bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implanter le rangement forcé des employés selon leur rendement : prudence !
Authors: St-Onge Sylvie , Morin Denis
Published: July 2011

Résumé L’implantation de la méthode du rangement forcé au sein de quelques grandes organisations (par exemple, General Electric) ainsi que des cas d’échec ou d’abandon dans d’autres organisations (par exemple, Ford Motor) ont suscité un intense débat sur les mérites de cette pratique. Cet article vise à aider les dirigeants et les cadres à mieux comprendre l’ambiguïté qui persiste sur le recours à cette méthode. Pour y parvenir, nous définissons ce qu’est le rangement forcé et ses objectifs. Ensuite, nous traitons de ses limites, de ses atouts et de ses préalables. Finalement, nous analysons des méthodes alternatives susceptibles d’être privilégiées étant donné qu’elles peuvent s’avérer moins risquées, plus productives et plus respectueuses des personnes et des lois. Fonctions : GRH, management
IN VIVO THREE-DIMENSIONAL KINEMATICS OF TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENTS DURING OPEN AND CLOSED KINETIC CHAIN ACTIVITIES
Authors: Kuo Mei-Ying , Lin Cheng-Chung , Hong Shih-Wun , Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Hsu Horng-Chaung , Lu Tung-Wu
Published: July 2011

Measurement of the three-dimensional (3D) motions and surface kinematics of total knee replacements (TKR) during different kinetic activities helps provide necessary knowledge for a better use of these activities for rehabilitation purposes. The 3D kinematics of the knee in eight patients with posterior cruciate ligament-retaining (PCL-retaining) mobile-bearing TKR were measured during sit-to-stand, a closed kinetic chain (CKC) activity, and active knee flexion/extension, an open kinetic chain (OKC) activity, using a single-plane, 3D fluoroscopy method. Angular, translational motions as well as the contact patterns of the prosthesis components were calculated. The joint angular motion patterns were not statistically different between the OKC and CKC activities, but different contact patterns were found. The knee joint center translated more anteriorly during OKC than during CKC activities. Compared to the CKC activity, the more anterior contact positions and smaller total displacements of the medial contact in the OKC activity may indicate a greater loading in PCL and a smaller contact area on the medial tibial plateau. Rehabilitation of patients with mobile-bearing TKR may have to consider the potential negative effects of the greater loadings in the PCL and greater stresses in the medial tibial plateau when using OKC as a training exercise.
TLR2 Stimulation Drives Human Naive and Effector Regulatory T Cells into a Th17-Like Phenotype with Reduced Suppressive Function
Authors: Nyirenda Mukanthu H. , Sanvito Lara , Darlington Peter J. , O’Brien Kate , Zhang Guang-Xian , Constantinescu Cris S. , Bar-Or Amit , Gran Bruno
Published: July 2011

Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ regulatory T cells suppress the activity of pathogenic T cells and prevent development of autoimmune responses. There is growing evidence that TLRs are involved in modulating regulatory T cell (Treg) functions both directly and indirectly. Specifically, TLR2 stimulation has been shown to reduce the suppressive function of Tregs by mechanisms that are incompletely understood. The developmental pathways of Tregs and Th17 cells are considered divergent and mutually inhibitory, and IL-17 secretion has been reported to be associated with reduced Treg function. We hypothesized that TLR2 stimulation may reduce the suppressive function of Tregs by regulating the balance between Treg and Th17 phenotype and function. We examined the effect of different TLR2 ligands on the suppressive functions of Tregs and found that activation of TLR1/2 heterodimers reduces the suppressive activity of CD4+CD25hiFOXP3lowCD45RA+ (naive) and CD4+CD25hiFOXP3hiCD45RA− (memory or effector) Treg subpopulations on CD4+CD25−FOXP3−CD45RA+ responder T cell proliferation while at the same time enhancing the secretion of IL-6 and IL-17, increasing RORC, and decreasing FOXP3 expression. Neutralization of IL-6 or IL-17 abrogated Pam3Cys-mediated reduction of Treg suppressive function. We also found that, in agreement with recent observations in mouse T cells, TLR2 stimulation can promote Th17 differentiation of human T helper precursors. We conclude that TLR2 stimulation, in combination with TCR activation and costimulation, promotes the differentiation of distinct subsets of human naive and memory/effector Tregs into a Th17-like phenotype and their expansion. Such TLR-induced mechanism of regulation of Treg function could enhance microbial clearance and increase the risk of autoimmune reactions.
Duration of Antigen Availability Influences the Expansion and Memory Differentiation of T Cells
Authors: Blair David A. , Turner Damian L. , Bose Tina O. , Pham Quynh-Mai , Bouchard Keith R. , Williams Kristina J. , McAleer Jeremy P. , Cauley Linda S. , Vella Anthony T. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: July 2011

