bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking Inside the ballot box: Gender Gaps in Argentine Presidential Elections
Authors: Bercoff José Javier , Meloni Osvaldo
Published: October 2022

Since women were given the right to vote in the first half of the 20thcentury, several studies verify the existence of noticeable differences in women and men voting conduct. Theories explaining such behavior rely mainly on stereotypes, differences in values as well as disparities in self perceptions of men and women This paper, using a unique and unusual gender-segregated voting booths that was in use in Argentina until 2007, suggests that labor market incentives play a key role explaining the electoral gender gap. Our estimations, which come out from a panel data of five presidential elections at district level, show that the voting gender gap reduces as women acquire the head of household status. That is, as women face analogous incentives to men, their evaluation of the incumbent performance and their policies tend to be similar to males leading to a reduction in the gender gap.JEL Classification Codes: D72; J16; P16
Effectiveness of native language for conversational bots
Authors: Dahal Ashim , Khadka Anuj , Kharal Bishal , Shah Aashish
Published: October 2022

The global increase in mental health illness is rising at an alarming rate which has contributed to an increase in suicide cases. Also, a pandemic like COVID-19 has prompted the utilization of advanced technology, such as chatbots. Chatbots are artificial intelligence (AI) based systems or programs that are able to interact with human users via a textual or visual medium.Many therapeutic and economic benefits are associated with technology-enabled treatments for a range of mental health disorders. Over the past 10 years, the use of chatbots to prevent some level of mental health-related problems has increased dramatically. Industry Experts say that chatbots will help to battle mental health-related issues. However, the problem still lies due to the use of industry-standard language i.e, English. Since not every person can understand the English language and prefers to speak in their own native language, which could put a linguistic barrier between human and computer interaction. As a solution, we developed Jelly, a native conversational bot that can interact with users in their native language i.e, Nepali. We surveyed them to find out how they perceived the differences between the two. Jelly, which is powered by Facebook’s blender; one of the most powerful text generation models, Jelly also can also understand romanized Nepali with English Alphabet. The main purpose of Jelly is to transcend language barriers and become a gossipy partner to those who find it difficult to communicate in the standard language i.e, English.
Does the efficiency of working capital management and environmental, social, and governance performance affect a firm’s value? Evidence from the United States
Authors: Habib Ahmed Mohamed
Published: October 2022

This study evaluates the efficiency of U.S. firms’ working capital management (WCME) by employing the data envelopment analysis technique (DEA). This study uses regression analysis to examine the impact of WCME and environmental, social, and governance (ESGP) performance on U.S. firm value. This study uses a data sample consisting of 964 firm-year observations from a longitudinal panel collected from 2016 to 2019. Endogeneity issues and the employment of additional analyses for robustness were considered. The results indicated that most firms under investigation were relatively inadequate regarding WCME and required correctional efforts by decision-makers to accomplish most reasonable efficiency, directly related to enhancing firm sales and net income. Additionally, the results reveal significant and positive influences of WCME and ESGP on firm value. The implications of this study would push decision-makers to employ the most reasonable procedures and strategies to improve the activities of a firm’s WCM and ESG to boost its value and excel in the business environment.
Single-crystal UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy of aluminosilicate garnet: Part III. {Fe2+} + [Fe3+] → {Fe3+} + [Fe2+] intervalence charge transfer
Authors: Geiger Charles A. , Taran Michail N.
Published: October 2022

The various intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) mechanisms that can occur in silicate garnet, general crystal-chemical formula {X3}[Y2](Z3)O12, are not fully understood. The single-crystal UV/Vis/NIR absorption spectra of two different almandine-rich, spessartine-rich and grossular-rich garnets, as well as an intermediate almandine-pyrope garnet, were measured. Absorption was observed from roughly 15 000 to 30 000 cm–1. The spectra were deconvoluted and a very broad band with FWHM values ranging from 5000 to 7000 cm–1 (except in the case of one grossular where the FWHM is 8700 cm–1) and having an intensity maximum located between about 20 000 and 22 000 cm–1 in the visible region could be fit. Small weaker features located on this broad band were fit as well. The broad band is strongest in a nearly end-member composition almandine and weakest in a very grossular-rich iron-poor crystal. It is assigned to {Fe2+} + [Fe3+] → {Fe3+} + [Fe2+] IVCT. This is the first recognition of this type of electronic transition mechanism in different aluminosilicate garnet species. Photon-induced electron transfer probably occurs through an overlap of the d orbitals of Fe2+ and Fe3+ in their edge-shared triangular dodecahedral and octahedral coordination polyhedra, respectively. The two Fe cations with different formal charges should have markedly different energy potentials giving rise to asymmetric IVCT behavior. This, together with the relatively long Fe2+-Fe3+ distances (greater than 3.2 Å), could explain the higher energy of the IVCT in garnet compared to Fe2+ + Fe3+ → Fe3+ + Fe2+ IVCT mechanisms observed in other minerals. The latter typically have iron cations in octahedral or quasi-octahedral coordination. The IVCT in aluminosilicate garnet can occur in different species that grew under dissimilar P-T-X conditions. The resulting electronic absorption band affects color markedly, because it is centered at higher energies in the blue visible region. It remains to be determined why IVCT is observed in the spectra of some garnets but not others. The various proposed IVCT mechanisms in Ca-Ti-bearing and aluminosilicate garnets are reviewed and analyzed.
Tooth surface Hobbing analysis for unconventional gears with ultrasonic-assisted motion
Authors: He Chunjiang , Lin Chao
Published: October 2022

