bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Nutritional Evaluation of Khoa Fortified with Jamun Seed (Syzygium cumini L.) Powder
Authors: Thakur Vedika Anil , Singh Sury Pratap
Published: July 2023

The current study, “Development and nutritional evaluation of khoa fortified with jamun seed (Syzygium cumini L.) Powder," was carried out in Vadodara, Gujarat, India during the year 2022 in the Product Development Laboratory of the Department of Food Technology, Parul Institute of Applied Sciences, Parul University. Khoa is an Indian traditional dairy product which is fortified with jamun seed powder. The nutritional evaluation of khoa fortified with jamun seed is done by analyzing nutrient content. Jamun seed powder is a popular detoxifying herb because it contains ash, moisture, crude protein, fat and fiber. The average proximate constituents such as moisture, carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber and ash content were determined in khoa as follows (45.8%), (75.15%), (17.2%), (2.81%), (1.84%) and (3%) respectively. The minerals determined were calcium (40.87mg), iron (0.65mg), magnesium (10.38mg) and zinc (< 2.0mg) respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) of khoa showed the presence of spectra 2858.52 cm-1 which represents Carbonyl group, 1743.30 cm-1 which represents Hydrocarbon group, 1542.79 cm-1 which represents presence of CONH group and 1029.13 cm-1 which represents OH group. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc of khoa were evaluated. The total energy value of khoa was observed as 310.01 Kcal/100gm. Then the khoa was packed in polyethylene pouches (PEP) and stored under ambient (25-28 o C) and refrigerated (4oC) temperature conditions for 7 days and it was observed that during the storage study of khoa, at ambient temperature the overall increase in moisture content of khoa ranged from (45.8%) to (47.1%) whereas, the overall decrease in protein, fat and ash ranged from (17.2%) to (16.1%), (2.81%) to (2.58%) and (3%) to (2.3%), respectively. During the storage study of khoa at refrigeration temperature we observed that the overall increase in moisture content of khoa ranged from (45.8%) to (46.4%) whereas, the overall decrease in protein, ash and fat ranged from (17.2%) to (16.3%), (3%) to (2.6%) and (2.81%) to (2.75%), respectively. The Moisture increases more at ambient temperature as compared to refrigeration temperature. Whereas the overall decrease in protein, ash and fat is more in ambient temperature compare to refrigeration temperature. Thus, the developed khoa have improved nutritional value and is suggested to diabetic patients.
Política de estímulo aos Arranjos Produtivos Regionais do Fundo Setorial do Audiovisual
Authors: Correa Machado Marta
Published: July 2023

Avalia-se aqui as mudanças que os editais de apoio a arranjos produtivos regionais, instituída pelo Fundo Setorial do Audiovisual em 2014, desencadeou nas políticas de produção audiovisual de estados e municípios em seus primeiros anos de aplicação. Além dos dados gerais dos três primeiros anos da aplicação desta nova política, disponibilizado pela Ancine e BRDE, foram analisados mais a fundo os dados de seis entes federativos anteriores e posteriores a ela. Como resultados, observa-se a padronização no processo de seleção de projetos, a burocratização nas tramitações e a dilação dos tempos entre seleções e a efetiva contratação das obras contempladas. Apesar de uma das premissas da criação destes editais ser o combate à concentração de recursos no eixo Rio-São Paulo, os dados observados nos anos iniciais da política indicam que a concentração se manteve.
Cultura alimentar como patrimônio cultural imaterial
Authors: Luz Cavalcante Lina , Vieira Costa Rodrigo
Published: July 2023

O artigo versa sobre o reconhecimento da cultura alimentar enquanto patrimônio cultural imaterial, a partir de lente socioantropológica, tendo por base os instrumentos das políticas culturais brasileiras entre o período de 2003 a 2013. Para tanto, realizamos estudo de caso sobre o Registro do Ofício das Baianas de Acarajé, buscando refletir sobre os sentidos atribuídos pelas detentoras desse saber à patrimonialização, a importância desse bem cultural para suas identidades e a transformação das práticas alimentares envolvendo o bem em decorrência das disputas e mudanças no seu fazer. Os resultados apresentados são frutos das opções de teóricas interdisciplinares de caráter qualitativo, pesquisas bibliográfica e documental, somadas à observação direta e à aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas, bem como de questionário.
Diagnosis and Management of Priapism
Authors: Fantus Richard J. , Brannigan Robert E. , Davis Andrew M.
Published: July 2023

This JAMA Clinical Guidelines Synopsis summarizes the 2022 American Urological Association/Sexual Medicine Society of North America guidelines on diagnosis and management of priapism.
Submillimeter Multifunctional Ferromagnetic Fiber Robots for Navigation, Sensing, and Modulation
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Wu Xiaobo , Vadlamani Ram Anand , Lim Youngmin , Kim Jongwoon , David Kailee , Gilbert Earl , Li You , Wang Ruixuan , Jiang Shan , Wang Anbo , Sontheimer Harald , English Daniel Fine , Emori Satoru , Davalos Rafael V. , Poelzing Steven , Jia Xiaoting
Published: July 2023

