bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creatine@SiO2@Fe3O4 nanocomposite as an efficient sorbent for magnetic solid‐phase extraction of escitalopram and chlordiazepoxide from urine samples through quantitation via HPLC–UV
Authors: Laffafchi Farin , Tajbakhsh Mahmood , Sarrafi Yaghoub , Ghani Milad , Maleki Behrooz
Published: June 2022

An efficient, cost‐effective, and fast‐synthesis method is presented in the current study to prepare magnetic nanoparticles covered by cheap and nitrogen‐rich creatine. The hydrothermal method was used for the synthesis of the magnetic core. The prepared magnetic core was then covered by SiO2 and subsequently functionalized using creatine. The prepared creatine@SiO2@Fe3O4 was utilized as a sorbent in the magnetic solid‐phase extraction of the selected antidepressants including escitalopram and chlordiazepoxide as the model drugs. The extracted drugs were desorbed by a suitable organic solvent and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with an ultraviolet detection system. The influence of different variables on the magnetic solid‐phase extraction method was examined by the Plackett–Burman and Box–Behnken designs for screening and optimization, respectively. Under the obtained optimum conditions, the linear ranges of the method were found to be in the range of 1–500 µg L–1. The limits of detection and limits of quantification were in the range of 0.27‐0.63 µg L–1 and 0.89‐1.93 µg L–1 for the selected analytes, respectively. Furthermore, the enrichment factors were found to be 79.8 and 92.7 for chlordiazepoxide and escitalopram, respectively. The method was successfully employed for the analysis of selected drugs in urine samples.
Short‐term responses of riparian salamander populations to wildfire in the Southern Appalachians
Authors: Gould Philip R. , Gade Meaghan R. , Wilk Andrew J. , Peterman William E.
Published: June 2022

Wildfire is a natural disturbance within many forest ecosystems and is rapidly becoming more frequent and severe because of the combination of historical fire suppression and climate change. In Southern Appalachian hardwood forests, there is a limited understanding of how salamander populations respond to wildfire, despite their high diversity and abundance in forest ecosystems. We expected populations of lungless, plethodontid salamanders to respond negatively to wildfire and the drier microhabitat conditions in burned habitat. We evaluated the effect of fire on 3 plethodontid salamander species (Blue Ridge two‐lined salamander [Eurycea wilderae], Ocoee salamander [Desmognathus ocoee], red‐legged salamander [Plethodon shermani]) with different life histories from 2017–2019 following a wildfire in a Southern Appalachian riparian forest in North Carolina, USA. We estimated differences in abundance, frequency of adults in the population, and terrestrial distribution in relation to streams between burned and reference riparian forest sites. Wildfire had negative effects on the abundance of semi‐aquatic species, but temporal patterns differed by species. Abundance of the Blue Ridge two‐lined salamander was lower in burn sites than reference sites immediately after fire, followed by a gradual convergence towards reference‐site densities. Conversely, Ocoee salamanders had a time‐lagged response, where we observed significantly lower densities in burn sites relative to reference sites for only 2 years after fire. We did not observe strong responses of red‐legged salamander abundance to fire. There were no consistent patterns in how the percentage of adults in reference or burn sites differed over time, suggesting that population responses to burn vary by species. Finally, we observed adults of all species and juveniles of semi‐aquatic species farther from streams in burn sites. Our findings suggest plethodontid salamander communities may tolerate riparian wildfires, although longer‐term studies are required to understand how long it takes for patterns of population size structure and habitat use to converge with those in unburned reference sites.
Long‐read Oxford nanopore sequencing reveals a de novo case of complex chromosomal rearrangement involving chromosomes 2, 7, and 13
Authors: Xing Lingling , Shen Ying , Wei Xiang , Luo Yuan , Yang Yan , Liu Haipeng , Liu Hongqian
Published: June 2022

Background

Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are associated with high reproductive risk, infertility, abnormalities in offspring, and recurrent miscarriage in women. It is essential to accurately characterize apparently balanced chromosome rearrangements in unaffected individuals.

Methods

A CCR young couple who suffered two spontaneous abortions and underwent labor induction due to fetal chromosomal abnormalities was studied using long‐read sequencing(LRS), single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, G‐banding karyotype analysis (550‐band resolution), and Sanger sequencing.

Results

SNP analysis of the amniotic fluid cells during the third pregnancy revealed a 9.9‐Mb duplication at 7q21.11q21.2 and a 24.8‐Mb heterozygous deletion at 13q21.1q31.1. The unaffected female partner was a carrier of a three‐way CCR [46,XX,? ins(7;13)(q21.1;q21.1q22)t(2;13)(p23;q22)]. Subsequent LRS analysis revealed the exact breakpoint locations on the derivative chromosomes and the specific method of chromosome rearrangement, indicating that the CCR carrier was a more complex structural rearrangement comprising five breakpoints. Furthermore, LRS detected an inserted fragment of chromosome 13 in chromosome 7.

