bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma expressing alpha fetoprotein in the endometrium
Authors: Hou Weiwei , Zhou Bin , Hou Gang , Pang Yu , Sang Jing , Li Ning
Published: November 2021

Rare small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNEC) cases showed alpha fetoprotein (AFP) expression in the endometrium. In this study, we reported a case of uterine SCNEC expressing AFP. In addition, a literature review was performed to investigate the potential mechanism and the clinicopathological features of SCNEC to provide clinical guidance. A 65-year-old female was referred to our hospital due to vaginal bleeding for 1 month in November 2020. The clinical features were summarized. After total hysterectomy and removal of bilateral appendages, the histological examination and immunohistochemistry examination were performed. Histological findings showed that the cancer cells were arranged in a nest-like pattern distributed in a lamellar manner. The smooth muscles of the uterus were invaded by cancer cells. Cancer cells were relatively consistent in size. Small glandular duct-like and rosettes-like structures were distinguished, together with necrotic tissues. The deep staining showed that the amount of cytoplasm was lower in the nucleus. Partial cancer cells had small nucleolus with an irregular profile. There were some mitotic figures. Immunohistochemistry examination indicated that there was a diffuse expression of CK, Syn, CgA, CD56, CK8/18, P16, AFP, HepPar-1, Glypican-3, and Ki67 (90%). In this case, we reported a SCNEC patient expressing AFP, Glypican-3, and HepPar-1.
Characterization of cellular development and fatty acid accumulation in thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium strains of Taiwan
Authors: Velmurugan Natarajan , Sathishkumar Yesupatham , Sonowal Shashanka , Pang Ka-Lai , Lee Yang Soo
Published: November 2021

Long-chain saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids of two new thraustochytrid isolates cultured from Taiwan mangroves, Aurantiochytrium sp. IMB169 and Aurantiochytrium sp. IMB171, were characterized through their cell growth and development in relation to their intracellular lipid accumulation using transmission electron microscopy. Flow cytometry in combination with the lipophilic fluorescent dye BODIPY 505/515 was used to stain and characterize intracellular lipid bodies in the two isolates. The transmission electron microscopy and flow cytometry analyses revealed a progressive accumulation of lipid products in IMB169 and IMB171. Further, selective BODIPY stained cells were successfully separated and enriched using flow cytometry at single cell level. Among the two isolates, IMB169 was found to produce a high level of docosahexaenoic acid. The qualitative and analytical results obtained using electron microscopy and flow cytometry studies were validated by gas chromatography (GC). In addition, a quantitative baseline was established using cell growth, flow cytometry and GC analyses for developing an efficient bioprocessing methodology to selectively enrich thraustochytrids phenotypes with desirable characteristics.
Googleology for second language learning
Authors: Giampieri Patrizia
Published: November 2021

The World Wide Web has often been considered too vast to be consulted for linguistic purposes or for language learning. This paper will explore whether second language learners can be taught how to navigate the web (i.e., how to perform Google linguistic research, or “Googleology”), in order to improve their language skills. To this aim, a 2 h trial lesson was organized. The trial lesson was delivered to 78 apprentices, divided into groups of 10–15, over a period of six months. During the lesson, the participants were taught how to work with Google Advanced Search syntax. At the end of the lesson, they applied the newly-acquired skills by completing a few tasks concerning term and/or collocational search. The paper findings will highlight that, despite initial hesitation or inaccuracies in completing the exercises, the tasks were performed well. The participants considered the lesson interesting, useful and enjoyable. They felt engaged irrespective of the level of their second language (L2) knowledge, and were more confident in approaching Google Search for linguistic purposes.
Fostering autonomy in learners with special needs: a specialized e-learning course
Authors: Tóthová Lenka , Sedláčková Jitka
Published: November 2021

International engagement has become a priority and is regarded as a means to improve the quality of students’ education and their future social and professional success. It may, however, pose a major challenge for some higher education students. One of the vulnerable groups is that of learners with special needs, and particularly Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students. These learners are limited in their chances to interact in spoken/written foreign languages and in the learning opportunities they can join. This, by extension, has an unfavourable impact on their possibilities of engaging in study abroad. Based on the experience with a newly launched e-learning course “Online English for International Mobilities”, the present paper discusses the need for building effective FL learning strategies in Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students in connection with the process of academic internationalisation. The main argument is for the need to foster students’ ability to self-regulate, reduce their teacher dependency and reliance on directed learning, and to encourage them to take responsibility for their own learning. Secondly, the paper provides a comparison of two pilot runs of the course from the perspective of (online) classroom dynamics and cooperation. While the course is built to be as autonomous as possible and benefits from the advantages of the e-learning format, great importance is given to group dynamics and cooperation via discussion forums and online chats. It also takes advantage of the considerable benefits of individualized, personalized feedback being provided by teachers on selected assignments.
Translingual transcultural competence: student agency, teacher guidance, and program support
Authors: Kunschak Claudia
Published: November 2021

