bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of ventricular measurements in the prediction of shunt dependency after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Said Maryam , Gümüs Meltem , Rodemerk Jan , Chihi Mehdi , Rauschenbach Laurèl , Dinger Thiemo F. , Darkwah Oppong Marvin , Dammann Philipp , Wrede Karsten H. , Sure Ulrich , Jabbarli Ramazan
Published: May 2023

Objective

Chronic hydrocephalus requiring shunt placement is a common complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Different risk factors and prediction scores for post-SAH shunt dependency have been evaluated so far. We analyzed the value of ventricle measurements for prediction of the need for shunt placement in SAH patients.

Methods

Eligible SAH cases treated between 01/2003 and 06/2016 were included. Initial computed tomography scans were reviewed to measure ventricle indices (bifrontal, bicaudate, Evans’, ventricular, Huckman’s, and third ventricle ratio). Previously introduced CHESS and SDASH scores for shunt dependency were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed for diagnostic accuracy of the ventricle indices and to identify the clinically relevant cut-offs.

Results

Shunt placement followed in 221 (36.5%) of 606 patients. In univariate analyses, all ventricular indices were associated with shunting (all: p<0.0001). The area under the curve (AUC) ranged between 0.622 and 0.662. In multivariate analyses, only Huckman’s index was associated with shunt dependency (cut-off at ≥6.0cm, p<0.0001) independent of the CHESS score as baseline prediction model. A combined score (0–10 points) containing the CHESS score components (0–8 points) and Huckman’s index (+2 points) showed better diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.751) than the CHESS (AUC=0.713) and SDASH (AUC=0.693) scores and the highest overall model quality (0.71 vs. 0.65 and 0.67), respectively.

Conclusions

Ventricle measurements are feasible for early prediction of shunt placement after SAH. The combined prediction model containing the CHESS score and Huckman’s index showed remarkable diagnostic accuracy regarding identification of SAH individuals requiring shunt placement. External validation of the presented combined CHESS-Huckman score is mandatory.
A simplified material flow analysis employing local expert judgment and its impact on uncertainty
Authors: Naing Wutyi , Harada Hidenori , Fujii Shigeo , Hmwe Chaw Su Su
Published: May 2023

Material flow analysis (MFA) is an effective tool for waste management, but low- and middle-income countries lack essential data for MFA. This study proposed a simplified MFA (sMFA) utilizing local expert judgment (LEJ) and examining the impact of simplification on its uncertainty. A stochastic sMFA model was developed for nitrogen and phosphorus in urban Mandalay, Myanmar. This model was compared with the intensive MFA (iMFA) model employing intensive surveys for primary data collection. For the total loadings to the environment, the medians of the sMFA were higher by 3% and 11%, respectively, for nitrogen and phosphorus than those of the iMFA. The widths of the 80% confidence intervals of these loadings in the sMFA, normalized by those in the iMFA, were − 0.05 and − 0.11, respectively. The three largest flows to the environment were the same for the two models: on-site sanitation effluent/leakage, greywater, and industrial wastewater. Large median gaps between the models were observed for industrial wastewater, fecal sludge, and human excreta, associated with informal waste management, whereby LEJ did not work well. Overall, the sMFA demonstrated a good estimation of nitrogen and phosphorus flows with limited increase of uncertainty, still requiring focused attention on informal waste streams.

Graphical abstract
The power of rotation schedules on the career selection decisions of medical students
Authors: Bechara John P. , Shah Priti Pradhan , Lindor Keith
Published: May 2023

Choosing a career pathway in medicine is a high stakes decision for both medical students and the field of medicine as a whole. While past research has examined how characteristics of the medical student or specialties influence this decision, we introduce temporal elements as novel variables influencing career selection decisions in medicine. Specifically, we investigate how timing and duration of residency options, based on a rotation schedule that medical students have limited control over, influence their career selection decisions. An archival study investigating 5 years of medical student rotation schedules (N = 115) reveals that clinical rotation options appearing earlier and more often in the schedule were more likely to be selected. Moreover, timing and duration of exposure interacted such that residency options appearing later in the schedules were more likely to be selected if they also appeared more often. Conditional logistic regressions using student fixed-effects to control for idiosyncratic medical student differences (i.e., gender, & debt, etc.), and residency fixed-effects to control for idiosyncratic residency differences (income, and lifestyle, etc.), revealed the rotation schedule had a significant impact on residency selection decisions even when controlling for factors typically influencing this decision. Medical students’ career decisions are influenced by when and how long different choice options appear in their rotation schedule, especially when they have limited influence over this schedule. The results have implications for healthcare policy by highlighting a tool for adjusting physician workforce composition by broadening exposure to a greater array of career options.
Effects of Fuel Lewis Number on Wall Heat Transfer During Oblique Flame-Wall Interaction of Premixed Flames Within Turbulent Boundary Layers
Authors: Ghai Sanjeev Kr. , Ahmed Umair , Chakraborty Nilanjan
Published: May 2023