Small‐scale robots capable of remote active steering and navigation offer great potential for biomedical applications. However, the current design and manufacturing procedure impede their miniaturization and integration of various diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities. Herein, submillimeter fiber robots that can integrate navigation, sensing, and modulation functions are presented. These fiber robots are fabricated through a scalable thermal drawing process at a speed of 4 meters per minute, which enables the integration of ferromagnetic, electrical, optical, and microfluidic composite with an overall diameter of as small as 250 µm and a length of as long as 150 m. The fiber tip deflection angle can reach up to 54o under a uniform magnetic field of 45 mT. These fiber robots can navigate through complex and constrained environments, such as artificial vessels and brain phantoms. Moreover, Langendorff mouse hearts model, glioblastoma micro platforms, and in vivo mouse models are utilized to demonstrate the capabilities of sensing electrophysiology signals and performing a localized treatment. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the fiber robots can serve as endoscopes with embedded waveguides. These fiber robots provide a versatile platform for targeted multimodal detection and treatment at hard‐to‐reach locations in a minimally invasive and remotely controllable manner.
Patterning Complex Line Motifs in Thin Films Using Immersion‐Controlled Reaction‐Diffusion
Authors: van Campenhout Christiaan T. , Schoenmaker Hinco , van Hecke Martin , Noorduin Willem L.
Published: July 2023

The discovery of self‐organization principles that enable scalable routes toward complex functional materials has proven to be a persistent challenge. Here, reaction‐diffusion driven, immersion‐controlled patterning (R‐DIP) is introduced, a self‐organization strategy using immersion‐controlled reaction‐diffusion for targeted line patterning in thin films. By modulating immersion speeds, the movement of a reaction‐diffusion front over gel films is controlled, which induces precipitation of highly uniform lines at the reaction front. A balance between the immersion speed and diffusion provides both hands‐on tunability of the line spacing () as well as error‐correction against defects. This immersion‐driven patterning strategy is widely applicable, which is demonstrated by producing line patterns of silver/silver oxide nanoparticles, silver chromate, silver dichromate, and lead carbonate. Through combinatorial stacking of different line patterns, hybrid materials with multi‐dimensional patterns such as square‐, diamond‐, rectangle‐, and triangle‐shaped motifs are fabricated. The functionality potential and scalability is demonstrated by producing both wafer‐scale diffraction gratings with user‐defined features as well as an opto‐mechanical sensor based on Moiré patterning.
Helical Polycyclic Heteroaromatic as Hole Transport Material for Perovskite Solar Cell: Remarkable Impact of Alkyl Substitution Position
Authors: Fang Lingyi , Zhang Yuyan , Li Tianyu , Wei Yuefang , Yuan Yi , Zhang Jing , Wang Peng
Published: July 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons play a critical role in the development of organic semiconductors. This study unravels the impact of alkyl substitution position on the molecular energy level, glass transition temperature, diffusion of external species, and hole transport of a pyrrole‐rich, helical polycyclic heteroaromatic, that is TBPC. Compared to terminal substitution, internal hexyl substitution results in steric repulsion with TBPC, weakening π─π stacking and therefore improving thin film morphology. Internal substitution also reduces energy disorder, lowers reorganization energy, and increases intermolecular transfer integrals, leading to enhanced hole mobility. Notably, the organic semiconductor with internal hexyl substitution (TBPC‐611) exhibits a higher molecular packing density, resulting in a markedly higher glass transition temperature and slower diffusion of external species. Using TBPC‐611 as the hole transport material, this work successfully fabricates perovskite solar cells with an average power conversion efficiency above 24%, showing good photostability and thermostability. These findings contribute new insights to the development of high‐performance organic semiconductors.
Experimental analysis of the effect of natural fibers and SiC filler on the thermal behavior of green biocomposites
Authors: Melati Asih , Settar Abdelhakim , Chetehouna Khaled , Okur Nazan , Berkalp Omer Berk
Published: July 2023

The present work deals with the thermal behavior investigation of new biocomposite materials intended to be used for process engineering applications. Particular attention is given to the thermal degradation of such materials. Thermal characterization at different scales is performed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimeter experiments. The main purpose is to compare the thermal behavior of new bamboo‐based and banana‐based Green Biocomposites (GBCs). An intumescent fire retardant (IFR) coating, which is a mixture of APP and boric acid was applied on the GBC sample surface to study the flame retardancy. The GBC samples was first manufactured using a vacuum resin transfer molding. TGA results showed that bamboo‐based (BM‐GBC) and banana‐based (Bn‐GBC) materials exhibits similar thermal degradation pattern. While cone calorimeter experiments revealed that BM‐GBC outperforms than Bn‐GBC. The IFR coating improved the flame retardancy of both GBCs by reducing the heat release rate as well as a noticeable reduction in terms of smoke emission. Finally, to improve the thermal stability of Bn‐GBC material, SiC powder is added as a filler. The IFR coating and SiC powder addition promotes considerably the thermal behavior of Bn‐GBC materials.
Two New Amides from Physochlainae Radix
Authors: Tan Jin‐Yan , Li Jian‐Li , Li Pei , Zhang Lu , Cheng Yan‐Gang , Wang Yan , Ma Xiao‐Nan , Hao Xu‐Liang , Wang Ying‐Li
Published: July 2023

