bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dielectric Characteristics and A.C. Conductivity of Pb3O4-Bi2O3-B2O3:CuO Glass Ceramics with CuBi2O4 Crystal Phase: A Possible Electrode Material for Ionic Batteries
Authors: Bhadrarao D. , Pavić L. , Bafti A. , Pisk J. , Sekhar A. Venkata , Naga Koti Reddy G. , Kumar V. Ravi , Baskaran G. Sahaya , Raju G. Naga , Veeraiah N.
Published: October 2023

In this study, we investigated the dielectric properties of Pb3O4-Bi2O3-B2O3 (PBB) glass ceramics doped with varying CuO concentrations across wide frequency and temperature ranges. The structural analysis involved XRD, SEM, XPS, DTA, FT-IR, ESR, and OA spectra, revealed the presence of anisotropic CuBi2O4 ferroelectric crystal phases with the size of a few microns in these glass ceramics. The glass-ceramics containing a higher content of CuO indicated a maximal reduction of Cu2+ to Cu+ ions that inhabit network-forming sites. Dielectric properties, including ε′, M,′ M″, Z, and σ

ac
, were studied as functions of CuO content. ε′ and σ

ac
were observed to decrease, while impedance was found to increase with CuO up to 0.8 mol%. Observed dipolar effects were quantitatively discussed with the identification of probable dipoles. The study indicated decreased ionic and increased polaronic contributions to σ

ac
with a rise of CuO from 0.2 to 0.8 mol%. In conclusion, glass ceramics with low CuO content are suitable as solid electrolytes, while higher CuO content serves as electrode materials in solid-state batteries.
The acute effects of exercise intensity and inorganic nitrate supplementation on vascular health in females after menopause
Authors: Hogwood Austin C. , Ortiz de Zevallos Joaquin , Weeldreyer Nathan , Clark James R. , Mazzella Vincent , Cain Lauren , Myaing Dylan , Love Kaitlin M. , Weltman Arthur , Allen Jason D.
Published: October 2023

This study compared exercise-induced changes in flow-mediated dilation after acute moderate- and high-intensity exercise in females postmenopause supplementing either inorganic nitrate (beetroot juice) or placebo. BRJ improved peak ΔFMD postexercise, and BRJ + HIE increased FMD measured as FMD over time. Neither PL + MIE nor PL + HIE improved FMD. These findings suggest that inorganic nitrate supplementation combined with high-intensity exercise may benefit vascular health in females PM.
The Role of the IL-33/ST2 Axis in CpG-Induced Macrophage Activation Syndrome
Authors: Dong Yuanji , Gao Rongfen , He Kailin , Zhong Jixin , Dong Lingli
Published: October 2023

Background. Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a fatal inflammatory condition, which is often associated with the elevation of multiple proinflammatory cytokines and multiple organ dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that ST2 contributes to T cell overactivation and plays a detrimental role in mouse models of primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in a mouse model of MAS induced by repeated injections of cytosine–phosphate–guanine (CpG). Methods. Serum cytokines were determined using the cytometric bead array by flow cytometry. IL-33 and ST2 were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR in the liver and spleen of mice. CD3 and F4/80 in the liver were detected by immunohistochemistry. Inflammatory macrophages and effector memory T lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Result. The CpG-induced MAS model was successfully induced after repeated CpG injections, presenting with hypercytokinemia and hepatosplenomegaly. The numbers of IL-33 positive cells in the liver and spleen decreased significantly, while the expression of ST2 in the liver tended to increase in the mice with MAS. IL-33 and St2 knockout mice showed similar levels of hepatosplenomegaly, peripheral blood count, and cytokine storm when compared with wild-type (WT) mice after induction of MAS. There were also no significant differences in liver pathology (including inflammatory cell infiltration of CD3 and F4/80) and levels of splenic inflammatory macrophages and effector memory T cells between the WT and knockout mice. Conclusion. These results suggested that IL-33 decreased in the liver and spleen tissues of MAS mice. Further results suggest that IL-33 and St2 knockout mice have no treatment potential in CpG-induced MAS. Thus, the IL-33/ST2 axis has little effect on the prognosis of CpG-induced MAS.
Strategic Sizing and Placement of Distributed Generation in Radial Distributed Networks Using Multiobjective PSO
Authors: Wanjekeche Tom , Ndapuka Andreas A. , Mukena Lupembe Nicksen
Published: October 2023

