bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE RIPPLE EFFECT: ANALYZING THE INFLUENCE OF CURRENT GEOPOLITICAL CHALENGES ON NATIONAL ECONOMY (THE CASE OF RUSSIA)
Authors: Y.Trofimenko Olga , Sutyrin Sergei
Published: November 2023

Current geopolitical shifts of tectonic scale generate a set of new challenges for global economic leaders all around the world testing their abilities to adjust fast enough to radically changing environment and finding the appropriate commercial solutions. Country’s global leadership refers to its ability to influence the global economy through its policies, trade agreements, and military power. Rising economic powers are challenging the dominance of traditional ones. Taking under consideration the fact that Russia nowadays is in the center of geopolitical tension with enormous number of various sanctions imposed on it and being actually forced to take a set of retaliatory measures, the authors focus on future prospects of the country’s commercial interaction with international counterparts on the basis of “BANI framework”, introduced by Jamais. The Russian case fits into it well. It is brittle in terms of existing economic links; anxious regarding the future prospects of country’s involvement into international economic transactions; nonlinear as there is a disconnection between cause and effect of all measures recently taken by the government and its opponents; and incomprehensible in terms of the future impact of existing situation to the world. The authors argue that current geopolitical tensions will inevitably change the entire sphere of international business in general, its geographical composition in particular. Active interaction with these or that international partners for the companies and their leaders all around the globe gradually seems to be more of strategic imperative, rather than an issue of willingness and choice.
ULOGA EKONOMSKIH I POLITIČKIH SLOBODA U ATRAKTIVNOSTI ZA DIREKTNA STRANA ULAGANJA (SDI): DOKAZI IZ JUGOISTOČNE EVROPE
Authors: Mahmutović Hasan , Alibašić Elvis
Published: November 2023

Cilj ovog istraživanja je empirijski istražiti uticaj ekonomske i političke slobode kao dva netradicionalna faktora na priliv SDI u osam zemalja Јugoistočne Evrope u periodu od 2002. do 2020. godine. Shodno tome, hipoteza studije je da je visok nivo ekonomske i političke slobode pozitivno povezan sa stranim direktnim investicijama. Studija koristi tehnike panel podataka. Dobijeni nalazi studije nisu potvrdili doprinos ekonomske slobode stranim direktnim investicijama u osam zemalja Јugoistočne Evrope. Može se objasniti da određeni nivo reformi sprovedenih u oblasti slobode poslovanja, slobode trgovine, monetarne slobode, slobode ulaganja, veličine vlade, imovinskih prava, slobode od korupcije, slobode rada, finansijske slobode i fiskalne slobode i dalje zaostaje za razvijenim državama. Naprotiv, nalazi su potvrdili uticaj političke slobode na privlačnost SDI i da dati nivo političke slobode doprinosi rastu SDI.
ОДГОВОР МОНЕТАРНЕ ПОЛИТИКЕ НА КЛИМАТСКЕ ПРОМЕНЕ
Authors: Поповић Светлана
Published: November 2023

У свету је покренута транзиција у правцу одрживог развоја који уважава потребу за очувањем животне средине. Централне банке улажу напоре да подстакну и олакшају прелазак на модел одрживих финансија који је предуслов за зелену транзицију. Централне банке интензивно раде на прилагођавању постојећег оквира за имплементацију монетарне политике у светлу захтева за инкорпорирањем климатских консидерација, па се у раду даје преглед и анализирају могуће промене оквира. Закључак рада је да централне банке морају бити пажљиве у одмеравању дотичних мера како не би угрозиле свој примарни циљ – стабилност цена.
ПРИПАДНОСТ ИНДУСТРИЈИ КАО ФАКТОР РАЊИВОСТИ ПРЕДУЗЕЋА У УСЛОВИМА КРИЗЕ
Authors: Јанковић Милић Весна
Published: November 2023

Кризне ситуације чине предузећа рањивим. Да би била отпорна у временима кризе, предузећа морају покушати да се прилагоде променљивим околностима. У том смислу, предмет рада је анализа утицаја најновије, још увек актуелне кризе, на перформансе пословања предузећа која припадају различитим привредним гранама. Предмет анализе су предузећа која послују на територији Републике Србије, различитe величинe и делатности, у циљу утврђивања потенцијално значајних разлика у испољавању ефеката кризе на њихово пословање. Анализа података, као и тестирање значајности разлике у испитиваним вредностима одабраних индикатора, с обзиром на величину и индустрију, спровешће се коришћењем адекватних статистичких метода. Циљ анализе је да се идентификују краткорочне последице кризе, као и предуслови за њихово лакше превазилажење.
Tacitast melior mulier semper quam loquens (Plaut. Rud. 1114). Processo al femminile: la reità, il patrocinio giudiziale e la testimonianza
Authors: Pennacchio Carmen
Published: November 2023

Abstract The present work is concerned with investigating the “feminine silence”, in the procedural field, trying to free it from the notion of behavior imposed on the female universe by the ancient legal system by virtue of a choice of gender, but rather envisaging it as a consequence of an “occasional non-participation in the army” following Servian’s social classification.
Improvement of performance of perovskite solar cells through BaTiO3 doping regulated built-in electric field
Authors: Jin Cheng-Cheng , Ding Ling-Ling , Song Zi-Xin , Tao Hai-Jun ,   College of Materials Science and Technology, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 211106, China
Published: November 2023