In this article, two undescribed amides (1–2) with an unusual (2‐formyl‐5‐hydroxymethyl)pyrroyl‐butylamine moiety were obtained from the Physochlainae Radix. Comprehensive spectroscopic studies, including NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS, coupling with spectroscopic data comparisons were used to determine structures. Anti‐inflammatory assay results showed that new amides possessed significant inhibitory activities of the NO production of LPS‐induced RAW 264.7 cells, with IC50 values of 17.52±1.68 μM and 20.37±2.42 μM, respectively.
Fire influences ant diversity by modifying vegetation structure in an Australian tropical savanna
Authors: Brassard François , Pettit Magen J. , Murphy Brett P. , Andersen Alan N.
Published: July 2023

Fire is a dominant ecological force shaping many faunal communities globally. Fire affects fauna either directly, such as by killing individuals, or indirectly, such as by modifying vegetation structure. Vegetation structure itself also modulates fire frequency and intensity. As such, faunal responses to fire need to be seen through the lens of variable fire activity and vegetation structure. Here, we incorporate information on fire activity and vegetation structure to enhance an understanding of the response of ants to long‐term (17‐year) experimental fire treatments in an extremely fire‐prone tropical savanna in northern Australia. Previous analysis revealed limited divergence in ant communities after 5 years of experimental fire treatment. Hence, we first investigated the extent to which ant communities diverged over a subsequent 12 years of treatment. We then assessed the relative contribution of fire treatment, cumulative fire intensity (fire activity), and woody cover to responses of ant species frequency of occurrence, richness, and composition. We found that, even after 17 years, fire treatments explained little variation in any ant response variable. In contrast, woody cover was a strong predictor for all of them, while fire activity was a moderate predictor for abundance and richness. Ant species occurrence and richness increased in open habitats receiving higher levels of fire activity, compared with plots with higher vegetation cover experiencing low (or no) fire activity. Moreover, species composition differed between plots with high and low vegetation cover. Our findings provide experimental support to the principle that the effects of fire on fauna are primarily indirect, via its effect on vegetation structure. Furthermore, our results show that a “uniform” fire regime does not have uniform impacts on the ant fauna, because of variability imposed by interactions between vegetation structure and fire activity. This helps to explain why there is often a weak relationship between pyrodiversity and biodiversity, and it lessens the need for active management of pyrodiversity to maintain biodiversity.
Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Stochastic Simulations to Support Pediatric Dose Selection of Pimavanserin
Authors: Darwish Mona , Bugarski‐Kirola Dragana , Jaworowicz David , Owen Joel , Al Qaraghuli Farah , Barry Alida , DeKarske Daryl
Published: July 2023

Pimavanserin is a selective serotonin‐modulating agent with inverse agonist/antagonist activity at the 5‐hydroxytryptamine2A (5‐HT2A) receptor. The safety and efficacy of pimavanserin 34 mg once daily were studied in adults with hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis and other neuropsychiatric conditions. This analysis used model‐based simulations of pimavanserin steady‐state exposures to identify a dose that generated pediatric exposures comparable with adult exposures achieved with 34 mg pimavanserin. A population pharmacokinetics model was developed using pooled plasma drug concentration (ie, actual) data from 13 clinical studies, including a phase 1 study of adolescent pediatric patients (aged 13‐17 years) with various psychiatric conditions. Stochastic simulations were performed to predict exposures in a virtual (ie, simulated) group of pediatric patients (aged 5‐17 years). Steady‐state measures of the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and maximum drug concentration (Cmax) were simulated for relevant age and weight stratifications and compared with simulated exposures in adults (aged 18‐49 years). The simulated mean AUC ranged from 47.41 to 54.73 ng d/mL and the mean Cmax ranged from 41.13 to 50.07 ng/mL in adults receiving pimavanserin 34 mg. The simulated mean (SD) Cmax of 56.54 (24.58) ng/mL with pimavanserin 34 mg in patients aged 10‐17 years was similar to that in adults. Pimavanserin 20 mg yielded a mean (SD) Cmax of 45.30 (21.31) ng/mL in patients aged 5‐9 years and 49.18 (22.91) ng/mL in the pediatric patient weight group of 14‐25 kg, which are values close to the Cmax in adults treated with 34 mg. Pimavanserin 20 and 34 mg in pediatric patients aged 5‐9 and 10‐17 years, respectively, yielded exposures similar to daily pimavanserin 34 mg in adults aged 18‐49 years.
The cancer survivor—Manager dyad during the return‐to‐work process: An introduction with theoretical, conceptual, and methodological considerations
Authors: Greidanus Michiel A. , Porro Bertrand
Published: July 2023

Objective

There is a need for tailored interventions aimed at promoting the sustainable return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. As managers have a primary role in supporting cancer survivors to return to work, a better understanding of the “cancer survivor‐manager” dyadic process is much needed. The aim of this paper is to introduce the cancer survivor‐manager dyad in the context of RTW of cancer survivors, and to inform future studies by presenting theoretical, conceptual, and methodological considerations.

