bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El régimen mixto como solución a las crisis políticas en la Antigüedad. Tres ejemplos: Aristóteles, Polibio y Cicerón
Authors: Rus Rufino Salvador , Fernández García Eduardo
Published: March 2023

Esta forma de Estado hunde sus raíces en la tradición de pensamiento político grecorromano. Solón realizó una reforma política e instauró una constitución política en la que los diferentes estamentos sociales estaban representados y todos pudieran participar en el gobierno de Atenas.
Francisco José de Jaca y la retórica de la predicación al servicio de la libertad de indios y negros
Authors: Pena González Miguel Anxo
Published: March 2023

El capuchino Francisco José de Jaca fue el primer autor que cuestionó y predicó en contra de la esclavitud de indios y negros. Esto le supuso la cárcel, además de otras dificultades personales. El presente ensayo se acerca a sus escritos mostrando cómo el elemento que sostiene su pensamiento en todo momento es la predicación. Y, al mismo tiempo, la conciencia que él tiene de dicho ministerio. Esto se prueba a partir de documentos de época ya conocidos y, también, de otros inéditos. Su argumentación claramente refiere a la predicación barroca de finales del siglo XVII, pero donde resonando los grandes autores del siglo XVI, como pueden ser Erasmo o el mismo fray Luis de Granada.
The Echo of the Apocrypha on Simon Magus in Georgii Monachi Chronicon and Pov?sti Vremennykh L?t
Authors: Syrtsova Elena
Published: March 2023

This article examines the reminiscences of the 1st century legend on Simon Magus in Georgii monachi Chronicon and Pov?sti vremennykh l?t. The origin of this tale is in the apocryphal Acts of Peter and Simon and in the ancient philosophical roman, known under the title of “Pseudo-Clementines”.
STRUCTURAL AND AESTHETIC DESIGN OF WOVEN FABRICS
Authors: Başer Güngör
Published: March 2023

Design of woven fabrics involves certain problems concerned with structural and technical factors. These are mainly related with the objective of securing the structural balance and stability of the fabric structure as well as possibility of obtaining the planned surface appearance with the available production means. It should also be kept in mind that, during the design process, the aimed fabric is to possess certain performance properties in use. Some guidelines are underlined, in this paper, to carry out a satisfactory and realistic design work by referring to related works in this field.
Humanitarian Education and Political Education in a Non-Humanitarian University: the View of a Higher School Teacher
Authors: Dianov Sergei Aleksandrovich , Dianova Yuliya Viktorovna
Published: March 2023

The subject of the study is the dynamics of changes taking place in the architecture of humanitarian education in Russian educational institutions of higher education in the XXI century. The article is written on the basis of the author's experience in teaching social and humanitarian academic disciplines. It is shown that in the 2000s, in non-humanitarian universities, the main emphasis was placed on teaching and developing the basics of political, sociological and cultural knowledge among students. The humanitarian presence in the curricula of the specialty made it possible to achieve intermediate goals of political education. In the subsequent period of time, knowledge about politics and the political structure of the country, about civic heroism and patriotism turned out to be on the periphery of professional educational routes of students. The authors note that currently, at the initiative of the Ministry of Education of Russia, the key foundations of humanitarian education are being revised. The number of classroom hours for studying the history of Russia and the main milestones of world history is increasing, work has begun on the introduction of the discipline "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood" into the educational process. At the same time, there is an obvious demand for systematic profile retraining of the teaching staff of non-humanitarian universities. The article contains specific proposals for the implementation of measures aimed at political education and civic education of all participants in the educational process at the university. Special attention is paid to postgraduate training in the political science field.
A descending inhibitory mechanism of nociception mediated by an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide system in Drosophila
Authors: Oikawa Izumi , Kondo Shu , Hashimoto Kao , Yoshida Akiho , Hamajima Megumi , Tanimoto Hiromu , Furukubo-Tokunaga Katsuo , Honjo Ken
Published: March 2023

Nociception is a neural process that animals have developed to avoid potentially tissue-damaging stimuli. While nociception is triggered in the peripheral nervous system, its modulation by the central nervous system is a critical process in mammals, whose dysfunction has been extensively implicated in chronic pain pathogenesis. The peripheral mechanisms of nociception are largely conserved across the animal kingdom. However, it is unclear whether the brain-mediated modulation is also conserved in non-mammalian species. Here, we show that Drosophila has a descending inhibitory mechanism of nociception from the brain, mediated by the neuropeptide Drosulfakinin (DSK), a homolog of cholecystokinin (CCK) that plays an important role in the descending control of nociception in mammals. We found that mutants lacking dsk or its receptors are hypersensitive to noxious heat. Through a combination of genetic, behavioral, histological, and Ca2+ imaging analyses, we subsequently revealed neurons involved in DSK-mediated nociceptive regulation at a single-cell resolution and identified a DSKergic descending neuronal pathway that inhibits nociception. This study provides the first evidence for a descending modulatory mechanism of nociception from the brain in a non-mammalian species that is mediated by the evolutionarily conserved CCK system, raising the possibility that the descending inhibition is an ancient mechanism to regulate nociception.
Assessing arthropod diversity metrics derived from stream environmental DNA: spatiotemporal variation and paired comparisons with manual sampling
Authors: Aunins Aaron A. , Mueller Sara J. , Fike Jennifer A. , Cornman Robert S.
Published: March 2023

Background

Benthic invertebrate (BI) surveys have been widely used to characterize freshwater environmental quality but can be challenging to implement at desired spatial scales and frequency. Environmental DNA (eDNA) allows an alternative BI survey approach, one that can potentially be implemented more rapidly and cheaply than traditional methods.