An increasingly interconnected world requires people to become versatile communicators in a variety of different settings. Language centers have a critical role to play in this process by offering language and culture training in multiple languages to students, professionals and the wider community alike. They may do so from the perspective of developing plurilingual pluricultural competence, translingual transcultural competence or intercultural communicative competence and intercultural citizenship. This paper takes as its framework translingual transcultural competence, which not only reflects the current trend of transnationalism and diasporic communities, but also emphasizes the need to be critically aware, culturally reflective and socially sensitive. In order to better understand affordances and challenges in developing this competence, or set of competences, the author surveyed and interviewed students and teachers at one university-affiliated language center offering 30 languages besides German as the main language of study. Students at all proficiency levels as well as native and non-native teachers of the language taught were included in the study. Whereas the student survey investigated awareness and attitude, identity and community as well as the autonomy and agency of students in the program, teacher interviews provided insights into program parameters, classroom pedagogy and out-of-class projects. Findings from the study indicate a strong foundation in multicompetence thinking with some challenges in developing the transcultural component.
Shifting towards the action-oriented approach in Higher Education: language learners’ perceptions
Authors: Jaleniauskiene Evelina
Published: November 2021

In the updated version of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment – Companion Volume (Council of Europe 2020), the Action-Oriented Approach is highlighted as the most viable approach for learning languages. The present study explored students’ reflections on the collaborative project based on this approach. The project was offered to the learners at a tertiary level during a course of English (C1 level). Analysis of the data revealed that the project appeared to be useful for the development of both general and communicative language competences. Although collaboration was indicated among the most satisfactory aspects, the learners also experienced the most difficulties with it. Despite the finding that most students considered such a project to be of acceptable difficulty, their level of satisfaction differed significantly. The results point to some potential challenges while shifting to the Action-Oriented Approach as a more active language learning approach. Not all students may be ready for the new type of language learning which requires higher levels of cognitive effort and more collaboration in comparison to traditional language classes. As this approach marks a significant turn in language education, it is anticipated that both the detailed presentation of the project and students’ reflections on it will help to increase the awareness of other language educators seeking to design quality action-based projects.
An initial assessment of the academic and professional profile of modern foreign languages’ teachers in UK higher education
Authors: Coderch Marion
Published: November 2021

The aim of this activity report is to provide an initial appraisal of the current makeup of the professional group of modern foreign language teachers in UK Higher Education. The report is in two parts: a literature review that identifies the main defining qualities of modern foreign languages teachers, and an evaluation of the professional and academic profiles of language teachers in UK higher education, as displayed in the institutional websites of the universities where they work. The analysis of the data collected corroborates the characteristics identified in the literature: the low status of teaching staff, the often unconventional entry paths into the profession, the prevalence of the “native speaker” construct as a desirable feature in candidates who aspire to teach the language, the disparity in qualifications of language teachers, and their low engagement in research activities. Future prospects involve the verification (or amendment, where necessary) of the data collected with accounts from individuals who work as language teachers.
Speedometer reliability in regard to road traffic sustainability
Authors: Ondruš Ján , Gogola Marián , Čulík Kristián , Kampf Rudolf , Bartuška Ladislav
Published: November 2021

The speedometer with radar head is a device displaying the instantaneous speed of vehicles in both the directions of the traffic lane. Interactive with the video, it collects and effectively interprets particular statistic data, such as the number of passed vehicles, classification of vehicles, exceeded speed, drivers´ behavior – speed change right before the measuring device, etc. The video is synchronized with the radar. In the areas where speedometer is installed, it is predicted that about 30% of the drivers slow down in front of the measuring device and about 60–90% of vehicles slow down after passing the device. The speedometer also serves as a light decelerator with respect to safe and sustainable traffic. The aim of the research was to carry out and subsequently to evaluate the three profile reviews executed on the selected road section under specific light and traffic conditions. After that, the evaluated data was compared with the real data gained by the respective reviews. The result of such comparison showed the measure of reliability and accuracy of the speedometer.
New migrants, new challenges? – Activating multilingual resources for understanding mathematics: institutional and interactional factors
Authors: Krause Arne , Wagner Jonas , Redder Angelika , Prediger Susanne
Published: November 2021

