bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membranous Nephropathy- over the counter? NELL yes!
Authors: Ali Umair , Gokden Neriman , Arthur John , Singh Manisha
Published: May 2023

In adults, membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a common cause of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Primary MN is caused by antibodies directed against podocyte antigens, while secondary MN with the deposition of circulating immune complexes in the same area of glomeruli. Most of the primary membranous are positive for PLA2R- and THSD7A- antibodies associated with the progression of the disease. Some of the novel antibodies like NELL 1 are primarily secondary causes, including malignancy but sometimes may present as a primary disease with no underlying reason or ingestion of lipoic acid. Our patient presented to the hospital with a rash and swelling of lower limbs, which was sudden in onset. With a history of diabetes mellitus with comorbidities, he used multiple medications, including over-the-counter supplements (lipoic acid). Renal biopsy revealed NELL 1 positivity likely secondary to over-the-counter supplement usage.
The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients with Amyloidosis
Authors: Khurana Akash T. , Adil Syed A. , Sheriff Mohammed Z. , Cooper Gregory
Published: May 2023

Introduction
Gastrointestinal amyloidosis is most prevalent in the upper gastrointestinal tract and colorectum with gastrointestinal hemorrhage as the presenting symptom in 25–45% of patients. There is limited epidemiologic data on the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with amyloidosis.
Methods/Aims
The aim of this study was to investigate the association between amyloidosis and risk of gastrointestinal hemorrhage at the population level. Data was collected from a commercial database (Explorys Inc, Cleveland, OH), between 12/2016-12/2021. We identified patients with amyloidosis and compared prevalence of gastrointestinal bleeding sources at least 30 days post-amyloidosis diagnosis to a control cohort without amyloidosis.
Results
We identified 17,350 cases of amyloidosis. In those with amyloidosis, there were 1,270 cases of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The prevalence of gastrointestinal hemorrhage in patients with amyloidosis was 7320/100000 persons and the prevalence in patients without amyloidosis was 3565/100000 persons. Odds ratio for development of any gastrointestinal hemorrhage after at least 30 days was 2.05 (95% CI 1.95–2.17, p < 0.001), for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage was 2.59 (95% CI 2.35–2.85, p < 0.001), and for lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage was 1.66 (95% CI 1.54–1.79, p < 0.001). Colon angiodysplasias were the most frequent sources of gastrointestinal hemorrhage followed by intestinal angiodysplasias, gastric ulcers, and duodenal ulcers.
Conclusions
In this large population-based study, GIB was significantly more prevalent in patients with amyloidosis compared to those without amyloidosis over a 5-year period.
Dynamic Oxidation Behavior and Exceptional High-Temperature Resistance of Nano Particle-Strengthened Superalloy (MA 754) under Cyclic Temperature Conditions
Authors: Moosaei Afsaneh , Hadianfard M.J.
Published: May 2023

The degradation of industrial components due to high-temperature oxidation poses a significant challenge. This work highlights the promising oxidation resistance of MA 754 superalloy under cyclic high-temperature conditions. This study investigated the oxidation behavior of the Ni-based superalloy MA 754 at 1100°C under cyclic conditions. Weight change measurements were taken every two thermal cycles to determine the kinetics of oxidation. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to characterize the oxide scales' microstructure, morphology, phases, and composition. The results revealed that the MA 754 superalloy demonstrated excellent resistance to oxidation, with a mean net mass change of 0.032 mg/cm2 over the oxidation time. The oxidation products identified were NiO, NiCr2O4, and Al2O3. The oxide scales' morphology changed from pyramidal to granular type during the oxidation test. The oxidation steps of the MA 754 superalloy were determined by comparing the microstructures of the alloy surface next to the oxide layer
ApoE gene polymorphisms and metals and their interactions with cognitive function
Authors: Ye Zeyan , Tan Dechan , Luo Tingyu , Gou Ruoyu , Cai Jianshen , Wei Yanfei , He Kailian , Xiao Song , Mai Tingyu , Tang Xu , Liu Qiumei , Mo Xiaoting , Lin Yinxia , Huang Shenxiang , Li You , Qin Jian , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: May 2023