Distributed generators (DGs) offer significant advantages to electric power systems, including improved system losses, stability, and reduced losses. However, realizing these benefits necessitates optimal DG site selection and sizing. This study proposes a traditional multiobjective particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach to determine the optimal location and size of renewable energy-based DGs (wind and solar) on the Namibian distribution system. The aim is to enhance voltage profiles and minimize power losses and total DG cost. Probabilistic models are employed to account for the random nature of wind speeds and solar irradiances. This is used in an algorithm which eventually optimizes the siting and sizing of DGs using the nearest main substation as reference. The proposed method is tested on the Vhungu-Vhungu 11 kV distribution network in Namibia. Four cases were considered: base case with no DG, solar power, wind power, and a hybrid of both wind and solar. Optimal values for each case are determined and analyzed: 0.69.93 kW at 26 km for solar PV-based DG and 100 kW at 42 km for wind-based DG. These findings will serve as a valuable blueprint for future DG connections on the Namibian distribution network, providing guidance for optimizing system performance.
Data from GABA regulates electrical activity and tumor initiation in melanoma
Authors: Tagore Mohita , Hergenreder Emiliano , Perlee Sarah C. , Cruz Nelly M. , Menocal Laura , Suresh Shruthy , Chan Eric , Baron Maayan , Melendez Stephanie , Dave Asim , Chatila Walid K. , Nsengimana Jeremie , Koche Richard P. , Hollmann Travis J. , Ideker Trey , Studer Lorenz , Schietinger Andrea , White Richard M.
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Oncogenes can only initiate tumors in certain cellular contexts, which is referred to as oncogenic competence. In melanoma, whether cells in the microenvironment can endow such competence remains unclear. Using a combination of zebrafish transgenesis coupled with human tissues, we demonstrate that GABAergic signaling between keratinocytes and melanocytes promotes melanoma initiation by BRAFV600E. GABA is synthesized in melanoma cells, which then acts on GABA-A receptors on keratinocytes. Electron microscopy demonstrates specialized cell-cell junctions between keratinocytes and melanoma cells, and multi-electrode array analysis shows that GABA acts to inhibit electrical activity in melanoma/keratinocyte co-cultures. Genetic and pharmacologic perturbation of GABA synthesis abrogates melanoma initiation in vivo. These data suggest that GABAergic signaling across the skin microenvironment regulates the ability of oncogenes to initiate melanoma.
Data from GABA Regulates Electrical Activity and Tumor Initiation in Melanoma
Authors: Tagore Mohita , Hergenreder Emiliano , Perlee Sarah C. , Cruz Nelly M. , Menocal Laura , Suresh Shruthy , Chan Eric , Baron Maayan , Melendez Stephanie , Dave Asim , Chatila Walid K. , Nsengimana Jeremie , Koche Richard P. , Hollmann Travis J. , Ideker Trey , Studer Lorenz , Schietinger Andrea , White Richard M.
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Oncogenes can initiate tumors only in certain cellular contexts, which is referred to as oncogenic competence. In melanoma, whether cells in the microenvironment can endow such competence remains unclear. Using a combination of zebrafish transgenesis coupled with human tissues, we demonstrate that GABAergic signaling between keratinocytes and melanocytes promotes melanoma initiation by BRAFV600E. GABA is synthesized in melanoma cells, which then acts on GABA-A receptors in keratinocytes. Electron microscopy demonstrates specialized cell–cell junctions between keratinocytes and melanoma cells, and multielectrode array analysis shows that GABA acts to inhibit electrical activity in melanoma/keratinocyte cocultures. Genetic and pharmacologic perturbation of GABA synthesis abrogates melanoma initiation in vivo. These data suggest that GABAergic signaling across the skin microenvironment regulates the ability of oncogenes to initiate melanoma.
Significance:
This study shows evidence of GABA-mediated regulation of electrical activity between melanoma cells and keratinocytes, providing a new mechanism by which the microenvironment promotes tumor initiation. This provides insights into the role of the skin microenvironment in early melanomas while identifying GABA as a potential therapeutic target in melanoma.

