bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONSTELAÇÃO FAMILIAR E SUA APLICAÇÃO NO ORDENAMENTO JURÍDICO BRASILEIRO COM FOCO NO DIREITO DE FAMÍLIA
Authors: Toledo Roselaine , Loreto Maria das Dores Saraiva de
Published: December 2023

Este artigo buscou debater sobre a constelação familiar e sua aplicação no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, em especial na seara da família. Para tanto, foi realizado uma pesquisa bibliográfica junto as plataformas de Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior e Scientific Electronic Library Online, através da expressão “constelação familiar”, sem recorte temporal, que resultou em 37 artigos, sendo 16 na perspectiva jurídica. Estudando esses artigos, observou-se que a grande maioria analisava as vantagens e desvantagens da aplicação da constelação familiar no judiciário brasileiro, sendo considerada uma importante ferramenta para auxiliar a composição dos litígios com o intuito de compor os conflitos de forma mais efetiva. Em apenas um artigo se observou a pesquisa empírica no que se refere à aplicação deste instrumento no judiciário, corroborando as vantagens de sua utilização, já que 80% dos constelados afirmaram ter havido mudanças positivas após participação na constelação e 62% dos constelados afirmaram que pretendiam pôr fim ao litígio de forma consensual.
ISENÇÃO SOBRE A DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE DIVIDENDOS E O APARTHEID FISCAL BRASILEIRO
Authors: Bomfim Gilson Pacheco
Published: December 2023

Resumo: O presente artigo objetiva analisar a compatibilidade da isenção de IRPF sobre a distribuição de dividendos com a Constituição de 1988, bem como se o citado benefício fiscal tem contribuído ou se relaciona com um regime de segregação fiscal entre contribuintes.  Para tanto, a investigação busca identificar a estrutura normativa da tributação sobre a renda no Brasil, os resultados que a aludida desoneração tem produzido e sua compatibilidade com os fundamentos, princípios e finalidades eleitas pelo Texto Constitucional. Constatou-se que 1) a desoneração total sobre dividendos produz resultados absurdamente regressivos, que colidem frontalmente com a isonomia, progressividade, generalidade e  universalidade na tributação sobre a renda, além de outros princípios e valores constitucionais; 2) o mencionado incentivo fiscal colabora para a construção de um apartheid fiscal, onde a imensa maioria dos contribuintes se submete à tributação sobre seus vencimentos, enquanto outros ( a minoria) se valem do privilégio fiscal para não pagar o imposto; 3) essa situação contribui para aumentar a concentração de renda e riqueza entre os contribuintes mais abastados. A pesquisa utiliza dados disponibilizados pela Receita Federal e a revisão da literatura especializada como instrumental, servindo-se de metodologia indutiva e explicativa, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa dos dados investigados.
(IN)CONSTITUCIONALIDADE DA PRESCRIÇÃO DAS PARCELAS DE PENSÃO POR MORTE DEVIDAS A CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES DEPENDENTES PREVIDENCIÁRIOS
Authors: Neto Horígenes Fontes Soares
Published: December 2023

A preocupação com a proteção dos direitos da infância e adolescência é marca da Carta Política de 1988, bem assim da legislação infraconstitucional, com espeque nos princípios da dignidade humana, proteção integral e melhor interesse da criança e do adolescente. No aspecto previdenciário, o referido protecionismo vem observado na assunção destes indivíduos como dependentes dos segurados da previdência. Sob tais prismas, o presente estudo questiona a existência de inconstitucionalidade do perecimento de parcelas do benefício previdenciário de pensão por morte devido às crianças e adolescentes incapazes dependentes, cotejando o instituto da prescrição nas esferas cível e previdenciária, ao lado das intersecções e afastamentos deste último ramo do Direito com a Constituição Federal, o Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente e os princípios que os norteiam. O trabalho se baseia em pesquisa qualitativa, bibliográfica e documental, partindo dos textos legais e constitucional, aliados a interpretações doutrinárias e jurisprudenciais sobre o tema para, ao final, concluir pelo verdadeiro descompasso existente entre o atual texto do art. 74, I, primeira parte, da Lei nº 8.213/1991, condutor de sua inconstitucionalidade quando analisada teleológica e sistematicamente a ordem jurídica.
IGUALDADE-VALOR: AS DIMENSÕES DO PRINCÍPIO DA IGUALDADE E DO MÍNIMO EXISTENCIAL NA BUSCA POR JUSTIÇA SOCIAL
Authors: Santos Necéssio Adriano , Azevedo Laila Maria Dantas Leandro de , Azevedo Júnior Wanderlei Ribeiro de
Published: December 2023