As an atypical conventional gear pair, non-circular gear has a variable transmission ratio, which can be used to improve the structure and transmission characteristics in some applications, such as variable speed grinding mechanism, wool blending machine guide mechanism, continuously variable transmission structure and so on. According to the friction theory of conjugate surfaces, the transmission characteristics will be affected by the micro topography of tooth surface, but the shaped tooth surface of non-circular gear with normal hobbing method is not uniform, because of its variable radius and flank orientations of tooth surface. The research on the relationship between micro topography and parameters of non-circular gear is necessary, thus an improved manufacturing method with ultrasonic-assisted motion was presented in this paper, the mathematical equations for the theoretical tooth surface of non-circular gear with and without ultrasonic-assisted motion have been derived in this paper, also the equations for cutting parameters (step displacement, step rotating angle) have been proposed, shown that all the parameters (initial parameters of gear and gear hob, cutting parameters in manufacturing process) will affect the formed micro surfaces. In detail, the height Hm and width Sm of micro undulating tooth surface periodically increase and decrease, getting the maximum value at θn=π, where is the maximum radius. The height Hm and width Sm of micro tooth surface will increase with any control parameter increase, the height Hm of most micro peaks is near 6.5um in normal hobbing process. While, the tooth surface with ultrasonic-assisted motion is more regular and clearer with the maximum height Hm decrease from 6.5 um to 2.7 um, getting more compact cutting tracks and lower surface roughness. The experimental results shows that ultrasonic-assisted hobbing has obviously positive influence for micro tooth surface, provides the theoretical support for a further analysis and better application of unconventional gear pair.
Optimization and characteristic analysis of screw rotor of a twin-screw pump
Authors: Tian Zhi Yong , Zhao Yong Qiang , Li Zhe Hui , Liu Shi , Wang Da Hai
Published: October 2022

In order to reduce the leakage between the teeth of the twin-screw pump and improve the working performance, it is necessary to reduce the clearance between the teeth; In this paper, the end face profile equation of A-type screw rotor is derived by coordinate transformation method, the end face profile is generated based on MATLAB software, and the cusp and curve of the profile are optimized by arc transition method; The changes of pressure field and velocity field in the fluid domain of screw rotor before and after optimization are analyzed by finite element method; Taking the twin-screw pump as the research object, the fluid-structure coupling analysis and calculation of the master and slave screw rotors are carried out. The modal analysis of the screw without prestress and under the action of prestress is carried out respectively. Through the simulation calculation, the first six modal vibration shapes of the screw are taken, and the results of the two different states are compared. The results show that when the working pressure difference is 2 MPa, the maximum pressure after optimization increases by 1 % compared with that before optimization. With the continuous increase of center distance, the maximum pressure of flow field fluctuates slightly up and down; The maximum velocity after optimization is 3.5 % lower than that before optimization. The comparison results show that the frequency of the screw rotor increases with the increase of the modal order of the screw rotor without prestress. The frequencies of the second and third orders are similar, and the amplitudes of the first and fourth orders are similar. After the fluid-structure coupling force is applied, the change trends of the modal frequencies of each order are basically the same, but the magnitudes of the frequencies and amplitudes change. The amplitude of the main and driven screw rotors under the fluid-structure interaction decreases rapidly in the third-order vibration mode and is lower than the amplitude without prestress.
Gallik Asit Katklı Polivinil Alkol Nanoliflerinin Elektro Çekim Yöntemiyle Üretimi ve Morfolojik Karakterizasyonu
Authors: İÇOĞLU Halil İbrahim
Published: October 2022

Elektro çekim tekniği ile üretilen nanoliflere farklı fonksiyonel özellikler kazandırmak amacıyla, polimer çözeltilerine farklı aktif maddelerin eklenmesi yaygın olarak yapılan bir uygulamadır. Birçok bitkide bulunan ve doğal bir fenolik asit olan gallik asit (GA) sahip olduğu avantajlardan (antienflamatuvar, antioksidan vb.) dolayı nanolifler içerisinde katkı maddesi olarak kullanılabilmektedir. Çalışmada, öncelikle farklı oranlarda GA içeren polivinil alkol/deiyonize su çözeltileri hazırlanmış ve çözelti özellikleri (yüzey gerilimi, iletkenlik, viskozite) tespit edilmiştir. Daha sonra bu çözeltilerden elektro çekim yöntemiyle nanolifler üretilmiştir. Üretilen nanoliflerin morfolojisi, alan emisyonlu taramalı elektron mikroskobu (FE-SEM) kullanılarak incelenmiştir. Ayrıca bir görüntü analiz yazılımı kullanılarak ortalama nanolif çapları ve çap dağılımları ölçülmüştür. GA oranı arttıkça çözelti viskozitesinin arttığı ve elektriksel iletkenliğinin azaldığı görülmüştür. Buna karşın, GA oranının çözeltilerin yüzey gerilimleri üzerinde net bir etkisi olmamıştır. Ayrıca GA oranının artması ortalama nanolif çapının artmasına neden olmuştur.
Süprem Örme Kumaşlarda Geri Dönüşüm Pamuk Elyaf Oranının Performans Özelliklerine Etkisinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: DOBA KADEM Füsun , SEVGİ Raziye
Published: October 2022

