bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La Andragogía, los Padres y Madres De Familia y el Acercamiento a las Competencias Ambientales en la IESFA
Authors: Flórez Mejía Alejandra , Jiménez Hernández Juan de la Cruz
Published: July 2023

Este artículo de investigación, se deriva de la de investigación; “El acercamiento a las competencias ambientales a partir de la andragogía por parte los padres y madres de familia en la IESFA” presentada por la autora en el primer bimestre año 2023, como requisito para ser graduanda de la UPC de la MAESTRÍA EN PEDAGOGÍA AMBIENTAL PARA EL DESARROLLO SOSTENIBLE. La investigación, se enmarcó en Determinar, el nivel de acercamiento a las competencias ambientales, que pueden hacer los padres y madres de familia del grado 603 de la IE San francisco de Asís - Puerto Asís Putumayo- IESFA a partir de la andragogía. Como técnica de recolección de datos, se utilizó un cuestionario, “escalas Likert”, fundamentado en un estudio de corte descriptivo, formulada bajo un diseño no experimental. Los resultados obtenidos, permiten inferir, para lograr las competencias ambientales, el conocimiento del entorno, es vital y trascendente; además de generar un mejor trato y encuentro con la naturaleza. Como dato relevante, es necesario manifestar que, el apoyo de los demás miembros de la comunidad y del gobierno local, permitiría trazar, una mejor ruta, una política conforme, con respecto al cuidado y preservación del ambiente, con el cual convive, la comunidad de Puerto Asís – Putumayo. Las competencias ambientales, son necesarias, porque se convierten en los derroteros, en el camino adecuado, que posibilita, una mejor relación entre la comunidad y el ambiente.
The greening of jurisprudence: a study case between costa dos corais in Brazil and the australian great barrier reefs
Authors: Bellincanta de Souza Filipe , Bellincanta de Souza Letícia
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: The object of study outlined addresses the insertion of the greening of    jurisprudence arising from environmental protection and human rights by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, covering its (in) applicability on the Coral Coast of     Brazil and the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The investigation was carried out with inductive and systematic methods through jurisprudencial, normative and documentary analysis. The protection of the environment and human rights form the reflex pathway, emerging the   greening of jurisprudence when justice goes beyond the peoples as a central point of support.  In the Area of Environmental Protection Costa dos Corais in Brazil there was environmental protection aimed at the sustainable use of the area by humans in case of environmental damage, covering anthropocentrism. In the case of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, justice was for the protection of this area for the rights of nature, supporting ecocentrism, offering the perception of the possibility of demonstrating  the importance of  Environmental Courts.
AVALIAÇÃO DAS RESOLUÇÕES ESPACIAL E TEMPORAL DO ÍNDICE VEGETATIVO GLI ATRAVÉS DE IMAGENS DE DRONE E SATÉLITE NA CIDADE DE CATANDUVAS - PR
Authors: Arejano Luan Martin , Ruppenthal João Gabriel , Nobre Felipe Luiz de Lemos , Pazuch Félix Augusto , Santos Reginaldo Ferreira , Pereira Isabella Ribas , Quadro Maurizio Silveira
Published: July 2023

A análise de imagens por meio do sensoriamento remoto está associada com uma excelente ferramenta do ambiente SIG, sendo o sensoriamento remoto uma ciência de obtenção de informações de determinado objeto por meio de sensores remotos sem que se esteja em contato com o alvo em estudo. O sensoriamento remoto funciona de forma em que as diferenças da energia eletromagnética que é refletida pela superfície dos alvos e recolhidas pelos sensores. O GLI é um índice vegetativo de clorofila e representa a alteração da vegetação indicando, plantas vivas, mortas e o solo exposto. A pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar a resolução espacial e temporal do índice de folha verde (GLI) a partir de imagens provenientes de satélite e drone na cidade de Catanduvas - PR. O trabalho foi realizado na cidade de Catanduvas - PR, durante quatro semanas em uma área cultivada com trigo. Verificou -se que as imagens oriundas de satélite podem trazer dados incorretos quando processadas em softwares. Para as duas resoluções, espacial e temporal, o drone se mostrou efetivo, pois traz maior detalhamento da área e consequentemente dados ideais. Constata-se que os valores obtidos do GLI com drone apresentam maior eficiência, trazendo maior percepção sobre problemas que podem ocorrer na área de plantio.
Desempenho funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral quadriplégica hipertônica
Authors: Silva Paula Lumy da , Umanzor Ordenes Igor Esteban , Batistela Ana Carolina T. , Santos Daiana Vieira Dos , Bonfante Letícia Basso
Published: July 2023

A Paralisia Cerebral (PC) é caracterizada como um grupo não progressivo, mas frequentemente mutável, de distúrbios motores, especialmente do tônus e da postura, que ocorrem após a lesão do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC) em desenvolvimento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral do tipo quadriplégica hipertônica. Para isso, foi aplicado, por meio de entrevista, o teste Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), ao qual foram submetidos os pais ou responsáveis por seis crianças, com idade entre 1 ano e meio e 6 anos e 10 meses, sendo duas do sexo feminino e quatro do masculino. Os resultados demonstraram que  o desempenho das crianças quadriplégicas hipertônicas foi inferior em todas as áreas avaliadas pelo PEDI, em que o padrão de normalidade varia  entre 30 a 70 pontos. Também revelaram que a média de escore normativo foi de 15,63 na área de autocuidado e de 15,28 na de função social. Já na área de mobilidade, o escore normativo foi menor que 10. Concluiu-se, portanto, que o desempenho funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral do tipo quadriplégica hipertônica é inferior ao padrão de normalidade esperado, sendo a área de mobilidade a mais prejudicada.
O uso de jogos matemáticos no processo de ensino e aprendizagem na educação de jovens e adultos: um estudo exploratório
Authors: Nunes Maria Yolanda , Lopes Leticia Azambuja
Published: July 2023

Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar o impacto do uso de jogos matemáticos no processo de ensino e aprendizagem na educação de jovens e adultos. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa empírica em uma escola pública, envolvendo a aplicação de jogos matemáticos adaptados às necessidades e características dos participantes. A metodologia adotada foi de cunho experimental, com um grupo de participantes sendo submetido à intervenção com jogos matemáticos e outro grupo atuando como grupo de controle. Foram coletados dados por meio de observação direta, registros escritos e questionários, permitindo uma análise qualitativa e quantitativa dos resultados. Os resultados preliminares indicam que o uso de jogos matemáticos estimula a participação ativa dos alunos, promove o desenvolvimento de habilidades de cálculo mental e contribui para uma compreensão mais ampla dos conceitos matemáticos. Além disso, os participantes relataram maior motivação e engajamento durante as atividades com jogos. Esses achados sugerem que os jogos matemáticos podem ser uma estratégia eficaz para o ensino da matemática na educação de jovens e adultos, proporcionando um ambiente de aprendizagem mais dinâmico e significativo. No entanto, são necessárias pesquisas futuras para aprofundar a compreensão dos benefícios dos jogos matemáticos nesse contexto e explorar outras variáveis que possam influenciar os resultados. Os resultados deste estudo têm implicações importantes para a prática educacional, destacando a relevância de incorporar estratégias lúdicas no ensino da matemática para alunos adultos, a fim de promover uma aprendizagem mais efetiva e prazerosa.
Algunas reflexiones relacionadas con las ideas de diversidad, vincularidad, diferencia
Authors: Kleiman Sonia
Published: July 2023

Este trabajo propone pensar cómo los conceptos valiosos en su surgimiento, Diversidad por Ej., pueden ser fagocitado por discursos como el del Mercado, o por criterios valorativos encubiertos, discriminación, que los desvirtúan en su contenido y los transforman en productos de consumo mediático. La tolerancia es pensada como una de las maneras de ejercer el poder. Los cambios radicales contemporáneos , requieren pensar las configuraciones vinculares de familia y pareja, no solo como nuevas maneras de vincularse , sino como otras producciones de subjetivacion y de las condiciones de existencia. Se plantea que a nivel vincular, seria interesante pensar cómo la diversidad es factible allí, donde hay trabajo de la diferencia, allí donde es factible la experiencia de alteridad entre otros. La idea de diferencia es presentada como discontinuidad de lo pensado como propio.
Momentum‐Space Imaging of Ultra‐Thin Electron Liquids in δ‐Doped Silicon
Authors: Constantinou Procopios , Stock Taylor J. Z. , Crane Eleanor , Kölker Alexander , van Loon Marcel , Li Juerong , Fearn Sarah , Bornemann Henric , D'Anna Nicolò , Fisher Andrew J. , Strocov Vladimir N. , Aeppli Gabriel , Curson Neil J. , Schofield Steven R.
Published: July 2023

Two‐dimensional dopant layers (δ‐layers) in semiconductors provide the high‐mobility electron liquids (2DELs) needed for nanoscale quantum‐electronic devices. Key parameters such as carrier densities, effective masses, and confinement thicknesses for 2DELs have traditionally been extracted from quantum magnetotransport. In principle, the parameters are immediately readable from the one‐electron spectral function that can be measured by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES). Here, buried 2DEL δ‐layers in silicon are measured with soft X‐ray (SX) ARPES to obtain detailed information about their filled conduction bands and extract device‐relevant properties. This study takes advantage of the larger probing depth and photon energy range of SX‐ARPES relative to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) ARPES to accurately measure the δ‐layer electronic confinement. The measurements are made on ambient‐exposed samples and yield extremely thin (< 1 nm) and dense (≈1014 cm−2) 2DELs. Critically, this method is used to show that δ‐layers of arsenic exhibit better electronic confinement than δ‐layers of phosphorus fabricated under identical conditions.
Secretion‐Catalyzed Assembly of Protein Biomaterials on a Bacterial Membrane Surface
Authors: Xie Qi , On Lee Sea , Vissamsetti Nitya , Guo Sikao , Johnson Margaret E. , Fried Stephen D.
Published: July 2023

Protein‐based biomaterials have played a key role in tissue engineering, and additional exciting applications as self‐healing materials and sustainable polymers are emerging. Over the past few decades, recombinant expression and production of various fibrous proteins from microbes have been demonstrated; however, the resulting proteins typically must then be purified and processed by humans to form usable fibers and materials. Here, we show that the Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis can be programmed to secrete silk through its translocon via an orthogonal signal peptide/peptidase pair. Surprisingly, we discover that this translocation mechanism drives the silk proteins to assemble into fibers spontaneously on the cell surface, in a process we call secretion‐catalyzed assembly (SCA). Secreted silk fibers form self‐healing hydrogels with minimal processing. Alternatively, the fibers retained on the membrane provide a facile route to create engineered living materials from Bacillus cells. This work provides a blueprint to achieve autonomous assembly of protein biomaterials in useful morphologies directly from microbial factories.
Remote C−H Olefination of Heterocyclic Biaryls Enabled by Reversibly Bound Templates
Authors: Liu Luo‐Yan , Fan Zhoulong , Hoque Md Emdadul , Qian Shaoqun , Meng Guangrong , Chekshin Nikita , Tanaka Keita , Qiao Jennifer X. , Yeung Kap‐Sun , Yu Jin‐Quan
Published: July 2023