Os princípios fundamentais e universais, como a igualdade e a dignidade humana, são intrínsecos à condição humana, exigindo proteção por meio da justiça e do aparato estatal. No entanto, apesar da consagração desses princípios no ordenamento jurídico, a persistência marcante da desigualdade social desperta questionamentos, a exemplo das disparidades de renda por sexo e região. Este artigo propõe uma análise aprofundada da relevância dos princípios da igualdade, da dignidade humana e do mínimo existencial, explorando suas características distintivas, evolução histórica, conceituação, normatização e aplicações nos âmbitos judiciais brasileiro e internacional. Utilizando uma abordagem metodológica descritiva, embasada em uma perspectiva qualiquantitativa, esta pesquisa se vale de fontes bibliográficas para discernir as peculiaridades e a eficácia do valor intrínseco da igualdade, além de incorporar dados estatísticos sobre disparidades sociais. Os resultados destacam que a busca pela equidade social e a asseguração do mínimo existencial como um direito fundamental à dignidade humana frequentemente enfrentam obstáculos diante do poder público, quando não amparadas devidamente pelo arcabouço legal. Em síntese, esta investigação proporciona uma compreensão aprofundada das complexas interações entre princípios jurídicos essenciais e a realidade da desigualdade. Evidencia-se que, embora os preceitos legais respaldem a busca pela justiça social, os desafios persistem, enfatizando a necessidade de esforços continuados para traduzir esses princípios em ações concretas capazes de transformar a estrutura da sociedade.
ESTADO LEGAL E CONSTITUCIONAL: REFLEXÕES GARANTISTAS NO CAMPO DAS TEORIAS DO DIREITO E DA DEMOCRACIA
Authors: Barreto Júnior Williem da Silva , Cademartori Sérgio Urquhart de , Cademartori Daniela Mesquita Leutchuk de
Published: December 2023

Este artigo, cujo marco referencial teórico é o constitucionalismo garantista, de Luigi Ferrajoli, pretende empreender análise transdisciplinar no campo das teorias do direito e da democracia, a partir dos seguintes eixos discursivos: a) Estado Legal burguês e Democracia Formal enquanto veículo de legitimação da onipotência do poder político; e b) Estado Constitucional, submissão da política ao Direito e Democracia Substancial. Conclui-se que o advento do Estado Constitucional representa notório avanço no padrão civilizatório do Ocidente, por conferir maior estabilidade ao clássico sistema de divisão de poderes e consagrar os direitos fundamentais como base das sociedades contemporâneas. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida sob os auspícios do método comparativo e da técnica de revisão bibliográfica.
(DES)NECESSIDADE DO PROCEDIMENTO PRÉVIO DA LEI DE IMPROBIDADE ADMINISTRATIVA: UMA ANÁLISE A PARTIR DAS UNIDADES JUDICIÁRIAS DO TRIBUNAL DE JUSTIÇA DO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
Authors: Brunet Valéria Niolle Teixeira da Silva Figueiredo , Coutinho Francisco Seráphico da Nóbrega
Published: December 2023

A apuração dos atos de improbidade e a responsabilização dos praticantes, de forma mais específica, tem enfrentado inúmeros desafios, sendo um dos principais a morosidade do Poder Judiciário na apreciação das ações civis públicas que tem por objeto a averiguação de atos ímprobos. Uma das razões era o procedimento estabelecido no art. 17, da Lei nº 8.429, de 02 de junho de 1992, que determinava a notificação prévia do(s) demandado(s) para apresentação de defesa preliminar e posterior apreciação do recebimento da inicial para prosseguimento pelo rito ordinário. Na presente pesquisa, foi realizada análise de Ações de Improbidade Administrativa constantes no sistema de Processo Judicial Eletrônico (PJE) e ajuizadas de janeiro a junho nos anos de 2014 a 2017, nas unidades judiciárias do Tribunal do Rio Grande do Norte, a fim de verificar o impacto da aludida fase preliminar na duração dos processos. Os dados coletados demonstraram o alto percentual de recebimento da inicial e de instrução das ações com Inquérito Civil, além do significativo número de processos nos quais nenhum ou apenas alguns dos demandados defenderam-se e a pouca incidência de recursos em face das decisões de recebimento. Por fim, defende-se a melhoria realizada pela Lei nº 14.230, de 25 de outubro de 2021, de forma a manter a apreciação da admissibilidade no rito comum, observando-se o devido processo legal e a ampla defesa, e efetividade da tutela jurisdicional.
Raízes de Equações Polinomiais via Teorema de Bolzano-Cauchy
Authors: Pereira Paulo Henrique de Araujo , Rocha Rogério Azevedo
Published: December 2023

Neste artigo apresentamos uma demonstração (acessível para estudantes do ensino médio) de um importante Corolário do Teorema de Bolzano-Cauchy que garante, sob certas condições, raízes de equações polinômiais. Expomos os resultados teóricos necessários para um desejável entendimento do mesmo, sempre ilustrando-os através de exemplos e comentários. E por fim, buscamos mostrar a importancia do Corolário apresentando algumas de suas diversas aplicações.
Urban Intellectual Property Strategy and University Innovation: A Quasi-natural Experiment from National Intellectual Property Model City
Authors: Chen Qinqin , Xia Xingneng , Hui Yuji , Zhang Sheng
Published: December 2023

Colleges and universities play a crucial role in fostering innovation, making it essential to explore effective strategies for promoting innovation at the institutional policy level. This paper focuses on the establishment of intellectual property (IP) model cities as a starting point and conducts an empirical analysis using innovation data from 234 cities and 942 colleges and universities between 2007 and 2017. By constructing a multi-temporal double-difference model, this study reveals that the establishment of IP model cities effectively fosters innovation in colleges and universities. Further analysis demonstrates that this promotion effect is particularly significant in the western region, key cities, key colleges and universities, as well as in the fields of invention and utility model patents. These conclusions withstand a series of robustness tests, confirming their validity. In terms of the underlying mechanisms, it is found that the national IP pilot city policy has a substantial impact on university innovation by promoting research and development (R&D) investment and strengthening innovation cooperation. The insights provided by this study offer valuable policy recommendations for leveraging the innovation potential of the IP model city policy, thereby driving economic transformation, upgrading, and fostering innovation development in China.
Comparative Pore-Connectivity and Wettability Characteristics of the Fresh-Water and Saline Lacustrine Tuffaceous Shales: Triggering Mechanisms and Multi-Scale Models for Differential Reservoir-Forming Patterns
Authors: Yang Wei
Published: December 2023