The initial engagement of the TCR through interaction with cognate peptide–MHC is a requisite for T cell activation and confers Ag specificity. Although this is a key event in T cell activation, the duration of these interactions may affect the proliferative capacity and differentiation of the activated cells. In this study, we developed a system to evaluate the temporal requirements for antigenic stimulation during an immune response in vivo. Using Abs that target specific Ags in the context of MHC, we were able to manipulate the duration of Ag availability to both CD4 and CD8 T cells during an active infection. During the primary immune response, the magnitude of the CD4 and CD8 T cell response was dependent on the duration of Ag availability. Both CD4 and CD8 T cells required sustained antigenic stimulation for maximal expansion. Memory cell differentiation was also dependent on the duration of Ag exposure, albeit to a lesser extent. However, memory development did not correlate with the magnitude of the primary response, suggesting that the requirements for continued expansion of T cells and memory differentiation are distinct. Finally, a shortened period of Ag exposure was sufficient to achieve optimal expansion of both CD4 and CD8 T cells during a recall response. It was also revealed that limiting exposure to Ag late during the response may enhance the CD4 T cell memory pool. Collectively, these data indicated that Ag remains a critical component of the T cell response after the initial APC–T cell interaction.
Tight Regulation of Diacylglycerol-Mediated Signaling Is Critical for Proper Invariant NKT Cell Development
Authors: Shen Shudan , Wu Jinhong , Srivatsan Sruti , Gorentla Balachandra K. , Shin Jinwook , Xu Li , Zhong Xiao-Ping
Published: July 2011

Type I NKT cells, or invariant NKT (iNKT) cells, express a semi-invariant TCR characterized by its unique Vα14-Jα18 usage (iVα14TCR). Upon interaction with glycolipid/CD1d complexes, the iVα14TCRs transduce signals that are essential for iNKT selection and maturation. However, it remains unclear how these signals are regulated and how important such regulations are during iNKT development. Diacylglycerol (DAG) is an essential second messenger downstream of the TCR that activates the protein kinase Cθ-IκB kinase (IKK)α/β-NF-κB pathway, known to be crucial for iNKT development, as well as the RasGRP1–Ras-Erk1/2 pathway in T cells. DAG kinases play an important role in controlling intracellular DAG concentration and thereby negatively regulate DAG signaling. In this article, we report that simultaneous absence of DAG kinase α and ζ causes severe defects in iNKT development, coincident with enhanced IKK-NF-κB and Ras-Erk1/2 activation. Moreover, constitutive IKKβ and Ras activities also result in iNKT developmental defects. Thus, DAG-mediated signaling is not only essential but also needs to be tightly regulated for proper iNKT cell development.
SIRPα/CD172a Regulates Eosinophil Homeostasis
Authors: Verjan Garcia Noel , Umemoto Eiji , Saito Yasuyuki , Yamasaki Mikako , Hata Erina , Matozaki Takashi , Murakami Masaaki , Jung Yun-Jae , Woo So-Youn , Seoh Ju-Young , Jang Myoung Ho , Aozasa Katsuyuki , Miyasaka Masayuki
Published: July 2011

Eosinophils are abundant in the lamina propria of the small intestine, but they rarely show degranulation in situ under steady-state conditions. In this study, using two novel mAbs, we found that intestinal eosinophils constitutively expressed a high level of an inhibitory receptor signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα)/CD172a and a low, but significant, level of a tetraspanin CD63, whose upregulation is closely associated with degranulation. Cross-linking SIRPα/CD172a on the surface of wild-type eosinophils significantly inhibited the release of eosinophil peroxidase induced by the calcium ionophore A23187, whereas this cross-linking effect was not observed in eosinophils isolated from mice expressing a mutated SIRPα/CD172a that lacks most of its cytoplasmic domain (SIRPα Cyto−/−). The SIRPα Cyto−/− eosinophils showed reduced viability, increased CD63 expression, and increased eosinophil peroxidase release with or without A23187 stimulation in vitro. In addition, SIRPα Cyto−/− mice showed increased frequencies of Annexin V-binding eosinophils and free MBP+CD63+ extracellular granules, as well as increased tissue remodeling in the small intestine under steady-state conditions. Mice deficient in CD47, which is a ligand for SIRPα/CD172a, recapitulated these phenomena. Moreover, during Th2-biased inflammation, increased eosinophil cell death and degranulation were obvious in a number of tissues, including the small intestine, in the SIRPα Cyto−/− mice compared with wild-type mice. Collectively, our results indicated that SIRPα/CD172a regulates eosinophil homeostasis, probably by interacting with CD47, with substantial effects on eosinophil survival. Thus, SIRPα/CD172a is a potential therapeutic target for eosinophil-associated diseases.
Functional Capacity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis-Specific T Cell Responses in Humans Is Associated with Mycobacterial Load
Authors: Day Cheryl L. , Abrahams Deborah A. , Lerumo Lesedi , Janse van Rensburg Esme , Stone Lynnett , O’rie Terrence , Pienaar Bernadette , de Kock Marwou , Kaplan Gilla , Mahomed Hassan , Dheda Keertan , Hanekom Willem A.
Published: July 2011