Conclusions

LRS is effective for analyzing the complex structural variations of the human genome and may be used to clarify the specific CCRs for effective genetic counseling and appropriate intervention.
Steady‐state solutions of the aerotaxis problem
Authors: Knosalla Piotr
Published: June 2022

We study the steady‐state system of aerotaxis equations in higher dimensions. It is shown that the existence and multiplicity of solutions depend on the total mass of the colony of bacteria, the energy function, and the boundary conditions.
Real‐time stereo reconstruction of intraoperative scene and registration to preoperative 3D models for augmenting surgeons' view during RAMIS
Authors: Zampokas Giorgos , Peleka Georgia , Tsiolis Konstantinos , Topalidou‐Kyniazopoulou Angeliki , Mariolis Ioannis , Tzovaras Dimitrios
Published: June 2022

Purpose

During minimally invansive surgery (MIS) procedures, there exists an ever‐growing/apparent need for providing computer generated visual feedback to the surgeon(s), through a visualization device. While multiple solutions have been proposed in the literature, there is limited evidence of such a system performing reliably in practice, and when it does, it is often tailored to a specific operation type. Another important aspect is regarding the usability of such systems, which typically include complicated and time‐consuming steps, and often require the assistance of specialized personnel. In this study, we propose an auxiliary visualization system for surgeons, which includes streamlined process to use preoperative data of the patient, and apply it to two different MIS cases, namely, robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy and robot‐assisted partial lateral meniscectomy.

Methods

The visualization and processing pipeline consists of an intraoperative 3D reconstruction of the surgical area, using an optimized version of the quasi‐dense method, aimed to perform with good accuracy while maintaining real‐time speed. A set of preprocessing and postprocessing techniques further contribute to the result by providing a smoother and more dense point cloud. DynamicFusion is used for the registration of the preoperative model to the intraoperative scene. Two silicon kidney phantoms and an ex‐vivo porcine meniscus are used for evaluation, representing subjects for the examined surgical cases.

Results

Performance is evaluated qualitatively using the two datasets. The preoperative model of the subject is projected on top of the actual 2D image and also in 3D space. The model is superimposed on top of the actual physical structure it represents, and remains in the correct position throughout the experiments, even when abrupt camera movements are taking place. Finally, when deformation is introduced, the model is deformed as well, resembling the real subject's structure.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate and validate the use of the presented algorithms for each separate task of the pipeline. A complete methodology to provide surgeon(s) with visual information during surgery is presented. Its operation is evaluated over two different surgical scenarios, paving the way for a single visualization methodology that can adapt and perform robustly for multiple cases, with minimal effort.
Rapid synthesis of biocompatible bilayer hydrogels via frontal polymerization
Authors: Yang Yue , Hu Jie , Liu Ji‐Dong , Qin Ying , Mao Jian , Liang Yunzheng , Wang Gefei , Shen Haixia , Wang Cai‐Feng , Chen Su
Published: June 2022

Hydrogels have been attracting much attention as smart soft materials. The exploration of methods allowing hydrogels to have anisotropic composition, structure, and properties would benefit the fabrication of smart materials with versatile multi‐functions. Here we report the rapid frontal polymerization (FP) of bilayer hydrogels possessing good water swelling, mechanical strength, self‐healing, biocompatibility, and antibacterial capabilities. The bilayer hydrogels, consisting of poly(AM‐co‐AMPS) (G‐1) and poly(AM‐co‐HPA) (G‐2) (AM, acrylamide; AMPS, 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid; HPA, hydroxypropyl acrylate), are synthesized in one step within 6 minutes (min) by horizontal FP. These polymer hydrogels have hierarchical porous morphology with pore sizes of several micrometers and several hundreds of micrometers respectively, equilibrium swelling ratio up to 3371% in water, tensile strength up to 0.204 MPa, and self‐healing ability. The good cytocompatibility and low toxicity of the hydrogels are demonstrated through cell culture of L929 fibroblasts in vitro experiments. The tests of hydrogels with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reveal their antibacterial property. The results demonstrate that biocompatible anisotropic hydrogels with versatile functions could be fabricated via the rapid and energy‐saving approach of FP.
A systematic review of the translation and validation methods used for the national comprehensive cancer network distress thermometer in non‐English speaking countries
Authors: McElroy Jane A. , Waindim Flevis , Weston Karry , Wilson Gwendolyn
Published: June 2022

Objective

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer (DT) was developed as a brief screening tool for detecting distress in cancer patients. Conceptually, distress was considered a more acceptable and inclusive term than other psychological terms such as depression or anxiety. It is used extensively in the United States and other English‐speaking countries. We aim to describe the translation and validation methods of the DT and describe the recommended cutoff scores used to identify cancer patients experiencing clinically significant distress.

Methods

Nine bibliographic databases were searched using keywords to identify original research studies for non‐English speaking countries' cancer patients. Full articles were independently assessed for inclusion and data extraction by two authors.

Results

The review of 4442 articles yielded 39 articles that validated the DT. We identified 20 languages in 25 countries. In all but one country, investigators were able to agree upon a word or phrase that meant distress in their native language that was subsequently validated against standardized instruments. Asian, Middle Eastern and European counties recommended cutoff score of 4 or 5 to identify clinically significant distress; however, European Union countries had a range of 2 to 7.

