bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autonomie de l’élève musicien. Analyse compréhensive des représentations et des stratégies des professeurs, entre prescription et construction du savoir
Authors: Chardonnens Lehmann Sarah
Published: August 2021

Le contexte de l’enseignement instrumental présente des spécificités au niveau de la forme. Souvent dominé par un enseignement prescriptif, cette forme d’enseignement exige néanmoins une grande autonomie de l’élève et le développement de compétences autorégulatives. L’objectif de cette recherche est d’analyser et confronter les représentations du concept d’autonomie des professeurs et les stratégies qu’ils mettent en place pour développer cette compétence avec leurs élèves. Inscrite dans une perspective compréhensive et exploratoire, l’analyse des données s’appuie sur le modèle du processus de subjectivation d’Étienne Bourgeois (2018) et sur la taxonomie de Robert J. Marzano et John S. Kendall (2007). Les résultats montrent que les professeurs interrogés définissent le développement de l’autonomie comme un élément clé de l’enseignement instrumental, mais demeurent plus vagues lorsqu’il s’agit de décrire des stratégies pédagogiques permettant de les développer. Ceci nous conduira à formuler des pistes pour des recherches ultérieures et quelques éléments indicateurs pour la formation des professeurs de musique.
A novel modeling method and implementation of floating memory elements
Authors: Zheng Ci-Yan , Zhuang Chu-Yuan , Li Ya , Lian Ming-Jian , Liang Yan , Yu Dong-Sheng ,   School of Automation, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510665, China,   School of Electronics and Information, Guangdong Polytechnic Normal University, Guangzhou 510665, China,   School of Electronics and Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China,   School of Electrical and Power Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, University, Xuzhou 221116, China
Published: August 2021

Memristors, memcapacitors and meminductors are nonlinear circuit components with memory effects and belong to memory element (mem-element) system. Since there are many shortcomings in the existing available commercial memristor chips, and the physical realizations of memcapacitor and meminductor hardware are still in early stages, it is still difficult for researchers to obtain hardware mem-elements for research. In order to solve this problem, it is still necessary to build effective equivalent models of mem-elements to facilitate the research on their characteristics and applications. In this paper, a novel floating mem-element modeling method is proposed by connecting different passive circuit component to a universal interface while keeping the circuit topology unchanged. Compared with other floating universal mem-element models, the model built in this paper has simple structure, high working frequencies, thus making proposed models easier to implement. The feasibility and effectiveness of the mem-elements models based on the universal interface are successfully verified through theoretical analysis, PSPICE simulation results and hardware experimental results.
Modulation of electrical properties in carbon nanotube field-effect transistors through AuCl3 doping
Authors: Song Ming-Xu , Wang Huai-Peng , Sun Yi-Lin , Cai Li , Yang Xiao-Kuo , Xie Dan ,   Department of Foundation, Air Force Engineering University, Xi’an 710051, China,   School of Integrated Circuits, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China,   School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
Published: August 2021

Carbon nanotube-based field-effect transistors (CNFETs), as a new generation of nanodevices, are still difficult to apply to actual logic circuits due to the lack of a mature threshold voltage control mechanism. Here in this work, a feasible and large-scale processing surface doping method is demonstrated to effectively modulate the threshold voltage of CNFETs through the p-type doping effect of gold chloride (AuCl3). A comprehensive mapping from electrical parameters (Ion/Ioff, Vth and mobility) to doping concentration is carefully investigated, demonstrating a p-doping effect induced by surface charge transfer between Au3+ and carbon nanotube networks (CNTs). Threshold voltage of CNFETs can be effectively adjusted by varying the doping concentration. More importantly, the devices doped with low concentration AuCl3 exhibit good electrical properties including greatly improved electrical conductivity, 2–3 times higher in mobility than intrinsic carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, the effects of annealing on the electrical properties of the AuCl3-doping CNFETs are studied, demonstrating that the p-type doping effect reaches the optimized state at a temperature of 50 °C. Finally, first-principles calculation method is used to verify the doping control mechanism of Au3+ to carbon nanotubes. This research provides important guidance for realizing large-area low-power logic circuits and high-performance electronic devices in the future.
Application of quantum approximate optimization algorithm to mission planning of command and control organization
Authors: Zhang Yi-Jun , Mu Xiao-Dong , Liu Xiao-Wen , Wang Xing-Yu , Dong Chen , Wu Tian-Yi , Li Kai ,   Graduate Institute, Rocket Force University of Engineering, Xi’an 710025, China,   Rocket Force University of Engineering, Xi’an 710025, China,   Institute of Information and Communication, National University of Defense Technology, Xi’an 710106, China,   Institute of Information and Navigation, Air Force Engineering University, Xi’an 710077, China
Published: August 2021