High Ag load in chronic viral infections has been associated with impairment of Ag-specific T cell responses; however, the relationship between Ag load in chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and functional capacity of M. tuberculosis-specific T cells in humans is not clear. We compared M. tuberculosis-specific T cell-associated cytokine production and proliferative capacity in peripheral blood from adults with progressively higher mycobacterial loads—that is, persons with latent M. tuberculosis infection (LTBI), with smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and smear-positive TB. Patients with smear-positive TB had decreased polyfunctional IFN-γ+IL-2+TNF-α+ and IL-2–producing specific CD4 T cells and increased TNF-α single-positive cells, when compared with smear-negative TB and LTBI. TB patients also had increased frequencies of M. tuberculosis-specific CD8 T cells, compared with LTBI. M. tuberculosis-specific CD4 and CD8 T cell proliferative capacity was profoundly impaired in individuals with smear-positive TB, and correlated positively with ex vivo IFN-γ+IL-2+TNF-α+ CD4 T cells, and inversely with TNF-α single-positive CD4 T cells. During 6 mo of anti-TB treatment, specific IFN-γ+IL-2+TNF-α+ CD4 and CD8 T cells increased, whereas TNF-α and IFN-γ single-positive T cells decreased. These results suggest progressive impairment of M. tuberculosis-specific T cell responses with increasing mycobacterial load and recovery of responses during therapy. Furthermore, these data provide a link between specific cytokine-producing subsets and functional capacity of M. tuberculosis-specific T cells, and between the presence of specific CD8 T cells ex vivo and active TB disease. These data have potentially significant applications for the diagnosis of TB and for the identification of T cell correlates of TB disease progression.
NADPH-diaphorase expression in the rat jejunum after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Bolekova A. , Spakovska T. , Kluchova D. , Toth S. , Vesela J.
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this study was to analyze the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate - diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity in the rat jejunum after a mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion injury. Nitric oxide, synthetised from L-arginine by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase, is a nonadrenergic noncholinergic relaxant neurotransmitter of the intestinal smooth muscle. It plays an important role in the process of plasticity after the ischemia/reperfusion injury. Experimental animals were divided in two groups: the control group and the ischemic/reperfusion group, with different period of the reperfusion. The NADPH-d histochemical method has been used as a marker for the nitric oxide synthase. NADPH-d activity has been rapidly decreased in the neurons of both enteric nervous systems in plexuses of the jejunum after 1 h mesenteric ischemia and 1 h reperfusion. Differences were predominantly detected in the myenteric plexus; they were seen in change of the neuronal shape, in the arrangement of neurons and in intensity of their staining. The NADPH-d positivity was absent in the intestinal crypts. After 1 h ischemia and 24 h reperfusion, the NADPH-d activity was gradually increased, but it was lower in comparison with the control group. On the 30th day following the ischemia/reperfusion there were no changes in NADPH-d positivity compared with the control animals. These results indicated that the jejunal ischemia/reperfusion has affected the neurons of the enteric nervous system of adult rats and resulted in the early decrease of NADPH-d positivity 1 h of the reperfusion insult. The gradual increasing of NADPH-d activity in 24 h following the reperfusion could be considered as a result of the plasticity process. On the 30th day after the ischemia/reperfusion all histochemical changes were returned to the control levels.
A Informação como vantagem competitiva no processo logístico integrado nos serviços turísticos
Authors: Anjos Sara Joana Gadotti dos , Anjos Francisco Antonio dos , Silva Junior Ovidio Fellipe Pereira da
Published: July 2011