Remote C−H functionalization of heterocyclic biaryls will be of great importance in synthesis and medicinal chemistry. Through adjusting the geometric relationship of the directing atom and target C−H bonds, two new catalytic templates have been developed to enable the functionalization of the more hindered ortho‐C−H bonds of heterobiaryls bearing directing heteroatom at the meta‐ or para‐positions, affording unprecedented site‐selectivity. The use of template chaperone also overcomes product inhibition and renders the directing templates catalytic. The utility of this protocol was demonstrated by olefination of heterocyclic biaryls with various substituents, overriding conventional steric and electronic effects. These ortho‐C−H olefinated heterobiaryls are sterically hindered and can often be challenging to prepare through aryl‐aryl coupling reactions.
High‐Rate CO2 Electrolysis to Formic Acid over a Wide Potential Window: An Electrocatalyst Comprised of Indium Nanoparticles on Chitosan‐Derived Graphene
Authors: Bi Jiahui , Li Pengsong , Liu Jiyuan , Wang Yong , Song Xinning , Kang Xinchen , Sun Xiaofu , Zhu Qinggong , Han Buxing
Published: July 2023

Realizing industrial‐scale production of HCOOH from the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) is very important, but the current density as well as the electrochemical potential window are still limited to date. Herein, we achieved this by integration of chemical adsorption and electrocatalytic capabilities for the CO2RR via anchoring In nanoparticles (NPs) on biomass‐derived substrates to create In/X−C (X=N, P, B) bifunctional active centers. The In NPs/chitosan‐derived N‐doped defective graphene (In/N‐dG) catalyst had outstanding performance for the CO2RR with a nearly 100 % Faradaic efficiency (FE) of HCOOH across a wide potential window. Particularly, at 1.2 A ⋅ cm−2 high current density, the FE of HCOOH was as high as 96.0 %, and the reduction potential was as low as −1.17 V vs RHE. When using a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a pure HCOOH solution could be obtained at the cathode without further separation and purification. The FE of HCOOH was still up to 93.3 % at 0.52 A ⋅ cm−2, and the HCOOH production rate could reach 9.051 mmol ⋅ h−1 ⋅ cm−2. Our results suggested that the defects and multilayer structure in In/N‐dG could not only enhance CO2 chemical adsorption capability, but also trigger the formation of an electron‐rich catalytic environment around In sites to promote the generation of HCOOH.
Chiral Adaptive Induction of an Achiral Cucurbit[8]uril‐Based Supramolecular Organic Framework by Dipeptides in Water
Authors: Yan Chaochao , Li Qingfang , Miao Xiaran , Zhao Yimin , Li Yawen , Wang Pingxia , Wang Kaige , Duan Honghong , Zhang Lei , Cao Liping
Published: July 2023

Chiral induction by natural biomolecules can reveal the indispensable role of chiral structures in life and can be used to develop the chirality‐sensing biomolecular recognition. Here, we present the synthesis and characterization of an achiral supramolecular organic framework (SOF‐1) constructed from cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) and hexaphenylbenzene (HPB) derivative (1) in water. Due to the propeller‐like rotational chiral conformation of HPB units and the specific recognition properties of CB[8], SOF‐1 demonstrates chiral adaptive induction in water when interacting with the N‐terminal Trp‐/Phe‐containing dipeptides including L‐TrpX and L‐PheX (X is an amino acid residue), respectively, exhibiting contrasting circular dichroism (CD) and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra. Consequently, SOF‐1 has been developed as a supramolecular host and chiroptical sensor capable of recognizing and distinguishing the sequence‐opposite Trp‐/Phe‐containing dipeptide pairs including L‐TrpX/L‐XTrp and L‐PheX/L‐XPhe based on the sequence‐selective CD responses.
An Endogenous Prompting Mechanism for Sulfur Conversions Via Coupling with Polysulfides in Li−S Batteries
Authors: Zheng Qingyi , Hou Qing , Shu Zhenghao , Liu Guoqing , Fan Xiaoxiang , Wang Kun , Fan Jingmin , Yuan Ruming , Zheng Mingsen , Dong Quanfeng
Published: July 2023

The sluggish kinetics process and shuttling of soluble intermediates present in complex conversion between sulfur and lithium sulfide severely limit the practical application of lithium‐sulfur batteries. Herein, by introducing a designated functional organic molecule to couple with polysulfide intermediators, an endogenous prompting mechanism of sulfur conversions has thus been created leading to an alternative sulfur‐electrode process, in another words, to build a fast “internal cycle” of promotors that can promote the slow “external cycle” of sulfur conversions. The coupling‐intermediators between the functional organic molecule and polysulfides, organophosphorus polysulfides, to be the “promotors” for sulfur conversions, are not only insoluble in the electrolyte but also with higher redox‐activity. So the sulfur‐electrode process kinetics is greatly improved and the shuttle effect is eliminated simultaneously by this strategy. Meanwhile, with the endogenous prompting mechanism, the morphology of the final discharge product can be modified into a uniform covering film, which is more conducive to its decomposition when charging. Benefiting from the effective mediation of reaction kinetics and control of intermediates solubility, the lithium‐sulfur batteries can act out excellent rate performance and cycling stability.
Synthesis and properties of high‐performance biobased liquid crystal copolyesters modified by small amount of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid
Authors: Wei Peng , Zhang Yanan , Li Zhiqiang , Li Junhui , Li Jiaojiao , Chen Caihong , Xu Qifan , Zhang Yifeng
Published: July 2023

