bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neue Hürden für den EU-Beitritt zur EMRK?
Authors: Daiber Birgit
Published: October 2021

Nach dem ablehnenden Gutachten des Europäischen Gerichtshofs zum Beitrittsübereinkommen der EU zur Europäischen Menschenrechtskonvention hat der Rat zusätzliche Verhandlungsrichtlinien angenommen. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersucht der vorliegende Beitrag, ob das EuGH-Gutachten zum EU-Kanada Freihandelsabkommen CETA Konsequenzen für den Beitritt hat. Dazu gleicht er den Inhalt des CETA-Gutachtens mit der bisherigen Rechtsprechung ab und kommt zu dem Ergebnis, daß der EuGH eine Änderung seiner Rechtsprechung vorgenommen und neue Hürden für die Unterwerfung der EU unter die Rechtsprechungstätigkeit anderer Gerichte aufstellt hat. Das Gutachten enthält jedoch Formulierungen, die auch eine Verhältnismäßigkeitsprüfung durch ein solches Gericht erlauben. Die neuen Anforderungen dürften deshalb einem Beitritt der EU zur EMRK nicht entgegenstehen.
Strafrecht im Zeitalter von Künstlicher Intelligenz
Authors: Lohmann Anna
Published: October 2021

The work deals with criminal law problem areas that arise in the use of AI. Not only AI, but also autonomous systems are finding their way into our everyday lives. Similarities and differences between these concepts and their impact on criminal law assessment are elaborated. The rapidly progressing development in the field of AI makes the discussion of a new criminal law subject "AI" inevitable. Special consideration is given to the criminal responsibility of humans in the production of defective AI products. Potential changes in the law to counteract risky AI developments at an early stage, while at the same time promoting promising results, round off the work.
Presença Anselmiana na Summa Aurea de Guilherme de Auxerre
Authors: Marques Bernardino Fernando da Costa ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2021

William of Auxerre († 1231), theology master in the University of Paris, was the procurator of the pope Gregory the IX of the Bull Parens scientiarum. The same pope named him, by letter of April 23, 1231, president of the Commission entrusted to examine Aristotle’s books and to expurgate the noxious doctrine for the Christian faith contained in them. He wrote Summa Aurea, following the structure of Peter Lombardic’s Liber Sententiarum, but with his own ordo disciplinae. His thought registers in the average platonic-agustinian, opening up prudently to the novelty of the aristotelism. In the path of the fides quaerens intellectum, Master William treats, for the first time in a theological summa, the problem of the faith-reason relationship. Like this the rationes humanae, while seeking the knowledge of the divine things, are the rationes theologicae and not the rationes propriae rerum naturalium, just as it is demanded by the nature of the subject of knowledge of the theological science. Assuming the dialectic of the Magnificent Doctor’s greatness, he presents in the beginning of the Summa Aurea four proofs of the existence of God, founded in philosophical arguments. The fourth argument belongs to the magister Anselmus Cantuariensis\ Intelligibile est aliquidquo maius excogitari nonpotest.... And if we ask him for the role of the reason in the ambit of the theology, he answers: the human reason guarantees, in fact, the validity of the reflexive understanding, and the credibility of the knowledge of the divine things in the pattem of a qualitative scale of the human being noetic possibilities.
Petrarca, Filósofo da Condição Humana
Authors: Ribeiro dos Santos Leonel ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2021

O meu propósito é abordar um aspecto do pensamento de Petrarca no qual se revela a faceta de filósofo moral que quase sempre ficou oculta sob a maior evidência da do poeta e do humanista. Essa faceta, que se expõe sobretudo em obras como De remediis utriusque fortunae, De vita solitaria e De secreto conflictu curarum mearum, era porém bem reconhecida pelos primeiros leitores quatrocentistas e quinhentistas do autor das Rime. Servir-me-ei do tópico da humana conditio para delinear a topografia da reflexão antropológica do autor, destacando a sua concepção heracliteana e agónica da existência humana e da própria realidade, regidas uma e outra pela luta e conflito ou pela ambivalência da fortuna, ao que o humanista responde com uma filosofia moral própria, concebida como moderação racional das paixões da alma, tanto da esperança e da alegria como do medo e da dor, concebida enfim como medicina mentis e meditatio mortis, que se inspira seja no estoicismo senequiano seja no platonismo agostiniano. Relevo será dado ao primado concedido pelo filósofo a ordem dos afectos, o que o inscreve na linhagem do voluntarismo agostiniano, bem como à sua meditação acerca da nobreza e excelência do homem, na qual os tópicos colhidos na antropo-teologia patrística são temperados pela viva consciência da miséria da condição humana. Sobressairá o perfil de um pensador cujos assomos de optimismo se oferecem envoltos nas tonalidades da melancolia e do pessimismo e que, com igual razão, pode ser lido como «o primeiro dos modernos» ou como um dos últimos medievais.
Sharpening the Axe: Identifying and Closing Gaps Within the Training Space of the South African Private Security Industry
Authors: Mbana Linda , Mofokeng Jacob T. , Maluleke Witness , Khosa Dorcas
Published: October 2021