Tekstil sektöründe atıkların minimize edilmesi ve geri dönüşümü son yıllarda üzerinde önemle durulan bir konudur. Tüketici öncesi ve tüketici sonrası atıkların geri dönüşüm işlemi özellikle tekstil sektöründe yaygın olarak tercih edilmeye başlanmıştır. Bu çalışmada, geri dönüşüm pamuk karışımlı süprem örme kumaşların sıklık, gramaj, kalınlık gibi özellikleri ile hava geçirgenliği, kumaş sertliği ve patlama mukavemeti standartlara göre tespit edilmiş ve elde edilen sonuçlara göre geri dönüşüm oranının bu özelliklere etkisi değerlendirilmiştir. Geri dönüşüm pamuk katkılı örme kumaşlarda geri dönüşüm oranı arttıkça patlama mukavemetinin azaldığı, hava geçirgenliğinin arttığı ve kumaş sertliğinin azaldığı tespit edilmiştir.
Bipolar Parçacık Sürü Optimizasyonu Algoritması
Authors: GENÇAL Mashar Cenk
Published: October 2022

Evrimsel Algoritmalar (EA’lar), ağ tasarımı problemleri, yol bulma problemleri, sosyal ve ekonomik planlama gibi karmaşık optimizasyon problemlerini çözmek için yaygın olarak kullanılan algoritmalardır. Kullandıkları akıllı yöntemler sayesinde EA’lar, yeni çözümler üretmek için ilk çözümü, yinelemeli olarak, iyileştirirler. Sıklıkla kullanılan EA'lardan biri Parçacık Sürü Optimizasyonu (PSO) algoritmasıdır. PSO algoritması, sürünün sunduğu en iyi sonuç ile sürüdeki her bir bireyin en iyi sonuçlarını temel alarak, verilen bir fonksiyonunun optimum değerine ulaşır. PSO başarılı bir algoritma olmasına rağmen, sadece en iyiyi temel alan yapısı sebebiyle, belli bir düzene sahip olmayan, aldatıcı fonksiyon türlerinde, lokal değere sıkışıp optimum değere ulaşmayabilmektedir. Bu makalede, daha önce yapmış olduğumuz bir çalışmadan ilham alarak, PSO’ya bipolar davranış eklenerek, yeni bir algoritma olan Bipolar Parçacık Sürü Optimizasyonu (BPSO) sunulmuştur. BPSO algoritmasında, PSO’da olduğu gibi sadece en iyi bireylerin değil, kötü bireylerin de algoritmanın işleyişine katılmasına olanak sağlanmıştır. BPSO algoritmasının performansını, standart PSO algoritmasının performansıyla ile kıyaslamak için on test fonksiyonu kullanılmıştır. Test sonuçlarına göre, BPSO, standart PSO’ya göre daha başarılı sonuçlar sunmuştur.
Indonesia’s New Sovereign Wealth Fund: When Strategic Development Converges with Stabilization
Authors:   Faculty of Law, Universitas Indonesia, Halim Justin Alexander
Published: October 2022

Indonesia’s latest attempt to reintroduce an investment management agency emerged as the government undertook a significant overhaul of its investment strategy in providing a vehicle to accommodate foreign investment. While the agency had been categorically set as a hybrid model of a stabilization fund as well as a strategic development fund, the interplay between these two objectives remains to be seen by virtue of implementing the agency’s mandate stated in the Job Creation law and its implementing regulations. As the fund has been slated to receive large sums to cater to the ambitious government-led initiative, there is a heightened urgency to dissect the investment management policies that the agency will adopt to achieve its goals and sustain its presence. Upon reference to similar entities in other jurisdictions and the commonly adopted governance principles for sovereign wealth funds, this paper has found that the Indonesian government’s reforms should adhere to those that have been internationally embraced, while adjusting them to the relevant circumstances that the Indonesian agency is geared to achieve.
Development of a capillary lc blotting systems for low and sub-picomole sequencing sample preparation
Authors: Hsi Kuo-Liang , Kochersperger Michael L. , Werner William E. , Grimley Chris H. , Zieske Lynn R. , Yuan Pau-Miau
Published: October 2022

A capillary liquid chromatography (cLC)/microblotting system, 173A MicroBlotter, has recently been developed [1,2]. This newly designed system consists of a capillary LC for sample separation and an on-line microblotter for direct collection of the separated peptides onto a strip of PVDF membrane. Applications using this new device for low and sub-picomole sample preparation and in conjunction with in-situ digestion techniques both in-gels or on-membrane will be demonstrated in this report.
Family identification system for electron transfer proteins
Using a motif neural network design
Authors: Wu Cathy H. , Zhao Sheng , Barker Winona C.
Published: October 2022