See related commentary by Ceol, p. 2128.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109
Data from Inhibition of METTL3 results in a cell-intrinsic interferon response that enhances
anti-tumour immunity
Authors: Guirguis Andrew A. , Ofir-Rosenfeld Yaara , Knezevic Kathy , Blackaby Wesley , Hardick David , Chan Yih-Chih , Motazedian Ali , Gillespie Andrea , Vassiliadis Dane , Lam Enid YN. , Tran Kevin , Andrews Byron , Harbour Michael E. , Vasiliauskaite Lina , Saunders Claire J. , Tsagkogeorga Georgia , Azevedo Aleksandra , Obacz Joanna , Pilka Ewa S. , Carkill Marie , MacPherson Laura , Wainwright Elanor N. , Liddicoat Brian , Blyth Benjamin J. , Albertella Mark R. , Rausch Oliver , Dawson Mark A.
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Therapies that enhance anti-tumour immunity have altered the natural history of many cancers. Consequently, leveraging non-overlapping mechanisms to increase immunogenicity of cancer cells remains a priority. Using a novel enzymatic inhibitor of the RNA methyltransferase, METTL3, we demonstrate a global decrease in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) results in double-stranded RNA formation and a profound cell-intrinsic interferon response. Through unbiased CRISPR screens, we establish dsRNA-sensing and interferon signalling are primary mediators that potentiate T-cell killing of cancer cells following METTL3 inhibition. We show in a range of immunocompetent mouse models that whilst METTL3 inhibition is equally efficacious to anti-PD1 therapy, the combination has far greater pre-clinical activity. Using SPLINTR barcoding, we demonstrate that anti-PD1 and METTL3 inhibition target distinct malignant clones and the combination of these therapies overcome clones insensitive to the single agents. These data provide the molecular and pre-clinical rationale for employing METTL3 inhibitors to promote anti-tumour immunity in the clinic.
Data from Inhibition of METTL3 Results in a Cell-Intrinsic Interferon Response That Enhances Antitumor Immunity
Authors: Guirguis Andrew A. , Ofir-Rosenfeld Yaara , Knezevic Kathy , Blackaby Wesley , Hardick David , Chan Yih-Chih , Motazedian Ali , Gillespie Andrea , Vassiliadis Dane , Lam Enid Y.N. , Tran Kevin , Andrews Byron , Harbour Michael E. , Vasiliauskaite Lina , Saunders Claire J. , Tsagkogeorga Georgia , Azevedo Aleksandra , Obacz Joanna , Pilka Ewa S. , Carkill Marie , MacPherson Laura , Wainwright Elanor N. , Liddicoat Brian , Blyth Benjamin J. , Albertella Mark R. , Rausch Oliver , Dawson Mark A.
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Therapies that enhance antitumor immunity have altered the natural history of many cancers. Consequently, leveraging nonoverlapping mechanisms to increase immunogenicity of cancer cells remains a priority. Using a novel enzymatic inhibitor of the RNA methyl­transferase METTL3, we demonstrate a global decrease in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) results in double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) formation and a profound cell-intrinsic interferon response. Through unbiased CRISPR screens, we establish dsRNA-sensing and interferon signaling are primary mediators that potentiate T-cell killing of cancer cells following METTL3 inhibition. We show in a range of immunocompetent mouse models that although METTL3 inhibition is equally efficacious to anti–PD-1 therapy, the combination has far greater preclinical activity. Using SPLINTR barcoding, we demonstrate that anti–PD-1 therapy and METTL3 inhibition target distinct malignant clones, and the combination of these therapies overcomes clones insensitive to the single agents. These data provide the mole­cular and preclinical rationale for employing METTL3 inhibitors to promote antitumor immunity in the clinic.
Significance:
This work demonstrates that METTL3 inhibition stimulates a cell-intrinsic interferon response through dsRNA formation. This immunomodulatory mechanism is distinct from current immunotherapeutic agents and provides the molecular rationale for combination with anti–PD-1 immune-checkpoint blockade to augment antitumor immunity.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109
Data from Colorectal cancer organoid-stroma biobank allows subtype-specific assessment of individualized therapy responses
Authors: Farin Henner F. , Mosa Mohammed H. , Ndreshkjana Benardina , Grebbin Britta M. , Ritter Birgit , Menche Constantin , Kennel Kilian B. , Ziegler Paul K. , Szabo Lili , Bollrath Julia , Rieder Dietmar , Michels Birgitta E. , Kress Alena , Bozlar Muge , Darvishi Tahmineh , Stier Sara , Kur Ivan-Maximiliano , Bankov Katrin , Kesselring Rebecca , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Brune Bernhard , Goetze Thorsten O. , Al-Batran Salah-Eddin , Brandts Christian H. , Bechstein Wolf O. , Wild Peter J. , Weigert Andreas , Muller Susanne , Knapp Stefan , Trajanoski Zlatko , Greten Florian R.
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In colorectal cancers (CRC) the tumor microenvironment plays a key role for prognosis and therapy efficacy. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTOs) show enormous potential for preclinical testing, however, cultured tumor cells lose important characteristics including the ‘consensus molecular subtypes’ (CMS). To better reflect the cellular heterogeneity, we established the CRC organoid-stroma biobank of matched PDTOs and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from 30 patients. Context-specific phenotyping showed that xenotransplantation or co-culture with CAFs improves the transcriptomic fidelity and instructs subtype-specific stromal gene expression. Furthermore, functional profiling in co-culture exposed CMS4-specific therapeutic resistance to Gefitinib and SN-38 and prognostic expression signatures. Chemogenomic library screening identified patient- and therapy-dependent mechanisms of stromal resistance including MET as common target. Our results demonstrate that CRC phenotypes are encrypted in the cancer epithelium in a plastic fashion that strongly depends on the context. Consequently, CAFs are essential for faithful representation of molecular subtypes and therapy responses ex vivo.
Data from Colorectal Cancer Organoid–Stroma Biobank Allows Subtype-Specific Assessment of Individualized Therapy Responses
Authors: Farin Henner F. , Mosa Mohammed H. , Ndreshkjana Benardina , Grebbin Britta M. , Ritter Birgit , Menche Constantin , Kennel Kilian B. , Ziegler Paul K. , Szabó Lili , Bollrath Julia , Rieder Dietmar , Michels Birgitta E. , Kress Alena , Bozlar Müge , Darvishi Tahmineh , Stier Sara , Kur Ivan-Maximilano , Bankov Katrin , Kesselring Rebecca , Fichtner-Feigl Stefan , Brüne Bernhard , Goetze Thorsten O. , Al-Batran Salah-Eddin , Brandts Christian H. , Bechstein Wolf O. , Wild Peter J. , Weigert Andreas , Müller Susanne , Knapp Stefan , Trajanoski Zlatko , Greten Florian R.
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In colorectal cancers, the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in prognosis and therapy efficacy. Patient-derived tumor organoids (PDTO) show enormous potential for preclinical testing; however, cultured tumor cells lose important characteristics, including the consensus molecular subtypes (CMS). To better reflect the cellular heterogeneity, we established the colorectal cancer organoid–stroma biobank of matched PDTOs and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) from 30 patients. Context-specific phenotyping showed that xenotransplantation or coculture with CAFs improves the transcriptomic fidelity and instructs subtype-specific stromal gene expression. Furthermore, functional profiling in coculture exposed CMS4-specific therapeutic resistance to gefitinib and SN-38 and prognostic expression signatures. Chemogenomic library screening identified patient- and therapy-dependent mechanisms of stromal resistance including MET as a common target. Our results demonstrate that colorectal cancer phenotypes are encrypted in the cancer epithelium in a plastic fashion that strongly depends on the context. Consequently, CAFs are essential for a faithful representation of molecular subtypes and therapy responses ex vivo.
Significance:
Systematic characterization of the organoid–stroma biobank provides a resource for context dependency in colorectal cancer. We demonstrate a colorectal cancer subtype memory of PDTOs that is independent of specific driver mutations. Our data underscore the importance of functional profiling in cocultures for improved preclinical testing and identification of stromal resistance mechanisms.

