bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rotational Thromboelastometry Reduces Fresh Frozen Plasma Requirement in Patients without Liver Disease Undergoing Therapeutic Endoscopic Procedures with Deranged Screening Coagulation Tests—A Pilot Study
Authors: Bharadwaj P. Krishna , Simon Ebby George , Dave Rutvi G. , Geevar Tulasi , Nair Sukesh C. , Abraham Aby , Joseph A. J. , Dutta Amit Kumar , Chowdhury Sudipta Dhar , Jaleel Rajeeb , John Anoop , Thomas Ajith
Published: November 2023

Background/Aims Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a viscoelastic test that is used in patients with liver disease for guiding blood component use. This study is aimed at comparing the amount of blood products transfused and bleeding rates in patients without liver disease, who underwent therapeutic endoscopic procedures with deranged screening coagulation tests (prothrombin time [PT]; activated partial thromboplastin time [aPTT]), with and without hypocoagulable ROTEM.

Methods Patients with deranged PT and aPTT without liver disease who underwent therapeutic endoscopic interventions during the period 2020 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline parameters, amount of blood products transfused, and outcomes such as 30-day bleeding and mortality rates were recorded in those with and without hypocoagulable ROTEM.

Results Of the 204 patients with deranged PT/aPTT who underwent therapeutic endoscopy during the study period, 180 of those with liver disease were excluded. Six patients (M:F = 5:1; median age: 37, 20–54 years) had hypocoagulable ROTEM and 18 patients (M:F = 11:7; median age: 56, 20–71 years) had normo-/hypercoagulable ROTEM. There were significant differences in the total amount of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfused and FFP transfused per patient between the two groups (9,000 vs. 4,500 mL and 2,000 vs. 1,000 mL; p = 0.04, respectively). Two patients with hypocoagulable ROTEM bled within 30 days, while none did in the comparator group (p = 0.03). One patient in the hypocoagulable group died within 30 days and none in the normo-/hypercoagulable group.

Conclusion The use of ROTEM reduces FFP requirement in patients without liver disease with deranged PT/aPTT undergoing therapeutic endoscopic procedures without any increased risk of early or late rebleeding, and 30-day mortality.
Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors
Authors: Yeoh Teri Danielle You Ying , Nga Vincent , Kimpo Miriam , Lo Simon S. , Vellayappan Balamurugan
Published: November 2023

Intracranial germ cell tumors are rare tumors occurring in adolescents and young adults, which include germinomas and non-germinomatous type germ cell tumors (NGGCT). In the past few decades, cooperative trial groups in Europe and North America have developed successful strategies to improve survival outcomes and decrease treatment-related toxicities. New approaches to establishing diagnosis have deferred the need for radical surgery. The 5-year event-free survival (EFS) is above 90% and even patients who present with metastatic germinoma can still be cured with chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation. The combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy is tailored to patients based on grouping and staging. For NGGCT, neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by delayed surgery for residual disease and radiotherapy can yield a 5-year EFS of 70%. Further strategies should focus on reducing long-term complications while preserving high cure rates.
Computed Tomographic Evaluation of Safe Corridors for Pin Placement in Rabbit Thoracolumbar Vertebrae and Sacrum
Authors: Chen Monica , Harper Tisha A.M. , Gal Arnon , Keller Krista A. , Hamel Philip E.
Published: November 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to identify safe corridors for pin placement in the terminal thoracic vertebrae, lumbar vertebrae and sacrum of rabbits using computed tomography (CT) in cadaveric models.

Study Design Computed tomographic imaging of 25 adult New Zealand white rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculi) cadavers was evaluated. Safe insertion corridors at the cranial and caudal end cortical sections (ECS) of the vertebrae were determined using a multiplanar reconstruction software. Pins were placed to allow maximal bone purchase within the safe corridors. Post-procedure CT imaging was performed to evaluate the pin position.

Results The median safe corridor height in the thoracic and lumbar cranial ECS (2.54 mm; 1.39–3.97 mm) was significantly lower than that of caudal ECS (3.98 mm; 1.66–5.53 mm; p < 0.001). The mean widths of the left and right sacral safe corridors were not significantly different. Of the 99 pins placed, 70.7% of the pins were appropriately placed without vertebral canal impingement. Errors included partial canal impingement (12.1%), complete canal impingement (5.1%), inadequate bone purchase (7.1%), placement into the intervertebral disc space (1.0%) or in the incorrect ECS than intended (4.0%). The odds ratio of successful pin insertion without canal impingement was 2.77 (95% confidence interval, 1.04–7.43; p < 0.05) times higher in the caudal ECS than in the cranial ECS.

Conclusion The corridor identified in this study can be used as a guideline for pin placement in the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae of New Zealand white rabbits. Further biomechanical studies are required.
Assessment of Outcome of Arthroscopic Subtotal Coronoidectomy in Treating Medial Coronoid Disease and Effect of Concurrent Autologous Conditioned Plasma in Dogs Using Force Plate Analysis
Authors: Scharpf Marlene , Theyse Lars F.H.
Published: November 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy in treating medial coronoid disease and the effect of concurrent autologous conditioned plasma (ACP) in dogs using force plate analysis.