The ever-present threat of crime in South Africa continues to drive the rise and demand for Private Security Industry (PSI) services amongst various governmental institutions, businesses and citizens to ensure their safety. This rise for the Private Security Services (PSS) persistently presents new challenges to the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) such as poor security training standards and deployment of untrained security officers attached to the Private Security Companies (PSCs), which negatively impacts the professionalism of the security industry. This study was guided by this objective: Identifying and closing the gaps within South African training space of PSI. This qualitative study was guided by the exploratory research design. The judgemental sampling technique was adopted to sample 40 participants confined to Gauteng (GP), Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) and Western Cape (WC) Provinces. The selected relevant stakeholders were attached to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Labour (DoLl), Department of Home Affairs (DoH), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the legal fraternity) and the PSI Directors and security officers to form part of the Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and hybrid semi-structured interviews. The findings highlighted that the majority of the participants agreed that the private security industry training space is affected by security service providers letting PSiRA down by not training at, but rather engaging in, criminal activity through selling and people buying PSiRA security certificates. Some of the challenges mentioned include; poor training standards, non-compliance to legislated training standards, unqualified security training facilitators and outdated security Grades, misuse of security equipment leading to serious injuries and death, corruption in the industry, some of it being perpetrated by PSiRA inspectors, the very people who are supposed to keep the industry in check. This study recommends that, in order to overcome the challenges in the security training space, PSiRA needs to do away with the outdated security Grades by developing a new policy framework which will enable the creation of a new security-training curriculum and revise the training methods to suit the ever-changing security industry.
Efficacy of pharmacotherapy for psychiatric sequelae of torture
Authors: Kim Dongmi , Taneja Ashley , Schiemann John W , Nawab Anam
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The large numbers of torture survivors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological trauma in the United States suggests pharmacists should be aware of, and attentive to possible drug therapies for this population.

Method: To this end, we systematically review the literature on pharmacotherapy for survivors of torture. Published literature that assessed use of pharmacotherapy in torture victims were searched from MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo and CINAHL. Search terms “torture,” “pharmacotherapy,” “depression OR PTSD,” “refugee OR asylum seekers” and “treatment or rehabilitation” were utilized.

Results: Review of controlled and uncontrolled studies reveal that antidepressants are the most widely studied medications, particularly sertraline, a selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in the torture survivor population expanding to refugees and asylum seekers. Anti-adrenergic medications were used as adjunctive treatment in some uncontrolled studies. In randomized controlled trials, pharmacotherapy did not differentiate from placebo in reducing symptoms. Uncontrolled trials had yielded variable outcomes from pharmacotherapy.

Discussion: There is lack of strong evidence in supporting the use of pharmacotherapy for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder. Heterogeneity in the study design, patient ethnicity and the social and political status at the time of the study may have contributed in the variable clinical responses to pharmacotherapy.
Intradermal tranexamic acid in the treatment of melasma: A prospective study of 20 Moroccan cases
Authors: El Mansouri Meriem , Hali Fouzia , Chiheb Soumaya
Published: October 2021

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of tranexamic acid mesotherapy in the treatment of melasma in the Moroccan population. Materials and Methods: All the patients received an intradermal injection of tranexamic acid (5 mg/mL). No other local or general treatment was administered. The patients were kept under external photoprotection only. Pre- and post-treatment photographs were taken and analyzed with the Visioface® RD hardware. The evaluation was employed the MASI score. Results: All patients had a dark skin phototype. The average duration of melasma evolution was 3.67 years. The pre-treatment average MASI was 7.6. The post-therapeutic average MASI was 6. The Visioface® RD hardware estimated a 25% reduction in the surface area attained at month five. No serious side effects were reported. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid was proven to be an essential tool in treating melasma.
Does early acne intervention provide more than just a reduction in the incidence of scars? A review of the literature
Authors: Vos Ayesha
Published: October 2021

Background: It is well established that early intervention in acne treatment reduces the incidence of scars. The purpose of this paper was to identify if early intervention in acne management also provides a cost benefit to the patient, reduces relapse rates or lessens the requirement for the treatment of acne scars. Method: A systematic search of The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) was performed independently by one reviewer using predefined criteria. Results: Seven articles were identified from the literature – one systematic review, one review article and five expert opinion articles. Although data supports early intervention in acne management, no articles identified whether a cost benefit was also provided, if there was a reduction in the relapse rates or if there was a decreased requirement for the treatment of acne scars. Conclusions: This review identifies an overall lack of published data regarding multiple outcomes for early intervention in acne and allows for the possible identification of areas where primary research would be beneficial.
An unusual case of nasal chromoblastomycosis degenerating into squamous cell carcinoma from a nonendemic region
Authors: Frioui Refka , Jaber Kahena , Mtibaa Latifa
Published: October 2021