A neural network system, based on a motif identification neural design that incorporates both global and motif sequence information, has been developed to identify electron transfer protein families. The system was used to screen the SwissProt and PIR databases, and detected false negative family members missed by ProSite and PIR. The study shows the feasibility of developing a full system to assist database organization. The system is available from a WWW on-line server. New superfamily information will be incorporated into PIR.
The Binding of Cyclic Adenosine 3', 5' Monophosphate to the Insulin Hexamer
Authors: Kadima Webe , Raharivelomanana Phia , Bechtel Bethany
Published: October 2022

Evidence is presented for the binding of cyclic adenosine 3', 5' monophosphate (cAMP) to the insulin
hexamer. Addition of cAMP to the T6 and R6 insulin hexamers, two allosteric forms of the hexamer, alters significantly the 1 H NMR spectra of three aromatic residues that are located close to the surface of the insulin
hexamer, indicating an interaction between the aromatic rings of cAMP and the protons of the insulin residues. The binding of cAMP to the insulin hexamer has never been documented, though cAMP is known to regulate secretion of insulin. This binding may have a role in the regulation of the function of the insulin hexamer in vivo, since the hexamer seem to have a specific binding site for cAMP.
Controlling the enantioselectivity of sec-alcohol dehydrogenase from thermoanaerobacterium sp. KET4BL
Authors: Cowan Don A. , Simpson Helen D.
Published: October 2022

The control of enantioselectivity by miscible organic solvents of a thermostable sec-ADH, purified from an anaerobic, thermophilic bacterium designated Therm.oanaerobacterium sp. Ket4B1, has been investigated. Experiments to compare the initial rates of oxidation of (R)-.and (S)-butan-2-ol in the presence of Oto 40%
(v/v) acetonitrile revealed that the v0Rfv0s initial ratio increased with increasing solvent concentration. Other
co-solvents were also found to influence the enantioselectivity but there was no direct correlation between either the log P or the dielectric constant of the solvent and the effect on the enantioselectivity.
Restriction of the specificities of trypsin and a-chymotrypsin
at a high alkaline ph value
Authors: Takahashi Kenji
Published: October 2022

The specificities of trypsin and a-chymotrypsin at high alkaline pH values were investigated using dynorphin A and angiotensin I, respectively, as substrates. Under restricted conditions at pH 12.8, trypsin
cleaved the Arg-X bonds (X* Pro) selectively without cleav.ing the Lys-X bonds, and a-chymotrypsin cleaved
the Phe-X bond selectively without cleaving the Tyr-X bond. Therefore, trypsin and a-chymotrypsin may be generally useful for selective cleavages of Arg-X bonds and Phe-X bonds, respectively, at such a high pH value at which Lys and Tyr residues are unprotonated.
Purification of recombinant cholera toxin polypeptide A2 and reconstitution with the cholera toxin B subunit
Authors: Picking William D. , McCann Jameson A.
Published: October 2022

Polypeptide A2 of cholera toxin (CTA2) was cloned, expressed and purified as a fusion protein possessing a leader with six tandem histidine residues. Following affinity purification, recombinant CTA2 was labeled with a fluorescent probe at its single cysteine and reconstituted with the cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) pentamer. This novel CTB/CTA2 complex will be useful for monitoring the position of the site of attachment of the cytotoxic Al polypeptide of cholera toxin relative to sites on CTB or GM1-containing membranes.
High resolution lh nmr spectra of human apolipoprotein C-iii2 using DPC to model the lipoprotein environment
Authors: Buchkol Garry W. , Rozek Annett , Wang Guangshun , Frohlich Jiri J. , Cushley Robert J.
Published: October 2022

While the apolipoproteins play a central biochemical role in lipid transportation and cardiovascular diseases, structural studies of the apolipoproteins have been primarily confined to optical spectroscopies (circular dichroism and fluorescence). Using deuterated dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) to model the lipoprotein environment, we report the acquisition of high resolution lH NMR spectra for human apolipoprotein C-III2 isolated from the plasma of a type V hyperlipoproteinemic patient. At a peptide:DPC ratio of 1:60 the pK8 of His1s was determined to be 6.15 suggesting the residue is solvent accessible.
Small retro-inverso peptides recognize mhc class ii ula dr(a, j31*0401)
Authors: Hanson Gunnar J. , Howard Susan C. , Zacheis Michelle L. , Bono Christine P. , Welply Joseph K. , Vuletich Jennifer L. , Bedell Louis J. , Summers Neena L. , Schwartz Benjamin D. , Woulfe Susan L.
Published: October 2022

We have synthesized a series of retro-inverso D-peptide analogues and a peptoid analog that mimic potent seven
residue L-peptide ligands for DR(a. Pl*0401). The L-peptide ligands compete against binding of a 13 residue
biotinylated ligand, HA307-319 (ICso 60nM), with competing peptide ICsos ranging from 30-200nM.The highest affinity heptamer retro-invcrso D-peptide tested gave ICso l0µM. No binding of the peptoid analog was detected.
The Application of Combinatorial and Parallel Diversity Libraries To The Discovery of Antiinflammatory Agents
Authors: Campbell David A
Published: October 2022

This review is a survey of published articles describing the application of combinatorial and parallel diversity libraries to the identification and optimization of anti-inflammatory agents.
Cellular Camouflage: Fooling the Immune System with Polymers
Authors: Scott Mark D. , Murad Kari L.
Published: October 2022