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109
Managing Hemostasis in Space
Authors: White Nathan J. , Wenthe Andrew
Published: October 2023

Human space travel requires exposure to weightlessness, ionizing radiation, isolation, and austerity. A recent report of internal jugular vein thrombosis in astronauts in low Earth orbit confirms that these exposures also affect vascular biology to influence diseases of thrombosis and hemostasis. This brief review summarizes the known influences of space travel on inflammation, blood coagulation, and the cardiovascular system and conceptualizes how they might combine to affect thrombosis and hemostasis. In the event of a major thrombotic or bleeding emergency, it is anticipated that the unique physiological influences of the space environment and logistical limitations of providing medical care in space would require a response that is unique from our current experience. We also look towards the future to discuss lessons learned from our current experiences on Earth and in space.
Atrial Myopathy Quantified by Speckle-tracking Echocardiography in Mice
Authors: Zhang Michael J. , Gyberg Dylan J. , Healy Chastity L. , Zhang Naixin , Liu Hong , Dudley Samuel C. , O’Connell Timothy D.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Emerging evidence suggests that atrial myopathy may be the underlying pathophysiology that explains adverse cardiovascular outcomes in heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation. Lower left atrial (LA) function (strain) is a key biomarker of atrial myopathy, but murine LA strain has not been described, thus limiting translational investigation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize LA function by speckle-tracking echocardiography in mouse models of atrial myopathy.

METHODS:

We used 3 models of atrial myopathy in wild-type male and female C57Bl6/J mice: (1) aged 16 to 17 months, (2) Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion, and (3) high-fat diet+Nω-nitro-
L
-arginine methyl ester (HF with preserved ejection fraction, HFpEF). LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile strain were measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography from a modified parasternal long-axis window. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and global longitudinal strain were also measured. Transesophageal rapid atrial pacing was used to induce atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS:

LA reservoir, conduit, and contractile strain were significantly reduced in aged, Ang II and HFpEF mice compared with young controls. There were no sex-based interactions. Left ventricular diastolic function and global longitudinal strain were lower in aged, Ang II and HFpEF, but left ventricular ejection fraction was unchanged. Atrial fibrillation inducibility was low in young mice (5%), moderately higher in aged mice (20%), and high in Ang II (75%) and HFpEF (83%) mice.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using speckle-tracking echocardiography, we observed reduced LA function in established mouse models of atrial myopathy with concurrent atrial fibrillation inducibility, thus providing the field with a timely and clinically relevant platform for understanding the pathophysiology and discovery of novel treatment targets for atrial myopathy.
Detection of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Low-Field, Portable Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Mazurek Mercy H. , Parasuram Nethra R. , Peng Teng J. , Beekman Rachel , Yadlapalli Vineetha , Sorby-Adams Annabel J. , Lalwani Dheeraj , Zabinska Julia , Gilmore Emily J. , Petersen Nils H. , Falcone Guido J. , Sujijantarat Nanthiya , Matouk Charles , Payabvash Sam , Sze Gordon , Schiff Steven J. , Iglesias Juan Eugenio , Rosen Matthew S. , de Havenon Adam , Kimberly W. Taylor , Sheth Kevin N.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Neuroimaging is essential for detecting spontaneous, nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Recent data suggest ICH can be characterized using low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Our primary objective was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of ICH on a 0.064T portable MRI (pMRI) scanner using a methodology that provided clinical information to inform rater interpretations. As a secondary aim, we investigated whether the incorporation of a deep learning (DL) reconstruction algorithm affected ICH detection.

METHODS:

The pMRI device was deployed at Yale New Haven Hospital to examine patients presenting with stroke symptoms from October 26, 2020 to February 21, 2022. Three raters independently evaluated pMRI examinations. Raters were provided the images alongside the patient’s clinical information to simulate real-world context of use. Ground truth was the closest conventional computed tomography or 1.5/3T MRI. Sensitivity and specificity results were grouped by DL and non-DL software to investigate the effects of software advances.