The influence of fuel Lewis number $${\mathrm{Le}}_{F}$$

Le
F

on the statistical behaviour of wall heat flux and flame quenching distance has been analysed using direct numerical simulation (DNS) data for the turbulent V-shaped flame-wall interaction in a channel flow configuration corresponding to a friction velocity-based Reynolds number of 110 for fuel Lewis number, $${\mathrm{Le}}_{F}$$

Le
F

, ranging from 0.6 to 1.4. It has been found that the maximum wall heat flux magnitude in turbulent V-shaped flame-wall interaction increases with decreasing $${\mathrm{Le}}_{F}$$

Le
F

but just the opposite trend was observed for 2D laminar V-shaped flame-wall interaction and 1D laminar head-on quenching cases. This behaviour has been explained in terms of the correlation of temperature and fuel reaction rate magnitude with local flame surface curvature for turbulent flames due to the thermo-diffusive effects induced by the non-unity Lewis number. The wall heat flux magnitude and wall shear stress magnitude are found to be negatively correlated for all cases considered here. Moreover, their mean variations in the streamwise direction are qualitatively different irrespective of $${\mathrm{Le}}_{F}$$

Le
F

, although the magnitudes of wall heat flux and wall shear stress increase with decreasing $${\mathrm{Le}}_{F}$$

Le
F

. Furthermore, the flame alignment relative to the wall also affects the wall heat flux and it has been found that local occurrences of head-on quenching can lead to higher magnitudes of wall heat flux magnitude. It has been found that $${\mathrm{Le}}_{F}$$

Le
F

also affects the evolution of the flame quenching distance in the streamwise direction with the progress of flame quenching for different flame normal orientations with respect to the wall. This analysis shows that the effects of fuel Lewis number on flame orientation, correlations of reaction rate and temperature with local flame curvature and coherent flow structures within the turbulent boundary layer ultimately affect the wall heat transfer and flame quenching distance. Thus, the thermo-diffusive effects arising from the non-unity Lewis number need to be taken into account for accurate modelling of wall heat transfer during flame-wall interaction in turbulent boundary layers.
On the integral solution of elliptic Kepler’s equation
Authors: Calvo M. , Elipe A. , Rández L.
Published: May 2023

In a recent paper, Philcox, Goodman and Slepian obtain an explicit solution of the elliptic Kepler’s equation (KE) as a quotient of two contour integrals along a Jordan curve $$ \mathcal {C} = \mathcal {C}(M,e)$$

C
=
C
(
M
,
e
)

that contains the unique real solution of KE but not includes other complex zeros of KE in its interior. The aim of this paper is to study the main issues that arise in the practical implementation of this integral solution. Thus, after a study of the complex zeros of KE, several families of Jordan contours $$ \mathcal {C} = \mathcal {C}(M,e)$$

C
=
C
(
M
,
e
)

that are suitable for this integral solution are proposed. Since contours with minimal length turn out to be the more accurate for numerical purposes, several families that minimize their length are constructed. Secondly, the approximation of the contour integrals by the composite trapezoidal rule is considered. Recall that this rule is employed in the fast Fourier transform and, in spite of its lower order, displays a spectral convergence as a function of the number of nodes, which implies a very fast convergence. Finally, the results of some numerical experiments are presented to show that such a combination of appropriate contours with the composite trapezoidal rule leads to a powerful numerical method to solve KE with any desired accuracy for all values of eccentricity.
The impact of coal mine dust characteristics on pathways to respiratory harm: investigating the pneumoconiotic potency of coals
Authors: Kamanzi Conchita , Becker Megan , Jacobs Muazzam , Konečný Petr , Von Holdt Johanna , Broadhurst Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Exposure to dust from the mining environment has historically resulted in epidemic levels of mortality and morbidity from pneumoconiotic diseases such as silicosis, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), and asbestosis. Studies have shown that CWP remains a critical issue at collieries across the globe, with some countries facing resurgent patterns of the disease and additional pathologies from long-term exposure. Compliance measures to reduce dust exposure rely primarily on the assumption that all “fine” particles are equally toxic irrespective of source or chemical composition. For several ore types, but more specifically coal, such an assumption is not practical due to the complex and highly variable nature of the material. Additionally, several studies have identified possible mechanisms of pathogenesis from the minerals and deleterious metals in coal. The purpose of this review was to provide a reassessment of the perspectives and strategies used to evaluate the pneumoconiotic potency of coal mine dust. Emphasis is on the physicochemical characteristics of coal mine dust such as mineralogy/mineral chemistry, particle shape, size, specific surface area, and free surface area—all of which have been highlighted as contributing factors to the expression of pro-inflammatory responses in the lung. The review also highlights the potential opportunity for more holistic risk characterisation strategies for coal mine dust, which consider the mineralogical and physicochemical aspects of the dust as variables relevant to the current proposed mechanisms for CWP pathogenesis.
New findings on the effects of different factors involved in fig limb dieback caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum in California
Authors: Gusella Giorgio , Fiore Giuseppe , Vitale Alessandro , Felts Dan G. , Michailides Themis J.
Published: May 2023

