bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
POLITICAL AND LEGAL THEORY OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY IN THE CONDITIONS OF GLOBALIZATION AND EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Authors: Prieshkina O. V. , Kharchenko O. O.
Published: May 2022

The article analyzes the factors influencing the process of political and legal theory of state sovereignty in the context of globalization and European integration. Analysis of system­atic research shows that the most important features and characteristics of state sovereignty in domestic and foreign literature are two properties: the supremacy of state power and the independence of the state from other sovereign states from the outside. It was found that the very nature of state sovereignty, the genesis of the formation, modification and development of its concept are conditioned by globalization and integration processes in the world, and above all, within the European Union. It is argued that state sovereignty will continue to play a key regulatory and institutional role in international relations, but at the same time, it is becoming more multilevel and multi-component in relation to Ukrainian society. It is proved that by de­claring the Ukrainian state sovereign, independent, the Constitution of Ukraine enshrines not only what has been achieved, what is real in its functioning and development, but also a kind of perspective of the idea of sovereignty. The comprehensive study focuses on the implementa­tion of state sovereignty, which depends not only on historical, sociological and international legal factors, but also on the ability of Ukrainian society to overcome economic difficulties, complete the legal framework, increase financial stability and efficiency, state extra-budgetary social funds. It was found that the realization of the sovereign rights of the Ukrainian state in the context of globalization and European integration requires a new understanding, new ap­proaches and new practices to solve global problems of human civilization, preserve interna­tional peace through legal principles that shape the global and regional legal space. It is proved that modern Ukraine is not yet sufficiently involved in globalization and European integration processes, and in modern relations the state’s participation in these processes is carried out by the country’s citizens.
POWERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENTS IN THE FOREST- HUNTING SPHERE
Authors: Valuieva L. V.
Published: May 2022

The article analyzes the administrative and legal powers and the place of forest protection and hunting service in the system of public administration in the field of forest protection and hunting. The actuality of the research topic is due to the processes of a general reform of the forestry industry of Ukraine; the need to clarify the law enforcement authority of officials in this area.
The purpose of the study - is to highlight the problems of law enforcement in the forestry industry; clarification the powers of law enforcement agencies, areas of reform of forestry law enforcement agencies, and prospects for improving their activities. The object of the study is the legal regulation of protection activities aimed at ensuring law and order in the forestry industry.
The research is based on the use of general scientific and special methods. Using the dialectical method, internal contradictions in the activities of law enforcement agencies of the forestry industry were revealed. Legislation establishing the powers of these bodies for gaps is analyzed.
The formulated conclusions are aimed at their practical use. Thus, the definition of the term “huntsman” is proposed; separation of the function of management and control of forestry enterprises operating for profit by transferring the function of state forest protection and hunt­ing service from state forestry enterprises to the level of territorial bodies of the State Forest Agency. Thus, the State Forestry Agency and permanent forest users will have forest guards and a hunting service without the status of a law enforcement body, but with the right to draw up protocols and a limited right to consider cases of administrative offenses in the forestry sphere.
Enseñanza del derecho y cultura legal en tiempos de globalización
Authors: Gonzales Mantilla Gorki
Published: May 2022

El artículo no presenta resumen.
Autonomía privada, principio de legalidad y derecho civil
Authors: Palacios Martínez Eric
Published: May 2022

El artículo no presenta resumen.
Una aproximación a la vacancia y suspensión de autoridades regionales y locales
Authors: Friz Burga Johnny Zas
Published: May 2022

El artículo no presenta resumen.
Diagnostic Assessments of Farmer-preferred Traits and Production Constraints of Cowpea in Zambia
Authors: Nkhoma N. , Shimelis H. , Laing M. , Mathew I. , Shayanawako A.
Published: May 2022

Background: Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in Zambia is a valuable source of cheap protein, complement to the food systems and value chains in rural and urban areas despite the low productivity. This study aimed to document the present level of cowpea production, identify constraints affecting cowpea production among smallholder farmers and prioritize trait preferences in a cowpea variety as a guide to pre-breeding programs in Zambia. Methods: Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was used to collect data from cowpea production areas in Zambia’s Eastern, Southern and Northern provinces. The PRA was conducted during the 2017/18 cropping season. Information was solicited from 187 farmers using interview questionnaires with a further focused group discussions with 7 groups. Result: Cowpea is perceived to be ‘a woman’s crop’ in rural areas of Zambia but the present data showed that the frequency of female farmers who were directly involved in cowpea production in the study areas was relatively low at 44.00 per cent. About 93.60 per cent, the respondents were cultivating unimproved, local cowpea landraces, while the remainder (6.40 per cent) cultivated a few introduced varieties. The most important constraints of cowpea production in the study areas were identified by the respondents as poor varieties with low yield potential (45.10 per cent), pests and diseases (18.10 per cent) and the lack of modern production inputs (14.80 per cent). The farmers indicated that high yield potential, insect pest and disease resistance and good eating quality were the most important traits in a variety.
Corpos Corrompidos, Hóstias profanadas e Crianças crucificadas: os judeus em narrativas cristãs e a peste bubônica no Sacro Império Romano Germânico da Baixa Idade Média
Authors: Morais Vinicius
Published: May 2022

