bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis Of 31 Cases Of Delayed Closure Of The Cleft Palate
Authors: Patel Dr. Jyotsna , Govilkar Dr. Prashant , Thatte Dr. Ravin
Published: September 2023

This study includes an analysis of 31 cases treated by delayed closure of hard palate. Emphasis of this study is on speech and maxillary growth. Advantage of delayed closure of the hard palate like better maxillary growth does not seem, compensated for the speech problem associated with the procedure.
Dumb – Bell Shape Penis
Authors: Vyas Dr. U.H. , Brambhatt Dr. Jayesh , Raibagkar Dr. Santosh C.
Published: September 2023

An unusual complication following religious circumcision resulting in urethral fistula is reported.
Phlebographic Detection Of Deep Vein Thrombosis After Major Surgery
Authors: Kesarwani Dr. R.C. , Katiyar Dr. R.K. , Mittal Dr. Shashank
Published: September 2023

60 patients from Various surgical disciplines, one third of which already with pre-existing venous diseases were subjected to phlebography for detection of deep vein thrombosis. Results are presented.
Myxoma Of Maxilla - Our Experience Of Two Cases
Authors: Roy Dr. Collin , Saha Dr. I.
Published: September 2023

At S.S.K.M. Hospital Calcutta, two cases in last eight years of this rare condition were treated. Their exact nature of origin is still debatable and is discussed in this presentation.
After the pandemic: the global seafood trade market forecasts in 2030
Authors: Wei Chunzhu , Zhang Mo , Chen Wei , Ge Yong , Wang Daoping , Zhang Die , Xue Desheng , Cheng Qiuming , Cheng Changxiu , Zhang Wenguang
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 lockdowns have transitioned to a new normal and triggered commodity supply disruption and trade uncertainty, yet little is known about the seafood trade resilience of developing and developed countries amid pandemic-related shocks. Here, employing a newly developed geographical transition-net model, we simulate a set of idealized lockdown scenarios in a real-world seafood network. The results show that (1) even if restrictions from regions with high strictness policies were eventually lifted globally at the end of 2022, the pandemic-induced disruption will continue to affect global seafood trade until 2030, and the annual growth rate of the global seafood market would be around 1% lower than that during 2006–2019; (2) Due to the continued high level of stringency in China in 2022 and the soaring demand of seafood in the developed countries in the post-COVID-19 era, developed countries are increasingly reliant on their intra-regional trade until 2030; (3) The global seafood supply chains will magnify export losses beyond the direct effects of COVID-19, and there would be 17 to 57 million people in the developing countries in 2030 facing seafood supply shortage. The new long-term challenge is to call for the multilateral cooperation of major exporters for global seafood trade recovery. Our study provides a new perspective to evaluate the economic impact of COVID-19 as well as the cascading effect caused by the supply-chain linkages in the global seafood system.
Export duration and firm markups: evidence from China
Authors: Yue Wen , Lin Qingxia
Published: September 2023

Against the backdrop of China’s upgrading of its openness to the outside world, analyzing the impact of export markets on a firm’s markup—an important indicator of a firm’s pricing power and market power—is of great significance for improving the firm’s international competitiveness and the benefits of the global value chain. This study theoretically and empirically examines the effect of export duration on firm markups using micro data from Chinese manufacturing enterprises. According to a theoretical study, an increase in export duration will result in an increase in firm markups via the “production efficiency” channel but a decrease in firm markups via the “market-based pricing” channel. Therefore, the impact of an increase in export duration on the markups of firms is uncertain. Results of the empirical analysis reveal that the positive impact of an increase in export duration on the markups of Chinese manufacturing firms via the “production efficiency” channel is higher than the negative impact of an increase in export duration via the “market-based pricing” channel. Overall, the increase in export duration has a positive impact on Chinese manufacturing companies’ markups. This conclusion is valid after a series of robustness tests. Further analysis reveals that the impact of export duration on the markups of different types of Chinese manufacturing firms differs, and significant heterogeneity exists. This research can help us better understand how Chinese export firms fall into the “low markup trap” and offer fresh insight into how export markets affect company markups.
Multifunctional acoustic devices based on unbalanced gain–loss materials
Authors: Fei Zhonghan , Lan Jun , Gong Menyang , Lai Yun , Liu Xiaozhou
Published: September 2023

The realization of multifunction by simply combining acoustic devices together is always attractive, but it is never an easy task due to the complexity of most acoustic metamaterials. In this paper, a kind of unbalanced gain–loss acoustic metasurface is designed, which can work as an energy amplifier, suggesting that it may be applied to an acoustic signal detector or a sensor. In addition, an acoustic negative refraction system is established by simply putting two of these metasurfaces together, which can produce negative refraction for the acoustic waves from different directions and different incident angles, even focusing and imaging with precisely selected parameters. These functions are quite rare for materials without the double-negative-parameter. This work provides a new route to use the gain/loss materials and achieve multifunctions without complex design.
Centrifugal model test study on instability mechanism by rain of widened roadbed slope
Authors: Ma Haohao , Zhang Zhizheng , Wang Huihui , Zhang Zhichuang
Published: September 2023