Methods

We evaluated eDNA analogs of BI metrics in the Potomac River watershed of the eastern United States. We first compared arthropod diversity detected with primers targeting mitochondrial 16S (mt16S) and cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1 or COI) loci to that detected by manual surveys conducted in parallel. We then evaluated spatial and temporal variation in arthropod diversity metrics with repeated sampling in three focal parks. We also investigated technical factors such as filter type used to capture eDNA and PCR inhibition treatment.

Results

Our results indicate that genus-level assessment of eDNA compositions is achievable at both loci with modest technical noise, although database gaps remain substantial at mt16S for regional taxa. While the specific taxa identified by eDNA did not strongly overlap with paired manual surveys, some metrics derived from eDNA compositions were rank-correlated with previously derived biological indices of environmental quality. Repeated sampling revealed statistical differences between high- and low-quality sites based on taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and tolerance scores weighted by taxon proportions in transformed counts. We conclude that eDNA compositions are efficient and informative of stream condition. Further development and validation of scoring schemes analogous to commonly used biological indices should allow increased application of the approach to management needs.
miR-126 promotes M1 to M2 macrophage phenotype switching via VEGFA and KLF4
Authors: Shou Xinyang , Wang Yimin , Jiang Qingyu , Chen Jun , Liu Qiang
Published: March 2023

Background

Macrophage polarization and microRNA play crucial roles in the development of atherosclerosis (AS). The M1 macrophage phenotype contributes to the formation of plaques, while the M2 macrophage phenotype resolves inflammation and promotes tissue repair. MiR-126 has been found to play a role in regulating macrophage polarization in the context of AS. However, the exact mechanism of miR-126 requires further research.

Methods

The foam cell model was established by stimulating THP-1 with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). We transfected foam cells with miR-126 mimic and its negative control. The transfection of miR-126 was implemented by riboFECT CP transfection kit. The levels of miR-126 and M1/M2 associated genes in foam cells were quantified using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Additionally, the expressions of CD86+ and CD206+ cells in foam cells were determined by flow cytometry. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to determine the protein and mRNA levels of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and the transcriptional regulator Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), respectively. Additionally, we detected endothelial cell migration after co-culturing endothelial cells and macrophages. MG-132 was used to indirectly activate the expression of VEGFA, and the expression of KLF4 was also evaluated.

Results

The activation of apoptosis and production of foam cells were boosted by the addition of ox-LDL. We transfected foam cells with miR-126 mimic and its negative control and observed that miR-126 greatly suppressed foam cell development and inhibited phagocytosis. Moreover, it caused pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages to switch to the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. This was reflected by the increase in anti-inflammatory gene expression and the decrease in pro-inflammatory gene expression. Additionally, miR-126 dramatically decreased the expressions of VEGFA and KLF4. The protein-protein interaction network analysis showed a significantly high correlation between miR-126, VEGFA, and KLF4. MiR-126 may also promote EC migration by activating macrophage PPAR γ expression and effectively suppressing macrophage inflammation. MG-132 indirectly activated the expression of VEGFA, and the expression of KLF4 also significantly increased, which indicates a direct or indirect relationship between VEGFA and KLF4.

Conclusion

Our study shows that miR-126 can reverse ox-LDL-mediated phagocytosis and apoptosis in macrophages. Consequently, the potential role of miR-126 was manifested in regulating macrophage function and promoting vascular endothelial migration.
Determination of Some Physical and Mechanical Properties of Gmelina arborea Seed
Authors: Onwe David Nwabueze , Okoko Paul , Akpan Mfrekemfon G.
Published: March 2023

The properties of kernels, grains and seeds are important in the development of equipment for transportation, handling and processing. Physical and mechanical properties of Gmelina arborea where experimentally determined. The moisture content of Gmelina arborea was determined as 41.30%wb. The major, minor and intermediate diameters were 18.16 ± 1.79 mm, 10.52 ± 0.93 mm and 9.40 ± 0.81 mm respectively. The geometric and arithmetic mean diameter were calculated as 12.12 ± 1.10 and 9.56 ± 0.90 mm respectively. The sphericity was 66.91%, aspect ratio, 58.19, bulk and true densities, 0.64 kg/m3 and 0.96 kg/m3 respectively. The porosity and mass of a 1000 seeds were 66.67% and 621.33g respectively. The coefficient of friction determined on four different surfaces were; on wood, 0.4 ± 0.7, on galvanized steel, 0.37 ± 0.6, on glass, 0.36 ± 0.4 and on aluminum, 0.34 ± 0.6. The angle of repose was 24.09o. The compressive test conducted on the three major axes; vertical, horizontal and transverse shows that the energy needed for cracking of the Gmelina arborea is least on the horizontal axis, 0.808 ± 0.19 kN, followed by the vertical axis, 1.496 ± 0.35 kN and then the transverse axis, 2.39 ± 0.20 kN, with corresponding stress as 1.52 ± 0.35, 2.90 ± 0.45 and 4.90 ± 0.44 MPa respectively.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection and Vaccination: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices among Young Adults Attending Universities in Cameroon
Authors: Afegenwi Mbunkah Herbert , Feduma Ayong Shantal , Emilio Bongadzeven Blandine , Notang Musi Ina
Published: March 2023

Aims: This study was initiated to assess the knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and vaccination, attitudes towards HPV vaccines, as well as risky sexual practices of young university students towards HPV infection.  