The preparation of hybrid perovskite solar cells is expensive and environmentally demanding. Carbon-based HTL-free perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have attracted much attention because they replace the expensive precious metal electrode and remove the poor stability of the hole transport material. However, the improvement of efficiency is hampered by poor carrier separation and transport performance within C-PSCs, while the enhancement of the built-in electric field can improve the carrier transport performance, thus enhancing photoelectric performance. The built-in electric field can be regulated by doping. The anomalous photovoltaic effect and the built-in electric field of ferroelectric material play an important role in the field of optoelectronics. In this work, a simple and effective method is developed to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells via the combination of internal doping of ferroelectric polymer and external control of electric field. Ferroelectric material barium titanate (BaTiO3) powder is added into perovskite precursor solution as an additive to prepare C-PSCs, which can improve the perovskite film morphology, reduce the film defect density, and enhance the carrier transport performance of C-PSCs. The results show that when the addition of BaTiO3 is 1.0% (mass fraction), the perovskite film is uniform and dense, and the photoelectric conversion efficiency of the cell is the highest. After the forward voltage polarization treatment, the residual polarized electric field of ferroelectric material BaTiO3 increases the built-in electric field, which provides sufficient power for realizing carrier transport and extraction, thus inhibiting the occurrence of non-radiative recombination. At the same time, the depletion layer width is increased, and the reverse saturation current is reduced, so the cell performance is significantly improved. The optimal device efficiency is 9.02%. This work provides an efficient strategy for regulating the built-in electric field by doping perovskite absorption layer.
Influence of quality factor on operating mode of TM02 mode relativistic backwave oscillator
Authors: Li Yu-Qing , Wang Hong-Guang , Zhai Yong-Gui , Yang Wen-Jin , Wang Yue , Li Yun , Li Yong-Dong ,   Key Laboratory of Electronic Physics and Devices of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Electronic and Information Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University Xi 'an 710049, China,   Xi'an Institute of Space Radio Technology, Xi 'an 710100, China
Published: November 2023

The mode competition in an overmoded relativistic backward wave oscillator is studied through theoretical analysis and three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation in this work. Based on the quality factor and coupling impedance, the mode selection for a TM02 mode backward wave oscillator is achieved, and its output power and magnetic field strength are optimized in the simulation.

The quality factor is related to the group velocity and end reflection of each mode. The dispersion curves of some non-axisymmetric modes are very close, and the group velocities are basically equal. Therefore, the end reflection needs considering to distinguish between the quality factors of different modes. In frequency domain simulation, analyzing the quality factor of each mode by using the S11 parameter curve can avoid calculating the end reflection.

The three-dimensional simulation results show that the coupling impedance and quality factor jointly affect the operating mode. When the coupling impedance advantage of the working mode is not obvious, changing the resonant frequency of the high-frequency structure can affect the beam-wave interaction process, thereby changing the excitation mode. When the advantage is obvious, the beam-wave interaction of the excitation mode will not be destroyed by the resonant mode, and other modes of microwave output mainly come from the conversion of the same frequency modes. Due to the constant dispersion curve, the effect of resonance on the mode is essentially the effect of the quality factor on the mode dominated by the end reflection.

The insensitive parameters and the electron beam radius obtained from the simulation are used as the optimal parameters, and the automatic optimization algorithm is used in combination with the two-dimensional simulation to perform multi-objective optimization design in the above device. The final output power of the backward wave oscillator reaches 534 MW, with an efficiency of 23.64%, an increase of 221.7% compared with the efficiency of the original device. The device operating mode remains stable, with a power ratio of TM02 mode reaching 94.95%.
Mechanism of stepwise electron transfer in six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate (STEAP) 1 and 2
Authors: Chen Kehan , Wang Lie , Shen Jiemin , Tsai Ah-lim , Zhou Ming , Wu Gang
Published: November 2023

Six transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate (STEAP) is a family of membrane-embedded hemoproteins with four members, STEAP1-4, all of which have a transmembrane domain (TMD) that chelates a heme prosthetic group. STEAP2-4, but not STEAP1, have an intracellular oxidoreductase domain (OxRD) so that an electron transfer chain composed of NADPH, FAD, and heme is established to mediate electron transfer across cell membranes. However, it is not known whether STEAP1 can establish a physiologically relevant electron transfer chain. Here we show that reduced FAD binds to STEAP1 and enables reduction of the heme. We also show that a soluble cytochrome
b
5
reductase can dock on STEAP1 and serve as a surrogate OxRD to reduce the heme. These results provide the first evidence that STEAP1 can support a cross-membrane electron transfer chain. It is not clear whether FAD, which relays electrons from NADPH to heme and interacts with both OxRD and TMD, remains constantly bound to the STEAPs. We found that FAD reduced by STEAP2 can be utilized by STEAP1, supporting the hypothesis that FAD is diffusible rather than staying bound to STEAP2. We determined the structure of human STEAP2 in complex with NADP
+
and FAD to an overall resolution of 3.2 Å by cryo-electron microscopy. The structure of STEAP2 shows that the two cofactors bind similarly to those in the STEAP4 structure and thus a diffusible FAD is likely a general feature of the electron transfer mechanism in the STEAPs. The structure of STEAP2 also shows that its extracellular regions are less structured than those of STEAP4 or STEAP1, and further experiments show that STEAP2 reduces Fe
3+
-NTA with a rate significantly slower than STEAP1. These results establish a solid foundation for understanding the function and mechanisms of STEAP family of proteins.
Rapid cloning-free mutagenesis of new SARS-CoV-2 variants using a novel reverse genetics platform
Authors: Kipfer Enja , Hauser David , Lett Martin J. , Otte Fabian , Urda Lorena , Zhang Yuepeng , Lang Christopher M. R. , Chami Mohamed , Mittelholzer Christian , Klimkait Thomas
Published: November 2023