The continental shale layers are more complex in matrix pore-microfracture interactions and connectivity characteristics under the influence of tuff devitrification, which limits the explicit understanding of the coupling relationship between wettability and pore structure, as well as hydrocarbon flow behavior. Therefore, the influence of tuffaceous components on the reservoir formation mechanism and oil-rich effect of the continental shale formation system is a critical issue to be solved. The Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation tuffaceous shale in Ordos Basin and the Middle Permian Jingjingzigou Formation tuffaceous shale in the southern margin of Junggar Basin is taken as the research objects, using whole-rock mineral composition analysis, FE-SEM observation and digital image processing and extraction, as well as wettability angle determination and spontaneous imbibition experiments to illustrate the influence of the difference of devitrification extent on reservoir pore connectivity and interfacial wettability in two different environments of freshwater and saline lacustrine basins, and summarize the reservoir formation differential pattern under the influence of devitrification. The results show that the saline lacustrine is significantly modified by devitrification. The pore plane porosity of the devitrified tuffaceous shales in the saline lacustrine is higher than that of the tuffaceous shales in the freshwater; the oleophilic of the saline lacustrine tuffaceous shales is better than that of the tuffaceous shales in the freshwater, moreover, the pore connectivity of the saline lacustrine tuffaceous shales is better than that of the tuffaceous shales in the freshwater. Wettability and connectivity control the storage performance of shale oil in the tuffaceous shales formation system. The more oleophilic the reservoir wettability is, the better the pore connectivity is, and the better the reservoir of tuffaceous shale formation system is. According to the different extents of devitrification, two different reservoir formation models of freshwater and saline lacustrine are established, which are of great theoretical and practical significance to enrich the theory of shale oil enrichment and reservoir formation in the continental shale formation system and to guide the exploration of continental shale oil benefits.
Dementia and Hip Fractures
Authors: Zabawa Luke , Choubey Apurva S. , Drake Brett , Mayo Joel , Mejia Alfonso
Published: December 2023

» The elderly population is the fastest growing demographic, and the number of dementia cases in the United States is expected to double to 10 million by 2050.

» Patients with dementia are at 3× higher risk of hip fractures and have higher morbidity and mortality after hip fractures.

» Hip fracture patients with dementia benefit from early analgesia and timely surgical fixation of fracture.

» Early and intensive inpatient rehabilitation is associated with improved postoperative outcomes in patients with dementia.

» Coordination of care within a “orthogeriatric” team decreases mortality, and fracture liaison services show potential for improving long-term outcomes in hip fracture patients with dementia.
Geochemical Characteristics and Geological Significance of Mud Shale of the Second Member, Permian Lucaogou Formation, Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin, NW China
Authors: Jin J. , Liu J. , Lou Z. , Wang J. , Li J. , Zhu R. , Wang Y.
Published: December 2023

––The Lucaogou Formation in Jimsar sag is an important shale oil-producing layer in the Junggar basin. In this paper, core data, organic carbon, rock pyrolysis, biomarker compounds, and organic matter group component separation were used to study the sedimentary environment, parent material type, organic maturity and oil-bearing property of mud shale of the Second member of the Lucaogou Formation. The results showed that the sedimentary environment is a semi-oxidation and semi-reduction environment. The parent material is mainly aquatic with minor input of higher plants. The average TOC is 7.43%, the average value of hydrocarbon generation potential (S1+S2) is 50.54 mg/g, and the average value of Tmax is 446 °C, showing high maturity of the mud shale. The chloroform bitumen “A” features high saturated hydrocarbon content (34.10% on average), low aromatic hydrocarbon content (15.39% on average), and high saturated/aromatic ratio (2.54). The carbon number of saturated hydrocarbons is distributed between n-C13 and n-C33. Their peak are mainly n-C17 and n-C23, which are biased toward medium-low molecular weight alkanes. The average of the ΣC21–/ΣC22+ is 1.19, indicating that the alkane has advantage of short chain. The mud shale in the Second member of the Lucaogou Formation has a large sedimentary thickness, high organic matter content, and high oil generation potential. It is an important replacement target for shale oil in Jimsar sag and has important exploration significance in the future.
CV classification in a big data environment using BERT and alignment learning
Authors: CHAFI Soumia , KABIL Mustapha , KAMOUSS Abdessamad
Published: December 2023