As palavras: Doença, Sangue, Corpo, Pecado e Hóstia permeiam as narrativas acusatórias contra os judeus analisadas no presente artigo. As relações entre a cura e a hóstia consagrada permeiam antagonismos que vão desde os corpos corruptos e dissidentes até o vinho e o pão que se transubstancia no Sangue e no Corpo de Cristo. Se os ritos cristãos traziam a cura da alma e do corpo mundano e a remissão dos pecados, os ritos judaicos eram, por sua vez, responsáveis pela a disseminação do pecado, das doenças, das pragas e da corrupção na Cristandade. Todas as comunidades judaicas na Europa arquitetavam um suposto plano para não só profanar a memória da Crucificação e assim afrontar a fé cristã, como também para promover a volta à Terra Prometida. Estes aspectos serão analisados a partir dos livros: Die geschicht und legend von dem seyligen kind und marterer genannt Symon e Geschichte des zu Trient ermordeten Christenkindes.
Improving Depression Screening in Primary Care
Authors: Lindsay Marlene , Decker Veronica B.
Published: May 2022

Background

Depression is a serious problem in the United States. It not only impacts chronic illness and healthcare utilization, but it can also result in death, intentional or unintentional.

Despite the seriousness associated with depression, it continues to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. The primary care setting provides an ideal location to screen and initiate treatment for depression in individuals who would otherwise not be screened.

Objective

The objective of this evidence-based practice project was to improve the diagnosis and treatment of depression in an adult primary care office.

Method

An intervention consisting of a HealthWatcher reminder for depression screening, the administration of the PHQ-9 instrument, and a treatment algorithm was incorporated into the office workflow. The charts of a pre-intervention random sample were compared to a post-intervention random sample to test for significant differences in depression screening and treatment rates.

Results

Using the chi-squared test, the post-intervention sample screening rate was significantly higher than pre-intervention sample rate (90% vs 23.3%; χ2 = 54.3, df = 1, P < .000).

Conclusion/Implications

It is feasible to improve the diagnosis and treatment of depression for adult primary care patients by modifying office protocols and using the PHQ-9 screening instrument and a treatment algorithm.
Identifying Factors of a Financial Literacy Scale Used among Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Chen Zibei
Published: May 2022

Financial literacy scales are often used as a diagnostic tool to assess financial knowledge levels among various populations, although few of them have undergone empirical testing. This study utilized exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with a sample of Chinese rural migrant workers to identify the underlying structure of a financial literacy scale and its psychometric properties. EFA reduced the 23 items to 5 factors that explain for 69.08% of the variance in financial literacy. Five factors are identified that are daily money management, math skills, saving and borrowing, inflation, and long-term investment. Findings suggest that practitioners who work with migrant workers or groups with lower income, lower educational levels can use this instrument to assess financial literacy levels and explore interventions that improve specific areas of financial knowledge.
Erica Ollmann Saphire: How the Study of HIV and Other Viruses Informed the Rapid Development of Vaccines and Therapeutic Antibodies Against COVID-19
Authors: Greenspan Neil S.
Published: May 2022

Neil Greenspan, professor of pathology at Case Western Reserve University and senior editor at Pathogens and Immunity talks with Erica Ollmann Saphire, President and Chief Executive Officer of the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, about her work on hemorrhagic fever viruses and SARS-CoV-2. She'll be speaking about these topics at the Keystone Symposium, Lessons from the Pandemic: Responding to Emerging Zoonotic Viral Diseases. Dr. Sapphire is an eminent structural biologist devoted to understanding viral pathogens and pathogenesis.
ACOMETER EL DESAFÍO DE ENFRENTAR EL CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO
Authors: Pérez Elisa Rocío Prados
Published: May 2022

La seguridad ambiental constituye un aspecto fundamental y de máxima actualidad en las relaciones internacionales actuales. La Lucha para mitigar el cambio climático es un largo camino que recorremos y que culmina recientemente en noviembre de 2021 en la 26 conferencia de las Partes (COP26) de la Convención Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre el cambio climático con la firma de la Declaración de Glasgow. Se trata de aportar las luces y las sombras de este proceso de enorme repercusión en la vida de la ciudadanía y en sus derechos.
Heat transfer analysis of cellular heat exchanger based on a fresh fractal Vicsek model by Galerkin finite element method
Authors: Zhuqiao Ma , Yufan Zhang , Yijie Hang , Zheyu Ren
Published: May 2022