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a granulomatous mycosis rarely described outside tropical countries. Degeneration into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is its most serious complication. We report the first case of nasal CBM degenerating into SCC. In 2006, a sixty-year-old male presented himself with an infiltrated plaque on the right thigh. The diagnosis of CBM was confirmed by the presence of fungal elements. In 2019, the patient had developed a mass coming from the right nasal cavity. It had rapidly involved the nasal dorsum. An ulcer-budding nasal tumor and an elevated erythematous and verrucous plaque on the thigh were noted. A biopsy revealed a granulomatous dermis with fungal elements. Other nasal biopsy fragments showed differentiated SCC. A fungal culture inoculated with tissue from both lesions showed dark colonies. The diagnosis of nasal CBM with SCC degeneration was reached. The patient presented asymptomatic endonasal CBM that had slowly evolved and recently degenerated.
Onychomycosis in patients with diabetes mellitus: Etiology, clinical features, and treatment response
Authors: Molina-Hernandez Alma Ileana , Ramírez-Marín Hassiel Aurelio , Bonifaz Alexandro
Published: October 2021

Background: Onychomycosis accounts for 30% of all superficial mycoses and 50% of all nail diseases. One of the most studied predisposing factors is diabetes mellitus, with a frequency of onychomycosis of 31.5% in these patients. Many show resistance to standard therapeutics and have “polypharmacy”, which represents a risk for pharmacological interactions. Objective: The objective was to assess the clinical response to therapy, evaluate with histopathology, direct examination with KOH and white-calcofluor, and culture the most frequent etiologic agents associated with the development of onychomycosis in patients with diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A non-randomized, uncontrolled, open-ended, prospective cohort study was conducted on 46 patients with onychomycosis and diabetes mellitus. Treatment was assigned according to clinical findings and specific indications for treatment. Results: From the samples taken for direct examination with KOH and calcofluor-white, culture, and histopathological study, positive results were: 39 (84.1%) patients to the direct examination, 32 (69.6%) to the culture, 27 (65.2%) with a positive histopathological study, and 17 (54.86%) to the calcofluor-white. On clinical evaluation, we found no treatment response in 8 patients (20%), a partial response in 14 patients (25%), and a complete response in 18 patients (45%). Out of the 46 patients evaluated initially, 25 persisted with onychomycosis after six months of follow-up. Conclusion: The prevalence of onychomycosis is increasing and requires correct diagnosis since there are other non-fungal diseases of the nails that resemble onychomycosis. Presumably, the immunosuppression of diabetes, its systemic affection, and the foot abnormalities of a diabetic patient cause more nail dystrophy, an increased fungal load, and treatment resistance.
Skin infection with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in an immunocompetent patient: An exceptional infection
Authors: Belmourida Siham , Palamino Hind , Meziane Mariame
Published: October 2021

Sir, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a ubiquitous yeast used as a probiotic for antibiotic-associated diarrhea prophylaxis. It is part of the normal flora of the oral, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tracts and the vaginal lining. Severe opportunistic infections due to S. cerevisiae have been reported in patients with immunosuppression with fungemia, endocarditis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection [1–3]. Herein, we describe the first case in the literature of a skin infection with S. cerevisiae in an immunocompetent patient. A 72-year-old patient with no particular history had had pruriginous skin lesions for five years in the context of general state preservation and apyrexia. A skin examination revealed erythematous and maculopapular lesions diffused throughout the body (Figs. 1a−1d). The phaners and mucous membranes were without abnormality, and there was no adenopathy. The rest of the examination was unremarkable. The patient had been treated several times with topical and oral antifungals and dermocorticoids but without any improvement.
Challenges and impact of COVID-19 on teledermatology practice in providing continued care to patients in a time of disarray
Authors: Butt Ghazala , Rana Mahwash , Uzair Muhammad
Published: October 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly affected all areas of life in most countries. Telehealth has gained importance during this era of social distancing, including teledermatology (TD). The purpose of this survey was to determine the challenges and impact of COVID-19 on TD practice in providing continued care to patients by dermatologists in Pakistan. Methods: A questionnaire comprised of fifteen questions was created with Google Forms and distributed to dermatologists practicing in various cities of Pakistan via WhatsApp or e-mail, then the data was collected. Results: A total of 81 dermatologists from various cities of Pakistan responded to the survey, among whom about two thirds reported a positive experience with TD, yet some had issues in communication gaps and breaches of confidentiality, and the majority considered it unequal to in-person visits. Conclusion: TD plays an important role during the COVID-19 pandemic as a simple, time-saving procedure allowing social distancing with good patient satisfaction.
A Review on the Reproductive Dysfunction in Farmed Finfish
Authors: Selvaraj S. , Chidambaram P. , Ezhilarasi V. , Kumar P. Pavin , Samuel Moses T. L. S. , Antony Cheryl , Ahilan B.
Published: October 2021

Globally, fish production in the wild is decreasing, and different aquaculture systems are presently being used for broodstock development in the captivity. Seasonally, broodstock raised in captivity exhibit different form of reproductive dysfunction at the level of the brain-pituitary-gonad (BPG) axis. Primarily, vitellogenic completion and final oocyte maturation are inhibited in females, and males fail to spermiate spontaneously in the captivity. Reproductive dysfunctions are also observed during sexual differentiation, pubertal onset and sex conversion periods in teleosts. To overcome these problems, different hormonal preparations, primarily gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) are used. In recent years, kisspeptins have been shown to be potent in inducing gonadal growth and maturation in teleost fish. Understanding the form of reproductive dysfunction is important in formulating suitable hormonal preparations for inducing gametogenesis. The paper reviews the problem of reproductive dysfunction and their possible reason for formulating different hormonal preparations.
Evaluation of Plotting Position Formulae for Pearson Type 3 Distribution in Three Hydrological Stations on the Niger River
Authors: Ologhadien Itolima
Published: October 2021

In this study, eight unbiased plotting position formulae recommended for Pearson Type 3 distribution were evaluated by comparing the simulated series of each formula with the annual maximum series (AMS) of River Niger at Baro, Koroussa and Shintaku hydrological stations, each having data length of 51years, 53 years and 58 years respectively.