Conclusions

Different theoretical, conceptual, and methodological aspects are addressed that open new perspectives concerning the cancer survivor‐manager dyad. Among the theoretical and conceptual aspects, we highlight the interest of developing dyadic coping models specific to the cancer survivor‐manager dyad. This would allow the conceptualization of their interpersonal dynamics and to frame interventions aimed at supporting cancer survivors and managers. In addition, we encourage to study in more detail the quality of the relationship between the cancer survivor and manager, including its impact on work‐related outcomes of the cancer survivor. Methodologically, the actor‐partner interdependence model could be relevant to identify any interdependence in the cancer survivor‐manager dyad. We also recommend using longitudinal and prospective studies to investigate the cancer survivor‐manager dyad, as these studies are well suited to identify evolutive and dynamic aspects of the cancer survivor‐manager dyad. Lastly, we propose a recruitment strategy of the dyad by involving a trustworthy third party, to respect the ethical framework, and the privacy and voluntary choice of cancer survivors.
Exploring the Charge Storage Dynamics in Donor–Acceptor Covalent Organic Frameworks Based Supercapacitors by Employing Ionic Liquid Electrolyte
Authors: Chatterjee Amrita , Sun Jiamin , Rawat Kuber Singh , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Van Der Voort Pascal
Published: July 2023

Two donor–acceptor type tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)‐based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are investigated as electrodes for symmetric supercapacitors in different electrolytes, to understand the charge storage and dynamics in 2D COFs. Till‐date, most COFs are investigated as Faradic redox pseudocapacitors in aqueous electrolytes. For the first time, it is tried to enhance the electrochemical performance and stability of pristine COF‐based supercapacitors by operating them in the non‐Faradaic electrochemically double layer capacitance region. It is found that the charge storage mechanism of ionic liquid (IL) electrolyte based supercapacitors is dependent on the micropore size and surface charge density of the donor–acceptor COFs. The surface charge density alters due to the different electron acceptor building blocks, which in turn influences the dense packing of the IL near its pore. The micropores induce pore confinement of IL in the COFs by partial breaking of coulomb ordering and rearranging it. The combination of these two factors enhance the charge storage in the highly microporous COFs. The density functional theory calculations support the same. At 1 A g−1, TTF‐porphyrin COF provides capacitance of 42, 70, and 130 F g−1 in aqueous, organic, and IL electrolyte respectively. TTF‐diamine COF shows a similar trend with 100 F g−1 capacitance in IL.
Crystal structure and properties of the magnetically frustrated B‐site ordered Sr2CaOsO6 double perovskite
Authors: Thakur Gohil S. , Schnelle Walter , Jansen Martin
Published: July 2023

The B‐site ordered double perovskite Sr2CaOsO6 has been synthesized by a solid‐state reaction under ambient pressure. Sr2CaOsO6 is isostructural to Sr2NaOsO6 and Sr2CaReO6, thus crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n, in contrast to cubic lattice symmetry reported in an earlier publication. The compound remains paramagnetic down to a temperature of 2 K. This finding is of relevance with regard to the high‐temperature ferromagnetism observed in Sr3OsO6 thin films and may find interest in view of possible exotic ground states in frustrated magnetic systems.
Symmetry group at future null infinity II: Vector theory
Authors: Liu Wen-Bin , Long Jiang
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we reduce the electromagnetic theory to future null infinity and obtain a vector theory at the boundary. We compute the Poincaré flux operators which could be generalized. We quantize the vector theory, and impose normal order on the extended flux operators. It is shown that these flux operators generate the supertranslation and superrotation. When work out the commutators of these operators, we find that a generalized electromagnetic duality operator should be included as the generators to form a closed symmetry algebra.
Bootstrapping Witten diagrams via differential representation in Mellin space
Authors: Li Yue-Zhou , Mei Jiajie
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We explore the use of the differential representation of AdS amplitudes to compute Witten diagrams. The differential representation expresses AdS amplitudes in terms of conformal generators acting on contact Witten diagrams, which allows us to construct differential equations for Witten diagrams. These differential equations can then be transformed into difference equations in Mellin space, which can be solved recursively. Using this method, we efficiently re-computed scalar four-point amplitudes and obtained new results for scalar six-point amplitudes mediated by gluons and scalars, as well as two examples of scalar eight-point amplitudes from gluon exchange.
Global continua of solutions to the Lugiato–Lefever model for frequency combs obtained by two-mode pumping
Authors: Gasmi Elias , Jahnke Tobias , Kirn Michael , Reichel Wolfgang
Published: July 2023

We consider Kerr frequency combs in a dual-pumped microresonator as time-periodic and spatially $$2\pi $$

2
π

-periodic traveling wave solutions of a variant of the Lugiato–Lefever equation, which is a damped, detuned and driven nonlinear Schrödinger equation given by $$\textrm{i}a_\tau =(\zeta -\textrm{i})a-d a_{x x}-|a|^2a+\textrm{i}f_0+\textrm{i}f_1\textrm{e}^{\textrm{i}(k_1 x-\nu _1 \tau )}$$

i

a
τ

=

(
ζ
-
i
)

a
-
d

a

xx

-

|
a
|

2

a
+
i

f
0

+
i

f
1

e

i
(

k
1

x
-

ν
1

τ
)