The energy density is increasing in modern industry, and the lack of heat transfer efficiency is one of the fatal problems of current equipment, which seriously affects the improvement of production level. The cellular heat exchanger is a kind of heat exchanger used in different fields. It plays an irreplaceable role in energy saving, efficiency improvement and reducing pressure drop. However, when the geometric shape of the fractal heat exchanger is very complex, the heat transfer analysis is impossible or difficult to show. Therefore, the objective of this project is to solve the difficulty of analysis on complex fractal heat exchangers and have a better representation of the physics. A totally fresh tessellation method, which can be used to analyze complex fractal heat exchangers, is introduced in this essay. By the research process, surjective hole-fill maps for Vicsek fractal were established, and Vicsek fractal was represented by continuous tessellations, and the fractal Vicsek model was expressed by continuous subdivision. The transfer theory on fractals and Galerkin finite element method were used to analyze the heat transfer of fractals and tessellations. The results of two analyses, the fractal model and the tesselation model, were almost the same, and confirm the function of the tessellation method in the analysis of complex heat exchangers. Furthermore, it provides a new way to solve the difficult problem of heat transfer analysis of complex geometric heat exchangers.
Théorie de la circonvolution : le corpus comme un dispositif
Authors: Vaillancourt Daniel
Published: May 2022

L’enjeu de cet article, dans un premier temps, est d’esquisser les contours théoriques de la notion de circonvolution telle qu’elle est conçue dans ce numéro. La circonvolution est un dispositif qui organise un certain nombre de trajectoires dans nos bibliothèques mentales. Pour ce faire, elle doit se donner comme point d’appui un opérateur de lisibilité, ici l’œuvre aquinienne, une ou des figures, et un acte de mémoire puisque la mémoire est ce qui permet de tracer des axes dans le territoire des livres lus. Ce dispositif se met en scène selon trois manières de « faire corpus », l’anthologie, la série et la généalogie.  Dans un deuxième temps, on a mis à l’épreuve ce corps notionnel en faisant de Trou de mémoire un opérateur de lisibilité par rapport à un corpus anthologique (les romans primés par le Gouverneur Général entre 1970 et 1985), éclairé par une figure, celle du sorcier-shaman-pharmacien qui réverbère sur la décennie 70.
Simplifying Well Abandonments Using Shale as a Barrier
Authors: van Oort Eric , Juenger Maria , Aldin Munir , Thombare Akshay , McDonald Michael , Lucas Alexander , Ditlevsen Frederik
Published: May 2022

Well abandonment is one of the biggest challenges in the oil and gas industry, both in terms of cost and effort as well as the technical hurdles associated with wellbore sealing for an indefinite term. A mechanism that may be exploited to simplify well abandonments is using natural shale or salt formations for the creation of annular barriers. Currently, uncemented annuli often require casing cutting and pulling or milling before abandonment plugs can be set, which necessitates the use of a drilling rig. This is an expensive, time- and labor-intensive process, particularly offshore. However, shale or salt creep may naturally form a barrier behind uncemented casing sections. With a qualified annular shale barrier in place, the well may only require the setting of abandonment plugs within the existing casing string(s), a task that can often be done rigless and with significantly less effort.

The work described in this paper presents the results of a rock mechanical investigation into the creep behavior of North Sea shales and their ability to form effective annular barriers. Field core from the Lark shale, a member of the Hordaland Group, was used to conduct dedicated, customized experiments that simulated the behavior of shale confined under downhole effective stress, pressure, and temperature conditions to fill in an annular space behind a simulated casing string. Full-scale triaxial rock mechanics equipment was used for testing cylindrical shale samples obtained from a well-preserved field core in a setup that mimicked an uncemented casing section of a well. The deformation behavior of the shale was monitored for days to weeks, and the formation of the annular barrier was characterized using dedicated strain measurements and pressure pulse decay probing of the annular space.

The large-scale laboratory results clearly show that the Lark shale will form competent low permeability annular barriers when left uncemented, as confirmed using pressure-pulse decay measurements. They also show that experimental conditions influence the rate of barrier formation; higher effective stress, higher temperature, and beneficial manipulation of the annular fluid chemistry all have a significant effect. This then opens up the possibility of activating shale formations that do not naturally create barriers by themselves into forming them (e.g., by exposing them to low annular pressure, elevated temperature, different annular fluid chemistry, or a combination of these). The results are in very good agreement with field observations reported earlier by several North Sea operators.
Surgical outcomes associated with partial upper sternotomy in obese aortic disease patients
Authors: Luo Zeng-Rong , Chen Yi-Xing , Chen Liang-wan
Published: May 2022