The mission planning problem in command and control organization can be mapped into a combinatorial optimization problem with many variables and is difficult to solve. The traditional heuristic list planning method faces the problems of high time complexity and poor real-time response. For the mission planning problem in command and control organization, a quantum circuit solution scheme is proposed based on quantum approximate optimization algorithm in this work. Firstly, the mission planning problem is transformed into a typical combinatorial optimization problem, the exact coverage problem. Then, by constructing the corresponding mathematical model, the final state Hamiltonian expression of the quantum approximate optimization algorithm for the exact coverage problem is derived. The quantum circuit based on the quantum approximate optimization algorithm is designed. Finally the parameters in the quantum logic gate are optimized by the momentum gradient descent algorithm, and the simulation experiment is carried out by using the quantum software development environment of the Origin Quantum Computing Company. The simulation results show that the quantum circuit scheme can be used to solve the mission planning problem, reduce the time complexity of the algorithm, and improve the resource utilization to a certain extent. This work lays the foundation for further application of quantum algorithm to solving the mission planning problem in command and control organization.
Beam steering of orbital angular momentum vortex wave based on planar phased array
Authors: Jiang Ji-Heng , Yu Shi-Xing , Kou Na , Ding Zhao , Zhang Zheng-Ping ,   College of Big Data and Information Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China,   Key Laboratory of Micro-Nano-Electronics and Software Technology of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China,   Engineering Research Center of Power Semiconductor Device Reliability, the Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Published: August 2021

Orbital angular momentum (OAM) vortex electromagnetic waves can provide a new degree of freedom for information modulation at a physical level, which has great prospects of applications in the fields of wireless communication and radar imaging. The application of beam scanning techniques of phased array to OAM vortex electromagnetic wave can increase its communication coverage and expand the detection coverage of vortex radars. Firstly, in this paper, the principle of generating the beam steering vortex electromagnetic beam is discussed and the compensated phase formula for generating beam steering OAM beams is given by planar phased array. Secondly, considering the advantages of phased array antennas in beam scanning and OAM reconfigurability, a planar phased array with 8 × 8 antenna elements at 10 GHz is designed and fabricated. The performances of OAM beam steering and mode reconfigurability are verified. Finally, the performance changes of the deflecting OAM vortex beam at different scanning angles are discussed and analyzed. Simulations and measurements both show that there exist pattern distortion problems when steering angle of OAM beam becomes large. In this paper, the variation of the OAM mode purity is also studied when the scanning angle and the OAM mode number change. The results show that the planar phased array antennas can effectively generate the beam steering OAM vortex beams in a certain angle range. Hence, this paper can provide a reference for the OAM vortex electromagnetic wave communication and the vortex radar in the future.
Cardiac pathologies in mouse loss of imprinting models are due to misexpression of H19 long noncoding RNA
Authors: Park Ki-Sun , Rahat Beenish , Lee Hyung Chul , Yu Zu-Xi , Noeker Jacob , Mitra Apratim , Kean Connor M , Knutsen Russell H , Springer Danielle , Gebert Claudia M , Kozel Beth A , Pfeifer Karl
Published: August 2021

Maternal loss of imprinting (LOI) at the H19/IGF2 locus results in biallelic IGF2 and reduced H19 expression and is associated with Beckwith–-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS). We use mouse models for LOI to understand the relative importance of Igf2 and H19 mis-expression in BWS phenotypes. Here we focus on cardiovascular phenotypes and show that neonatal cardiomegaly is exclusively dependent on increased Igf2. Circulating IGF2 binds cardiomyocyte receptors to hyperactivate mTOR signaling, resulting in cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy. These Igf2-dependent phenotypes are transient: cardiac size returns to normal once Igf2 expression is suppressed postnatally. However, reduced H19 expression is sufficient to cause progressive heart pathologies including fibrosis and reduced ventricular function. In the heart, H19 expression is primarily in endothelial cells (ECs) and regulates EC differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we establish novel mouse models to show that cardiac phenotypes depend on H19 lncRNA interactions with Mirlet7 microRNAs.
Cost-precision trade-off relation determines the optimal morphogen gradient for accurate biological pattern formation
Authors: Song Yonghyun , Hyeon Changbong
Published: August 2021

Spatial boundaries formed during animal development originate from the pre-patterning of tissues by signaling molecules, called morphogens. The accuracy of boundary location is limited by the fluctuations of morphogen concentration that thresholds the expression level of target gene. Producing more morphogen molecules, which gives rise to smaller relative fluctuations, would better serve to shape more precise target boundaries; however, it incurs more thermodynamic cost. In the classical diffusion-depletion model of morphogen profile formation, the morphogen molecules synthesized from a local source display an exponentially decaying concentration profile with a characteristic length λ. Our theory suggests that in order to attain a precise profile with the minimal cost, λ should be roughly half the distance to the target boundary position from the source. Remarkably, we find that the profiles of morphogens that pattern the Drosophila embryo and wing imaginal disk are formed with nearly optimal λ. Our finding underscores the cost-effectiveness of precise morphogen profile formation in Drosophila development.
Integrated bioinformatics analysis of the NEDD4 family reveals a prognostic value of NEDD4L in clear-cell renal cell cancer
Authors: Zhao Hui , Zhang Junjun , Fu Xiaoliang , Mao Dongdong , Qi Xuesen , Liang Shuai , Meng Gang , Song Zewen , Yang Ru , Guo Zhenni , Tong Binghua , Sun Meiqing , Zuo Baile , Li Guoyin
Published: August 2021