New adolescent migrants from Arabic-speaking countries face complex challenges when participating in regular mathematics classes in Germany: They have been educated in their family language(s) and are obliged to adapt to a new (second or target) language and to different styles of teaching. In contrast, 3rd generation multilingual students, who usually are schooled in German only, have rarely ever used their family languages in mathematics. This poses different challenges for the introduction of multilingual teaching and learning. By comparing German-Turkish 3rd generation students and adolescent refugees from Arabic speaking countries, both in 7th grade, this paper argues for the epistemic importance of considering “multilingual profiles” (i. e. including individual languages and history of migration) for linguistic analyses as well as for didactical designs of learning opportunities. For this purpose, a functional pragmatic discourse analysis of transcribed video-data from bilingual mathematics sessions with up to four multilingual students was conducted. This allows to characterize discursive multilingual profiles and to distinguish different perspectives on and verbalizations of mathematical concepts (in this case: fractions) in classroom discourse. Furthermore, language-specific interfaces of mental and linguistic processes are unfolded which enable new insights into conceptual understanding. The analysis focusses on the languages German, Turkish and Arabic and on 7th grade mathematics classes. The paper shows that the activation of multilingual resources in mathematics classrooms sets a promising approach for a sustainable integration of migrants, since they are enabled to use their subject-related knowledge which, in the long run, holds the potential support for the acquisition of the target language on a pre-academic level.
On a Robin type problem involving 𝑝(𝑥)-Laplacian operator
Authors: Ayoujil Abdesslem , Ourraoui Anass
Published: November 2021

This paper deals with the existence and multiplicity of solutions for the

p
⁢

(
x
)

p(x)

-Laplacian Robin problem without the well-known Ambrosetti–Rabinowitz type growth conditions.
By means of the variational approach (with the Cerami condition), existence and multiplicity results of solutions are established under weaker conditions.
Higher integrability and reverse Hölder inequalities in the limit cases
Authors: Popoli Arturo
Published: November 2021

We study the higher integrability of weights satisfying a reverse Hölder inequality

(

⨏
I

u
β

)

1
β

≤

B
⁢

(

⨏
I

u
α

)

1
α

{\biggl{(}\fint_{I}u^{\beta}\biggr{)}^{\frac{1}{\beta}}}\leq B{\biggl{(}\fint_{I}u^{\alpha}\biggr{)}^{\frac{1}{\alpha}}}

for some

B
>
1

B>1

and given

α
<
β

\alpha<\beta

, in the limit cases when

α
∈

{

-
∞

,
0
}

\alpha\in\{-\infty,0\}

and/or

β
∈

{
0
,

+
∞

}

\beta\in\{0,+\infty\}

.
The results apply to the Gehring and Muckenhoupt weights and their corresponding limit classes.
Quantum chemical studies on structural, spectroscopic, nonlinear optical, and thermodynamic properties of the 1,2,4-triazole compound
Authors: Medetalibeyoğlu Hilal , Yüksek Haydar
Published: November 2021

In this study, the structure of 4-[4-(diethylamino)-benzylideneamino]-5-benzyl-2H-1,2,4-triazol-3(4H)-one (DBT) was examined through spectroscopic and theoretical analyses. In this respect, the geometrical, vibrational frequency,1H and13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts, thermodynamic, hyperpolarizability, and electronic properties including the highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) energies of DBT as a potential non-linear optical (NLO) material were investigated using density functional theory at the B3LYP level with the 6-311G basis set.1H and13C-NMR chemical shifts of DBT with the gauge-invariant atomic orbital and continuous set of gauge transformation methods (in the solvents) were estimated, and the computed chemical shift values displayed excellent alignment with observed ones. Time-dependent density-functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations with the integral equation formalism polarizable continuum model within various solvents and gas phases in the ground state were used to evaluate UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission wavelengths. Thermodynamic parameters including enthalpy, heat capacity, and entropy for DBT were also calculated at various temperatures. Moreover, calculations of the NLO were carried out to obtain the title compound’s electric dipole moment and polarizability properties. To illustrate the effect of the theoretical method on the spectroscopic and structural properties of DBT, experimental data of structural and spectroscopic parameters were used. The correlational analysis results were observed to indicate a strong relationship between the experimental and theoretical results.
Modeling of radial variations in wood properties and comparison of juvenile and mature wood of four common conifers in Mongolia
Authors: Sarkhad Murzabyek , Ishiguri Futoshi , Nezu Ikumi , Tumenjargal Bayasaa , Takahashi Yusuke , Baasan Bayartsetseg , Chultem Ganbaatar , Ohshima Jyunichi , Yokota Shinso
Published: November 2021

Pinus sylvestris L., Pinus sibirica Du Tour, Picea obovata Ledeb., and Larix sibirica Ledeb. are important forest tree species in Mongolia. The radial variations of wood anatomical characteristics, physical and mechanical properties were evaluated by linear or nonlinear mixed-effects models for effective wood utilization of those of conifers. Many of these wood properties either increased or decreased from the pith to the bark and then became nearly constant based on the selected models. The properties of mature wood were estimated by nonlinear mixed-effects models, suggesting that P. sylvestris and L. sibirica are suitable as structural lumber, P. sibirica can be used for furniture and other interior products, and P. obovata is suitable for structural lumber as well as for furniture or interior products.
„Ein Unbekanntes ist nur der Geschmack“. Zu Levin Ludwig Schückings literatursoziologischem Ansatz
Authors: Schell Sandra , Venzl Tilman
Published: November 2021

