bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red light enhances the antibacterial properties, biofabrication, and stability of Fagonia indica callus‐based silver nanoparticles
Authors: Iqbal Reema , Khan Tariq , Sherazi Tauqir A. , Jalal Abdullah , Ali Gul Shad
Published: September 2023

Plant‐based nanoparticles can be tuned through the frequency of light for efficient synthesis, structural properties, and antibacterial applications. This research assessed the effect of material type (callus and whole‐plant extract) and the interaction with a specific range of light wavelength on AgNP synthesis. All types of AgNPs were characterized by their size, shape, associated functional groups, and surface charge. Interestingly, the size of red light and callus‐based AgNPs (RC‐AgNPs) was smaller (6.32 nm) compared to 14.59 nm for Ultraviolet light and callus‐based AgNPs (UV‐C‐AgNPs). Zeta potential analysis showed that RC‐AgNPs had higher stability (−29.2 mV) compared to UV‐C‐AgNPs (−16.7 mV). Similarly, red light‐based AgNPs had higher Oxidation reduction potential in both whole‐plant‐based and callus‐based AgNPs, indicating a more oxidizing nature compared to those synthesized under UV light. This was confirmed by the lower total phenolic and flavonoid content associated with them and their lower antioxidant activity. The higher antibacterial activities and lower minimum inhibitory concentrations of red light‐based AgNPs against highly resistant pathogenic bacteria demonstrated the role of red light in enhancing antibacterial activity. These results indicate that AgNPs synthesized in red light and callus extract are more active compared to those synthesized under other wavelengths and/or in whole‐plant extracts.
The effects of copper deficiency on lignification, xylem vessel structure, and hydraulic traits in hybrid poplar
Authors: Hunter Cameron , Sun Zimou , Mansfield Shawn D. , Shahbaz Muhammad , Pilon Marinus , Gleason Sean M.
Published: September 2023

Copper (Cu) homeostasis is integral to many plant physiological processes, including lignification of plant cell walls. This link occurs through Cu's role as a cofactor in the apoplastic laccase enzymes that oxidize monolignols that then polymerize to form the hydrophobic lignin polymer, which provides rigidity and strength to the water transport system. In this study, we investigated the effect of Cu deficiency on lignin content and chemistry in poplar stems. We also examined the effect of Cu deficiency on the stiffness of stem wood and the hydraulic properties of leaves. Cu deficiency resulted in a significant reduction in lignin content, an increase in the syringyl to guaiacyl monomer ratio of stem xylem, and no change to stem modulus of elasticity. Accompanying these stem traits, Cu‐deficient leaves had higher (less negative) turgor loss points and markedly stiffer mesophyll cell walls. Our results may reflect a novel response in poplar whereby structural stiffness and mechanical stability are maintained in the face of Cu deficiency and reduction in the guaiacyl lignin monomer content.
Structural realism and theory classification
Authors: Benitez Federico
Published: September 2023

Ontic structural realism constitutes a promising take on scientific realism, one that avoids the well‐known issues that realist stances have with underdetermination and theory change. In its most radical versions, ontic structural realism proposes a type of eliminativism about theoretical entities, ascribing ontological commitment only to the structures, and not to the objects appearing in our theories. More moderate versions of ontic structural realism have also been proposed, allowing for ‘thin’ objects in the ontology. This work connects these takes on structural realism with the independent notion that there are two categorically different kinds of scientific theories, namely those that deal with interactions and those that deal with structural constraints – what are known as interaction and framework theories, respectively. By taking this classification seriously, one can arrive at a selective version of ontic structural realism which is better adapted to our scientific knowledge, in which eliminativist ontic structural realism constitutes a natural fit to framework theories, whereas the moderate version is connected to interaction theories.
Introduction to symposium supply chain trade in Africa: Retrospect and prospect
Authors: de Melo Jaime , Olarreaga Marcelo
Published: September 2023

The symposium focuses on the evolution and determinants of Africa's participation in Global Value Chains (GVC) through comparisons with other continents, but also across countries within Africa. Using firm, sector and country‐level data they provide a comprehensive micro and macroeconomic analysis of GVC in Africa that helps inform policymakers aiming at increasing Africa's participation in GVC. Three policy areas are identified. First, encouraging FDI and better governance are important drivers of GVC participation through vertical and horizontal linkages. Second, promoting production capacity through industrial policies that aim at learning by exporting and internet connectivity can help diversify African GVC, which is heavily concentrated in the commodity sector, towards the manufacturing and services sectors with higher value‐added. Finally, there is a need to increase the downstreamness of Africa's participation in GVC, not only because it moves Africa towards sectors with high value‐added but also because it would make Africa's production more environmentally sustainable.
From historical expedition diaries to whole genome sequencing: A case study of the likely extinct Red Sea torpedo ray
Authors: Palandačić Anja , Kapun Martin , Greve Carola , Schell Tilman , Kirchner Sandra , Kruckenhauser Luise , Szucsich Nikolaus , Bogutskaya Nina
Published: September 2023