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that included university-going young adults of both sexes, aged 18 to 25 years.  

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in four randomly selected state universities, located in different geographic regions of Cameroon. The study took place between April and July 2022.

Methodology: The survey instrument was a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. Participants were randomly given questionnaires to be completed. Data was imported into SPSS version 23 software for analyses. Participants were categorised into one of two groups - poor level of knowledge and good level of knowledge, depending on the number of correct answers to 7 questions about knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to examine differences in parameters.

Results: 1263 questionnaires were returned. Most participants (78.9%) were undergraduates aged 20 - 21 years (32.7%). Overall, just 87/1263 (6.9%) of participants had a good knowledge of HPV infection and vaccination, most of whom were females (56.7%). Educational level (OR 3.11, 95% CI (1.24 – 7.85), P = .02), field of study (OR 0.42, 95% CI (0.17 – 1.04), P = .04) and plans to become vaccinated (OR 0.33, 95% CI (0.14 – 0.76), P = .009) were predictors of good knowledge of HPV. Attitudes towards HPV vaccination were overall positive. 71.9% participants were sexually active, most of whom only used condoms sometimes (47.2%).

Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for educational programs and public health policies targeted to this age bracket, to increase students’ awareness of the risks associated with HPV infection as this can potentially increase the vaccination rate in the country.
STAKEHOLDERS’ ATTITUDE TOWARD ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN RINJANI-LOMBOK GEOPARK: THE EVIDENCE FROM MOUNT RINJANI NATIONAL PARK
Authors: Patiro Shine Pintor Siolemba , Hendarto Kresno Agus , Hendrian Hendrian , Budiyanti Hety , Al-Hasan Rubangi , Yumantoko Yumantoko , Nur Ahmad , Kurniawan Edi , Yuniarti Naning , Desmiwati Desmiwati , Wisudayati Tri Astuti , Cahyono Deddy Dwi Nur , Pratama Yudha Satria Aji , Nugraheni Yosephine Martha Maria Anita , Yatma Tri Dasta Nursehaneka
Published: March 2023

Based on stakeholder and social exchange theory, this study examined a model of the re­la­tionship between stakeholder awareness, perception of impact (environmental, economic, and socio-cultural), and attitude toward ecotourism development in Mount Rinjani National Park (MRNP). The model was tested using a sample of 157 stakeholders. Data were collected by surveying and analyzing using the partial least squares. The results showed that only perception of the economic impacts of ecotourism partially mediated the relationship between awareness and attitude toward ecotourism development. From the perspective of stakeholder theory, the perceived impacts are he­terogeneous. These differences will determine their attitude toward the level of support and parti­ci­pation. From the perspective of social exchange theory, the study showed that attitude toward eco­tourism development is directly influenced by awareness of ecotourism and the perception of eco­nomic impact. The stakeholders on MRNT have a more compromising attitude toward ecotourism development to the socio-cultural and environmental impacts.
Compositional Modifications to Alter and Suppress Laves Phases in AlxCrMoTayTi Alloys
Authors: Mann Austin E. , Newkirk Joseph W.
Published: March 2023

Herein, the development of refractory complex concentrated alloys in the Al–Cr–Mo–Ta–Ti alloy system is reported. Alloys with modified Al and Ta concentrations are designed using CALPHAD tools and produced via arc melting and characterized in both as‐cast and annealed forms. Properties of the alloys, nature of the microstructures, and phase transformation behavior are described via X‐ray diffraction, microstructural characterization, microhardness, and differential scanning calorimetry. Two alloys, namely, Al0.25CrMoTa0.8Ti and Al0.75CrMoTa0.8Ti, are represented by a body‐centered‐cubic matrix phase after annealing, along with a secondary Cr–Ta Laves phase of the C15 and C14 polytypes, respectively. In as‐cast and annealed forms, the Al0.75CrMoTa0.45Ti alloy comprises a single‐bcc phase. Microhardness of the Laves phase containing alloys demonstrates susceptibility to cracking, whereas the Al0.75CrMoTa0.45Ti alloy displays high specific hardness, signs of ductility as evidenced by slip traces near indentations, and minimal scatter of hardness values.
Effect of Process Variables on Microstructure, Flow, and Tensile Properties of Nickel‐Based Superalloys with Designed Porous Structures Manufactured by Laser‐Based Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Albert Johannes , Purschke Simon , Fleck Claudia
Published: March 2023