High‐performance bio‐based liquid crystal copolyesters derived from 6‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenoic acid (HNA), 4,4′‐dihydroxybiphenyl (BP), bio‐based 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) and suberic acid (Sa) were successfully designed and prepared by “one‐pot” melt polycondensation method. The influence of small amount (1–5 mol%) of FDCA on structure and properties of the copolyesters were fully investigated. Aromatic heterocyclic FDCA units had unique effect on molecular structure and properties of the copolyesters ascribed to its high stiffness and nonlinearity. The glass transition temperature, melting temperature and initial decomposition temperature of the copolyester was improved. In addition, a small amount of FDCA addition was conducive to crystallization, which can be attributed to FDCA addition increasing the molecular chain interaction. The copolyesters exhibited a broad liquid crystal phase temperature range and viscous behavior, which provided great convenience for its melt processing. The tensile strength and modulus of injected splines were in range of 82.38 ~ 121.30 MPa and 2.68 ~ 3.95 GPa, respectively, which were much higher than those of PET, PLA and other biobased polyesters. The obtained copolyester has good thermal stability, melt processing ability, mechanical properties and hydrophilicity, which indicates that they have great potential for medical and packaging applications.
Isolation and characterization of a cold‐active, detergent‐stable protease from Serratia sp. TGS1
Authors: Zada Sahib , Khan Mohsin , Sajjad Wasim , Rafiq Muhammad , Sajjad Wasim , Su Zheng
Published: July 2023

Psychrophiles are cold‐adapted microorganisms living in cold regions and are known to generate cold‐active enzymes such as proteases, lipases, and peptidases. These types of enzymes are a major part of the market of the food and textile sector. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the cold‐active and detergent‐stable, extracellular protease from psychotrophic bacteria Serratia sp. TGS1 (OQ654005). Protease was purified by gel permeation chromatography using Sephadex G‐75. The specific activity of the purified protease was 250 U/mg at 15°C, with a purification fold of 5.68 and a percentage yield of 60%. The cold active protease was stable within a temperature range of 5–30°C and a pH range of 6–10. Ca+2 and Mg+2 enhanced its activity while chelators like ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid inhibited cold active protease, showing it as metalloprotease in nature. The enzyme was sensitive to Cu+2, Zn+2, and Hg+2, and the proteolytic activity decreased upon treatment with heavy metals. The molecular weight of the protease was estimated to be 47 kDa using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins within a specific range of molecular weight possess desirable properties for industrial enzyme use. By working on a specific range, the researchers intended to examine an enzyme to examine its specific characteristics. The purified protease showed high stability to detergents like SDS, Tween 20, Tween 60, and Triton X. The maximum velocity Vmax and Km values were 59.90 mg/min/mL and 1.53 mg/mL, respectively. The obtained protease exhibited an interesting activity at a broad range of pH (6–10) and stability at low temperatures (5–30°C) and detergents. Such enzymatic features of versatile and potent cold‐active enzymes enhance their industrial applications to meet food, dairy, and laundry requirements.
Modeling time‐delayed concentration‐QT effects with ACT‐1014‐6470, a novel oral complement factor 5a receptor 1 (C5a1 receptor) antagonist
Authors: Anliker‐Ort Marion , Hsin Chih‐hsuan , Krause Andreas , Pfister Marc , van den Anker John , Dingemanse Jasper , Kaufmann Priska
Published: July 2023

The novel oral complement factor 5a receptor 1 antagonist ACT‐1014‐6470 was well tolerated in single‐ and multiple‐ascending dose studies, including 24 h Holter electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings evaluating its cardiodynamics based on data from single doses of 30–200 mg and twice‐daily (b.i.d.) dosing of 30–120 mg for 4.5 days. By‐time point, categorical, and morphological analyses as well as concentration‐QT modeling and simulations were performed. No relevant effect of ACT‐1014‐6470 on ECG parameters was observed in the categorical and morphological analyses. After single‐dose administration, the by‐time point analysis indicated a delayed dose‐dependent increase in placebo‐corrected change from baseline in QT interval corrected with Fridericia's formula (ΔΔQTcF) at >6 h postdose. After b.i.d. dosing, ΔΔQTcF remained elevated during the 24‐h recording period, suggesting that the effect was not directly related to ACT‐1014‐6470 plasma concentration. The concentration‐QT model described change from baseline in QTcF (ΔQTcF)‐time profiles best with a 1‐oscillator model of 24 h for circadian rhythm, an effect compartment, and a sigmoidal maximum effect model. Model‐predicted ΔΔQTcF was derived for lower doses and less‐frequent dosing than assessed clinically. Median and 90% prediction intervals of ΔΔQTcF for once‐daily doses of 30 mg and b.i.d. doses of 10 mg did not exceed the regulatory threshold of 10 ms but would achieve ACT‐1014‐6470 plasma concentrations enabling adequate target engagement. Results from cardiodynamic assessments identified dose levels and dosing regimens that could be considered for future clinical trials, attempting to reduce QT liability.
Long‐term reconstruction of energy fluxes in an alpine river: Effects of flow regulation and restoration
Authors: Consoli Gabriele , Siebers Andre R. , Bruder Andreas , Robinson Christopher T.
Published: July 2023