The members of the Nedd4-like E3 family participate in various biological processes. However, their role in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is not clear. This study systematically analyzed the Nedd4-like E3 family members in ccRCC data sets from multiple publicly available databases. NEDD4L was identified as the only NEDD4 family member differentially expressed in ccRCC compared with normal samples. Bioinformatics tools were used to characterize the function of NEDD4L in ccRCC. It indicated that NEDD4L might regulate cellular energy metabolism by co-expression analysis, and subsequent gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. A prognostic model developed by the LASSO Cox regression method showed a relatively good predictive value in training and testing data sets. The result revealed that NEDD4L was associated with biosynthesis and metabolism of ccRCC. Since NEDD4L is downregulated and dysregulation of metabolism is involved in tumor progression, NEDD4L might be a potential therapeutic target in ccRCC.
Prognostic significance and tumor-immune infiltration of mTOR in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Na , Chen Jie , Liu Qiang , Qu Hongyi , Yang Xiaoqing , Gao Peng , Wang Yao , Gao Huayu , Wang Hong , Zhao Zuohui
Published: August 2021

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell proliferation, survival, metabolism and immunity, was reportedly activated in various cancers. However, the clinical role of mTOR in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is controversial. Here we detected the expression and prognosis of total mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients, and explored the interactions between mTOR and immune infiltrates in ccRCC. The protein level of mTOR and p-mTOR was determined by western blotting (WB), and their expression was evaluated in 145 ccRCC and 13 non-tumor specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship to immune infiltration of mTOR was further investigated using TIMER and TISIDB databases, respectively. WB demonstrated the ratio of p-mTOR to mTOR was higher in ccRCC than adjacent specimens (n = 3), and IHC analysis elucidated that p-mTOR expression was positively correlated with tumor size, stage and metastasis status, and negatively correlated with cancer-specific survival (CSS). In univariate analysis, high grade, large tumor, advanced stage, metastasis, and high p-mTOR expression were recognized as prognostic factors of poorer CSS, and multivariate survival analysis elucidated that tumor stage, p-mTOR and metastasis were of prognostic value for CSS in ccRCC patients. Further TIMER and TISIDB analyses uncovered that mTOR gene expression was significantly associated with numerous immune cells and immunoinhibitors in patients with ccRCC. Collectively, these findings revealed p-mTOR was identified as an independent predictor of poor survival, and mTOR was associated with tumor immune infiltrates in ccRCC patients, which validated mTOR could be implicated in the initiation and progression of ccRCC.
COVID-19, spatial market integration and producer prices: A case study of EU agri-food markets
Authors: Hamulczuk Mariusz , Skrzypczyk Marta
Published: August 2021

The spread of COVID-19 has had a signifi cant impact on economic and social activities, with the agri-food sector being no exception. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, numerous studies investigating its sectoral infl uence have been carried out, putting emphasis on demand and supply shocks and changes in trade volumes. However, there has not been much research into the implications of the pandemic for prices. To fi ll the research gap, this paper is an attempt to examine the impact of COVID-19 on producer prices in the EU-27 in Q2 and Q3 of 2020. The study is based on monthly data on trade in agri-food commodities according to the SITC classifi cation in 2015-2020 and the monthly producer prices index of food (2015 = 100) in the EU countries. It was assumed that the agri-food trade balance is the key factor determining the level and changes of domestic prices. The theoretical background for empirical research is provided by a spatial partial equilibrium model and the concept of spatial market integration. The results of the study reveal that there is a negative and statistically signifi cant relationship between an export-import ratio (which illustrates the country’s self-suffi ciency level) in the pre-COVID-19 period and price changes in Q2 of 2020 as well as Q3 of 2020. However, no statistically signifi cant results were obtained for the regression models explaining the relationship between changes in the export/import ratio and price changes in second and third quarters of 2020.
Is there a pass-through from the international coff ee price to the Mexican coff ee market?
Authors: Gálvez-Soriano Oscar , Cortés Miguel
Published: August 2021

We estimate the transmission of coff ee prices from the international market to the Mexican market for the period 2004-2019. Our estimates are obtained from a single equation conditional Error Correction Model (ECM). We estimate our proposed model for two overlapping periods: before a hypothesised break (2004-2013), and full sample (2004-2019). The results of the first estimation suggest that given a 1% increase in the international price of coff ee, the Mexican price increases by 0.9%, which is larger than previous estimates in the literature, but a finding which is consistent with the idea of more market integration due to free trade agreements. Furthermore, we find that Mexican coff ee production has no eff ect in the determination of local coff ee prices. Our model also implies a previously undocumented break in the long-run relationship between international and national prices, which started in 2015 but was statistically significant until 2017. This latter finding suggests that the international coff ee price pass-through to the Mexican economy has come to an end.
Qualitative Descriptive Data Analysis of the Competitiveness of Floating Cage Net Production in West Java Province
Authors: Andayani Fitri , Suryana Asep Agus Handaka , Yustiati Ayi , Nurhayati Atikah
Published: August 2021