Background: Excellent partial upper sternotomy (PUS) outcomes have been reported for patients with aortic surgery, but whether this approach is particularly beneficial to obese patients remains to be established. This study was to explore the outcomes of aortic surgery conducted via a PUS or a full median sternotomy (FMS) approach in obese patients. Methods: Records for 493 patients that had undergone aortic surgery were retrospectively reviewed, leading to the identification of 158 consecutive obese patients and 335 non-obese patients. PUS and FMS group outcomes were compared within and between these two body mass index (BMI) groups. Results: In total, 88 and 70 obese patients compared to 180 and 155 non-obese patients underwent FMS and PUS, respectively. There were no differences between the FMS and PUS groups within either BMI cohort with respect to preoperative baseline indicators and postoperative complications. Among non-obese individuals, the PUS approach was linked to reduced ventilation time (P = 0.003), shorter intensive care unit (ICU) stay (P = 0.017), shorter hospital duration (P = 0.001), and decreased transfusion requirements (Packed red blood cells: P < 0.001; Fresh frozen plasma: P < 0.001). Comparable findings were also evident among obese patients. Conclusions: Obese aortic disease patients exhibited beneficial outcomes similar to those achieved for non-obese patients via a PUS approach which was associated with significant reductions in length of ICU residency, duration of hospitalization, ventilator use, and transfusion requirements. This surgical approach should be offered to aortic patients irrespective of their BMI.
An enzyme moonlights as a chaperone to control virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Blankenfeldt Wulf , Borgert Sebastian , Henke Steffi , Witzgall Florian , Schmelz Stefan , Hotop Sven-Kevin , Stephen Steffi , Lübken Dennis , Krüger Jonas , Gomez Nicolas , Kalesse Markus , Pich Andreas , Broenstrup Mark , Häussler Susanne
Published: May 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of nosocomial infections and also leads to severe exacerbations in cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Three intertwined quorum sensing systems control virulence of P. aeruginosa, with the rhl circuit playing the leading role in late and chronic infections. The majority of traits controlled by rhl transcription factor RhlR depend on PqsE, a dispensable thioesterase in Pseudomonas Quinolone Signal (PQS) biosynthesis4 that interferes with RhlR through an enigmatic mechanism likely involving direct interaction of both proteins.
Here we show that PqsE and RhlR form a weakly interacting, probably transient 2:2 protein complex that, together with the RhlR agonist N-butanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C4-HSL), stabilizes RhlR to a soluble form, thereby rendering the otherwise unstable transcription factor active. By using a PqsE-RhlR fusion protein first, we determined a crystal structure of the complex that allows us to identify residues essential for the interaction. To corroborate our hypothesis of chaperone-like activity of PqsE, we designed stability-optimized variants of RhlR that bypass the need for C4-HSL and PqsE in activating PqsE/RhlR-controlled processes of P. aeruginosa. Together, our data provide insight into the unique regulatory role of PqsE and lay groundwork for developing new P. aeruginosa-specific pharmaceuticals.
A predictive model for successfully inducing active labor among pregnant women: Combining cervical status assessment and clinical characteristics
Authors: Leelarujijaroen Chutinun , Pruksanusak Ninlapa , Geater Alan
Published: May 2022

Background: To develop a predictive model for successfully inducing active labor by using a combination of cervical status and maternal and fetal characteristics. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among pregnant women who underwent labor induction between January 2015 and December 2019. Successfully inducing active labor was defined as achieving a cervical dilation >4 cm within 10 hours after adequate uterine contractions. The medical data were extracted from the hospital database; statistical analyses were performed using R software, and a logistic regression model was used to identify the predictors associated with the successful induction of labor. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) were used to assess the accuracy of the model. Results: In total, 1448 pregnant women were enrolled; 960 (66.3%) achieved successful induction of active labor. Multivariate analysis revealed that maternal age, parity, body mass index, oligohydramnios, premature rupture of membrane, fetal sex, dilatation, station, and consistency were significant factors associated with successful labor induction. The ROC curve of the logistic regression model had an AUC of 0.7728. For the validated score system to predict probability of success, we found that a total score > 60 has 73.0 % (95% CI 59.0-83.5) probability of successful induction of labor into the active phase stage within 10 hours.Conclusions: The predictive model for successfully achieving active labor using the combination of cervical status and maternal and fetal characteristics had good predictive ability and was easy to use in clinical practice.
Determination of settled dust sources by analytical techniques and chemical mass balance receptor model
Authors: Costa José Gustavo , de Albuquerque Adriana , Ardisson José Domingos , Fernandez-Outon Luis , de Queiroz Rogério , Morimoto Tsutomu
Published: May 2022