Immunological recogmt1on of foreign cells is a primary concern in both transfusion and transplantation medicine. Our unique approach to this problem is to globally camouflage the surface of the foreign cell using nonimmunogenic, long chain polymers such as methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) [mPEG]. mPEG-modification of red blood cells effectively attenuates both antibody binding to surface epitopes and decreases the inherent immunogenicity of foreign, evei:i xenogeneic red cells. These cells exhibit normal structural and functional characteristicsin vitro and exhibit normal in vivo survival in animal models. Pegylation of white blood cells (particularly antigen presenting cells and T lymphocytes) surprisingly prevents recognition of foreign class II molecules and prevents T cell proliferation in response to foreign MHC molecules. Potential applications for the covalent binding of nonimmunogenic, long chain polymers (e.g., PEG) to intact cells include, but are not limited to: I) derivatized RBC to diminish transfusion reactions arising from sensitization to minor blood group antigens (allosensitization) in the chronically transfused (e.g., sickle and thalassemia patients); 2) use of mPEG modification of "passenger" lymphocytes to prevent immune recognition and graft versus host disease; and 3) derivatization of the vascular endothelium of donor tissues prior to transplantation to prevent/diminish acute tissue rejection. In contrast to highly specific blocking mechanisms (e.g., anti-CD4; proteolytic removal of RBC A/B antigens), the generation of globally camouflaged (i.e., stealth) cells may more effectively prevent the often complex and redundant events leading to immune recognition of foreign cells.
Chymase: Its Pathophysiological Roles and Inhibitors
Authors: Fukami R , Okunishi R , Miyazaki M.
Published: October 2022

Chymase is a chymotrypsin-type serine protease mainly localized in mast cells (MCs). Human, primate, and dog chymase generate angiotensin II (Ang II) from Ang I, while mouse and rat chymases degrade Ang II. It is suggested that chymase generating Ang II might be an alternative Ang II-forming enzyme to angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the renin-angiotensin system in tissues, but not in blood, and cause hypertrophy and remodeling of cardiovascular tissues. Chymase also degrades extracellular matrix, and processes procollagenase, inflammatory cytokines and other bioactive peptides. As a result, chymase plays important roles in inflammatory tissues through its proteolytic activities to cause tissue remodeling, that is, a chyinase inhibitor may have the ability to prevent diseases caused by the above inflammatory reactions. The investigation of chymase inhibitors by pharmaceutical companies has yielded peptide and peptide mimetic inhibitors. We also found potent non-peptide low molecular inhibitors. However, the in vivo functions of chymase have not been verified so far by applying a chymase inhibitor to in vivo pathological models. In this article, we overview the pathophysiological roles of chymase and chymase inhibitors proposed to date, and discuss the structure-activity relationships of substituted 3-phenylsulfonyl- l-phenylimidazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives.
Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships of Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Authors: Gupta Satya P.
Published: October 2022

A Comprehensive review of quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) studies on antiarrhythmic agents is presented. From the discussion point of view, the antiarrhythmic agents have been put into two broad classes: specific and nonspecific. While the main members of the former class can be -adrenergic blocking agents ( -blockers), any chemical that can act directly on the myocardial cell membrane, producing a cardiodepressant effect via changes in basic electrophysiological properties of the membrane, such as automaticity, excitability, conductivity, and refractoriness. has
been put in the latter class. QSARs exhibit that the biological actions of a variety of drugs belonging to any class depend primarily on the Jipophilic haracter of the molecule or substituents. Thus, the hydrophobic interaction is found to play a dominant role in the action of antiarrhythmic agents. In certain cases, the QSARs also exhibit the role of electronic parameters, suggesting that certain receptors may have electronic site also, permitting the drugs to involve in some electronic interactions, too.
Is Ceramide Signaling A Target for Vascular Therapeutic Intervention?
Authors: Johns Douglas G. , Charpie John R. , Webb R. Clinton
Published: October 2022

Today's society is plagued by cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. Research devoted to the study of these diseases has focused, in part, on physiological phenomena responsible for the development and progression of the disease. Peripheral vascular function is one such focal point of research, and identification of cellular mechanisms that regulate vascular contractility and / or cellular proliferation is crucial for the development of new therapeutic interventions to combat these diseases. This review evaluates a new signaling mechanism, the ceramide signaling pathway as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Special attention is given ceramide signaling in the contexts of vascular reactivity and cell proliferation in the vasculature. While ceramide signaling is a nascent area of vascular research, a growing body of evidence from other physiological systems implicates this new pathway as a potential regulator of contractile and cell proliferative functions within the blood vessel wall.
Recent Advances in Antihypertensive Therapy
Authors: Quadri Luisa , Monti Lamberto , Gobbini Mauro
Published: October 2022