The article reconstructs Levin Ludwig Schücking’s History of Taste as a method of writing literary history. Moreover, it lays out, for the first time, the cultural and literary-political dimensions of his approach by considering the context of the history of literary studies comprehensively. The article demonstrates how Schücking refers to sociology in a twofold manner: as a way of scholarly thinking that is related to certain methodological techniques, and as a way to overcome the “crisis of modernity” manifested in the rift between authors and readers in literary life.
Inmitten des ‚Methodenkampfs‘. Literatursoziologie im Reallexikon der deutschen Literaturgeschichte (1925–1931) und Sachwörterbuch für Deutschkunde (1930)
Authors: Differding Annika , Zimmermann Yvonne
Published: November 2021

The article examines the admission of ‘sociology of literature’ in the standard literary reference works of the Weimar Republic. In addition to handbooks, these include above all the Reallexikon der deutschen Literaturgeschichte and the Sachwörterbuch für Deutschkunde. The study examines how the method is understood, whom it is associated with, what examples are given, and what significance it had in the methodological discourse at the time.
Controllable oxidation of cyclohexanone to produce sodium adipate in an electrochemical reactor with a Pt NPs/Ti membrane electrode
Authors: Cui Zhaowei , Wang Hong , Chen Zishang , Zhang Yujun , Tian Hao , Yin Zhen , Li Jianxin
Published: November 2021

An electrocatalytic membrane reactor (ECMR) with an anode consisting of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) loaded on a Ti membrane electrode (Pt NPs/Ti) was designed to oxidize cyclohexanone (K) to produce sodium adipate (SA) under mild conditions. The effects of residence time, reaction temperature, current density and initial K concentration on K conversion were investigated. Optimization experiments were conducted to determine the effects of and interactions between different operating parameters on K conversion using a central composite design within the response surface methodology. A 88.3% conversion of K and 99% selectivity to SA were obtained by the ECMR under the optimum conditions of reaction temperature = 30.8 °C, K concentration = 22.54 mmol L−1, residence time = 25 min and current density = 2.07 mA cm−2. The high performance of the ECMR is attributed to electrocatalytic oxidation (at the Pt NPs/Ti electrode), convection-enhanced mass transfer, and the timely removal of the desired products.
Immediate effect of cold mud pack therapy on autonomic variables in primary hypertensive individuals: a randomized trial
Authors: Valsakumar Abitone , Dinesh Sujatha , Prasad Ganesh , Shetty Prashanth
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Mud pack or compress is an easily accessible, cost-effective, efficient treatment modality used in naturopathy to manage and prevent various chronic illnesses. This study sought to elucidate the effectiveness of cold spinal mud packs on improving neuro-cardiac parameters among hypertensive individuals.

Methods

A total of 100 hypertensive subjects aged 30–50 years were randomly allocated into two groups: Cold spinal mud pack (CSMP) and prone rest. Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) were assessed at three-time points: Baseline, After 20 min (T1), After 60 min (T2). This single-blinded randomized controlled trial was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2019/12/022492).

Results

After 20 min of CSMP showed a statistically significant reduction (p<0.01) in mean values of Systolic BP, Diastolic BP, and in HRV attained statistically significant change (p<0.01) in mean score in the frequency domain except for Very low-frequency power (VLF) and a significant difference found in the mean score of time-domain values (p<0.01) when compared to control group and 95% confidence interval (CI) will be provided for each effect.

Conclusions

CSMP reduces the sympathetic tone and shifts the sympathovagal balance in favor of parasympathetic dominance, contributing to a decrease in BP and effective changes in components of HRV.
Screening for testicular adrenal rest tumors among children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia at King Fahad Medical City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Huneif Mohammed Ayed , Al Mutairi Majed , AlHazmy Ziyad Hamad , AlOsaimi Fatima Khalid , AlShoomi Anas M. , AlGhofely Mohammed A. , AlSaheel Abdulhameed
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To assess the incidence of testicular adrenal rest tumors (TARTs) among male children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in tertiary care centers.

Methods

All male children aged 1–14 years diagnosed with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21 HOD), 11β-hydroxylase deficiency, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, confirmed by biochemical and/or genetic testing, underwent scrotal ultrasound examination to identify TARTs. After receiving the diagnosed patients’ data, patients’ electronic medical records were accessed to collect demographic data and scrotal ultrasound results, along with growth parameters and specific biochemical test results within 2 months of the ultrasound.

Results

TARTs were observed in 5 (10.9%) of 46 male children with CAH. Four patients with positive findings had 21 HOD classical CAH with salt loss and one had 21 HOD simple virilizing classical CAH. All patients had poor compliance and stage 2 bilateral TARTs. Three TART-positive patients (60.0%) had high ACTH levels, 5 patients (100%) had elevated 17-OHP levels, and 5 patients (100%) had advanced bone age. The youngest patient with positive findings was 4 years old.