Torpedo rays (Torpedinidae, Torpediniformes) are small to moderately large batoids that produce an electric discharge. They are distributed worldwide in temperate and tropical seas and are, as a result of their bottom‐dwelling behaviour, susceptible to trawl fishing and often end up as victims of bycatch. The distribution ranges of most recognized species seem to be restricted; however, their species‐level systematics is not adequately resolved. In the genus Torpedo, in which many species require revision, there are possibly several undescribed species, while numerous misidentifications add to the complexity of the issue. In the latest lists of living rays, 13 species are accepted in the genus Torpedo, including three of doubtful validity and several recently discovered undescribed species. Among the valid species is the critically endangered, possibly extinct, Torpedo suessii Steindachner, 1898, the Red Sea torpedo, of which only four specimens have been recorded in the literature until now, three of which still exist in the fish collection of the Natural History Museum of Vienna. Museum collections are the most important archive of biodiversity on Earth, and are increasingly being used for various studies, including phylogenetics, population genomics, and biogeography. Nevertheless, molecular analysis of old museum material remains challenging because the genetic material has degraded, is fragmented, and of low quantity. In molecular taxonomy, the necessity of including type specimens as name‐bearing specimens is increasingly recognized. Here, the extended specimen approach was applied to re‐describe the lectotype of T. suessii. The approach included research of historical information and whole genome sequencing, followed by genome assembly and phylogenetic analysis.
Ensemble of Artificial Neural Networks for Approximating the Survival Signature of Critical Infrastructures
Authors: Di Maio Francesco , Pettorossi Chiara , Zio Enrico
Published: September 2023

Survival signature can be useful for the reliability assessment of critical infrastructures. However, analytical calculation and Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) are not feasible for approximating the survival signature of large infrastructures, because of the complexity and computational demand due to the large number of components. In this case, efficient and accurate approximations are sought. In this paper we formulate the survival signature approximation problem as a missing data problem. An ensemble of artificial neural networks (ANNs) is trained on a set of survival signatures obtained by MCS. The ensemble of trained ANNs is, then, used to retrieve the missing values of the survival signature. A numerical example is worked out and recommendations are given to design the ensemble of ANNs for large-scale, real-world infrastructures. The electricity grid of Great Britain, the New England power grid (IEEE 39-Bus Case), the reduced Berlin metro system and the approximated American Power System (IEEE 118-Bus Case) are, then, eventually, analyzed as particular case studies.
Widening the Band Gaps of Hourglass Lattice Truss Core Sandwich Structures for Broadband Vibration Suppression
Authors: Guo Zhenkun , Wen Jiaqi , Yu Dewen , Hu Guobiao , Yang Yaowen
Published: September 2023

This paper proposes a novel phononic crystal sandwich beam (PCSB) for low-frequency and broadband vibration suppression. The representative volume element (RVE) consists of two hourglass truss unit cells with the same span but different rod radii. After validating the modeling method, a model of the PCSB is established to calculate band structure and transmittance response, and the results show good agreement. It is found that the PCSB can open wider and lower band gaps compared to a traditional sandwich beam (TSB). The band-folding mechanism is applied. The PCSB breaks the spatial symmetry, becomes diatomic, and opens the folding points, finally leading to two band-folding-induced gaps. The experiment is conducted on the PCSB, and the vibration band gap property is confirmed. Subsequently, the impacts of geometric parameters on the PCSB’s band gaps are investigated in detail. Design guidelines for tuning the geometric parameters toward lower frequency and broadband band gap are provided based on the parametric study results. In addition, the higher-order band-folding strategy is proposed. It is shown that a multi-folding PCSB can produce more band gaps. However, through two examples, i.e., second-folding and third-folding PCSBs, it is known that simply increasing the folding order may not be effective and even could deteriorate the vibration attenuation ability. In summary, this work explores a general strategy for designing sandwich beams with low-frequency and broadband vibration suppression ability.
Resisting efficiency’s overreach
Optimal Illusions: The False Promise of Optimization
Coco Krumme
Riverhead Books, 2023. 256 pp.
Authors: Greenbaum Dov , Gerstein Mark
Published: September 2023

Society’s obsession with optimization has a cost, argues a mathematical modeler
Role for cell death pathway in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Sirkis Daniel W. , Yokoyama Jennifer S.
Published: September 2023

Human neurons transplanted into mice with amyloid plaques die by necroptosis
Front Asymptotics of a Flat Sub-Riemannian Structure on the Engel Distribution
Authors: Bogaevsky I. A.
Published: September 2023

We approximate the front of a flat sub-Riemannian structure on the Engel distribution in a neighborhood of a non-subanalytic singularity by the front of a control system integrable in elementary functions. As a corollary, we find the asymptotics of the exponential map of a flat sub-Riemannian structure on the Engel distribution.
Primary pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Jang Yong Ching , Hung Wei-Chien , Su Tzu-Cheng , Wu Wen-Pei
Published: September 2023