Flow regulation of montane and alpine headwater streams can fundamentally alter food web structure and energy flows through changes in productivity, resource availability, and community assembly. Dam flow‐release schemes can be used to mitigate the environmental impacts of flow regulation via environmental flows, which can increase discharge variability and other ecologically important hydrological properties. In particular, managed floods can reintroduce disturbance to the system and stimulate the reactivation of physical habitat dynamics. However, how managed floods might restore ecosystem processes is virtually unknown. In this study, we examined patterns in potential energy fluxes before, during and after a long‐term experimental flood program on the river Spöl, a regulated alpine River in southeast Switzerland. We used benthic samples collected during long‐term monitoring and stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) of macroinvertebrates and their potential food sources to reconstruct secondary production, and potential energy fluxes, over a 20‐year study period. The experimental floods did not alter the relative importance of basal resources but resulted in a considerable decline in secondary production, which remained low after the discontinuation of the floods. Our data suggest that a lack of recolonization by mosses following the discontinuation of the experimental flood program on the river Spöl may have driven patterns in energy fluxes by limiting macroinvertebrates using mosses for habitat. The effects of environmental flows on energy flows in this system thus depend on flood disturbance and the environmental context following the discontinuation of floods.
Diagnosis of functional strictures in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis using hepatobiliary contrast-enhanced MRI: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Poetter-Lang Sarah , Messner Alina , Bastati Nina , Ringe Kristina I. , Ronot Maxime , Venkatesh Sudhakar K. , Ambros Raphael , Kristic Antonia , Korajac Aida , Dovjak Gregor , Zalaudek Martin , Hodge Jacqueline. C. , Schramm Christoph , Halilbasic Emina , Trauner Michael , Ba-Ssalamah Ahmed
Published: July 2023

Objectives

PSC strictures are routinely diagnosed on T2-MRCP as dominant- (DS) or high-grade stricture (HGS). However, high inter-observer variability limits their utility. We introduce the “potential functional stricture” (PFS) on T1-weighted hepatobiliary-phase images of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR cholangiography (T1-MRC) to assess inter-reader agreement on diagnosis, location, and prognostic value of PFS on T1-MRC vs. DS or HGS on T2-MRCP in PSC patients, using ERCP as the gold standard.

Methods

Six blinded readers independently reviewed 129 MRIs to diagnose and locate stricture, if present. DS/HGS was determined on T2-MRCP. On T1-MRC, PFS was diagnosed if no GA excretion was seen in the CBD, hilum or distal RHD, or LHD. If excretion was normal, “no functional stricture” (NFS) was diagnosed. T1-MRC diagnoses (NFS = 87; PFS = 42) were correlated with ERCP, clinical scores, labs, splenic volume, and clinical events. Statistical analyses included Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression.

Results

Interobserver agreement was almost perfect for NFS vs. PFS diagnosis, but fair to moderate for DS and HGS. Forty-four ERCPs in 129 patients (34.1%) were performed, 39 in PFS (92.9%), and, due to clinical suspicion, five in NFS (5.7%) patients. PFS and NFS diagnoses had 100% PPV and 100% NPV, respectively. Labs and clinical scores were significantly worse for PFS vs. NFS. PFS patients underwent more diagnostic and therapeutic ERCPs, experienced more clinical events, and reached significantly more endpoints (p < 0.001) than those with NFS. Multivariate analysis identified PFS as an independent risk factor for liver-related events.

Conclusion

T1-MRC was superior to T2-MRCP for stricture diagnosis, stricture location, and prognostication.

Clinical relevance statement

Because half of PSC patients will develop clinically-relevant strictures over the course of the disease, earlier more confident diagnosis and correct localization of functional stricture on gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI may optimize management and improve prognostication.

Key Points

• There is no consensus regarding biliary stricture imaging features in PSC that have clinical relevance.

• Twenty-minute T1-weighted MRC images correctly classified PSC patients with potential (PFS) vs with no functional stricture (NFS).

• T1-MRC diagnoses may reduce the burden of diagnostic ERCPs.

Graphical abstract
MAFLD: an optimal framework for understanding liver cancer phenotypes
Authors: Crane Harry , Gofton Cameron , Sharma Ankur , George Jacob
Published: July 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma has a substantial global mortality burden which is rising despite advancements in tackling the traditional viral risk factors. Metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease, increasing in parallel with the epidemics of obesity, diabetes and systemic metabolic dysregulation. MAFLD is a major factor behind this sustained rise in HCC incidence, both as a single disease entity and often via synergistic interactions with other liver diseases. Mechanisms behind MAFLD-related HCC are complex but is crucially underpinned by systemic metabolic dysregulation with variable contributions from interacting disease modifiers related to environment, genetics, dysbiosis and immune dysregulation. MAFLD-related HCC has a distinct clinical presentation, most notably its common occurrence in non-cirrhotic liver disease. This is just one of several major challenges to effective surveillance programmes. The response of MAFLD-related HCC to immune-checkpoint therapy is currently controversial, and is further complicated by the high prevalence of MAFLD in individuals with HCC from viral aetiologies. In this review, we highlight the current data on epidemiology, clinical characteristics, outcomes and screening controversies. In addition, concepts that have arisen because of the MAFLD paradigm such as HCC in MAFLD/NAFLD non-overlapping groups, dual aetiology tumours and MAFLD sub-phenotypes is reviewed.
Optimal surgery for resectable malignant pleural mesothelioma in the setting of multimodality treatment
Authors: Kondo Nobuyuki , Hasegawa Seiki
Published: July 2023