This study has the aim to analyze the competitiveness production of floating net cages aquaculture in West Java Province. The research was conducted from September 2020 – July 2021. The method used was a literature survey to determine the competitiveness of floating net cage aquaculture in 27 regencies/cities in West Java Province. Data collected was analysed descriptively. Primary data is in the form of expert judgment consisting of 20 people regarding the proportion of competitiveness of floating net cage aquaculture fisheries. Secondary data on Floating Net Cage Aquaculture Fisheries (2004 – 2019) was obtained from the office of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of West Java Province.The results of this study indicates that the regencies with very high competitiveness are Purwakarta Regency and Cianjur Regency. While the regencies with low competitiveness are regencies/cities in the northern and southern regions.
Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Contents in Soils and Cassava Plants from Farmlands within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State
Authors: Udeh N. P. , Ikegwuonu A. C. , Okeke O. A. , Obudulu C. , Okafor K. P. , Egwuagu C. C.
Published: August 2021

Soil samples and cassava tubers collected from farmlands within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka vicinity were analyzed for their heavy metal levels using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) in order to assess their levels of contamination on the environment as a result of excessive fertilizers and automobile emission. Physiochemical properties of the soil samples were determined using standard methods. The soil pH had a mean value of 6.27 ± 0.07, 6.10 ± 0.06 and 6.57 ± 0.03 respectively indicating that the soils were slightly acidic to neutrality. Total organic carbon and nitrate mean values were 105.20 ± 6.20, 95.75 ± 9.57 and 94.6 ± 2.27 and 138.07 ± 12.09, 149.35 ± 14.25 and 149.20 ± 1.17 respectively showing presence of some organic matters. The mean levels of heavy metals in the soil samples were 0.01 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.05 ± 0.03 for lead (Pb), 0.24 ± 0.16, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.001 ± 0.000 for cadmium (Cd) and 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.010 ± 0.006 and 0.001 ± 0.001 for chromium (Cr). These metals levels were in the abundance trend of Pb>Cd> Cr. The mean metal concentrations obtained in the cassava tubers respectively were 0.001 ± 0.001, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.005 ± 0.005 for lead (Pb), 0.000 ± 0.000, 0.0003 ± 0.0003 and 0.000 ± 0.000 for cadmium (Cd) and 0.002 ± 0.002, 0.000 ± 0.000 and 0.002 ± 0.002 for chromium (Cr). These metals levels were in the abundance trend of Pb> Cr > Cd. For both the soil and cassava samples, there were no significant variations in the heavy metal concentrations and also in physicochemical parameter except for pH; this showed that there is low heavy metal enrichment in the soils studied. Based on the study, the following heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cr) falls within the Codex maximum permissible limits 0.1mg/l or ppm expect soil cadmium in science village which is above the Codex limit. The overall results showed that the farmlands (on soils and cassava tuber) appear to be free from poisoning or some metal enrichment and safe for agricultural purposes and also safe for human health and consumption.
Importance of Following Proper Inhalation Techniques and Awareness Regarding Asthma among Clinical Patients
Authors: Gunasekara Sumali , Ranawaka Thanushika , Chathuranga Dilan , Kankanamge Upekshi , Balasuriya Aindralal
Published: August 2021

Aims: Asthma is one of the biggest health burdens on the Sri Lankan population. Achievement of treatment goals isdetermined mainlythrough pharmacological management. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the patient inhaler handling techniques and their awareness regarding their disease condition, as well as to find out how an educational intervention effects patients‘ inhaler handling techniques.

Study Design:  A Prospective cross sectional study used.

Place and Duration of Study: National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases, Welisara and Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila between June 2017 to August 2017.

Methodology: Clinically diagnosed asthma patients were randomly divided into Control and Test groups. Control comprised 94 patients and the test comprised 93 patients. Their baseline knowledge about asthma and inhaler-using technique were assessed in 1st month by using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist respectively. The test group was given both information leaflet and verbal instructions. Again, all the participants were assessed for the inhaler techniques on their next clinic day by using the same questionnaire and the checklist.

Results: After the educational intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in the test group, in the adherence to the nine steps, including critical steps, regarding all 3 device types (PMDI, DPI, and PMDI with Spacer) in the 2nd-month visit. (at  P =.05) When considering awareness about asthma in the total population, most participants were knowledgeable regarding asthma.