Conclusions

The prevalence of TARTs increases with age and can be present in young males with classical CAH with 21 HOD. It is associated with elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and advanced bone age SDS. TARTs are less likely to be associated with nonclassical CAH with 21 HOD or other less common CAHs due to 11β-hydroxylase deficiencies and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiencies in children. Our study recommends early and routine screening of TARTs in children with CAH.
The association between vitamin D levels and metabolic syndrome components among metropolitan adolescent population
Authors: Gao Yi-Xiong , Zhang Jian , Man Qingqing , Li Yuqian , Jia Shanshan
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Vitamin D promotes both lipolysis and lipogenesis, and some pediatric studies showed inconsistent associations between vitamin D and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between vitamin D levels and MetS components among metropolitan adolescents.

Methods

A total of 4,149 adolescents aged 10–18 years were recruited from 23 metropolises in China. The MetS conditions were assessed according to the International Diabetes Federation consensus definition, and the serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were analyzed. The association between MetS components and serum 25(OH)D levels was analyzed by the logistic regression model. Restricted cubic spline was applied to the model nonlinear association.

Results

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 74.9%, and 41.2% of study participants had at least one MetS component. After adjustment, the significant trend for a lower waist-to-height ratio was not observed in study participants with higher serum 25(OH)D quartile (p=0.57), but a significant nonlinear association between abdominal obesity and serum 25(OH)D levels was found (p=0.04): the highest risk of abdominal obesity occurred at 14.1 ng/mL of serum 25(OH)D. The association of serum 25(OH)D was significantly inverse with MetS (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.92–0.98), but not with raised triglycerides (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.96–1.01), raised blood pressure (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.97–1.01) and impaired fasting glycemia (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.04).

Conclusions

The net effect of vitamin D on lipid metabolism may be concentration-dependent, and the actual effect of vitamin D on MetS process may be complex among metropolitan adolescents, though serum 25(OH)D is inversely associated with MetS.
Comparison of APACHE II scores and mortality with CRP/albumin, neutrophil/lymphocyte and thrombocyte/lymphocyte ratios in patients admitted to internal medicine and anesthesia reanimation intensive care unit
Authors: Usta Ahmet , Gemcioglu Emin , Baser Salih , Ersoy Osman , Polat Yunus Halil , Erden Abdülsamet , Izdes Seval
Published: November 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between C-reactive protein/albumin (CRP/Alb), neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) ratios and the Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and 28-day mortality among 400 patients admitted to internal medicine and anesthesia reanimation intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

This prospective study included a total of 400 patients who were admitted to hospital internal medicine and anesthesia reanimation ICUs.

Results

The most common reasons for ICU admission were pneumonia (29.3%), gastrointestinal bleeding (10.3%), acute exacerbation of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (10.3%), and acute kidney injury (7.5%). The comparison of the laboratory findings with survival outcomes revealed that among the patients with acute exacerbation of CKD, the median NLR (p=0.043) and median CRP/Alb (p=0.021) were significantly higher in patients who died. For all of the patients, the APACHE II score was positively correlated with CRP (p<0.001) and CRP/Alb (p<0.001), negatively correlated with Alb (p<0.001), positively correlated with the NLR (p<0.001), and positively correlated with the PLR.

Conclusions

The APACHE II score was significantly correlated with the CRP/Alb ratio, NLR, and PLR. The NLR and CRP/Alb ratio were statistically associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for acute exacerbation of CKD.
Anapole-enabled RFID security against far-field attacks
Authors: Mikhailovskaya Anna , Shakirova Diana , Krasikov Sergey , Yusupov Ildar , Dobrykh Dmitry , Slobozhanyuk Alexey , Bogdanov Andrey , Filonov Dmitry , Ginzburg Pavel
Published: November 2021

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a widely used wireless technology for contactless data exchange. Owing to international standardization and one-way security nature of the communication protocol, RFID tags, holding sensitive information, may be a subject to theft. One of the major security loopholes is the so-called far-field attack, where unauthorized interrogation is performed from a distance, bypassing the user’s verification. This loophole is a penalty of using a dipole-like RFID tag antenna, leaking wireless information to the far-field. Here we introduce a new concept of anapole-enabled security, prohibiting far-field attacks by utilizing fundamental laws of physics. Our design is based on radiationless electromagnetic states (anapoles), which have high near-field concentration and theoretically nulling far-field scattering. The first property enables performing data readout from several centimeters (near-field), while the second prevents attacks from a distance, regardless an eavesdropper’s radiated power and antenna gain. Our realization is based on a compact 3 cm high-index ceramic core–shell structure, functionalized with a thin metal wire and an integrated circuit to control the tag. Switching scheme was designed to provide a modulation between two radiation-less anapole states, blocking both up and down links for a far-field access. The anapole tag demonstrates more than 20 dB suppression of far-field interrogation distance in respect with a standard commercial tag, while keeping the near-field performance at the same level. The proposed concept might significantly enhance the RFID communication channel in cases, where information security prevails over cost constrains.
Reconfigurable terahertz metasurfaces coherently controlled by wavelength-scale-structured light
Authors: Jana Kamalesh , Okocha Emmanuel , Møller Søren H. , Mi Yonghao , Sederberg Shawn , Corkum Paul B.
Published: November 2021