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare tumour of vascular origin with low to intermediate malignancy. Typical radiological finding on CT is multiple small nodules in bilateral lungs, and some will have punctate calcifications and pleural thickening. The diagnosis of PEH is confirmed by histopathological findings and positive immunohistochemistry staining. We report a case of a woman in her 50s with a medical history of lung adenocarcinoma. Later, regular chest CT during a routine cancer follow-up revealed multiple small pulmonary nodules and increased sizes of these nodules on serial images, initially misdiagnosed as multiple lung metastases. The histopathological diagnosis was made on a pulmonary wedge resection. Finally, PEH was diagnosed on the basis of positive immunohistochemical staining for CD31, ERF and TFE3. In the current study, the clinicopathological features and review of the literature were investigated. Our case highlights the importance of a histological diagnosis to avoid misdiagnosis.
Electroresponse of weak polyelectrolyte brushes
Authors: Balzer Christopher , Wang Zhen-Gang
Published: September 2023

End-tethered polyelectrolytes are widely used to modify substrate properties, particularly for lubrication or wetting. External stimuli, such as pH, salt concentration, or an electric field, can induce profound structural responses in weak polyelectrolyte brushes, which can be utilized to further tune substrate properties. We study the structure and electroresponsiveness of weak polyacid brushes using an inhomogeneous theory that incorporates both electrostatic and chain connectivity correlations at the Debye–Hückel level. Our calculation shows that a weak polyacid brush swells under the application of a negative applied potential, in agreement with recent experimental observation. We rationalize this behavior using a scaling argument that accounts for the effect of the surface charge. We also show that the swelling behavior has a direct influence on the differential capacitance, which can be modulated by the solvent quality, pH, and salt concentration.

Graphical Abstract
An Analytical Model-based Capacity Planning Approach for Building CSD-based Storage Systems
Authors: Byun Hongsu , Jamil Safdar , Han Jungwook , Park Sungyong , Lee Myungcheol , Kim Changsoo , Choi Beongjun , Kim Youngjae
Published: September 2023

The data movement in large-scale computing facilities (from compute nodes to data nodes) is categorized as one of the major contributors to high cost and energy utilization. To tackle it, in-storage processing (ISP) within storage devices, such as Solid-State Drives (SSDs), has been explored actively. The introduction of computational storage drives (CSDs) enabled ISP within the same form factor as regular SSDs and made it easy to replace SSDs within traditional compute nodes. With CSDs, host systems can offload various operations such as search, filter, and count. However, commercialized CSDs have different hardware resources and performance characteristics. Thus, it requires careful consideration of hardware, performance, and workload characteristics for building a CSD-based storage system within a compute node. Therefore, storage architects are hesitant to build a storage system based on CSDs as there are no tools to determine the benefits of CSD-based compute nodes to meet the performance requirements compared to traditional nodes based on SSDs. In this work, we proposed an analytical model-based storage capacity planner called
CsdPlan
for system architects to build performance-effective CSD-based compute nodes. Our model takes into account the performance characteristics of the host system, targeted workloads, and hardware and performance characteristics of CSDs to be deployed and provides optimal configuration based on the number of CSDs for a compute node. Furthermore,
CsdPlan
estimates and reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) for building a CSD-based compute node. To evaluate the efficacy of
CsdPlan
, we selected two commercially available CSDs and four representative big data analysis workloads.
Large-scale Video Analytics with Cloud–Edge Collaborative Continuous Learning
Authors: Nan Ya , Jiang Shiqi , Li Mo
Published: September 2023

Deep learning–based video analytics demands high network bandwidth to ferry the large volume of data when deployed on the cloud. When incorporated at the edge side, only lightweight deep neural network (DNN) models are affordable due to computational constraint. In this article, a cloud–edge collaborative architecture is proposed combining edge-based inference with cloud-assisted continuous learning. Lightweight DNN models are maintained at the edge servers and continuously retrained with a more comprehensive model on the cloud to achieve high video analytics performance while reducing the amount of data transmitted between edge servers and the cloud. The proposed design faces the challenge of constraints of both computation resources at the edge servers and network bandwidth of the edge–cloud links. An accuracy gradient-based resource allocation algorithm is proposed to allocate the limited computation and network resources across different video streams to achieve the maximum overall performance. A prototype system is implemented and experiment results demonstrate the effectiveness of our system with up to 28.6% absolute mean average precision gain compared with alternative designs.
Joan Petersilia: A Life and Legacy of Academic and Practical Impact
Authors: Lane Jodi
Published: September 2023

This review focuses on the life and career of Joan Petersilia, one of the most important corrections scholars of the past fifty years. The article discusses her formative years, her career spanning from college through her final appointment at Stanford Law School, her major research projects, and her impact on policy, practice, and the academic field of criminology. For more than forty years, Joan chose to do research that affected the real world, treating policymakers and practitioners as equal partners in efforts to improve the implementation of justice, especially that occurring postconviction. Her unique style allowed her to easily communicate the ideas and research from academe to a wide range of audiences, including the general public, policymakers, and practitioners. By doing so, Joan made a significant impact on the criminal justice system and was recognized for her body of work by receiving the 2014 Stockholm Prize, arguably the most prestigious recognition in criminology.
Histopathologic Patterns of Ovarian Tumors in Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Abena Tibebu Amare , Yerakly Fekade , Korga Tesfalem
Published: September 2023