Reverse genetic systems enable the engineering of RNA virus genomes and are instrumental in studying RNA virus biology. With the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, already established methods were challenged by the large genome of SARS-CoV-2. Herein we present an elaborated strategy for the rapid and straightforward rescue of recombinant plus-stranded RNA viruses with high sequence fidelity, using the example of SARS-CoV-2. The strategy called CLEVER (CLoning-free and Exchangeable system for Virus Engineering and Rescue) is based on the intracellular recombination of transfected overlapping DNA fragments allowing the direct mutagenesis within the initial PCR-amplification step. Furthermore, by introducing a linker fragment – harboring all heterologous sequences – viral RNA can directly serve as a template for manipulating and rescuing recombinant mutant virus, without any cloning step. Overall, this strategy will facilitate recombinant SARS-CoV-2 rescue and accelerate its manipulation. Using our protocol, newly emerging variants can quickly be engineered to further elucidate their biology. To demonstrate its potential as a reverse genetics platform for plus-stranded RNA viruses, the protocol has been successfully applied for the cloning-free rescue of recombinant Chikungunya and Dengue virus.
EphrinB2 knockdown in cervical spinal cord preserves diaphragm innervation in a mutant SOD1 mouse model of ALS
Authors: Urban Mark W. , Charsar Brittany A. , Heinsinger Nicolette M. , Markandaiah Shashirekha S. , Sprimont Lindsay , Zhou Wei , Brown Eric V. , Henderson Nathan T. , Thomas Samantha J. , Ghosh Biswarup , Cain Rachel E. , Trotti Davide , Pasinelli Piera , Wright Megan C. , Dalva Matthew B. , Lepore Angelo C.
Published: November 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron loss. Importantly, non-neuronal cell types such as astrocytes also play significant roles in disease pathogenesis. However, mechanisms of astrocyte contribution to ALS remain incompletely understood. Astrocyte involvement suggests that transcellular signaling may play a role in disease. We examined contribution of transmembrane signaling molecule ephrinB2 to ALS pathogenesis, in particular its role in driving motor neuron damage by spinal cord astrocytes. In symptomatic SOD1
G93A
mice (a well-established ALS model), ephrinB2 expression was dramatically increased in ventral horn astrocytes. Reducing ephrinB2 in these cervical spinal cord astrocytes via viral-mediated shRNA delivery reduced motor neuron loss and preserved respiratory function by maintaining phrenic motor neuron innervation of diaphragm. EphrinB2 expression was also elevated in human ALS spinal cord. These findings implicate ephrinB2 upregulation as both a transcellular signaling mechanism underlying astrocyte pathogenicity in mutant SOD1-associated ALS and a promising therapeutic target.
Restoration of locomotor function following stimulation of the A13 region in Parkinson’s mouse models
Authors: Kim Linda H , Lognon Adam , Sharma Sandeep , Tran Michelle A. , Chomiak Taylor , Tam Stephanie , McPherson Claire , Eaton Shane E. A. , Kiss Zelma H. T. , Whelan Patrick J.
Published: November 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by extensive motor and non-motor dysfunction, including gait disturbance, which is difficult to treat effectively. This study explores the therapeutic potential of targeting the A13 region, a dopamine-containing area of the medial zona incerta (mZI) that has shown relative preservation in PD models. The A13 is identified to project to the mesencephalic locomotor region (MLR), with a subpopulation of cells displaying activity correlating to movement speed, suggesting its potential involvement in locomotor function. We show that photoactivation of this region can alleviate bradykinesia and akinetic symptoms in a mouse model of PD, revealing the presence of preserved parallel motor pathways for movement. We identified areas of preservation and plasticity within the mZI connectome using whole-brain imaging. Our findings suggest a global remodeling of afferent and efferent projections of the A13 region, highlighting the zona incerta’s role as a crucial hub for the rapid selection of motor function. Despite endogenous compensatory mechanisms proving insufficient to overcome locomotor deficits in PD, our data demonstrate that photostimulation of the A13 region effectively restores locomotor activity. The study unveils the significant pro-locomotor effects of the A13 region and suggests its promising potential as a therapeutic target for PD-related gait dysfunction.This work examines the function of the A13 nucleus in locomotion, an area with direct connectivity to locomotor regions in the brainstem. Our work shows that A13 stimulation can restore locomotor function and improve bradykinesia symptoms in a PD mouse model.
Non-Hebbian plasticity transforms transient experiences into lasting memories
Authors: Faress Islam , Khalil Valentina , Hou Wen-Hsien , Moreno Andrea , Andersen Niels , Fonseca Rosalina , Piriz Joaquin , Capogna Marco , Nabavi Sadegh
Published: November 2023