The nickel‐based superalloys Haynes 282 and Inconel 625 are processed using laser‐based powder bed fusion of metals (PBF‐LB/M) to manufacture designed materials (DMs) with configurable open‐porous morphology. Such structures can be utilized in large gas turbines, for example, as high‐frequency dampers, heat exchangers, and for transpiration cooling features. This research investigates the effects of the applied volume energy input and laser deflection angle (as calculated by position) on the macro‐ and microstructure and tensile and flow properties of DMs made from Haynes 282. Furthermore, a novel combination of DMs and cubic lattice structures made from Inconel 625 has been investigated regarding potential improvements. The substantial interface between the two features, DM and lattice structure, is visually analyzed using microcomputed tomography. The analysis of the hierarchical DMs reveals that the combination of lattice structures and DMs is manufacturable and has benefits in terms of mechanical strength while having less significant effects on flow properties.
An Oxidative [3+2+1] Cyclization of Enaminones and N‐Alkenyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone: Access to Polysubstituted 4‐Alkylated 1,4‐dihydropyridines
Authors: Chai Zhangmengjie , Chen Longkun , Liu Zhuoyuan , Sun Yulin , Liu Donghan , Zhang Mingshuai , Wang Yongchao , Yu Fuchao
Published: March 2023

An oxidative [3+2+1] cyclization of enaminones and N‐alkenyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone is described for the synthesis of 4‐alkylated 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs). By using terminal olefin as the C4 source of the 1,4‐DHP skeleton, this synthetic strategy provides a series of 1,4‐DHPs through a 1,1‐difunctionalization/cyclization process. In this protocol, two C(sp3)−C(sp2) bonds and a C(sp2)−N bond are simultaneously formed, the hydrogen source on the newly formed methyl group of the 1,4‐DHP skeleton is confirmed and a possible mechanism is proposed.

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Market power and cost‐efficiency effects: Broiler packing industry in South Korea
Authors: Kang Minseong , Ahn Byeong‐Il
Published: March 2023

The effects of rising concentration on markups in the meatpacking industry have sparked ongoing global debate. In this vein, our study aimed to decompose these effects into two opposing components: market power and cost‐efficiency effects. We applied our model to the broiler packing industry in South Korea. Our findings indicate that cost‐efficiency effects decreased sharply from 74.642 in 2017 to ‐145.860 in 2021, while market power effects remained stable during the study period. We found that the decrease in cost‐efficiency effects has begun to counteract the market power effects, which can largely be attributed to profix‐maximizing behavior of broiler packers in response to the bird flu outbreak. Moreover, we highlighted that non‐material price changes were a significant source of the reduction in cost‐efficiency effects, which underscores the necessity of policy efforts to manage factor market situations in order to mitigate the negative consequences of market concentration. [EconLit Citations: D43, L11, Q13].
Starch‐Based Superabsorbent Hydrogel with High Electrolyte Retention Capability and Synergistic Interface Engineering for Long‐Lifespan Flexible Zinc−Air Batteries
Authors: Fan Xiayue , Zhang Rui , Sui Simi , Liu Xiaorui , Liu Jie , Shi Chunsheng , Zhao Naiqin , Zhong Cheng , Hu Wenbin
Published: March 2023

The advent of wearable electronics has strongly stimulated advanced research into the exploration of flexible zinc−air batteries (ZABs) with high theoretical energy density, high inherent safety, and low cost. However, the half‐open battery structure and the high concentration of alkaline aqueous environment pose great challenges on the electrolyte retention capability and the zinc anode stability. Herein, a starch‐based superabsorbent hydrogel polymer electrolyte (SSHPE) with high ionic conductivity, electrolyte absorption and retention capabilities, strong alkaline resistance and high zinc anode stability has been designed and applied in ZABs. Experimental and calculational analyses probe into the root of the superiority of SSHPEs, confirming the significance of the carboxyl functional groups along their polymer chains. These features endow the as‐fabricated ZAB a long cycle life of 300 h, much longer than that with commonly used poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based electrolyte.
Selective Production of CO from Organic Pollutants by Coupling Piezocatalysis and Advanced Oxidation Processes
Authors: Ran Maoxi , Xu Hai , Bao Yan , Zhang Yayun , Zhang Jinlong , Xing Mingyang
Published: March 2023

To date, the chemical conversion of organic pollutants into value‐added chemical feedstocks rather than CO2 remains a major challenge. Herein, we successfully developed a coupled piezocatalytic and advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) system for achieving the conversion of various organic pollutants to CO. The CO product stems from the specific process in which organics are first oxidized to carbonate through peroxymonosulfate (PMS)‐based AOPs, and then the as‐obtained carbonate is converted into CO by piezoelectric reduction under ultrasonic (US) vibration by using a Co3S4/MoS2 catalyst. Experiments and DFT calculations show that the introduction of Co3S4 not only effectively promotes the transfer and utilization of piezoelectric electrons but also realizes highly selective conversion from carbonate to CO. The Co3S4/MoS2/PMS system has achieved selective generation of CO in actual complex wastewater treatment for the first time, indicating its potential practical applicability.
Leicht bauen mit Beton – ausgewählte Forschungsarbeiten des ILEK – Teil 1: Materialleichtbau
Authors: Blandini Lucio , Kovaleva Daria , Nething Christoph , Nigl David , Smirnova Maiia , Strahm Benedikt , Eppinger Erik , Teichmann Alexander
Published: March 2023