To study the instability mechanism of the slope of the widened highway roadbed during rainfall, a rainfall simulation device was developed for geotechnical centrifugal model testing. Settlement and widening tests for the old roadbed, and settlement and simulation rain tests for the widened roadbed were performed in sequence. During the test, the settling process of the old and the new roadbeds and the instability process of the embankment slope by rainfall were observed by the settling monitoring device installed on the centrifuge manipulator system. The test results showed that the major consolidation of the old roadbed was completed in the first year of operation; after the roadbed was widened, the new settlement of the old roadbed was much smaller than the new settlement of the widened roadbed, resulting in the differential settlement between the new and old roadbeds. Longitudinal cracks formed by the differential settlement on the road surface provided infiltration channels for rainwater. After rainfall, the rainwater first infiltrates downward at the foot of the slope and expands the vertical joints of the loess to form vertical infiltration channels, causing settlement at the foot of the slope. After that, the rainwater infiltrated laterally into the interior of the roadbed and beyond the slope toe, increasing further settlement. The settlement area expanded continuously, eventually causing the roadbed slope to become unstable. According to the research results, the key to preventing rainfall damage to the subgrade was to protect the slope foot, block the rainfall infiltration channel, and reduce the settlement of the foundation.
Identification and nutritional management of malnutrition and frailty in the community: the process used to develop an Australian and New Zealand guide
Authors: Rattray Megan , Roberts Shelley
Published: September 2023

Malnutrition and frailty affect up to one-third of community-dwelling older adults in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), burdening individuals, health systems and the economy. As these conditions are often under-recognised and untreated in the community, there is an urgent need for healthcare professionals (HCPs) from all disciplines to be able to identify and manage malnutrition and frailty in this setting. This paper describes the systematic and iterative process by which a practical guide for identifying and managing malnutrition and frailty in the community, tailored to the ANZ context, was developed. The development of the guide was underpinned by the Knowledge-to-Action Framework and included the following research activities: (1) a comprehensive literature review; (2) a survey of ANZ dietitians’ current practices and perceptions around malnutrition and frailty; (3) interviews with ANZ dietitians; and (4) a multidisciplinary expert panel. This resulted in the development of a guide tailored to the ANZ context that provides recommendations around how to identify and manage malnutrition and frailty in the community. It is now freely available online and can be used by all HCPs across several settings. The approach used to develop this guide might be applicable to other conditions or settings, and our description of the process might be informative to others who are developing such tools to guide practice in their healthcare environment.
E-prescription: views and acceptance of general practitioners and pharmacists in Greater Sydney
Authors: Lau Phyllis , Tran Minh Thuan , Kim Ricky Yong , Alrefae Alsayed Hashem , Ryu Sangwoo , Teh Jim Chyuan
Published: September 2023

Background Electronic prescription (e-prescription) was introduced in 2020 in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research aimed to explore general practitioners (GPs) and community pharmacists’ experience with, and facilitators and barriers to, the use of e-prescription. Methods This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with GPs and pharmacists in Greater Sydney to explore their experience with e-prescription. Thematic analysis used descriptive and mixed inductive and deductive approaches. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to further interpret and organise the themes. Results Eleven GPs and nine pharmacists were interviewed. Thirteen themes were elicited, seven of which were categorised as benefits (facilitators) and six were challenges (barriers). Four facilitator themes (convenience for healthcare providers (HCPs) and patients, addressing issues with paper prescriptions, contactless nature reducing access barriers during COVID-19 lockdown, and enabling patients to manage multiple prescriptions) were mapped to the TAM construct of ‘perceived usefulness’; and one facilitator (an easier process) and two barrier themes (lack of information during implementation, and technological issues) were mapped to the TAM construct of ‘perceived ease of use’. Themes that fell outside these constructs were separately categorised: four barrier themes (reluctance of some patients and HCPs to change, patient expectations of ‘instant prescription’ and lost opportunities for best-practice care, HCPs’ perceptions of inadequate governmental governance, and ongoing costs) were ‘other issues with e-prescription’, and two facilitator themes (providing training on the use of e-prescription for HCPs and patients, and making e-prescription more streamlined) were ‘suggestions to improve’. Conclusion There are many facilitators and barriers to the use of e-prescription. Our findings may inform the future promotion of e-prescription post-COVID-19 pandemic. Further research should focus on consumers’ perspectives of e-prescription.
A repugnant possibility
Authors: Giner Diana
Published: September 2023

Commisa v Pemexis one of the rare cases where an arbitral award set aside at the seat of arbitration is enforced. The judges are forced to justify how the notion of public policy becomes a priority over international comity.