The San Joaquin Valley (California, USA) represents an important fig (Ficus carica) production area in the United States. Fig limb dieback represents a serious and emerging disease of fig caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. In the present study we evaluated the effect of tissue age on canker development, the recovery of the fungus from fruit mummies collected in the field, the ability of N. dimidiatum to colonize, under laboratory condition, fig fruits, and the in vitro effects of different water potentials (Ψs) on mycelial growth rate.Results of our study showed that the older branches (> 3-year-old) resulted in longer canker compared to the younger ages. N. dimidiatum was not recovered from the mummies, instead they were colonized by many other fungal saprophytes. Laboratory experiments showed the ability of this species to colonize dried fig fruits from 20 °C to 35 °C. In vitro water potentials experiment showed that the mycelial growth was reduced with the decrease of water potential (from 1–3 -MPa), depending on salt type.
Political social media marketing: a systematic literature review and agenda for future research
Authors: Abid Aman , Roy Sanjit K. , Lees-Marshment Jennifer , Dey Bidit L. , Muhammad Syed S. , Kumar Satish
Published: May 2023

We focus on political marketing and conduct a systematic literature review of journal articles exploring political marketing on social media. The systematic literature review delineates the current state of political social media marketing literature. It spans six databases and comprises sixty-six journal articles published between 2011 and 2020. We identify and categorize the variables studied in the literature and develop an integrative framework that links these variables. We describe the research themes that exist in the literature. The review demonstrates that the field is growing. However, the literature is fragmented, along with being predominantly based in the US context. Conceptual and theoretical shortcomings also exist. Moreover, the literature ignores pertinent contemporary topics such as co-creation, influencer marketing, and political advertising on social media. Nevertheless, a nascent domain with growing practical significance, political social media marketing provides various exciting avenues for further research, which we outline in this study.
Common typology of multi-sided platforms and virtual communities: analysis of business models using qualitative system dynamics
Authors: Doligalski Tymoteusz
Published: May 2023

This article presents a common typology of multi-sided platforms and virtual communities. The analysed entities comprise 69 of Poland’s most prominent websites, representing one of two business models. Based on three dimensions: collaboration among users, reputation-based user competition, and user multi-sidedness, we identified four business models. These are problem community, object community, object market, and reputation market. The differences in their logics of value creation go beyond the traditional division between multi-sided platforms and virtual communities. The identified business models were depicted in qualitative system dynamics diagrams. The typology was verified using the statistical clustering technique, which yielded corresponding results.
Sensing of chemical oxygen demand (COD) by amperometric detection—dependence of current signal on concentration and type of organic species
Authors: Lambertz Samira , Franke Marcus , Stelter Michael , Braeutigam Patrick
Published: May 2023

The standard method to determine chemical oxygen demand (COD) with K2Cr2O6 uses harmful chemicals, has a long analysis time, and cannot be used for on-site online monitoring. It is therefore necessary to find a fast, cheap, and harmless alternative. The amperometric determination of COD on boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is a promising approach. However, to be a suitable alternative, the electrochemical method must at least be able to determine the COD of water samples independently of the contained substances. Therefore, the current signal as a function of various organic materials was investigated for the first time. It was shown that the height of the signal current depended on the type of organic matter in single-substance solutions and that this substance dependency increases with the amount of COD. Those findings could be explained by the mechanism proposed for this reaction, showing that the selectivity of the reaction depends on the ratio of the concentration of hydroxyl radicals and organic species. We give an outlook on how to improve the method in order to increase the linear working range and avoid signal variance and how to further explain the signal variance.
Body, dance and abstraction for spatial and structural comprehension in the first year of design education
Authors: Hatıpoğlu Serkan Can , Kamaoğlu Melih , Şensoy Gamze , İnceoğlu Mehmet
Published: May 2023

The first year of design education is essential for students as it is their initial interaction with the design process. Awareness of the body through dance has the potential to reveal bodily experience in space. Abstraction of embodied experience contributes to realising the significance of the body and its analytical dimension for spatial and structural design. This study investigates the impact of embodied experience and abstraction on the architectural design process and the outcome through correlation and regression analysis. We observed that increasing awareness of the space through bodily movement and its drawn representation positively impacted students’ success in architectural design. Also, the measures related to space and structure mainly advanced students’ success in the final design. However, the association of the abstraction process with the final design remained limited. The study’s contribution is the systematic and statistical evaluation of the relationship between body, movement, abstraction and architectural design by constructing a set of measures from various stages of the design studio. We hope our research will provide a basis for the upcoming discourse.
Human oocyte area is associated with preimplantation embryo usage and early embryo development: the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort
Authors: Wiegel Rosalieke E. , Rubini Eleonora , Rousian Melek , Schoenmakers Sam , Laven Joop S. E. , Willemsen Sten P. , Baart Esther B. , Steegers-Theunissen Régine P. M.
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To investigate the association between oocyte area and fertilization rate, embryo usage, and preimplantation embryo development in order to establish if oocyte area can be a marker for optimal early embryo development.