The surgical treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) involves procedures to achieve macroscopic complete resection, depending on the patient’s condition. We reviewed the evolution of surgical approaches for resectable MPM. Since surgery is no more than a single step in the set of processes in multimodality treatment (MMT), we concluded that these procedures should give precedence to lung preservation and minimize resection whenever possible. Postoperative quality of life must be prioritized when the patient can receive appropriate adjuvant therapy.
The aetiology and incidence of infective endocarditis in people living with rheumatic heart disease in tropical Australia
Authors: Basaglia Andrew , Kang Katherine , Wilcox Rob , Lau Alistair , McKenna Kylie , Smith Simon , Chau Ken W. T. , Hanson Josh
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To define the incidence and microbiological aetiology of infective endocarditis (IE) in patients with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in tropical Australia.

Methods

A retrospective study that examined all episodes of IE between January 1998 and June 2021 among individuals on the RHD register in Far North Queensland, Australia.

Results

There were 1135 individuals with a diagnosis of RHD on the register during the study period, representing 10962 patient-years at risk. Overall, there were 18 episodes of definite IE occurring in 16 individuals, although only 7 episodes occurred in native valves (11 occurred in prosthetic valves) equating to 0.7 episodes of native valve IE/1000 patient-years. No patient with mild RHD - and only one child with RHD - developed IE during the study period. Despite the study’s tropical location, the causative organism was usually typical skin or oral flora. Among individuals with an indication for benzathine penicillin G (BPG) prophylaxis, only 1/6 episodes of IE due to a penicillin-susceptible organism received BPG in the month before presentation.

Conclusion

Although RHD predisposes individuals to IE, the absolute risk of IE in native valve disease in tropical Australia is low and might be reduced further by improved adherence to secondary BPG prophylaxis.
Dissemination of ArmA- and OXA-23-co-producing Acinetobacter baumannii Global Clone 2 in Switzerland, 2020–2021
Authors: Findlay Jacqueline , Nordmann Patrice , Bouvier Maxime , Kerbol Auriane , Poirel Laurent
Published: July 2023

Following the observation of an increased number of isolation of OXA-23- and ArmA-producing Acinetobacter baumannii at the national level, our aim was to evaluate whether some given clone(s) might actually be spreading and/or emerging in Switzerland. To evaluate this possibility, our study investigated and characterized all A. baumannii isolates harboring both the blaOXA-23 and armA genes that had been collected at the Swiss National Reference Center for Emerging Antibiotic Resistance (NARA) from 2020 to 2021. Most isolates were obtained from infections rather than colonization with the majority being obtained from respiratory specimens. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of 56 isolates identified nine profiles. Then, whole-genome sequencing that was performed on a subset of 11 isolates including at least one representative isolate of each PFGE profile identified three STs; one each of ST25 and ST1902, and nine ST2 (a member of Global Clone 2 (GC-2). The blaOXA-23 gene was always found embedded within Tn2006 structures, as commonly described with GC-2 (ST2) isolates. Susceptibility testing showed that most of those isolates, despite being highly resistant to all carbapenems and all aminoglycosides, remained susceptible to colistin (94.6%), sulbactam-durlobactam (87.5%), and cefiderocol (83.9% or 91.1% according to EUCAST or CLSI breakpoints, respectively). Overall, this study identified that the A. baumannii co-producing OXA-23 and ArmA are increasing in incidence in Switzerland, largely due to the dissemination of the high-risk GC-2. This highlights the importance of the monitoring of such MDR A. baumannii strains, in order to contribute to reduce their potential further spread.
An assessment of 'Inclusive' Business Models: Vehicles for Development, or Neo-Colonial Practices?
Authors: Mangnus Ellen
Published: July 2023

In a period of decreasing aid budgets and increasing private sector engagement in the Global South, Inclusive Business-referring to a business model that integrates marginalized people in the company’s value chain as suppliers, distributors, retailers, or customers to the mutual benefit of both the company and the community has become a preferred development strategy. However so far the impacts of inclusive business models on the livelihoods of these ‘marginalized people’ have remained elusive. With this paper I aim to contribute to a better understanding of the impacts perceived by the communities. Starting from the idea that the rural landscape is socially differentiated, I scrutinize the impact of inclusive business models on the ground at the level of the farmer communities in two very different settings: the savannah of North-Ghana and the green valleys on the slope of Mount Kenya in East Kenya. The findings indicate that diverse groups in the communities are impacted differently by inclusive business models. Both companies catalyse trajectories that in the long term might have negative repercussions on the livelihoods of smallholders. These long-term, or unintended, impacts are obfuscated in frameworks used to assess inclusive business models. Inclusive business models can only be a partial answer in overcoming poverty and food insecurity.
From physical space to mental space: feelings of being physically constrained increase consumer preference for mind-expanding products
Authors: Auschaitrakul Sumitra , King Dan , You Yanfen
Published: July 2023