The identification of sources that produce particulate atmospheric matter (PM) can be of paramount importance for the reduction of air pollution and the development of environmental policies. Chemical mass balance receptor models (CMB) are generally applied to PM source apportionment studies. The successful application of CMB models requires all source profiles to be well resolved in order to reduce their collinearity. This work presents the application of chemical mass balance receptor model EPA-CMB8.2 supported by characterization techniques that allowed to obtain split source profiles based on the identification of organic and elemental carbon proportions, as well as the identification of iron phases. 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS) allowed to further resolve source profiles, allowing to distinguish highly crystalline (HC) hematite, typically found in iron ores or after thermo-chemical processes, from soil hematite, which exhibits primarily low crystallization (LC). The application of proton beam-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), X-ray diffraction (XRD), IMPROVE_A protocol for thermal optical transmittance (TOT) and MS to characterize raw materials, intermediate and final products, provided substantial improvement in the application of the CMB model to study source partition in areas under the influence of steel industries. This analytical approach is valid for factor analysis models, such as positive matrix factorization (PMF) and principal component analysis (PCA), aimed to study the contribution of PM sources in regions where there is a predominance of ferrous PM. The elaboration of a chemical profile for ArcelorMittal Tubarão (CP-AMT), which is located nearby the city of Vitória (ES, Brazil), allowed to estimate the contributions of this source to the particulate atmospheric matter present in environmental samples collected in that region and to differentiate CP-AMT from other industrial sources located in the same area.
An alternative splicing modulator decreases mutant HTT and improves the molecular fingerprint in Huntington’s disease patient neurons
Authors: Krach Florian , Stemick Judith , Boerstler Tom , Weiss Alexander , Lingos Ioannis , Meixner Holger , Plötz Sonja , Farrell Michaela , Hehr Ute , Kohl Zacharias , Winner Beate , Winkler Jürgen
Published: May 2022

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by poly-Q expansion in the Huntingtin (HTT) protein. Here, we delineate elevated mutant HTT (mHTT) levels in patient-derived cells including fibroblasts and iPSC derived cortical neurons using a GLP approved HTT assay. HD patients’ fibroblasts and cortical neurons recapitulate aberrant alternative splicing as a molecular fingerprint of HD. Branaplam is a splicing modulator currently tested in a phase II study in HD (NCT05111249). The drug lowers total HTT (tHTT) and mHTT levels in fibroblasts, iPSC, cortical progenitors, and neurons in a dose dependent manner at an IC50 consistently below 10nm without inducing cellular toxicity. Branaplam promotes inclusion of non-annotated novel exons. Amongst, a 115bp frameshift-inducing exon in the HTT transcript in Branaplam treated cells from Ctrl and HD patients leading to a profound reduction of HTT RNA and protein levels. Importantly, Branaplam ameliorates aberrant alternative splicing in HD patients’ fibroblasts and cortical neurons. These findings highlight the applicability of splicing modulators in the treatment of CAG repeat disorders and decipher their molecular effects associated with the pharmacokinetic and -dynamic properties in patient-derived cellular models.
The establishment of human embryonic stem cell lines demonstrated that chimeric embryos can self-correct
Authors: Li Chuyu , Xie Jiazi , Dong Juan , Gao Chao , Xia Meng , Lin Yuting , Cui Yugui , Qin Lianju , Wu Wei
Published: May 2022

Background：Low-level mosaicism is a common trait of early human development. Although mosaic embryos may lead to healthy live births, the direct effects of mosaicism are unknown. While embryo self-correction was demonstrated in mouse models, humans can only study the effects of chromosomal aberrations and blastocyst mosaicism on the early peri-implantation period by extended in vitro embryo culture up to 12 days post-fertilization.Methods：The established culture protocols were followed to generate embryonic stem cells. The 24 high-quality mosaicism / aneuploid mosaicism blastocysts were detected by PGT-A. The isolated ICMs were seeded onto feeder-free dishes, and after 10-12 days of culture, there were six blastocyst ICM-generated stem cell clones. Cells shed during stem cell growth were harvested, and next-generation sequencing was performed on stem cells and the shed. To test pluripotency, a small number of stem cells were isolated and subcultured.Results：The PGD status was confirmed from the results of next-generation sequencing of stem cell exfoliated cells and stem cells, the chimeras in five blastocysts were fully repaired while the chimera in one blastocyst was partially repaired. Simultaneously the cells were verified to have pluripotency and the ability to differentiate into three germ layers by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and in vitro differentiation analyses.Conclusions：Human mosaicism/aneuploid mosaicism blastocysts can self-correction by eliminating chimeric cells.
Revealing the effectiveness of green technological progress and financial innovation on green economic growth: the role of environmental regulation
Authors: Su Ying , Gao Xinwei
Published: May 2022

Green economic growth is the best alternative strategy for sustainable development. Existing literature investigated the determinants of green economic growth in China and provides mixed results. Thus, our study explores the impact of green environmental technology, financial innovation, and environmental regulations on green economic growth by controlling the impact of renewable energy consumption, trade, and education. The study explores the symmetric and asymmetric associations by employing ARDL and NARDL approaches. The ARDL long-run findings display that green environmental technologies, environmental regulations, and financial innovations positively and significantly contribute to green economic growth. However, the NARDL long-run findings infer that positive shock in green environmental technology, financial innovation, and environmental regulation exerts a significant and positive impact on green growth, while negative shock in green environmental technology, financial innovation, and environmental regulation have an insignificant impact on green growth. Based on the findings, the study delivers important policy implications to promote green economic growth in China.
A New Approach to Modelling Pre-symptomatic Incidence and Transmission Time of SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Jen Grace Hsiao-Hsuan , Hsu Chen-Yang , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Lai Chao-Chih , Yeh Yen-Po , Chen Hsiu-Hsi
Published: May 2022