Methods

From 2017 to 2020, 378 couples with an indication for IVF (n = 124) or ICSI (n = 254) were included preconceptionally in the Rotterdam Periconception Cohort. Resulting oocytes (n = 2810) were fertilized and submitted to time-lapse embryo culture. Oocyte area was measured at the moment of fertilization (t0), pronuclear appearance (tPNa), and fading (tPNf). Fertilization rate, embryo usage and quality, and embryo morphokinetics from 2-cell stage to expanded blastocyst stage (t2-tEB) were used as outcome measures in association with oocyte area. Oocytes were termed “used” if they were fertilized and embryo development resulted in transfer or cryopreservation, and otherwise termed “discarded”. Analyses were adjusted for relevant confounders.

Results

Oocyte area decreased from t0 to tPNf after IVF and ICSI, and oocytes with larger area shrank faster (β − 12.6 µm2/h, 95%CI − 14.6; − 10.5, p < 0.001). Oocytes that resulted in a used embryo were larger at all time-points and reached tPNf faster than oocytes that fertilized but were discarded (oocyte area at tPNf in used 9864 ± 595 µm2 versus discarded 9679 ± 673 µm2, p < 0.001, tPNf in used 23.6 ± 3.2 h versus discarded 25.6 ± 5.9 h, p < 0.001). Larger oocytes had higher odds of being used (oocyte area at tPNf ORused 1.669, 95%CI 1.336; 2.085, p < 0.001), were associated with faster embryo development up to the morula stage (e.g., t9 β − 0.131 min, 95%CI − 0.237; − 0.025, p = 0.016) and higher ICM quality.

Conclusion

Oocyte area is an informative marker for the preimplantation development of the embryo, as a larger oocyte area is associated with higher quality, faster developing embryos, and higher chance of being used. Identifying determinants associated with oocyte and embryo viability and quality could contribute to improved preconception care and subsequently healthy pregnancies.
Study of SQ109 analogs binding to mycobacterium MmpL3 transporter using MD simulations and alchemical relative binding free energy calculations
Authors: Stampolaki Marianna , Stylianakis Ioannis , Zgurskaya Helen I. , Kolocouris Antonios
Published: May 2023

N-geranyl-N΄-(2-adamantyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (SQ109) is a tuberculosis drug that has high potency against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and may function by blocking cell wall biosynthesis. After the crystal structure of MmpL3 from Mycobacterium smegmatis in complex with SQ109 became available, it was suggested that SQ109 inhibits Mmpl3 mycolic acid transporter. Here, we showed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations that the binding profile of nine SQ109 analogs with inhibitory potency against Mtb and alkyl or aryl adducts at C-2 or C-1 adamantyl carbon to MmpL3 was consistent with the X-ray structure of MmpL3 – SQ109 complex. We showed that rotation of SQ109 around carbon–carbon bond in the monoprotonated ethylenediamine unit favors two gauche conformations as minima in water and lipophilic solvent using DFT calculations as well as inside the transporter’s binding area using MD simulations. The binding assays in micelles suggested that the binding affinity of the SQ109 analogs was increased for the larger, more hydrophobic adducts, which was consistent with our results from MD simulations of the SQ109 analogues suggesting that sizeable C-2 adamantyl adducts of SQ109 can fill a lipophilic region between Y257, Y646, F260 and F649 in MmpL3. This was confirmed quantitatively by our calculations of the relative binding free energies using the thermodynamic integration coupled with MD simulations method with a mean assigned error of 0.74 kcal mol−1 compared to the experimental values.

Graphical abstract
Analysis of the weighted Tchebycheff weight set decomposition for multiobjective discrete optimization problems
Authors: Helfrich Stephan , Perini Tyler , Halffmann Pascal , Boland Natashia , Ruzika Stefan
Published: May 2023

Scalarization is a common technique to transform a multiobjective optimization problem into a scalar-valued optimization problem. This article deals with the weighted Tchebycheff scalarization applied to multiobjective discrete optimization problems. This scalarization consists of minimizing the weighted maximum distance of the image of a feasible solution to some desirable reference point. By choosing a suitable weight, any Pareto optimal image can be obtained. In this article, we provide a comprehensive theory of this set of eligible weights. In particular, we analyze the polyhedral and combinatorial structure of the set of all weights yielding the same Pareto optimal solution as well as the decomposition of the weight set as a whole. The structural insights are linked to properties of the set of Pareto optimal solutions, thus providing a profound understanding of the weighted Tchebycheff scalarization method and, as a consequence, also of all methods for multiobjective optimization problems using this scalarization as a building block.
The future of rare disease drug development: the rare disease cures accelerator data analytics platform (RDCA-DAP)
Authors: Barrett Jeffrey S. , Betourne Alexandre , Walls Ramona L. , Lasater Kara , Russell Scott , Borens Amanda , Rohatagi Shlok , Roddy Will
Published: May 2023