Study Design This study included 16 dogs with unilateral medial coronoid disease based on computed tomographic imaging. Treatment consisted of an arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy. As concurrent therapy, eight dogs received ACP at the end of the arthroscopy and eight dogs a placebo. Force plate analysis, including vertical forces, braking and propulsive forces, corresponding impulses and symmetry indices, was performed prior to arthroscopy and at 4, 12 and 26 weeks postoperatively.

Results After an initial reduction of all force plate analysis parameters, vertical and propulsive parameters gradually improved to the level of healthy dogs at 26 weeks postoperatively. In contrast, braking parameters did not reach normal values at 26 weeks, demonstrating ongoing loss of elbow joint function. The ACP and placebo group did not show any significant difference in force plate analysis parameters during the 26 weeks study period.

Conclusion Arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy did not result in complete normalization of ground reaction forces, impulses and symmetry indices. Concurrent treatment with ACP, immediately after arthroscopy, did not improve outcome. Our results show that outcome of arthroscopic subtotal coronoidectomy in treating medial coronoid disease is less favourable than previously reported.
Did the 2012 Spanish law reform to protect mortgage debtors modify banks’ lending behavior?
Authors: González-Val Rafael
Published: November 2023

Royal Decree-Law 6/2012 introduced a new Code of Good Practice for Spanish banks and financial institutions with the aim of protecting low-income debtors. In this study, we examine the impact of this legal reform on the lending behavior of banks. We analyze quarterly data spanning from 2005 to 2020(Q1) across the 17 Spanish NUTS II regions. Our analysis employs panel data models incorporating regional, year, and quarter fixed effects, as well as linear and quadratic region-specific time trends. We also include other relevant control variables at the regional level, such as house prices, inflation rates, and unemployment rates. Our findings indicate that the Code had a significant and negative effect on the number of new mortgage loans, the average interest rate, and the average ratio between monthly mortgage payments and wage costs.
H2O2(s) and H2O2·2H2O(s) crystals compared with ices: DFT functional assessment and D3 analysis
Authors: Arismendi-Arrieta Daniel J. , Sen Anik , Eriksson Anders , Broqvist Peter , Kullgren Jolla , Hermansson Kersti
Published: November 2023

The H2O and H2O2 molecules resemble each other in a multitude of ways as has been noted in the literature. Here, we present density functional theory (DFT) calculations for the H2O2(s) and H2O2·2H2O(s) crystals and make selected comparisons with ice polymorphs. The performance of a number of dispersion-corrected density functionals—both self-consistent and a posteriori ones—are assessed, and we give special attention to the D3 correction and its effects. The D3 correction to the lattice energies is large: for H2O2(s) the D3 correction constitutes about 25% of the lattice energy using PBE, much more for RPBE, much less for SCAN, and it primarily arises from non-H-bonded interactions out to about 5 Å.The large D3 corrections to the lattice energies are likely a consequence of several effects: correction for missing dispersion interaction, the ability of D3 to capture and correct various other kinds of limitations built into the underlying DFT functionals, and finally some degree of cell-contraction-induced polarization enhancement. We find that the overall best-performing functionals of the twelve examined are optPBEvdW and RPBE-D3. Comparisons with DFT assessments for ices in the literature show that where the same methods have been used, the assessments largely agree.
The effect of shape, polydispersity, charge, and fraction of crystallite bundles on the cholesteric pitch of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions
Authors: Sewring Tor , Dijkstra Marjolein
Published: November 2023

Using Onsager–Straley’s second-virial theory, we investigate the cholesteric pitch of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions. We model the CNCs as hard chiral bundles of microfibrils and examine the effect of the shape of these chiral bundles, characterized by aspect ratio and chirality, on the cholesteric pitch. Additionally, we explore the impact of length polydispersity and surface charge on the cholesteric phase of CNCs. Furthermore, we consider binary mixtures of twisted bundles and achiral primary crystallites to provide a more realistic representation of CNC suspensions. Our findings reveal that the degree of bundle twisting significantly affects the helical twisting of the cholesteric phase. We also observe that the average particle length and length polydispersity have substantial effects on strongly twisted bundles but minimal effects on weakly twisted ones. Finally, our study indicates that as the range of electrostatic interactions increases, the transfer of chirality from the microscopic to macroscopic length scales becomes masked, resulting in an increase in the cholesteric pitch. In the case of binary mixtures, the bundles act as chiral dopants, and an increasing fraction of bundles progressively enhances the helical twisting of the cholesteric phase.
The relationship between activated H2 bond length and adsorption distance on MXenes identified with graph neural network and resonating valence bond theory
Authors: Cheng Jiewei , Li Tingwei , Wang Yongyi , Ati Ahmed H. , Sun Qiang
Published: November 2023

Motivated by the recent experimental study on hydrogen storage in MXene multilayers [Liu et al., Nat. Nanotechnol. 16, 331 (2021)], for the first time we propose a workflow to computationally screen 23 857 compounds of MXene to explore the general relation between the activated H2 bond length and adsorption distance. By using density functional theory we generate a dataset to investigate the adsorption geometries of hydrogen on MXenes, based on which we train physics-informed atomistic line graph neural networks (ALIGNNs) to predict adsorption parameters. To fit the results, we further derived a formula that quantitatively reproduces the dependence of H2 bond length on the adsorption distance from MXenes within the framework of Pauling's resonating valence bond theory, revealing the impact of transition metal’s ligancy and valence on activating dihydrogen in H2 storage.
Gas transport mechanisms through gas-permeable membranes in microfluidics: A perspective
Authors: Seo Sangjin , Kim Taesung
Published: November 2023