Today, text classification has always been a crucial discipline in the field of text data processing. However, with the advent of Big Data, text classification has reached new heights in terms of the volume of data to be processed and the complexity of the tasks. This task is of great importance in many fields, such as spam detection, sentiment analysis, document categorization, content recommendation and many more. In this work, we focus specifically on resume classification, an area that presents unique challenges due to diverse formats, ambiguous language, and variations in applicants' work experiences. We propose an innovative approach for distributed classification of CVs using contextual alignment techniques with the job offer and the pre-trained language model BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) which constitutes a major advance in this field , and using RNN (Recurrent Neural Network) to solve text classification problems. We use a distributed processing approach to leverage the parallel computing power of Spark, enabling large volumes of data to be processed efficiently. The main objective of our study is to improve the relevance of CV classification by leveraging the pre-trained language models and distributed processing power of Spark.
Behavioral Intentions towards Climate-Smart Practices and Rural Farmer’s Food-Nutrition Security: A Micro Economic-Level Evidence
Authors: Omotoso Abeeb Babatunde , Omotayo Abiodun Olusola
Published: December 2023

The behavioural intention (BI) of adopting climate-smart agricultural (CSA) practices plays a vital role in effectively mitigating the adverse impacts of climate shocks experienced by smallholder farmers in South Africa (SA). Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of information about the socio-psychological factors that influence farmers' adoption of CSA practices and their impacts on food-nutrition security (FNS). The study examined the BI of adopting CSA and its impact on the FNS of farming households in SA. A multistage sampling procedure was employed in selecting rural maize farmers across some selected villages in South Africa. To understand the association between behavioural adoption of CSA and FNS of farming households, an endogenous switching regression model was employed while household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and household food security score (HFIAS) were used to determine the FNS status of the households. The findings indicate that the behavioural intentions of farmers had a significant influence on their desire to implement CSA practices, hence FNS status. Therefore, the findings emphasized the significance of socio-psychological variables (behavioural intentions) in elucidating the adoption decision of CSA practices and its impact on FNS in SA. Following this backdrop, a concerted effort to raise knowledge of CSA practices through the dissemination of pertinent information will exert influence on the farmers' adoption behaviour towards CSA practices which is capable of improving the FNS of the rural maize farmers.
Whole Mitogenome Sequencing Uncovers a Relation Between Mitochondrial Heteroplasmy and Leprosy Severity
Authors: Souza Felipe Gouvea , Silva Moisés Batista , Araújo Gilderlanio S. , Silva Caio S. , Pinheiro Andrey Henrique Gama , Cáceres-Durán Miguel Ángel , Santana-da-Silva Mayara Natália , Pinto Pablo , Gobbo Angélica Rita , Costa Patrícia Fagundes , Salgado Claudio Guedes , Ribeiro-dos-Santos Ândrea , Cavalcante Giovanna C.
Published: December 2023

Background
In recent years, a mitochondria/immune system interaction has been proposed, so that variants of mitochondrial genome and levels of heteroplasmy might deregulate important metabolic processes in fighting infections, such as leprosy. We sequenced the whole mitochondrial genome to investigate variants and heteroplasmy levels, considering patients with different clinical forms of leprosy and household contacts.
Results
We found 116 variants in at least two of the subtypes of the case group (Borderline Tuberculoid, Borderline Lepromatous, Lepromatous), suggesting a possible clinical significance to these variants. Notably, 15 variants were exclusively found in these three clinical forms, of which five variants stands out for being missense (m.3791T > C in MT-ND1, m.5317C > A in MT-ND2, m.8545G > A in MT-ATP8, m.9044T > C in MT-ATP6 and m.15837T > C in MT-CYB). In addition, we found 26 variants shared only by leprosy poles, of which two are characterized as missense (m.4248T > C in MT-ND1 and m.8027G > A in MT-CO2).
Conclusion
We found a significant number of variants and heteroplasmy levels in the leprosy patients from our cohort, suggesting for the first time that the mitogenome might be involved with the leprosy process, distinction of clinical forms and severity. Thus, future studies are needed to help understand the genetic consequences of this variants.
Leveraging Environmental Responsibility and Managerial Decision-Making for Enhanced Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Green Culture
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Arshad Imran
Published: December 2023

This study aims to analyze the direct and indirect relationship between environmental responsibility (ER), managerial decision-making (MDM), green culture (GRC), and firm performance (FPR). Additionally, institutional theory has been applied to hypothesis development. Furthermore, this research data was obtained from Chinese manufacturing firms which are listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The study is quantitative, and a simple random sampling technique was employed during data collection, where data came from 390 managers working in leather manufacturing firms. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM 4) statistical package is unaliased for hypotheses testing. The study results demonstrate that ER, MDM and GRC have positively and significantly correlated with FRP. While GRC is partially mediated by ER, MDM and FPR. The overall results indicate that ER, MDM, and GRC are cornerstones for improving the performance of manufacturing firms. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge and have implications for potential policymakers and managers within Chinese manufacturing firms.
Blockade of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by Astragaloside IV attenuates ulcerative colitis via improving the intestinal epithelial barrier
Authors: Zhang Xinhui , Jiang Xun , Xue Xiaochang , Zhang Fan , Li Yan , Fan Na , Zhao Ke , Zhang Anding , Kang Jiefang , Lin Yan
Published: December 2023