Em todos os setores da economia a competição está cada vez mais acelerada, pois tecnologicamente as organizações podem alcançar o mesmo patamar. Particularmente na gestão de serviços, o diferencial está na forma estratégica de utilização da informação, na obtenção da vantagem competitiva, proporcionando as organizações novas formas de superar o desempenho dos competidores, transformando toda a cadeia e tendo como foco as atividades de valor.Este artigo esta centrado na delimitação de um modelo de Gestão Integrada – SIGESTur, tendo a hotelaria como ponto central do processo de articulação entre os elementos que integram o sistema de turismo. Num primeiro momento, se aprofundam as discussões temáticas tendo por base a análise bibliográfica. Em um segundo momento, se desenvolve uma proposta metodológica tendo por base a análise bibliográfica e num terceiro momento se apresenta o modelo proposto. Para o desenvolvimento do modelo proposto fez-se uso de um estudo de caso em um hotel de rede nacional e 12 empresas parceiras (alimentação, lazer, entretenimento e meios de transporte), que fazem parte da rede de valor. Após a realização das entrevistas foram modelados os processos da rede de valor dos serviços turísticos, tendo como foco a identificação das articulações existentes entre o hotel e os demais serviços turísticos e por fim desenvolveu-se conceitualmente o modelo SIGESTUR. Os resultados da investigação apontam para uma cadeia de valor hoteleira cujo foco deve estar centrado num fluxo informacional eficiente e uma rede de valor alinhada com agilidade entre os parceiros logísticos do setor de turismo, inovando e agregando valor aos serviços ofertados.
Emissions and photochemistry of oxygenated VOCs in urban plumes in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Sommariva R. , de Gouw J. A. , Trainer M. , Atlas E. , Goldan P. D. , Kuster W. C. , Warneke C. , Fehsenfeld F. C.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Photochemical processes inside urban plumes in the Northeast of the United States have been studied using a highly detailed chemical model, based upon the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM). The model results have been compared to measurements of oxygenated VOCs (acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, acetaldehyde, acetic acid and methanol) obtained during several flights of the NOAA WP-3D aircraft, which sampled plumes from the New York City area during the ICARTT campaign in 2004. The agreement between the model and the measurements was within 40–60 % for all species, except acetic acid. The model results have been used to study the formation and photochemical evolution of acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and acetaldehyde. Under the conditions encountered during the ICARTT campaign, acetone is produced from the oxidation of propane (24–28 %) and i-propanol (<15 %) and from a number of products of i-pentane oxidation. Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) is mostly produced from the oxidation of n-butane (20–30 %) and 3-methylpentane (<40 %). Acetaldehyde is formed from several precursors, mostly small alkenes, >C5 alkanes, propanal and MEK. Ethane and ethanol oxidation account, respectively, for 6–23 % and 5–25 % of acetaldehyde photochemical formation. The results highlight the importance of alkanes for the photochemical production of ketones and the role of hydroperoxides in sustaining their formation far from the emission sources.
Extremely large anthropogenic-aerosol contribution to total aerosol load over the Bay of Bengal during winter season
Authors: Kaskaoutis D. G. , Kumar Kharol S. , Sinha P. R. , Singh R. P. , Kambezidis H. D. , Rani Sharma A. , Badarinath K. V. S.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Ship-borne observations of spectral aerosol optical depth (AOD) have been carried out over the entire Bay of Bengal (BoB) as part of the W-ICARB cruise campaign during the period 27 December 2008–30 January 2009. The results reveal a pronounced temporal and spatial variability in the optical characteristics of aerosols mainly due to anthropogenic emissions and their dispersion controlled by local meteorology. The highest aerosol amount, with mean AOD500>0.4, being even above 1.0 on specific days, is found close to the coastal regions in the western and northern parts of BoB. In these regions the Ångström exponent is also found to be high (~1.2–1.25) indicating transport of strong anthropogenic emissions from continental regions, while very high AOD500 (0.39±0.07) and α380–870 values (1.27±0.09) are found over the eastern BoB. Except from the large α380–870 values, an indication of strong fine-mode dominance is also observed from the AOD curvature, which is negative in the vast majority of the cases, suggesting dominance of an anthropogenic-pollution aerosol type. On the other hand, clean maritime conditions are rather rare over the region, while the aerosol types are further examined through a classification scheme based on the relationship between α and dα. It was found that even for the same α values the fine-mode dominance is larger for higher AODs showing the strong continental influence over the marine environment of BoB. Furthermore, there is also an evidence of aerosol-size growth under more turbid conditions indicative of coagulation and/or humidification over specific BoB regions. The results obtained using OPAC model show significant fraction of soot aerosols (~6 %–8 %) over the eastern and northwestern BoB, while coarse-mode sea salt particles are found to dominate in the southern parts of BoB.
Analysis of linear long-term trend of aerosol optical thickness derived from SeaWiFS using BAER over Europe and South China
Authors: Yoon J. , von Hoyningen-Huene W. , Vountas M. , Burrows J. P.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The main purpose of the present paper is to derive and discuss linear long-term trends of Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) at 443 and 555 nm over regions in Europe and South China. These areas are densely populated and highly polluted. The study uses the Bremen AErosol Retrieval (BAER) and Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) data for AOT retrievals in the specified regions from October 1997 to May 2008. In order to validate the individually retrieved AOTs and the corresponding trends, AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) level 2.0 data have been used. The retrieved AOTs were in good agreement with those of AERONET (0.79 ≤ R ≤ 0.88, 0.08 ≤ RMSD ≤ 0.13). The contamination of BAER aerosol retrievals and/or AERONET observations by thin clouds can significantly degrade the AOT and lead to statistically non-representative monthly-means, especially during cloudy seasons. Therefore an inter-correction method has been developed and applied. The "corrected" trends for both BAER SeaWiFS and AERONET AOT were similar having an average of relative error ~25.19 %. In general terms, negative trends (decrease of aerosol loading) were mainly observed over European regions, with magnitudes up to −0.00453 (−1.93 %) and −0.00484 (−2.35 %) per year at 443 and 555 nm, respectively. In contrast, the trend in Pearl River Delta was positive, most likely attributed to rapid urbanization and industrialization. The magnitudes of AOT increased by +0.00761 (+1.24 %) and +0.00625 (+1.15 %) per year respectively at 443 and 555 nm.
Airborne formaldehyde measurements using PTR-MS: calibration, humidity dependence, inter-comparison and initial results
Authors: Warneke C. , Veres P. , Holloway J. S. , Stutz J. , Tsai C. , Alvarez S. , Rappenglueck B. , Fehsenfeld F. C. , Graus M. , Gilman J. B. , de Gouw J. A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. We present quantitative, fast time response measurements of formaldehyde (HCHO) onboard an aircraft using a Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass-Spectrometry (PTR-MS) instrument. The HCHO measurement by PTR-MS is strongly humidity dependent and therefore airborne measurements are difficult and have not been reported. The PTR-MS instrument was run in the normal operating mode, where about 15 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are measured together with HCHO onboard the NOAA WP-3 aircraft during the CalNex 2010 campaign in California. We compare the humidity dependence determined in the laboratory with in-flight calibrations of HCHO and calculate the HCHO mixing ratio during all flights using the results from both. The detection limit for HCHO was between 100 pptv in the dry free troposphere and 300 pptv in the humid marine boundary layer for a one second acquisition time every 17 s. The PTR-MS measurements are compared with HCHO measurements using a DOAS instrument and a Hantzsch monitor at a ground site in Pasadena. The PTR-MS agreed with both instruments within the stated uncertainties. We also compare HCHO enhancement ratios in the Los Angeles basin and in the free troposphere with literature values and find good agreement. The usefulness of the PTR-MS HCHO measurements in atmospheric observations is demonstrated by following an isolated anthropogenic plume. The photochemical production of HCHO can be observed simultaneously with production of acetaldehyde and the photochemical degradation of aromatic compounds using the PTR-MS.
Penicillamine Neurotoxicity: An Hypothesis
Authors: Walshe J. M.
Published: July 2011