Objective. In Ethiopia, there is no national-level cancer registry except capital Addis Ababa, and little research was performed on ovarian tumors. This study is aimed at assessing different histopathologic patterns of ovarian tumors and their distribution based on age, biological behavior, and gross findings at a tertiary-level hospital in Ethiopia. Methods. In this study, 187 biopsy-confirmed ovarian tumors from September 2017 to August 2021 were included. All data were collected from the pathology department report format, classified according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) classification system, and analyzed using SPSS 20.0 and Microsoft Excel 2010 at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Results. A total of 187 women with ovarian tumors were included in this study. Of these, 143 (76.5%) were benign, 35 (18.7%) were malignant, and 9 (4.8%) were borderline tumors. Both benign and borderline tumors mostly occur at the age of 20–39 years. Surface epithelial tumors were the most common histopathologic pattern at 57.8% followed by germ cell tumors at 29.4% and sex cord-stromal tumors at 11.7%. Mature cystic teratomas were the most common benign ovarian tumors accounting for 37.8% of them, while serous cystadenocarcinomas were the most common malignant ovarian tumors accounting for 31.4% of malignant neoplasms. Conclusion. In the current study, surface epithelial tumors were the most common ovarian tumors followed by germ cell tumors. Younger age at presentation was observed for malignant ovarian tumors.
On Partition Dimension of Generalized Convex Polytopes
Authors: Shah Syed Waqas , Khan Muhammad Yasin , Ali Gohar , Nurhidayat Irfan , Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Emadifar Homan
Published: September 2023

Let

G

be a graph having no loop or multiple edges,

k
−

order vertex partition for

G

is represented by

γ
=

γ

1

,

γ

2

,
…
,

γ

k

. The vector

r

ϕ

γ

=

d

ϕ
,

γ

1

,
d

ϕ
,

γ

2

,
d

ϕ
,

γ

3

⋯
,
d

ϕ
,

γ

k

is the representation of vertex

ϕ

with respect to

γ

. If the representation of all the vertices with respect to

γ

is different, then

γ

is said to be resolving partition for the graph

G

. The minimum number

k

is resolving partition for

G

and is termed as partition dimension for

G

, represented by

p
d

G

. There are numerous applications of partition dimension in different fields such as optimization, computer, mastermind games, and networking and also in modeling of numerical structure. The problem of finding constant value of partition dimension for a graph or network is very hard, so one can find bounds for the partition dimension. In this work, we consider convex polytopes in their generalized forms that are

E

n

,

S

n

, and

G

n

, and we compute upper bounds for the partition dimension of the desired polytopes.
International Importation Risk Estimation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant with Incomplete Mobility Data
Authors: Zhu Yan , Bai Yuan , Xu Mingda , Wang Lin , Li Thomas K. T. , Du Zhanwei , Wang Yuexuan
Published: September 2023

A novel Omicron subvariant named BQ.1 emerged in Nigeria in July 2022 and has since become a dominant strain, causing a significant number of repeated infections even in countries with high-vaccination rates. Due to the high flow of people between Western Africa and other non-African countries, there is a high risk of Omicron BQ.1 being introduced to other countries from Western Africa. In this context, we developed a model based on deep neural networks to estimate the probability that the Omicron BQ.1 introduced to other countries from Western Africa based on the incomplete population mobility data from Western Africa to other non-African countries. Our study found that the highest risk was in France and Spain during the study period, while the importation risk of other 13 non-African countries including Canada and the United States is also high. Our approach sheds light on how deep learning techniques can assist in the development of public health policies, and it has the potential to be extended to other types of viruses.
Digital Technology Adoption in the Agriculture Sector: Challenges and Complexities in Africa
Authors: Mhlanga David , Ndhlovu Emmanuel
Published: September 2023

This article examines the trends and rates of digital technological transformation in the African agricultural sector. While the literature on digital technologies in sectors such as manufacturing, communications, tourism and hospitality, and education abounds, focus on the applicability, relevance, and adoption of digital technologies in farming, particularly by smallholder farmers in agrarian Africa, remains limited. This is a problem that can have huge scholarly and policy implications and therefore needs to be addressed, at least at an academic level. This article uses a literature review to explore the level of digitalisation in African farming, examine the contribution of digitalisation to productivity and sustainability, identify the key challenges to and drivers for digitalisation in African farming, and propose policy frameworks to strengthen the digitalisation of agriculture. The analysis reveals that there are a number of significant challenges that need to be addressed. These include resource scarcity, limited expertise and training, a lack of digital infrastructure, data privacy and security concerns, and resistance by farmers. In spite of this, the agricultural sector in Africa has the potential to adopt technology and not only boost farm productivity but also engender sustainable and environmentally friendly farming. This, however, requires the collective effort of the public and private sectors as well as communities.
Simple Matrix Equation (SME) Method for Pattern Synthesis of Conformal Antenna Array with Arbitrary Architecture
Authors: Chen Jie
Published: September 2023