The parameters of Pearson Type 3 distribution were computed by the method of moments with corrections for skewness. While the fitting of Pearson Type 3 distribution proceeds with the development of flood – return period (Q-T) relationship, followed by application of the derived Q- T relation to compute simulated discharges for comparison with AMS of the study stations.

The plotting position formulae were evaluated on the basis of optimum values of the statistically goodness-of-fit of probability plot correlation coefficient (PPCC), relative root mean square error (RRMSE), percent bias (PBIAS), mean absolute error (MAE) and Nash-sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), across the stations.

The plotting position formulae were ranked on scale of 1 to 8. Thus a plotting formula that best simulates the empirical observations using the goodness-of-measures was scored “1” and so on. The individual scores per plotting position were summed across the gof tests to obtain the total score.   

The study show that Chegodayev is the best plotting position formula for Baro, Weibull is the best plotting position Formula for Kourassou and Shintaku hydrological stations. The overall performances of the eight plotting position formulae across the hydrological stations show that weibull distribution is the overall best having scored 27, seconded by Chegodayev with 30 and thirdly, Beard with 38.

The Pearson Type 3 distribution had been found one of the best probability distribution model of flood flow in Nigeria and this study was conducted to gain in-depth knowledge of the distribution. Finally, this study recommends extension of the studies to Log-Pearson Type 3 distribution.
Bullous Dermatoses and Depression
Authors: Pourali Sarah P. , Gutierrez Yasmin , Kucharik Alison H. , Rajkumar Jeffrey R. , Jones Madison E. , Ortiz Isabela , David Michelle , Armstrong April W.
Published: October 2021

Importance

There is a lack of evidence synthesis on the association between bullous skin disease and depression.

Objective

To synthesize and interpret the current evidence on the association between bullous skin disease and depression.

Evidence Review

This review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and reviewed literature related to bullous skin disease and depression in the PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and Cochrane databases published between 1945 and February 2021. The quality of each included article was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021230750).

Findings

A total of 17 articles were identified that analyzed a total of 83 910 patients (55.2% female; specifically, 6951 patients with bullous pemphigoid, 1669 patients with pemphigus, and 79 patients with epidermolysis bullosa were analyzed). The prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with bullous dermatoses ranged from 40% to 80%. The prevalence of depression diagnosis among patients with bullous dermatoses ranged from 11.4% to 28%.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this systematic review, high rates of depression and depressive symptoms existed among patients with bullous skin disease. Adequate treatment of bullous dermatoses may be associated with a decrease in mental health burden on patients.
ILORA: A database of alien vascular flora of India
Authors: Pant Vidushi , Patwardhan Chinmay , Patil Kshitij , Bhowmick Amiya Ranjan , Mukherjee Abhishek , Banerjee Achyut Kumar
Published: October 2021

Biological invasions pose an unprecedented threat to biodiversity and ecosystems at different spatial scales, especially for a biodiversity‐rich developing nation like India. While country‐level checklists of alien taxa are important, databases having their biological and ecological attributes are of paramount importance for facilitating research activities and developing policy interventions. Such a comprehensive database for alien flora is lacking in India.

We have curated data for 14 variables related to ecology, biogeography, introduction pathway, socio‐economy and distribution of 1747 alien vascular plant species from 22 national and global sources to produce the Indian Alien Flora Information (ILORA) version 1.0 database. This paper describes the detailed methodology of curating these data along with the rationale behind selecting these variables.

The database, the first of its kind for the Indian alien flora, will provide easy access to high‐quality data and offer a ready reference to comprehend the existing scenario of alien plant species in the country. The database is dynamic and will be updated regularly. It has a provision to incorporate user‐submitted data, which will allow increasing the resolution of the database as well as the expansion of its capacity.

The database is envisaged to become a nationwide collaborative platform for a wide spectrum of stakeholders. It is freely accessible via an online data repository as well as through a dedicated website (https://ilora2020.wixsite.com/ilora2020).
Cells with cancer‐associated mutations overtake our tissues as we age
Authors: Evans Edward J. , DeGregori James
Published: October 2021

Background

To shed light on the earliest events in oncogenesis, there is growing interest in understanding the mutational landscapes of normal tissues across ages. In the last decade, next‐generation sequencing of human tissues has revealed a surprising abundance of cells with what would be considered oncogenic mutations.

Aims

We performed a meta‐analysis on previously published sequencing data on normal tissues to categorize mutations based on their presence in cancer and showcase the quantity of cells with cancer‐associated mutations in cancer‐free individuals.