Penicillamine, dimethyl cysteine, thiovaline, remains the drug of choice for the treatment of patience with Wilson disease. It is also of value in the treatment of cysteinuria and rheumatoid arthritis, it has also been suggested that it has value in the management of other rare diseases. It also has multiple toxicities. The majority of these can be explained as chemical toxicity, for instance its weak antipyridoxine action and its ability to interfere with lysyloxidea resulting in skin lesions. More important are its ability to induce immune reactions such as SLE, immune complex nephritis, the Ehlers Danlos syndrome and Goodpasture's syndrome. However the sudden increase in neurological signs which may occur in a small number of patients remains unexplained. The theory is proposed that this is due to lethal synthesis. In susceptible patients the–SH radical is liberated from penicillamine and will inhibit–SH dependent enzymes in the Krebs cycle leading to death in neurones. Other toxic metabolites may also be produced such as methyl mercaptan and ethyl mercaptan either of which could produce a similar metabolic block.
The ABCD and ABCD2 Scores and the Risk of Stroke following a TIA: A Narrative Review
Authors: Bhatt Archit , Jani Vishal
Published: July 2011

The California, ABCD, and ABCD2 risk scores (ABCD system) were developed to help stratify short-term stroke risk in patients with TIA (transient ischemic attack). Beyond this scope, the ABCD system has been extensively used to study other prognostic information such as DWI (diffusion-weighted imaging) abnormalities, large artery stenosis, atrial fibrillation and its diagnostic accuracy in TIA patients, which are independent predictors of subsequent stroke in TIA patients. Our comprehensive paper suggested that all scores have and equivalent prognostic value in predicting short-term risk of stroke; however, the ABCD2 score is being predominantly used at most centers. The majority of studies have shown that more than half of the strokes in the first 90 days, occur in the first 7 days. The majority of patients studied were predominantly classified to have a higher ABCD/ABCD2 > 3 scores and were particularly at a higher short-term risk of stroke or TIA and other vascular events. However, patients with low risk ABCD2 score < 4 may have high-risk prognostic indicators, such as diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) abnormalities, large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), and atrial fibrillation (AF). The prognostic value of these scores improved if used in conjunction with clinical information, vascular imaging data, and brain imaging data. Before more data become available, the diagnostic value of these scores, its applicability in triaging patients, and its use in evaluating long-term prognosis are rather secondary; thus, indicating that the primary significance of these scores is for short-term prognostic purposes.
Ingestible Device for Gastric Fluid Sampling
Authors: Mandsberg Nikolaj Kofoed , Moro Gafaru , Ghavami Mahdi , Andersen Sandra B. , de Visser Eva Nedergaard , Bertelsen Mads Frost , Mortensen Martin Steen , Licht Tine Rask , Boisen Anja
Published: May 2024

The composition of the human gastrointestinal microbiota is linked to the health of the host, and interventions targeting intestinal microbes may thus be designed to prevent or mitigate disease. As the spatiotemporal structure and physiology impact the residing bacterial community, local sampling is gaining attention, with various ingestible sampling devices being developed to target specific sites. However, the stomach has received limited attention, despite its potential downstream influence. This work presents a simple ingestible device for gastric fluid sampling and outlines a series of characterizations to ensure device safety, reliability, and accuracy. In vitro testing determined seal effectiveness, mechanical integrity, biocompatibility, and device‐sample inertness. In situ and ex vivo testing confirmed sampling accuracy, demonstrated microbiome composition stability for at least 24 h, and differentiation of microbiota between two primates. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of samples from a porcine ingestion model showed that samples resembled post‐mortem gastric samples and differed from fecal and colonic samples. Also addressed in this study, is production scalability and shelf‐life to facilitate the safe and effective deployment of devices in clinical settings.
Sicher, sauber und genau zu leistungsfähigen BatteriezellenBatteriezellen
Authors: Wunderle Tim
Published: May 2024

Bei der Herstellung von Batteriezellen kommt es auf Sicherheit, Hygiene und Präzision an. Die verwendeten Materialien sind zum Teil hochgiftig und leicht entflammbar, weshalb Staubemissionen auf ein Minimum reduziert werden müssen. Gleichzeitig muss die Einhaltung der Rezeptur bei der Herstellung der Batteriemasse gewährleistet sein und das Produkt darf nicht kontaminiert werden. Diese unterschiedlichen Anforderungen in Einklang zu bringen, ist insbesondere bei der Dosierung der Rohstoffe eine Herausforderung.
Autonome Transportfahrzeuge in der Batteriefabrik
Authors: Mau Gunthart
Published: May 2024

Um den Bedarf an Batterien bedienen zu können, werden aktuell immer mehr Batteriewerke in Europa gebaut. Im neuen Werk eines nordeuropäischen Batterieherstellers sind mobile Systeme von SEW‐Eurodrive im Einsatz. Die Besonderheit dieser fahrerlosen Transportfahrzeuge (FTF) ist ihr Edelstahl‐Aufbau. Diese spezielle Entwicklung ermöglicht den Einsatz in Reinraumapplikationen der Klasse ISO 6, z. B. beim kontrollierten Ein‐ und Ausschleuseprozessen.
Sichere Forschungsarbeiten an Kathodenmaterialien
Authors: Schlichting Maren
Published: May 2024