Gas-permeable membranes (GPMs) and membrane-like micro-/nanostructures offer precise control over the transport of liquids, gases, and small molecules on microchips, which has led to the possibility of diverse applications, such as gas sensors, solution concentrators, and mixture separators. With the escalating demand for GPMs in microfluidics, this Perspective article aims to comprehensively categorize the transport mechanisms of gases through GPMs based on the penetrant type and the transport direction. We also provide a comprehensive review of recent advancements in GPM-integrated microfluidic devices, provide an overview of the fundamental mechanisms underlying gas transport through GPMs, and present future perspectives on the integration of GPMs in microfluidics. Furthermore, we address the current challenges associated with GPMs and GPM-integrated microfluidic devices, taking into consideration the intrinsic material properties and capabilities of GPMs. By tackling these challenges head-on, we believe that our perspectives can catalyze innovative advancements and help meet the evolving demands of microfluidic applications.
Low-frequency electric fields at smartphone surface
Authors: Voccio John , Seredinski Andrew , Song Jiahui , Khabari Ali , Chuery Marina , Oshman Hunter , Mujica Patricia Sadde
Published: November 2023

Mobile phones, tablets, and other devices with capacitive touchscreens are ubiquitous in modern society. Consequently, the battery health of such devices along with the potential public health impacts of their typical use is of high importance. Here, we investigate the AC electric field present near the touchscreen surface during device charging. Using a Trifield TF2 meter for magnitude and a Faraday pickup coil for frequency, we study the AC electric field at the surface of an Apple iPhone 8 mobile phone in the 0–200 kHz range, well below the uplink/downlink bands used for cellular signals. We find the addition of the frequency content throughout this range and with integrated magnitude of the order of 500 V/m rms under certain phone charging conditions. Our findings suggest that the field is being generated by the lithium-ion battery. We note also that these AC electric fields are not present when the device is charged from a portable power bank.
Anisotropies of thermal conductivity of SrIr4In2Ge4 and EuIr4In2Ge4 crystals: Manifestation of coupling of phonons with europium spin 1D fluctuations?
Authors: Stachowiak Piotr , Babij Michał , Szewczyk Daria , Bukowski Zbigniew
Published: November 2023

We report the results of measurements of thermal conductivity coefficient dependence on temperature of single crystals of SrIr4In2Ge4 and EuIr4In2Ge4. The measurements were carried out over the temperature range of ∼5–300 K. The EuIr4In2Ge4 crystal, unlike its strontium analog SrIr4In2Ge4, shows an amazing anisotropy: At low temperatures, it displays significantly smaller thermal conductivity in the ab plane than in the direction of c axis, while at the high ones the thermal conductivity in the direction perpendicular to the c axis increases well above that of in the c axis. The observed phenomena may be a result of the interaction of phonons with 1D chains of short-range ordered magnetic moment of europium atoms and the exchange energy between the chains in the paramagnetic phase of EuIr4In2Ge4.
Multimode vibrational dynamics and orientational effects in fluorescence-encoded infrared spectroscopy. II. Analysis of early-time signals
Authors: Whaley-Mayda Lukas , Guha Abhirup , Tokmakoff Andrei
Published: November 2023

Developing fluorescence-encoded infrared (FEIR) vibrational spectroscopy for single-molecule applications requires a detailed understanding of how the molecular response and external experimental parameters manifest in the detected signals. In Paper I [L. Whaley-Mayda, A. Guha, and A. Tokmakoff, J. Chem. Phys. 159, 194201 (2023)] we introduced a nonlinear response function theory to describe vibrational dynamics, vibronic coupling, and transition dipole orientation in FEIR experiments with ultrashort pulses. In this second paper, we apply the theory to investigate the role of intermode vibrational coherence, the orientation of vibrational and electronic transition dipoles, and the effects of finite pulse durations in experimental measurements. We focus on measurements at early encoding delays—where signal sizes are largest and therefore of most value for single-molecule experiments, but where many of these phenomena are most pronounced and can complicate the appearance of data. We compare experiments on coumarin dyes with finite-pulse response function simulations to explain the time-dependent behavior of FEIR spectra. The role of the orientational response is explored by analyzing polarization-dependent experiments and their ability to resolve relative dipole angles in the molecular frame. This work serves to demonstrate the molecular information content of FEIR experiments, and develop insight and guidelines for their interpretation.
Vibrational heat-bath configuration interaction with semistochastic perturbation theory using harmonic oscillator or VSCF modals
Authors: Tran Henry K. , Berkelbach Timothy C.
Published: November 2023