Objective
To analyze the relationship between plasma metal elements, ApoE gene polymorphisms and the interaction between the two and impaired cognitive function in elderly population.
Method
A stratified sample was drawn according to the age of the study population, and 911 subjects were included. Baseline information and health indicators were obtained, and cognitive function status was assessed by health examination, a general questionnaire and Mini-Mental Status Examination. Plasma metal elements were measured, and SNP typing was performed. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing cognitive function status and the association between the SNP genetic pattern of the ApoE gene and cognitive function.
Results
The differences in gene frequencies and genotype frequencies of the ApoE rs7412 and rs7259620 genotype frequencies were significantly different between the cognitive impairment group and the control group (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found for the codominant model in rs7412-TT compared with the CC genotype (OR = 3.112 (1.159–8.359), P = 0.024) and rs7259620-AA compared with the GG genotype (OR = 1.588 (1.007–2.504), P = 0.047). Significant differences were found in the recessive models rs7412-TT compared with (CC + CT) (OR = 2.979 (1.112–7.978), P = 0.030), rs7259620-AA compared with (GG + GA), and rs405509-GG compared with (TT + TG) (OR = 1.548(1.022–2.344), P = 0.039) all of which increased the risk of developing cognitive impairment. The differences in plasma Fe, Cu, and Rb concentrations between the case and control groups were significant (P < 0.05). The regression results showed that the plasma Cd concentrations in the Q1 range was a protective factor for cognitive function compared with Q4 (0.510 (0.291–0.892), P = 0.018). Furthermore, there was a multiplicative interaction between the codominant and recessive models for the Q2 concentrations of Cd and the rs7259620 loci, and the difference was significant, indicating increased risk of developing cognitive impairment (codominant model OR = 3.577 (1.496–8.555), P = 0.004, recessive model OR = 3.505 (1.479–8.307), P = 0.004). There was also a multiplicative interaction between Cd and the recessive model at the rs405509 loci, and the difference was significant, indicating increased risk of developing cognitive impairment (OR = 3.169 (1.400-7.175), P = 0.006).
Conclusion
The ApoE rs7412, rs7259620 and rs405509 loci were associated with cognitive impairment in the elderly population, and there was an interaction between plasma metalloid Cd and the rs7259620 and rs405509 loci that increased the risk of cognitive impairment in the elderly population.
Ultra-Wideband Multi-Octave Planar Interconnect for Multi-Band THz Communications
Authors: Iwamatsu Shuya , Ali Muhsin , Fernández-Estévez José Luis , Tebart Jonas , Kumar Ashish , Makhlouf Sumer , Carpintero Guillermo , Stöhr Andreas
Published: May 2023

An ultra-wideband (UWB) interconnect technology using indium phosphide (InP)-based transitions for coupling the output signals from terahertz (THz) photodiodes featuring coplanar waveguide (CPW) outputs to low-loss dielectric rod waveguides (DRWs), is presented. The motivation is to exploit the full bandwidth offered by THz photodiodes without limitations due to standard rectangular waveguide interfaces, e.g., for future high data rate THz communications. Full electromagnetic wave simulations are carried out to optimize the electrical performance of the proposed InP transitions in terms of operational bandwidth and coupling efficiency. The transitions are fabricated on 100-µm thin InP and integrated with silicon (Si) DRWs. Experimental frequency domain characterizations demonstrate efficient THz signal coupling with a maximum coupling efficiency better than -2 dB. The measured 3-dB and 6-dB operational bandwidths of 185 GHz and 280 GHz, respectively, prove the multi-octave ultra-wideband features of the developed interconnect technology. The 6-dB operational bandwidth covers all waveguide bands between WR-12 to WR-3, i.e., a frequency range between 60 and 340 GHz. In addition, the multi-octave performances of the fabricated interconnects were successfully exploited in proof-of-concept THz communication experiments. Using intermediate frequency orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), THz communications are demonstrated for several frequency bands using the same interconnect. Considering soft-decision forward error correction, error-free transmission with data rates of 24 Gbps at 80 GHz and 8 Gbps at 310 GHz is achieved.
Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of chalcone: A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of Fe 3+ in aqueous media
Authors: Khan Salman A. , Alam Md. Zafer , Mohasin Md. , Ahmad Suhail , Salma Umme , Parveen Humaira , Mukhtar Sayeed , Al-Anazi Menier , Alotaibi Fatimah A. , Abdelaziz Mahmoud A.
Published: May 2023

The chalcone compound DHPO was synthesized through a chemical reaction between 1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-ethanone and 3,4-dimethoxy benzaldehyde under ultrasound irradiation. The interaction between the DHPO compound and several metal ions was studied using fluorescence behavior, revealing that the chalcone function as a “turn on and turn off” switch fluorescent sensor, for selectively and sensitively detecting Fe3+ ions. The process of fluorescence quenching and complexation of DHPO with Fe3+ ion was further studied using methods such as Benesi-Hildebrand, Stern-Volmer plot, and job plot.
The effect of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia improving liver damage in metabolic syndrome rats through ferritinophagy
Authors: Cui Fang , Mi Haichao , Wang Ruotong , Du Yutao , Li Fan , Chang Shiyang , Su Yangchen , Liu Aijing , Shi Min
Published: May 2023

Background and aim
Studies have confirmed that hepatic iron overload is one of the important factors causing liver damage in metabolic syndrome (MS). As a special form of autophagy, ferritinophagy is involved in the regulation of iron metabolism. Our previous studies have shown that chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH) can improve the iron metabolism disorder. The aim of this study was to investigate how CIHH improves liver damage through ferritinophagy in rats with MS.
Methods
Male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8–10 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: control (CON), CIHH (exposed to hypoxia at simulated altitude of 5000 meters for 28 days, 6 hours daily), MS model (induced by 16-week high fat diet and 10% fructose water feeding) and MS + CIHH (exposed to CIHH after 16-week MS inducement) groups. Liver index, liver function, iron content, tissue morphology, ferritinophagy, ferroptosis and iron metabolism related protein expression were measured, and the ferritinophagy flux in liver was further analyzed.
Results
Compared with CON rats, MS rats had increased liver index, damaged liver tissue morphology and function, increased total iron and free iron content, disrupted iron metabolism, significantly increased oxidative stress indicators in the liver, significantly increased expression of ferroptosis-related proteins, reduced expression of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) and ferritinophagy flux. After CIHH treatment, the degree of liver damage and various abnormal indicators in MS rats were significantly improved.
Conclusions
CIHH may improve liver damage by promoting NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy, reducing iron overload, and alleviating ferroptosis in MS rats.
Genetic diversity of kale (Brassica oleracea L. var acephala) using agro-morphological and SSR markers
Authors: Pipan Barbara , Neji Mohamed , Meglič Vladimir , Sinkovič Lovro
Published: May 2023

