar lordosis (SLL) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of spinal canal were compared before and after surgery and at the last follow-up. Intraoperative data, complications and fusion rate were also investigated. Results OLIF combined with percutaneous pedicle screws was performed in 18 segments in 15 patients. Mean follow-up was 23.1 ± 4.6 months (range, 12–34 months). VAS-back, VAS-leg, and ODI scores were significantly better at last follow-up. DH increased from 8.86 ± 3.06 mm before surgery to 13.31 ± 2.14 mm after; at last follow-up, DH was 11.69 ± 1.87 mm. FH increased from 17.85 ± 2.26 mm before surgery to 22.09 ± 1.36 mm after; at last follow-up, FH was 20.41 ± 0.99 mm. CSA of spinal canal increased from 30.83 ± 21.15 mm2 before surgery to 74.99 ± 33.65 mm2 after operation and 81.22 ± 35.53 mm2 at last follow-up. The segmental LL before surgery, after surgery and at last follow-up were 20.27 ± 6.25 degrees, 20.83 ± 6.52 degrees and 19.75 ± 5.87 degrees, respectively. All patients have gained fusion at last follow-up. Conclusions OLIF with percutaneous pedicle screws could achieve satisfactory clinical and radiographic effect through indirect compression by increasing DH, FH and CSA of spinal canal, and it could be regarded as an appropriate approach for severe lumbar stenosis patients.
Reaction hijacking inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum asparagine tRNA synthetase
Authors: Tilley Leann , Xie Stanley , Wang Yinuo , Morton Craig , Metcalfe Riley , Dogovski Con , Pasaje Charisse Flerida , Dunn Elyse , Luth Madeline , Kumpornsin Krittikorn , Istvan Eva , Park Joon , Fairhurst Katie , Yeo Tomas , Yildirim Okan , Bhebhe Mathamsanqa , Klug Dana , Rutledge Peter , Godoy Luiz , Dey Sumanta , De Souza Mariana , Siqueira-Neto Jair , Ketprasit Nutpakal , Du Yawei , Amini Mona , Shami Gerald , Nie Shuai , Williamson Nicholas , Jana Gouranga , Maity Bikash , Thomson Patrick , Foley Thomas , Loesbanluechai Duangkamon , Puhalovich Tanya , Tan Derek , Niles Jacquin , Han Byung Woo , Goldberg Daniel , Burrows Jeremy , Fidock David , Lee Marcus , Winzeler Elizabeth , Griffin Michael , Todd Matthew
Published: July 2023

Malaria poses an enormous threat to human health. With ever increasing resistance to currently deployed drugs, breakthrough compounds with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed. Here, we explore pyrimidine-based sulfonamides as a new low molecular weight inhibitor class with drug-like physical parameters and a synthetically accessible scaffold. We show that the exemplar, OSM-S-106, has potent activity against parasite cultures, low mammalian cell toxicity and low propensity for resistance development. In vitro evolution of resistance using a slow ramp-up approach pointed to the Plasmodium falciparum cytoplasmic asparaginyl tRNA synthetase (PfAsnRS) as the target, consistent with our finding that OSM-S-106 inhibits protein translation and activates the amino acid starvation response. Targeted mass spectrometry confirms that OSM-S-106 is a pro-inhibitor and that inhibition of PfAsnRS occurs via enzyme-mediated production of an Asn-OSM-S-106 adduct. Human AsnRS is much less susceptible to this reaction hijacking mechanism. X-ray crystallographic studies of human AsnRS in complex with inhibitor adducts and docking of pro-inhibitors into a model of Asn-tRNA-bound PfAsnRS provide insights into the structure activity relationship and the selectivity mechanism.
TiRobot-assisted channel screw fixation for elderly patients with fragility fractures of the pelvis: A retrospective study
Authors: Xing Baorui , Zhang Yadi , Hou Xiuxiu , Qi Xiangbei
Published: July 2023