. The main new feature of the problem is the specific form of the source term $$f_0+f_1\textrm{e}^{\textrm{i}(k_1 x-\nu _1 \tau )}$$

f
0

+

f
1

e

i
(

k
1

x
-

ν
1

τ
)

which describes the simultaneous pumping of two different modes with mode indices $$k_0=0$$

k
0

=
0

and $$k_1\in \mathbb {N}$$

k
1

∈
N

. We prove existence and uniqueness theorems for these traveling waves based on a-priori bounds and fixed point theorems. Moreover, by using the implicit function theorem and bifurcation theory, we show how non-degenerate solutions from the 1-mode case, i.e., $$f_1=0$$

f
1

=
0

, can be continued into the range $$f_1\not =0$$

f
1

≠
0

. Our analytical findings apply both for anomalous ($$d>0$$

d
>
0

) and normal ($$d<0$$

d
<
0

) dispersion, and they are illustrated by numerical simulations.
Critical analysis of ginkgo preparations: comparison of approved drugs and dietary supplements marketed in Germany
Authors: Trabert Milan , Seifert Roland
Published: July 2023

Demographic change is taking place in the population of western industrialized countries, and the population is aging constantly. As a result, the mortality rate of patients due to dementia is rising steadily. To counteract this, the relevance of neuroprotective agents is increasing. Preparations from the medicinal tree species Ginkgo biloba (“gingko”) are becoming increasingly popular. In this study, 63 ginkgo preparations marketed in Germany were analyzed. The following data were collected from the package inserts of the preparations: Country of manufacture, approval as a drug, compliance to target values of flavone glycosides, compliance to target values of terpene lactones, compliance to target values of ginkgolic acids, dosage per unit in milligrams (mg), duration of use, interactions with other drugs, contraindications, adverse effects and daily defined dose costs. In the next step, these data were compared in the following form: Total preparations versus preparations with drug approval versus dietary supplements. Almost without exception, the results indicate a pharmaceutical reliability of the preparations with drug approval and a dubious reliability of the preparations marketed as dietary supplements. Thus, ginkgo preparations marketed as dietary supplements appear to have an economic rather than a medical focus. We discuss the evidence of efficacy, and other criteria mentioned above, to evaluate the adequacy of the costs for the statutory health insurance that pay for preparations with drug approval in Germany. From the analysis of our results it is very doubtful that ginkgo biloba extract preparations of the food industry have any health benefit. It must be evaluated whether prohibition of selling ginkgo biloba extract as a dietary supplement is an option.
Functional characterization of acid-sensing ion channels in the cerebellum-originating medulloblastoma cell line DAOY and in cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Pissas Karolos-Philippos , Schilling Maria , Tian Yuemin , Gründer Stefan
Published: July 2023

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are Na+ channels that are almost ubiquitously expressed in neurons of the brain. Functional ASIC1a is also expressed in glioblastoma stem cells, where it might sense the acidic tumor microenvironment. Prolonged acidosis induces cell death in neurons and reduces tumor sphere formation in glioblastoma via activation of ASIC1a. It is currently unknown whether ASICs are expressed and involved in acid-induced cell death in other types of brain tumors. In this study, we investigated ASICs in medulloblastoma, using two established cell lines, DAOY and UW228, as in vitro models. In addition, we characterized ASICs in the most numerous neuron of the brain, the cerebellar granule cell, which shares the progenitor cell with some forms of medulloblastoma. We report compelling evidence using RT-qPCR, western blot and whole-cell patch clamp that DAOY and cerebellar granule cells, but not UW228 cells, functionally express homomeric ASIC1a. Additionally, Ca2+-imaging revealed that extracellular acidification elevated intracellular Ca2+-levels in DAOY cells independently of ASICs. Finally, we show that overexpression of RIPK3, a key component of the necroptosis pathway, renders DAOY cells susceptible to acid-induced cell death via activation of ASIC1a. Our data support the idea that ASIC1a is an important acid sensor in brain tumors and that its activation has potential to induce cell death in tumor cells.
A nomogram incorporating Ki67 to predict survival of acral melanoma
Authors: Du Yu , Li Caili , Mao Lili , Wei Xiaoting , Bai Xue , Chi Zhihong , Cui Chuanliang , Sheng Xinan , Lian Bin , Tang Bixia , Wang Xuan , Yan Xieqiao , Li Siming , Zhou Li , Guo Jun , Si Lu
Published: July 2023

Background

The proliferation marker Ki67 is associated with the progression and prognosis of melanoma. However, its prognostic impact on acral melanoma (AM) remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 314 AM patients were enrolled from a cohort of 5758 patients with melanoma at Peking University Cancer Hospital between 2006 and 2018. The patients were divided into Ki67 high- and low-expressing groups using a cut-off value of 30%. The associations between Ki67 and clinicopathologic characteristics as well as survival were analyzed. Cox proportional regression analysis was used to establish a nomogram to predict the survival probabilities of AM.

Results

Among 314 patients, the Ki67-high group (Ki67 ≥ 30%) included 49.4% of patients at diagnosis. Patients in the Ki67-high group had lower median melanoma-specific survival (MSS) than those in the Ki67-low group (60.7 months vs. not reached, p < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, Ki67, lymph node metastasis and primary site were independent prognostic factors for MSS. The nomogram showed that Ki67 had the fourth greatest impact on survival, following Breslow thickness, lymph node metastasis and primary site. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.765 and 0.758 in the training and validation cohort, respectively. Area under the curve values were both near 0.8 in the training and validation cohorts. Net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement demonstrated that the predictive nomogram performed better than the traditional AJCC staging system.