There are multiple different approaches that have been adopted in the past to cure hypertension. Hypertension is a multifactorial disease frequently associated with other cardiovascular problems. None of the antihypertensive drugs available can cure all cases of hypertension. This situation causes a unique scenario in this area of therapeutic
research: less recent approaches, which make use of drugs acting on the adrenergic system, diuretics, calcium antagonists, nitro-vasodilators and so on, have not yet been abandoned, while new compounds are still being developed today. Newly acquired and more detailed knowledge of the renin-angiotensin system, of the role of the endothelium and ionic channels in the homeostasis of blood pressure has opened up new lines of study. There are also a number of experimental compounds targeted for other action mechanisms (phosphodiesterase inhibitors, neuropeptide Y antagonists, ouabain-like factor antagonists), that could also represent innovative approaches to hypertension therapy. Some hints regarding the current developments in the well established and innovative categories of antihypertensives will be given in this review.
Procyanidin B2 Protects TR-iBRB2 Cells Against Hyperglyc emia
Stress by Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammasome Activation
via Regulation of Redoxosomes/NF-kB Signaling
Authors: Zou Wenjun , Lu Qianyi , Zhu Xue , Pan Ying , Xu Quan , Wang Ke
Published: October 2022

Background:

Microvascular dysfunction is a hallmark of diabetic retinopathy
(DR), which may lead to visual impairment and blindness. Procyanidin B2 (PB2) is
a subclass of flavonoids and is widely known due to its anti-oxidant and antiinflammatory
effects. However, little is known about the effect of PB2 on hyperglycemia
stress-induced retinal microvascular dysfunction.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of PB2 against hyperglycemia
stress in rat retinal capillary endothelial cells (TR-iBRB2) as well as the
underpinning mechanism.

Methods:

Cell viability was determined using MTT assay. ROS, NOX activity analysis,
Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence analysis were applied in the study.

Results:

The results showed that PB2 pre-treatment significantly reduced high glucose-
induced cytotoxicity in TR-iBRB2 cells by suppressing oxidative stress and inflammasome
activation. Mechanistical study revealed that redoxosomes were formed and
activated in TR-iBRB2 cells upon hyperglycemia stress, resulting in activation of NF-
κB and thus induction of oxidative stress and inflammasomes activation. However,
PB2 pre-treatment dose-dependently attenuated the above events, indicating the protective
effect of PB2 against hyperglycemia stress was achieved by regulating redoxosomes/
NF-kB signaling.

Conclusion:

Our findings may contribute to the potential clinical use of PB2 in treating
DR and suggest redoxosomes/NF-kB signaling may be a potential therapeutic target
of this disease.
Влияние гомогенной нуклеации на параметры пара вблизи поверхности испарения: упрощенный подход
Authors: Левашов В.Ю. , Майоров В.О. , Крюков А.П.
Published: October 2022

An approach that makes it possible to assess the need to take into account / neglect the process of homogeneous nucleation on the flow of vapor formed near the interface as a result of evaporation is presented. It is shown that estimations require information about the value of the coefficient of surface tension of drops of critical size. The influence of the homogeneous nucleation process on the evaporation of various substances: water, ethanol, and methanol is considered. The results show that for water, consideration of the process of homogeneous nucleation is necessary only for degrees of supersaturation greater than 20, in contrast to the evaporation of methanol, when homogeneous nucleation must be taken into account at any degree of supersaturation.
Исследование подходов к получению пьезокерамики BaTiO-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-: влияние метода формования и размера частиц порошка
Authors: Смирнов А.В. , Холодкова А.А. , Шишковский И.В.
Published: October 2022

For the first time, the possibility of obtaining samples of BaTiO3 piezoceramics with d33 values between 240 ... 270 pC/N from commercially available powder by vibrational pressing and semi-dry pressing without the use of expensive methods of doping and/or alloying the initial powder and texturing piezoceramics is shown. The method of vibratory pressing with a pressure of 10 MPa allows to get similar structure and properties of samples, as well as the method of semi-dry pressing with a pressure of 100 MPa.
Генерация пикосекундных импульсов волоконным лазером с полупроводниковым оптическим усилителем в спектральном диапазоне 1.06 μm
Authors: Гаджиев И.М.
Published: October 2022

Picosecond optical pulses generation in a ring fiber laser with a semiconductor optical amplifier was investigated. Optical spectrum width is minimal at a fundamental resonant repetition frequency of 45 MHz, corresponding to a fiber resonator length of 4.5 m. As the frequency increases, the spectral width increases by an order of magnitude while the pulse duration decreases to 18 ps, and the power increases to 0.5 W. The power of picosecond optical pulses at the output of the semiconductor amplifier is 7 times higher than in the CW mode due to the carrier accumulation effect that occurs with short pump pulses.
Анизотропная фотопроводимость, возбуждаемая в полупроводнике двухчастотным оптическим излучением
Authors: Зезюля П.А. , Малевич В.Л.
Published: October 2022

Anisotropic photoconductivity at a difference frequency, excited in a semiconductor by linearly polarized two-frequency optical radiation, is considered. The anisotropy of the photoconductivity arises due to the optical alignment of photoexcited electrons momenta and dependence of their effective mass and momentum relaxation time on energy. It is shown that the contribution of the anisotropic photoconductivity to the photocurrent at the difference frequency lying in the terahertz frequency range can be comparable with that of the isotropic photoconductivity. This effect can manifest itself in photoconductive antennaе – devices used to generate terahertz radiation.
Спектральные свойства неорганических материалов группы фторидов щелочно-земельных металлов на примере наноструктурированного MgF-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-
Authors: Кужаков П.В. , Каманина Н.В.
Published: October 2022