RESULTS:

A total of 189 exams (38 ICH, 89 acute ischemic stroke, 8 subarachnoid hemorrhage, 3 primary intraventricular hemorrhage, 51 no intracranial abnormality) were evaluated. Exams were correctly classified as positive or negative for ICH in 185 of 189 cases (97.9% overall accuracy). ICH was correctly detected in 35 of 38 cases (92.1% sensitivity). Ischemic stroke and no intracranial abnormality cases were correctly identified as blood-negative in 139 of 140 cases (99.3% specificity). Non-DL scans had a sensitivity and specificity for ICH of 77.8% and 97.1%, respectively. DL scans had a sensitivity and specificity for ICH of 96.6% and 99.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results demonstrate improvements in ICH detection accuracy on pMRI that may be attributed to the integration of clinical information in rater review and the incorporation of a DL-based algorithm. The use of pMRI holds promise in providing diagnostic neuroimaging for patients with ICH.
Robot-Assisted Transcranial Doppler Versus Transthoracic Echocardiography for Right to Left Shunt Detection
Authors: Rubin Mark N. , Shah Ruchir , Devlin Thomas , Youn Teddy S. , Waters Michael F. , Volpi John J. , Stayman Aaron , Douville Colleen M. , Lowenkopf Ted , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Right to left shunt (RLS), including patent foramen ovale, is a recognized risk factor for stroke. RLS/patent foramen ovale diagnosis is made by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), which is insensitive, transesophageal echocardiography, which is invasive, and transcranial Doppler (TCD), which is noninvasive and accurate but scarce.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective, single-arm device clinical trial of robot-assisted TCD (raTCD) versus TTE for RLS diagnosis at 6 clinical sites in patients who presented with an event suspicious for embolic cerebrovascular ischemia from October 6, 2020 to October 20, 2021. raTCD was performed with standard TCD bubble study technique. TTE bubble study was performed per local standards. The primary outcome was rate of RLS detection by raTCD versus TTE.

RESULTS:

A total of 154 patients were enrolled, 129 evaluable (intent to scan) and 121 subjects had complete data per protocol. In the intent to scan cohort, mean age was 60±15 years, 47% were women, and all qualifying events were diagnosed as ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. raTCD was positive for RLS in 82 subjects (64%) and TTE was positive in 26 (20%; absolute difference 43.4% [95% CI, 35.2%–52.0%];
P
<0.001). On prespecified secondary analysis, large RLS was detected by raTCD in 35 subjects (27%) versus 13 (10%) by TTE (absolute difference 17.0% [95% CI, 11.5%–24.5%];
P
<0.001). There were no serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS:

raTCD was safe and ≈3 times more likely to diagnose RLS than TTE. TTE completely missed or underdiagnosed two thirds of large shunts diagnosed by raTCD. The raTCD device, used by health professionals with no prior TCD training, may allow providers to achieve the known sensitivity of TCD for RLS and patent foramen ovale detection without the need for an experienced operator to perform the test. Pending confirmatory studies, TCD appears to be the superior screen for RLS compared with TTE (funded by NeuraSignal).

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04604015.
Protein Carbonylation Contributes to Prothrombotic Fibrin Clot Phenotype in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Clinical Associations
Authors: Błaż Michał , Natorska Joanna , Bembenek Jan P. , Członkowska Anna , Ząbczyk Michał , Polak Maciej , Undas Anetta
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND:

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with enhanced oxidative stress and unfavorably altered fibrin clot properties. We investigated determinants of plasma protein carbonylation (PC) in AIS, its impact on the prothrombotic state, and prognostic value during follow-up.

METHODS:

We included 98 consecutive AIS patients aged 74±12 years (male:female ratio, 50:48 [51%:49%]) at the Neurology Center in Warsaw, Poland, between January and December 2014. As many as 74 (75.5%) patients underwent thrombolysis, and 24 were unsuitable for thrombolysis. We determined plasma PC, along with thrombin generation, fibrin clot permeability, and clot lysis time on admission, at 24 hours, and 3 months. Stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and stroke outcome with the modified Rankin Scale. Hemorrhagic transformation was assessed on the computed tomography scan within 48 hours from the symptom onset, while stroke-related mortality was evaluated at 3 months.

RESULTS:

On admission, PC levels (median, 4.61 [3.81–5.70] nM/mg protein) were associated with the time since symptom onset (r=0.41;
P
<0.0001) and with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (
P
=0.36;
P
=0.0003). Higher PC levels on admission correlated with denser fibrin clot formation and prolonged clot lysis time but not with thrombin generation. In thrombolysed patients, lower PC levels were observed after 24 hours (−34%) and at 3 months (−23%; both
P
<0.001). PC levels at baseline and after 24 hours predicted the modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 3 months (OR, 1.90 [95% CI, 1.21–3.00]; OR, 2.19 [95% CI, 1.39–3.44], respectively). Higher PC at baseline predicted hemorrhagic transformation of stroke (OR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.02–3.74]) and stroke-related mortality (OR, 2.02 [95% CI, 1.08–3.79]), while higher PC at 24 hours predicted solely stroke-related mortality (OR, 2.11 [95% CI, 1.28–3.46]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Elevated plasma PC levels in patients with AIS, related to prothrombotic fibrin clot properties, are associated with stroke severity. Thrombolysis reduces the extent of PC. The current study suggests a prognostic value of PC in AIS.
“… that which wishes to articulate itself in you”
Authors: Izenson Andy
Published: October 2023