Objective
The incidence of fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP) in the elderly population is increasing, and FFP that require fixation are a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of TiRobot-assisted channel screws fixation in the treatment of elderly FFP patients.
Method
Between May 2020 and September 2022, 46 elderly FFP patients were separately treated using channel screws fixation assisted by the TiRobot (TiRobot-assisted group) and conventional freehand surgery (freehand group). Postoperative outcomes between groups, including excellent and good fracture reduction based on Matta criteria and screw implantation accuracy based on Gras criteria, were compared. Changes in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score and the Majeed score (reflecting functional recovery) were recorded and compared between groups before and after surgery and during the 24-week of follow-up.
Results
A total of 90 screws were placed in all patients. Fifty-one screws were implanted in the TiRobot-assisted group (24 patients) and 39 screws (22 patients) in the freehand group. There were no screw-related complications or revision surgery in any group. The Matta value of TiRobot-assisted group was 5.13 ± 3.52, which was significantly lower than that of freehand group (9.00 ± 3.68); the excellent and good rate of the former (91.67%) was significantly higher than that of the latter (72.73%), and the differences were statistically significant (p = 0.0007; p < 0.001). In terms of screw placement, the accuracy rate was 100% in the TiRobot-assisted group, better than that in the freehand group where it was only 85.7% (p < 0.001). At each time point in the early postoperative period, the VAS score of the TiRobot-assisted group was significantly lower than that of the freehand group (all p < 0.05), and was close to consistent by the last follow-up. While the Majeed score of the former was significantly higher than that of the latter at each time point of follow-up; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (all p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
TiRobot-assisted channel screw fixation of elderly FFP patients is advantageous over conventional freehand surgery, with less invasion, more precise positioning, more accurate screw placement, better fracture reduction, early pain relief and rapid recovery, suggesting that it is a better method to stabilize FFP in the elderly population.
Ethnobotanical and biochemical features of Sesbania sesban L. Merr., a nitrogen-fixing plant native to the Republic of Chad
Authors: Mahamat Ousman Brahim , Younes Saoud , Otchom Boy Brahim , Franzel Steve , Hidjazi Al-Djazouli Ouchar Mahamat , Soumaya El Ismaili
Published: July 2023

This study reports on a literature review of the leguminous tree Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr, which is found in the N'Djamena region, the Republic of Chad. The study focused on S. sesban’s phytochemical features and its use as a medicine and fodder to assist in future evaluations. A literature review using international academic websites, such as Science Direct, Springer, Nature, plant databases, and data from national herbaria was done. S. sesban is a perennial shrub or tree that measures 3–4 meters in height. This species is becoming rare in Ndjamena but can be found in some gardens of some institutions in Ndjamena such as the Higher Institute of Educational Sciences (ISSED). The local inhabitants in Chad use the species as medicine, livestock feed, fuel-wood, and for improving soil fertility and repelling desert encroachment. Traditional healers use its leaves to treat breast cancer and edema. S. sesban is an essential species native to the Republic of Chad that needs conservation and valorization. Viewing its rarity in N’Djamena today, a strategy of replanting the species in gardens, homes, and fields around Ndjamena and other regions of Chad is recommended.
Studienerfolg durch aktive und passive Kontrollierbarkeit – Ein konzeptuelles Rahmenwerk zur Barrierefreiheit seheingeschränkter Studierender
Authors: Möhring Monika Maria
Published: July 2023