Structuring light–matter interaction at a deeply subwavelength scale is fundamental to optical metamaterials and metasurfaces. Conventionally, the operation of a metasurface is determined by the collective electric polarization response of its lithographically defined structures. The inseparability of electric polarization and current density provides the opportunity to construct metasurfaces from current elements instead of nanostructures. Here, we realize metasurfaces using structured light rather than structured materials. Using coherent control, we transfer structure from light to transient currents in a semiconductor, which act as a source for terahertz radiation. A spatial light modulator is used to control the spatial structure of the currents and the resulting terahertz radiation with a resolution of

5.6
±
0.8
 μm

$5.6{\pm}0.8\mathrm{\,\mu m}$

, or approximately

λ
/
54

$\lambda /54$

at a frequency of 1 THz. The independence of the currents from any predefined structures and the maturity of spatial light modulator technology enable this metasurface to be reconfigured with unprecedented flexibility.
Negative optical force field on supercavitating titanium nitride nanoparticles by a single plane wave
Authors: Lee Eungkyu , Luo Tengfei
Published: November 2021

A pulling motion of supercavitating plasmonic nanoparticle (NP) by a single plane wave has received attention for the fundamental physics and potential applications in various fields (e.g., bio-applications, nanofabrication, and nanorobotics). Here, the supercavitating NP depicts a state where a nanobubble encapsulates the NP, which can be formed via the photo-thermal heating process in a liquid. In this letter, we theoretically study the optical force on a supercavitating titanium nitride (TiN) NP by a single plane wave at near-infrared wavelengths to explore optical conditions that can potentially initiate the backward motion of the NP against the wave-propagating direction. An analysis with vector spherical harmonics is used to quantify the optical force on the NP efficiently. Next, the vector field line of the optical force is introduced to visualize the light-driven motion of the NP in a nanobubble. Finally, we characterize the vector field lines at various optical conditions (e.g., various sizes of NP and nanobubble, and wavelength), and we find a suitable window of the optical state which can potentially activate the backward motion of the supercavitating TiN NP.
Scalable and effective multi-level entangled photon states: a promising tool to boost quantum technologies
Authors: Sciara Stefania , Roztocki Piotr , Fischer Bennet , Reimer Christian , Romero Cortés Luis , Munro William J. , Moss David J. , Cino Alfonso C. , Caspani Lucia , Kues Michael , Azaña José , Morandotti Roberto
Published: November 2021

Multi-level (qudit) entangled photon states are a key resource for both fundamental physics and advanced applied science, as they can significantly boost the capabilities of novel technologies such as quantum communications, cryptography, sensing, metrology, and computing. The benefits of using photons for advanced applications draw on their unique properties: photons can propagate over long distances while preserving state coherence, and they possess multiple degrees of freedom (such as time and frequency) that allow scalable access to higher dimensional state encoding, all while maintaining low platform footprint and complexity. In the context of out-of-lab use, photon generation and processing through integrated devices and off-the-shelf components are in high demand. Similarly, multi-level entanglement detection must be experimentally practical, i.e., ideally requiring feasible single-qudit projections and high noise tolerance. Here, we focus on multi-level optical Bell and cluster states as a critical resource for quantum technologies, as well as on universal witness operators for their feasible detection and entanglement characterization. Time- and frequency-entangled states are the main platform considered in this context. We review a promising approach for the scalable, cost-effective generation and processing of these states by using integrated quantum frequency combs and fiber-based devices, respectively. We finally report an experimentally practical entanglement identification and characterization technique based on witness operators that is valid for any complex photon state and provides a good compromise between experimental feasibility and noise robustness. The results reported here can pave the way toward boosting the implementation of quantum technologies in integrated and widely accessible photonic platforms.
Crystal structure of 2,2′-(p-tolylazanediyl)bis(1-phenylethan-1-one), C23H21NO2
Authors: Li Yameng , Xu Yongquan , Zhang Ziwen , Li Nan , Bai Xiaofan , He Jingyu , Wu Haixia
Published: November 2021

C23H21NO2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 20.163(3) Å, b = 10.1693(16) Å, c = 8.8032(19) Å, β = 95.992(12)°, V = 1795.2(4) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0624, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1411, T = 150 K.
The crystal structure of bis(μ2-iodido)-bis(η6-benzene)-bis(iodido)-diosmium(II), C12H12I4Os2
Authors: Tapala Kgaugelo C. , Clayton Hadley S.
Published: November 2021