Kale (Brassica oleracea. acephala) is a nutrient-rich green leafy vegetable consumed as food and used in traditional medicine worldwide. An essential step in describing the available genetic resources and ensuring their effective use in breeding programs is to characterize the genetic diversity of available germplasm. In this study, the genetic diversity and structure of 26 kale accessions from South-East Europe were examined using 26 agro-morphological traits collected in the field and 12 SSR markers. Considerable agro-morphological variability was found in most quantitative (CV = 17.26–42.42%) and qualitative (H' = 0.61–1.79) traits. Multifactorial analysis (MFA) showed that country of origin (33.01%) and morphotype (32.30%) significantly influenced kale diversification. Leaf blade shape (20.62%), leaf incision (19.43%), anthocyanin distribution (16.43%), and leaf colour (15.55%) were the traits that most clearly differentiated accessions. The three common commercial kale varieties were identified as independent outliers that differed from the other kale accessions in both MFA and UPGMA clustering analysis. The SSR markers were highly informative with 108 alleles and polymorphic information content ranging from 0.395 to 0.856. Strong genetic diversity was detected at the accession level (H' = 0.58) while genetic differentiation was low (Fst = 0.05). Similar to UPGMA clustering, Bayesian clustering suggests that the kale collection can be divided into four clusters with a high degree of admixture and no geographic grouping pattern is apparent. Overall, the study showed that the kale collection studied represents a valuable reservoir of genetic and agro-morphological variability that could be used for future breeding initiatives.
Lap. Nissen Fundoplication leads to better respiratory Symptom Control than Toupet in the long-term of 20 years
Authors: Gehwolf Philipp , Agerer Teresa , Stacul Nadine , Kienzl-Wagner Katrin , Schäfer Aline , Berchtold Valeria , Cakar-Beck Fergül , Elisabeth Gasser , Wykypiel Heinz
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
Since we are performing anti-reflux surgery for thirty years, it was worth re-examining our patients on the long-term to enlarge the body of evidence, if classical and extraesophageal symptoms are differently controlled by Nissen- or Toupet Fundoplication.
Objectives:
We report a cohort of 155 GERD patients who underwent fundoplication within a tailored approach between 1994-2000. Alterations in the perioperative functional outcome, GERD symptoms and quality of life are analyzed 10 and 20 years after the operation.
Results:
The operation resulted in a superior quality of life compared to a patient cohort treated with PPI therapy. We found that both surgical methods (laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication) cure classical symptoms equally (heartburn, regurgitation and dysphagia). However, GERD patients receiving a Toupet fundoplication are more likely to suffer from extraesophageal GERD symptoms 10 and 20 years after surgery than patients with a Nissen fundoplication. However, some patients with Nissen fundoplication report dysphagia even 10 and 20 years after surgery.
Conclusion:
The laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication seems to be superior in controlling extraesophageal reflux symptoms but at the expense of dysphagia. In summary, tailoring the operation based on symptoms seems to be advantageous.
Regulation, Taxation, and Economic Development
Authors: McDermott John , Sáenz Luis Felipe
Published: May 2023

In this paper we construct a model with increasing returns stemming from product variety to explore the different effects of regulations and taxes on economic development, real activity, and growth. Regulations raise fixed and variable costs, while taxes primarily increase variable costs. This is important because fixed costs determine the extent of specialization, which in our model plays an important role in human capital accumulation and development. Given the choice, taxation is preferred to regulation, because of regulation's negative effects on the growth of human capital. Empirical tests using panel data across countries provide support for the theory. (JEL Codes: O41, O33, O14, E24, E23)
Lost at sea: interference with navigational senses and failed social route learning may drive offshore vagrancy in passerines
Authors: Brooks William E.
Published: May 2023