A novel noniterative method for pattern synthesis of conformal antenna array is put forward. First, a new pattern function formula for general conformal antenna array is derived. Then, according to the new pattern function formula, a new block matrix equation (BME) and a simple matrix equation (SME) are obtained. SME has the same form as the equation of linear array pattern synthesis. The new method can be applied to pattern synthesis of any conformal array. Moreover, due to SME having the same form as the matrix equation of linear array pattern synthesis, the new simple matrix equation can be dealt with by the approaches for linear array pattern synthesis, which significantly expands the existing approaches for conformal antenna array pattern synthesis. Two different conformal array configurations are taken as the examples to demonstrate the advantages of the new method. Results of the simulations show that the new method can flexibly and effectively be applied to synthesize patterns for various conformal array architectures.
An Adult Case of Severe Asymptomatic Bilateral Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Hossain Md Fahad , Shah Syed Sheheryar , Bastani Bahar
Published: September 2023

While ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is a well-recognized cause of unilateral or bilateral upper urinary tract dilatation in infants and the pediatric population, its occurrence in adults is less recognized. We present the case of a 68-year-old man who was being evaluated for chronic orthostatic hypotension and was incidentally found to have asymptomatic microscopic hematuria on urinalysis. A CT scan of the abdomen/pelvis, without and with contrast, revealed severe bilateral hydronephrosis due to UPJ obstruction. The patient has remained asymptomatic with preserved normal renal function over 7 years of follow-up.
TABLE 3 from A Phase I Study of the Pan-Notch Inhibitor CB-103 for Patients with Advanced Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Other Tumors
Authors: Hanna Glenn J. , Stathis Anastasios , Lopez-Miranda Elena , Racca Fabricio , Quon Doris , Leyvraz Serge , Hess Dagmar , Keam Bhumsuk , Rodon Jordi , Ahn Myung-Ju , Kim Hye Ryun , Schneeweiss Andreas , Ribera Josep-Maria , DeAngelo Daniel , Perez Garcia Jose Manuel , Cortes Javier , Schönborn-Kellenberger Oliver , Weber Dirk , Pisa Pavel , Bauer Michael , Beni Laura , Bobadilla Maria , Lehal Raj , Vigolo Michele , Vogl Florian D. , Garralda Elena
Published: September 2023

Efficacy and survival outcomes for patients with solid tumor
Supplementary Figure 3 from A Phase I Study of the Pan-Notch Inhibitor CB-103 for Patients with Advanced Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and Other Tumors
Authors: Hanna Glenn J. , Stathis Anastasios , Lopez-Miranda Elena , Racca Fabricio , Quon Doris , Leyvraz Serge , Hess Dagmar , Keam Bhumsuk , Rodon Jordi , Ahn Myung-Ju , Kim Hye Ryun , Schneeweiss Andreas , Ribera Josep-Maria , DeAngelo Daniel , Perez Garcia Jose Manuel , Cortes Javier , Schönborn-Kellenberger Oliver , Weber Dirk , Pisa Pavel , Bauer Michael , Beni Laura , Bobadilla Maria , Lehal Raj , Vigolo Michele , Vogl Florian D. , Garralda Elena
Published: September 2023

Biomarkers of Clinical Benefit for ACC patients
Combined Targeting of NAD Biosynthesis and the NAD-dependent Transcription Factor C-terminal Binding Protein as a Promising Novel Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Dcona M. Michael , Chougoni Kranthi Kumar , Dcona Diana T. , West Jacqueline L. , Singh Sahib J. , Ellis Keith C. , Grossman Steven R.
Published: September 2023

Cancer therapies targeting metabolic derangements unique to cancer cells are emerging as a key strategy to address refractory solid tumors such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) that exhibit resistance to extreme nutrient deprivation in the tumor microenvironment. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) participates in multiple metabolic pathways and nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase (NAMPT) is one of the key intracellular enzymes that facilitate the synthesis of NAD. C-terminal binding proteins 1 and 2 (CtBP) are paralogous NAD-dependent oncogenic transcription factors and dehydrogenases that nucleate an epigenetic complex regulating a cohort of genes responsible for cancer proliferation and metastasis. As adequate intracellular NAD is required for CtBP to oligomerize and execute its oncogenic transcriptional coregulatory activities, we hypothesized that NAD depletion would synergize with CtBP inhibition, improving cell inhibitory efficacy. Indeed, depletion of cellular NAD via the NAMPT inhibitor GMX1778 enhanced growth inhibition induced by either RNAi-mediated CtBP1/2 knockdown or the CtBP dehydrogenase inhibitor 4-chlorophenyl-2-hydroxyimino propanoic acid as much as 10-fold in PDAC cells, while untransformed pancreatic ductal cells were unaffected. The growth inhibitory effects of the NAMPT/CtBP inhibitor combination correlated pharmacodynamically with on-target disruption of CtBP1/2 dimerization, CtBP2 interaction with the CoREST epigenetic regulator, and transcriptional activation of the oncogenic target gene TIAM1. Moreover, this same therapeutic combination strongly attenuated growth of PDAC cell line xenografts in immunodeficient mice, with no observable toxicity. Collectively, our data demonstrate that targeting CtBP in combination with NAD depletion represents a promising therapeutic strategy for PDAC.