The dominant models of learning and memory, such as Hebbian plasticity, propose that experiences are transformed into memories through input-specific synaptic plasticity at the time of learning. However, synaptic plasticity is neither strictly input specific nor restricted to the time of its induction. The impact of such forms of non-Hebbian plasticity on memory has been difficult to test, hence poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that synaptic manipulations can deviate from the Hebbian model of learning, yet produce a lasting memory. First, we established an associative conditioning protocol where optogenetic stimulation of sensory thalamic input to the amygdala was paired with a footshock, but no detectable memory was formed. However, when the same input was potentiated minutes before or after, or even 24 hours later, the associative experience was converted to a lasting memory. Importantly, potentiating an independent input to the amygdala minutes but not 24 hours after the pairing produced a lasting memory. Thus, our findings suggest that the process of transformation of a transient experience into a memory is neither restricted to the time of the experience nor to the synapses triggered by it; instead, it can be influenced by past and future events.
Sympathetic Motor Neuron Dysfunction is a Missing Link in Age-Associated Sympathetic Overactivity
Authors: de la Cruz Lizbeth , Bui Derek , Moreno Claudia M. , Vivas Oscar
Published: November 2023

Overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system is a hallmark of aging. The cellular mechanisms behind this overactivity remain poorly understood, with most attention paid to likely central nervous system components. In this work, we hypothesized that aging also affects the function of motor neurons in the peripheral sympathetic ganglia. To test this hypothesis, we compared the electrophysiological responses and ion-channel activity of neurons isolated from the superior cervical ganglia of young (12 weeks), middle-aged (64 weeks), and old (115 weeks) mice. Additionally, we assessed whether rapamycin, an anti-aging treatment, reverses the age-related changes in sympathetic motor neurons. These approaches showed that aging does impact the intrinsic properties of sympathetic motor neurons, increasing spontaneous and evoked firing responses. A reduction of KCNQ channel currents emerged as a major contributor to age-related hyperexcitability. The administration of rapamycin in food for 12 weeks in middle-aged mice partially reverted the KCNQ current reduction and hyperexcitability associated with age. Thus, it is essential to consider the effect of aging on motor components of the sympathetic reflex as a crucial part of the mechanism involved in sympathetic overactivity. Further, our data suggest that rapamycin’s beneficial anti-aging effects may be partly attributed to its potential to impact sympathetic nervous system components, providing novel insights into therapeutic strategies for age-related conditions.
Genome-wide association and RNA-seq analyses reveal a potential gene related to linolenic acid in soybean seeds
Authors: Qin Di , Xing Jiehua , Cheng Ping , Yu Guohui
Published: November 2023

Linolenic acid (LA) has poor oxidative stability since it is a polyunsaturated fatty acid. Soybean oil has a high LA content and thus has poor oxidative stability. To identify candidate genes that affect the linolenic acid (LA) content in soybean seeds, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed with 1,060 soybean cultivars collected in China between 2019–2021 and which LA content was measured using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF IMS). A candidate gene, GmWRI14, encoding an APETALA2 (AP2)-type transcription factor, was detected by GWAS in cultivars from all three study years. Multiple sequence alignments showed that GmWRI14 belongs to the plant WRI1 family. The fatty acid contents of different soybean lines were evaluated in transgenic lines with a copy of GmWRI14, control lines without GmWRI14, and the gmwri14 mutant. MALDI-TOF IMS revealed that GmWRI14 transgenic soybeans had a lower LA content with a significant effect on seed size and shape, whereas gmwri14 mutants had a higher LA content. compared to control. The RNA-seq results showed that GmWRI14 suppresses GmFAD3s (GmFAD3B and GmFAD3C) and GmbZIP54 expression in soybean seeds, leading to decreased LA content. Based on the RNA-seq data, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and qRT-PCR were performed to confirm the transcriptional regulation of FAD3s by GmWRI14. Our results suggest that FAD3 is indirectly regulated by GmWRI14, representing a new molecular mechanism of fatty acid biosynthesis, in which GmWRI14 regulates LA content in soybean seeds.
Body site microbiota of Magellanic and king penguins inhabiting the Strait of Magellan follow species-specific patterns
Authors: Ochoa-Sánchez Manuel , Acuña Gomez Eliana Paola , Moreno Lucila , Moraga Claudio A. , Gaete Katherine , Eguiarte Luis E. , Souza Valeria
Published: November 2023

Animal hosts live in continuous interaction with bacterial partners, yet we still lack a clear understanding of the ecological drivers of animal-associated bacteria, particularly in seabirds. Here, we investigated the effect of body site in the structure and diversity of bacterial communities of two seabirds in the Strait of Magellan: the Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) and the king penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus). We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to profile bacterial communities associated with body sites (chest, back, foot) of both penguins and the nest soil of Magellanic penguin. Taxonomic composition showed that Moraxellaceae family (specifically Psychrobacter) had the highest relative abundance across body sites in both penguin species, whereas Micrococacceae had the highest relative abundance in nest soil. We were able to detect a bacterial core among 90% of all samples, which consisted of Clostridium sensu stricto and Micrococcacea taxa. Further, the king penguin had its own bacterial core across its body sites, where Psychrobacter and Corynebacterium were the most prevalent taxa. Microbial alpha diversity across penguin body sites was similar in most comparisons, yet we found subtle differences between foot and chest body sites of king penguins. Body site microbiota composition differed across king penguin body sites, whereas it remained similar across Magellanic penguin body sites. Interestingly, all Magellanic penguin body site microbiota composition differed from nest soil microbiota. Finally, bacterial abundance in penguin body sites fit well under a neutral community model, particularly in the king penguin, highlighting the role of stochastic process and ecological drift in microbiota assembly of penguin body sites. Our results represent the first report of body site bacterial communities in seabirds specialized in subaquatic foraging. Thus, we believe it represents useful baseline information that could serve for long-term comparisons that use marine host microbiota to survey ocean health.
The influence of media narratives on microplastics risk perception
Authors: Pop Valeria , Ozunu Alexandru , Petrescu Dacinia Crina , Stan Adrian-Daniel , Petrescu-Mag Ruxandra Malina
Published: November 2023