Dieser Anstieg der Batterieproduktion wird durch Innovationen in der Kathoden‐Zellchemie begleitet, da die Kathode ein zentraler Bestandteil von Lithium‐Ionen‐Batteriezellen ist. Forschungsarbeiten am Zellmaterial erfordern den Umgang mit Schwermetallen wie Kobalt, der aufgrund seiner Giftigkeit eine umfassende Sicherheitsvorkehrung für die Beschäftigten erfordert. Containment ist im Umgang mit den Batteriematerial ein wichtiger Sicherheitsfaktor.
Wie sich der Mittelstand für das PFAS‐Verbot wappnet
Authors: Kletschke Julia
Published: May 2024

Die Wirtschaft sieht sich aktuell mit der Implementierung des Europäischen Grünen Deals konfrontiert. Die Initiative der Europäischen Union, welche darauf abzielt, Europa bis 2050 zum ersten klimaneutralen Kontinent zu machen und dabei Wirtschaftswachstum von der Ressourcennutzung zu entkoppeln, besteht aus einem weit gespannten legislativen Paket. Dieses erstreckt sich über unzählige regulatorische Felder, darunter das PFAS‐Verbot, und betrifft dabei auch maßgeblich die Dichtungsindustrie.
Durchbruch mit Quantenchemie
Authors: Mostertz Mathias
Published: May 2024

Das Berliner Cleantech‐Unternehmen C1 hat es geschafft, die Produktion von grünem Methanol Mithilfe der Vorhersagekraft der Quantenchemie in computergestützten Katalysesimulationen, einen vollständig autonomen und kontinuierlichen Methanolproduktionslauf durchzuführen ‐ ein Prozess, der normalerweise viele Jahre dauert. Die Ergebnisse bestätigten die Vorhersagen aus den Simulationen.
Aufrüstung von Tankmesssystemen
Authors: Post Daniel
Published: May 2024

Kommunikationstechnische Kompatibilitätsprobleme können Betreiber von Tanklägern daran hindern, ihre veralteten Füllstandsmessgeräte durch genauere und zuverlässigere Alternativen, wie Radarmessgeräte, zu ersetzen. Eine Lösung für dieses Problem bietet die Messgeräteemulation, die bei entsprechend verfügbarem Budget eine schrittweise Aufrüstung von Tankmesssystemen mit nur minimalen Betriebsunterbrechungen ermöglicht.
First person profile: Everett Vokes, MD
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: May 2024

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. This issue features Dr Everett Vokes, a pioneer of the combination of radiation and chemotherapy as the first line of treatment for head and neck cancer. In addition, a study addresses heart health in survivors of childhood cancers, and a new blood test predicts which patients are at risk of poor outcomes from CAR T‐cell therapy.
Utility and performance of cell blocks in cerebrospinal fluid cytology: Experience at two teaching hospitals
Authors: Yoon Hyeji , Chen Constance V. , Krishnan Vimal , Grochowski Jill , Iezza Gioia , Vohra Poonam , Balassanian Ronald , Greenland Nancy Y.
Published: May 2024

Background

Cytology cell blocks (CBs) are not routinely made for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens. The goal of this study was to identify when CSF CB preparation improves diagnostic performance.

Materials and Methods

Under institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of CSF cytology cases was conducted at a tertiary university‐based hospital and an affiliated county hospital. Patient history, CSF volume, final diagnosis, use of stains, and whether the CB was contributory was determined from the cytopathology report. CSF nucleated cell count data was obtained from the medical record.

Results

A total of 69 CSF specimens with CBs from January 2006 to March 2023 were identified from 61 patients. The median CSF volume was 8 mL (interquartile range, 4–13 mL; range, 1–800 mL), with immunohistochemical stains performed on 29 (42%) cases. Per cytology report, CB was contributory in 23 cases (33%), not contributory in 34 cases (49%), and not discussed in 12 cases (17%). The median volume was 8 mL for cases in which CB was contributory, not contributory, or not discussed. There was no difference in average nucleated cell counts between cases in which CB was contributory versus not contributory (73.9 vs. 40.0, p = .175).

Conclusions

CBs for CSF samples were contributory in a subset (33%) of cases. The authors were unable to identify any specific pre‐analytic factors, including specimen volume and average nucleated cell counts, for cases in which CB was contributory. Further evaluation is needed to identify if there are scenarios in which CSF CBs should be routinely prepared.
Investigation of the mechanisms behind ochratoxin A‐induced cytotoxicity in human astrocytes and the protective effects of N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Chu Che‐Sheng , Chen Ying‐Tso , Liang Wei‐Zhe
Published: May 2024