Conclusions

Use of the translated DT with non‐English speaking cancer patients provides a simple and quick tool to identify high distress. Similar to NCCN, the cutoff score of 4 or 5 was suggested by 78% of the studies; however, more studies of different types of cancer and within and among more countries will strengthen a recommended global DT cutoff score.
Nuclear receptor HR3 mediates transcriptional regulation of chitin metabolic genes during molting in Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Kim Bo‐Eun , Choi Byungyoon , Park Woo‐Ram , Kim Yu‐Ji , Mun Seulgi , Choi Hueng‐Sik , Kim Don‐Kyu
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Chitin, a major component of insect cuticles, plays a critical role in insect molting and morphogenesis. Thus, coordination of chitin remodeling during insect development requires tight transcriptional control of the chitin metabolism genes involved in chitin synthesis, assembly and degradation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying transcriptional coordination of chitin metabolism genes during beetle development is not yet completely understood.

RESULTS

We cloned the full‐length cDNA encoding hormone receptor 3 (TcHR3) from Tribolium castaneum and showed a critical role of TcHR3 in modulating chitin metabolism gene expression during molting. Genome‐wide transcriptome analysis of HR3‐deficient old larvae using RNA sequencing analysis revealed a positive correlation between TcHR3 and transcription of chitin metabolism genes involved in chitin synthesis and degradation. In addition, HR3 overexpression significantly induced the gene promoter activity of N‐acetylglucosaminidase 1 (NAG1) involved in chitin degradation and UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase 1 (UAP1) involved in chitin synthesis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that HR3 could directly bind to HR3‐response element of NAG1 and UAP1 promoters. Finally, HR3‐deficient late instar larvae and prepupae exhibited defects in larval–larval and larval–pupal molting, respectively, leading to eventual larval death because developing larvae were trapped inside the old cuticle as a result of abnormal chitin metabolism.

CONCLUSION

TcHR3 is a transcriptional regulator of chitin metabolic genes for molting of T. castaneum. Controlling the molting system by TcHR3 might be a new management strategy for selective control of red flour beetle infestation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fructose‐Derived Levan Nanoparticles Protect Against Osteoarthritis by Directly Blocking CD44 Activation
Authors: Cho Chanmi , Lee Jin Sil , Oh Hyeryeon , Kang Li‐Jung , Hwang Yiseul , Chae Sunyoung , Lee In‐Jeong , Kim Seok Jung , Woo Hyunmin , Eyun Seong‐il , Kang Ho Chul , Choi Won Il , Yang Siyoung
Published: June 2022

Although the development of several inflammatory diseases can be initiated in response to CD44 receptor signaling dysregulation, anti‐CD44 antibody therapy has been discontinued in clinical trials owing to its severe adverse effects. Moreover, biocompatible materials that block CD44 are unknown. Here, self‐assembled levan nanoparticles (LevNPs) through simple nanoprecipitation without chemical conjugation of biocompatible levan are developed. LevNPs are prepared through a simple nanoprecipitation without chemical conjugation; this results in particles with a consistently dispersed hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 230 nm. The physicochemical properties of LevNP are well‐maintained even after long‐term storage in a physiological buffer, suggesting that LevNPs are stable and useful for various biomedical applications. A protein array and an in silico LevNP‐CD44 interaction assay reveal that LevNPs specifically bind to CD44. Importantly, CD44 is highly expressed in the cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). LevNPs showed no cytotoxicity and reduced catabolic factor expression in an OA mimic in vitro. Furthermore, intra‐articular injection of LevNPs exhibited long‐term retention ability in the knee joint and protection against posttraumatic OA cartilage destruction in mice with medial meniscus destabilization–induced OA. These results show that LevNPs are biocompatible and exhibit potential as a nanotherapeutic for protecting against OA pathogenesis by directly blocking CD44.
An Ultralow Power Mixed Dimensional Heterojunction Transistor Based on the Charge Plasma pn Junction
Authors: Sul Onejae , Seo Hojun , Choi Eunsuk , Kim Sunjin , Gong Jinsil , Bang Jiyoung , Ju Hyoungbeen , Oh Sehoon , Lee Yeonsu , Sun Hyeonjeong , Kwon Minjin , Kang Kyungnam , Hong Jinki , Yang Eui‐Hyeok , Chung Yunchul , Lee Seung‐Beck
Published: June 2022

Development of a reliable doping method for 2D materials is a key issue to adopt the materials in the future microelectronic circuits and to replace the silicon, keeping the Moore's law toward the sub‐10 nm channel length. Especially hole doping is highly required, because most of the transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDC) among the 2D materials are electron‐doped by sulfur vacancies in their atomic structures. Here, hole doping of a TMDC, tungsten disulfide (WS2) using the silicon substrate as the dopant medium is demonstrated. An ultralow‐power current sourcing transistor or a gated WS2 pn diode is fabricated based on a charge plasma pn heterojunction formed between the WS2 thin‐film and heavily doped bulk silicon. An ultralow switchable output current down to 0.01 nA µm−1, an off‐state current of ≈1 × 10−14 A µm−1, a static power consumption range of  1 fW µm−1–1 pW µm−1, and an output current ratio of 103 at 0.1 V supply voltage are achieved. The charge plasma heterojunction allows a stable (less than 3% variation) output current regardless of the gate voltage once it is turned on.
The ties that bind: geopolitical motivations for economic integration
Authors: Hinz Julian
Published: June 2022