This paper explores, from a pragma-dialectic approach, what rhetorical strategies are employed to justify this decision. Legal Argumentation Theory (van Eemeren & Grootendorst, 2004;Feteris, 2005;van Eemeren, 2007;Feteris & Kloosterhuis, 2009) values a combination between rational knowledge and rhetoric; for which interpersonality could be highly involved. On the one hand, metaphor (Lakoff & Turner, 1989;Sopory & Dillard, 2002; Mussolf, 2017) supports the legal argumentation; while, on the other hand, hedges, intensifiers, attitudinal markers (Vande Kopple, 1985; Crismore, 1993; Hyland, 1999, 2000a;Dafouz, 2003) shape the message to convince the audience that, on this occasion, a previously annulled international arbitral award should be enforced.
The semiotics of Kosovo’s streetscapes
Authors: Jusufi Lumnije , Sadiku Milote
Published: September 2023

Post-war Kosovo is characterised by strong transition processes, including in the car and service vehicle sector,
and Germany, German culture, and the German language play a central role in these processes. The popularity of used vehicles
imported from German-speaking countries has led to a change in the appearance of Kosovo’s streetscapes. These cars often carry
signage or texts written in German and are very common in Kosovo. The spread of these cars is due both to the lower cost and to
the high prestige of the German language and culture in Kosovo. Often the owners also keep the German number plates, as the
registration of cars in Kosovo is not handled very strictly, or they retain the sticker that designates the country of origin of
the vehicle, ‘D’ for Germany, ‘A’ for Austria and ‘CH’ for Switzerland. As a result, there is a strong German influence to be
found across Kosovo’s streetscapes. Our article is dedicated to these particular semiotic landscapes on the basis of empirically
collected photographic material. Data was collected outside the transmigrant season, i.e. outside the months around the turn of
the year and the summer vacations, and the period of the lockdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic to avoid as far as possible
non-residential German signs.
The role of U(1)
A
symmetry breaking in the QCD corrections to the pion mass difference
Authors: Ali Mahammad Sabir , Aminul Islam Chowdhury , Sharma Rishi
Published: September 2023

The charged and neutral pion mass difference can be attributed to both the quantum electrodynamics and QCD contributions. The current quark mass difference (Δm) is the source of the QCD contribution. Here, in a two-flavour non-local Nambu–Jona-Lasinio model, we try to estimate the QCD contribution. Interestingly, we find that the strength of the

U

1

A

symmetry-breaking parameter c plays a crucial role in obtaining the pion mass difference while intertwined with the current quark mass difference. To obtain the QCD contribution for the pion mass difference, we scan the parameter space in {Δm, c}, and by comparing this with the existing results, we constrained the parameter space. Further, using a fitted value of c, we determine the allowed range for the Δm in the model. The model estimated Δm ranges enable us to extract the chiral perturbation theory low energy constant, l
7 and verify the dependence of the pion mass difference on Δm. We also find out its dependence on c—it increases with the decreasing value of c, i.e. toward an axial anomaly restored phase.
Tungsten-based polymer composite, a new lead-free material for efficient shielding of coupled neutron-gamma radiation fields: A FLUKA simulation study
Authors: Das Avijit , Ray Aditi , Singh Tej
Published: September 2023

Metal-based polymer composites, a new category of advanced materials, are advantageous for effective protection of radiation field. Recent report of fabrication of tungsten (W)-Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite microcellular foams with enhanced mechanical strength properties opens up the possibility of its use in radiation attenuation. Objective of this theoretical study is to assess the efficacy of W-based polymer composite, a new lead-free shielding material for attenuating coupled neutron-gamma radiations. Current paper utilizes open-source Monte Carlo code FLUKA to evaluate shielding efficiency of PMMA composites reinforced with varying concentration W particles. Study shows that, adding even 20 vol% of W particles can significantly improve radiation shielding ability of PMMA. Performance of analogous composition Pb-based polymer composite is also examined to demonstrate its inadequacy in radiation protection compared to W-based composite. Study reveals an interesting fact that for any shield dimension, total radiation dose follows an initial descending trend with increase in heavy metal (W/Pb) proportion up to certain optimum value where dose becomes minimum, beyond that dose increases. Optimum heavy metal concentrations are found to be 70 vol% and 30 vol% for W and Pb respectively, with minimum dose for Pb shield being two orders of higher magnitude. Study is further extended to investigate shielding efficiency of conventional double-layer laminates employing W and PMMA in both high-Z/low-Z and low-Z/high-Z configurations as well as optimum concentration of W-PMMA composite and PMMA. It is shown that among all the potential designs, newly introduced composite-based double-layer shield performs best in terms of volumetric dose while single-layer optimized composite shield offers least specific dose.
A novel flexible biocomposite with hemp woven fabric and natural rubber based on lignin green filler: investigation numerical and experimental under high-velocity impact
Authors: Ghiaskar Ahmad , Nouri Mohammad Damghani
Published: September 2023