Die Inklusion blinder und seheingeschränkter Studierender in den Lehralltag stellt besonders bei technischen und naturwissenschaftlichen Studiengängen eine Herausforderung dar. Die Situation soll sowohl durch fremde Hilfe – also extern – als auch soweit wie möglich durch diese Studierenden eigenständig – also intern – kontrollierbar sein. Die Beherrschbarkeit wird in der Hauptsache durch digitale Barrierefreiheit mit Software- und Hardwareunterstützung hergestellt. Zusätzlich kommt eine Reihe organisatorischer und räumlich bezogener Hilfestellungen zum Einsatz. Für die vollständige Berücksichtigung der externen und internen Kontrollierbarkeit wird das Konzept des Lebenszyklusmanagements herangezogen. Anhand einer Maßnahmen-Matrix zeigt dieses Best-Practice-Rahmenwerk, welche Maßnahmen zur Kontrollierbarkeit entlang des Studierendenlebenszyklus‘ führen können.
SHUFFLE – Hochschulinitiative digitale Barrierefreiheit für Alle: Vorhaben und Visionen
Authors: Stormer Christin , Kalemba Samira , Brunner Georg , Hennies Johannes , Johannfunke Michael , Kamin Anna-Maria , Kersken Verena , Zimmermann Gottfried
Published: July 2023

Das Verbundprojekt SHUFFLE (Hochschulinitiative digitale Barrierefreiheit für Alle) widmet sich der digitalen Barrierefreiheit an Hochschulen. Der Schwerpunkt des Projekts liegt dabei auf der chancengerechten Teilhabe an digitaler Lehre für Studierende mit individuellen Bedarfen. SHUFFLE folgt dem Konzept des Universal Design for Learning und entwickelt Maßnahmen für Online- und Hybridveranstaltungen in einem studierenden- und lehrendenzentrierten Ansatz. Diese werden pilotartig skaliert, technisch und didaktisch evaluiert und in einem Reifegradmodell zusammengefasst.
Wissenschaftsdiskurs für Alle – Wissenschaftliche Poster zugänglich gestalten
Authors: Schütt Marie-Luise , Klippel Josefine
Published: July 2023

Wissenschaftliche Poster (und die Posterpräsentation) sind wesentlicher Bestandteil zahlreicher (Online-)Tagungen und Kongresse. Schließlich bieten wissenschaftliche Poster die Möglichkeit, Sachverhalte oder Ergebnisse aktueller Forschung auf einfache und prägnante Weise an Interessierte weiterzugeben. Allerdings sind wissenschaftliche Poster mit erläuternden Abbildungen und Visualisierungen ausgestattet. Schließlich sollen Interessierte über die wesentlichen Informationen zum Forschungsvorhaben (Ausgangspunkt, Methode, Ergebnisse und Ausblick) „im Vorbeilaufen“ in Kenntnis gesetzt werden. Insbesondere für Personen mit Beeinträchtigung des Sehens und Blindheit kann dies zu Problemen führen. Aber auch interessierte Personen, die eine Auseinandersetzung mittels des auditiven Kanals bevorzugen, sind benachteiligt. Daher gilt es, Alternativen bereitzustellen. Im Beitrag soll an einem Beispiel vorgestellt werden, wie mithilfe von Q R-Codes, Alternativtexten und Beschreibungen, eine barrierefrei(r)e Fassung des Posters zur Verfügung gestellt werden kann, um möglichst alle Nutzer*innen einzubeziehen.
Barrierefreie Brücken zu eigenständiger Erkenntnis bauen – Wissenschafts- und bildtheoretisch fundierte Grundsatzüberlegungen zu Barrierefreiheit in Lehrmedien am Beispiel von Bildbeschreibungen
Authors: Trüper Christoph
Published: July 2023