Economic determinants of economic integration agreements have received ample attention in the economic literature. Political motivations for such agreements have been mostly studied as functions of domestic politics or in the context of conflict. In this paper the author suggests a different narrative. Economic integration may be used as an instrument of foreign policy, where political considerations influence the choice of contracting partners. He sketches a simple model that exhibits the proposed mechanism in which abigcountry chooses between alternatives for integration in terms of economic and political welfare gains, while asmallcountry is indifferent between possible partners for integration. In the empirical part the author uses a novel dataset on political events to test the predictions of the model and finds evidence for the hypothesis that there is more to economic integration than “just trade”. Geopolitical considerations play a determining role in the choice of the contracting partner country and the depth of economic integration.
Real-time path planning for autonomous vehicle based on teaching–learning-based optimization
Authors: Sabiha Ahmed D. , Kamel Mohamed A. , Said Ehab , Hussein Wessam M.
Published: June 2022

This paper presents an online path planning approach for an autonomous tracked vehicle in a cluttered environment based on teaching–learning-based optimization (TLBO), considering the path smoothness, and the potential collision with the surrounding obstacles. In order to plan an efficient path that allows the vehicle to be autonomously navigated in cluttered environments, the path planning problem is solved as a multi-objective optimization problem. First, the vehicle perception is fully achieved by means of inertial measurement unit (IMU), wheels odometry, and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). In order to compensate the sensors drift to achieve more reliable data and improve the localization estimation and corrections, data fusion between the outputs of wheels odometry, LiDAR, and IMU is made through extended Kalman filter (EKF). Then, TLBO is proposed and applied to determine the optimum online path, where the objectives are to find the shortest path to reach the target destination, and to maximize the path smoothness, while avoiding the surrounding obstacles, and taking into account the vehicle dynamic and algebraic constraints. To check the performance of the proposed TLBO algorithm, it is compared in simulation to genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and a hybrid GA–PSO algorithm. Finally, real-time experiments based on robot operating system (ROS) implementation are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed path planning algorithm.
The Relationship Between Timing, Speed, and Performance in Foreign Market Network Entry
Authors: Hilmersson Mikael , Schweizer Roger , Chetty Sylvie
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this article is to examine the performance consequences of an early and rapid foreign network entry process. We develop a theoretical model that uses theories on first mover advantage and capability development as mechanisms to explain the relationship between the timing and speed of entering the network and SME performance in the network. The theoretical model is tested with a dataset collected on-site at 198 SMEs. The results show that earlier network entry positively affects performance and that the speed of relationship development in the network entered has a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) effect on SMEs’ performance. Although the extant literature recognizes that firm performance is affected by the degree of insidership reached in foreign business networks, little is known about the performance effects of the timing and the speed of entering the network. Our findings suggest that managers of exporting SMEs should move first into new networks to give themselves time to grow slowly in the foreign market network to mitigate diseconomies of time compression.
Normativität und Emotionalität. Eine anthropologisch-evolutionäre Perspektive auf die Soziogenese zweier miteinander verbundener Modi humaner Vergesellschaftung
Authors: Niedenzu Heinz-Jürgen
Published: June 2022

In diesem Beitrag geht es um die wechselseitige Verbindung von Normativität und Emotionalität in sozialen Prozessen. Einerseits wird die Wirksamkeit von Normen durch deren emotionale Inkorporierung mit abgesichert, andererseits werden affektiv-emotionale Befindlichkeiten normativ bearbeitet und sozial strukturiert. Im Beitrag wird diesem Wirkungszusammenhangs aus einer soziogenetischen Perspektive nachgegangen, d. h. die Frage nach dessen anthropologisch-evolutionstheoretischen Begründbarkeit gestellt. Im Anschluss an die Disziplinen übergreifende Programmatik der Philosophischen Anthropologie sowie der rekonstruktiv verfahrenden Erkenntnisstrategie der historisch-genetischen Theorie wird auf einer konzeptuellen Ebene diskutiert, wie sich Normativität und Emotionalität als zwei strukturell miteinander verbundene Modi der Weltzuwendung aus der Gattungsgeschichte heraus einsichtig machen lassen. Als Schlüsselmoment erweist sich dabei das evolutionär entstandene konstruktive Vermögen, welches es Menschen ermöglicht, ihre naturale Indeterminiertheit bzw. Weltoffenheit kulturell zu bewältigen. Im anlaufenden Vergesellschaftungsprozess wird die sich in Gang setzende Ausbildung von sinnbasierter Normativität von vorneherein mit der Umstrukturierung der organischen Affektbasis in Emotionalität verbunden.
Self-Reported Efficacy of Treatments in Cluster Headache: a Systematic Review of Survey Studies
Authors: Rusanen Sakari Santeri , De Suchetana , Schindler Emmanuelle Andree Danielle , Artto Ville Aleksi , Storvik Markus
Published: June 2022

Purpose of Review

The use and efficacy of various substances in the treatment of CH have been studied in several retrospective surveys. The aim of the study is to systematically review published survey studies to evaluate the reported efficacies of both established and unconventional substances in abortive and prophylactic treatment of both episodic and chronic CH, specifically assessing the consistency of the results.