Seit mehr als 20 Jahren beschäftigt sich das Institut für Leichtbau Entwerfen und Konstruieren (ILEK) der Universität Stuttgart in interdisziplinären Forschungsarbeiten mit dem scheinbaren Paradoxon „Leicht bauen mit Beton“. In einem zweiteiligen Beitrag werden nun Auszüge aus der aktuellen Forschung des ILEK zu diesem Thema vorgestellt. Der erste Teil betrachtet die Entwicklungen auf der Materialebene (Materialleichtbau). Hier geht es um das Ziel der Reduktion der Verwendung von primären Ressourcen, der materialbedingten Emissionen und des Abfalls in den verschiedenen Nutzungsphasen eines Bauwerks. Zu den hier vorgestellten Entwicklungen gehören: die Substitution der natürlichen Gesteinskörnung mit Rezyklaten, biomineralisiertes Calciumcarbonat als innovativer Ersatz für Portlandzement, Basaltfaserverbundbewehrungen als Alternative zum konventionellen Beton‐ und Spannstahl sowie rezyklierbare Sandschalungen zur abfallfreien Herstellung leichter Betonstrukturen.
Probing Tyrosine Nitration with a Small TbIII‐Metallopeptide
Authors: Sánchez‐Fernández Rosalía , Sánchez‐Temprano Agustín , Esteban‐Gómez David , Pazos Elena
Published: March 2023

Tyrosine nitration, a post‐translational modification (PTM) that takes place under nitrosative stress conditions, occurs through a non‐enzymatic peroxynitrite‐mediated reaction. Although protein nitration has long been considered an irreversible PTM involved in nitrosative stress‐associated diseases, it has also been suggested to be a regulatory mechanism of signal transduction. Therefore, the development of tools that help to understand this protein modification is of great interest. Herein, we explore a TbIII‐chelating metallopeptide to monitor tyrosine nitration. The luminescence of this probe decreases significantly between its non‐nitrated and nitrated states, and this reduction in the luminescence intensity is directly related to the degree of tyrosine nitration after treatment with peroxynitrite. Remarkably, the luminescence intensity changes after nitration are not affected in the presence of complex biological media, which makes it a promising tool for understanding this protein modification.
Modulation of gene expression and inflammation but not DNA damage after sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Silva Mariane A. P. , Braz Leandro G. , Braz José Reinaldo C. , Braz Mariana G.
Published: March 2023

This study assessed, for the first time, the expression of the genes hOGG1, TP53, and IL‐6 in leukocytes by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in surgical patients before (baseline), during (2 h of anesthesia) and 1 day after sevoflurane anesthesia. Additionally, DNA damage was detected by the comet assay, serum interleukin (IL)‐6 was detected by flow cytometry, and differential leukocyte counting was also performed. TP53 and hOGG1 expression was downregulated on the day after anesthesia compared to before anesthesia. However, IL‐6 expression did not change, and no DNA damage induction was observed during or after anesthesia. At the systemic level, mild neutrophilia and an increase in IL‐6 levels occurred after anesthesia. Our findings suggest that sevoflurane anesthesia downregulates gene expression (hOGG1 and TP53) and contributes to an inflammatory status (increased systemic IL‐6 and mild neutrophilia) but is not associated with DNA damage in patients without comorbidities who undergo minor elective surgery.
Effect of weathering on short‐ and long‐term mechanical behaviour of granitic soils from the Benggang area under unloading conditions
Authors: Zhang Wan‐lu , Chen Jia‐cun , Yuan Zai‐jian , Liao Yi‐shan , Feng Ren
Published: March 2023

As regional soils collapse during the development of Benggang landforms, the release of geostress results in soil disintegration. This phenomenon is associated with soil instability, and it necessitates a study on the mechanical behaviour of decomposed granitic soils in response to unloading in the Benggang area. This study addressed the short‐ and long‐term mechanical behaviour of granitic soils with various degrees of weathering in response to unloading. Triaxial unloading and multi‐stage unloading creep tests were performed, including a comparative study of consolidated undrained (CU) triaxial tests. The deformation characteristics of granitic soils differed with the degree of weathering and the initial stress level. The most significant adverse effect of creep behaviour under unloading and undrained conditions was found in granitic soils with the greatest loss rate of maximum shear stress in contrast to the cases of CU compression and one‐time unloading. Additionally, increasing time‐dependent deformation was observed with increasing degree of weathering and initial stress level, which suggested that creep behaviour under unloading conditions accelerated soil erosion and instability in the Benggang area. The results of this study highlighted the potential influences of geostress release and time‐dependent deformation on soil instability in the Benggang area and advanced the understanding of mechanical mechanisms during the development of Benggang landforms.
Rethinking recovery in adolescent concussions: Network‐level functional connectivity alterations associated with motor deficits
Authors: Crasta Jewel E. , Nebel Mary Beth , Svingos Adrian , Tucker Robert N. , Chen Hsuan Wei , Busch Tyler , Caffo Brian S. , Stephens Jaclyn , Suskauer Stacy J.
Published: March 2023