Background

Media are the interface between scientists and citizens, communicating and interpreting the risk message and powerfully influencing individual awareness, public debate, and, hence, people’s behavior. Pollution by microplastics (MPs), a threat to public health and terrestrial and marine ecosystems, has received research, media, and public interest. However, how MPs environmental and health risks are reflected in the media and assessed in the scientific literature does not find consensus over time. To date, few studies have examined social aspects around MPs, such as, for example, factors that influence awareness and perception of the risk of MPs. In this context, the objective of this study is twofold. First, we determined if media narratives influenced Romanians’ awareness of MPs, and second, we investigated if media narratives influenced Romanians’ perceptions of MPs health and environmental risk.

Method

An online survey was conducted among 417 Romanian respondents. The questionnaire had 21 questions. The questions were related to the awareness of MPs, the perceived health risk of MPs, the perceived environmental risk of MPs, the intensity of exposure to media narratives about the MPs impact on health and the environment, and the demographics. Binary logistic regression was run to identify what media narratives influenced MPs awareness and risk perception. In recent times, mass media has shaped perceptions of health and environmental risks, driven by events like COVID-19 and global climate change. Our study relies on media narratives as its foundation.

Results

Binary logistic regression showed that the awareness of MPs is influenced by the media narrative “Microplastics in the sea threaten fish stocks” (p = 0.001). When the frequency of exposure to this media narrative increases, the probability of reporting awareness of MPs increases. Likewise, an increase in age represents a higher probability of reporting awareness of MPs. The perceived health risk of MPs, with the highest weighting, was related to the dependent variable “Leakage of harmful chemicals from MPs affects the soil” (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Media narratives about plastic and MPs pollution have increased over time, influencing the perception of this risk. The study argues the need for accurate and balanced media reporting on MPs to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that people clearly understand MPs risks. Furthermore, a closer examination of people’s perceptions supports the design of appropriate interventions to reduce plastic consumption, thereby decreasing the risks of MPs pollution with benefits for human health and the environment.
Caracterización de la competencia procedural médica en base a Process Minning: análisis de la instalación de acceso venoso central guiado por ultrasonografía
Authors:   , Poblete Ramos Gisselle Brenda Rocío
Published: November 2023

El Catéter Venoso Central Guiado por Ultrasonografía (CVC-GU) es un procedimiento que se realiza a aproximadamente 27 millones de personas anualmente. Se estima que entre el 1% y el 3% los pacientes que se someten a este procedimiento, tienen complicaciones durante la inserción del catéter, es decir, que están asociadas al ejecutor. Por ende, es de suma importancia que los profesionales que ejecutan este procedimiento alcancen un dominio equivalente al de un profesional competente en la instalación de CVC-GU para disminuir complicaciones asociadas a este factor. La educación médica del procedimiento de CVC-GU se basa en modelos conceptuales de su ejecución, creados en base a la opinión de profesionales competentes (journeymen) sobre cómo debiese ejecutarse este procedimiento. Sin embargo, los journeymen pueden llegar a omitir hasta el 70% de información relevante al momento de describir cómo ejecutan un procedimiento. Por otro lado, los actuales métodos de evaluación y enseñanza son cualitativos y no capturan métricas objetivas ni la secuencia de pasos necesaria para realizar un procedimiento exitosamente. Por ello es que se propone analizar los procedimientos quirúrgicos desde una perspectiva de procesos, a través de Process Mining (PM). Esta investigación propone una caracterización de la competencia técnica elevada en la ejecución de CVC-GU a través del uso de técnicas de PM. La caracterización se realizó en base a ejecuciones reales de journeymen en un contexto de simulación, y está compuesta por: cuatro patrones de ejecución, dos métricas orientadas a procesos y cuatro características comunes de las ejecuciones. Esta investigación se posiciona como un insumo complementario a los métodos de enseñanza y evaluación del procedimiento de CVC-GU, para complementar en base a ejecuciones de journeymen en simulación.
Diseño de un circuito génico para la expresión de sfGFP y GM-CSF reprimida por butirato
Authors:   , Serebrinsky Duek Kineret Rivka
Published: November 2023

Las enfermedades de inflamación intestinal, EII, son enfermedades crónicas multifactoriales con síntomas recurrentes que afectan en gran medida la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen. A pesar de no entenderse del todo las causas, se sabe que la disbiosis de la microbiota intestinal es parte de ellas. El butirato es uno de los metabolitos más importantes que aporta la microbiota al hospedero y se ha visto una correlación entre la diminución de su concentración con cuadros activos de inflamación intestinal en pacientes con EII. En el último tiempo, la construcción de biosensores y bioterapéuticos para diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades, incluidas las EII, ha ido en aumento. La utilización de estos organismos genéticamente modificados trae muchos beneficios, como la disminución de la exposición sistémica del terapéutico, un mayor control y especificidad de la administración de la droga, la reducción de los efectos secundarios, entre otros. En este trabajo se construyó un circuito génico capaz de detectar la concentración de butirato para inducir la expresión del represor LacI, y este, a su vez, reprimir la producción de la proteína de interés. De esta forma se crearon dos biosensor capaces de expresar la proteína fluorescente sfGFP de manera inversamente proporcional a la concentración de butirato en un rango entre 30 y 90 mM del compuesto. El sistema presenta un coeficiente de Hill de 3.14 y una constante de disociación de 86.6 mM. También, se crearon dos bioterapéuticos capaces de expresar la citoquina factor estimulante de colonias de macrófagos y granulocitos, GM-CSF, bajo la misma lógica. Los bioterapéuticos presentan el comportamiento deseado durante las primeras 2 y 4 horas de crecimiento. Los resultados son promisorios, aunque el circuito debe ser modificado para poder ser usado en un contexto biológico y más pruebas son requeridas para perfeccionar el mecanismo de detección y respuesta.
The Role of Biochemical Markers in the Prediction of Preeclampsia
Authors: Alghifari Renad Marwan , Alhusayni Nuwayir Ibrahim , Alyamani Zahrah Fuad , Sabban Aliaa , Almoghrabi Yousef , Bakheit Khalid Hussein
Published: November 2023