Background
As a chronic inflammatory disease with recurrent symptoms, ulcerative colitis (UC) is severely threatening human health worldwide with a high prevalence. Intestinal mucosal barriers stand the first line to maintain the balance between food metabolism, nutrient absorption, and pathogen attacks. Although various signaling pathways have been found to be associated with intestinal barrier regulation, whether and how PI3K/AKT pathway is involved in gut mucosal barrier function modulation is still largely unknown.
Methods
The intestinal tissues from UC patients and colitis mice were collected and mucosal barrier function was measured by colonoscopy and electron microscopy observation, and immunofluorescence staining. PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activator YS-49 and inhibitor LY-29 were administered to colitic mice to uncover the effect of this pathway on gut mucosal barrier modulation. Then, network pharmacology was used to screen the specific PI3K/AKT inhibitor Astragaloside IV (AS-IV). The potential of AS-IV for intestinal barrier function repairment and UC treatment through blockade of PI3K/AKT pathway was further confirmed by histopathological staining, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, western blotting, and qRT-PCR. Finally, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to uncover whether AS-IV can also ameliorate UC by regulating gut microbiota homeostasis.
Results
Mucosal barrier function was significantly damaged in UC patients and murine colitis and activated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was extensively involved in it, as PI3K/AKT activator YS-49 apparently aggravated, whereas inhibitor LY-29 remarkably attenuated intestinal mucosal permeability of the colitic mice. AS-IV was found to be a specific PI3K/AKT inhibitor which greatly improved DSS-induced murine colitis via maintaining the intestinal crypt, microvilli, and desmosome structures in an orderly arrangement and improving intestinal epithelial permeability with the upregulation of tight junction proteins. Consistently, AS-IV protected Caco2 cells from LPS-induced damage by improving cell viability, inhibiting inflammation, and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins. In addition, microbiomics data found that gut microbiota, which also play critical roles in intestinal barrier disruption, participates in AS-IV–mediated intestinal barrier recovery as well.
Conclusions
PI3K/AKT is a promising target for UC treatment and AS-IV is a potential candidate to be developed for opening new avenues for rational pharmacological targeting of PI3K/AKT-associated diseases.
PubChem CID: Chemical compounds studied in this article: Astragaloside IV (PubChem CID: 13943297); Kaempferol (PubChem CID: 5280863); Formononetin (PubChem CID: 5280378)
PDB ID: AKT1(PDB ID: 7NH5)
Larval biomass production from the co-digestion of mushroom root waste and soybean curd residues by black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens L.)
Authors: Soomro Abdul Aziz , Rehman Kashif ur , Cai Minmin , Laghari Zubair Ahmed , Zheng Longyu , Yu Ziniu , Zhang Jibin
Published: December 2023

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are progressively being used as a sustainable waste management solution. They are high in protein and other essential nutrients, making them an ideal food source for livestock, poultry, and fish. Pure mushroom root waste (MRW) has been shown in the past to have a poor conversion efficiency, taking much more time than regular artificial diet in prior laboratory studies. Therefore, the nutrient rich soybean curd residues (SCR) was mixed with MRW, the combination of SCR and MRW increased the diversity of the gut microbiota, which was favorable for the development and growth of the larvae. As compared to all of the other feed combination groups, the longest developing period of BSFL in (M1) pure MRW was 31.1 days. When compared to the M1 and M7 groups, the mixture groups achieved the highest reductions in dry mass (49.7%), bioconversion rate (5.9%), protein content (46.0%) and lipid content (25.2%). Based on the different performance parameters of different mixtures of MRW and SCR, Lipid and protein content and FCR in BSFL were the essential parameters to evaluate the conversion efficiency of BSFL. SEM pictures and FT-IR spectra indicated that the group M4 MRW structures altered to hollow and fiber excision, which improved the co-conversion mixture. BSFL (M4) can co-convert fiber rich MRW with SCR.
The Dual Roles of Lamin A/C in Mechanosensation to Compressive Force
Authors: Groeger Sabine , Wang Yao , Ruf Sabine , Wang Lei
Published: December 2023