Vibrational heat-bath configuration interaction (VHCI)—a selected configuration interaction technique for vibrational structure theory—has recently been developed in two independent works [J. H. Fetherolf and T. C. Berkelbach, J. Chem. Phys. 154, 074104 (2021); A. U. Bhatty and K. R. Brorsen, Mol. Phys. 119, e1936250 (2021)], where it was shown to provide accuracy on par with the most accurate vibrational structure methods with a low computational cost. Here, we eliminate the memory bottleneck of the second-order perturbation theory correction using the same (semi)stochastic approach developed previously for electronic structure theory. This allows us to treat, in an unbiased manner, much larger perturbative spaces, which are necessary for high accuracy in large systems. Stochastic errors are easily controlled to be less than 1 cm−1. We also report two other developments: (i) we propose a new heat-bath criterion and an associated exact implicit sorting algorithm for potential energy surfaces expressible as a sum of products of one-dimensional potentials; (ii) we formulate VHCI to use a vibrational self-consistent field (VSCF) reference, as opposed to the harmonic oscillator reference configuration used in previous reports. Our tests are done with quartic and sextic force fields, for which we find that with VSCF, the minor improvements to accuracy are outweighed by the higher computational cost associated the matrix element evaluations. We expect VSCF-based VHCI to be important for more general potential representations, for which the harmonic oscillator basis function integrals are no longer analytic.
Capacity configuration optimization of energy storage for microgrids considering source–load prediction uncertainty and demand response
Authors: Zhang Jinliang , Zhang Zeqing
Published: November 2023

The fluctuation of renewable energy resources and the uncertainty of demand-side loads affect the accuracy of the configuration of energy storage (ES) in microgrids. High peak-to-valley differences on the load side also affect the stable operation of the microgrid. To improve the accuracy of capacity configuration of ES and the stability of microgrids, this study proposes a capacity configuration optimization model of ES for the microgrid, considering source–load prediction uncertainty and demand response (DR). First, a microgrid, including electric vehicles, is constructed. Second, the uncertainty of renewable energy resources and electric demand is handled by Monte Carlo scenario generation techniques and K-means-based scenario reduction techniques. Then, a DR model combining price-based demand response and incentive-based demand response is constructed to achieve a better match between electricity demand and supply. Finally, the results of the ES capacity configuration are determined with the objective of minimizing the total daily cost of the microgrid. The simulation results show that the optimal configuration of ES capacity and DR promotes renewable energy consumption and achieves peak shaving and valley filling, which reduces the total daily cost of the microgrid by 22%. Meanwhile, the DR model proposed in this paper has the best optimization results compared with a single type of the DR model. It is verified through comparative analysis that under a certain proportion of flexible loads, the total daily cost of the microgrid is the lowest when the time-shiftable loads and the curtailable loads are both 10%.
Quantum and classical molecular dynamics for H atom scattering from graphene
Authors: Shi Lei , Schröder Markus , Meyer Hans-Dieter , Peláez Daniel , Wodtke Alec M. , Golibrzuch Kai , Schönemann Anna-Maria , Kandratsenka Alexander , Gatti Fabien
Published: November 2023

This work presents systematic comparisons between classical molecular dynamics (cMD) and quantum dynamics (QD) simulations of 15-dimensional and 75-dimensional models in their description of H atom scattering from graphene. We use an experimentally validated full-dimensional neural network potential energy surface of a hydrogen atom interacting with a large cell of graphene containing 24 carbon atoms. For quantum dynamics simulations, we apply Monte Carlo canonical polyadic decomposition to transform the original potential energy surface (PES) into a sum of products form and use the multi-layer multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree method to simulate the quantum scattering of a hydrogen or deuterium atom with an initial kinetic energy of 1.96 or 0.96 eV and an incident angle of 0°, i.e., perpendicular to the graphene surface. The cMD and QD initial conditions have been carefully chosen in order to be as close as possible. Our results show little differences between cMD and QD simulations when the incident energy of the H atom is equal to 1.96 eV. However, a large difference in sticking probability is observed when the incident energy of the H atom is equal to 0.96 eV, indicating the predominance of quantum effects. To the best of our knowledge, our work provides the first benchmark of quantum against classical simulations for a system of this size with a realistic PES. Additionally, new projectors are implemented in the Heidelberg multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree package for the calculation of the atom scattering energy transfer distribution as a function of outgoing angles.
Study on the energy and damage characteristics of gas-containing coal under confining pressure unloading process
Authors: Zhou Tianbai
Published: November 2023

Research on energy and damage evolution patterns of gas-containing coal under constricting pressure unloading conditions is urgently needed in the process of deep underground mining and is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying coal and gas composite rockburst occurrences. Prior reaching peak stress, cyclic loading and unloading experiments were carried out on gas-containing coal specimens under varied confining pressures and unloading circumstances. According to the experimental findings, gas pressure significantly degrades the mechanical characteristics of coal specimens, with a higher gas pressure causing worsening of the mechanical properties. The degree of mechanical property deterioration in coal specimens caused by gas pressure steadily reduces as confining pressure rises, indicating that confining pressure has an inhibitory influence on the deterioration of mechanical characteristics brought on by gas. Additionally, the degradation of coal mechanical characteristics is a result of the unloading of confining pressures. The peak stress and elastic modulus of coal decrease as confining pressure unloading increases in magnitude. Prior to the peak stress, the capacity of coal to convert external work into elastic energy is mostly indicated by the compression storage energy coefficient, whereas the peak elastic energy predominantly denotes the upper bound of compressed storage elastic energy for coal. Based on the Weibull statistical damage theory and employing elastic energy as the distribution variable, a statistical damage model is proposed. Comparisons of coal damage evolution curves indicate that both the confining pressures unloading process and gas pressure exert a promoting effect on the damage evolution of coal.
Chemical physics of electrochemical energy materials
Authors: Zhuang Lin , Xia Yongyao , Zhang Qiang , Kim Hyungjun
Published: November 2023