Conclusion

Ki67 expression is an independent prognostic factor for MSS in AM. A predictive model incorporating Ki67 and clinical factors was constructed to predict the prognosis of AM.
Professional development of adult educators: A European perspective
Authors: Ioannou Nicoletta
Published: July 2023

This article provides an overview of major dimensions of the professional development of adult educators identified in European policy documents, relevant reports and research. The author reviews the relevant policy visions of the past two decades, aiming to determine the extent to which professional development of adult educators is visible in European policy documents, how it is conceptualised and under which terms it is discussed. The author argues that adult educators play an essential role in adult education and society in general, are an important factor for securing quality in the sector, and are considered to be a critical pillar of adult education. To perform this role well, they require specialised, targeted and systematic professional development programmes in a changing environment which affects both their learners’ and their own position as educators. However, the analysis of the policy documents shows that despite a consensus about the importance of quality adult education, over the past two decades little attention has been given to the initial training and continuous professional development of adult educators in practical terms. Due to a lack of opportunities, their professional development seems weak and still faces many challenges.
‘It Doesn’t Give Off the Gambling Vibes … It Just Feels Like a Part of the Game’: Adolescents’ Experiences and Perceptions of Simulated Gambling While Growing Up
Authors: Hing Nerilee , Lole Lisa , Thorne Hannah , Sproston Kerry , Hodge Nicole , Rockloff Matthew
Published: July 2023

This study explores the lived experience of simulated gambling as young people grow up. Qualitative research with 89 Australians aged 12–17 years explored their chronological experiences of simulated gambling and monetary gambling. Reflexive thematic narrative analysis identified common and contrasting themes amongst at-risk/problem gambling, non-problem gambling, and non-gambling participants. As young people grow up, they engage in simulated gambling more frequently, in more diverse settings, and on activities more akin to monetary gambling. Their motivations expand from valuing virtual prizes, to also valuing social benefits and opportunities to learn new gambling games, compete against other players and demonstrate skill. Simulated gambling becomes highly normalised from childhood and before young people realise its potential for gaming and gambling harm. Behavioural associations between simulated gambling and harmful gaming were evident, but those between simulated gambling and harmful monetary gambling were less clear. Restricting youth access to simulated gambling would help protect them from harm.
Mycoparasitism of Fomitopsis pinicola (Sw.) P. Karst. by Antrodiella citrinella Niemelä & Ryvarden
Authors: Wieners Max , Bässler Claus , Scholler Markus
Published: July 2023

Antrodiellaspecies (Agaricomycotina,Polyporales) are often growing on or near to the living, dead, or dying fruitbodies of pioneer wood-inhabiting fungi.Antrodiella citrinellaalways occurs on wood that previously has been decayed by the polyporeFomitopsis pinicola. However, the underlying mechanism remained unclear. Based on field observations, it has been assumed that the succeeding species is not only a highly competitive wood decomposer but also a mycoparasite feeding on the preceding species. To investigate the interaction betweenA. citrinellaand the putative hostF. pinicola, the species were grown in dual cultures at different temperatures (5–25 °C). The interaction tests were complemented with qualitative enzymatic tests for both species and microscopic examination of the interaction zone. In the dual cultures,A. citrinellareplacedF. pinicolaonly at low temperature (5 °C); at higher temperatures (25 °C), it was vice versa. Light microscopy revealed preferential growth ofA. citrinellatowardF. pinicola, hyphal contact, and finally death ofF. pinicolahyphae. Enzymatic tests showed thatA. citrinellais capable to degrade extracellular proteins, chitin, cellulose, and lignin. We interpret the interaction as mycoparasitism, as we suggest thatA. citrinellais capable to recognize, kill, and feed fromF. pinicola, beside its ability to degrade woody substrates. The results are discussed in an ecological context.
Role of Crystal Orientation in the Dynamic Strength of Magnesium Alloy AZ31B
Authors: Jonsson J. C. , Chapman D. J. , Farbaniec L. , Escauriza E. M. , Smith L. C. , Eakins D. E.
Published: July 2023

The effect of grain orientation distribution on the dynamic strength of highly textured magnesium alloy AZ31B has been studied in a series of plate-impact experiments. Specimens with thicknesses between 0.45 mm and 2 mm were cut parallel and perpendicular to the material extrusion direction and shock loaded to impact stresses between 1.4 GPa and 3.4 GPa. The dynamic strength is found to be highly dependent on the loading direction, with loading along the extrusion direction exhibiting significantly higher Hugoniot elastic limits than the transverse direction, including a much slower precursor decay rate. Application of an orientation-based analysis framework shows that the yield point of the polycrystalline material can be predicted reasonably well from its grain orientation distribution, predicated upon the use of dynamic critical resolved shear stress values from single-crystal data modified by a fitted strengthening factor. It is shown that the strong dependence on loading orientation in Mg AZ31 is caused by the relative differences in slip system activity and the slip anisotropies inherent to the hexagonal close packed crystal structure.
Design model for assembly lines including fractional tasks and parallel workstations
Authors: Renna Paolo
Published: July 2023