We applied a four-state stochastic process to decipher the natural infectious process of SARS-CoV-2 superimposed with the disease axis of pre-symptomatic, asymptomatic, and symptomatic states. So doing provides new insights into how pre-symptomatic transmission and the proportion of asymptomatic cases have been affected by SARS-CoV-2 variants, NPIs, and vaccination. We fitted the proposed model to empirical data on imported COVID-19 cases from D614G to Omicron between March 2020 and Jan 2022 in Taiwan. The pre-symptomatic incidence rate was the highest for Omicron followed by Alpha, Delta, and D614G. The median pre-symptomatic transmission time (MPTT) (in days) increased from 3.45 (first period) ~ 4.02(second period) of D614G until 3.94 ~ 4.65 of VOC Alpha before vaccination but dropped to 3.93 ~ 3.49 of Delta and 2 days (only first period) of Omicron after vaccination. The MPTT of the second re-surge was longer than the first surge for each variant before vaccination but this phenomenon disappeared for Delta after vaccination. The proportion of asymptomatic cases increased from 29% of D-614G period to 59.2% of Omicron. Modelling pre-symptomatic incidence and transmission time evolving with SARS-CoV-2 variants throws light on the underlying natural infectious properties of variants and also reveals how their properties are affected by vaccination and NPIs.
New 4D Discrete Hyperchaotic Map and Its Application in Image Encryption
Authors: Wang Xingyuan , Zhou Shuang , Zhang Hongling , Zhang Yingqian
Published: May 2022

In view of low dimensional discrete chaotic systems' weak resistance to degradation, we put forward a new 4D discrete hyperchaotic map, which has larger Lyapunov exponents, wider chaotic range, better distribution and more complexity than the hyperchaotic Lorenz system. In addition, the chaotic signals generated by the proposed map pass the NIST test and are implemented on the hardware DSP. Finally, we combine our chaotic map and dynamic expand XOR (eXOR) and XOR operation in image encryption. The experimental results express that compared with some other methods, the presented encryption algorithm has higher security and can resist common attacks.
Replication-associated formation and repair of human topoisomerase IIIα cleavage complexes
Authors: Saha Liton , Saha Sourav , Yang Xi , Huang Shar-yin , Sun Yilun , Pommier Yves
Published: May 2022

Topoisomerase IIIα (TOP3A) belongs to the conserved Type IA family of DNA topoisomerases. Here we report that TOP3A is associated with DNA replication as well as a TOP3A "self-trapping" mutant (TOP3A- R364W) that generates TOP3A DNA cleavage complexes (TOP3Accs) in human cells. We show that trapped TOP3Accs interfere with replication, induce DNA damage and genome instability. To elucidate the repair of TOP3Accs, we explored the role of Spartan (SPRTN), the metalloprotease associated with DNA replication, which digests proteins forming DNA protein crosslinks (DPCs). SPRTN-deficient cells show elevated TOP3Accs, whereas overexpression of SPRTN lowers cellular TOP3Accs. SPRTN is deubiquitinated and epistatic with TDP2 in response to TOP3Accs. In addition, we found that MRE11 can excise TOP3Accs and that cell cycle phases determine the preference for the SPRTN-TDP2 vs. the ATM- MRE11 pathways, in S vs. G2, respectively. Our study highlights the prevalence of TOP3Accs repair mechanisms to ensure normal DNA replication.
Reactive Molecular Dynamics Study on the Thermal Decomposition Reaction of a Triple-base Solid Propellant
Authors: Yi Jianhua , Qin Zhao , Li Haijian , Zhao Fengqi , Ma Haixia , Guo Zhaoqi
Published: May 2022

The study of the combustion property of newly designed propellant by means of computational simulation is an efficient pathway for assessment and could avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals. An RDX modified triple-base solid propellant formula was proposed in this study. Reactive molecular dynamics simulations employing ReaxFF-lg force field were performed to explore the thermal decomposition property of the propellant for a variety of temperatures. The reaction kinetics of the system and major ingredients were analyzed and the apparent decomposition activation energies were calculated. The population of decomposition intermediates and products is thoroughly investigated. H2O is consumed at high temperatures indicating a water-gas reaction that could reduce carbon clusters during the combustion of solid propellant. The water-gas reaction, as well as the population of H2 at high temperature, point out the way of adjusting the formula of the propellant, that is adds fuel and oxidizer to improve combustion temperature and oxygen balance.
Determining the Factors Predicting the Response to Anti-HER2 Therapy in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: You Ji Young , Park Kyoung Hwa , Lee Eun Sook , Kwon Youngmee , Kim Kyoung Tae , Nam Seungyoon , Kim Dong Hee , Bae Jeoung Won
Published: May 2022