Jewish anarchist mysticism weaves elusively through the worlds of art, politics, and religion, informing all three with the concept of do’ikayt, or “hereness.” This essay will bring together threads of the Jewish roots of the Dada and Surrealist movements as they burst into queerness with the work of Claude Cahun, William S. Burroughs, and Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, and examine in particular the cut-up method as employed by those artists across media before examining an application of the same method to a pantheist Jewish transness through the mystical practice of gender confirmation surgery to arrive at a theory of bodily hereness. Using the writer’s own experimentation with gender and cut-up poetry to seek a nonlinear harmony with the Spinozan immanent Hashem-as-living-universe, this writing explores the rejection of not only the gender binary, but also the binary inherent in representational art to replace both with the somatic experience of fragments of the universe ricocheting off each other and being transformed by the interaction.
Radiant Livingness
Authors: Zukowski Karen
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the Erol Beker Chapel of the Good Shepherd in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in New York City, one of few extant immersive environments created by sculptor Louise Nevelson and the only one with explicitly Christian content. In the mid-1970s, Nevelson collaborated with Rev. Ralph Peterson, who commissioned the chapel within St. Peter’s, a new urban church in the Citicorp complex. Nevelson was able to pursue her idiosyncratic spirituality, expressed in a life-long exploration of the fourth dimension, which she considered a gateway to transformation. Peterson was able to work with “the greatest living American sculptor” on an inspirational space for meditation and ritual, for his Lutheran church dedicated to an arts and social-action ministry. The pastor and artist found common ground in the language of abstraction, creating a gleaming white space of joy and life. The paper provides a close reading of the iconography of the chapel’s sculptural components, meaning that is amplified by other designed elements, including lighting, pew arrangement, and a Nevelson-designed vestment. This paper also examines how the chapel functions in the twenty-first century as a religious space. After years of relative obscurity and benign neglect, the Chapel is today undergoing restoration and reassessment. It can once again fulfill its role as a space of radiant livingness.
Habitat selection of endangered Amami rabbits on Tokuno-Shima Island in Japan as assessed by counting fecal pellet groups on roads
Authors: Seki Yoshikazu , Nakashima Katsumi , Nakashima Atsushi
Published: October 2023

Understanding the habitat selection patterns of animals is important for developing land-use plans for species conservation. The death of endangered Amami rabbits (Pentalagus furnessi), which are found only on two islands in Japan, due to vehicle collisions is a serious problem. To reduce the incidence of road kill and conserve the population of Amami rabbits, factors that contribute to the species’ proximity to roads need to be examined. We examined the habitat selection of Amami rabbits by counting their fecal pellet groups on roads on Tokuno-Shima Island, Japan. We obtained 101 presence observations, which revealed that Amami rabbits select areas close to natural forests, farmlands, and rivers and areas with steeper slopes. The selection by the species of natural forest and farmland is likely due to the availability of herbaceous and shrub plants at forest edges and crops and weeds in farmland for foraging. The high utilization of steep-sloping terrain could help Amami rabbits minimize predation risk from the native habu pit viper (Protobothrops flavoviridis). The frequent utilization of forest edges and farmland by Amami rabbits increases their risk of becoming road kill and the risk of crop damage, which are serious problems on the island. To prevent Amami rabbits from crossing roads and reduce crop damage, fences should be constructed particularly in high-rabbit-density areas, and should not facilitate population fragmentation of the species.
Ecclesiological Anthropology
Authors: Bordeianu Radu
Published: October 2023

The Eastern Orthodox Church has a long history of women’s ordination to the diaconate. Equally consistent is the absence of female priesthood and female episcopate. This article inquires – theoretically, as it is not a call to action – whether there are any theological reasons for this latter absence, or whether it is based exclusively on precedent and practice. Such an inquiry first presupposes an introduction to the history of the female diaconate in the East in order to establish that Ordination is not restricted to males. Second, it necessitates a historical approach to the question of women’s ordination to the priesthood, short as this history might be. Third, it challenges theological arguments against women’s ordination from the perspective of Eastern Christology, soteriology, anthropology, sacramental theology, and the relationship between theology and culture. The article concludes with some practical considerations regarding the negative consequences of the excessive masculinization of the Church.
On Plurality and Relativism in History
Authors: Zeleňák Eugen
Published: October 2023

The existence of differing historical interpretations of the same happenings and the consequences of this phenomenon have attracted scholarly attention and deserve to be studied in the future by philosophers of history. Plurality repeatedly surfaces in historical discussions and relativism seems to be one of the obvious conclusions drawn from the existence of competing historical accounts. In my paper, I begin with plurality in history to examine further the issue of relativism. I focus on the dualism of scheme and content as being at the root of relativity and subsequently argue that abandoning this type of dualism is one way how to avoid relativism even within a broadly constructivist view of history. The discussion is, moreover, linked to the issue of how historians present their accounts: Do they offer representations of the past or should we think about their outcomes in a different way?
Regulating Artificial Intelligence in International Investment Law
Authors: McLaughlin Mark
Published: October 2023

The interaction between artificial intelligence (AI) and international investment treaties is an uncharted territory of international law. Concerns over the national security, safety, and privacy implications of AI are spurring regulators into action around the world. States have imposed restrictions on data transfer, utilised automated decision-making, mandated algorithmic transparency, and limited market access. This article explores the interaction between AI regulation and standards of investment protection. It is argued that the current framework provides an unpredictable legal environment in which to adjudicate the contested norms and ethics of AI. Treaties should be recalibrated to reinforce their anti-protectionist origins, embed human-centric AI principles, and embrace expert witnesses and amicus briefs.
Emerging from the Haziness of the Multilateral Trade Legal Regime
Authors: Panarella Anna
Published: October 2023