In this study, the comparison of the behavior of hemp/elastomeric biocomposites based on lignin and carbon black has been investigated experimentally and numerically under the influence of high speed. SEM images confirmed the dispersion and good interaction of lignin in natural rubber with a uniform surface coverage of fibers and the gap of yarns. The results of tensile and dynamic compression tests showed that elastomer with lignin filler improves tensile strength for rubber samples and composites compared to carbon black. The high-velocity impact tests were performed on single-layer and three-layer composites based on lignin and carbon. The penetration resistance and failure mechanism of the composites during impact were validated using a constitutive material model for hemp fabric and a user-defined material model (VUMAT) for the nonlinear behavior of rubber materials with a damage criterion in ABAQUS/Explicit. For one-layer and three-layer flexible composites based on lignin, the ballistic limit is 49 and 96 m s−1, respectively. Compared to carbon-based composites, it has increased by 11.36 and 13% for one-layer and three-layers, respectively. Using the dilute matrix to cover hemp fabric increases the resistance of this type of fabric against high-speed impact. Through tensile failure, the stress is transferred to the surrounding fiber bundles so that more threads can participate in the load-bearing process. As a result, the penetration depth in lignin-based composites is lower, and the protective margin is greater, which increases energy absorption.
CO adsorption on two-dimensional 2H-ZrO2 and its effect on the interfacial electronic properties: implications for sensing
Authors: Ali Mubashar , Munir Junaid , Khan M Junaid Iqbal , Yousaf Masood , Younis M W , Saeed M A
Published: September 2023

Environmental pollution is commonly caused by direct and indirect greenhouse gasses and various traces of toxic gasses. CO is a tasteless, colourless and highly hazardous greenhouse gas that can bind with the hemoglobin much easier than oxygen. Materials with effective CO sensing capability are highly desirable. In this work, we have studied the repercussions of the molecular adsorption of toxic carbon monoxide (CO) on the structural, electronic, interfacial electronic and gas sensing properties of the two-dimensional (2D) 2H phase of zirconium dioxide (2H-ZrO2) using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The most suitable adsorbent structure is screened out and interaction strengths between adsorbate molecule and adsorbent layer are provided in terms of binding energies. As a result of CO adsorption, the energy band gap (Eg) is altered and the resulting change in the conductivity of 2H-ZrO2 monolayer has implications for sensing. Energy band profiles relating to CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2 reveal that fermi level shifts towards conduction bands exhibiting a development of n-type semiconducting character. Eg values relating to pristine and CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2 sites such as TM, H, CB and B are 1.58, 1.98, 2.05, 2.06 and 2.03 eV, respectively. Further insights into the adsorption reveal that charge is accumulated near 2H-ZrO2 in the case of H and B adsorption sites, whereas for the case of TM and CB sites, depletion is noted. Essential gas sensing properties such as conductivity

σ

,

sensitivity (S), and recovery time (τ) are also reported. Notably, TM, CB, and B absorption sites depicted 17%, 2%, and 6% lower S values than H site. Furthermore, the H site achieved a shorter

τ

(32 ps) than the other adsorption sites. Response of pristine and CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2 to that of incident photons is investigated with the help of real and imaginary parts [

ε

1

ω

and

ε

2

ω

] of complex dielectric function, electron energy loss function [

L

ω

] and joint density of states [

J

o

ω

] for a broader range of 0 to 10 eV. Major differences in dielectric function exist along in-plan and out-of-plan directions. After a detailed comparison, it is reported that more number of optical transitions exist between the linked states for the case of CO adsorbed 2H-ZrO2.
Valley-dependent transport in a mescoscopic twisted bilayer graphene device
Authors: Shi 史 Wen-Xuan 文萱 , Liu 刘 Han-Lin 翰林 , Wang 汪 Jun 军
Published: September 2023

We study the valley-dependent electron transport in a four-terminal mesoscopic device of the two monolayer graphene nanoribbons vertically stacked together, where the intersection forms a bilayer graphene lattice with a controllable twist angle. Using a tight-binding lattice model, we show that the longitudinal and transverse conductances exhibit significant valley polarization in the low energy regime for small twist angles. As the twist angle increases, the valley polarization shifts to the high energy regime. This arises from the regrouping effect of the electron band in the twisted bilayer graphene region. But for relatively large twist angles, no significant valley polarization is observed. These results are consistent with the spectral densities of the twisted bilayer graphene.
GRB 220408B: A Three-episode Burst from a Precessing Jet
Authors: Zhang Zijian , Iris Yin Yi-Han , Wang Chenyu , Ivy Wang Xiangyu , Yang Jun , Meng Yan-Zhi , Liu Zi-Ke , Chen Guo-Yin , Fu Xiaoping , Gao Huaizhong , Li Sihao , Liu Yihui , Long Xiangyun , Ma Yong-Chang , Pan Xiaofan , Sun Yuanze , Wu Wei , Yang Zirui , Ye Zhizhen , Yu Xiaoyu , Zhao Shuheng , Zheng Xutao , Zhou Tao , Tang Qing-Wen , Yan Qiurong , Zhou Rong , Wang Zhonghai , Feng Hua , Zeng Ming , Zhang Bin-Bin
Published: September 2023