Background Migratory birds possess remarkable navigational adaptations. Vagrants, few individuals who migrate to incorrect locations, offer a unique opportunity to study how navigation is accomplished. Vagrancy may occur due to external factors forcing birds off course, such as strong wings, or navigational errors. Natural disruptions in the Earth’s magnetic field may cause navigational errors interfering with bird magnetoreception. Failures of other navigation tools like visual landmark recognition and social route learning may also contribute to vagrancy, but these factors are difficult to quantify.Methods I used eBird, a community science dataset comprising millions of bird observations, to study the relative likelihood of offshore vagrancy under different external factors including weather, geomagnetic disturbance, and solar activity using mixed effects logistic regression. Then, I studied how variation in species vagrancy propensity is be driven by morphology and migration distance using multiple linear regression, or inheritances of vagrancy alleles with phylogenetic analysis.Results High geomagnetic disturbance and low visibility increased offshore vagrancy, and winds did not appear to blow birds off course. Most variation in offshore vagrancy stemmed species specific differences, best explained by an interaction between wing pointedness and migration. A longer migration distance was strongly correlated with increased vagrancy in birds with rounded wings, but the relationship was absent in birds with a pointed wing shape. Brown-headed Cowbirds were notably more prone to vagrancy than any other passerine.Conclusions External factors primarily cause vagrancy by interfering with magnetic and visual senses, rather than physically forcing birds off course. Species with longer migrations have more time to encounter these vagrancy causing events, but a more pointed wing shape may allow birds to reorient more efficiently. While migration routes are primarily genetic in passerines, I found evidence of an overlooked role of social learning in route inheritance. I contend that as a brood parasite, solitary juvenile Brown-headed Cowbirds experience more difficulty in joining migratory flocks, thus missing out on social route learning opportunities. These results clarify the relative role of different navigational adaptations in migratory birds and demonstrate the utility of studying vagrants to understand bird migration.
Characterizing non-governmental organizations and local government collaborations in urban forest management across Canada
Authors: Doucet Tyler , Duinker Peter , Charles John , Steenberg James , Zurba Melanie
Published: May 2023

Urban forests are being threatened by rapid urbanization, biodiversity crises, and climate variability. In response, governments are increasingly collaborating with the public for solutions to these mounting challenges. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are dominant players in these collaborations because of their ability to deliver on communities’ environmental issues. Despite their growing visibility in forest management, there is a lack of attention directed to the forms of NGO relationships and their range of collaborative activities. This study focuses on addressing these gaps and examining collaborations between local governments and NGOs in urban forest programming by characterizing their components including mandates, relationship ties, accountability, resource exchange, and power dynamics. We collected data using semi-structured interviews with three groups: leaders of NGOs, municipal government officials in an urban forest or public works departments, and urban-forest experts who have observed their interactions. The participants represent 32 individuals in nine Canadian cities. Our results indicate that NGO-government collaborations have relational ties and accountability processes that are both formal and informal in nature; however, formality in collaborations is associated with the amount of funding, proximity to government, or size of the NGO. Additionally, our findings suggest that NGOs present an opportunity to local governments to supplement their resources and capacity. While the strength and formality of collaborations may be a product of NGO size and budgets, public servants should hesitate to engage smaller, grassroots NGOs to realize their public service mandates. Characterizing the components of these governance processes provides a benchmark for practitioners participating in similar public-civic interactions and arms them with the knowledge to navigate collaborative decision-making.
Bleomycin alters intratumoral immune response of EBV-associated gastric cancer by ENTPD8 and PCOLCE2
Authors: Chen Long
Published: May 2023

Background EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) with high PD-L1 level, is most likely to be the next subgroup benefited from immunotherapy. However, complicated with histological and aetiological heterogeneity, tolerance persists which was usually alleviated by clinical adjuvant chemotherapy (bleomycin). Identifying biomarkers of intratumoral immune response was critical for further understanding the direct mechanism of immunotherapy effectiveness. Method Firstly, to identify gene sets involved in both GC tumorigenesis and EBV infection, a transcriptome sequencing data (GSE51575) was collected for different expression gene (DEG) screening and functional enrichment analysis. Through constructing a prognostic model based on 25 repeated DEGs and evaluating immune correlations subsequently, the influence of ENTPD8 and PCOLCE2 in prognosis and immunotherapy was confirmed. In addition, the binding energy between bleomycin and targets was calculated based on hydrogen bond. Result A total of 572 down- and 162 up-regulated genes in normal tissue vs. GC tissue while 196 down- and 240 up-regulated genes in EBVnGC vs. EBVaGC were detected with logFC ≥ 2 and p-value ≤ 0.05. Among them, ENTPD8 and PCOLCE2 were reduced in EBVaGC which was associated with prognosis significantly and mediated dysregulation of immune response inversely. Besides, the expression trends of ENTPD8 (positive) and PCOLCE2 (negative) were also opposite when binding to bleomycin with the most stable binding energy-4.589 kcal/mol and − 4.025 kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusion Summarily, the improvement of immunotherapy caused by bleomycin as an adjuvant chemotherapy drug may mainly depend on the fluctuation of intratumoral immune response in EBVaGC mediated by the expression of ENTPD8 and PCOLCE2.
Sarcosine dehydrogenase as an immune infiltration-associated biomarker for the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xie Haixiang , YANG KEJIAN , QIN CHONGJIU , ZHOU XIN , LIU JUNQI , NONG JUSEN , LUO JIANZHU , WEI YONGGUANG , HUA HUASHENG , HAN CHUANGYE , LIAO XIWEN , YANG CHENGKUN , SU HAO , ZHU GUANGZHI , YE XINPING , PENG TAO
Published: May 2023