Cellular mechanosensation is a complex physiological process coupling alterations in the external environment and cellular behaviors. Over the past decade, the role of the nucleus in mechanosensation has gained increasing attention. Our research found that lamin A/C, a component of the nuclear envelope, plays a dual role in the mechanosensation of macrophages in response to compressive force. Our findings indicated that hydrostatic compressive force downregulated lamin A/C protein via the cytoskeleton. Consequently, this lamin A/C deficiency enhanced compressive-force-induced inflammatory cytokines secretion and proliferative impairment. Unexpectedly, lamin A deficiency also inhibits compressive force-induced DNA damage and interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) up-regulation. Our findings suggest that lamin A/C is involved in multiple mechanosensation mechanisms. Mechanistically, lamin A/C deficiency augments nuclear permeability, facilitates the activation of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and promotes force-induced nuclear translocation of YAP1. These mechanisms have been validated to favor mechanosensation. Conversely, we also found that lamin A/C deficiency led to detachment of components of linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex, which impeded intracellular mechanotransmission. In summary, lamin A/C can promote some responses of macrophages to mechanical compression but inhibits others. It is involved in two distinct mechanisms: enhancing nuclear permeability to transcription factors and impairing mechanotransmission by disrupting the LINC complex's connection to the nucleus.
Cross-talk of EGF and IGF-1 signaling promotes EMT gene expression: Implications for morphology and proliferation in breast cancer cells
Authors: Saleem Sahar , Mehraj Insha , Saleem Afnan Saleem , Mehraj Umar , Wani Nissar A. , Shaikh Fayaz A. , Attia Sabry M , Mir Manzoor Ahmad , Ahmad Syed Mudasir Ahmad Mudasir
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer (BC) is a significant cause of mortality associated with cancer, presenting a substantial risk to women's health and overall welfare on a global scale. Despite notable progress in BC treatment, the prognosis for metastatic BC remains unfavorable, ultimately leading to fatality. To develop advanced therapeutic approaches, it is imperative to have a comprehensive comprehension of the underlying process responsible for the systemic dispersion of cancer cells. Numerous experimental findings indicate that an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is essential in the intricate progression of metastasis formation. EMT is a crucial initial stage observed in certain highly aggressive malignancies, such as breast cancer, facilitating the processes of invasion and metastasis. The current study assessed the impact of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) on breast cell lines, specifically MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, and MCF10A. The experimental techniques employed in this study were qPCR, western blotting, and subsequent investigation of gene-gene interactions. Cell migration and proliferation assays were also conducted to investigate the following impacts of EGF and IGF-1 on breast cells. A study revealed that IGF-1 can augment EMT induced by EGF. Furthermore, it was observed that the expression levels of EMT-inducing transcription factors, namely snail, slug, zeb1, and zeb2, were increased in breast cells that were treated with EGF or IGF-1. Furthermore, it was observed that the stimulation of cell proliferation in metastatic BC cell lines is significantly enhanced upon administration of EGF and IGF-1. Notably, the observed augmentation in cellular proliferation was not discernible in non-malignant breast cells. Additionally, it was revealed that the morphology of BC cell lines undergoes alterations upon exposure to EGF and IGF-1. In contrast, it has been observed that the shape of normal BC stays unaltered, suggesting that the stimulation of EMT in breast tumor cells is induced explicitly by growth factors such as EGF and IGF-1. These research findings indicate that incorporating EGFR/IGF-R signaling as a potential therapeutic target, in conjunction with conventional treatment methods, exhibits substantial potential in attenuating tumor growth and progression, prolonging the overall survival rates of cancer patients.
Comparing Pixelated and Slat-Based Monolithic Tapered MicroPET Scanners in Single-Layer and Phoswich Configurations
Authors: Sadremomtaz Alireza , Taherparvar Payvand , saber Mohadeseh
Published: December 2023

As technology advances, there is a growing demand for enhancing the performance of small animal PET scanners. In pursuit of this objective, innovative designs, including tapered pixelated and pseudo-monolithic configurations, have been introduced. This research explores and compares tapered pixelated microPET systems and tapered pseudo-monolithic systems, both in single-layer and phoswich configurations. The pseudo-monolithic detectors were simulated with different slat sizes and orientations, along y and z direction. The focus was on critical parameters, including sensitivity, noise equivalent count rate, scatter fraction, and energy resolution, to assess these systems. The findings emphasize the advantages of phoswich systems in respect to their single-layer counterparts. For pseudo-monolithic systems, while the configuration with slats oriented in the z-direction demonstrate substantial improvements in system performance, the alternative pseudo-monolithic design with slats oriented in the y-direction yielded lower performance, indicating that the orientation of slats in pseudo-monolithic scanners can notably impact system performance.
Research on the Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Aggregate Concrete Based on Fiber Reinforcement
Authors: Hu Zhongzhi , Fan Le , Zhang Zhicheng , Yuan Ji , He Haijie , Lin Hongjian , Yu Jing , Lin Wei , Liu Junding , Wang Ruixin , Yu Kaisheng , Yang Keyue
Published: December 2023

To improve the toughness and enhance the strength of ceramsite concrete, this study employs three types of fibers to reinforce its performance. Four types of ceramsite concrete specimens were prepared and their static strength characteristics were tested. Based on the test results, the performance characterization parameters were calculated, and the failure modes were analyzed. In conjunction with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) experiments, the mechanical results were interpreted.The research results indicate that High toughness polypropylene(HTPP) fibers and steel fibers significantly enhance both the strength and toughness of ceramsite concrete, with steel fibers exhibiting a larger improvement. Carbon fibers can increase the strength of ceramsite concrete, but it do not enhance its toughness. When the fiber volume fraction is 0.6% for both HTPP fibers and steel fibers in ceramsite concrete, the strength increased by 25.8% and 54%, respectively, the strength-to-weight ratio improved by 22.5%-46.5%, and the toughness index Wcu0.85 increased by 11.8% and 45.7%, respectively. Besides,the concrete exhibited a ductile failure mode in both cases. Based on the SEM test results, the mechanisms through which the three types of fibers enhance ceramsite concrete are explained from the perspective of fiber surface characteristics. The research findings of this study can provide a theoretical foundation for the optimization design of such concrete and hold significant importance for the application of ceramsite concrete as a structural material.
The interpretation of science-based targets for cities - Validating Deadline 2020, One Planet City Challenge, and Tyndall Local Carbon Budget Tool
Authors: Schwanitz Valeria Jana , Wierling August , Paudler Heather Arghandeh , Getabecha Melake , Currás Tabaré Arroyo , Lovell Arminel , Green Ryan , Kuriakose Jaise , Jones Christopher , Mackay Beth , Staden Maryke van , du Pont Yann Robiou , Deacon Andy , Jance Benjamin , Astolfo Juan Pablo , Cassanmagnago Davide
Published: December 2023