Jet precession has previously been proposed to explain the apparently repeating features in the light curves of a few gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). In this paper, we further apply the precession model to a bright GRB 220408B by examining both its temporal and spectral consistency with the predictions of the model. As one of the recently confirmed GRBs observed by our GRID CubeSat mission, GRB 220408B is noteworthy as it exhibits three apparently similar emission episodes. Furthermore, the similarities are reinforced by their strong temporal correlations and similar features in terms of spectral evolution and spectral lags. Our analysis demonstrates that these features can be well explained by the modulated emission of a Fast-Rise-Exponential-Decay (FRED) shape light curve intrinsically produced by a precessing jet with a precession period of

18.4

−
0.2

+
0.2

s, a nutation period of

11.1

−
0.2

+
0.2

s and viewed off-axis. This study provides a straightforward explanation for the complex yet similar multi-episode GRB light curves.
Characteristics and Predictors of Apparent Treatment-Resistant Hypertension in Real-World Populations Using Electronic Health Record-Based Data
Authors: Jafari Eissa , Cooper-DeHoff Rhonda M , Effron Mark B , Hogan William R , McDonough Caitrin W
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aTRH) is defined as uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) despite using ≥3 antihypertensive classes or controlled BP while using ≥4 antihypertensive classes. Patients with aTRH have a higher risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes compared with patients with controlled hypertension (HTN). Although there have been prior reports on the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of aTRH, these have been broadly derived from smaller datasets, randomized controlled trials, or closed healthcare systems.

METHODS

We extracted patients with HTN defined by ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes during 1/1/2015–12/31/2018, from 2 large electronic health record databases: the OneFlorida Data Trust (n = 223,384) and Research Action for Health Network (REACHnet) (n = 175,229). We applied our previously validated aTRH and stable controlled HTN computable phenotype algorithms and performed univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of aTRH in these populations.

RESULTS

The prevalence of aTRH among patients with HTN in OneFlorida (16.7%) and REACHnet (11.3%) was similar to prior reports. Both populations had a significantly higher proportion of Black patients with aTRH compared with those with stable controlled HTN. aTRH in both populations shared similar significant predictors, including Black race, diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, cardiomegaly, and higher body mass index. In both populations, aTRH was significantly associated with similar comorbidities, when compared with stable controlled HTN.

CONCLUSIONS

In 2 large, diverse real-world populations, we observed similar comorbidities and predictors of aTRH as prior studies. In the future, these results may be used to improve healthcare professionals’ understanding of aTRH predictors and associated comorbidities.
Are there iterated essentialist truths?
Authors: Ditter Andreas
Published: September 2023

Let an iterated essentialist statement be a statement of the form 'It lies in the nature of x1,x2,... that it lies in the nature of y1,y2,... that φ'. Let Iteration be the thesis that there are true iterated essentialist statements. Iteration has recently been disputed by Dasgupta (2014) and Glazier (2017). Both authors take the falsity of Iteration to be central to the explanatory role of essentialist truths. An important consequence that is not explicitly noted by them is that the falsity of Iteration would entail that metaphysical necessity is not reducible to essence in the manner suggested by Fine (1994). This paper defends Iteration against these challenges, drawing attention to some features of the collective essences of properties, propositions, and logical operations that have been largely neglected in discussions about essence.
Quantitative evaluation of the drivers of species richness in a Mediterranean ecosystem (Cape, South Africa)
Authors: Cramer Michael D , Anthony Verboom G
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

Mediterranean ecosystems have a high vascular plant species richness (SR) relative to their surface area. This SR, representing the balance between speciation and extinction, has been attributed to multiple mechanisms that result in both high rates of speciation and/or low rates of extinction. An abiding question is, however, what is special about Mediterranean ecosystems that enables this high SR? Apart from the long-term climatic stability of the region, SR has also been related to resource availability, the many individuals hypothesis, resource spatial heterogeneity, temporal heterogeneity and biotic feedbacks.

Methods

Spatial patterns of species richness were related to climatic, edaphic and biotic variables and to spatial variability within the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa. Boosted regression tree models were used to explore the strength of relationships between SR and environmental predictors related to each hypothesized mechanism.

Key Results

Water availability (i.e. precipitation) was a stronger predictor of SR than potential evapotranspiration or temperature. Scarcity of nutrients was also related to SR. There was no indication that SR was related to the density of individuals and only temporal heterogeneity induced by fire was related to SR. Spatial heterogeneities of climatic, edaphic and biotic variables were strongly associated with SR. Biotic interactions remain difficult to assess, although we have some evidence for a putative role in regulating SR.