Adolescents who are clinically recovered from concussion continue to show subtle motor impairment on neurophysiological and behavioral measures. However, there is limited information on brain–behavior relationships of persistent motor impairment following clinical recovery from concussion. We examined the relationship between subtle motor performance and functional connectivity of the brain in adolescents with a history of concussion, status post‐symptom resolution, and subjective return to baseline. Participants included 27 adolescents who were clinically recovered from concussion and 29 never‐concussed, typically developing controls (10–17 years); all participants were examined using the Physical and Neurologic Examination of Subtle Signs (PANESS). Functional connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) or dorsal attention network (DAN) and regions of interest within the motor network was assessed using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Compared to controls, adolescents clinically recovered from concussion showed greater subtle motor deficits as evaluated by the PANESS and increased connectivity between the DMN and left lateral premotor cortex. DMN to left lateral premotor cortex connectivity was significantly correlated with the total PANESS score, with more atypical connectivity associated with more motor abnormalities. This suggests that altered functional connectivity of the brain may underlie subtle motor deficits in adolescents who have clinically recovered from concussion. More investigation is required to understand the persistence and longer‐term clinical relevance of altered functional connectivity and associated subtle motor deficits to inform whether functional connectivity may serve as an important biomarker related to longer‐term outcomes after clinical recovery from concussion.
Body mass index and body shape before treatment and nasopharyngeal carcinoma prognosis: A population‐based patient cohort study in southern China
Authors: Du Yun , Feng Ruimei , Chang Ellen T. , Yin Li , Huang Tingting , Li Yancheng , Zhou Xiang , Huang Yi , Zhou Feng , Su Canqiong , Xiao Xue , Jia Weihua , Zheng Yuming , Adami Hans‐Olov , Zeng Yixin , Cai Yonglin , Zhang Zhe , Xu Miao , Ye Weimin
Published: March 2023

A concern of reverse causation exists about the association between nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) prognosis and body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis, while the prognostic impact of BMI measured years before diagnosis is unknown. Therefore, we investigated associations of prediagnosis and pretreatment BMI and body shape on NPC mortality. From a population‐based patient cohort in southern China between 2010 and 2013, we included 2526 incident NPC cases with prospective follow‐up through 2018. We assessed the associations of BMI and body shape at age 20 years, 10 years before diagnosis, and at diagnosis with NPC mortality, combining strategies of stratification and statistical adjustment to minimize reverse causation. We observed 25% lower all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64‐0.89) and 25% lower NPC‐specific mortality (HR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.61‐0.91) among overweight vs normal‐weight NPC cases at diagnosis. Lean body shapes 1 and 2 at diagnosis were associated with 68% and 23% higher all‐cause mortality, respectively, compared to normal body shape 3. No effect modification by cancer stage was detected for associations with all‐cause or NPC‐specific mortality. Associations with BMI and body shape 10 years before diagnosis were similar but attenuated, while body size and shape at age 20 were not associated with mortality. Being overweight at diagnosis decreased mortality, and thinner body shape increased mortality, compared to normal weight/body shape. These associations may be due to poorer nutrition and treatment intolerance, resulting in treatment discontinuation and worse survival outcomes.
Can Facebook really be a tool for supporting citizen engagement during emergencies?
Authors: Contri Marco , Fissi Silvia , Gori Elena
Published: March 2023

The present study explores how Italian regions and their presidents employed Facebook during the Covid‐19 pandemic to encourage citizen engagement. To do so, it adopts quantitative methodologies. Our results show that most public actors increased their levels of social activity during the pandemic but mainly for promoting public communication and that citizens much prefer interacting with presidents. Moreover, citizen engagement was higher when posts were published during nonbusiness hours or weekends, while it decreased when posts contained photos or videos.
Mechanical and thermomechanical properties of an LLM‐105 based PBX high explosive with and without accelerated aging
Authors: Mirkarimi P. B. , Pease S. T. , Moua Y. , Gagliardi F. J. , Gash A. E.
Published: March 2023

In this paper we present measurements and analysis on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the LLM‐105 based plastic bonded high explosive RX‐55‐DQ. Specifically we present uni‐axial compression, and thermal measurements (CTE and ratchet growth), and for some of the measurements we provide a comparison to measurements on TATB‐based PBX 9502. We also present the same mechanical property measurements performed on RX‐55‐DQ samples that underwent accelerated aging.
Update on severe summer scour syndrome in cattle
Authors: Swinson Vanessa , Nabb Liz , Henderson Katrina , Millar Mick
Published: March 2023

This focus article has been prepared by Vanessa Swinson, veterinary lead of the APHA Cattle Expert Group, Liz Nabb, of APHA Starcross, Katrina Henderson, of SRUC Dumfries, and Mick Millar, of the University of Bristol Veterinary School.
Early Predicting the Need for Aftercare Based on Patients Events from the First Hours of Stay – A Case Study
Authors: Dubbeldam Annika L. , Ketykó István , de Carvalho Renata M. , Mannhardt Felix
Published: March 2023

Patients, when in a hospital, will go through a personalized treatment scheduled for many different reasons and with various outcomes. Furthermore, some patients and/or treatments require aftercare. Identifying the need for aftercare is crucial for improving the process of the patient and hospital. A late identification results in a patient staying longer than needed, occupying a bed that otherwise could serve another patient. In this paper, we will investigate to what extent events from the first hours of stay can help in predicting the need for aftercare. For that, we explored a dataset from a Dutch hospital. We compared different methods, considering different prediction moments (depending of the amount of initial hours of stay), and we evaluate the gain in earlier predicting the need for aftercare.
Detecting Complex Anomalous Behaviors in Business Processes: A Multi-perspective Conformance Checking Approach
Authors: Mozafari Mehr Azadeh Sadat , M. de Carvalho Renata , van Dongen Boudewijn
Published: March 2023