Barrierefreie Lehrmedien sollen allen Studierenden ein selbstbestimmtes Studieren ermöglichen, das sie an selbstverantworteten Bildungsprozessen teilhaben lässt. Die zur Gewährleistung der Barrierefreiheit benötigten Zusatzinformationen erfordern jedoch genuine Übersetzungsprozesse, die fachlich nicht vollkommen neutral sein können. An dieser Stelle fließen nicht von den Lernenden kontrollierte, fremde Vorentscheidungen und didaktische Überlegungen mit ein. Der Beitrag erörtert diesbezüglich die Vereinbarkeit von intellektueller Eigenständigkeit und Barrierefreiheit im Rahmen einer (bild-)theoretisch und philosophisch orientierten Grundlagenreflexion. Dabei spielt die Problematik von Bildbeschreibungen eine zentrale Rolle, die an einem geschichtswissenschaftlichen Beispiel erläutert wird. Der Beitrag skizziert mögliche Lösungsansätze und benennt Implikationen für Medienumsetzungsservices und die Inklusionsbemühungen an Hochschulen.
Plant specificities in rRNA processing : from snoRNA to rRNA variations
Authors:   , Streit Deniz
Published: July 2023

The production of ribosomes is a complicated multistep, that is susceptible to changes occurring within the cell and its environment. The process itself requires many proteins, known as ribosome biogenesis factors (RBFs) and many non-coding RNAs like the small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs). While RBFs are required for the accurate processing of the pre-rRNA into mature rRNAs, the snoRNAs act to coordinate and guide enzymes for post-transcriptional modifications, chiefly 2´-O-ribose methylation and pseudouridylation. While ribosome biogenesis is mostly described in human and yeast model eucaryotes, similar detailed studies in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana are far less explored and understood. Furthermore, for many experimentally confirmed modification sites the according snoRNAs and for many pre-rRNA processing steps the responsible RBFs are missing. Therefore, it is expected that a high number of snoRNAs and RBFs are not identified till yet. For this reason, RNA-deep sequencing was performed in order to identify novel snoRNAs and MS analysis data of nucleoli and nuclei of A. thaliana from a former PhD student were used in order to find new proteins involved in pre-rRNA processing. In here, it is shown that with RNA deep-sequencing still new snoRNAs and snRNAs can be identified and that detection of predicted snoRNAs can be fulfilled with a) antisense oligonucleotides tagged with fluorescence dyes and b) with radioactive labeled antisense probes. Furthermore, a secondary structure map of the 60S and 40S subunit highlighting the predicted and moreover verified modification sites in 5.8S, 25S and 18S rRNA was created. Especially, the correlation between the modification sites and the guiding snoRNA is highlighted further shedding light on overview about current pre-rRNA modification sites and corresponding guiding snoRNAs. The next chapter reveals the complex and multi-layered existence of the 5.8S rRNA and its numerous precursors. The mutant prp24 (also known as seap1) encoding AtPRP24, is recognized as factor being important for splicing as it is promoting the recruitment of the U4 and U6 snRNAs to the spliceosome. In here, it was found that AtPRP24 is involved in processing of 5.8S rRNA precursors, recognizable by precursors that are over accumulating in the mutant. Moreover, it could be shown for the first time that the plant-specific precursor 5´-5.8S is exported to the cytoplasm, where final cleavage steps of 5.8S rRNA takes place. In the prp24.2 mutant, this precursor is exported at an increased rate to the cytoplasm, where it can be detected in the actively translating ribosomes (polysomes). A lower sensitivity of the mutant seeds to cycloheximide (CHX) suggests that due to the extension at the 5´-end of 5.8S, the structure of the 60S subunit has altered CHX binding. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance and complexity of 5.8S rRNA and its precursors for ribosome biogenesis and displays new insights into pre-rRNA processing in A. thaliana.
Silencing the Voices: Finding Conversas in the Inquisitorial Records
Authors: Arsić Ivana
Published: July 2023

The past decades have generated much discussion by archivists and historians surrounding the claim that archives and written documents on women’s lives cannot be examined separately since archives play crucial roles within the conceptual framework of women’s history. By researching women’s experiences preserved in archives, it has been demonstrated that their voices were frequently obscured within archival data. In order to reconstruct the lives of women in history, this paper will attempt to address quantitative, qualitative and methodological challenges that arise when power silences the voices of Judeo-Conversas (Christian women of Jewish origin) from the early modern crowns of Castile and Aragon. By unearthing Conversas’ religious experiences from written sources, mainly inquisitorial dossiers, and by applying theoretical framework defined by Michel-Rolph Trouillot, the author suggests that Conversas’ voices were silenced at four stages: first, when the sources were written; second, when these documents were assembled; third, when narratives were created; and finally, when history was written by historians.
The Patterns of Influence: LIWC Analysis of Leading News Portals' Impact and Communication Accommodation Theory on Twitter
Authors: Bojić Ljubiša
Published: July 2023