This study was aimed to investigate the prognostic value and clinical significance of sarcosine dehydrogenase (SARDH) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), HPA and CPTAC databases were adopted to analyze the expression of SARDH mRNA and protein between normal liver tissue and HCC, and examine their relationship with clinicopathological features. Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox regression, as well as nomogram were adopted to explore the prognostic value of SARDH in HCC. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia (KEGG) together with Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were adopted to analyze the molecular mechanisms and biological functions of SARDH in HCC; while MethSurv, STRING, GeneMANIA, TIMER database data and single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm were used for other bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was used to verify the expression of SARDH. Compared to normal liver tissue, SARDH expression was markedly lower in HCC. A lower SARDH expression was linked with Pathologic T stage (T3&T4), pathologic stage (Stage III&IV), and histologic grade (G3&4), which further indicates worse prognosis. Besides, results of bioinformatic analysis proved that SARDH expression was correlated with immune infiltration. In addition, SARDH hypermethylation was related to a poorer prognosis. SARDH expression was related to several key genes in the Ferroptosis pathway.
Effect of Cr Content on the High Temperature Oxidation of Low Alloy Steels
Authors: Kwon Gihoon , Park Hyunjun , Choi Byoungho , Lee Young-Kook , Moon Kyoungil
Published: May 2023

In the case of low carbon steel (AISI 1015, AISI 8617, AISI 4115 steel), the high-temperature oxidation behavior at different temperatures (600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 ℃) was studied by mass gain analysis, phase analysis (metallographic microscope, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction). The oxidation process was performed from 2 to 100 min. As the oxidation time increased, the trend of mass gain per unit area switched from linear to parabolic law regardless of steel grades used in this study. As the chromium content increases, the duration of time during which the oxidation rate follows a linear relationship decreases. The structure of oxides can generally be classified into two types: outer oxide and inner oxide. The outward diffusion of Fe cations primarily leads to the formation of outer oxide, while the inward diffusion of O anions is responsible for the formation of chromium and inner oxides. In the low-alloy steel with higher chromium content, the thickness of the mixed oxide layer containing Cr increased, and the oxidation rate decreased at all oxidation temperatures.
Design and Preparation Of a Novel Antibacterial Hydrogel Based on Maleimide–Thiol Conjugation
Authors: jiang song , Liu Yue , Wang Taoqing , Luo Yige
Published: May 2023

This article synthesized and characterized a novel antibacterial hydrogel, which is formed using maleimide–thiol conjugation. Two precursors chitosan functionalized thiol groups and dextran functionalized maleimide groups prepared and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Key features of the hydrogel, such as gelation time, swelling behavior, viscoelastic properties, and degradation rate, were thoroughly examined. From gelation time result, we found that formed hydrogel gelation time could be changed with diffident weight percentage of precursors. Based on references, we found the best formular for the gelation and it was also determined for other studies. The swelling study indicated hydrogel has good flexibility and the degradation test indicated hydrogel is biodegradable. The viscoelastic test indicated hydrogel is an elastic solid. Given these attributes, this novel hydrogel has significant potential for use in various biomedical applications. Finally, colony-counting tests revealed that the hydrogel has an excellent antibacterial ability. Given these attributes, this novel hydrogel has significant potential for use in various biomedical applications.
HH-A, a modified honokiol, protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced brain injury in rodent via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Zhang Pingping , Zhang Xin , Liu Ye
Published: May 2023

Honokiol, a bioactive component of Magnolia officinalis, has been shown to protect against ischemic stroke in animal models. However, the poor water solubility of honokiol has hindered its clinical applications. In this study, we introduced a hydrophilic building block on the aromatic ring of honokiol and obtained four new compounds (HH-A, -B, -C and -D) with significantly improved water solubility. We investigated their neuroprotective effects against brain injury in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/R) mouse and rat models. We found that (S)-6-((3',5-diallyl-2,4'-dihydroxy-[1,1'-biphenyl]-3-yl)amino)-6-oxohexane-1,5-diaminium chloride (i.e., HH-A) significantly reduced the infarct volume and edema of the experimental animal brains showing a distinct efficiency comparing to the other three compounds. HH-A also significantly improved neurological deficits in a dose-dependent manner. In the brain of tMCAO/R rat model, treatment with HH-A resulted in significant upregulations of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). HH-A also significantly reduced the up-regulation of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), a major end-product of oxidation. Further, HH-A treatment reduced the increased expression of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) and reverted the reduced expression of Bcl-2, suggesting its anti-apoptotic effect, which is supported by the reduced number of TUNEL positive cells. Collectively, the neuroprotection of HH-A against the brain injury observed in this study may be via targeting the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
Scalable optical convolutional neural network based on free-space optics using lens arrays and a spatial light modulator
Authors: Ju Young-Gu
Published: May 2023

A scalable optical convolutional neural network (SOCNN) based on free-space optics and Koehler illumination was proposed to address the limitations of the previous 4f correlator system. Unlike Abbe illumination, Koehler illumination provides more uniform illumination and reduces crosstalk. SOCNN allows for scaling up of the input array and the use of incoherent light sources. Hence, the problems associated with 4f correlator systems can be avoided. We analyzed the limitations in scaling the kernel size and parallel throughput and found that SOCNN can offer a multilayer convolutional neural network with massive optical parallelism.
Do Sovereign Catastrophe Bonds Improve Fiscal Resilience? An Application of Synthetic Control Method to Mexico
Authors: Maran Raluca
Published: May 2023