We scrutinize widely-used, distinct methods to set city-level climate goals: Deadline 2020, One Planet City Challenge, and Tyndall Local Carbon Budget Tool. Through meticulous verification and validation of data input, calculation processes, and documentation, the exercise assesses whether the methods are fit-for-purpose. Our results establish confidence in all methods but given limitations and high uncertainties involved around emission target setting, we conclude that reduction goals should be understood as reference points for targeting the highest level of ambitious action on the ground. We stress the precautionary principle, particularly in cities of the Global South, so that climate actions remain well-grounded, considering each city's capacity and influence. This overdue exercise emphasizes the need for transparent and multi-faceted methods, adaptable to different city contexts, to ensure continued effectiveness in guiding city-level climate action around the globe. We propose recommendations that emphasize multi-level governance and prioritize action through a more nuanced approach to evaluating and enhancing city climate targets.
WITHDRAWN: Novel Low-Salinity Water flooding by Hybrid of Nano γ- Al 2 O 3 /SiO 2 Modified with a Green Surfactant for Enhanced Oil Recovery
Authors: kulaki Azin Khajeh , Hosseini-Nasab Seyed Mojtaba , Hormozi Faramarz
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a novel Hybrid Enhanced Oil Recovery (HEOR) method that formulates a Low Salinity Water Flooding (LSWF) and NanoParticles (NPs) stabilized with a green surfactant is introduced. For this goal, we experimentally investigated using combination of silica (SiO2) and gamma alumina (γ-Al2O3) nanohybrids stabilized with gum arabic into different water salinities. Nanofluids were prepared by dispersing γ-Al2O3 and SiO2 NPs 0.1 wt% in Deionized Water (DW), Synthetic SeaWater (SSW), and 2, 5, and 10 times Diluted Samples of Synthetic Seawater (in short 2-DSSW, 5-DSSW and 10-DSSW). The challenge is that NPs become unstable in the presence of cations in saline water. To address the challenge of instability of NPs, the physical surface modification method was applied by adding a green surfactant. Moreover, an attempt was made to introduce nanofluids with high stability for a long period of time as the optimal nanofluids. The optimization of nanofluids was done to prevent formation damage due to the accumulation of NPs around the injection wells. According to the micromodel flooding results, in an oil-wet condition, combination of hybrid nanofluid γ-Al2O3/SiO2 with a mass fraction of 10:90 dispersed in 2 times diluted brine showed the highest displacement efficiency compared to other nanofluids prepared with high stability.
You Touch , I Bleed-a Case of AV Malformation
Authors: M NIKHIL RAJ H , ST KAVYA , RAJANNA AVINASH HANNABE , M SHREERAGHAVI U
Published: December 2023

Arteriovenous malformations are congenital vascular malformations resulting from birth defects of the vasculature. They account for 1.5% of all vascular anomalies, and 50% of the lesions are located in the oral and maxillofacial region1. Regardless of the type, malformations may lead to significant anatomical, pathophysiological and hemodynamic consequences. Therefore, despite their rarity, AV malformations still remain the most life-threatening form of vascular anomalies.
The present case describes the diagnosis of high flow AV malformation in a patient who had repeated hospital admissions for anemia secondary to bleeding from oral cavity with multiple blood transfusions. The case is unique because the cause for recurrent oral bleeding was undiagnosed and through thorough history, examination, investigations, high flow arteriovenous malformation was diagnosed and managed appropriately.
Prognostic effects of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide in critical patients with acute heart failure: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xiao Wei , Mei Quanhui , Zhao Guohui
Published: December 2023

Background: The association of the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) with poor outcomes in acute heart failure (AHF) patients has been observed. Nevertheless, the existing studies are controversial and limited by small sample sizes. We assessed whether PaCO2 is associated with intensive care unit (ICU) 60-day mortality in AHF patients.
Methods: We extracted and analyzed data from a quality public database, the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database. We used a smooth curve fitting method to assess a potential curvilinear relationship. Multivariate regression analyses incorporating a two-stage linear regression model were used to investigate the associations of PaCO2 with prognosis.
Results: Overall, 4,271 participants were included, comprising 825 ICU 60-day non-survivors and 3,446 ICU 60-day survivors. Smooth curve fitting revealed a U-shaped relationship between PaCO2 and prognosis, with an inflection point of PaCO2 at 37 mmHg that was used to establish a two-stage linear regression model. When PaCO2 was <37 mmHg, the multivariate regression analysis showed that for every 5-mmHg increase in the PaCO2, the ICU 60-day mortality decreased by 16% (p=0.0274). There was no significant association between PaCO2 and ICU 60-day mortality (p=0.4685) when PaCO2 was ≥37 mmHg.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that low PaCO2, but not high PaCO2, at ICU admission might help determine the short-term prognosis in critically AHF patients.
Correlation of Sonographic With Intraoperative Findings in Laparoscopic Managed Ectopic Pregnancies. A 10-year Synopsis. A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Mutiso Steve
Published: December 2023