This research examines whether and how feelings of physical constraints can increase consumers’ preference for mind-expanding products, such as products that broaden perspectives and viewpoints. Three studies show that feelings of physical constraints (such as when consumers commute and buckle their seatbelts, which restricts their movement) motivate them to increase mental space and break free from mental limitations as an alternative way to compensate for the physical restrictions they experience. As a result, consumers prefer mind-expanding products more because the content of these products helps them expand their mental space. Together, the current research integrates and extends theories of fluid compensatory consumption and offers actionable managerial implications for marketers.
The Role of Novel Antifungals in the Management of Candidiasis: A Clinical Perspective
Authors: Ordaya Eloy E. , Clement Josh , Vergidis Paschalis
Published: July 2023

Mucosal and invasive candidiasis can be challenging to treat in the setting of drug intolerance, antifungal resistance, drug–drug interactions, or host immune status. Antifungals with novel mechanisms of action and distinct pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties have been developed in recent years. Rezafungin is an echinocandin with high-tissue penetration and an extended half-life that allows for once-weekly administration, making it a convenient treatment option for invasive candidiasis while obviating the need for central catheter placement. Ibrexafungerp is an oral glucan synthase inhibitor that is active against most echinocandin-resistant Candida species. At present, it is approved for the treatment of acute vulvovaginal candidiasis and is under investigation as an oral step-down therapy following initial treatment with an echinocandin for cases of invasive candidiasis. Oteseconazole is a long-acting tetrazole that exhibits a higher affinity for the fungal enzyme CYP51, resulting in a potentially lower risk of drug–drug interactions and side effects compared to other azoles. It is currently approved for the treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Fosmanogepix has a novel mechanism of action and potent activity against several Candida strains resistant to other antifungals. Due to its considerable bioavailability and tissue penetration, it holds promise as a potential treatment option in patients with invasive candidiasis, including those with chorioretinitis or meningitis. Results from clinical trials and observational studies will further delineate the role of these agents in the management of candidiasis. As the usage of these novel antifungals becomes widespread, we expect to acquire a greater understanding of their efficacy and potential benefits.
Motivational Facts, Legitimacy, and the Justification of Political Ideals
Authors: Erez Lior
Published: July 2023

Should facts about motivation play a role in the justification of political ideals? Many theorists argue that political ideals should be tailored to the limitations of human nature—‘taking people as they are’—while others maintain that facts about motivation should be excluded. This article offers a critical intervention in this debate: the important question is not so much whether people can motivate themselves, or whether they are capable of being motivated, but what social mechanisms would be required to motivate them, and whether these mechanisms are legitimate. Reframing the question of motivation as a political question of legitimacy, I argue that if people could only be motivated to act through illegitimate use of power, the ideal in question cannot be fully justified.
On the difficulty of discovering mathematical proofs
Authors: Arana Andrew , Stafford Will
Published: July 2023

An account of mathematical understanding should account for the differences between theorems whose proofs are “easy” to discover, and those whose proofs are difficult to discover. Though Hilbert seems to have created proof theory with the idea that it would address this kind of “discovermental complexity”, much more attention has been paid to the lengths of proofs, a measure of the difficulty ofverifyingof agivenformal object that it is a proof of a given formula in a given formal system. In this paper we will shift attention back to discovermental complexity, by addressing a “topological” measure of proof complexity recently highlighted by Alessandra Carbone (2009). Though we will contend that Carbone’s measure fails as a measure of discovermental complexity, it forefronts numerous important formal and epistemological issues that we will discuss, including the structure of proofs and the question of whether impure proofs are systematically simpler than pure proofs.
Child sexual abuse material on the darknet
Authors: Gannon Colm , Blokland Arjan A. J. , Huikuri Salla , Babchishin Kelly M. , Lehmann Robert J. B.
Published: July 2023

By routing traffic through a random combination of servers worldwide, the darknet obfuscates the identity of its users, making it an attractive medium for journalists, dissidents, and individuals committing crimes. Since 2008, access to the darknet has been facilitated by the The Onion Router (TOR) browser, bringing the darknet within reach of an increasingly wider audience. Tens of thousands of darknet forums serve the criminal needs of millions of users each day and hundreds of these darknet forums are especially dedicated to the exchange of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Practitioners who work with men with sexual offences may therefore face individuals whose sexual offences occurred partly or wholly in the darknet. In the current review article, we summarize both the scientific literature and evidence obtained from CSAM forum “take-downs,” to describe the organization of darknet CSAM forums and the activities of their members. These forums report large and international memberships of individuals who, much like mainstream social media, interact online on a regular basis, creating large, online communities in which like-minded individuals can socialize and barter CSAM with minimal risk of discovery. Not all forum members contribute equally to the community, and especially administrators appear indispensable for the proper functioning of the CSAM forum. Implications for future research and law enforcement are discussed.
The interplay of kinematics and aerodynamics in multiple flight modes of a dragonfly
Authors: Noda R. , Liu X. , Hefler C. , Shyy W. , Qiu H.H.
Published: July 2023