C12H12I4Os2, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 11.9720(5) Å, b = 10.4991(4) Å, c = 13.2810(6) Å, V = 1669.36(12) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0349, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0848, T = 173(2) K.
Against a uniform analysis of adnominal possessives in Jordanian Arabic: Evidence from nominal ellipsis
Authors: Alhailawani Mohammad
Published: November 2021

Arabic has two models of adnominal possession: the Construct State and the Free State. Despite their superficial differences, these constructions are traditionally given a uniform analysis, in which their base-generated structures are identical, with differences residing in the movement operations that affect the possessor and the noun. This paper argues against a uniform analysis, based on new evidence from Noun Phrase Ellipsis. Specifically, I argue that the possessor in the Construct State merges in complement position of the possessum, whereas in the Free State, the possessor is an adjunct attached to a higher functional projection above the possessum. An important consequence of this analysis is that a possessor can be introduced in a headcomplement relation.
The protective effects of activating Sirt1/NF-κB pathway for neurological disorders
Authors: Song Yanhong , Wu Ziyi , Zhao Ping
Published: November 2021

Sirt1, a member of the sirtuins family, is a nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD+)-dependent deacetylase. It can be involved in the regulation of several processes including inflammatory response, apoptosis, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, and autophagy by exerting deacetylation. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), a crucial nuclear transcription factor with specific DNA binding sequences, exists in almost all cells and plays a vital role in several biological processes involving inflammatory response, immune response, and apoptosis. As the hub of multiple intracellular signaling pathways, the activity of NF-κB is regulated by multiple factors. Sirt1 can both directly deacetylate NF-κB and indirectly through other molecules to inhibit its activity. We would like to emphasize that Sirt1/NF-κB is a signaling pathway that is closely related to neuroinflammation. Many recent studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of Sirt1/NF-κB signaling pathway activation applied to the treatment of neurological related diseases. In this review, we focus on new advances in the neuroprotective effects of the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway. First, we briefly review Sirt1 and NF-κB, two key molecules of cellular metabolism. Next, we discuss the connection between NF-κB and neuroinflammation. In addition, we explore how Sirt1 regulates NF-κB in nerve cells and relevant evidence. Finally, we analyze the therapeutic effects of the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway in several common neuroinflammation-related diseases.
Recht als Gegenstand rhetorischer Grundlagenforschung
Authors: Fischer Jens
Published: November 2021

According to the self-image of lawyers, jurisprudence is a science: the premises in legal conclusions are truth-apt, as are the conclusions or judgements that follow from them, the cognition of true law is consequently regarded as their task. Against this background, a program that understands and analyzes law as the product of a rhetorical practice is confronted with fierce resistance. According to the research of analytical legal rhetoric, on the other hand, the evidence for a rhetorical imprint on law is overwhelming: starting with the logical status of legal inferences, to the peculiarities of judicial procedure, to the motivational situation of those involved in it, everywhere it becomes apparent that the image of strict truth-orientation inadequately describes the genesis of law. Following Aristotle, who assigned law to the field of phrónēsis and not to epistēmē, contemporary legal rhetoric research aims to draw a realistic picture of the genesis of law. Subdivided into the triad of logos, ethos, and pathos, it attempts to fully grasp the interrelationships involved. It becomes apparent that the rational or argumentative dimension is far from dominating in legal justifications. It is precisely at the neuralgic point, i.e., where arguments are opposed to each other, that the rhetor typically uses a rhetorical figure that links all levels of the triad: the restrictio.
A Simple Model of Corporate Fiduciary Duties: With an Application to Corporate Compliance
Authors: Bunting William C.
Published: November 2021

This article models the duty of care as a response to moral hazard where the principal seeks to induce effort that is costly to the agent and unobservable by the principal. The duty of loyalty, by contrast, is modeled as a response to adverse selection where the principal seeks truthful disclosure of private information held by the agent. This model of corporate loyalty differs importantly with standard adverse selection models, however, in that the principal cannot use available contracting variables as a screening mechanism to ensure honest disclosure and must rely upon the use of an external third-party audit technology, such as the court system. This article extends the model to the issue of corporate compliance and argues that the optimal judicial approach would define the duty to monitor as a subset of due care – and not loyalty – but hold that the usual legal protections provided for due care violations no longer apply.
A discourse analysis of Montenegrin university lectures: How structured are they?
Authors: Živković Branka
Published: November 2021

In comparison to different genres of written discourse, the structure of university lectures remains insufficiently explored. This paper examines which structural elements the mediostructure of Montenegrin lectures consists of, what functions they serve and what features are typical in their internal organisation. The study further aims to determine which linguistic resources are frequently used in the units identified, as well as to define their functions and examine the relation between the mediostructural units and their linguistic characteristics. Applying a part of Cook's model (1975) and conducting frequency and qualitative analyses, we explore a specially compiled corpus of Montenegrin linguistic lectures. The analysis reveals that the lecture mediostructure includes four structural components performing specific communicative functions. They are characterised by the common use of specific linguistic features influenced by the unit in question. The results could be useful to lecturers to successfully plan and structure their lectures, as well as for future research regarding this institutional genre.
Funciones pragmático-discursivas de oraciones escindidas del tipo “lo que pasa es que” en narraciones conversacionales de hablantes chilenos
Authors: Escobar Alonso , Guerrero Silvana
Published: November 2021