Recent Findings

No systematic review have been conducted of these studies previously. A systematic literature search with a set of search terms was conducted on PubMed. Retrospective surveys that quantified the self-reported efficacy of two or more CH treatments, published in English during 2000–2020, were included. Several key characteristics and results of the studies were extracted. A total of 994 articles were identified of which 9 were found to be eligible based on the selection criteria. In total, 5419 respondents were included. Oxygen and subcutaneous triptan injections were most reported as effective abortive treatments, while psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide were most commonly reported as effective prophylactic treatments. The reported efficacy of most substances was consistent across different studies, and there were marked differences in the reported efficacies of different substances. The reported order of efficacy is generally in agreement with clinical studies. The findings suggest that retrospective surveys can be used to obtain supporting information on the effects of various substances used in the treatment of CH and to form hypotheses about novel treatment methods. The consistently reported efficacy of psilocybin and LSD in prophylactic treatment indicates need for clinical studies.
Randomized phase II trial of FOLFIRI-panitumumab compared with FOLFIRI alone in patients with RAS wild-type circulating tumor DNA metastatic colorectal cancer beyond progression to first-line FOLFOX-panitumumab: the BEYOND study (GEMCAD 17-01)
Authors: Aparicio Jorge , Virgili Manrique Anna C. , Capdevila Jaume , Muñoz Boza Félix , Galván Patricia , Richart Paula , Oliveres Helena , Páez David , Hernando Jorge , Serrano Sara , Vera Ruth , Hernandez-Yagüe Xavier , Gallego Rafael Álvarez , Riesco-Martinez M. Carmen , García de Albeniz Xavier , Maurel Joan
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Panitumumab plus FOLFOX (P-FOLFOX) is standard first-line treatment forRASwild-type (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer. The value of panitumumab rechallenge is currently unknown. We assessed addition of panitumumab to FOLFIRI (P-FOLFIRI) beyond progression to P-FOLFOX in patients with noRASmutations in liquid biopsy (LB).

Methods

In this randomized phase II trial, patients were assigned (3:2 ratio) to second-line P-FOLFIRI (arm A) or FOLFIRI alone (arm B). LB for circulating tumor DNA analysis was collected at study entry and at disease progression. Primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival. Two-stage Simon design required 85 patients to be included (EudraCT 2017-004519-38).

Results

Between February 2019 and November 2020, 49 patients were screened (16 RAS mutations in LB detected) and 31 included (18 assigned to arm A and 13 to arm B). The study was prematurely closed due to inadequate recruitment. Serious adverse events were more frequent in arm A (44% vs. 23%). Overall response rate was 33% (arm A) vs. 7.7% (arm B). Six-month progression-free survival rate was 66.7% (arm A) and 38.5% (arm B). Median progression-free survival was 11.0 months (arm A) and 4.0 months (arm B) (hazard ratio, 0.58). At disease progression,RASorBRAFmutations in LB were found in 4/11 patients (36%) in arm A and 2/10 (20%) in arm B.

Conclusions

The BEYOND study suggests a meaningful benefit of P-FOLFIRI beyond progression to P-FOLFOX in metastatic colorectal cancer patients with WTRASstatus selected by LB. This strategy deserves further investigation.
Crosstalk between angiogenesis and immune regulation in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Kim Hei Jung , Ji Young Rae , Lee You Mie
Published: June 2022

Cancer creates a complex tumor microenvironment (TME) composed of immune cells, stromal cells, blood vessels, and various other cellular and extracellular elements. It is essential for the development of anti-cancer combination therapies to understand and overcome this high heterogeneity and complexity as well as the dynamic interactions between them within the TME. Recent treatment strategies incorporating immune-checkpoint inhibitors and anti-angiogenic agents have brought many changes and advances in clinical cancer treatment. However, there are still challenges for immune suppressive tumors, which are characterized by a lack of T cell infiltration and treatment resistance. In this review, we will investigate the crosstalk between immunity and angiogenesis in the TME. In addition, we will look at strategies designed to enhance anti-cancer immunity, to convert “immune suppressive tumors” into “immune activating tumors,” and the mechanisms by which these strategies enhance effector immune cell infiltration.
Deutschlands Beteiligung an Einsätzen des UN-Peacekeeping. Der Fall MINUSMA
Authors: Kaim Markus
Published: June 2022