Methods and results

We analyzed sequencing data from these studies of normal tissues to determine the prevalence of cells with mutations in three different categories across multiple age groups: (1) mutations in genes designated as drivers, (2) mutations that are in the Cancer Gene Census (CGC), and (3) mutations in the CGC that are considered pathogenic. As we age, the percentage of cells in all three levels increase significantly, reaching over 50% of cells having oncogenic mutations for multiple tissues in the older age groups. The clear enrichment for these mutations, particularly at older ages, likely indicates a strong selection for the resulting phenotypes. Combined with an estimation of the number of cells in tissues, we calculate that most older, cancer‐free individuals possess at least 100 billion cells that harbor at least one oncogenic mutation, presumably emanating from a fitness advantage conferred by these mutations that promote clonal expansion.

Conclusions

These studies of normal tissues have highlighted the specific drivers of clonal expansion and how frequently they appear in us. Their high prevalence throughout cancer‐free individuals necessitates a reconsideration of the oncogenicity of these mutations, which could shape methods of detection, prevention, and treatment of cancer, as well as of the potential impact of these mutations on tissue function and our health.
Telehealth effectiveness for addiction: Jury is still out
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2021

Individual counseling via telehealth is as effective as in‐person individual counseling, but whether telehealth‐delivered medication management, group counseling and intake assessment are effective was less clear, according to a study published online in Psychiatric Services Oct. 13. During the pandemic, telehealth quickly became the main form of treatment engagement, and is now persisting due to better access and convenience.
FDA OKs marketing of vaping for the ‘public health’
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2021

Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized marketing of the first set of vaping — officially called electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) — products ever. The issued marketing granted orders to R.J. Reynolds (RJR) Vapor Company for its Vuse Solo closed ENDS device and accompanying tobacco‐flavored e‐liquid pods, specifically, Vuse Solo Power Unit and Vuse Replacement Cartridge. In authorizing the marketing, the FDA agreed with RJR's data showing that the products are appropriate for the protection of public health.
Semiconductor Nanowire Arrays for High‐Performance Miniaturized Chemical Sensing
Authors: Wei Shiyu , Li Zhe , John Alishba , Karawdeniya Buddini I. , Li Ziyuan , Zhang Fanlu , Vora Kaushal , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati , Murugappan Krishnan , Tricoli Antonio , Fu Lan
Published: October 2021

Chemiresistive sensing is one of the most promising technologies for portable and miniaturized chemical sensing, with applications ranging from air quality monitoring to explosive detection and medical diagnostics. Recently, there have been growing efforts in developing microchip based chemical sensors operating at room temperature with high sensitivity, selectivity, spatial and temporal resolution, long‐term stability, and cost‐effectiveness. Here, the engineering of highly performing miniaturized gas sensors consisting of chemiresistive vertical indium phosphide nanowire (NW) arrays is reported for the first time, and their potential for the selective detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a major air pollutant, is demonstrated. By carefully engineering the NW geometry (i.e., diameter and pitch), a superior sensing performance than those previously reported semiconductor‐based NO2sensors is achieved, obtaining a limit of detection of 3.1 ppb at room temperature, with outstanding selectivity, and long‐term stability. Kinetic analysis and electrical simulation further reveal the array geometry correlated sensing mechanism, providing insights for the design of future NW array‐based devices. These findings indicate that, owing to their unique nanoscale structures, material properties, and CMOS compatible manufacture processes, III‐V compound semiconductor NW arrays present a new and promising chemical sensing platform for development of future high performance, miniaturized on‐chip sensing system.
Engineering Extracellular Vesicles Enriched with Palmitoylated ACE2 as COVID‐19 Therapy
Authors: Xie Feng , Su Peng , Pan Ting , Zhou Xiaoxue , Li Heyu , Huang Huizhe , Wang Aijun , Wang Fangwei , Huang Jun , Yan Haiyan , Zeng Linghui , Zhang Long , Zhou Fangfang
Published: October 2021

Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a key receptor present on cell surfaces that directly interacts with the viral spike (S) protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). It is proposed that inhibiting this interaction can be promising in treating COVID‐19. Here, the presence of ACE2 in extracellular vesicles (EVs) is reported and the EV‐ACE2 levels are determined by protein palmitoylation. The Cys141 and Cys498 residues on ACE2 are S‐palmitoylated by zinc finger DHHC‐Type Palmitoyltransferase 3 (ZDHHC3) and de‐palmitoylated by acyl protein thioesterase 1 (LYPLA1), which is critical for the membrane‐targeting of ACE2 and their EV secretion. Importantly, by fusing the S‐palmitoylation‐dependent plasma membrane (PM) targeting sequence with ACE2, EVs enriched with ACE2 on their surface (referred to as PM‐ACE2‐EVs) are engineered. It is shown that PM‐ACE2‐EVs can bind to the SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐RBD with high affinity and block its interaction with cell surface ACE2 in vitro. PM‐ACE2‐EVs show neutralization potency against pseudotyped and authentic SARS‐CoV‐2 in human ACE2 (hACE2) transgenic mice, efficiently block viral load of authentic SARS‐CoV‐2, and thus protect host against SARS‐CoV‐2‐induced lung inflammation. The study provides an efficient engineering protocol for constructing a promising, novel biomaterial for application in prophylactic and therapeutic treatments against COVID‐19.
Enabling Quasi‐2D Perovskite‐Compatible Growth Environment for Efficient Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Ali Muhammad Umair , Cai Wanqing , Cai Jinqiao , Miao Jingsheng , Zhang Siwei , Chen Jingwei , Xiao Li , Meng Hong , Yan Chaoyi , Wei Guodan
Published: October 2021