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a type of mycotoxin commonly found in raw and processed foods. It is essential to be aware of this toxin, as it can harm your health if consumed in high quantities. OTA can induce toxic effects in various cell models. However, a more comprehensive understanding of the harmful effects of OTA on human astrocytes is required. This study evaluated OTA's neurotoxic effects on the Gibco® Human Astrocyte (GHA) cell line, its underlying mechanisms, and the antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) ability to prevent them. OTA exposure within 5–30 μM has induced concentration‐dependent cytotoxicity. In the OTA‐treated cells, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were found to be significantly increased, while the glutathione (GSH) contents were found to decrease considerably. The western blotting of OTA‐treated cells has revealed increased Bax, cleaved caspase‐9/caspase‐3 protein levels, and increased Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. In addition, exposure to OTA has resulted in the induction of antioxidant responses associated with the protein expressions of Nrf2, HO‐1, and NQO1. On the other hand, the pretreatment with NAC has partially alleviated the significant toxic effects of OTA. In conclusion, our findings suggest that oxidative stress and apoptosis are involved in the OTA‐induced cytotoxicity in GHA cells. NAC could act as a protective agent against OTA‐induced oxidative damage.
Cosmic clues: DESI, dark energy, and the cosmological constant problem
Authors: Yin Wen
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Several attempts to solve the cosmological constant problem, which concerns the value of the cosmological constant being extremely smaller than the Standard Model mass scales, have introduced a scalar field with a very flat potential that can be approximated as linear around any given position. The scalar field scans the cosmological constant in such a way that the current small value is explained. Recently, Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) reported the results of the first year. Combining the data with CMB, Pantheon, Union3, and/or DES-SN5YR, there is a preference or anomaly, indicating that the dark energy in the current Universe slightly deviates from that in the ΛCDM model and varies over time. In this paper, I show that the simple linear potential of a scalar field that may explain the small cosmological constant, can explain the DESI anomaly. The conclusions do not change by including or not including a thermal friction effect. In particular, the model proposed by the present author in [1], which relaxes the cosmological constant by the condition that inflation ends, predicts a time-dependence of the dark energy close to the one favored by the data.
A Geth-based real-time detection system for sandwich attacks in Ethereum
Authors: Li Dongze , Zhang Kejia , Wang Lei , Du Gang
Published: May 2024

With the rapid development of the Ethereum ecosystem and the increasing applications of decentralized finance (DeFi), the security research of smart contracts and blockchain transactions has attracted more and more attention. In particular, front-running attacks on the Ethereum platform have become a major security concern. These attack strategies exploit the transparency and certainty of the blockchain, enabling attackers to gain unfair economic benefits by manipulating the transaction order. This study proposes a sandwich attack detection system integrated into the go-Ethereum client (Geth). This system, by analyzing transaction data streams, effectively detects and defends against front-running and sandwich attacks. It achieves real-time analysis of transactions within blocks, quickly and effectively identifying abnormal patterns and potential attack behaviors. The system has been optimized for performance, with an average processing time of 0.442 s per block and an accuracy rate of 83%. Response time for real-time detection new blocks is within 5 s, with the majority occurring between 1 and 2 s, which is considered acceptable. Research findings indicate that as a part of the go-Ethereum client, this detection system helps enhance the security of the Ethereum blockchain, contributing to the protection of DeFi users’ private funds and the safety of smart contracts. The primary contribution of this study lies in offering an efficient blockchain transaction monitoring system, capable of accurately detecting sandwich attack transactions within blocks while maintaining normal operation speeds as a full node.
Next Generation’s energy misperception
Authors: Casamassima Alessia , Morone Andrea , Garcìa Jordi Perdiguero
Published: May 2024

The aim of this work is to investigate the energy misperception of different sources among the “Next Generation” group. The analysis is carried out in Italy and the data were obtained through an internet-based survey, administered via Instagram to capture the Next Generation’s perception of the national energy mix. We found that younger have more misperceptions and one of the possible explanations could be that they are more negatively affected by media and social media, or public opinion in general. Another motivation could be that the younger generation considers sustainability important and therefore tends to over-perceive renewable energy sources.
Enhancing child mental health: a stepped care approach by mental health professionals at an early intervention and rehabilitation centre for children, in India
Authors: Nisarga Vinyas , Khar Prerna , Shah Henal
Published: May 2024

As per the Global Burden of Disease survey, in India, developmental disabilities are projected to affect more than 11 million children in the age group of less than 5 years. The highest percentage of persons with disability is in the age group of 10–19 years, amounting to 17% of the disabled population, and around 1.2% are disabled in the age group of 0–6 years. Research based evidence has reported that intervention provided at the early stages of development has been proven to be highly effective in addressing developmental challenges of children with special needs and improving their quality of life. This perspective has been written to highlight the importance of mental health professionals at a multidisciplinary integrated early intervention and rehabilitation centre for children with special needs in the country.
Advances in active down-conversion mixer linearity techniques: a comprehensive review
Authors: Vaghela Alkeshkumar , Koringa Hasmukh
Published: May 2024

In the modern era, the demand for high-speed communication has led to a growing preference for higher bandwidth. However, in wideband scenarios, the presence of neighboring bands can introduce nonlinearity issues in mixers. The RF stage and Switching stage are identified as the primary contributors to nonlinearity in down-conversion mixers. This article presents a basic principle as well as circuit architectures of the mixer, including a performance parameters comprehensive review of linearity improvement techniques employed in down-conversion mixers. The paper categorizes various previously reported methods to enhance the linearity of the RF stage into five approaches: (1) MGTR/Derivative superposition (DS), (2) Complementary DS (CDS), (3) noise cancellation (NC), (4) post distortion (PD), and (5) feedforward or feedback approach. These techniques aim to enhance the Second-order nonlinearity ($$g_{m}^{\prime }$$

g

m

′

) or third-order nonlinearity ($$g_{m}^{\prime \prime }$$

g

m

″

) of the RF stage. Among these approaches, Noise Cancellation (NC) methods demonstrate superior optimization in terms of Conversion Gain, Linearity, and Noise Figure. Furthermore, to improve the linearity of the switching stage in mixers, the static and dynamic current injection methods can be employed. The objective of this review is to contribute to the advancement of linearity improvement techniques for wideband active down-conversion mixers, while also facilitating future research and development in this field.
Emoji in Higher Education
Authors: Petcoff Omonpee W. , Palaganas Janice C. , Danesi Marcel
Published: May 2024