Probing the chemistry and materials science of electrochemical energy materials is a central topic in both chemical physics and energy chemistry due to the increasingly important role of energy devices in the current and future energy system and industry. Especially, understanding the chemical physics of electrochemical energy materials is the key to enhance the performance of energy storage and conversion devices such as batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, and supercapacitors. This special topic focuses on the fundamental understanding of electrochemical energy applications, including electrochemistry fundamentals, structural dynamics and degradation mechanism of materials, optimization strategies for improving electrochemical performance of energy devices, and emerging simulation and characterization methods applied to advanced energy materials.
Influence of tetraethyl orthosilicate coating on dielectric, impedance, and modulus properties of barium hexaferrite nanoparticles prepared by a modified sol–gel method
Authors: Mubasher  , Mumtaz M. , Hassaan M. , Ali Khan Qazi Hashmat , Nadeem M. , Ul Haq M. Inam , Sarfraz Zahid
Published: November 2023

This work is devoted to study the comparison of the conduction mechanism in bare barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) nanoparticles and tetraethyl orthosilicate-coated (SiO2)x/BaFe12O19 (x = 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt. %) nanoparticles. The modified sol–gel method was adopted for the synthesis of these nanoparticles. The structures, morphologies, elemental composition, vibrational modes, and dielectric properties of these nanoparticles were studied by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and dielectric measurements, respectively. The crystallite size and particle size of BaFe12O19 nanoparticles decreased with SiO2 coatings, which can be attributed to the confinement of crystal growth of these nanoparticles with the coating. It was found that these (SiO2)x/BaFe12O19 nanoparticles have a uniform spherical shape, are non-agglomerated, and have a narrow particle size distribution. At room temperature, these (SiO2)x/BaFe12O19 nanoparticles showed distinctive behavior with varying frequency and SiO2 coatings. The experimental results in this work may provide fundamental support to the research and development of materials for energy storage devices.
Introducing the embedded random phase approximation: H2 dissociative adsorption on Cu(111) as an exemplar
Authors: Wei Ziyang , Martirez John Mark P. , Carter Emily A.
Published: November 2023

The random phase approximation (RPA) as a means of treating electron correlation recently has been shown to outperform standard density functional theory (DFT) approximations in a variety of cases. However, the computational cost of the RPA is substantially more than DFT, especially when aiming to study extended surfaces. Properly accounting for sufficient surface ensemble size, Brillouin zone sampling, and vacuum separation of periodic images in standard periodic-planewave-based DFT code raises the cost to achieve converged results. Here, we show that sub-system embedding schemes enable use of the RPA for modeling heterogeneous reactions at reduced computational cost. We explore two different embedded RPA (emb-RPA) approaches, periodic emb-RPA and cluster emb-RPA. We use the (experimentally and theoretically) well-studied H2 dissociative adsorption on Cu(111) as our exemplar, and first perform full periodic RPA calculations as a benchmark. The full RPA results match well the semi-empirical barrier fit to experimental observables and others derived from high-level computations, e.g., from recent embedded n-electron valence second order perturbation theory [Zhao et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 16(11), 7078–7088 (2020)] and quantum Monte Carlo [Doblhoff-Dier et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 13(7), 3208–3219 (2017)] simulations. Among the two emb-RPA approaches tested, the cluster emb-RPA accurately reproduces the energy profile (maximum error of 50 meV along the reaction pathway) while reducing the computational cost by approximately two orders of magnitude. We therefore expect that the embedded cluster approach will enable wider RPA implementation in heterogeneous catalysis.
Blood hormone concentrations as markers and predictors of porcine meat production and quality?
Authors: Sirotkin A. V. , Demo P.
Published: November 2023

Context The applicability of hormones in the prediction of meat production in non-ruminant species has been poorly examined. Aims To examine the applicability of plasma concentrations of leptin, estradiol, progesterone and insulin-like growth-factor I (IGF-I) for characterisation and early prediction of the production and quality of meat in gilts. Methods Animals were compared at 150 days of age with below (‘low’) and above (‘high’) median hormone concentrations and their traits of meat production and quality at the age of 200 days. Key results Animals with a high leptin concentration in blood at the age of 150 days had higher slaughter and carcass weights and weight of ham, but a lower lean meat content at the age of 200 days, than did the gilts with a low leptin concentration. Animals with a high estradiol concentration had a higher carcass weight, weight of ham and backfat thickness and a lower electrical conductivity of musculus semimembranosus than did animals with a low estradiol concentration. High blood IGF-I concentration was associated with a higher slaughter weight, carcass weight and lean meat content. No significant differences between the animals with ‘high’ and ‘low’ progesterone concentration and meat characteristics have been found. Conclusions These observations confirm the involvement of leptin, IGF-I and estradiol in up-regulation of meat production in pigs. Furthermore, they suggest that leptin can be useful for characterisation and prediction of fat production, whereas IGF-I and estradiol (but not progesterone) could be both markers and predictors of porcine growth and meat production. Implications The blood concentrations of these hormones could help in characterisation and selection of pigs for meat production.
Humic and fulvic acid influence the morphophysiological and biochemical properties of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) under water deficit
Authors: de Jesus Angela Lucena Nascimento , Pierre de Andrada Lucas Vinícius , dos Santos Silva Luiz Filipe , Alves Santos Natália , Barbosa Cruz Fabiana , Amosse Cumbana Nerissa Carolina , Anchieta de Oliveira Rafael , Souza Evaristo Jorge Oliveira de
Published: November 2023