Background:
Ectopic pregnancies (EP) are a common pregnancy complication that’s associated with significant morbidity and rarely mortality if not managed properly. Ultrasound examination forms the cornerstone of diagnosis of EP with some sonographic features occasionally not correlating with intraoperative findings. We set out to conduct an audit of EP managed surgically at our hospital for a 10-year period and discern the correlation and prediction of sonographic findings to intraoperative findings.
Methods:
This study was designed as a Retrospective Clinical Audit based at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Study population was all women admitted to AKUH with a diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy that was surgically managed between the period of January 1st 2011 to December 31st 2020. Analysis of data was done against a pre-set checklist. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables was calculated and tabulated in graphs and tables. SPSS version 22 was used for analysis of data.
Results:
A total of 337 patients in this study had ultrasound findings. 99.7% (n = 336) of these patients had an intraoperatively confirmed EP. The commonest ultrasound finding was an adnexal mass in 97.1% (n = 309) of patients. These were confirmed surgically in 290 patients at the following locations: 76.6% (n = 222) were ampullary in location; 10.7% (n = 31) were fimbrial in location; 8.6%(n = 25) were isthmic in location; 2.4%(n = 7) were interstitial in location; 1%(n = 3) were abdominal in location; while 0.3% were located in the ovary(n = 1) or round ligament(n = 1) each. Interstitial EP on ultrasound were all (100%) confirmed in the same location intraoperatively, with ampullary EP also correlating fairly well with intraoperative location (75%). The distribution of location in the minor hemoperitoneum (HP) versus major HP groups were similar except for interstitial EP that increased from 1.4% in the minor HP group to 9.5% in the major HP group.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, ultrasonography still represents the best imaging modality for EP. The most common finding is usually an adnexal mass with no specific location. Most (99.7%) of the patients with this sonographic finding usually have a confirmed EP. Interstitial EP are the most well localized with ultrasound followed by ampullary EP. Furthermore, the presence of major (> 500mls) hemoperitoneum may act as an adjunct for diagnosis of an interstitial EP.
A numerical model for precursory time sequences of the phreatic eruptions of Mt. Ontake, central Japan
Authors: Maeda Yuta
Published: December 2023

The 2014 phreatic eruption of Mt. Ontake was preceded by increased volcano-tectonic (VT) seismicity, but all other types of precursors were obscure. A subsurface process leading to eruption with few precursors has yet to be identified. This study performed numerical simulations to reproduce the precursory time sequence of the eruption. High-temperature water from a cooling magma reservoir was injected into a modeled porous medium filled with cold water. This resulted in an immediate pressure increase and a delayed temperature increase in the shallow parts. The pressure increased immediately because the injected fluid pushed the existing fluid away from the porous medium. A sharp boundary between low (initial)- and high (injected)-temperature regions, known as a thermal front, developed and migrated upward slowly, leading to a delayed temperature increase. The lag time between the pressure and temperature changes is likely responsible for the precursory VT seismicity. If the injected water temperature was less than the critical point, the water was liquid throughout the model region until the thermal front reached a shallow part, where the pressure was low enough for the heated water to vaporize. This vaporization was sudden and large, likely leading to a large eruption with few precursors, similar to the time sequence in 2014. If the injected water temperature was higher, the water volume increased gradually from liquid to supercritical and then to the gas state. This scenario likely led to a small eruption with numerous precursors, similar to the previous eruption of Mt. Ontake that occurred in 2007.
Impact-Based Forecasting of Tropical Cyclone-Related Human Displacement to Support Anticipatory Action
Authors: Kam Pui Man , Ciccone Fabio , Kropf Chahan , Riedel Lukas , Fairless Christopher , Bresch David
Published: December 2023

Tropical cyclones (TCs) displace millions every year. While TCs pose hardships and threaten lives, their negative impacts can be reduced by anticipatory like evacuation and humanitarian aid coordination. In addition to weather forecasts, impact forecast enables effective response by providing richer information on the numbers and locations of people at risk of displacement. We introduce a fully open-source implementation of a globally consistent and regionally calibrated TC-related displacement forecast at low computational costs, combining meteorological forecast with population exposure and respective vulnerability. We present a case study of TC Yasa which hit Fiji in December 2020. We emphasise the importance of considering the uncertainties associated with hazard, exposure, and vulnerability in a global uncertainty analysis, which reveals the full range of possible outcomes. Additionally, we perform a sensitivity analysis on all recorded TC displacement events from 2017 to 2020 to understand how the forecast outcomes depend on these uncertain inputs. Our findings suggest that for longer forecast lead times, decision-making should focus more on meteorological uncertainty, while greater emphasis should be placed on the vulnerability of the local community shortly before TC landfall. Our open-source codes and implementations are readily transferable to other users, hazards, and impact types.
Paclitaxel-induced acute myocardial infarction: A case report and literature review
Authors: Kim Gi Eun , Ibrahim Ayman R. , Shalatouni Duha , Abouzeid Nadin H. , Othman Fahmi S.
Published: December 2023

Background: Paclitaxel is a chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for ovarian, lung, breast carcinoma, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. Its common side effects include hypersensitivity reaction, bone marrow suppression, and peripheral neuropathy. However, a rare and life-threatening side effect is paclitaxel-induced myocardial infarction.
Case presentation: A man in his 70s with type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heavy smoking history, previous coronary artery disease with stent in left anterior descending artery (LAD), and non-small lung cancer presented with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction during infusion of paclitaxel infusion. Coronary angiogram showed de novo three vessel disease with 70% stenosis in ostial to distal left main artery (LM) and 80% in-stent re-stenosis in proximal to mid left anterior descending artery.
Conclusions: Physicians should be keeping this in mind when dealing with patients on paclitaxel, especially if they have previous risk factors for coronary artery disease.