In recent years, organizations are putting an increasing emphasis on anomaly detection. Anomalies in business processes can be an indicator of system faults, inefficiencies, or even fraudulent activities. In this paper we introduce an approach for anomaly detection. Our approach considers different perspectives of a business process such as control flow, data and privacy aspects simultaneously.Therefore, it is able to detect complex anomalies in business processes like spurious data processing and misusage of authorizations. The approach has been implemented in the open source ProM framework and its applicability was evaluated through a real-life dataset from a financial organization. The experiment implies that in addition to detecting anomalies of each aspect, our approach can detect more complex anomalies which relate to multiple perspectives of a business process.
Leveraging Event Data for Measuring Process Complexity
Authors: Vidgof Maxim , Mendling Jan
Published: March 2023

Complexity is an important aspect of business processes. Numerous metrics have been introduced to measure process complexity, however, existing metrics view processes merely as sequences of activities, disregarding the corresponding data. This is a major omission since much of the complexity of business processes stems from the variation of data that is associated with it. In this paper, we refer to recent research on how behavioral complexity of business processes can be defined. More specifically, we extend entropy-based complexity metrics such that they are capable of capturing the variation of event data. We provide some first insights into the implications of applying these newly proposed metrics.
BacSp222 bacteriocin as a novel ligand for TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer
Authors: Śmiałek-Bartyzel Justyna , Bzowska Monika , Mężyk-Kopeć Renata , Kwissa Marcin , Mak Paweł
Published: March 2023

Objective and design

BacSp222 bacteriocin is a bactericidal and proinflammatory peptide stimulating immune cells to produce selected cytokines and NO in NF-ĸB dependent manner. This study aims to identify the receptor which mediates this activity.

Methods

We applied fluorescently labeled BacSp222 and a confocal microscopy imaging to analyze the direct interaction of the bacteriocin with the cells. Reporter HEK-Blue cells overexpressing human toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 or TLR2/TLR1 and TLR2/TLR6 heterodimers) were stimulated with BacSp222, and then the activity of NF-ĸB-dependent secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) was measured. In turn, formylated peptide receptor (FPR) or TLR2 antagonists were used to verify bacteriocin-stimulated TNF production by murine monocyte-macrophage cell lines.

Results

BacSp222 undergoes internalization into cells without disturbing the cell membrane. FPR antagonists do not affect TNF produced by BacSp222-stimulated murine macrophage-like cells. In contrast, BacSp222 stimulates NF-ĸB activation in HEK-Blue overexpressing TLR2 or TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer, but not TLR2/TLR1, TLR4 or TLR5 receptors. Moreover, TLR2-specific antagonists inhibit NF-ĸB signaling in BacSp222-stimulated HEK-Blue TLR2/TLR6 cells and reduce TNF release by BacSp222-treated RAW 264.7 and P388.D1.

Conclusions

BacSp222 is a novel ligand for TLR2/TLR6 heterodimer. By binding TLR complex the bacteriocin undergoes internalization, inducing proinflammatory signaling that employs MyD88 and NF-ĸB pathways.
Improved exosome isolation methods from non-small lung cancer cells (NC1975) and their characterization using morphological and surface protein biomarker methods
Authors: Mahgoub Elham O. , Abdella Galal M.
Published: March 2023

This study has demonstrated improved methods for isolating exosomes from non-small lung cancer cells, which address the problems characterized by exosome morphological and chemical methods. To improve the isolation methods, cells from the NCI 1975 cell line were used as the source for exosomes. The isolation processes were carried out using serial isolation techniques in addition to specific preservation tools. The isolated exosomes were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was added for further assurance of the investigation results. The statistical analysis results showed that the size distributions of apoptotic vesicles (APV) 450 nm and necrotic bodies (NCB) 280 nm (extracellular vesicles) were significantly different from exosomes (P < 0.001). In contrast, the exosome size distribution was not significantly different from the published exosome sizes, as demonstrated by statistical analysis tools. This study confirmed the improved methods for isolating exosomes that make exosomes accessible for use in the diagnosis and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
A comparative analysis of continuum plasticity, viscoplasticity and phase-field models for earthquake sequence modeling
Authors: Goudarzi M. , Gerya T. , Dinther Y. van
Published: March 2023