Emoji are a significant development in contemporary communication, deserving serious attention for their impact on both language use and society. Based on original mixed-methods research, this timely book focuses on emoji literacy across the healthcare landscape, with emphasis on how they are employed in healthcare worker and patient education. It situates emoji within a semioliteracy theoretical framework and presents the findings of a mixed methods study of emoji use as a literacy tool in a health professions course. Drawing on real-life case studies, it explores emoji literacy across a range of public health education contexts including doctor-to-industry, patient-to doctor, doctor-to-patient, and healthcare providers/CDC to global audience. It also advances a broader argument about the role of emoji in a paradigm shift of communication in education. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Streetscapes of War and Revolution
Authors: Morelon Claire
Published: May 2024

Prague entered the First World War as the third city of the Habsburg empire, but emerged in 1918 as the capital of a brand new nation-state, Czechoslovakia. Claire Morelon explores what this transition looked, sounded and felt like at street level. Through deep archival research, she has carefully reconstructed the sensorial texture of the city, from the posters plastered on walls, to the shop windows' displays, the badges worn by passers-by, and the crowds gathering for protest or celebration. The result is both an atmospheric account of life amid war and regime change, and a fresh interpretation of imperial collapse from below, in which the experience of life on the Habsburg home-front is essential to understanding the post-Versailles world order that followed. Prague is the perfect case study for examining the transition from empire to nation-statehood, hinging on revolutionary dreams of fairer distribution and new forms of political participation.
Hiroshima and the Historians
Authors: Pyle Kenneth B.
Published: May 2024

The decision to use atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki has been considered the most important – and perhaps most controversial - event in twentieth-century history. It ushered in many of the major developments of our time: the end of World War II, the beginning of the atomic age, the establishment of the American world order, and the start of the Cold War arms race. Kenneth B. Pyle illuminates both the complexities of the event itself and the debates among historians that continue today, as they wrestle with the moral issues of the decision, its necessity and its alternatives. While producing no final resolution to the controversy, historians have nevertheless advanced and deepened our understanding of this event. This accessible and thought-provoking analysis is a case study in the intricate nature of the historian's craft and a reminder of the value of historians in a free society.
To Run the World
Authors: Radchenko Sergey
Published: May 2024

What would it feel like To Run the World? The Soviet rulers spent the Cold War trying desperately to find out. In this panoramic new history of the conflict that defined the postwar era, Sergey Radchenko provides an unprecedented deep dive into the psychology of the Kremlin's decision-making. He reveals how the Soviet struggle with the United States and China reflected its irreconcilable ambitions as a self-proclaimed superpower and the leader of global revolution. This tension drove Soviet policies from Stalin's postwar scramble for territory to Khrushchev's reckless overseas adventurism and nuclear brinksmanship, Brezhnev's jockeying for influence in the third world, and Gorbachev's failed attempts to reinvent Moscow's claims to greatness. Perennial insecurities, delusions of grandeur, and desire for recognition propelled Moscow on a headlong quest for global power, with dire consequences and painful legacies that continue to shape our world.
Mapping private party funding regulation. Deregulation in sight?
Authors: Piccio Daniela R.
Published: May 2024

This article presents a longitudinal comparative analysis of the regulation of private funding to political parties in 15 West European democracies and explores how these rules have changed under the most recent wave of political finance reforms. In particular, the article questions whether a deregulation of political finance regulation may be in sight, with a downsizing of the role of the state in the political finance domain. While evidence does not support a clear movement toward deregulation, the article shows that the move from private to public subsidization may not be that irreversible as it seemed and that private funding to political parties is likely to become more prominent in the near future also in Europe.
Changes in the Attitudes of Slovenian Communist Leaders toward Yugoslav Statehood in the Late 1980s
Authors: Janíčko Michal
Published: May 2024

This study examines how Slovenian communist leadership’s views on the Yugoslav state framework evolved in the late 1980s. To this end, the actions of Slovenian leaders during the procedure of amending the Yugoslav constitution and the discussions in the Slovenian party headquarters on the subject of relations in the federation are analyzed in detail. On the background of growing nationalism in public opinion in Slovenia, the communist leaders of the republic put themselves in an increasingly antagonistic position vis-à-vis the federal center. During 1987, they rejected several proposals for changes to the Yugoslav constitution, which they had initially agreed to based on an incorrect assessment of Slovenian public opinion. Then, in the summer of 1988, in the atmosphere of the Slovenian Spring, local leaders began to favor the weakening of the ties between the Yugoslav republics and redefinition of Yugoslavia as a confederation. Simultaneously, Slovenian politicians were also increasingly questioning some primary assumptions about the existence of the common state and radicalized their political methods in terms of promoting Slovenian interests at the federal level.