Die militärische Beteiligung an Friedenseinsätzen der Vereinten Nationen gehört zwar rhetorisch zum Kernbestand deutscher Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik. Seit Mitte der 1990er-Jahre hat sich Deutschland jedoch auf eher symbolische Beiträge der Bundeswehr beschränkt. Obgleich die Stärkung der Vereinten Nationen Ziel deutscher Politik bleibt, sind die Motive dafür, sich an Friedensoperationen zu beteiligen, strategisch unterreflektiert. Sich daraus ergebende Zielkonflikte und Dilemmata bleiben ungelöst.
Laparoscopic gynecological surgery under minimally invasive anesthesia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Giampaolino Pierluigi , Della Corte Luigi , Mercorio Antonio , Bruzzese Dario , Coviello Antonio , Grasso Giovanna , Del Piano Anna Claudia , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility and the perioperative outcomes of laparoscopic gynecological surgery in regional anesthesia (RA) from the point of view of the surgeon, anesthesiologist and patient. This is a prospective cohort study comprising sixty-six women planned to undergo gynecologic laparoscopy surgery for benign pathology at tertiary care gynecolgical center of the University Federico II of Naples. Women were assigned, according to their preference, to either RA (Group A) or general anesthesia (GA) (Group B). Surgical, anesthesiologic and postoperative recovery data were recorded. Postoperative pain was considered as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included mobilization, length of hospital stay, global surgeons and patient satisfaction, intraoperative pain assessment in Group A. Immediate postoperative pain was significantly lower in Group A 0 vs 2 (p < 0.001), with no significant differences at 24 h. The secondary outcome demonstrated early patient’s mobilization (p < 0.001) as well as early discharge (p < 0.001) and greater patient’s satisfaction for the Group A. In these patients, a maximum pain score of 3 points out of 5 was recorded through the entire surgery. RA showed to decrease the impact of surgical stress and to guarantee a quicker recovery without compromising surgical results. Although several surgical approaches can be employed to treat different conditions, RA technique could be a viable option for well-selected patients affected by gynecological diseases.
Venture capital investments through the lens of network and functional data analysis
Authors: Esposito Christian , Gortan Marco , Testa Lorenzo , Chiaromonte Francesca , Fagiolo Giorgio , Mina Andrea , Rossetti Giulio
Published: June 2022

In this paper we characterize the performance of venture capital-backed firms based on their ability to attract investment. The aim of the study is to identify relevant predictors of success built from the network structure of firms’ and investors’ relations. Focusing on deal-level data for the health sector, we first create a bipartite network among firms and investors, and then apply functional data analysis to derive progressively more refined indicators of success captured by a binary, a scalar and a functional outcome. More specifically, we use different network centrality measures to capture the role of early investments for the success of the firm. Our results, which are robust to different specifications, suggest that success has a strong positive association with centrality measures of the firm and of its large investors, and a weaker but still detectable association with centrality measures of small investors and features describing firms as knowledge bridges. Finally, based on our analyses, success is not associated with firms’ and investors’ spreading power (harmonic centrality), nor with the tightness of investors’ community (clustering coefficient) and spreading ability (VoteRank).
Exploring Mindfulness and Mindful Eating and Visual Attention Towards Food Cues: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Hussain Misba , Unchiasu Madalina , Wood Jeffrey , Samways Neale , Keyte Rebecca , Egan Helen , Mantzios Michail
Published: June 2022

Continual exposure to energy dense foods is suggested to promote overeating and obesity. The aim of the present research was to explore whether or not mindfulness could reduce visual attention towards food cues. In two laboratory studies, participants with a normal weight range completed an eye-tracking paradigm, and their eye-movements were recorded. In study 1, participants were exposed to either mindfulness meditation or a control condition, and their eye-movements towards low energy density (LED) vs high energy density (HED) food cues were measured. In study 2, participants were assigned to a mindful eating condition using a Mindful Construal Diary (MCD) or a control condition, and their eye-movements towards LED or HED food vs. non-food cues were recorded. In study 1, participants in the mindfulness meditation condition had greater attention duration towards LED food cues, whilst those in the control condition exhibited greater attention duration towards HED food cues. In study 2, there were no significant differences in the maintenance of attentional biases towards food cues between the two conditions. Mindfulness meditation may be beneficial in increasing attention towards LED food cues. Future research should further explore the effect of mindfulness and mindful eating on visual attention towards food cues with people who suffer from excess weight or have obesity, and also within naturalistic settings.
„Liquid biopsy“ in der gastrointestinalen Onkologie: Hype oder bald Realität?
Authors: Berger Andreas W. , Seufferlein Thomas
Published: June 2022

In den letzten 10 Jahren sind „liquid biopsies“ bei gastrointestinalen Tumorerkrankungen deutlich in den Fokus der Wissenschaft und Forschung gerückt. Bei den neuen, blutbasierten Biomarkern, die unter dem Sammelbegriff der „liquid biopsies“ zusammengefasst werden, geht es in erster Linie um die Analyse von zirkulierender Tumor-DNA („circulating tumor DNA“, ctDNA), zirkulierenden Tumorzellen („circulating tumor cells“, CTC), zirkulierenden Mikrovesikeln (sog. Exosomen) und nichtkodierenden RNA-Molekülen (microRNA, miRNA). Für die klinische Nutzbarkeit sind besonders die einfache und flächendeckende Verfügbarkeit, aber auch zeitnahes Vorliegen von Ergebnissen wichtig, um auf dem Boden molekularer Analytik von „liquid biopsies“ klinische Entscheidungen treffen zu können. Hierfür bieten sich sog. Targeted-sequencing-Ansätze für die Analytik an, bei denen die Sequenzierung einzelner, ausgewählter Gene im Fokus steht, u. a. durch Nutzung hochsensitiver digitale PCR-Technologien. Durch „liquid biopsies“ können eine Reihe relevanter Fragestellungen adressiert werden. Neben der nichtinvasiven Diagnostik, beispielsweise bei technisch für eine Punktion schwierig zugänglichen Tumoren, sind die Überwachung unter Therapie und das Erkennen einer minimalen Resterkrankung, beispielsweise nach kurativer Therapie eines Pankreas- oder kolorektalen Karzinoms, mögliche Einsatzgebiete. Der aktuelle Stand der Wissenschaft zu „liquid biopsies“ im Feld der gastrointestinalen Onkologie mit besonderem Fokus auf das Pankreas- und kolorektale Karzinom wird in dieser Übersichtsarbeit adressiert. Handelt es sich bei „liquid biopsies“ um einen vorübergehenden Hype, oder könnte deren Einsatz bald klinischer Routine werden?
The Effectiveness of Dietary-Induced Ketogenesis on Cognition in Older Adults: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: El-Zein Raysa , Murphy J. L. , Shanker S. , Thomas P. W.
Published: June 2022