Conclusions

While the lack of ecosystem-resetting disturbances (e.g. glaciation) is undoubtedly a key requirement for high species accumulation, predictably, no one explanation holds the key to understanding SR. In the GCFR high SR is the product of a combination of adequate water, nutrient scarcity, spatial and temporal heterogeneity, and possibly biotic feedbacks.
Promotion of ABCG2 gene expression by neolignans from Piper longum L
Authors: Nishina Atsuyoshi , Ukiya Motohiko , Motegi Kazuki , Kiryu Risa , Sato Daisuke , Sada Mitsuru , Hori Yuki , Satsu Hideo , Uemura Kazuhiro , Koketsu Mamoru , Ninomiya Masayuki , Myint Lwin Mon Mon , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: September 2023

We focused on Piper longum L., a herbal drug produced in Myanmar, which has a renoprotective effect. Thus, we attempted to isolate and identify compounds that enhance the expression of the ABCG2 gene from the aerial parts of the plant except for the fruit. Among the various P. longum extracts, we isolated and identified the components. Using Caco-2 cells, the hABCG2 mRNA expression-enhancing effects of the isolated compounds were compared with the positive reference compound (3-methylcholanthrene [3MC]) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Six compounds were isolated and identified from the methanol extract of P. longum. Among the isolated compounds, licarin A and neopomatene had lower toxicity and higher hABCG2 mRNA expression-enhancing effects in Caco-2 cells. Suppression of hAhR expression by siRNA reduced the activity of licarin A and neopomatene, as well as the hAhR agonist 3MC, suggesting that these 2 compounds may act as hAhR agonists to promote hABCG2 expression.
Revisiting Cytomegalovirus Serology in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Portillo Vera , Masouridi-Levrat Stavroula , Royston Léna , Yerly Sabine , Schibler Manuel , Mappoura Maria , Morin Sarah , Giannotti Federica , Mamez Anne-Claire , van Delden Christian , Chalandon Yves , Neofytos Dionysios
Published: September 2023

Background

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients (allo-HCTRs) with positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology may have false-positive results due to blood product transfusion–associated passive immunity.

Methods

This single-center cohort study included allo-HCTRs with negative baseline (at malignancy diagnosis) CMV serology and indeterminate/low-positive (CMV IgG titer, ≥0.6–<50 U/mL) pretransplant CMV serology with negative pretransplant plasma CMV DNAemia. The CMV status of those patients was reclassified from R+ to R− (CMVR− reclassification group). We compared those patients to allo-HCTRs with negative (CMV IgG titer <0.6 U/mL) pretransplant CMV IgG (CMVR− group). We describe the number and type of patients whose pretransplant CMV status was reclassified from indeterminate/positive to negative. We reviewed all plasma CMV DNAemia tests performed during the first 6 months posttransplant in both groups to assess the safety of this approach.

Results

Among 246 (84.5%) of 291 transplanted patients identified as CMVR+ pretransplant, 60 (24.4%) were reclassified from CMV serology indeterminate (N:10)/low-positive (N:50) to R−. Only 1 of 60 patients (1.67%) in the CMVR− reclassification group versus 3 of 44 (6.8%; P = .30) in the CMVR− group developed CMV DNAemia during the follow-up period. There were no significant differences in the number of CMV DNAemia tests performed, CMV DNAemia range, and time posttransplant between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

One of 4 allo-HCT CMVR+ may be falsely flagged as R+, with significant impact on donor selection and prophylaxis administration. A 2-step approach including CMV serology testing at hematologic malignancy diagnosis in allo-HCT candidates and careful review of pretransplant CMV IgG titers may help correctly classify CMV serology status.
The Right to Repair, Refill and Recycle by Way of an Anti-trust Defence – Comment on the Japanese Decisions Ricoh I, Ricoh II and Brother
Authors: Furuta Atsuhiro , Heath Christopher
Published: September 2023

Prior to a more detailed analysis of Japanese law in the context of repair and recycle, the authors provide a comparative overview over the conflict between intellectual property rights and what is now known as the ‘right to repair’.
The statement of cash flows
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: September 2023

This chapter considers the statement of cash flows, which presents users of financial information with details of cash inflows and outflows for an accounting period. It shows how the statement of cash flows links together the statement of profit or loss and the statement of financial position. It demonstrates the changes in an entity’s financial position over each accounting period arising from operating, investing and financing activities. In addition, it covers the preparation of simple statements of cash flows using both the direct and indirect methods. Other topics covered include the accounting conventions applied and that profit does not equal cash.
Product costing: absorption costing
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: September 2023

This chapter looks at the basic building blocks of management accounting information: costs. It considers what costing involves, what types of cost a business will incur in its operations, and how this costing information is used to inform that most critical management decision: what prices to charge for products and services so that an organization can make a profit. Construction of simple costing statements to determine the total cost of products on an absorption costing basis is illustrated. The chapter also provides instructions on how to draw simple graphs to illustrate fixed, variable, and total cost behaviour in a business context. At the latter part, it explores the assumptions on which costing is based.
Budgeting
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: September 2023

This chapter examines budgeting in detail and looks at how the use of budgets and the comparison of outcomes with expectations enable an entity to control its operations, to enhance positive trends, and to take action to correct problems as they arise. It explores the ways in which budgets perform planning, communicating, coordinating, motivating, and control functions. The chapter shows the preparation of a budgeted monthly statement of profit or loss, month-by-month cash budget, and a budgeted statement of financial position at the end of a projected accounting period. It also considers the comparisons between budgeted and actual income and expenditure to highlight variances in expected and actual financial performance. Sensitivity analysis to assess the effect that any changes in budget assumptions will have is discussed.
Basic Probability
Authors: Momand Jamil , Mccurdy Alison , Heubach Silvia , Warter-Perez Nancy
Published: September 2023