Purpose: We aimed to identify the overexpressed genes or related pathways associated with good responses to anti-HER2 therapy and to suggest a model for predicting drug response in neoadjuvant systemic therapy with trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer patients.Methods: We recruited 64 women with breast cancer and categorized them into 3 groups: complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and drug resistance (DR). The final number of patients in the study was 20. RNA from 20 core needle biopsy paraffin-embedded tissues and 4 cultured cell lines (SKBR3 and BT474 breast cancer parent cells and cultured resistant cells) was extracted, reverse transcribed, and subjected to GeneChip array analysis. The obtained data were analyzed using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Gene and Genome Encyclopedia, Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. Results: In total, 6,656 genes differentially expressed between trastuzumab-susceptible and trastuzumab-resistant cell lines were identified. Among these, 3,224 were upregulated and 3,432 were downregulated. Expression changes in 34 genes in several pathways were found to be related to the response to trastuzumab-containing treatment in HER2-type breast cancer, interfering with adhesion to other cells or tissues (focal adhesion) and regulating extracellular matrix interactions and phagosome action. Thus, decreased tumor invasiveness and enhanced drug effects might be the mechanisms explaining the better drug response in the CR group.Conclusions: This multigene assay-based study provides insights into breast cancer signaling and possible predictions of therapeutic response to targeted therapies such as trastuzumab.
Latent Profile Analysis for Quality of Life in Older Patients
Authors: Băjenaru Lidia , Balog Alexandru , Dobre Ciprian , Drăghici Rozeta , Prada Gabriel-Ioan
Published: May 2022

Background: Quality of life (QOL) is a complex concept known for being influenced by socio-demographic characteristics, individual needs, perceptions and expectations. The study investigates influences of such heterogeneous variables and aims to identify and describe subgroups of older patients who share similar response patterns for the four domains (physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environment) of World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument, Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF).Methods: The sample used included older Romanian patients (N = 60; equal numbers of men and women; mean age was 71.95, SD=5.98). Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was conducted to explore quality of life profiles with the four WHOQOL-BREF domains as input variables. Differences between profiles were analysed by MANOVA and ANOVAs as a follow-up. Results: The LPA results showed that the three-profile model was the most suitable and supported the existence of three distinct QOL profiles: low and very low (28.3%), moderate (63.3%) and high (8.4%). The relative entropy value was high (.86), results pointed to a good profile solution and the three profiles differed significantly from one another.Conclusions: Our results reveal heterogeneity within the older adult sample and provide meaningful information to better tailor QOL improvement programs to the needs of older patient groups, especially those designed for patients of profiles related to poorer QOL in different domains.
A spontaneous pulmonary fibrosis mouse model identifies a mechanism for ILC2-mediated irreversible fibrosis
Authors: Moro Kazuyo , Otaki Natsuko , Motomura Yasutaka , Terooatea Tommy , Kelly S. Thomas , Mochizuki Miho , Takeno Natsuki , Koyasu Shigeo , Sugihara Fuminori , Kikuta Junichi , Kitamura Hideya , Shiraishi Yoshiki , Miyanohara Jun , Nagano Yuji , Saita Yuji , Ogura Takashi , Asano Koichiro , Minoda Aki
Published: May 2022

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is characterised by inflammation and collagen deposition in the alveolar interstitium, leading to dyspnoea and death. However, the comprehensive pathogenesis of PF remains unclear due to the lack of spontaneous fibrosis mouse models. Here, we found that Ifngr1-/-Rag2-/- mice, lacking the mechanisms to suppress group 2 and 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s and ILC3s), developed severe PF spontaneously. In Ifngr1-/-Rag2-/- mice, Il1rl1hiIl13hi-ILC2 subpopulation was increased at disease-onset phase before collagen production began. Further, defects in ILCs or IL-33, the strong ILC2 activator, prevented PF development. ILC2s directly induce collagen production by fibroblasts in vitro, and fibroblasts started to produce IL-33 in the chronic phase, presumably forming a positive feedback loop between fibroblasts and ILC2s leading to irreversible fibrosis. Moreover, the increased IL1RL1 and IL13 and decreased IFNGR1 expression levels in ILC2s from human idiopathic PF patients highlight the significance of the novel mouse model in fibrosis research.
In-vitro Acaricidal Efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Azadirachta Indica and Melia Azedarach Leaves Against Cattle Tick Haylomma Anatolicum
Authors: Hatzade Hatzade R. I. Ravindrakumar , Waghmare Waghmare S. P. Sunil , Kolte Kolte S. W. Sunil , Bhikane Bhikane A. U. Anil , Kuralkar Kuralkar S. V. Shailendra , Hajare Hajare S. W. Sunil , Ingole Ingole R. S. Ranjit
Published: May 2022