Conclusion: We observed gaps in knowledge between current practice and what is expected in patients with asthma regarding their inhaler therapy. This might be due to the quality of instructions delivered by health care providers being insufficient and them lacking the time to observe patients individually for the inhaler techniques. Awareness regarding asthma and inhalation techniques can be raised by using information leaflets as well as through verbal counseling.
Development and Validation of Novel RP-HPLC Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Remogliflozin and Vildagliptin in Bulk and in synthetic Mixture
Authors: Mandale Drashti A. , Shah Chainesh , Jatt Rakesh
Published: August 2021

Vildagliptin which is DPP-4 inhibitor and Remogliflozin which is SGLT2 inhibitor in single dose regimen lower blood glucose by separate, complementary mechanisms. Both are glucose dependent, accounting for the low risk of hypoglycaemia during treatment. There is no risk factors associated with this combination and moreover it is single dose regimen. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a simple, rapid and reproducible gradient high performance reverse phase liquid chromatography method for the estimation of Remogliflozin and Vildagliptin in bulk drug sample and in synthetic mixture using Xterra® Waters C18 column (150 mm×4.6 mm, 5 µm) at 25°C with UV detection at 210 nm and for this gradient mode was used. The compounds were eluted gradiently at a flow rate of 1.0ml/min. The average retention times for Remogliflozin and Vildagliptin were 4.881 and 6.334 min, respectively. The calibration curves were linear (r2 =0.988) over the concentration range 10-200 µg/ml for Remogliflozin and 10-200 µg/ml for Vildagliptin. No spectral or chromatographic interferences from formulation excipients were found and hence it was successfully applied for the determination of Remogliflozin and Vildagliptin in bulk and in synthetic mixture. The accuracy of the proposed method was determined by recovery studies and found to be 98-101%. The proposed method was validated and results conformed to ICH parameters.
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Withania somnifera Root Extract
Authors: Uthirapathy Subasini
Published: August 2021

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the 85 % methanolic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) root was investigated and the anti-inflammatory effect was compared with the standard drug indomethacin. Analgesic activity was carried out by hot plate and tail flick method. Anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by carraggenan induced paw edema and Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis. The results are related with evaluation of the analgesic activity in hot plate and tail flick method, they reveal that methanolic extract has exhibited significant activity (P<0.05) at 150 mg/kg b.wt, itself, whereas, the percentage inhibition exhibited by WS (350 mg/kg b.wt,) in carrageenan induced paw edema is found to be nearer to that of standard drug (10 mg/kg b.wt.). In Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis, WS is seen to decrease the paw volume significantly (P<0.05). Significant (P<0.05) protection is also observed by elevating antioxidant enzymes. WS does not exhibit toxic effect which is observed in standard drug treatment. The 85 % crude methanolic extract does not present toxic effect as observed in indomethacin treatment. However, the extract has exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
In Search of COVID-19 Vaccines That Elicit Mucosal Immunity and Stop Transmission
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: December 2024

This Medial News article discusses recent research showing that current COVID-19 vaccines fail to elicit enough of a mucosal immune response to prevent infection.
β-Lactam Inoculum Effect in Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Jean Baptiste , Crolle Maelys , Pollani Candice , Le Guilloux Adèle , Martin-Blondel Guillaume , Tattevin Pierre , Le Bot Audrey , Luque Paz David , Guérin François , Cattoir Vincent , Armand-Lefevre Laurence , Gueye Signara , Lescure François-Xavier , Duval Xavier , Massip Clémence , Delobel Pierre
Published: December 2024

Importance

Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Staphylococcus aureus is associated with high mortality, approximately 20% to 30%, mostly in the first month, with no improvement in recent decades. Current opinion is that antistaphylococcal penicillin and cefazolin are equally effective in treating methicillin-susceptible S aureus (MSSA) IE, and both are recommended as possible first-line treatments. Most MSSA strains carry the β-lactamase blaZ gene, and some blaZ-positive strains exhibit an inoculum effect, meaning increased minimum inhibitory concentrations at high inoculum. This reduced susceptibility to an antibiotic at high bacterial inoculum may be particularly relevant in IE, where vegetations have very high bacterial densities.

Objective

To evaluate the association between phenotypic characteristics of S aureus isolates, β-lactam used, and outcome in patients with MSSA IE.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This retrospective case series included MSSA cases treated at 3 French university hospitals between February 2016 and February 2022. The study included patients who had clinical isolates available and had definite or possible S aureus IE that involved native or prosthetic valves. Data were analyzed from July 2023 to June 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

MSSA isolates were tested for the presence of blaZ and for inoculum effects to cefazolin and oxacillin. The association between first-month mortality and the β-lactam used, the presence of blaZ, and the presence of an inoculum effect to the treatment received was evaluated.