A quantitative analysis was conducted on the tweets of 20 leading Serbian mass media outlets and their followers during the three months from January 1 to March 30, 2021. The analysis, that encompassed more than 1 million tweets, was conducted using (a) Twitter API, (b) the Serbian version of LIWC linguistic dictionary, and (c) additional statistical analyses.  Analyses revealed that words related to affective processes (negative emotions), social processes (family and friends), perceptual processes (feel and hear), and personal concerns (work and religion) expressed in tweets of mass media were predictors of the same words in not necessarily related tweets of their followers. The research has shown that spread of psychological and linguistic patterns by media and social networking sites is not limited to negative emotions solely. This research highlights the significance of recommender systems, as they help to determine the content that social media users encounter on a personal level. The findings also indicate how we can address emerging and pressing issues that affect individuals' well-being and democratic capacity, such as echo chambers and polarization. The obtained findings are in line with the communication accommodation theory, emotional contagion theory and negativity bias. Limitations of the present research, future directions, and implications are discussed.
About the Semantic and Pragmatic Typology of Names Giving Protection from ‘the Evil Eye’: With Reference to an Ethnographic Record from Boljevac
Authors: Ivanović Milan
Published: July 2023

The semantic and pragmatic typology of protective names which we have previously proposed – with reference to the latest increase in the frequency of the name Vuk (originating from Serbian vuk ‘wolf’), registered in Montenegro and Serbia – is in this paper examined and complemented using an interdisciplinary method, starting from the record made by Savatije Grbić in 1909 in the then Boljevački District, where he worked as a teacher, about the names of babies born to Serbian families. Given in order to allegedly protect against demonic creatures and forces (such as witches and spells), the names were used until baptism, and in case of female newborns, they were: Cigančica ‘little Roma girl’ and Bulče ‘little Muslim girl, i.e. Turkish girl’, while in case of male newborns, they were: Turče ‘little Turk’, Čore ‘little girl?’ and Keža ‘weakling’?. By interpreting one by one the above names, and especially Čore and Keža, we examine the semantic aspect of the typology, deducing that these are the names whose alleged purpose was to ward off all that is demonic by way of deception (as opposed to names such as Vuk, whose alleged purpose was to ward off all that is demonic by way of intimidation). The pragmatic aspect of the typology, consisting of the previously proposed form only of the division into the only and additional protective names (for any use, or for all uses except for the official one), is hereby complemented – based not only on Grbić’s record, but also on ethnographic records from other locations within the Serbian ethnic area – by the division into generic and specific protective names (for all male or female children in the given region, or for each one individually), and by the division into temporary and permanent protective names (until baptism, i.e. any other milestone, or until the end of life), deducing that in the region surrounding Boljevac protective names were generic and temporary. We also establish (and this for the first time in Serbian academia) the origin and meaning of the custom of giving a newborn an ime na vodici/znamenju ‘temporary Christian name given before baptism, right after the first blessing with holy water’, deducing that the Serbian Orthodox clergy – in the way of St. Sava (in the way that, for example, in celebrating the family patron saint’s day, krsna slava in Serbian, the ancestor cult and/or the fertility cult were replaced by the cult of the family patron saint) – probably replaced (but not at once!) protective names, which were usually either “horrible” or “ugly”, with specific temporary names which were neither “horrible” nor “ugly”, often naming newborns after the saint whose day was celebrated in the days around their day of birth.