Natural disasters exert a significant impact on government finances. Catastrophe bonds (CAT bonds) constitute risk-transfer instruments that could help governments improve their fiscal resilience when catastrophic events occur. However, given the very limited issuance of sovereign CAT bonds so far, their actual impact on fiscal resilience is difficult to quantify. There is no literature on this topic currently available. I attempt to fill this gap and assess the impact of CAT bond payouts on the fiscal balance of the Mexican government using the synthetic control method. As an early adopter and repeated issuer of sovereign CAT bonds since 2006, Mexico received its first CAT bond payout in 2017. The payout was triggered by a high-magnitude earthquake that stroke the country in September 2017, with an estimated impact of 0.24% of Mexico’s gross domestic product (GDP). I identify 12 countries that experienced natural disasters with a similar impact on GDP in 2017, but which unlike Mexico have not received a CAT bond payout that year. I then compare post-2017 fiscal balances for Mexico with a synthetic control unit that combines the characteristics of the 12 similar but untreated countries, while controlling for other factors that could have had an impact on this fiscal variable. I find a positive impact of the 2017 CAT bond payout on the evolution of Mexico’s fiscal balance compared to its synthetic control unit.
JEL classification: C22; C54; G23; G32; H63; H68
Prevalence of blood stream infections and associated factors among febrile neutropenic cancer patients on chemotherapy at Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Tanzania.
Authors: Safari Lambert Christophe , Mloka Doreen , Minzi Omary , Dharsee Nazima J , Reuben Rabson
Published: May 2023

Background
Febrile Neutropenia (FN) caused by bacteria in cancer patients is associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of FN and associated factors among cancer patients on chemotherapy at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI), Tanzania.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2019. Study participants were conveniently recruited. A desk review of participants medical records was performed. Standard microbiological procedures used to culture and identify the bacterial isolates from the positive blood cultures of participants that presented with FN. Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion was used to perform the antibiotics susceptibility testing. SPSS version 20.0 and MS Excel were used in data entry and analysis. Chi-Square was used as a measure of association between various factors and neutropenia. P-Value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
A total 213 participants were enrolled. Of these 76.1% were female. Most of the participants came from the Coast region. Majority of participants presented with breast Cancer (36.2%) and GIT (20.2%). The prevalence of FN and bacteremia was 5.6% and 35.3% respectively. Staphylococcus Aureus (60%) and Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci (40%) were the main isolates. Of the 6 isolates tested most were resistant to Co-Trimoxazole 4/6 (66.7%) and Doxycycline 3/6 (50%). FN was positively associated with chemotherapy regimen (P = 0.0001), platelets count (P = 0.0001) and use of G-CSF (P = 0.0001).
Conclusion
The prevalence of FN among the cancer patients on chemotherapy in Tanzania
DNA Images of Codes Over F4t [u]/
Authors: Sezer Tugce , Yaraneri Ergün
Published: May 2023

The aim of this paper is to study DNA codes using some Gray images of codes over the chain rings S = F4t [u] and R = F4[v]⁄. The special cases t=1 and k=2,3 were studied before. We construct some nice Gray maps from R, S to DNA codewords, whose images satisfy complement and reversibility properties. Studying the general case allows us to construct codes with better parameters. Subsequently, we concentrate on codes over arbitrary commutative rings and cyclic codes over R and obtain some necessary and sufficient conditions equal to the common constraints on DNA codes, like reversibility. Moreover, a variety of sample codes over multiple rings are presented.
MSC Classification: 11T71 , 94B05 , 94B15
Annual Variations in the Near-Earth Solar Wind
Authors: Owens Mathew J. , Lockwood Mike , Barnard Luke A. , Yardley Stephanie , Hietala Heli , LaMoury Adrian T. , Vuorinen Laura
Published: May 2023

Earth’s orbit and rotation introduces systematic annual variations in geomagnetic activity, most notably via the changing orientation of the dayside magnetospheric magnetic field with respect to the heliospheric magnetic field (HMF). However, aside from these geometric effects, it is generally assumed that the solar wind is randomly sampled throughout the year. But systematic changes in the intrinsic solar wind conditions in near-Earth space could arise due to the variation in Earth heliocentric distance and heliographic latitude over the year. In this study we use 24 years of Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) data to investigate the annual variations in the scalar properties of the solar wind, namely the solar wind proton density, the radial solar wind speed and the HMF intensity. All parameters do show some degree of systematic annual variation, with amplitudes of around 10 to 20%. For HMF intensity, the variation is in phase with the Earth’s heliocentric distance variation, and scaling observations for distance largely removes the variation. For proton density and solar wind speed, however, scaling for distance does not affect the variation and the annual phase is inconsistent with Earth’s heliocentric distance variation. Instead we attribute the annual variations to Earth’s heliographic latitude variation and systematic sampling of higher speed solar wind at higher latitude. These variations are most strongly ordered at solar minimum. Conversely, combining scalar solar wind parameters to produce dynamic pressure and potential power input to the magnetosphere estimates results in solar maximum exhibiting a greater annual variation, with an amplitude of around 40%. This suggests Earth’s position in the heliosphere makes a significant contribution to space weather, in addition to the well studied geometric effects.
Does vestibular motion perception correlate with axonal pathways stimulated by subthalamic deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease?
Authors: Beylergil Sinem Balta , Noecker Angela M. , Kilbane Camilla , McIntyre Cameron C. , Shaikh Aasef G.
Published: May 2023