This paper presents the effects of wing kinematics on both normal forward flight and escape flight of a dragonfly. A Navier–Stokes-based numerical model has been adopted, and results have been substantiated by experimental data. The wing kinematics of tethered specimens and the prescribed wing morphology of a free-flying dragonfly were used in the simulation. To shed light on the interplay between kinematics and aerodynamics, a parametric study of the kinematics has been conducted. It is found that in escape flight, the dragonfly generates additional lift while the thrust reduces and the overall efficiency drops. Compared with normal forward flight, the escape mode produces larger lift force peaks. When the kinematics change to facilitate escape flight, the aerodynamic forces are affected by not only the flapping kinematics but, in the case of the hindwing, the varied wing–wing vortex interactions. The direction of the resultant force on each wing changes according to the change of the mean of pitching angle and stroke plane angle. We found that in the studied configurations, the varied phasing of the wings has a marginal effect on the aerodynamics of the dragonfly. It reduces lift and increases thrust, and this force modulation is slightly more efficient when the local angle of attack also changes. On the other hand, the change of angle of attack played a major role in leading-edge vortex formations and directing the resultant forces of the wings. The results can be useful in developing flight control strategies for micro air vehicle design.
Pamiparib in combination with tislelizumab in patients with advanced solid tumours: results from the dose-expansion stage of a multicentre, open-label, phase I trial
Authors: Friedlander Michael , Mileshkin Linda , Lombard Janine , Frentzas Sophia , Gao Bo , Wilson Michelle , Meniawy Tarek , Baron-Hay Sally , Briscoe Karen , McCarthy Nicole , Fountzilas Christos , Cervantes Andres , Ge Ruimin , Wu John , Spira Alexander
Published: July 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumour activity, safety, and tolerability of pamiparib plus tislelizumab in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumours.

Methods

In this study, patients were enrolled into eight arms by tumour type. All received pamiparib 40 mg orally twice daily plus tislelizumab 200 mg intravenously every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), assessed by the investigator per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours v1.1. Secondary endpoints included duration of response (DoR), safety, and tolerability.

Results

Overall, 180 patients were enrolled. In the overall population, the ORR was 20.0% (range: 0–47.4 across study arms), with median DoR of 17.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.2, not estimable [NE]). The highest ORR was observed in the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) arm (patients with BRCA1/2 mutations and/or homologous recombination deficiency) (ORR: 47.4%; median DoR: 17.1 months [95% CI: 3.0, NE]). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of ≥Grade 3 occurred in 61.7% of patients. Serious TEAEs occurred in 50.0% of patients.

Conclusions

Pamiparib plus tislelizumab showed a variable level of antitumour activity in patients with advanced solid tumours, with the highest ORR in TNBC and was associated with a manageable safety profile.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT02660034.
Panoramic errors in pediatric patients with special needs
Authors: Fux-Noy Avia , Rohana Rasha , Rettman Andra , Moskovitz Moti , Nadler Chen
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to analyze the types and frequencies of panoramic technical errors in pediatric patients with special needs, as compared to matching images of patients with normal developmental patterns. Panoramic images of 100 pediatric patients, with equal numbers of either special needs or healthy controls, referred to our Oral Maxillofacial Imaging unit, were retrospectively examined by four blinded observers for the presence of four common technical errors: palatoglossal air space, movement, positioning errors, and foreign bodies appearance. In addition, they subjectively determined the image quality on an ordinal scale. The statistical examination included inter-observer correlation and correlations between demographic factors (age, gender, developmental status) and the number and types of errors. The frequencies of demonstrated errors were, in descending order: movement, positioning, palatoglossal air space, and foreign bodies' appearance. The special needs group images showed significantly more errors and were rated as low-quality radiographs. Younger patients in both groups showed more movement and positioning errors. Technical errors in panoramic images of patients with special needs were more frequently found. Therefore, increased awareness of the staff and appropriate pre-imaging instructions to the patients, are required when imaging pediatric patients, especially those with special needs.
In situ infrared imaging of the local orientation of cellulose fibrils in plant secondary cell walls
Authors: Veber Alexander , Zancajo Victor M. R. , Puskar Ljiljana , Schade Ulrich , Kneipp Janina
Published: July 2023

Infrared polarized microspectra of transverse leaf sections of Sorghum bicolor show significant anisotropy of vibrational modes. They reveal the preferential orientation of the sub-micron cellulose fibrils and other biopolymers in single cell walls.
Comprehensive study on the origin of orthorhombic phase stabilization in Gd-doped HfO2 and DFT calculations
Authors: Banerjee D. , Dey C. C. , Kumar Ravi , Modak Brindaban , Hazra Snehamoyee , Datta Subarna , Ghosh Barnali , Thakare S. V. , Jha S. N. , Bhattacharyya D.
Published: July 2023

The grain size of HfO2 is reduced from ∼50 nm to ∼25 nm by a Gd-dopant (1–5 at%) with concomitant stabilization of the orthorhombic phase over the monoclinic phase.
Unveiling the impact of Ni2+/Y3+ co-substitution on the structural, dielectric, and impedance properties of multiferroic spinel ferrite for hydroelectric cell application
Authors: Jain Prachi , Shankar S. , Thakur O. P.
Published: July 2023

The magnetic, electric and hydroelectric performance improve significantly with after co-substitution of Ni2+ ions and Y3+ ions in cobalt ferrite.
In silico screening and computational evaluation of novel promising USP14 inhibitors targeting the palm–thumb pocket
Authors: Wang Tianhao , Tong Jianbo , Zhang Xing , Luo Hao , Xu Lei , Wang Zhe
Published: July 2023

Protein degradation and synthesis are essential for regulating various biological activities within the body.