En esta investigación se presentan los resultados del estudio de las funciones pragmático-discursivas desempeñadas por oraciones escindidas del tipo “lo que pasa es que” en narraciones conversacionales de experiencia personal generadas por hablantes chilenos. Se analizan 54 narraciones conversacionales con dos propósitos: clasificar las oraciones escindidas según la parte de la estructura narrativa que introducen y ofrecer una taxonomía de funciones pragmático-discursivas que desempeñan dichas construcciones. Entre las principales conclusiones se destaca que las oraciones escindidas desempeñan tres macro-funciones: focalizadora –aparentemente la más relevante para la cadena narrativa–, introductora de atenuaciones justificantes y orientadora, cada una con diferentes posibilidades de realización.
MMP2 and MMP9 Activity Is Crucial for Adult Visual Cortex Plasticity in Healthy and Stroke-Affected Mice
Authors: Akol Ipek , Kalogeraki Evgenia , Pielecka-Fortuna Justyna , Fricke Merle , Löwel Siegrid
Published: November 2021

A fundamental regulator of neuronal network development and plasticity is the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the brain. The ECM provides a scaffold stabilizing synaptic circuits, while the proteolytic cleavage of its components and cell surface proteins are thought to have permissive roles in the regulation of plasticity. The enzymatic proteolysis is thought to be crucial for homeostasis between stability and reorganizational plasticity and facilitated largely by a family of proteinases named matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here, we investigated whether MMP2 and MMP9 play a role in mediating adult primary visual cortex (V1) plasticity as well as stroke-induced impairments of visual cortex plasticity in mice. In healthy adult mice, selective inhibition of MMP2/9 for 7 d suppressed ocular dominance plasticity. In contrast, brief inhibition of MMP2/9 after a cortical stroke rescued compromised plasticity. Our data indicate that the proteolytic activity of MMP2 and MMP9 is critical and required to be within a narrow range to allow adult visual plasticity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTLearning and recovery from injuries depend on the plasticity of neuronal connections. The brain's extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a scaffold for stabilizing synaptic circuits, while its enzymatic proteolysis is hypothesized to regulate homeostasis between stability and reorganizational plasticity. ECM digestion is facilitated by a family of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Here, we show that treatments that inhibit MMP2/9 can either inhibit or rescue cortical plasticity depending on cortical state: in the visual cortex of healthy adult mice, inhibition of MMP2/9 suppressed cortical plasticity. In contrast, brief inhibition of MMP2/9 after a stroke rescued compromised plasticity. Our data provide strong evidence that an optimal level of MMP2/9 proteolytic activity is crucial for adult visual plasticity.
Economic Choices under Simultaneous or Sequential Offers Rely on the Same Neural Circuit
Authors: Shi Weikang , Ballesta Sébastien , Padoa-Schioppa Camillo
Published: November 2021

A series of studies in which monkeys chose between two juices offered in variable amounts identified in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) different groups of neurons encoding the value of individual options (offer value), the binary choice outcome (chosen juice), and the chosen value. These variables capture both the input and the output of the choice process, suggesting that the cell groups identified in OFC constitute the building blocks of a decision circuit. Several lines of evidence support this hypothesis. However, in previous experiments offers were presented simultaneously, raising the question of whether current notions generalize to when goods are presented or are examined in sequence. Recently, Ballesta and Padoa-Schioppa (2019) examined OFC activity under sequential offers. An analysis of neuronal responses across time windows revealed that a small number of cell groups encoded specific sequences of variables. These sequences appeared analogous to the variables identified under simultaneous offers, but the correspondence remained tentative. Thus, in the present study, we examined the relation between cell groups found under sequential versus simultaneous offers. We recorded from the OFC while monkeys chose between different juices. Trials with simultaneous and sequential offers were randomly interleaved in each session. We classified cells in each choice modality, and we examined the relation between the two classifications. We found a strong correspondence; in other words, the cell groups measured under simultaneous offers and under sequential offers were one and the same. This result indicates that economic choices under simultaneous or sequential offers rely on the same neural circuit.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTResearch in the past 20 years has shed light on the neuronal underpinnings of economic choices. A large number of results indicates that decisions between goods are formed in a neural circuit within the orbitofrontal cortex. In most previous studies, subjects chose between two goods offered simultaneously. Yet, in daily situations, goods available for choice are often presented or examined in sequence. Here we recorded neuronal activity in the primate orbitofrontal cortex alternating trials under simultaneous and under sequential offers. Our analyses demonstrate that the same neural circuit supports choices in the two modalities. Hence, current notions on the neuronal mechanisms underlying economic decisions generalize to choices under sequential offers.