Significance:

Effective precision therapies are lacking in PDAC. We demonstrate that simultaneous inhibition of NAD metabolism and the oncoprotein CtBP is potently effective at blocking growth of both PDAC cells in culture and human PDAC-derived tumors in mice and should be explored further as a potential therapy for patients with PDAC.
Sete gêneros e vinte e oito espécies de Gonyleptidae
Authors: Mello-Leitão C. de
Published: September 2023

Os gêneros e espécies que abaixo descrevo, resultam dos estudos feitos nas coleções do Museu Nacional (quando ainda encarregado da divisão de invertebrados), do Museu Paulista e da minha coleção particular.
O Conto do Náufrago (P. Hermitage 1115) - tradução comentada
Authors: Pereira Ronaldo G. Gurgel , Silva Thais Rocha da
Published: September 2023

Papyrus Hermitage 1115 contains one of the most complete literary compositions of the Pharaonic period. The text presents the narrative about a sailor who is shipwrecked on a fantastic island and, after his return to Egypt, had the opportunity to tell his story in his old age. In this article, we present a translation and a commentary of the Shipwrecked Sailor, with the hieroglyphic text, the transliteration, and an updated historical context on the Egyptian geopolitics during the Middle Kingdom (c.2055-1650 BCE). An Egyptian-Portuguese glossary concludes the work.
“Minas de almas”: comércio de gente e geopolítica cristã (fim do século XVI)
Authors: Bonciani Rodrigo
Published: September 2023

Durante o último quarto do século XVI, a África Centro-Ocidental tornou-se um importante palco de disputas políticas e comerciais que envolviam a crise sucessória ao trono português, o padroado e o tráfico de escravizados. Diferentes instituições, grupos e agentes disputaram as prerrogativas e as rendas eclesiásticas, que se associavam ao comércio na região. D. Henrique foi o artífice do padroado luso-africano, desenvolveu uma política de influência sobre as Ordens Militares e a Inquisição, e encontrou na Companhia de Jesus sua principal aliada, definindo os reis do Congo como inimigos e a conquista de Angola como estratégica. No entanto, as sociedades novas e os grupos de interesse estabelecidos na ilha de São Tomé e em diferentes partes da África Centro-Ocidental, e suas conexões euro-atlânticas, tinham grande autonomia em relação à monarquia. Quando Felipe II incorporou Portugal à sua Coroa, seu principal objetivo era reunir as duas margens do Mar Oceano. Ao mesmo tempo, teve que reconhecer e remontar as peças de um complexo jogo político.
Confounding Effects of Tamoxifen: Cautionary and Practical Considerations for the Use of Tamoxifen-Inducible Mouse Models in Atherosclerosis Research—Brief Report
Authors: Dubner Allison M. , Lu Sizhao , Jolly Austin J. , Noble Tysen , Hinthorn Tyler , Nemenoff Raphael A. , Moulton Karen S. , Majesky Mark W. , Weiser-Evans Mary C.M.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

In recent years, fate-mapping lineage studies in mouse models have led to major advances in vascular biology by allowing investigators to track specific cell populations in vivo. One of the most frequently used lineage tracing approaches involves tamoxifen-inducible Cre
ERT
-LoxP systems. However, tamoxifen treatment can also promote effects independent of Cre recombinase activation, many of which have not been fully explored.

METHODS:

To elucidate off-target effects of tamoxifen, male and female mice were either unmanipulated or injected with tamoxifen or corn oil. All mice received PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9)-AAV (adeno-associated virus) injections and a modified Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After 2 weeks, serum cholesterol and liver morphology were assessed. To determine the duration of any tamoxifen effects in long-term atherosclerosis experiments, mice received either 12 days of tamoxifen at baseline or 12 days plus 2 sets of 5-day tamoxifen boosters; all mice received PCSK9-AAV injections and a modified Western diet to induce hypercholesterolemia. After 24 weeks, serum cholesterol and aortic sinus plaque burden were measured.

RESULTS:

After 2 weeks of atherogenic treatment, mice injected with tamoxifen demonstrated significantly reduced serum cholesterol levels compared with uninjected- or corn oil–treated mice. However, there were no differences in PCSK9-mediated knockdown of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptors between the groups. Additionally, tamoxifen-treated mice exhibited significantly increased hepatic lipid accumulation compared with the other groups. Finally, the effects of tamoxifen remained for at least 8 weeks after completion of injections, with mice demonstrating persistent decreased serum cholesterol and impaired atherosclerotic plaque formation.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study, we establish that tamoxifen administration results in decreased serum cholesterol, decreased plaque formation, and increased hepatic lipid accumulation. These alterations represent significant confounding variables in atherosclerosis research, and we urge future investigators to take these findings into consideration when planning and executing their own atherosclerosis experiments.
Modern Economic Elites
Authors: Syzdykova Zhibek , Mikhaylov Viacheslav , Temirkhanova Ainagul , Shestakov Nikolay
Published: September 2023