Preeclampsia is disorder unique to human pregnancy, defined by the international society of the study of hypertension in pregnancy (ISSHP). It causes significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Measures to predict preeclampsia are very valuable for fetal and maternal health. This review aims to focus on the role of biochemical markers in the prediction of preeclampsia, which may help early detection and improve outcome of pregnancy. It was found that the efficiency and accuracy heavily depended on the timeline of pregnancy, moreover, some biochemical markers are considered more accurate when accompanied with ultrasound scan. Many of these biochemical markers are measured in the first trimester, and the normal ranges in normal pregnant women and preeclamptic women differ majorly, where some are notably increased during the first trimester, opposed to others that are decreased. The results of this review showed the markers that are important in picking up women at risk of developing preeclampsia early from the first trimester.
Predicting Potential Evapotranspiration for Kalaburagi District using a Seasonal Arima Model
Authors: Shrikant  , Reddy G. V. Srinivasa , Manjunath M. K. , Patil Rahul , Kulkarni Prasad S.
Published: November 2023

Forecasting potential evapotranspiration (PET) is of great importance in effectively managing irrigation systems. This article centers around models designed to simulate future PET levels for the Kalaburagi district. The study calculates potential evapotranspiration using temperature data in degrees Celsius, employing the Thornthwaite method, and prediction is performed using the Seasonal Autoregressive Moving Average (SARIMA) method. These models are developed based on autocorrelation function (ACF) and partial autocorrelation function (PACF) analysis. Model selection is based on minimizing Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) values. The chosen models for different stations in Kalaburagi, Chincholi, Sedam, Chittapur, Aland, Jewargi, and Afzalpur respectively are SARIMA (1,0,1)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA(1,0,1)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA(1,0,0)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA(1,0,1)(2,1,0)12, SARIMA (1,0,1) (2,1,0) 12, and SARIMA(1,0,1)(2,1,0)12. The results indicate that the models developed for Jewargi and Chincholi stations show particular promise compared to the other two stations, with all four models performing well. These models have the potential to significantly enhance decision-making in irrigation planning and command area management practices, contributing to improved water resource management.
Exclusion of Ranitidine From Premedication Regimens During Paclitaxel Treatment
Authors: Huntjens Daan W. , Vanhommerig Joost W. , van de Veen Willem , Crul Mirjam
Published: November 2023

This cohort study conducted in the Netherlands uses electronic medical records to assess incidence of hypersensitivity reactions with and without H2-receptor antagonist premedication before paclitaxel administration.
SGRT‐based stereotactic body radiotherapy for lung cancer setup accuracy and margin of the PTV
Authors: Guo Hai‐Liang , Wu Wei‐Wei , Huan Yan , Zhang Huai‐Wen
Published: November 2023

Objective

Surface‐guided radiation therapy (SGRT, AlignRT) was used to analyze motion during stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) in lung cancer patients and to explore the margin of the planning target volume (PTV).

Methods

The residual errors of the AlignRT were evaluated based on grayscale cone‐beam computed tomography registration results before each treatment. AlignRT log file was used to analyze the correlation between the frequency and longest duration of errors larger than 2 mm and lasting longer than 2 s and maximum error with age and treatment duration. The displacement value at the end of treatment, the average displacement value, and the 95% probability density displacement interval were defined as intrafraction errors, and PTV1, PTV2, PTV3 were calculated by Van Herk formula or Z score analysis. Organ dosimetric differences were compared after the experience‐based margin was replaced with PTV3.

Results

The interfraction residual errors were Vrt0, 0.06 ± 0.18 cm; Lng0, ‐0.03 ± 0.19 cm; Lat0, 0.02 ± 0.15 cm; Pitch0, 0.23 ± 0.7°; Roll0, 0.1 ± 0.69°; Rtn0, ‐0.02 ± 0.79°. The frequency, longest duration and maximum error in vertical direction were correlated with treatment duration (r = 0.404, 0.353, 0.283, p < 0.05, respectively). In the longitudinal direction, the frequency was correlated with age and treatment duration (r = 0.376, 0.283, p < 0.05, respectively), maximum error was correlated with age (r = 0.4, P < 0.05). Vertical, longitudinal, lateral margins of PTV1, PTV2, PTV3 were 2 mm, 4 mm, 2 mm; 2 mm, 2 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, 3 mm, respectively. After replacing the original PTV, mean lung dose (MLD), 2‐cm3 chest wall dose (CD), lung V20 decreased by 0.2 Gy, 2.1 Gy, 0.5%, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