Context Water deficit is a limiting factor in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) performance. Humic and fulvic acids are organic fertilisers that increase plant productivity and appear as a viable alternative to improve cowpea productivity under water deficit. Aim We evaluated the efficiency of humic and fulvic acid on the morphophysiological and biochemical properties of cowpea subjected to water deficit. Methods The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. A completely randomised design was adopted in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replications, with five doses of humic and fulvic acid, 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 mL/L applied to plants irrigated at 100% and 25% of field capacity. Stomatal conductance (gs), water potential (Pw), plant height (H), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves (NL), number of root nodules (NR), fresh and dry weight of the aerial (FMA and DMA) and root (FMR and DMR), total soluble proteins (SP) and total phenolic compounds (PC). Key results Doses of 8 and 12 mL/L increased gs (100–200 mmol m2 s−1), reduced Pw (−0.9 MPa) and NR, increased FMR and DMR (20 and 10 g), SP (8–9 g) in stressed and non-stressed individuals. Conclusions Intermediate doses of humic and fulvic acid (12 mL/L) are recommended for cowpea production in dry regions. Implications Humic and fulvic acid together are viable alternatives for optimising agricultural production and decision making in semi-arid regions.
The effects of bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on high-risk anogenital HPV infection among sexually active female adolescents with and without perinatally acquired HIV
Authors: Ounchanum Pradthana , Achalapong Jullapong , Teeraananchai Sirinya , Gatechompol Sivaporn , Phongsamart Wanatpreeya , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Tran Dan Ngoc Hanh , Dang Hanh Le Dung , Teeratakulpisarn Nipat , Chalermchockcharoenkit Amphan , Singtoroj Thida , Sohn Annette H. , Phanuphak Nittaya
Published: November 2023

Background Females with perinatal HIV (PHIV) infection are at elevated risk for anogenital high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection. Limited data are available around the effect of the HPV vaccination after initiation of sexual activity among PHIV youth. This study aims to assess the impact of a bivalent HPV vaccination on the persistence of anogenital HR-HPV among sexually active female PHIV youth and matched HIV-negative controls aged 12–24 years in Thailand and Vietnam. Methods During a 3-year study, prevalent, incident, and persistent HR-HPV infection were assessed at annual visits. A subset of participants received a bivalent HPV vaccine. Samples were taken for HPV testing from the vagina, cervix, and anus. HR-HPV persistence was defined as the detection of the same genotype(s) at any anogenital compartment over ≥ two consecutive visits. Results Of the 93 PHIV and 99 HIV-negative female youth enrolled in this study, 25 (27%) PHIV and 22 (22%) HIV-negative youth received a HPV vaccine. Persistent infection with any HR-HPV type was significantly lower among PHIV youth who received the vaccine compared to those who did not (33% vs 61%, P = 0.02); a difference was not observed among HIV-negative youth (35% vs 50%, P = 0.82). PHIV infection (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 2.31, 95% CI 1.45–3.67) and not receiving a HPV vaccine (aPR, 1.19, 95%CI 1.06–1.33) were associated with persistent anogenital HR-HPV infection. Conclusions Bivalent HPV vaccination after initiation of sexual activity was associated with reduced persistence of anogenital HR-HPV infection in Southeast Asian PHIV female youth, which may be related to vaccine cross-protection. Primary and catch-up HPV vaccinations should be prioritised for children and youth with HIV.
Burden of female infertility in China from 1990 to 2019: a temporal trend analysis and forecasting, and comparison with the global level
Authors: Yu Jingwei , Fu Yanhong , Zeng Lei , Xie Pengpeng , Li Limei , Zheng Yongxia
Published: November 2023