Perception of our linear motion – heading – is critical for postural control, gait, and locomotion, and it is impaired in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has variable effects on vestibular heading perception, depending on the location of the electrodes within the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Here, we aimed to find the anatomical correlates of heading perception in PD. Fourteen PD participants with bilateral STN DBS performed a two-alternative forced-choice discrimination task where a motion platform delivered translational forward movements with a heading angle varying between 0 and 30 degrees to the left or to the right with respect to the straight-ahead direction. Using psychometric curves, we derived the heading discrimination threshold angle of each patient from the response data. We created patient-specific DBS models and calculated the percentages of stimulated axonal pathways that are anatomically adjacent to the STN and known to play a major role in vestibular information processing. We performed correlation analyses to investigate the extent of these white matter tracts’ involvement in heading perception. Significant positive correlations were identified between improved heading discrimination for rightward heading and the percentage of activated streamlines of the contralateral hyperdirect, pallido-subthalamic, and subthalamo-pallidal pathways. The hyperdirect pathways are thought to provide top-down control over STN connections to the cerebellum. In addition, STN may also antidromically activate collaterals of hyperdirect pathway that projects to the precerebellar pontine nuclei. In select cases there was strong activation of the cerebello-thalamic projections, but it was not consistently present in all participants. Large volumetric overlap between the volume of tissue activation and the STN in the left hemisphere positively impacted rightward heading perception. Altogether, the results suggest heavy involvement of basal ganglia cerebellar network in STN-induced modulation of vestibular heading perception in PD.
Blue color of ribbontail stingray skin stems from a core-shell photonic glass ultrastructure
Authors: Surapaneni Venkata A , Blumer Michael J , Tadayon Kian , McIvor Ashlie , Redl Stefan , Honis Hanne-Rose , Mollen Frederik H. , Amini Shahrouz , Dean Mason N
Published: May 2023

Blue structural colors, produced by diverse tissue nanostructures, are known from all major vertebrate clades except cartilaginous fishes (e.g. sharks, rays). We describe a bright angle-independent structural blue from ribbontail stingray skin, arising from a novel cell type with unique quasi-ordered arrays of nano-vesicles enclosing guanine nanoplatelets. This natural architecture —an intracellular photonic glass— coherently scatters blue, while broadband absorption from closely-associated melanophores obviates the low color-saturation typical for photonic glasses. This first demonstration of structural color in elasmobranchs (the oldest extant clade of jawed vertebrates) illustrates that the capacity for guanine-based colors likely arose extremely early in vertebrate evolution. The structure-function mechanisms underlying ribbontail stingray coloration point to selective pressures driving elasmobranch visual ecology and communication, but also strategies for biomimetic color production.
Assessing Vitamin D Knowledge Among Syrian Adults: A population-based cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Malek Omar , Hajjeh Mhd Yaman Al , Safiah Mhd Homam , Alourfi Zaynab
Published: May 2023

Background The importance of vitamin D is increasing daily as more studies reveal its links to several benefits for the human body and the wide array of consequences that its deficiency has, that’s why we wanted to assess the knowledge level of vitamin D among the people living in Damascus, Syria.Methods This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Syrian Private University. A validated self-administered questionnaire was asked to be filled in by Syrian adults aged 18 and above, using google forms, between the 8th of August 2022 and the 5th of October 2022.Results 1168 participants were included. 1098 (94.1%) were of Syrian nationality, ages of [18–28 years] made the majority of the sample 634 (54.3%). Two-thirds of the sample does not belong to the medical field 769 (65.8%). The results of this paper showed a high level of knowledge among the participants for sources of vitamin D (83.9% ± 26.2%) and its benefits (75.8% ± 23.5%) but they lacked knowledge of treatment (50.6% ± 30.2%) and for the causes (45.1% ± 26.4%) and consequences (22.7% ± 41.9%) of deficiency, the general knowledge on vitamin D was (53.2% ± 18%).Conclusion This is the first population-based paper in Syria to evaluate the general awareness of vitamin D and it indicates an average of good knowledge. We discussed some of the inadequate knowledge regarding several aspects such as “consequences of vitamin D deficiency” which had the lowest knowledge (22.7% ± 41.9%). We found a strong correlation between vitamin D knowledge and level of education, economic status, working in the medical field and the source of knowledge on vitamin D. Effective strategies should be made to raise awareness, and further research is recommended for a nationwide assessment.
Calorimetry for active systems
Authors: Dolai Pritha , Maes Christian , Netočný Karel
Published: May 2023

We provide the theoretical basis of calorimetry for a class of active particles subject to thermal noise. Simulating AC-calorimetry, we numerically evaluate the heat capacity of run-and-tumble particles in double-well and in periodic potentials, and of systems with a flashing potential. Low-temperature Schottky-like peaks show the role of activity and indicate shape transitions, while regimes of negative heat capacity appear at higher propulsion speeds. From there, a significant increase in heat capacities of active systems may be inferred at low temperatures, as well as the possibility of diagnostic tools for the activity of self-motile artificial or biomimetic systems based on heat capacity measurements.
Uma genealogia comum da violência racial na Palestina/Israel e na África do Sul do Apartheid: modernidade, colonialidade e barbárie
Authors: Sahd Fabio Bacila
Published: May 2023