This paper aims at bringing some clarity on the notion of State-owned enterprises (SOEs) by exploring its relationship with that of State Trading Enterprises (STEs) through the interpretation of Article XVII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994. Although this provision is generally considered when the World Trade Organization (WTO) regulatory framework applicable to SOEs is discussed, it leaves STEs undefined. Thus, provided the increasing complexity of SOEs, the link between the latter and the notion of STEs may not be as straightforward. By investigating their dividing line through the interpretation of Article XVII GATT, the analysis will suggest that, although the notions of SOEs and STEs partially overlap, the latter is not able to capture a wider variety of entities than the ones strictly envisaged at the time of the negotiations unless an interpretative declaration is adopted – if achievable – or new multilateral negotiations are undertaken.
Ọ̀rúnmìlà and the Yorùbá Intellectual Tradition: Words and Language vis-à-vis Western Modernity
Authors: Bello Saheed Adesumbo
Published: October 2023

The essay offers a decolonial reading of the thought of Ọ̀rúnmìlà, the ancient legendary Yorùbá African messenger and interpreter of the spiritual tradition of Ifá with the aim to address the problem of hegemonic languages (such as English and French) and epistemic bias that have affected the Yorùbá intellectual tradition. The essay argues that reflection on the deep history of Yorùbá and the applied philosophy of Ọ̀rúnmìlà can better clarify the problem of language and epistemic injustices that European modernity has generated in modern Africa. The essay therefore explores what could be described as the interaction of nature-culture in the Yorùbá African intellectual tradition that continues to be silenced and distorted by imposed hegemonic languages and cultures. Through a new reading of the thought of Ọ̀rúnmìlà within the context of Ifá, the essay highlights how the problem of language and epistemic injustices disrupts the continuity of inherited African philosophical and historical traditions in modern times. Ultimately, such reading aims at revealing the contribution of the Yorùbá intellectual tradition to the global philosophical and historical discourse.
Sustaining the Impacts of University Social Responsibility
Authors: Lee Ming-Yen , Tai Chun-Shan , Nguyen Quynh-Trang
Published: October 2023

The research that led to this article examines a case study of a social enterprise (SE) that utilized the support of university social responsibility (USR) to save a rural community, reviving that community’s ability to empower itself. A qualitative approach was adopted to describe the SE development process. Observations and interviews with key participants and beneficiaries were also conducted. The findings were analyzed based on the value–process–impact framework to show comprehensively how the SE identified problems, defined its mission, and designed its business model and activities. The study shows the positive impacts that the organization had on the community as well as on the university students. The article highlights USR’s significant role and strong potential for solving social problems when incorporating the SE model, emphasizing the importance of SE s adopting a self-sustainable approach to combining resources and designing business models.
The Role of Diffusivity Changes on the Pattern of Warming in Energy Balance Models
Authors: Chang Chiung-Yin , Merlis Timothy M.
Published: October 2023

Atmospheric macroturbulence transports energy down the equator-to-pole gradient. This is represented by diffusion in energy balance models (EBMs), and EBMs have proven valuable for understanding and quantifying the pattern of surface temperature change. They typically assume climate-state-independent diffusivity, chosen to well represent the current climate, and find that this is sufficient to emulate warming response in general circulation models (GCMs). Meanwhile, model diagnoses of GCM simulations have shown that the diffusivity changes with climate. There is also ongoing development for diffusivity theories based on atmospheric dynamics. Here, we examine the role that changes in diffusivity play in the large-scale equator-to-pole contrast in surface warming in EBMs, building on previous analytic EBM theories for polar-amplified warming. New analytic theories for two formulations of climate-state-dependent diffusivity capture the results of numerical EBM solutions. For reasonable choices of parameter values, the success of the new analytic theories reveals why the change of diffusivity is limited in response to radiative forcing and does not eliminate polar-amplified warming.
Evaluating the Legal and Policy Measures in Protecting Unorganised Domestic Workers in Delhi
Authors: Sahu Skylab
Published: October 2023

Women’s economic independence is one of the main criteria for women’s empowerment and gender equality. Around 90% of the women in India work in the informal sector. As per the estimation of the International Labour Organization, over 20–80 million domestic workers operate in India. The Central and state governments have taken various legal and policy measures to ensure the rights of domestic workers. This empirical study in Delhi indicates that most domestic help workers could not get the minimum wage. Their work remain uncertain and insecure, and they lack access to welfare measures. Most strikingly, when a considerable number of domestic workers face sexual harassment, they remain unaware of legal safeguards and therefore cope with it on their personal levels.
Top executives’ discretion and organizational performance: Analysis of quasi-governmental organizations in Korean government
Authors: Choi Sungjoo , Ko Yeongjun
Published: October 2023

This study has examined the impacts of top executives’ discretion on organizational performance in public organizations. We analyzed longitudinally collected data from quasi-governmental organizations in Korea. The results show that top executives’ managerial discretion has an inverted U-shape relationship with the overall performance of organizations. The marginal effect of top executives’ discretion on organizational performance was negative. This suggests that the benefits from top executives’ discretion decrease as the level of managerial discretion increases. The greater discretion of top executives in project management was more likely to yield desirable outcomes for organizations. Top executives’ discretion did not significantly affect customer satisfaction and transparency of organizations.