Despite the rapid advancement in electroluminescence efficiencies of perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), it remains challenging to achieve efficient and reproducible devices. Herein, an effective vapor‐assisted growth (VAG) method is proposed to develop quasi‐2D perovskite thin‐films via creating a saturated dimethyl sulfoxide vapor environment. The VAG‐optimized perovskite films with a composition of PEA2(FAPbBr3)n−1PbBr4 display uniformly distributed nanograins with graded energy landscape and compact surface, contributing to enhanced radiative and suppressed nonradiative recombination. Consequently, the PeLEDs incorporating VAG‐based films with a device architecture of indium tin oxide/poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐alt‐N‐(4‐sec‐butylphenyl)‐diphenylamine)/perovskite/(1,3,5‐tris(phenyl‐2‐benzimidazolyl)benzene)/Yb/Ag demonstrate a peak current efficiency of 27.1 cd A−1 (@ 532 nm) with an external quantum efficiency of 6.50% and a maximum luminance of 17 610 cd m−2. Notably, champion PeLEDs manifest considerably curtailed efficiency roll‐off as ≈50% of the peak efficiency is preserved even at a very high luminance of 15 000 cd m−2. Meanwhile, VAG‐based PeLEDs exhibit improved reproducibility compared to the control counterparts. It is anticipated that this work would promote the development of reliable solution‐processing methods toward stabilized perovskite‐based photonics.
A 10 nm Short Channel MoS2 Transistor without the Resolution Requirement of Photolithography
Authors: Wu Fan , Ren Jie , Yang Yi , Yan Zhaoyi , Tian He , Gou Guangyang , Wang Xuefeng , Zhang Zijian , Yang Xin , Wu Xing , Ren Tian‐Ling
Published: October 2021

MoS2 is considered a promising candidate as a channel material for the next generation semiconductor devices owing to its atomic thickness and electrical properties. However, due to the limited resolution of the photolithography, the short channel length MoS2 transistor is still inclusive. In this work, a method to fabricate MoS2 transistors with short channel length is demonstrated, which is realized by the self‐oxidization of aluminum to form an effective isolation between the source and drain electrodes. By this method, 10 nm transistors with 3.65 nm thick multilayer MoS2 are realized. Despite the short channel length, the devices still exhibit a good on/off ratio. Both the transmission electron microscope image and electrical characteristics reveal the realization of 10 nm short channel, and the simulation results also prove it. Throughout aluminum self‐oxidization technology, transistors with 10 nm channel length can be defined by lithography with 100 nm precision. The 2D transistors with self‐oxidized short channel length reduce the threshold of the 10 nm channel's fabrication, and provide new opportunities for scaling down the 2D material‐based transistors.
Variable clinical severity in TANGO2 deficiency: Case series and literature review
Authors: Schymick Jennifer , Leahy Peter , Cowan Tina , Ruzhnikov Maura R. Z. , Gates Ryan , Fernandez Liliana , Pramanik Gopal ,   Undiagnosed Diseases Network, Yarlagadda Vamsi , Wheeler Matthew , Bernstein Jonathan A. , Enns Gregory M. , Lee Chung
Published: October 2021

Biallelic pathogenic variants in the TANGO2 (transport and Golgi organization 2 homolog) gene have been identified as causing a rare metabolic disorder characterized by susceptibility to recurrent rhabdomyolysis, lactic acidosis, encephalopathy, and life‐threatening tachyarrhythmias. Recently published reports suggest variable clinical severity and phenotypes. This study details five new patients from two families with biallelic pathogenic variants in the TANGO2 gene identified by whole exome sequencing and includes the largest number of affected individuals from a single family reported to date. We document significant intrafamilial variability and highlight that milder phenotypes may be underrecognized. We present biochemical and clinical data to help highlight the features that aid in consideration of this condition in the differential with disorders of fatty acid oxidation. We also present a comprehensive literature review summarizing the molecular, clinical, and biochemical findings for 92 individuals across 13 publications. Of the 27 pathogenic variants reported to date, the recurrent exons 3–9 deletion represents the most common variant seen in 42% of individuals with TANGO2 deficiency. Common clinical features seen in >70% of all individuals include acute metabolic crisis, rhabdomyolysis, neurologic abnormalities, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. Findings such as elevated creatine kinase, hypothyroidism, ketotic hypoglycemia, QT prolongation, or abnormalities of long‐chain acylcarnitines and urine dicarboxylic acids should raise clinical suspicion for this life‐threatening condition.
Blood testosterone levels in sickness and in health: Male chimpanzee testosterone levels decrease in face of an immune challenge
Authors: Sonnweber Ruth , Stevens Jeroen M. G. , Hohmann Gottfried , Deschner Tobias , Behringer Verena
Published: October 2021