This paper discusses continuum models for simulating earthquake sequences on faults governed by rate-and-state dependent friction. Through detailed numerical analysis of a conventional strike-slip fault, new observations regarding the use of various continuum earthquake models are presented. We update a recently proposed plasticity-based model using a consistently linearized formulation, show its agreement with discrete fault models for fault thicknesses of hundreds of meters, and demonstrate mesh objectivity for slip-related variables. To obtain a fully regularized fault width description with an internal length scale, we study the performance and mesh convergence of a plasticity-based model complemented by a Kelvin viscosity term and the phase-field approach to cohesive fracture. The Kelvin viscoplasticity-based model can introduce an internal length scale and a mesh-objective response. However, on grid sizes down to meters, this only holds for very high Kelvin viscosities that inhibit seismic slip rates, which renders this approach impractical for simulating earthquake sequences. On the other hand, our phase-field implementation for earthquake sequences provides a numerically robust framework that agrees with a discrete reference solution, is mesh objective, and reaches seismic slip rates. The model, unsurprisingly, requires highly refined grids around the fault zones to reproduce results close to a discrete model. Following this line, the effect of an internal length scale parameter on the phase-field predictions and mesh convergence are discussed.
Matching centroids by a projective transformation
Authors: Izmestiev Ivan
Published: March 2023

Given two subsets of$$\mathbb {R}^d$$Rd, when does there exist a projective transformation that maps them to two sets with a common centroid? When is this transformation unique modulo affine transformations? We study these questions for 0- andd-dimensional sets, obtaining several existence and uniqueness results as well as examples of non-existence or non-uniqueness. If both sets have dimension 0, then the problem is related to the analytic center of a polytope and to polarity with respect to an algebraic set. If one set is a single point, and the other is a convex body, then it is equivalent by polar duality to the existence and uniqueness of the Santaló point. For a finite point set versus a ball, it generalizes the Möbius centering of edge-circumscribed convex polytopes and is related to the conformal barycenter of Douady-Earle. If both sets ared-dimensional, then we are led to define the Santaló point of a pair of convex bodies. We prove that the Santaló point of a pair exists and is unique, if one of the bodies is contained within the other and has Hilbert diameter less than a dimension-depending constant. The bound is sharp and is obtained by a box inside a cross-polytope.
Combination of epigenetic erasing and mechanical cues to generate human epiBlastoids from adult dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Pennarossa Georgia , Arcuri Sharon , De Iorio Teresina , Ledda Sergio , Gandolfi Fulvio , Brevini Tiziana A. L.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

This study is to develop a new protocol that combines the use of epigenetic cues and mechanical stimuli to assemble 3D spherical structures, arbitrarily defined “epiBlastoids,” whose phenotype is remarkably similar to natural embryos.

Methods

A 3-step approach is used to generate epiBlastoids. In the first step, adult dermal fibroblasts are converted into trophoblast (TR)-like cells, combining the use of 5-azacytidine, to erase the original phenotype, with an ad hoc induction protocol, to drive cells towards TR lineage. In the second step, epigenetic erasing is applied once again, in combination with mechanosensing-related cues, to generate inner cell mass (ICM)-like organoids. Specifically, erased cells are encapsulated into micro-bioreactors to promote 3D cell rearrangement and boost pluripotency. In the third step, TR-like cells are co-cultured with ICM-like spheroids in the same micro-bioreactors. Subsequently, the newly generated embryoids are transferred to microwells to favor epiBlastoid formation.

Results

Adult dermal fibroblasts are successfully readdressed towards TR lineage. Cells subjected to epigenetic erasing and encapsulated into micro-bioreactors rearrange in 3D ICM-like structures. Co-culture of TR-like cells and ICM-like spheroids into micro-bioreactors and microwells induces the formation of single structures with uniform shape reminiscent in vivo embryos. CDX2+ cells localized in the out layer of the spheroids, while OCT4+ cells in the inner of the structures. TROP2+ cells display YAP nuclear accumulation and actively transcribed for mature TR markers, while TROP2− cells showed YAP cytoplasmic compartmentalization and expressed pluripotency-related genes.

Conclusion

We describe the generation of epiBlastoids that may find useful application in the assisted reproduction field.
The income gap reporting framework in public not-for-profit organizations: the British Museum case
Authors: Ferri Paolo , Napolitano Simone , Zan Luca
Published: March 2023

The income gap is the negative margin between earned income and operating expenses: this is the main financial concern for not-for-profit entities (both public sector and nongovernmental organizations). Despite this, all over the world these entities are forced to use the standard profit-centered income statements format, with its focus on net income generation (the bottom line). This paper proposes an income statement format that uses the income gap to understand/discuss/present the financial viability of a not-for-profit entity in the arts sector, specifically a museum. We apply the framework to the British Museum’s income statements from 1999–2000 to 2018–2019. This allows us to analyze institutional narratives in the context of the evolution of the museum’s financial viability over two decades, and to assess the performance of the museum’s neoliberal reform agenda from the end of the 1990s. Enlarging the perspective, ad hoc adaptations of the framework can allow a better understanding of the financial viability of not-for-profit organizations, in the arts sector and possibly more broadly in public services and not-for-profit sector.
Leper Knights
Authors: Marcombe David
Published: March 2023

An illustrated history of the English branch of the Order of St Lazarus, founded to care for lepers and send leper knights to the Crusades.
Decomposability of multiparameter car flows
Authors: Arjunan Anbu
Published: March 2023

Let P be a closed convex cone in $\mathbb{R}^d$ which is assumed to be spanning $\mathbb{R}^d$ and contains no line. In this article, we consider a family of CAR flows over P and study the decomposability of the associated product systems. We establish a necessary and sufficient condition for CAR flow to be decomposable. As a consequence, we show that there are uncountable many CAR flows which are cocycle conjugate to the corresponding CCR flows.