In recent years, the use of robots and cobots allow to increase productivity and quality of products. Due to the higher investment, the robustness and efficiency of flow lines are crucial to reduce the throughput loss. The solution of installing buffers between stations increases costs and factory space. To improve the efficiency and robustness of assembly lines, the literature proposed some variants to the simple assembly line balancing problem. The introduction of fractional tasks and parallel workstations are two promising models proposed in recent works to reduce throughput loss caused by short failures. The potential of the two approaches has been studied individually, but no work has evaluated the integration of fractional and parallel tasks can further improve the efficiency of the production lines. This paper proposes a matheurstic method to design assembly lines integrating fractional tasks and parallel workstations. The approach proposed aims to reduce the computational complexity of the design of the assembly lines and provides a series of design alternatives. The simulation model tests the robustness of the design alternatives against short failures. The numerical results highlight how the proposed model improves the performance and the robustness of the assembly line when unforeseen events such as failures occur. The integration of fractional tasks and parallel tasks can improve the robustness against short failures. This benefit is relevant for robotic assembly lines, and the increasing use of cobots that are mainly used in the automotive, electronics sector, and metal machinery industries.
Stability of two-dimensional Taylor–Green vortices in rotating stratified fluids
Authors: Hattori Yuji , Hirota Makoto
Published: July 2023

The linear stability of the two-dimensional Taylor–Green vortices, which is a spatially periodic array of vortices, in rotating stratified fluids is investigated by local and modal stability analysis. Five types of instability appear in general: the pure hyperbolic instability, the strato-hyperbolic instability, the rotational-hyperbolic instability, the centrifugal instability and the elliptic instability. The condition for each instability and the estimate of the growth rate, which are useful in interpreting numerical results, are obtained in the framework of local stability analysis. Realizability of an instability is introduced to predict whether an unstable mode corresponding to an unstable region found in the local stability analysis exists at finite Reynolds numbers. In the absence of stratification, the pure hyperbolic instability is dominant for weak rotation; it is stabilized for strong rotation. For strong anti-cyclonic rotation, the elliptic instability or the centrifugal instability becomes dominant depending on the parameter values; further stronger rotation stabilizes both instabilities. For strong cyclonic rotation, the rotational-hyperbolic instability or the elliptic instability becomes dominant, although the growth rate is smaller than the anti-cyclonic cases. Strong stratification changes the stability properties. The strato-hyperbolic instability occurs for weak rotation. The rotational-hyperbolic instability and the elliptic instability are weakened under cyclonic rotation, while the latter survives and extends the unstable range under anti-cyclonic rotation. The pure hyperbolic instability and the centrifugal instability are less affected by stratification. The mode structures of each instability are in good agreement with the corresponding solution to local stability equations, confirming the physical mechanism of the instability.
Economic Development in West Sichuan: The Case of Daocheng County
Authors: Holz Carsten A.
Published: July 2023

Economic development of a remote, mountainous region poses a challenge anywhere. Based on field research and documentary evidence, this article examines how such a development challenge has been addressed in Daocheng county, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province. In doing so, it investigates the different forms of economic development, how such development comes about, and the role played by government in economic development. The article also probes the broader socioeconomic consequences of economic development. The fact that Daocheng is a predominantly Tibetan county adds a nationality dimension to the issue of economic development.
A Depth‐Averaged Material Point Method for Shallow Landslides: Applications to Snow Slab Avalanche Release
Authors: Guillet Louis , Blatny Lars , Trottet Bertil , Steffen Denis , Gaume Johan
Published: July 2023

Shallow landslides pose a significant threat to people and infrastructure. Despite significant progress in the understanding of such phenomena, the evaluation of the size of the landslide release zone, a crucial input for risk assessment, still remains a challenge. While often modeled based on limit equilibrium analysis, finite or discrete elements, continuum particle‐based approaches like the Material Point Method (MPM) have more recently been successful in modeling their full 3D elasto‐plastic behavior. In this paper, we develop a depth‐averaged Material Point Method (DAMPM) to efficiently simulate shallow landslides over complex topography based on both material properties and terrain characteristics. DAMPM is a rigorous mechanical framework which is an adaptation of MPM with classical shallow water assumptions, thus enabling large‐deformation elasto‐plastic modeling of landslides in a computationally efficient manner. The model is here demonstrated on the release of snow slab avalanches, a specific type of shallow landslides which release due to crack propagation within a weak layer buried below a cohesive slab. Here, the weak layer is considered as an external shear force acting at the base of an elastic‐brittle slab. We verify our model against previous analytical calculations and numerical simulations of the classical snow fracture experiment known as Propagation Saw Test. Furthermore, large scale simulations are conducted to investigate cross‐slope crack propagation and the complex interplay between weak layer dynamic failure and slab fracture. In addition, these simulations allow us to evaluate and discuss the shape and size of avalanche release zones over different topographies. Given the low computational cost compared to 3D MPM, we expect our work to have important operational applications in hazard assessment, in particular for the evaluation of release areas, a crucial input for geophysical mass flow models. Our approach can be easily adapted to simulate both the initiation and dynamics of various shallow landslides, debris and lava flows, glacier creep and calving.
A paraventricular thalamus to insular cortex glutamatergic projection gates “emotional” stress-induced binge eating in females
Authors: G. Anversa Roberta , Campbell Erin J. , Walker Leigh C. , S. Ch’ng Sarah , Muthmainah Muthmainah , S. Kremer Frederico , M. Guimarães Amanda , O’Shea Mia J. , He Suheng , Dayas Christopher V. , Andrews Zane B. , Lawrence Andrew J. , Brown Robyn M.
Published: July 2023