Rare disease drug development is wrought with challenges not the least of which is access to the limited data currently available throughout the rare disease ecosystem where sharing of the available data is not guaranteed. Most pharmaceutical sponsors seeking to develop agents to treat rare diseases will initiate data landscaping efforts to identify various data sources that might be informative with respect to disease prevalence, patient selection and identification, disease progression and any data projecting likelihood of patient response to therapy including any genetic data. Such data are often difficult to come by for highly prevalent, mainstream disease populations let alone for the 8000 rare disease that make up the pooled patient population of rare disease patients. The future of rare disease drug development will hopefully rely on increased data sharing and collaboration among the entire rare disease ecosystem. One path to achieving this outcome has been the development of the rare disease cures accelerator, data analytics platform (RDCA-DAP) funded by the US FDA and operationalized by the Critical Path Institute. FDA intentions were clearly focused on improving the quality of rare disease regulatory applications by sponsors seeking to develop treatment options for various rare disease populations. As this initiative moves into its second year of operations it is envisioned that the increased connectivity to new and diverse data streams and tools will result in solutions that benefit the entire rare disease ecosystem and that the platform becomes a Collaboratory for engagement of this ecosystem that also includes patients and caregivers.
Synthesis and characterization PVA/plasma-functionalized MWCNTs nanocomposites films
Authors: Farag Omar F. , Abdel‑Fattah E.
Published: May 2023

Thin films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) loaded with various concentrations of (f-MWCNTs) were prepared via the regular casting method. The physicochemical characteristics of pure and PVA/f-MWCNTs films were investigated with various techniques; X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, the impact of loading ratios of f-MWCNTs on the dielectric constant and AC conductivity of the PVA/f-MWCNTs nanocomposite film was examined. XRD results suggest a possible improvement in the crystallinity of the PVA/f-MWCNTs composite film compared to a pristine one. Also, FTIR and XPS results confirm the formation of a hydrogen bond between PVA chains and f-MWCNTs. The optical band gaps of the PVA/f-MWCNTs composite film decrease, while the optical conductivity (σopt), dielectric constant (έ), and AC conductivity increase with increasing wt% of f-MWCNTs in the PVA matrix. Further, the thermal stability of PVA/f-MWCNTs films improved in comparison with that of PVA film.
Faster Riemannian Newton-type optimization by subsampling and cubic regularization
Authors: Deng Yian , Mu Tingting
Published: May 2023

This work is on constrained large-scale non-convex optimization where the constraint set implies a manifold structure. Solving such problems is important in a multitude of fundamental machine learning tasks. Recent advances on Riemannian optimization have enabled the convenient recovery of solutions by adapting unconstrained optimization algorithms over manifolds. However, it remains challenging to scale up and meanwhile maintain stable convergence rates and handle saddle points. We propose a new second-order Riemannian optimization algorithm, aiming at improving convergence rate and reducing computational cost. It enhances the Riemannian trust-region algorithm that explores curvature information to escape saddle points through a mixture of subsampling and cubic regularization techniques. We conduct rigorous analysis to study the convergence behavior of the proposed algorithm. We also perform extensive experiments to evaluate it based on two general machine learning tasks using multiple datasets. The proposed algorithm exhibits improved computational speed, e.g., a speed improvement from $$12\% \:\text {to} \:227\%$$

12
%

to

227
%

, and improved convergence behavior, e.g., an iteration number reduction from $$\mathcal{O}\left(\max\left(\epsilon_g^{-2}\epsilon_H^{-1},\epsilon_H^{-3}\right)\right) \,\text {to}\: \mathcal{O}\left(\max\left(\epsilon_g^{-2},\epsilon_H^{-3}\right)\right)$$

O

max

ϵ
g

-
2

ϵ
H

-
1

,

ϵ
H

-
3

to

O

max

ϵ
g

-
2

,

ϵ
H

-
3

, compared to a large set of state-of-the-art Riemannian optimization algorithms.
Corporate governance from colonial Ceylon to post-civil war Sri Lanka
Authors: Nazliben Kamil K. , Renneboog Luc , Uduwalage Emil
Published: May 2023

This paper examines the corporate governance mechanisms in Sri Lanka, a country that only a little more than a decade ago emerged from a 30-year long civil war. We focus on the evolution of Sri Lanka’s corporate governance from historical, sociocultural, and institutional perspectives. Taking Sri Lanka as a case where inclusiveness and reconciliation at the board level is important, we aim to diagnose the key corporate governance issues which we then broaden towards other South Asia developing countries and provide a research agenda. Many Sri Lankan firms suffer from typical Asian-style agency problems; conflicts of interest between (i) minority and majority shareholders, (ii) shareholders and debtholders, and (iii) shareholders and stakeholders. The most prevalent agency problem is the expropriation of minority shareholders’ rights through ownership pyramids, cross-holdings, or intermediate private firms. Although creditor protection laws limit the expropriation of debtholders’ rights, firms’ widespread use of political connections forces banks to grant cheap credit at favorable terms. Poor stakeholder management creates agency problems following window dressing of ESG disclosures, corporate opacity, and ethnicity-and gender-based discrimination in the workplace. This study shows that social norms and ethical values play a non-negligible role in the functioning of the corporate governance regulation and in corporate culture in Sri Lanka.
Subcritical water extraction of Equisetum arvense biomass withdraws cell wall fractions that trigger plant immune responses and disease resistance
Authors: Rebaque Diego , López Gemma , Sanz Yolanda , Vilaplana Francisco , Brunner Frèderic , Mélida Hugo , Molina Antonio
Published: May 2023