Results

This study included 216 patients with MSSA IE (median [IQR] age, 65 [49-73] years; 152 [70.4%] male) who were treated with antistaphylococcal penicillin (139 [64.4%]) or cefazolin (77 [35.6%]). One-month mortality of left-sided IE was 44 of 180 patients (24.4%), with no overall difference between patients treated with antistaphylococcal penicillin or cefazolin. However, 1-month mortality was higher in patients infected with blaZ-positive strains than with blaZ-negative strains (38 of 129 [29.5%] vs 6 of 51 [11.8%]; P = .01), and with strains with an inoculum effect to the β-lactam received than with strains without an inoculum effect (25 of 62 [40.3%] vs 13 of 67 [19.4%]; P = .005). On multivariable analysis, the presence of an inoculum effect was independently associated with first-month mortality (HR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.28-6.30; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this case series of MSSA IE, the presence of an inoculum effect to the β-lactam received was a risk factor for death in the first month. Phenotyping MSSA isolates for inoculum effect may guide β-lactam choice and improve outcomes.
Dexmedetomidine suppresses glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β‐cells
Authors: Kusunoki Munenori , Hirota Kiichi , Shoji Tomohiro , Uba Takeo , Matsuo Yoshiyuki , Hayashi Mikio
Published: December 2024

Proper glycemic control is crucial for patient management in critical care, including perioperative care, and can influence patient prognosis. Blood glucose concentration determines insulin secretion and sensitivity and affects the intricate balance between the glucose metabolism. Human and other animal studies have demonstrated that perioperative drugs, including volatile anesthetics and intravenous anesthetics, affect glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Dexmedetomidine (DEX) decreases insulin release and affects glucose metabolism; however, the specific mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains largely unknown. Thus, we investigated the effect and mechanism of DEX on insulin secretion using mouse and rat pancreatic β‐cell‐derived MIN6 and INS‐1 cell lines and primary pancreatic β‐cells/islets extracted from mice. The amount of insulin secreted into the culture medium was determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Cell viability, cytotoxicity, and electrophysiological effects were investigated. Clinically relevant doses of DEX suppressed GSIS in MIN6 cells, INS‐1 cells, and pancreatic β‐cells/islets. Furthermore, DEX suppressed insulin secretion facilitated by insulinotropic factors. There was no significant difference in oxygen consumption rate, intracellular ATP levels, or caspase‐3/7 activity. Electrophysiological evaluation using the patch‐clamp method showed that DEX did not affect ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, voltage‐dependent potassium channels, or voltage‐gated calcium channels. We demonstrated that clinically relevant doses of DEX significantly suppressed GSIS. These findings suggest that DEX inhibits a signaling pathway via α2‐adrenoceptor or insulin vesicle exocytosis, resulting in GSIS suppression. Our results support the hypothesis that DEX suppresses insulin secretion and reveal some underlying mechanisms.
Optimization of target grouping in distributive stereotactic radiosurgery using the excel evolutionary solver
Authors: Ramsey Chester , Gallemore Samuel , Bowling Joseph
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Distributive stereotactic radiosurgery (dSRS) is a form of fractionation where groups of metastases are treated with a full single‐fraction dose on different days. The challenge with dSRS is determining optimal target groupings to maximize the distance between targets treated in the same fraction. This study aimed to develop and validate an accessible optimization technique for distributing brain metastases into optimal treatment fractions using a genetic algorithm.

Methods

The Evolutionary Solver in Excel was used to optimize the grouping of target volumes for distributive SRS fractionation. The algorithm's performance was tested using three geometric test cases with known optimal solutions, 400 simulations with randomly distributed target volumes, and clinical data from five GammaKnife patients. The objective function was defined as the sum of average distances between target volumes within each fraction, with constraints ensuring 2–5 targets per fraction, each target being assigned to only one fraction, and a constraint on the minimum distance between any two targets in the same fraction.

Results

The Evolutionary Solver successfully identified optimal target groupings in all geometric test cases. Compared to random groupings, the mean distance between target volumes increased by 9%, from 68.1 ± 0.8  to 74.2 ± 1.1 mm post‐optimization, while the minimum distance between targets increased by 57%, from 24.9 ± 5.9  to 39.1 ± 7.5 mm. In clinical test cases, the mean distances improved from 81.6 ± 11.9 mm for manual target grouping to 85.6 ± 14.5 mm for optimized target grouping. The minimum separation improved from 35.2 ± 14.5 mm with manual grouping to 51.6 ± 14.7 mm with optimized grouping, corresponding to a mean improvement of 16.4 ± 6.1 mm.