It is well-established that stress and negative affect trigger eating disorder symptoms and that the brains of men and women respond to stress in different ways. Indeed, women suffer disproportionately from emotional or stress-related eating, as well as associated eating disorders such as binge eating disorder. Nevertheless, our understanding of the precise neural circuits driving this maladaptive eating behavior, particularly in women, remains limited. We recently established a clinically relevant model of ‘emotional’ stress-induced binge eating whereby only female mice display binge eating in response to an acute “emotional” stressor. Here, we combined neuroanatomic, transgenic, immunohistochemical and pathway-specific chemogenetic approaches to investigate whole brain functional architecture associated with stress-induced binge eating in females, focusing on the role of Vglut2 projections from the paraventricular thalamus (PVTVglut2+) to the medial insular cortex in this behavior. Whole brain activation mapping and hierarchical clustering of Euclidean distances revealed distinct patterns of coactivation unique to stress-induced binge eating. At a pathway-specific level, PVTVglut2+ cells projecting to the medial insular cortex were specifically activated in response to stress-induced binge eating. Subsequent chemogenetic inhibition of this pathway suppressed stress-induced binge eating. We have identified a distinct PVTVglut2+ to insular cortex projection as a key driver of “emotional” stress-induced binge eating in female mice, highlighting a novel circuit underpinning this sex-specific behavior.
Cardiac contraction and relaxation are regulated by distinct subcellular cAMP pools
Authors: Lin Ting-Yu , Mai Quynh N. , Zhang Hao , Wilson Emily , Chien Huan-Chieh , Yee Sook Wah , Giacomini Kathleen M. , Olgin Jeffrey E. , Irannejad Roshanak
Published: July 2023

Cells interpret a variety of signals through G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and stimulate the generation of second messengers such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). A long-standing puzzle is deciphering how GPCRs elicit different physiological responses despite generating similar levels of cAMP. We previously showed that some GPCRs generate cAMP from both the plasma membrane and the Golgi apparatus. Here we demonstrate that cardiomyocytes distinguish between subcellular cAMP inputs to elicit different physiological outputs. We show that generating cAMP from the Golgi leads to the regulation of a specific protein kinase A (PKA) target that increases the rate of cardiomyocyte relaxation. In contrast, cAMP generation from the plasma membrane activates a different PKA target that increases contractile force. We further validated the physiological consequences of these observations in intact zebrafish and mice. Thus, we demonstrate that the same GPCR acting through the same second messenger regulates cardiac contraction and relaxation dependent on its subcellular location.
Efficient high-precision homology-directed repair-dependent genome editing by HDRobust
Authors: Riesenberg Stephan , Kanis Philipp , Macak Dominik , Wollny Damian , Düsterhöft Dorothee , Kowalewski Johannes , Helmbrecht Nelly , Maricic Tomislav , Pääbo Svante
Published: July 2023

Homology-directed repair (HDR), a method for repair of DNA double-stranded breaks can be leveraged for the precise introduction of mutations supplied by synthetic DNA donors, but remains limited by low efficiency and off-target effects. In this study, we report HDRobust, a high-precision method that, via the combined transient inhibition of nonhomologous end joining and microhomology-mediated end joining, resulted in the induction of point mutations by HDR in up to 93% (median 60%, s.e.m. 3) of chromosomes in populations of cells. We found that, using this method, insertions, deletions and rearrangements at the target site, as well as unintended changes at other genomic sites, were largely abolished. We validated this approach for 58 different target sites and showed that it allows efficient correction of pathogenic mutations in cells derived from patients suffering from anemia, sickle cell disease and thrombophilia.
Voltage-Seq: all-optical postsynaptic connectome-guided single-cell transcriptomics
Authors: Csillag Veronika , Bizzozzero Marianne Hiriart , Noble J. C. , Reinius Björn , Fuzik János
Published: July 2023

Understanding the routing of neuronal information requires the functional characterization of connections. Neuronal projections recruit large postsynaptic ensembles with distinct postsynaptic response types (PRTs). PRT is typically probed by low-throughput whole-cell electrophysiology and is not a selection criterion for single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq). To overcome these limitations and target neurons based on specific PRTs for soma harvesting and subsequent scRNA-seq, we created Voltage-Seq. We established all-optical voltage imaging and recorded the PRT of 8,347 neurons in the mouse periaqueductal gray (PAG) evoked by the optogenetic activation of ventromedial hypothalamic (VMH) terminals. PRTs were classified and spatially resolved in the entire VMH-PAG connectome. We built an onsite analysis tool named VoltView to navigate soma harvesting towards target PRTs guided by a classifier that used the VMH-PAG connectome database as a reference. We demonstrated Voltage-seq by locating VMH-driven γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic neurons in the PAG, guided solely by the onsite classification in VoltView.