As an integral part of the immune response, testosterone secretion is inhibited when an individual is confronted with an immune challenge. Testosterone‐mediated physiological, morphological, and behavioral traits are compromised at times of impaired health. Nevertheless, males of some species seem to maintain high levels of testosterone when confronted with an immune challenge, upholding competitive strength but compromising their immune response. It has been argued that this phenomenon will occur only in species living in social systems with high degrees of male‐male competition over mating opportunities. Male chimpanzees contest over access to fertile females and dominants sire the majority of offspring. This male mating pattern makes chimpanzees a candidate species where we could expect males to maintain high testosterone levels, compromising their immune response, to ensure immediate reproductive success. We measured blood testosterone levels in male and female chimpanzees, who expressed clinical symptoms (symptomatic) or showed no evidence of clinical disease on assessment (asymptomatic). For females, we expected to find lower testosterone levels in symptomatic individuals than in asymptomatic subjects. In males, we would predict lower testosterone levels in symptomatic individuals than in asymptomatic males, if the immune response leads to a decrease in testosterone secretion. Alternatively, males could have equal levels of testosterone when symptomatic and asymptomatic, upholding competitive strength. Our results show that male chimpanzees exhibit lower levels of testosterone when confronted with an immune challenge than when being asymptomatic. This suggests that male testosterone secretion is suppressed as part of the immune response, which potentially increases survival and lifetime reproductive success. It will, however, negatively impact momentary competitive ability. Also, males may employ different mating strategies, some of which are less testosterone‐driven (e.g., affiliative strategies). Consequently, in some individuals, the costs of maintaining high testosterone levels may not outweigh the potential gain in reproductive success.
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, density functional, thermal studies, and molecular docking simulation of rare earth element complexes
Authors: Ahmed Yasmin M. , Mohamed Gehad G.
Published: October 2021

Six new complexes, namely, [ErH2L1Cl2H2O]Cl·5H2O, [YbH2L1Cl2H2O]Cl·5H2O, [LaH2L1Cl2H2O]Cl·4H2O, [ErHL2(H2O)4]Cl2·5H2O, [YbHL2(H2O)4]Cl2·4H2O, and [LaHL2Cl(H2O)3]Cl·5H2O, have been prepared under sufficient experimental conditions. The six complexes have been characterized by UV–visible tests, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and molar conductivity measurements. Thermal studies using thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the complexes decomposed in three to four steps within the temperature range 30–900°C and metal oxides left as residues. At the DFT/B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of theory, theoretical calculations including geometry optimization and some quantum chemical parameters were carried out. Time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) measurements have also been conducted to allocate their electronic spectra. All the complexes exhibit molecular structure with the metal ions in six‐coordination geometry. According to the spectroscopic data, the investigated ligands coordinated to the metal ions in bidentate (H2L1) and tridentate (HL2) coordination mode. All complexes were tested for in vitro anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal activities where they exhibited promising antibacterial and antifungal activity. Furthermore, the molecular docking study examined the possible ways to tie up Staphylococcus aureus' 50S‐RsfS complex with the crystal structure of Cryo‐EM (PDB ID: 6SJ6).
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of multi‐phase flow characteristics in an industrial‐scale randomly packed tower
Authors: Tan Hongbo , Wen Na , Ding Zhi
Published: October 2021

A three‐dimensional (3‐D) two‐phase Eulerian–Eulerian‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation method coupled with a porous media model was developed in this study to simulate the air–water two‐phase flow in an industrial‐scale randomly packed air cooling tower (RPACT). The authors discussed the effects of gas kinetic energy factor, liquid load, packing materials, and packed bed height on the hydrodynamic performances of the gas–liquid counter‐current flow in the proposed RPACT. The simulation results show that the pressure drop increases with the gas or liquid load increases. Liquid load influences the pressure drop, liquid holdup, and wall film flow rate sensitively. A smaller liquid load, a middle range of gas kinetic energy factor, a relatively greater porous resistance coefficient of packing material, and a higher packed bed height can achieve a more uniform liquid flow distribution in an RPACT. The optimum operating conditions for the present RPACT are determined as gas kinetic energy factor is from 1.76 to 2.11 [(m/s) (kg/m3)0.5], liquid load is in the range of 32.40–67.73 m3/h, and the plastic Cascade ring (filled in the second packing layer) with a height of 10 m. The presented CFD models are useful for engineers to design and optimize the structure and operation conditions of industrial‐scale RPACTs.
Effect of O2 concentration on combustion behavior and kinetics of coal gangue during oxy‐fuel combustion and oxy‐steam combustion
Authors: Gao Shaolong , Wang Baofeng , Yang Fengling , Zhang Kai , Cheng Fangqin
Published: October 2021