AlignRT can be used for interfraction setup and monitoring intrafraction motion. It is more reasonable to use upper and lower limits of the 95% probability density interval as an intrafraction error.
Schottky Junction and D–A1–A2 System Dual Regulation of Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Highly Efficient CO2 Photoreduction
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Lin , Xu Yuankang , Sun Guangxun , Nie Wenchao , Liu Linghao , Kong Debin , Pan Yuan , Zhang Yuheng , Wang Hang , Huang Yichao , Liu Zheng , Ren Hao , Wei Tong , Himeda Yuichiro , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: November 2023

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) are emerging as a promising molecular platform for photocatalysis. Nevertheless, the construction of highly effective charge transfer pathways in CTFs for oriented delivery of photoexcited electrons to enhance photocatalytic performance remains highly challenging. Herein, a molecular engineering strategy is presented to achieve highly efficient charge separation and transport in both the lateral and vertical directions for solar‐to‐formate conversion. Specifically, a large π‐delocalized and π‐stacked Schottky junction (Ru‐Th‐CTF/RGO) that synergistically knits a rebuilt extended π‐delocalized network of the D–A1–A2 system (multiple donor or acceptor units, Ru‐Th‐CTF) with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is developed. It is verified that the single‐site Ru units in Ru‐Th‐CTF/RGO act as effective secondary electron acceptors in the lateral direction for multistage charge separation/transport. Simultaneously, the π‐stacked and covalently bonded graphene is regarded as a hole extraction layer, accelerating the separation/transport of the photogenerated charges in the vertical direction over the Ru‐Th‐CTF/RGO Schottky junction with full use of photogenerated electrons for the reduction reaction. Thus, the obtained photocatalyst has an excellent CO2‐to‐formate conversion rate (≈11050 µmol g−1 h−1) and selectivity (≈99%), producing a state‐of‐the‐art catalyst for the heterogeneous conversion of CO2 to formate without an extra photosensitizer.
Group 3 Innate Lymphoid Cells Exacerbate Lupus Nephritis by Promoting B Cell Activation in Kidney Ectopic Lymphoid Structures
Authors: Li Feng , Liang Zhou , Zhong Haojie , Hu Xinrong , Tang Ziwen , Zhu Changjian , Shen Jiani , Han Xu , Lin Ruoni , Zheng Ruilin , Tang Ruihan , Peng Huajing , Zheng Xunhua , Mo Chengqiang , Chen Peisong , Wang Xin , Wen Qiong , Li Jianbo , Xia Xi , Ye Hongjian , Qiu Yagui , Yu Jianwen , Fu Dongying , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Rong , Xie Huixin , Guo Yun , Li Xiaoyan , Fan Jinjin , Liu Qinghua , Mao Haiping , Chen Wei , Zhou Yi
Published: November 2023

Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3s) represent a new population in immune regulation, yet their role in lupus nephritis (LN) remains elusive. In the present work, systemic increases in ILC3s, particularly in the kidney, are observed to correlate strongly with disease severity in both human and murine LN. Using MRL/lpr lupus mice and a nephrotoxic serum‐induced LN model, this study demonstrates that ILC3s accumulated in the kidney migrate predominantly from the intestine. Furthermore, intestinal ILC3s accelerate LN progression, manifested by exacerbated autoimmunity and kidney injuries. In LN kidneys, ILC3s are located adjacent to B cells within ectopic lymphoid structures (ELS), directly activating B cell differentiation into plasma cells and antibody production in a Delta‐like1 (DLL1)/Notch‐dependent manner. Blocking DLL1 attenuates ILC3s’ effects and protects against LN. Altogether, these findings reveal a novel pathogenic role of ILC3s in B cell activation, renal ELS formation and autoimmune injuries during LN, shedding light on the therapeutic value of targeting ILC3s for LN.
Thermal tolerance exceedances of an endangered unionid mussel in the Rio Grande Basin, with implications for river management
Authors: Rangaswami Xenia L. , Kiser Alexander H. , Ramey Matthew , Stoeckel James A. , Berg David J. , Lopez Roel R. , Randklev Charles R.
Published: November 2023

Freshwater mussels are globally imperilled, which is attributed to their sensitivity to changes in streamflow and temperature. The Black River in south‐eastern New Mexico, USA, harbours a stronghold population of the federally endangered unionid Popenaias popeii (Texas hornshell). Decreasing discharge and elevated water temperatures are considered the primary factors responsible for the species’ decline. However, the impact of these factors has not been quantified directly, which may hinder conservation efforts.

The upper thermal tolerances (LT05 and LT50) of Black River P. popeii larvae (glochidia) and newly transformed juveniles were evaluated. Individuals were acclimated to 27°C and then immersed at five experimental temperatures (28, 30, 32, 34 and 36°C) for 24 h (glochidia) or 96 h (juveniles). The thermal tolerances of P. popeii and its presumed host fishes were then overlain onto in situ water temperature and discharge data to determine thermal exceedances in the past 15 years. Temperature was hindcast back to 2007 using machine learning (random forest model) and coupled with discharge.

For glochidia, LT05 was exceeded frequently (41%) and LT50 was exceeded occasionally (13%) during spring and summer periods, whereas juvenile thresholds were never exceeded. Upper continuous duration above threshold (UCAT) analysis revealed periods of catastrophic high temperature, which were used to determine discharge bottlenecks.