The main motivation for the study is to address the existing problem of determining the influence of the (emerging) economic elite on the global capital flows on which both the national economies and the global economy depend. The results of the study show that the economic elite does not arise on its own – it is developed from MNCs’ managers. Such managers have vast experience and are key figures in the structure of such companies. Through their decisions, they affect not only the company they work for, but also the global economy. The practical value of the study consists in the possibility of using the obtained results for further research into the influence of economic elites on the capital flows in the global economy, and the proposed classification of economic elites allows identifying the channels of influence of economic elites on the global economy.
The East Mediterranean Gas Forum: A Regional Institution Struggling in the Mire of Energy Insecurities
Authors: Magliveras Konstantinos D. , Naldi Gino J.
Published: September 2023

In January 2019, governments of several East Mediterranean countries agreed to create a new regional technical intergovernmental organization, the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (emgf). Its Statute was signed in September 2020 and came promptly into force in March 2021. The emgf was established at a time when the region’s rivalries, especially unresolved maritime issues (including questions of delimitation), were exacerbated by exploration and drilling activities in contested areas with significant fossil fuel deposits. The principal aim of the emgf is to form a sustainable and competitive regional gas market and to ensure energy security for participating countries in a volatile market, a goal of immense importance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, and in part, it is a response to unfriendly and threatening positioning by other States. But the emgf’s role may be best described as one of coordination and cooperation. Following a short overview of the maritime disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean, the article examines the emgf from the perspective of the law of international institutions. Weak provisions and lacunae in the Statute are recorded, while pertinent answers are offered. It is argued that, while the emgf is well-intentioned in a region mired in discord, it is institutionally weak and, if its operation is not improved and enhanced, it may become a largely meaningless discussion platform.
Benefits of Nigeria’s Participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act
Authors: Ola Temitope
Published: September 2023

With a view to understand the benefits of Nigeria’s participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) this paper examines US–Nigeria’s trade relations between 2001 and 2022. The paper argues that the lofty provisions of AGOA are laudable, even though unworkable, and given the environments within which the provisions of the trade policy were drafted and enacted, the subscription was carried out, and the implementation is pursued AGOA helps to entrench Nigeria in its peripheral position of world economy. The skewed impacts of the application of the basic assumptions of David Ricardo’s comparative advantage postulation to the patterning of US–Nigeria’s trade under AGOA raises critical empirical questions. Consequently the paper concludes that rather than continuing to perform its historic economic rituals to global democratic capitalism Nigeria needs emancipation from the stranglehold of unremunerated primary exports or insolvency would scuttle it irretrievably into an ungovernable chaotic territorial entity.
Image and Velocity Profile Reconstruction Using a Customized 8–16 Electrode Electrical Capacitance Tomography Sensor Based on LabVIEW Simulation
Authors: Ghaly Sidi M. Ahmed , Shalaby M. Y. , Al-Snaie Khaled , Oraiqat Majdi , Khan Mohammad O.
Published: September 2023

Electrical Capacitance Tomography is a method for determining the dielectric permittivity distribution inside an object from the measurement of the external capacitances of a multi-electrode assembly. The measuring electrodes, which are metal plates, must be large enough to give a measurable
change in capacitance. In this article, the performance of the ECT sensor, the sensitivity matrix, and hence the reconstructed image quality and the velocity profiles are improved. A typical customized 16–8 electrode ECT sensor is proposed, simulated, and implemented on the LabVIEW platform
in contrast with a set of standard 8, 12, and 16-electrode ECT sensors. The results of these types of sensors are noted and compared to each other, focusing on the customized sensor. It is observed from the results obtained during this simulation experiment that the performance of the customized
16–8 electrode ECT sensor is comparatively better and exhibits better quality and performance with respect to its image and velocity reconstruction. The comparison of results further demonstrated that the correlation coefficient changes from 0.61 to 0.96, and the error images are within
0.3 to 0.1 for the SNRs going from 60 to 90 dB. It was also observed that the reconstructed velocity profiles are consistent with the original expected velocity profiles for the customized 8–16-electrode ECT sensor.
Research of Low Power Humidity Sensor Based on Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Technology in Power Monitoring
Authors: Xiaoyan Chen , Xian Yu
Published: September 2023