There is growing interest in the effect of dietary interventions in people living with memory impairment and delaying cognitive decline. Investigation of alterations in glucose metabolism and dietary-induced ketogenesis in older adults is a recent growing area of research. Ketone bodies are an important alternative energy source in the brain and may be beneficial to people developing or who already have memory impairment or those with Alzheimer’s disease. This scoping review aims to evaluate the available evidence on dietary-induced ketogenesis and its effect on cognition in older adults and the factors affecting feasibility of the dietary interventions to inform the design of future studies. The scoping review methodology explored the current knowledge about dietary interventions related to dietary-induced ketogenesis and cognition in older adults and identify gaps in the literature. Eleven dietary intervention studies included in the review demonstrated that both medium-chain triglyceride supplementation and ketogenic diets induce ketosis. Nine of these studies demonstrated that dietary-induced ketogenesis could lead to an improvement in cognitive functions, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Most of the included studies showed evidence to suggest that dietary-induced ketogenesis improves cognitive functions in older adults. However, the number of published papers is small and there were differences in the design and types of the dietary interventions (medium-chain triglyceride supplementation, ketogenic diet) along with high drop-out rates in some studies which limits the generalization of the findings. Although methodologies used in the studies vary, the findings warrant the need for further research with larger sample sizes in people at different stages of cognitive impairment, and to develop strategies to improve adherence to the intervention.
“Middle age spinster”. Libraries as amplifiers of discrimination
Authors: Petrocelli Carla
Published: June 2022

The history of the profession of librarian is inextricably intertwined with the history of the library, especially that of the last decades. The first image that comes to mind when one thinks of a library is that of a closed environment, reserved for academics and scholars, where silent employees compile paper catalogs following intricate rules. In the USA, the nature of these places has changed rapidly since the middle of the last century, when technology has forcefully become part of these realities. These structural changes have initiated a sort of revolution that has not only changed the way of understanding the library itself, but has generated a process of diversification of the work of men and women. In this study, we intend to examine the impact of technology on library workers by paying particular attention to those gender stratifications that have seen men favored for the higher positions and women biologically more suited to so-called technical services (such as cataloging) and public services (such as children’s storytelling).
Analysing Language, Sex and Age in a Corpus of Patient Feedback
Authors: Baker Paul , Brookes Gavin
Published: June 2022

This Element explores approaches to locating and examining social identity in corpora with and without the aid of demographic metadata. This is a key concern in corpus-aided studies of language and identity, and this Element sets out to explore the main challenges and affordances associated with either approach and to discern what either approach can (and cannot) show. It describes two case studies which each compare two approaches to social identity variables – sex and age – in a corpus of 14-million words of patient comments about NHS cancer services in England. The first approach utilises demographic tags to group comments according to patients' sex/age while the second involves categorising cases where patients disclose their sex/age in their comments. This Element compares the findings from either approach, with the approaches themselves being critically discussed in terms of their implications for corpus-aided studies of language and identity.
Large-eddy simulations and modal reconstruction of laminar transonic buffet
Authors: Moise Pradeep , Zauner Markus , Sandham Neil D.
Published: June 2022

Transonic buffet refers to the self-sustained periodic motion of shock waves observed in transonic flows over wings and can limit the flight envelope of aircraft. Based on the boundary layer characteristics at the shock foot, buffet has been classified as laminar or turbulent and the mechanisms underlying the two have been proposed to be different (Dandois et al., J. Fluid Mech., vol. 18, 2018, pp. 156–178). The effect of various flow parameters (freestream Mach and Reynolds numbers and sweep and incidence angles) on laminar transonic buffet on an infinite wing (Dassault Aviation's supercritical V2C aerofoil) is reported here by performing large-eddy simulations (LES) for a wide range of parameters. A spectral proper orthogonal decomposition identified the presence of a low-frequency mode associated with buffet and high-frequency wake modes related to vortex shedding. A flow reconstruction based only on the former shows periodic boundary-layer separation and reattachment accompanying shock wave motion. A modal reconstruction based only on the wake mode suggests that the separation bubble breathing phenomenon reported by Dandois et al. is due to this mode. Together, these results indicate that the physical mechanisms governing laminar and turbulent buffet are the same. Buffet was also simulated at zero incidence. Shock waves appear on both aerofoil surfaces and oscillate out of phase with each other indicating the occurrence of a Type I buffet (Giannelis et al., Aerosp. Sci. Technol., vol. 18, 2018, pp. 89–101) on a supercritical aerofoil. These results suggest that the mechanisms underlying different buffet types are the same.
Dampened psychobiological responses to stress and substance use in adolescence
Authors: Rahal Danny , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Fuligni Andrew , Kogut Katherine , Gonzales Nancy , Johnson Megan , Eskenazi Brenda , Deardorff Julianna
Published: June 2022