Plant cell walls are complex structures mainly made up of carbohydrate and phenolic polymers. In addition to their structural roles, cell walls function as external barriers against pathogens and are also reservoirs of glycan structures that can be perceived by plant receptors, activating Pattern-Triggered Immunity (PTI). Since these PTI-active glycans are usually released upon plant cell wall degradation, they are classified as Damage Associated Molecular Patterns (DAMPs). Identification of DAMPs imply their extraction from plant cell walls by using multistep methodologies and hazardous chemicals. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) has been shown to be an environmentally sustainable alternative and a simplified methodology for the generation of glycan-enriched fractions from different cell wall sources, since it only involves the use of water. Starting from Equisetum arvense cell walls, we have explored two different SWE sequential extractions (isothermal at 160 ºC and using a ramp of temperature from 100 to 160 ºC) to obtain glycans-enriched fractions, and we have compared them with those generated with a standard chemical-based wall extraction. We obtained SWE fractions enriched in pectins that triggered PTI hallmarks in Arabidopsis thaliana such as calcium influxes, reactive oxygen species production, phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein kinases and overexpression of immune-related genes. Notably, application of selected SWE fractions to pepper plants enhanced their disease resistance against the fungal pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. These data support the potential of SWE technology in extracting PTI-active fractions from plant cell wall biomass containing DAMPs and the use of SWE fractions in sustainable crop production.
Towards precision medicine in bariatric surgery prescription
Authors: Pereira Sofia S. , Guimarães Marta , Monteiro Mariana P.
Published: May 2023

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial and chronic disease. Bariatric surgery is a safe and effective treatment intervention for obesity and obesity-related diseases. However, weight loss after surgery can be highly heterogeneous and is not entirely predictable, particularly in the long-term after intervention. In this review, we present and discuss the available data on patient-related and procedure-related factors that were previously appointed as putative predictors of bariatric surgery outcomes. In addition, we present a critical appraisal of the available evidence on which factors could be taken into account when recommending and deciding which bariatric procedure to perform. Several patient-related features were identified as having a potential impact on weight loss after bariatric surgery, including age, gender, anthropometrics, obesity co-morbidities, eating behavior, genetic background, circulating biomarkers (microRNAs, metabolites and hormones), psychological and socioeconomic factors. However, none of these factors are sufficiently robust to be used as predictive factors. Overall, there is no doubt that before we long for precision medicine, there is the unmet need for a better understanding of the socio-biological drivers of weight gain, weight loss failure and weight-regain after bariatric interventions. Machine learning models targeting preoperative factors and effectiveness measurements of specific bariatric surgery interventions, would enable a more precise identification of the causal links between determinants of weight gain and weight loss. Artificial intelligence algorithms to be used in clinical practice to predict the response to bariatric surgery interventions could then be created, which would ultimately allow to move forward into precision medicine in bariatric surgery prescription.
The influence of structural isomerism on luminescence properties of [Re(CO)2(dppv)(pbi)] complexes containing cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-ethene and 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole ligands
Authors: Kamecka Anna , Kapturkiewicz Andrzej , Shova Sergiu , Suwińska Kinga
Published: May 2023

Simple reaction procedure, boiling of an equimolar mixture of [Re(Cl)(CO)3(dppv)] (dppv—cis-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)-ethene), 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole (pbi), and TlClO4 in o-dichlorobenzene solution, leads to two, chromatographically separable, isomers of [Re(CO)2(dppv)(pbi)] complex. The obtained species, the yellow-emissive [OC-6–54] and the orange-emissive [OC-6–53] isomers, have been identified using FT-IR, 1H NMR, and 31P NMR spectroscopy and their structures confirmed by means of X-ray investigations. According to obtained crystallography results, the investigated isomers differ mainly in the arrangement of the 2-(2-pyridyl)benzimidazole anion in their structures. Diverse arrangement of the dppv and pbi ligand around the central cis-[Re(CO)2]+ core results in well-pronounced changes in luminescence properties of the studied luminophores. According to results from performed DFT and TDA-DFT computations, the [OC-6–54] isomer emission occurs from the intra-ligand excitation localized mainly within the pbi ligand. In contrary to that, the [OC-6–53] isomer emission indicates some metal-to-ligand charge-transfer character associated with the charge transfer from the Re(CO)2(dppv)+ fragment to the pbi ligand. Moreover, both isomers exhibit different character of their emission decays, mono-exponential and bi-exponential for the [OC-6–54] and [OC-6–53] ones, respectively. In the view of obtained DFT/TDA-DFT results, this has been explained by the presence of an additional excited dark state, operative only in the case of the [OC-6–53] isomer and associated with the charge transfer from the Re(CO)2(pbi) fragment to the dppv ligand.
Intuitionistic Logic is a Connexive Logic
Authors: Fazio Davide , Ledda Antonio , Paoli Francesco
Published: May 2023