With the decrease of the size of semiconductor, the humidity sensor can be miniaturized and integrated by CMOS technology, and the humidity sensor chip can be made in large scale and low cost. In this paper, the technology structure of integrated capacitive humidity sensor chip is designed
and fabricated by using UMC40nm semiconductor technology, it provides a reference for realizing the highly integrated technology of humidity sensor. This paper also analyzes the common micro-capacitance detection methods of humidity sensor, and combines the advantages of capacitor charge-discharge
and pulse-width output stability, easy modulation and easy digital system interface, etc., a novel CMOS capacitive humidity sensor micro-capacitance detection circuit is designed by using UMC40nm semiconductor technology. The CMOS circuit can convert the change of capacitance into pulse width,
in which the pulse width is linear with the capacitance difference, and can produce periodic pulse sequence and output pulse width modulation signal, it can be easily connected with microcontroller or digital system without adding A/D conversion module to increase circuit complexity and power
consumption. The circuit not only can detect the micro-capacitance of humidity sensor, but also has the advantages of low power consumption, linearity, high resolution and digitalization.
Efficacy of a 1 day Rifaximin and Metronidazole Regimen and Mechanical Bowel Preparation for Preventing Surgical Site Infection in Minimally Invasive Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Yoon Seung-Hwan , Yang In Jun , Kim Ji Yeon , Lee Kyung-Ha
Published: September 2023

Background

A combination of oral antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation is recommended for patients scheduled to undergo elective colorectal surgery on the basis of recent large trials that have reported the superiority of this approach in preventing surgical site infections (SSIs). However, there are no standard recommendations for this approach. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the efficacy of rifaximin and metronidazole and mechanical bowel preparation for preventing SSIs in cases of minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer.

Methods

This single-arm prospective observational study included 256 individuals. The primary end point was the rate of SSI. Rifaximin 400 mg and metronidazole 500 mg were administered twice daily (10 am and 10 pm), and mechanical bowel preparation was administered the day before the operation.

Results

After excluding 15 patients, 241 were enrolled. No adverse event occurred following the administration of oral antibiotics and mechanical bowel preparation; there was 100% compliance. The total SSI rate was 2.9%; the rates of incisional and organ/space SSIs were 1.2% and 1.7%, respectively. All patients were treated conservatively. Univariate analyses revealed preoperative anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and transfusion and postoperative transfusion were significantly associated with SSIs.

Discussion

A 1 day rifaximin and metronidazole regimen with mechanical bowel preparation for elective minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer was associated with a favorable SSI rate of 2.9%, safety, and high compliance. This approach is appropriate for inclusion in the current guidelines for perioperative management of patients scheduled to undergo minimally invasive surgery for colorectal cancer.
Corporate Social Responsibility—Performance Nexus: The Moderating Role of Board Size, Board Independence and Board Gender Diversity in Ghana
Authors: Essel Ronald Ebenezer
Published: September 2023

This inquiry examined the moderating influence of board size, board independence, and board gender diversity on the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and firm performance (FP) in Ghana. It utilized data from audited financial statements of all 36 firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, spanning 2010–2020. The study espoused system-GMM for the empirical estimation. Findings show that CSR demonstrated significantly positive relationship with FP, consistent with the stakeholder theory, which is aligned with Carroll’s four-factor-pyramid theory but inconsistent with the agency cost theory. Again, findings depict that all three board structure elements moderated the relationship between CSR and FP.
Reforms and Media Depictions of the Death Penalty in Malaysia
Authors: Singh Darshan , Griffin O. Hayden , Webb Megan , Narayanan Suresh , Leban Lindsay
Published: September 2023

Malaysia has retained the death penalty for violent crimes and some nonviolent drug offenses. Major news dailies, controlled by political parties in the ruling coalition, have helped justify this stance in the past. This situation changed over 22 months when a new coalition, which campaigned on abolishing capital punishment, took office and sparked renewed public discussion on this issue. Depictions of the death penalty debate were analyzed by conducting a content analysis of two major English-language newspapers, The Star and New Straits Times. Our findings suggest that The Star provided more international coverage and the New Straits Times prioritized domestic coverage. While both outlets provided comprehensive, and sometimes, critical coverage of executions elsewhere, they downplayed the fact that Malaysia engages in the same practice. There was no evidence to indicate that they were pushing an agenda as neither took a formal position on the issue. Content to transmit the differing views on the subject, neither functioned as forums to air nor shaped policy positions. This posture was possibly shaped by preconceived notions of what their readership wants and/or self-censorship—a legacy of past subjugation that will hopefully change when press freedom is perceived as a right, not a privilege.
Total Glucosides of Peony Alleviate Joint Destruction in Rabbits With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Chao Wei Chen , Yi Shan Ding , Fei Yue Li , Tian You Fan
Published: September 2023

Objective

Although many painkillers can be used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), these drugs do not address joint bone degeneration and muscle wasting, highlighting the need for alternative treatments. This study evaluated the ability of various plant extracts to inhibit joint destruction, focusing on the total glucosides of peony (TGP) obtained from the normal Chinese medication white peony.

Methods

A rabbit OA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament resection (ACLT) and TGP treatment was initiated for 3 months. The morphologies of the skeletal muscle fibers, articular cartilage, and subchondral bone of the knee joint were histologically observed via X-ray and micro-computed tomography scan.

Results

TGP significantly reduced the histopathological changes associated with skeletal muscle atrophy and inflammation, and alleviated cartilage degeneration. In addition, TGP treatment significantly improved the bone density and microstructure of subchondral bone in rabbit knee joints compared with the model group.

Conclusion

The results suggested that TGP treatment may alleviate the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce the destruction of joint cartilage and bone in ACLT.