Substance use increases throughout adolescence, and earlier substance use may increase risk for poorer health. However, limited research has examined whether stress responses relate to adolescent substance use, especially among adolescents from ethnic minority and high-adversity backgrounds. The present study assessed whether blunted emotional and cortisol responses to stress at age 14 related to substance use by ages 14 and 16, and whether associations varied by poverty status and sex. A sample of 277 Mexican-origin youth (53.19% female; 68.35% below the poverty line) completed a social-evaluative stress task, which was culturally adapted for this population, and provided saliva samples and rated their anger, sadness, and happiness throughout the task. They also reported whether they had ever used alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes, and vaping of nicotine at age 14 and again at age 16. Multilevel models suggested that blunted cortisol reactivity to stress was associated with alcohol use by age 14 and vaping nicotine by age 16 among youth above the poverty line. Also, blunted sadness and happiness reactivity to stress was associated with use of marijuana and alcohol among female adolescents. Blunted stress responses may be a risk factor for substance use among youth above the poverty line and female adolescents.
Hofmann-Mislove type definitions of non-Hausdorff spaces
Authors: Shen Chong , Xi Xiaoyong , Xu Xiaoquan , Zhao Dongsheng
Published: June 2022

One of the most important results in domain theory is the Hofmann-Mislove Theorem, which reveals a very distinct characterization for the sober spaces via open filters. In this paper, we extend this result to the d-spaces and well-filtered spaces. We do this by introducing the notions of Hofmann-Mislove-system (HM-system for short) and
$\Psi$
-well-filtered space, which provide a new unified approach to sober spaces, well-filtered spaces, and d-spaces. In addition, a characterization for
$\Psi$
-well-filtered spaces is provided via
$\Psi$
-sets. We also discuss the relationship between
$\Psi$
-well-filtered spaces and H-sober spaces considered by Xu. We show that the category of complete
$\Psi$
-well-filtered spaces is a full reflective subcategory of the category of
$T_0$
spaces with continuous mappings. For each HM-system
$\Psi$
that has a designated property, we show that a
$T_0$
space X is
$\Psi$
-well-filtered if and only if its Smyth power space
$P_s(X)$
is
$\Psi$
-well-filtered.
Reared-Apart and Reunited: Extraordinary Dynamics/Twin Research Reviews: Twin Bereavement and Lifespan Associations; Identifying Novel Mutations in Twins; Parenting Premature Multiples; Conjoined Twins in Cross-Cultural Context/In the News: Madeline Albright, Mother of Twins, Passes Away; Identical Twin Songwriters Compose New Musical; Visually Impaired Twin Skiers; Identical Twin Brothers Undergo Heart Transplants; Naming the Genain Quadruplets
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: June 2022

The focus of this article is on insights gained from the extraordinary dynamics that took place between a pair of reunited monozygotic female twins from Greece. Topics include visualizing the co-twin prior to meeting, the unique love and attraction between the twins, a mother’s response to discovering her child’s cotwin and the challenges posed by insufficient kinship categories. The following section of this article surveys four recent twin research reports. They include Bereavement and Lifespan Associations; Novel Mutations in Twins; Parenting Premature Multiples; and Conjoined Twins. The final part of this article presents interesting and informative news about twins from popular sources. The topics covered are the passing of Madeline Albright (Secretary of State and mother of twins); identical twin songwriters; visually impaired twin and sibling skiiers; identical twin brothers who both received heart transplants; and the naming of the Genain quadruplets.
Examining Relationships Between Interoceptive Sensibility and Body Image in a Non-Western Context
Authors: Todd Jennifer , Barron David , Aspell Jane E. , Lin Toh Evelyn Kheng , Zahari Hanoor Syahirah , Mohd. Khatib Nor Azzatunnisak , Swami Viren
Published: June 2022

Abstract. Previous research has indicated that there are significant associations between interoception and body image, with lower interoceptive sensibility (IS) associated with more negative body image and higher IS associated with more positive body image. However, it is unclear whether these relationships are replicable in populations outside of North America and Western Europe. To address this issue, we asked a sample of 815 Malaysian Malay adults to complete the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, the Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Functionality Appreciation Scale, the Photographic Figure Rating Scale (women only), and the Drive for Muscularity Scale (men only), using online survey software. There were significant positive correlations between IS and the positive body image indices for both women and men, but the associations between IS and negative body image were generally below thresholds for statistical significance. After controlling for body mass index, age, and gender identity, we identified significant associations between IS and all four indices of body image. Overall, these findings demonstrate that relationships between IS and facets of positive and negative body image are present in a non-Western setting. Furthermore, the direction and strength of relationships identified in the present study were consistent with previous findings from Western samples.