The efficacy of a crude aqueous extract of Azadirachta indica and Melia azedarach leaves was evaluated separately and in combination (1:1) for its acaricidal potential against distilled water and Amitraz (12.5% w/v) using cattle tick Haylomma anatolicum. The percent corrected adult tick mortality within 15 days, reproductive index, percentage inhibition of oviposition, hatching percentage of laid eggs, percent hatching rate reduction, and percentage of larval mortality were studied at concentrations of 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 100% (v/v). At the concentration of 70% and 100%, the corrected adult tick mortality was 36.67% for A. indica and 33.33% for M. azedarach and combination. Corrected mortality caused by A. indica and M. azedarach extracts separately and in combination was statistically significant (P < 0.001) when compared with the mortality caused by distilled water. Inhibition of oviposition at the 70% and 100% concentration of A. indica, M. azedarach, and combination of leaves extract-treated ticks were 26.28% and 26.65%; 23.86% and 23.89%; 42.34% and 41.48% respectively. Inhibition of oviposition of treated groups was concentration-dependent and highest at 70% and 100% and differed significantly from the control with higher efficacy for a combination of extracts than individually. Larvae treated with all the tested concentrations of A. indica, M. azedarach, and a combination of extracts by larval packet test showed significant mortality (P < 0.001) than that of control and found 70.17% and 70.83% for A. indica, 66.33% and 66.50% for M. azedarach, 63% and 64.33% for a combination of extracts at the 70% and 100% respectively. Complete failure of hatching of eggs from the ticks treated with Amitraz was reported, whereas in A. indica, M. azedarach and combination of extracts hatchability were 56.69%, 56.57%, 49.33% and 54.61%, 56.15%, 47.04% at 70% and 100% respectively. However, hatchability reduction rate were 40.34%, 40.47%, 48.09% and 42.53%, 40.91%, 50.50% for A. indica, M. azedarach and combination at 70% and 100% respectively and 0%, 95.62%, 99.28% for distilled water, Amitraz 2ml/L and 4ml/L respectively. The results pointed out that the crude aqueous extracts of A. indica, M. azedarach, and the combination can be used as an alternative for control of H. anatolicum with good acaricidal potentials.
High-resolution neutron imaging of carbonate precipitation and water transport in zero-gap CO2 electrolysis
Authors: Disch Joey , Bohn Luca , Koch Susanne , Schulz Michael , Han Yiyong , Tengattini Alessandro , Helfen Lukas , Breitwieser Matthias , Vierrath Severin
Published: May 2022

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 is a pivotal technology for the defossilization of the chemical industry. Although first pilot-scale electrolyzers exist, water management and salt precipitation remain a major hurdle to long-term operation. In this work, we present the first high resolution neutron imaging (6 µm) of a zero-gap CO2 electrolyzer to uncover water distribution and salt precipitation under application-relevant operating conditions (200 mA cm− 2 at 2.8 V with a Faraday efficiency for CO of 99%). Precipitated salts penetrating the cathode gas diffusion layer can be observed, which are believed to block the CO2 gas transport and are therefore the major cause for the commonly observed decay in Faraday efficiency. Neutron imaging further shows higher carbonate accumulation under the cathode channel of the flow field compared to the land. In fact, a higher local reaction rate under the land compared to the channel can be estimated from the gas bubble generation on the opposing anode side.
Clinical characteristics of 683 children and adolescents, aged 0–18 years, newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Henan Province: A single-center study
Authors: Huang Ai , Chen Qiong , Yang Wei , Cui Yan , Wang Qingzhi , Wei Haiyan
Published: May 2022

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a common chronic systemic disease that threatens the health of children worldwide. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the most common acute complication of diabetes and can lead to death in severe cases. This study aimed to explore the epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, and risk factors for DKA in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with T1DM in the Department of Endocrinology of the Children’s Hospital of Henan Province.Methods: Medical records of 683 children and adolescents newly diagnosed with T1DM in our center from March 2014 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The data included the general condition, laboratory indexes, and clinical symptoms. The patients were divided into three groups according to age: Group I, 0–3 years; Group II, 4–9 years; and Group III, 10 –18years. Results: The incidence of DKA was 62.96% and was highest in Group I. Group I also had the highest C-peptide, insulin, HbA1c, blood glucose at first diagnosis, and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 levels; hospitalization lengths and costs; and incidence of clinical symptoms. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated HbA1c levels, hyperglycemia, and other systemic diseases were independent risk factors for DKA. On the other hand, C-peptide and 25 hydroxyvitamin D were protective factors against DKA.Conclusions: The incidence of DKA among children and adolescents in Henan Province is very high. Moreover, DKA can be easily misdiagnosed. Newly diagnosed infants with T1DM are more likely to present with DKA, suffer more severe metabolic disorders, endure longer hospital stays, and accrue higher medical costs. Vitamin D supplementation can help reduce the incidence of DKA in children with diabetes.
New Observables of the Cosmic Microwave Background
Authors: Lanucara Marco , Daddato Robert
Published: May 2022

We introduce new observables of the cosmic microwave background radiation, which can be measured through the detection of high order modes excited within an antenna feed system, coherently combined with those currently detected by space observatories. The use of such observables could potentially further constrain the validity of cosmological theories.