Points for practitioners

This study has empirically shown that there exists an inverted U-shape relationship between managerial discretion and organizational performance. It is necessary to let public managers exercise their discretion in managing their businesses given that flexibility and innovativeness in decision making serve key roles in effective organizational management in highly turbulent organizational contexts. It will also be important to properly monitor public managers’ discretionary authority to avoid unintended negative consequences of discretion.
The State, Education and Inequality in Contemporary India: An Intersectional Exploration
Authors: Thapan Meenakshi
Published: October 2023

This article examines the relationship between social justice, education and inequality through an intersectional lens. Emphasising the role of the state, and ‘state-thought’, in perpetuating inequalities through education, the reflective essay argues that it is not possible to view education only in its role as an agent of social and cultural reproduction. It is equally important to focus on the lived experience of subjects who are either excluded, or go through the educational process, through varied experience based on religion, caste and gender. The role of teachers in this process cannot be underestimated and is at the heart of how children and young adults learn and understand themselves as citizens. Based on secondary material, the article concludes with a plea for recognising the significance of voice and agency for a robust and functioning democracy. It is the task of education to enable the articulation and expression of such agency by building a culture of openness and questioning and empowering teachers and students to have this voice by allowing it to thrive in the prevailing culture of institutions.
Research on plated structure design in weft knitting seamless fabric and sweat management
Authors: Dong Zhijia , Ding Yuqin , Cong Honglian , Chen Chaoyu , Ma Pibo
Published: October 2023

During exercise, the degree of sweating in different parts of the body varies. The organization of different functions in different parts can be realized using weft knitting seamless technology. The advantage of this technology was that it can be one-piece woven, has high efficiency, offers environmental protection, provides superior wearing comfort, and facilitates the rapid response of sweat and sweat management in different parts. In this work, 9.33 tex/384 F yarn was selected as the face yarn, and 5.55 tex/24 F yarn was selected as the ground yarn, seven fabrics were designed using a combination of three basic plated loops. The effect of two factors, surface porosity and fabric tightness, on the sweat management performance of plated fabrics was investigated through experiments, including moisture management performance, liquid spreading performance, wicking performance, evaporation performance, air permeability and moisture permeability performance, etc. The results showed that the smaller the surface porosity of the fabric, the better the one-way transmission performance of the liquid. However, the larger the surface porosity, the easier the liquid plane diffusion was. The tightness of the yarn filling in the fabric was beneficial for the weft flow of the liquid. A certain degree of tightness was helpful for the unidirectional conduction of fluid, but both too tight and too loose fabrics were not conducive to fluid conduction. Studying the difference in performance caused by the surface porosity and the tightness of the fabric can provide some theoretical help for the design of weft-knit seamless sports products.
Growth arrest specific protein 6 alleviated white matter injury after experimental ischemic stroke
Authors: Jia Junqiu , Xu Siyi , Hu Jinglong , Gan Yonghui , Sun Min , Xia Shengnan , Bao Xinyu , Zhang Meijuan , Xu Yun
Published: October 2023

Ischemic white matter injury leads to long-term neurological deficits and lacks effective medication. Growth arrest specific protein 6 (Gas6) clears myelin debris, which is hypothesized to promote white matter integrity in experimental stroke models. By the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model, we observed that Gas6 reduced infarcted volume and behavior deficits 4 weeks after MCAO. Compared with control mice, Gas6-treatment mice represented higher FA values in the ipsilateral external capsules by MRI DTI scan. The SMI32/MBP ratio of the ipsilateral cortex and striatum was profoundly alleviated by Gas6 administration. Gas6-treatment group manifested thicker myelin sheaths than the control group by electron microscopy. We observed that Gas6 mainly promoted OPC maturation, which was closely related to microglia. Mechanically, Gas6 accelerated microglia-mediated myelin debris clearance and cholesterol transport protein expression ( abca1, abcg1, apoc1, apoe) in vivo and in vitro, accordingly less myelin debris and lipid deposited in Gas6 treated stroke mice. HX531 (RXR inhibitor) administration mitigated the functions of Gas6 in speeding up debris clearance and cholesterol transport protein expression. Generally, we concluded that Gas6 cleared myelin debris and promoted cholesterol transportation protein expression through activating RXR, which could be one critical mechanism contributing to white matter repair after stroke.
Elevating academic staff’s learning goal orientation: The role of supervisory trust, workload, and work engagement
Authors: Yean Tan Fee , Johari Johanim , Ismail Edora
Published: October 2023

Based on the Social Exchange Theory (SET) and the Job-Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, this study examines how supervisory trust and workload influence the work engagement and learning goal orientation (LGO) of academic staff. Survey data collected from 265 full-time academic staff in Malaysian public universities were analysed using structural equation modelling. The results suggest that both supervisory trust and workload have a significant positive influence on the work engagement of academic staff. This, in turn, indirectly enhances their LGO. This study provides empirical evidence that supervisory trust is not the only important predictor of academic staff’s work engagement, as workload also significantly boosts their engagement. Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors when cultivating work engagement and LGO, which are prerequisites for a true learning culture and key to developing a cutting-edge university. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are also highlighted.