Conclusion

The Evolutionary Solver in Excel provides a systematic and reproducible method for optimizing distributive target groupings in SRS and enhances spatial separation.
Bar association panel says N.Y. needs bolder opioid strategy
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: December 2024

A New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) task force would like state officials and legislators to avoid narrowly defined responses and take a much more comprehensive approach to combating the opioid crisis. Some task force members suggest New York has failed to keep pace with demand for services in areas such as workforce development, access to naloxone and initiation of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in non‐traditional settings.
Study: Retention better with methadone than buprenorphine
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: December 2024

A recent study comparing the effectiveness of buprenorphine and methadone found that the risk of discontinuation was greater with buprenorphine than methadone. For the study, the researchers looked at a retrospective cohort of patients via databases in British Columbia, Canada. The study covered a total of 30,891 patients, who received treatment from 2010 to 2020.
Innovative Application of Photochromic Molecules in Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells: Simultaneous Refinement in Performance and Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Zhou Tianxiang , Zhao Wenshi , Wang Zhiteng , Li Rui , Feng Xiaolong , Du Yachao , Liu Lei , Zhang Junqi , Yin Guiyong , Wang Kuo , Yu Hongcan , Liu Yang , Tian Qingwen , (Frank) Liu Shengzhong
Published: December 2024

Most strategies only focus on passivating dynamic defects on the surfaces of perovskite films or addressing Pb leakage issues separately, lacking comprehensive solutions. In view of this, photochromic compound 1,3,3‐trimethylindolinonaphthospirooxazine (SO) and its photoisomerization product (MC) are innovatively introduced into inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs). Under light irradiation, the distinctive transformation characteristics of photoisomeric molecules are leveraged to effectively and continuously passivate dynamic defects. Meanwhile, ring‐opening MC structure provides two anchoring sites, which form a stable chelating ring with undercoordinated Pb2+, thereby mitigating the risk of Pb leakage. Both theoretical analyses and experimental findings indicate that MC molecules expose more active sites due to their open molecular structure under illumination, thus tightly binding to undercoordinated ions (I− and Pb2+) in films. The MC passivation treatment exhibits an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 22.04%, while also improving hydrophobicity, UV resistance, and biocompatibility of films. This approach not only presents a new perspective for boosting performance and stability of IPSCs but also takes an important step toward promoting their development in environmental friendliness and sustainability.
Expansion of the Phenotype of You‐Hoover‐Fong Syndrome and Possible Increased Risk of Cancer
Authors: De Falco Alessandro , De Gregorio Fabiola , Abate Massimo Eraldo , Paolella Chiara , Nigro Vincenzo , Scala Iris , Brunetti‐Pierri Nicola
Published: December 2024

You‐Hoover‐Fong syndrome (YHFS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by global developmental delay, microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, and a spectrum of neurodevelopmental abnormalities. YHFS is caused by pathogenic variants in TELO2, a gene involved in regulation of the cell cycle. To date, 29 individuals with YHFS have been reported and none of them has been reported to develop tumors. We describe two siblings with YHFS both presenting with bilateral acoustic nerve agenesis, microcephaly, and dysmorphic features. Notably, one sibling developed hepatoblastoma at the age of 7.5 years. Clinical exome sequencing revealed in both siblings compound heterozygous variants in the TELO2 gene. Although the development of hepatoblastoma might be coincidental, given the role of TELO2 in cell cycle, we suspect YHFS might be associated with an increased cancer susceptibility. Further cases are needed to confirm whether YHFS is associated with an increased risk of cancer.
Navigating from industry to higher education: Practitioner transitions to academic life
Authors: Myers Fran , Baxter Jacqueline , Selby‐Fell Helen , Pachón Andrés Morales
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we entwine sympathetic concepts of liminality and workplace identity to capture processual, agential and emotional elements of transition for established professionals from other sectors taking up academic careers in a digitised UK business school. We undertake interpretative analysis of explicit and latent responses through three core themes exploring processes of transition, agencies of transition and emotions of transition through anonymised interviews conducted with 15 participants coming in from a variety of industrial and service roles. With a rationale of better understanding barriers and ambiguities experienced during times of transition, the paper considers perceptions of ambiguity and flux experienced by those undertaking second careers in the context of marketised higher education, arguing that coming in from a profession is complex and unsettling. The paper argues for greater institutional focus on improving perceptions of belonging, valorisation and recognition for those negotiating the ritual and contested space of transition, particularly in light of increasing collaboration between academia and practice and growing student numbers in this space. It concludes that in the light of continued policy decisions embracing rapid growth in apprenticeship and other practice‐based degree programmes, university managers need active strategies to retain and develop those from industry and other professional backgrounds.
Is Whole‐Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases an Overestimated Therapy? A Retrospective Study of Real‐World Data Using Landmark Analyses
Authors: Hoelzl Florian , Koelbl Oliver , Gruber Isabella
Published: December 2024

Background

The role of whole‐brain radiotherapy for patients with brain metastases is changing as immunotherapy and molecularly targeted therapies advance. However, whole‐brain radiotherapy continues to be part of the multimodal concept.

Methods

This retrospective study included 285 patients who received whole‐brain radiotherapy for brain metastases, using a median dose of 30 Gy. The study analyzed prognostic factors for survival using Cox regression analyses, while two landmark analyses, reflecting a minimum survival of 60 and 90 days, accounted for early deaths. Neurological symptoms were compared before and after treatment using the McNemar test.