This chapter concentrates on probability, a requisite component of bioinformatics research, with an emphasis on counting methods, dependence, Bayesian inference, and random variables. It develops the basic tools of probability needed to understand bioinformatics applications such as the interpretation of the E-value in the output of a BLAST search, hidden Markov models in algorithms for multiple sequence alignment, and the derivation of the Jukes-Cantor model of evolutionary distance. The chapter opens with a discussion on the basic operations on sets, such as union, intersection, and complement. It discusses the meanings of dependence and independence, then examines how to compute conditional probabilities from the definition or by using Bayes' law. Next, the chapter investigates how to use Bayes' law to compute posterior probabilities from prior probabilities and observed data. It then analyses the probability mass, and the probability density functions in relation to the distribution of a random variable.
Substitution Matrices
Authors: Momand Jamil , Mccurdy Alison , Heubach Silvia , Warter-Perez Nancy
Published: September 2023

This chapter delves into the derivation of amino acid substitution matrices, the basis of sequence comparison programs, which help us connect molecular evolution to protein structure and function. It begins with a discussion on the notation conventions for mathematical matrices. The chapter then shows why natural selection is the foundation for the development of the PAM substitution matrices. It also assesses the importance of protein domain conservation to the development of the BLOSUM substitution matrices. The chapter next peeks into the frequency of occurrence of amino acids in relation to the creation of PAM and BLOSUM substitution matrices. Towards the end, the chapter discusses the percent identity, identity score, similarity, and similarity score given a sequence alignment and substitution matrix. It also considers the significance of sequence clustering to create different BLOSUM substitution matrices.
Phylogenetics
Authors: Momand Jamil , Mccurdy Alison , Heubach Silvia , Warter-Perez Nancy
Published: September 2023

This chapter introduces phylogenetics with a discussion of DNA, protein sequence information, and the construction of phylogenetic trees. It demonstrates how to use sequence information to categorize how species are related to each other. Phylogenetics is the utilization of sequence information to create evolutionary histories of species. Sequence information from recently extinct human subspecies Neanderthal and Denisovan has become available. Using phylogenetic software programs, the chapter shows at what point in time these human subspecies shared a common ancestor with us. Prior to our ability to identify DNA mutations directly, the field of paleontology was developed to study evolutionary histories (phylogeny). The chapter then explores how paleontology, together with sequence information, contributes to the study of evolutionary histories. Towards the end it delves into the analysis of sequence information.
Advanced Probability for Bioinformatics Applications
Authors: Momand Jamil , Mccurdy Alison , Heubach Silvia , Warter-Perez Nancy
Published: September 2023

This chapter starts with the subject of a continuous random variable and then moves to a discussion of the extreme value distribution and its use in analysing the significance of an alignment. It looks into the computation and interpretation of P- and E-values to evaluate sequence alignments. The chapter also discusses the main characteristic of a Markov process (probability of current state dependent only on previous state), then examines how to translate information about a Markov process into a state diagram and the associated transition matrix. It also points out the probability that a particular sequence of states resulting from a Markov process occurs. Next, the chapter analyses the stochastic processes, specifically Markov chains and hidden Markov models, as well as a mathematical derivation of the Jukes-Cantor model.
Biochemistry: An Introduction
Authors: McKee Trudy , McKee James R.
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides a background to the science of biochemistry, which, since the nineteenth century, has developed sophisticated intellectual and laboratory tools for the investigation of living processes. The chapter explores the capacity to understand and appreciate the significance of this phenomenon. This understanding begins with a thorough knowledge of biochemical principles. The chapter focuses on the structure and functions of the most important biomolecules and the major biochemical processes that sustain life. It describes the concepts of modern experimental biochemistry and investigates strategy used to improve the understanding of living organisms as integrated systems rather than collections of isolated components and chemical reactions.
Energy
Authors: McKee Trudy , McKee James R.
Published: September 2023

This chapter considers energy as essential to life, but what is it and why is it so vital to living organisms? It is because energy is the basic constituent of the universe. The relationship between matter and its energy equivalent is defined by Albert Einstein’s famous equation E = mc2. This equation emphasizes that energy and matter are interconvertible as matter is condensed energy. The chapter defines energy as the capacity to do work, explaining that work is organized molecular motion that causes the displacement or movement of an object by the application of force and results in a specific physical change. Energy comes in many interconvertible forms: gravitational, nuclear, radiant, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal.
Enzymes
Authors: McKee Trudy , McKee James R.
Published: September 2023

This chapter looks at the fact that biochemists have investigated enzymes for more than 140 years, long before they had any realistic understanding of the physical basis of the living state. Using the technologies devised by biochemists, life scientists gradually determined the properties of biological systems. The chapter recounts how work on enzymes eventually demonstrated that almost every event in living organisms occurs because of enzyme-catalysed reactions. The chapter emphasizes how most of the thousands of biochemical reactions that sustain living processes occur at imperceptible rates without enzymes. Enzymes are, in fact, the means by which living organisms channel the flow of energy and matter.
Aerobic Metabolism I: The Citric Acid Cycle
Authors: McKee Trudy , McKee James R.
Published: September 2023