Background Infertility is a common reproductive disease that affects not only individuals and families, but also the growth of the social population. Hence, understanding the burden of female infertility in China and worldwide is of great significance for the development of infertility prevention and treatment strategies. Methods The Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD 2019) Data Resources were used to collect and collate relevant data on female infertility in China and worldwide from 1990 to 2019. The difference in the number, age-standardised prevalence rate (ASPR), disability-adjusted life years and age-standardised disability-adjusted life years rate (ASDR) of women with infertility in different periods and geographical areas were analysed. The autoregressive integrated moving average method was used to predict the ASPR and ASDR of female infertility in China and worldwide in the next 11 years. Results In the past 30 years, the number of female infertility cases increased by 7.06 million in China and 56.71 million worldwide. The corresponding average annual increase of ASPR was 10.10% and 7.28%, respectively, and that of ASDR was 0.08% and 0.79%, respectively. In addition, there are differences in age and time between Chinese and global female infertility. In 1990, the crude prevalence rate of female infertility was the highest in women aged 40–44 years and 35–39 years in China and worldwide, respectively. In 2019, the crude prevalence rate of female infertility was still the highest in women aged 40–44 years in China, whereas that around the world reached the highest in women aged 30–34 years, which was significantly earlier. The forecast for the next 11 years suggests that the ASPR and ASDR for female infertility in China will first rise and then decline, but the overall magnitude of change is not very significant, whereas the ASPR and ASDR for female infertility globally are still on the rise. The ASPR value of female infertility is expected to be 5025.56 in 100 000 persons in China and 3725.51 in 100 000 persons worldwide by 2030. The ASDR value of female infertility is expected to be 26.16 in 100 000 persons in China and 19.96 in 100 000 persons worldwide by 2030. Conclusion The burden of female infertility is still increasing in China and worldwide. Therefore, it is of great significance to pay more attention to infertile women, and advocate a healthy lifestyle to reduce the burden of disease for infertile women.
Glutamine-rich regions of the disordered CREB transactivation domain mediate dynamic intra- and intermolecular interactions
Authors: Martinez-Yamout Maria A. , Nasir Irem , Shnitkind Sergey , Ellis Jamie P. , Berlow Rebecca B. , Kroon Gerard , Deniz Ashok A. , Dyson H. Jane , Wright Peter E.
Published: November 2023

The cyclic AMP response element (CRE) binding protein (CREB) is a transcription factor that contains a 280-residue N-terminal transactivation domain and a basic leucine zipper that mediates interaction with DNA. The transactivation domain comprises three subdomains, the glutamine-rich domains Q1 and Q2 and the kinase inducible activation domain (KID). NMR chemical shifts show that the isolated subdomains are intrinsically disordered but have a propensity to populate local elements of secondary structure. The Q1 and Q2 domains exhibit a propensity for formation of short β-hairpin motifs that function as binding sites for glutamine-rich sequences. These motifs mediate intramolecular interactions between the CREB Q1 and Q2 domains as well as intermolecular interactions with the glutamine-rich Q1 domain of the TATA-box binding protein associated factor 4 (TAF4) subunit of transcription factor IID (TFIID). Using small-angle X-ray scattering, NMR, and single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer, we show that the Q1, Q2, and KID regions remain dynamically disordered in a full-length CREB transactivation domain (CREB
TAD
) construct. The CREB
TAD
polypeptide chain is largely extended although some compaction is evident in the KID and Q2 domains. Paramagnetic relaxation enhancement reveals transient long-range contacts both within and between the Q1 and Q2 domains while the intervening KID domain is largely devoid of intramolecular interactions. Phosphorylation results in expansion of the KID domain, presumably making it more accessible for binding the CBP/p300 transcriptional coactivators. Our study reveals the complex nature of the interactions within the intrinsically disordered transactivation domain of CREB and provides molecular-level insights into dynamic and transient interactions mediated by the glutamine-rich domains.
rDNA magnification is a unique feature of germline stem cells
Authors: Nelson Jonathan O. , Kumon Tomohiro , Yamashita Yukiko M.
Published: November 2023

Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) encodes ribosomal RNA and exists as tandem repeats of hundreds of copies in the eukaryotic genome to meet the high demand of ribosome biogenesis. Tandemly repeated DNA elements are inherently unstable; thus, mechanisms must exist to maintain rDNA copy number (CN), in particular in the germline that continues through generations. A phenomenon called rDNA magnification was discovered over 50 y ago in Drosophila as a process that recovers the rDNA CN on chromosomes that harbor minimal CN. Our recent studies indicated that rDNA magnification is the mechanism to maintain rDNA CN under physiological conditions to counteract spontaneous CN loss that occurs during aging. Our previous studies that explored the mechanism of rDNA magnification implied that asymmetric division of germline stem cells (GSCs) may be particularly suited to achieve rDNA magnification. However, it remains elusive whether GSCs are the unique cell type that undergoes rDNA magnification or differentiating germ cells are also capable of magnification. In this study, we provide empirical evidence that suggests that rDNA magnification operates uniquely in GSCs, but not in differentiating germ cells. We further provide computer simulation that suggests that rDNA magnification is only achievable through asymmetric GSC divisions. We propose that despite known plasticity and transcriptomic similarity between GSCs and differentiating germ cells, GSCs’ unique ability to divide asymmetrically serves a critical role of maintaining rDNA CN through generations, supporting germline immortality.
Tarsia nel lupanare
Authors: Graverini Luca
Published: November 2023

A study on some aspects of female roles in ancient
narrative. The topos of the “virgin in the brothel” is specifically
analyzed, highlighting the differences and analogies between the anonymous
Historia Apollonii Regis Tyri, Xenophon of Ephesus, and
several other rhetorical and hagiographic sources. In the novel, the woman
has usually a more active role, and more space is given to her emotions.
Notes on women and the law in the novel Los amores de Clareo y
Florisea by Alonso Núñez de Reinoso
Authors: Polo Martín Regina
Published: November 2023