This study demonstrates how laboratory‐derived physiological thresholds can be used in conjunction with environmental data to evaluate the hydrological needs of aquatic organisms, which is useful in efforts to maintain flow regimes that protect native ecosystems.
Nickel‐CatalyzedRegiodivergent Acylzincation of Styrenes with Organozincs andCO†
Authors: Wang Chenglong , Liu Ning , Wu Xianqing , Qu Jingping , Chen Yifeng
Published: November 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Transition metal‐catalyzed carbometallation of unsaturated hydrocarbons constitutes one of the most efficient synthetic methodologies for the construction of C—C bond. Recently, the incorporation of organometallic reagent with the CO gas as a nucleophilic acyl synthon could enable the acylmetallation reaction, which greatly increases the horizon of carbometallation chemistry. Herein, we report a nickel‐catalyzed regiodivergent acylzincation ofo‐cyano cinnamate ester ando‐cyano styrene, in which the cyano moiety intramolecularly captures zinc intermediates to trigger the tandem cyclization process. This protocol features mild conditions, broad substrate scope and excellent functional group tolerance, thus affording a diverse array of highly functionalized carbocyclic compounds.
Quality and shelf life evaluation of gluten‐free blends and cake premix
Authors: Singh Gurwinder , Kaur Kamaljit
Published: November 2023

Bakery premixes are composed of a blend of ingredients that offer convenient and quick baking solutions. In the present study, four blends were prepared by taking buckwheat, chickpea, plantain flour, and rice flour in the ratio of (40:20:10:30) T1, (40:20:20:20) T2, (40:20:30:10) T3, and (40:20:40:0) T4. Cake premixes were formulated by adding sugar, baking powder, baking soda, corn starch, and glycerol monostearate in the ratio of 60:5:2.5:1:2 in all the four blends. Blends were analyzed for physicochemical, functional, thermal, bioactive, and antioxidant properties, and premixes were evaluated for cake baking quality. The T3 premix was selected based on evaluated parameters, and the prepared cake contained about 5.02% protein, 27.70% fat, and 1.22% fiber. Textural attributes of cake from the premix were comparable to nongluten cakes available in the market. The cake premix T3 remained acceptable in terms of quality with progression of the storage period of 120 days in aluminum laminates under ambient conditions. During storage, the moisture content decreased from 9.52% to 6.72%, the free fatty acid increase was up to 0.117%, and the peroxide value increased up to 0.48 meq O2/kg. The developed gluten‐free premix will provide nutritional, economic, and better texture attributes to the target segment of consumers.
Efficacy of Whole‐Blood Model of Gadolinium‐Based Contrast Agent Relaxivity in Predicting Vascular MR Signal Intensity In Vivo
Authors: Norris Evan C. , Schneider Guenther , Clark Toshimasa J. , Kirchin Miles A. , Wilson Gregory J. , Maki Jeffrey H.
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous in vitro studies have described sub‐linear longitudinal and heightened transverse H2O relaxivities of gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs) in blood due to their extracellular nature. However, in vivo validation is lacking.

Purpose

Validate theory describing blood behavior of R1 and R2* in an animal model.

Study Type

Prospective, animal.

Animal Model

Seven swine (54–65 kg).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; time‐resolved 3D spoiled gradient‐recalled echo (SPGR) and quantitative Look‐Locker and multi‐echo fast field echo sequences.

Assessment

Seven swine were each injected three times with 0.1 mmol/kg intravenous doses of one of three GBCAs: gadoteridol, gadobutrol, and gadobenate dimeglumine. Injections were randomized for rate (1, 2, and 3 mL/s) and order, during which time‐resolved aortic 3D SPGR imaging was performed concurrently with aortic blood sampling via an indwelling catheter. Time‐varying [GBCA] was measured by mass spectrometry of sampled blood. Predicted signal intensity (SI) was determined from a model incorporating sub‐linear R1 and R2* effects (whole‐blood model) and simpler models incorporating linear R1, with and without R2* effects. Predicted SIs were compared to measured aortic SI.

Statistical Tests

Linear correlation (coefficient of determination, R2) and mean errors were compared across the SI prediction models.

Results

There was an excellent correlation between predicted and measured SI across all injections and swine when accounting for the non‐linear dependence of R1 and high blood R2* (regression slopes 0.91–1.04, R2 ≥ 0.91). Simplified models (linear R1 with and without R2* effects) showed poorer correlation (slopes 0.67–0.85 and 0.54–0.64 respectively, both R2 ≥ 0.89) and higher averaged mean absolute and mean square errors (128.4 and 177.4 vs. 42.0, respectively, and 5506 and 11,419 vs. 699, respectively).

Data Conclusion

Incorporating sub‐linear R1 and high first‐pass R2* effects in arterial blood models allows accurate SPGR SI prediction in an in vivo animal model, and might be utilized when modeling MR blood SI.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Hepatitis A outbreak in a refugee shelter in Kiel, northern Germany
Authors: Krumbholz Andi , Marcic Anne , Valentin Malte , Schemmerer Mathias , Wenzel Jürgen J.
Published: November 2023

In the spring of 2023, three Ukrainian war refugees from a municipal community shelter and a volunteer caregiver at an affiliated daycare center in Kiel, Germany, were diagnosed with infectious jaundice attributable to a single hepatitis A virus (HAV) subgenotype IA strain. Similar HAV sequences have been observed in Germany and other European countries for several years. One refugee and the volunteer required hospitalization. Four children were asymptomatically infected but excreted high levels of HAV ribonucleic acid in the stool. The infections were probably acquired in Germany, but a source could not be determined. The outbreak was contained through vaccination, increased hygiene, and education. The existing HAV vaccination recommendation for refugee shelter staff and volunteers should be consistently implemented.