New results are presented in the direction of improving the spectral properties of inorganic materials of the alkali-earth metal fluoride group by coating them with carbon nanotubes (using the example of MgF2 optical material). Modeling and data analysis indicate that the resulting nanostructures can be used as modern transparent optical elements, such as nanostructured protective windows, plane-parallel plates, for devices in the UV range of the spectrum. The studied structured material can be used as a new structural material for optical emission and X-ray spectrometers.
Влияние эффектов быстрой динамики на резонансные ультразвуковые колебания стержней из поликристаллических металлов
Authors: Глазов А.Л. , Муратиков К.Л.
Published: October 2022

A theoretical model for the formation of ultrasonic signals in metallic microcrystalline rods taking into account the metastable behavior of their defective states is proposed. The influence of metastable states of the defective structure of samples on the features of changes in their resonant frequencies in ultrasonic experiments of fast dynamics is analyzed. The decrease in Young's modulus in such processes is explained. The correspondence between theoretical and experimental data is demonstrated for the example of resonant acoustic vibrations of rods made of aluminum alloy D16.
Определение статистических параметров флуктуаций коэффициента преломления ионосферы по данным радиолинии передачи информации космос-Земля
Authors: Горячкин О.В. , Маслов И.В.
Published: October 2022

The study considers the problem of restoring the covariance function of fluctuations in the refractive index of the ionosphere based on the analysis of random changes in the frequency of the radio signal. To solve the problem, a trans-ionospheric signal of an information transmission radio line is used, radiated from a low-orbit spacecraft and received at a stationary receiving point. A method for estimating ionospheric parameters based on data from one typical communication session is described. To conduct a full-scale experiment, the signal emitted by the P-band radio transmitter of the on-board monitoring and control system of the Aist-2D spacecraft is used during a typical communication session. To receive the signal, ground-based equipment of a bistatic radar complex with a synthesized aperture of the P frequency band is used
Определение концентрации донорной примеси в тонких слоях i-InGaAs
Authors: Аксенов М.С. , Закиров Е.Р. , Ковчавцев А.П. , Настовьяк A.Е. , Дмитриев Д.В.
Published: October 2022

This paper describes a technique that makes it possible, by analyzing the capacitance-voltage characteristics of metal-insulator-semiconductor or metal-semiconductor structures, to determine the concentration of the background donor impurity in undoped i-In0.53Ga0.47As layers with a thickness less than the width of the space charge region in the near-surface region of the semiconductor in strong inversion mode.
Механизм трибоиндуцированной модификации структуры в нанокомпозитных покрытиях Mo-S-C-H
Authors: Фоминский В.Ю. , Демин М.В. , Фоминский Д.В. , Грицевич М.Д. , Гойхман А.Ю.
Published: October 2022

Comparative studies of the tribological properties of solid lubricant coatings of three main types (MoS2, a-C(H) and Mo-S-C-H) in an inert gas medium have been carried out. It has been established that the coefficient of friction for the Mo-S-C-H nanocomposite coating is somewhat higher than for the other two. And its wear resistance is comparable to a-C(H) and higher than that of MoS2. The friction coefficient of the Mo-S-C-H coating was determined by the nature of tribo-induced surface modification. It included the formation of a nanofilm with a thickness of 6 nm and layered atomic packing characteristic of the MoS2 phase and graphitization of the a-C(H) nanophase, which was accumulated in wear debris.
Public library work during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: D'Arpa Christine , Lenstra Noah , Oguz Fatih
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted and challenged not only our assumptions about work but our experience of it. Public libraries and library workers sit on the front lines of service to communities. Public library workers expressed their frustrations and concerns in the early stages of the pandemic via dynamic and uncensored spaces in social media. This poster shares initial analysis and further questions from a survey designed as part of a research project to cultivate a more structured set of evidence from public library workers in order to better examine and understand job satisfaction among them during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a nationwide survey, librarians shared challenges and opportunities faced and their thoughts on the future of library work. The survey was open from 12-14-2021 to 1-31-2022 and 1228 library workers responded. 

We will also draw on the analysis to inform practice LIS education.
Medicare Opt-Out Trends Among Dermatologists May Reflect Systemic Health Policy: Cross-sectional Analysis
Authors: Agarwal Aneesh , Han Joseph , Luu Yen , Gulati Nicholas
Published: October 2022

Background

Provider opt-out of accepting Medicare insurance is a nationally tracked metric by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for all physicians, including dermatologists. Although this usually only consists of a small number of providers, the magnitude of opting out has varied historically, often tracing changes in systemic health care policy.

Objective

In this paper, we explored dermatologist opt-out data since 2001, as reported by the CMS, to characterize trends and provide evidence that shifts in provider opt-out may represent a potential indicator of the state of health policy and possible needs for reform as it pertains to Medicare.

Methods

The publicly available Opt Out Affidavits data set, available from the CMS, was evaluated for providers in all dermatologic specialties from January 1, 2001, to May 27, 2022.

Results

There were a total of 196 dermatology opt-outs in the overall period, with the largest spike being 33 providers in 2016, followed by generally consistent decreases through 2021. In the most recent 12 months of data, the number of new monthly opt-outs from January 2022 to May 2022 was significantly higher than that of the trailing 7 months of 2021 (P=.03).