This paper analyses some of the aspects relating to
women and the law in the first Byzantine novel published in Spain in 1552,
Los amores de Clareo y Florisea y los trabajos de la sin ventura
Isea, written by Alonso Núñez de Reinoso, the first nineteen
chapters of which were inspired by the Greek novel written by Achilles
Tatius, Leucippe and Clitophon. In particular, it studies
the female models embodied in the novel and in addition, some of the legal
realia found in the work, such as matrimony, adultery
and the presumed death of an absent spouse, all of which are legal precepts
that determine the destiny of the two main characters, together with an
analysis of whether Reinoso’s novel contains any reference to Castilian
regulatory laws of the time, regarding these legal issues.
La ordalía en el judaísmo y Derecho rabínico
Authors: Johnson Cayetana H.
Published: November 2023

The power or right to decide the Law in Israel was in
the hands of the priests and rabbis, who had the ability, even in doubtful
cases, to interpret, modify or expand it, and occasionally, to repeal
it.

In Biblical times, the Law was primarily in charge of
Priests and Levites and they were the serving judges of the High Court in
Jerusalem, the highest institution to decide serious and difficult cases. In
the last two pre-Christian centuries and throughout the times of the Talmud,
the scribes (“Soferim”), also called “The Wise Men” (“Hachamim”), were the
qualified and authorized persons for having received the true interpretation
of the Law. according to the tradition of the Elders or the Fathers coming
from Moses, the Prophets and the men of the Great Synagogue.

In the first century, there is a great evolution in the
legal interpretation of the Law and a greater demand is sought in the rigor
and judicial expertise. Rabbi Johanan Ben Zakai is one of the great
representatives of this trend, especially around the application of the
ordeal of Numbers 5, from Mosaic times, on adultery. The practical abolition
of this penalty is a great advance in the search for justice and, at the
same time, an advance in the solution of family conflicts, which, in the
words of Zakai “does not come to declare clean or unclean and to separate or
bring closer together”, at a time when Levitical laws of purity and family
matters ruled all Jewish life.
Language policy and national identity evolution in a new nation
Authors: Macalister John
Published: November 2023

Previous studies of the Linguistic Landscape in Timor-Leste conducted over a decade ago found Portuguese language use dominated official signage, although English dominated overall through its presence on commercial signs, especially those targeting the more affluent parts of society. This innovative study revisits a previously examined LL in order to investigate changes in language practice over time, with particular attention to how the recently independent nation expresses its national identity in public spaces and how language policy decisions have taken effect. The findings show that the visibility of Portuguese has increased while that of English has reduced. This suggests that being Portuguese-speaking may be aligned with expressions of Timorese identity. Further, while multiple languages are found in the LL, of the indigenous languages only Tetun, one of the two official languages of Timor-Leste, has a presence. This may raise concerns about the vitality of those other indigenous languages.
Mechanism of actin capping protein recruitment and turnover during clathrin-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Lamb Andrew K. , Fernandez Andres N. , Eadaim Abdunaser , Johnson Katelyn , Di Pietro Santiago M.
Published: November 2023

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis depends on polymerization of a branched actin network to provide force for membrane invagination. A key regulator in branched actin network formation is actin capping protein (CP), which binds to the barbed end of actin filaments to prevent the addition or loss of actin subunits. CP was thought to stochastically bind actin filaments, but recent evidence shows CP is regulated by a group of proteins containing CP-interacting (CPI) motifs. Importantly, how CPI motif proteins function together to regulate CP is poorly understood. Here, we show Aim21 and Bsp1 work synergistically to recruit CP to the endocytic actin network in budding yeast through their CPI motifs, which also allosterically modulate capping strength. In contrast, twinfilin works downstream of CP recruitment, regulating the turnover of CP through its CPI motif and a non-allosteric mechanism. Collectively, our findings reveal how three CPI motif proteins work together to regulate CP in a stepwise fashion during endocytosis.
Long lifetime and tissue-specific accumulation of lamin A/C in Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Hasper John , Welle Kevin , Swovick Kyle , Hryhorenko Jennifer , Ghaemmaghami Sina , Buchwalter Abigail
Published: November 2023

LMNA mutations cause laminopathies that afflict the cardiovascular system and include Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. The origins of tissue specificity in these diseases are unclear as the lamin A/C proteins are broadly expressed. We show that LMNA transcript levels are not predictive of lamin A/C protein levels across tissues and use quantitative proteomics to discover that tissue context and disease mutation each influence lamin A/C protein’s lifetime. Lamin A/C’s lifetime is an order of magnitude longer in the aorta, heart, and fat, where laminopathy pathology is apparent, than in the liver and intestine, which are spared from the disease. Lamin A/C is especially insoluble in cardiovascular tissues, which may limit degradation and promote protein stability. Progerin is even more long lived than lamin A/C in the cardiovascular system and accumulates there over time. Progerin accumulation is associated with impaired turnover of hundreds of abundant proteins in progeroid tissues. These findings identify impaired lamin A/C protein turnover as a novel feature of laminopathy syndromes.