No novo milênio, de relatórios de ONGs a manifestações de rua, passando pela relatoria produzida no interior do sistema ONU, difundiram-se as comparações entre a discriminação e violência racial na Palestina/Israel e na África do Sul do apartheid, com tal tipificação sendo aplicada também ao caso médio-oriental. O presente artigo opera uma revisão bibliográfica, cruzando diferentes autores, que pensam tanto a modernidade e colonialidade de modo geral como essas situações em particular, de modo a apresentar algumas possibilidades interpretativas das inter-relações entre os casos. Após sucinta introdução, o texto faz uma abordagem espacial e temporalmente mais generalizante, inserindo os casos na estrutura da modernidade-colonialidade. Na sequência, reduz a escala de análise, contextualizando e comparando diretamente os objetos específicos, tanto a partir de seus respectivos intérpretes quanto das instituições internacionais e dos relatórios de direitos humanos. Por fim, as violações praticadas voltam a ser interpretadas a partir da bibliografia. Constatamos que, para além de suas especificidades históricas, as ideologias étnico-coloniais e seus respectivos Estados nacionais se conectam com a temporalidade mais ampla da modernidade e espacialidade da colonialidade, perpassadas pela violência física e simbólica contra as alteridades não europeias.
SORCERY AND ITS MENACE AMONG MUSLIMS: ISLAMIC DA'WAH IN PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Sulaiman Yahaya , Sule Muhammad Maga
Published: May 2023

This paper is a contribution and a piece of Da'wah towards enlightening Muslims on the menace of sorcery and sorcerers. The work has highlighted some of the major reasons why some Muslims with weak Iman seek the help of sorcerers for worldly things thereby harming their fellow being. It is therefore, the application of Islamic Da’wah that would assist in reminding Muslims in avoiding the menace of sorcery. It has been discovered from the interview that sorcerers have destroyed many family relationships and created damage to some marriages, also economic backward to sorcery goers. The paper also found out that some sorcery goers do regret their actions after coming in contact with the truth. This study was conducted using a survey method, and data were collected through in-depth interviews. The results of this study showed the need for a sustainable Da'wah to combat the issue of sorcery and sorcerers that have become a menace among Muslims which have affected their Iman. The study recommended that there was an urgent need for engagement of various stakeholders in Nigeria and beyond, to checkmate the issue of sorcerers and their activities in the society.
KEPERCAYAAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP MASJID TIBAN DI WONOGIRI INDONESIA
Authors: Zuhri Saifuddin
Published: May 2023

Mosque is the place of worship for Muslims as an attempt to get closer to Allah Subhanallahuwata'ala. In Duwet hamlet, Kepuhsari village Manyaran of Wonogiri there is Tiban Mosque where people believe if it is not only meant and aimed as whorsip place such as general mosques. People believe that this mosque stood before the village existed. The aim of this study is to know of how the people beliefs to Tiban mosque. The focus of this study pointing on problem related to social construction on Tiban mosque. The method of the study used was qualitative descriptive. The data collection technique used was in-depth interview. The sample collection in this study used was purposive sampling. The theory used in this study were social construction theory declared by Peter L. Berger and religion concept declared by Emile Durkheim. The study result show that people beliefs to Tiban mosque based on social construction that is people believe the Tiban mosque as a sacred place, many people visit the Tiban mosque to pray and there are rituals that are carried out by the community, namely the practice of praying expecting blessings at the Tiban mosque.
Benefícios da relação entre Gestão do Conhecimento e Gestão de Projetos
Authors: Corrêa Fábio , Magalhães Bárbara Isabela Lopes , Aguiar Filho Armando Sérgio de , Carvalho Adriane Maria Arantes de , Souza Amanda Damasceno de
Published: May 2023

A Gestão do Conhecimento e a Gestão de Projetos são temáticas organizacionais que visam o sucesso institucional. Ambas se relacionam pela promoção do sucesso institucional, bem como por atuarem visando vantagem competitiva, dentre outros. Contudo, os contributos entre essas não foram, especificamente, revelados. Desse modo, essa pesquisa tem por objetivo analisar os benefícios bidirecionais – mútuos – promovidos entre a Gestão do Conhecimento e a Gestão de Projetos. Trata-se de uma abordagem qualitativa, de cunho exploratório, que faz uso da Análise de Conteúdo para examinar pesquisas advindas da promoção de uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura. Os resultados anunciam que a Gestão do Conhecimento contribui com a Gestão de Projetos em seu sucesso, desempenho, eficiência, controle de tempo e custo, capacitação para o gerenciamento, estimativa de cronograma, escopo e orçamento dos projetos. Em correspondência, a Gestão de Projetos contribui para a conformação da cultura do gerenciamento do conhecimento, bem como apoia o uso, criação e compartilhamento desse ativo, culminando em um ciclo retroalimentar. A busca pelos aspectos nocivos dessa relação é uma sugestão de pesquisa futura.