We show that intuitionistic logic is deductively equivalent to Connexive Heyting Logic ($$\textrm{CHL}$$
CHL
), hereby introduced as an example of a strongly connexive logic with an intuitive semantics. We use the reverse algebraisation paradigm: $$\textrm{CHL}$$
CHL
is presented as the assertional logic of a point regular variety (whose structure theory is examined in detail) that turns out to be term equivalent to the variety of Heyting algebras. We provide Hilbert-style and Gentzen-style proof systems for $$\textrm{CHL}$$
CHL
; moreover, we suggest a possible computational interpretation of its connexive conditional, and we revisit Kapsner’s idea of superconnexivity.
Surface Roughness-Induced Stress Concentration
Authors: Persson B. N. J.
Published: May 2023

When a body is exposed to external forces large local stresses may occur at the surface because of surface roughness. Surface stress concentration is important for many application and in particular for fatigue due to pulsating external forces. For randomly rough surfaces, I calculate the probability distribution of surface stress in response to a uniform external tensile stress with the displacement vector field parallel to the rough surface. I present numerical simulation results for the stress distribution $$\sigma (x,y)$$

σ
(
x
,
y
)

and show that in a typical case the maximum local tensile stress may be $$\sim 10$$

∼
10

times bigger than the applied stress. I discuss the role of the stress concentration on plastic deformation and surface crack generation and propagation.

Graphical Abstract
Chemical and cytotoxicity profiles of 11 pink pepper (Schinus spp.) samples via non-targeted hyphenated high-performance thin-layer chromatography
Authors: Mügge Fernanda L. B. , Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Pink pepper is a worldwide used spice that corresponds to the berries of two species, Schinus terebinthifolia Raddi or S. molle L. (Anacardiaceae). Toxic and allergic reactions by ingestion or contact with these plants were reported, and classical in vitro studies have highlighted the cytotoxic properties of apolar extracts from the fruits.

Objectives

Perform a non-targeted screening of 11 pink pepper samples for the detection and identification of individual cytotoxic substances.

Methods

After reversed-phase high-performance thin-layer chromatography (RP-HPTLC) separation of the extracts and multi-imaging (UV/Vis/FLD), cytotoxic compounds were detected by bioluminescence reduction from luciferase reporter cells (HEK 293 T-CMV-ELuc) applied directly on the adsorbent surface, followed by elution of detected cytotoxic substance into atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (APCI-HRMS).

Results

Separations for mid-polar and non-polar fruit extracts demonstrated the selectivity of the method to different substance classes. One cytotoxic substance zone was tentatively assigned as moronic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid.

Conclusion

The developed non-targeted hyphenated RP-HPTLC–UV/Vis/FLD–bioluminescent cytotoxicity bioassay–FIA–APCI-HRMS method was successfully demonstrated for cytotoxicity screening (bioprofiling) and respective cytotoxin assignment.
„Erbe des Kulturkampfs“ oder „Folge programmatischer Verschiebung“? Die katholischen Wähler und die AfD – eine Replikationsstudie
Authors: Manow Philip , Flügel Dominik
Published: May 2023

Diese Research Note unternimmt eine Replikation des 2022 erschienenen Artikels von Lukas Haffert The Long-Term Effects of Oppression: Prussia, Political Catholicism, and the Alternative für Deutschland und überprüft die in diesem Artikel aufgestellte These von den Langfrist-Effekten des Kulturkampfs auf heutiges Wahlverhalten katholischer Wähler und Wählerinnen. Wir bieten eine alternative Erklärung für den Befund, dass das Wahlverhalten von Katholiken bezüglich der Alternative für Deutschland regional nach ehemals preußischen und ehemals nichtpreußischen Gebiet variiert. Unsere Erklärung stellt auf die Unterschiede in der programmatisch-ideologischen Position von Bundes-CDU und Landesverbänden der Union beziehungsweise CSU in den Bundestagswahlen 2017 und 2021 ab. Wir finden empirische Evidenz im Einklang mit dieser alternativen Erklärung, während die „Kulturkampf-These“ bei näherer Überprüfung nicht bestätigt wird.
Behavioral and biologic characteristics of cancer-related cognitive impairment biotypes
Authors: Mulholland Michele M. , Prinsloo Sarah , Kvale Elizabeth , Dula Adrienne N. , Palesh Oxana , Kesler Shelli R.
Published: May 2023

Psychiatric diagnosis is moving away from symptom-based classification and towards multi-dimensional, biologically-based characterization, or biotyping. We previously identified three biotypes of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment based on functional brain connectivity. In this follow-up study of 80 chemotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors and 80 non-cancer controls, we evaluated additional factors to help explain biotype expression: neurofunctional stability, brain age, apolipoprotein (APOE) genotype, and psychoneurologic symptoms. We also compared the discriminative ability of a traditional, symptom-based cognitive impairment definition with that of biotypes. We found significant differences in cortical brain age (F = 10.50, p < 0.001), neurofunctional stability (F = 2.83, p = 0.041), APOE e4 genotype (X2 = 7.68, p = 0.050), and psychoneurological symptoms (Pillai = 0.378, p < 0.001) across the three biotypes. The more resilient Biotype 2 demonstrated significantly higher neurofunctional stability compared to the other biotypes. Symptom-based classification of cognitive impairment did not differentiate biologic or other behavioral variables, suggesting that traditional categorization of cancer-related cognitive effects may miss important characteristics which could inform targeted treatment strategies. Additionally, biotyping, but not symptom-typing, was able to distinguish survivors with cognitive versus psychological effects. Our results suggest that Biotype 1 survivors might benefit from first addressing symptoms of anxiety and fatigue, Biotype 3 might benefit from a treatment plan which includes sleep hygiene, and Biotype 2 might benefit most from cognitive skills training or rehabilitation. Future research should include additional demographic and clinical information to further investigate biotype expression related to risk and resilience and examine integration of more clinically feasible imaging approaches.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Consequence of Acute Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Princip Mary , Ledermann Katharina , von Känel Roland
Published: May 2023