Results

The median patient age was 62 years. Non‐small cell lung cancer (n = 95), breast cancer (n = 53), and small cell lung cancer (n = 48) were the most frequent cancer types. Median survival was 4.3 months (interquartile range 1.8–11.1). In the multivariable Cox regression model, patients who received additional immunotherapy/molecularly targeted therapy had a higher chance of survival than others. Overall survival was influenced by control of primary cancer, extracranial metastases, age, Karnofsky performance status, and number of brain metastases. The 90‐day landmark analysis included 181 patients who survived at least 90 days, reflecting that 104 patients (36.5%) died within the first 90 days. The 90‐day landmark analysis confirmed all predictive variables for survival. Patients who died before the 90‐day landmark endpoint had more brain metastases, lower Karnofsky performance status, higher age, and were less frequently treated with immunotherapy/molecularly targeted therapy than those surviving at least 90 days. The treatment significantly improved neurological symptoms.

Conclusion

These results indicate an insufficient patient selection, as one‐third of patients treated with whole‐brain radiotherapy died within 90 days. However, neurological symptoms improved, and the addition of immunotherapy and/or molecularly targeted therapy to whole‐brain radiotherapy was associated with better survival. Patients receiving whole‐brain irradiation should be more carefully selected.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials: 24‐3626‐104
Cold Philosophers: Female Students' Perceived Lack of Fit in Stereotypes Is Associated With Underrepresentation
Authors: Leopold Arian , Köller Michaela M. , Renger Daniela
Published: December 2024

Women's underrepresentation in philosophy requires a comprehensive investigation of the factors that contribute to it. This paper examines the presence of gender stereotypes regarding philosophers and the consequences of a perceived misfit in three studies. A pre‐study (N = 49) confirmed that students tend to think about males when asked to name philosophers. Study 1 (N = 530) used an online experiment with a general sample and found that philosophers are perceived as more male than female. Results demonstrated a perceived gender‐philosopher‐misfit regarding communal but not agentic attributes. Study 2 (N = 178) confirmed the prevalence of the male philosopher stereotype in philosophy students. Building on the Lack‐of‐Fit Model, we hypothesized and found that female students showed a higher perceived self‐philosopher‐misfit than male students on the communion dimension, but unexpectedly not on the agency dimension. Using a structural equation model, we showed that this perceived gender‐related communal misfit was associated with their lowered intention to persist and increased intention to quit their philosophy studies. The results replicate prior findings on gender stereotype misfits and highlight the special role of the communal dimension in shaping career decisions. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Characterization of microRNA‐223‐3p as a novel promoter of cell proliferation and invasion in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Pan Xinghe , Liu Junliang , Zhang Yitong , Sun Chenglin , Li You , Guo Hongpeng
Published: December 2024

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common thyroid cancer, has been linked to various molecular alterations. This study focuses on microRNA‐223‐3p, whose upregulated expression in PTC tissues appears to enhance tumor growth and cellular dysfunctions. Our findings demonstrate that microRNA‐223‐3p significantly promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is identified as a direct target, suggesting that microRNA‐223‐3p could be crucial in PTC pathogenesis and may offer a target for therapeutic intervention.
Toward a Generic Model for Phosgene Synthesis Catalysis over Activated Carbon
Authors: Hughes Rory , Davies Philip R. , Brennan Colin , Lennon David
Published: December 2024

A reaction model was recently been postulated to describe the phosgene synthesis process over an activated carbon catalyst. That body of work exclusively considered a single grade of activated carbon (Donau Supersorbon K40), raising the issue that the mechanistic insight gleaned could be restricted to the single substrate. Therefore, to evaluate the generality of the proposed sequence of elementary reactions that lead to phosgene production, this article concentrates on Norit RX3 Extra, a representative activated carbon that finds wide application in industrial applications. Several phosgene synthesis traits were associated with Donau Supersorbon K40 and are reproduced with Norit RX3 extra over the reaction conditions studied, such as exclusive phosgene selectivity and a degree of reagent retention. However, temperature‐programmed reaction studies show the reaction profile of the Norit RX3 extra to exhibit deviations from that observed for Donau Supersorbon K40. A modified reaction model is proposed to account for these differences. The revised reaction model is thought to represent a generic model for phosgene synthesis that can accommodate disparities in the surface chemistry of different activated carbon formulations.
Carbohydrate Wastes to Chemicals (CtC): From Second‐Generation Sugars to Glycols
Authors: Cusati Giuseppe , Fergen Hannah , Bouge Marine , Bücker Thomas , Vogel Kevin , Taherkhani Mehran , Ehret Ralf
Published: December 2024

In the Carbohydrate Wastes to Chemicals (CtC) project, Air Liquide Engineering & Construction, Air Liquide Innovation Campus Frankfurt, Provadis Hochschule, BASF SE, and hte GmbH worked together to develop an alternative and sustainable route to the production of glycols, with propylene glycol as the main product. Starting from second‐generation sugars as residues from carbohydrate biomass waste streams, the pretreatment as well as the product purification were evaluated. In addition, the greenhouse gas emissions for the whole process, from residues to glycols, were estimated.