In this work, the effect of O2 concentration on combustion behavior and kinetics of coal gangue during oxy‐fuel combustion and oxy‐steam combustion were studied by non‐isothermal thermogravimetric analysis technology. The results showed that the increase of O2 concentration could improve the combustion performance of coal gangue. The O2/CO2 atmosphere was unfavorable to the combustion of coal gangue compared with the O2/N2 atmosphere. Furthermore, the gasification reaction could accelerate overall carbon consumption in oxy‐steam combustion with 5% O2 concentration; and the presence of H2O could delay the ignition and accelerate burnout at this condition. Kinetic analysis showed that the combustion of coal gangue in O2/N2 and O2/CO2 atmosphere followed the first‐order kinetics under O2 concentrations studied; and the combustion in O2/H2O atmosphere followed the 0.5‐order kinetics at 5% and 10% O2 concentration, while it followed the first‐order kinetics at 21% O2 concentration.
A facile strategy for the preparation of polypropylene sulfide nanoparticles for hydrophobic and base‐sensitive cargo
Authors: Chauhan Meenakshi , Basu Suparna Mercy , Yadava Sunil Kumar , Sarviya Nandini , Giri Jyotsnendu
Published: October 2021

Polypropylene sulfide (PPS) as reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsive nanoparticles (NPs) have attained great interest for drug delivery applications in many diseases such as cancer, pulmonary, neurovascular, cardiovascular, and age‐related diseases. Despite great potential of PPS NPs as a nanocarrier, it remains relatively less explored for small molecules (drug) delivery, as the current method of PPS NPs synthesis involving strong bases like sodium methoxide (NaOMe) and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) results in breakdown of base sensitive drugs or molecules. Herein, we are reporting a facile synthesis method for PPS NPs preparation with high drug loading capacity (five times higher than the reported synthesis method) of base‐sensitive cargos (Paclitaxel/Dil dye) within the PPS matrix and protection from possible breakdown of drug during synthesis. The NPs prepared via our method possess oxidative‐responsive release of drug, preservation of drug bioactivity, and excellent storage stability at room temperature or 4°C. PPS NPs system demonstrate biocompatibility and drug‐loaded NPs provide efficient anticancer activity against breast cancer cells. Our method of PPS NPs synthesis is suitable to prepare a delivery system with higher loading capacity of drug and small molecules for different biomedical applications.
1321+045: A compact steep‐spectrum radio source in a cool‐core galaxy cluster
Authors: O'Sullivan Ewan , Kunert‐Bajraszewska Magdalena , Siemiginowska Aneta , Burke Douglas J. , Combes Françoise , Salomé Philippe , Giacintucci Simona
Published: October 2021

Cluster‐central gigahertz peak and compact steep‐spectrum (CSS) sources offer an opportunity to study the earliest phases of active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback, but few have yet been examined in detail. We present results from radio and X‐ray observations of 1321+045, a CSS source in a 4.4 keV cluster at . The cluster has a strongly cooling core, and disturbances from a minor cluster merger may have triggered a period of jet activity which formed the 16 kpc radio lobes ago. However, new very long baseline array (VLBA) imaging shows a ∼20 pc jet on a different projected axis, which is probably only a few hundred years old. We consider possible histories for the system, with either one or two periods of jet activity. While this single system is informative, a broader study of the youngest cluster‐central radio sources is desirable.
Is there more than one ratio bias? If so, why?
Authors: Bourdin David , Engin Ayşegül , Vetschera Rudolf
Published: October 2021

The ratio bias refers to decision makers' propensity to overestimate probabilities that are specified as ratios of large numbers in comparison to a ratio of smaller numbers (e.g., 9:100 vs. 1:10). To reconcile conflicting findings about this bias, we study such deviations in a more general setting allowing for deviations in both directions, irrational indifference, and inability to decide. We find that the predominant direction of deviations depends on the probabilities involved and that there is no uniform bias in favor of high numbers across all settings. Our findings indicate a strong negative impact of risk literacy on all such bias phenomena. We also test the relationship of the ratio bias to rational/experiential system theory and find that, contrary to the theoretical predictions, biased responses tend to take longer time than logically correct answers.
Assessment of the incidence and risk factors of early poststroke seizures in Lebanese patients
Authors: Mansour Sara , Youness Mahmoud , Cherri Sarah , Salameh Pascale , Hallit Souheil , Malaeb Diana , Hosseini Hassan
Published: October 2021

Background

Early seizures have been recognized as serious complications of ischemic strokes where the data are limited among Lebanese patients. This study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of early seizures postischemic stroke and to determine the effect of early seizures on functional outcome among Lebanese stroke patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study conducted between January 2017 and March 2020 on patients with acute ischemic strokes at two tertiary hospitals in Lebanon. Data were collected from patients’ medical records at each site through a well‐designed data collection sheet. Early seizures were defined as seizures occurring within 7 days after acute stroke. Functional outcome was assessed at discharge, according to modified Rankin scale (mRS).

Results

Of 140 enrolled patients, early seizure developed in 12 patients (8.6%) with mean age of 68.42 ± 9.89 years and 8 (67%) were females. Independent risk factors for early seizure development were female gender and cortical involvement. Moreover, early seizure development was not associated with higher disability and mortality at hospital discharge.

Conclusion

The findings of the study highlight that early seizures occurred more commonly in patients with cortical involvement and female gender. In addition, early seizures did not impair functional outcome in our study, however; further studies are needed to predict patients at risk of early seizure so that appropriate prevention and treatment strategies can be implemented promptly.