This chapter discusses modern aerobic organisms that transduce the chemical bond energy of food molecules into the bond energy of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). It examines how aerobic organisms perform this feat where oxygen is used as the terminal acceptor of the electrons extracted from food molecules. The capacity to use oxygen to oxidise nutrients, such as glucose and fatty acids, yields a substantially greater amount of energy than does fermentation. The chapter recounts the accumulation of atmospheric O2 on Earth about 2 billion years ago, when existing organisms were confronted with a serious problem: molecular oxygen forms toxic oxygen ions and peroxides called reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS react with and damage or destroy biomolecules. Consequently, exposure to O2 acted as a severe selection pressure.
Nitrogen Metabolism I: Synthesis
Authors: McKee Trudy , McKee James R.
Published: September 2023

This chapter talks about nitrogen, which is found in a vast array of biomolecules, such as amino acids and the nitrogenous bases which are used in the synthesis of proteins and the nucleic acids. Other essential nitrogen-containing biomolecules include the porphyrins, certain membrane lipids, and a diverse group of metabolically important biomolecules that are synthesized in smaller amounts. The chapter traces nitrogen from nitrogen fixation, the process that converts inert N2 to biologically useful ammonia through the synthesis of the major nitrogen-containing biomolecules. It describes the nitrogen cycle as the biogeochemical cycle in which nitrogen atoms flow through the biosphere. Several biochemical processes convert nitrogen from one form to another.
Integration of Metabolism
Authors: McKee Trudy , McKee James R.
Published: September 2023

This chapter takes a wider view of the functioning of the mammalian body and reviews the mechanisms of action of hormones and other signal molecules that make sophisticated regulation possible. It describes the feeding–fasting cycle, a physiological process that ensures that adequate energy and nutrient resources are available. The most distinctive characteristic of living organisms is their capacity to sustain adequate, if not always optimal, operating conditions, despite changes in their internal and external environments. The chapter looks at the anabolic and catabolic reaction pathways which use carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins as energy sources and biosynthetic precursors that must be precisely regulated. The operation of such a complex system as the body is maintained by a continuous flow of information among its parts.
Introduction
Authors: Baker Daniel H.
Published: September 2023

This chapter provides an outline of the chapters in this book. It then details the aim of the book. The scope of this book covers a set of computational techniques that are useful in many domains of research. The chapter identifies its target audience of advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students in life science. It also clarifies the use of the statistical programming language called R.
Power analysis
Authors: Baker Daniel H.
Published: September 2023

This chapter describes the notion of statistical power, which refers to the ability to detect an effect and the ability of a test to correctly reject the null hypothesis. It references the Stroop effect as an example of effect size. The two main types of effect size are those that summarize the amount of variance explained by a statistical model, and those that quantify the difference between group means. While most works on power analysis assume that effect sizes are fixed, experimenters often take control of effect size through the precision of their measurement of the dependable variable. The chapter then covers how to estimate the effect size and power curves before examining studies revolving around low power and high power.
Non-linear curve fitting
Authors: Baker Daniel H.
Published: September 2023

This chapter focuses on non-linear curve fitting. Since real empirical data can be complicated, using a model can help reduce the complexity by summarizing it using one or more parameter estimates. The chapter looks at the issue of parameter optimization and the whole class of computational techniques designed to solve it. Since different algorithms have various strengths and weaknesses in features, particular subdisciplines prefer a specific algorithm. The chapter also considers the well-established optimization algorithm called the downhill simplex algorithm. It references the pracma package to elaborate on how to fit curves to data in R language.
Fourier analysis
Authors: Baker Daniel H.
Published: September 2023

This chapter explains Fourier analysis as a technique that determines the frequency content of waveforms. It also notes how Fourier analysis is primarily a core analysis method in many areas of science and engineering since it is used in various signal processing situations. However, the limitations of Fourier analysis include the frequency resolution and the maximum frequency that can be included in the spectrum, which is determined by the sample rate of the original waveform. The chapter looks into the amplitude spectrum and the phase spectrum. It explains how to carry out Fourier analysis in R while considering waveforms, filtering the Fourier spectrum, and constructing new signals.
Multivariate t-tests
Authors: Baker Daniel H.
Published: September 2023

This chapter explains the concept of multivariate t-tests. In comparison to univariate tests, the advantages of multivariate t-tests include greater statistical power for detecting an effect and the ability to conduct a single (omnibus) test for each variable. The chapter discusses Hotelling's T2, which is a multivariate extension of the t-test that allows the comparison of a set of multivariate observations to a particular value or two sets of multivariate observations. Additionally, a variant of the T2 statistic called T2circ is intended specifically for analysing complex Fourier components. The chapter covers the T2 statistic using bivariate data while clarifying that the mathematics of T2 extends to any number of dependent variables.