Purpose of Review

To provide an update of the current evidence of cardiac disease–induced posttraumatic stress disorder (CDI-PTSD) with a focus on acute coronary events.

Recent Findings

A cardiovascular disease, particularly a life-threatening cardiac event is often a highly stressful experience that can induce PTSD in patients and their caregivers, taking a chronic course if left untreated. There are several features distinguishing CDI-PTSD from “traditional” PTSD induced by external trauma, namely enduring somatic threat, inability to avoid trauma-related cues and hyperarousal with internal body sensations leading to constant fear of recurrent cardiac events. An increased risk of recurrent CVD events may be explained by pathophysiological changes, an unhealthy lifestyle and non-adherence to cardiac treatment. A trauma-focused approach might be useful to treat CDI-PTSD.

Treatment options for patients and caregivers as well as long-term effects of trauma-focused interventions on physical and mental health outcomes should be future research directions.
Hemobilia in the setting of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to type I Mirizzi syndrome
Authors: Williams Thomas , Maher Adrian , Redmond Kendal , Yeung Shinn , Ko Bong Suk
Published: May 2023

Hemobilia is an uncommon diagnosis and is often not suspected in the absence of recent hepatobiliary intervention or trauma. Hemobilia in the setting of cystic artery pseudoaneurysm secondary to type I Mirizzi syndrome is a rare occurrence. We report the case of a 61-year-old male who presented with epigastric pain and vomiting. Blood tests demonstrated hyperbilirubinemia with elevated inflammatory markers. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed type I Mirizzi syndrome in the presence of a 21 mm cystic duct stone. During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, hemobilia was identified. Subsequent triple phase computed tomography imaging identified a 12 mm cystic artery pseudoaneurysm. Angiography with successful coiling of the cystic artery was accomplished. Cholecystectomy was performed, confirming type I Mirizzi syndrome. This case demonstrates the importance of considering ruptured pseudoaneurysm in patients presenting with evidence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the setting of biliary stone disease. Transarterial embolization, followed by surgical management, is effective in both the diagnosis and management of ruptured cystic artery pseudoaneurysm with associated hemobilia.
Using clay mineralogy and micropalaeontological observations to unravel Neogene climate variations in Northern Arabia
Authors: Dietzel Christian A. F. , Berthold Christoph , Kirscher Uwe , Majidifard Mahmoud Reza , Böhme Madelaine
Published: May 2023

The Zagros Mountain belt in Iran comprises an extensive record of Mesozoic and Cenozoic deposits uplifted by collision of the Arabian and Iranian continental plates. This area has been shown to provide important information to decipher the climatic history of Western Asia, especially regarding the evolution of deserts in Mesopotamia and Northern Arabia. In a high-resolution geological record of 84 samples, we combine clay mineralogy and micropalaeontological observations to refine the late Neogene climate record in Northern Arabia. We investigated a 2.6-km-thick sedimentary profile from the Simply Folded Zagros Mountain belt spanning ca. 10.2 myrs from the late Middle Miocene (Serravallian) to earliest Pleistocene (Gelasian) comprising floodplain sediments and saline mudstones with a strong aeolian contribution. The clay fraction < 2 µm reveals palygorskite, smectite, illite, chlorite and the zeolite mineral erionite. Using clay mineralogy, arid conditions during the Serravallian and early Tortonian in Northern Arabia are identified, followed by semi-arid conditions during the late Tortonian. Clay mineralogy suggests a transition to sustained arid conditions during the early Messinian and provides a more complex picture on a previously proposed period of hyperaridity (NADX) in Northern Arabia penecontemporaneous with the apex of the Messinian salinity crisis.
The Battle for Geographical Indication Protection of Basmati Rice: A View from Nepal
Authors: Upreti Pratyush Nath
Published: May 2023

This article is a contribution to the debate on geographical indication (GI) protection for basmati rice, stressing its relevance to Nepal. After providing an overview of Nepal’s intellectual property regime, this article gives a detailed account of justifications for Nepal to oppose India’s European Union GI registration of basmati rice. The analysis, which highlights  the connection between basmati rice and Nepalese society, focuses on the social and cultural values of basmati rice in local communities. The basmati rice controversy provides an opportunity for Nepal to brand its local product in order to penetrate both national and international markets. The GI system may be an auxiliary agent in achieving these goals.