Conclusions

Despite decreasing numbers of dermatologist opt-outs in the late-2010s, 2022 was marked by a significant increase in opt-outs. The reduced acceptance of Medicare by dermatologists may present risks to care access, so it is important to frequently assess physician opt-out data and changes over time.
Understanding the Technology Acceptance and Usability of a New Device for Hand Therapy: Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors: Rios Rincon Adriana M , Guptill Christine , Guevara Salamanca Juan David , Liubaoerjijin Yilina , Figeys Mathieu , Gregson Geoff , Miguel-Cruz Antonio
Published: October 2022

Background

Upper extremity function plays a critical role in completing activities of daily living, employment, and participating in recreational activities. The FEPSim device is a medical device for hand and wrist rehabilitation that can be adjusted according to the patient’s requirements in rehabilitation. Furthermore, the FEPSim can be used to assess the patient’s strength and range of motion of the forearm, wrist, and hand. At present, the acceptance and usability of the FEPSim have not been tested in a clinical setting, with limited perspectives from rehabilitation-providing clinicians.

Objective

This study aims to understand the factors related to the acceptance and usability of the FEPSim device. Upper limb disorders are prevalent across populations. The impact of upper limb disorders, both acute and chronic, puts a significant burden on the Canadian health care system.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted that involved face-to-face semistructured interviews with hand therapists from hand therapy services who used the FEPSim device. We used purposive sampling to recruit 10 participants over a period of 14 months. Semistructured interview questions (topic-guided) examined the technology acceptance and usability of the FEPSim device.

Results

We found 6 factors to be critical aspects of the acceptance and usability of the FEPSim device. These factors were (1) useful for therapy, (2) effortlessness, (3) environmental conditions, (4) internal encouragement, (5) technological aesthetics, and (6) use.

Conclusions

The FEPSim device was widely accepted by the therapists. The use of the FEPSim device is a feasible alternative for supporting hand therapy.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN13656014; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13656014
An Analysis of Information Sources of YouTube Videos Pertaining to Tattoo Removal: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gallo Marin Benjamin , Ezemma Ogechi , Frech Fabio Stefano , Flores Servin Julio C , Rhee Ben S , Mulligan Kathleen M , O' Connell Katie A , Moseley Isabelle , Wambier Carlos G
Published: October 2022

Background

The American Academy of Dermatology and the Food and Drug Administration recommend consultation with a dermatologist prior to undergoing laser tattoo removal. However, non–health care professionals offer tattoo removal. Understanding the information available on the internet for patients regarding tattoo removal is important given that individuals are increasingly consulting digital sources to make decisions regarding skin care. Prior research has identified that YouTube contains misinformation on dermatologic health.

Objective

Here, we present a cross-sectional study that determined the sources of information in YouTube videos that discuss tattoo removal and described the content presented to viewers.

Methods

Using the query “tattoo removal,” we reviewed English-language YouTube videos that explicitly discussed tattoo removal. The following data were recorded: profession of the presenter, tattoo removal method discussed, whether an explicit recommendation to see a dermatologist or physician was present in the video, and number of views.

Results

We analyzed 162 YouTube videos. We found that the majority were presented by non–health care professionals (n=125, 77%), with only 4 (3.7%) records of this subset recommending viewers to seek consultation from a dermatologist to ensure safe and adequate tattoo removal.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we recommend that dermatologists and other health care professionals provide high-quality, evidence-based information to viewers on tattoo removal and encourage dermatology societies to share via their social media platforms information about the importance of consulting a dermatologist for tattoo removal.
Long-Term Results of a Digital Hypertension Self-Management Program: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wu Justin , Napoleone Jenna , Linke Sarah , Noble Madison , Turken Michael , Rakotz Michael , Kirley Kate , Folk Akers Jennie , Juusola Jessie , Jasik Carolyn Bradner
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Digital health programs that incorporate frequent blood pressure (BP) self-monitoring and support for behavior change offer a scalable solution for hypertension management.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the impact of a digital hypertension self-management and lifestyle change support program on BP over 12 months.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from a retrospective observational cohort of commercially insured members (n=1117) that started the Omada for Hypertension program between January 1, 2019, and September 30, 2021. Paired t tests and linear regression were used to measure the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) over 12 months overall and by SBP control status at baseline (≥130 mm Hg vs <130 mm Hg).

RESULTS

Members were on average 50.9 years old, 50.8% (n=567) of them were female, 60.5% (n=675) of them were White, and 70.5% (n=788) of them had uncontrolled SBP at baseline (≥130 mm Hg). At 12 months, all members (including members with controlled and uncontrolled BP at baseline) and those with uncontrolled SBP at baseline experienced significant mean reductions in SBP (mean –4.8 mm Hg, 95% CI –5.6 to –4.0; –8.1 mm Hg, 95% CI –9.0 to –7.1, respectively; both P<.001). Members with uncontrolled SBP at baseline also had significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (–4.7 mm Hg; 95% CI –5.3 to –4.1), weight (–6.5 lbs, 95% CI –7.7 to –5.3; 2.7% weight loss), and BMI (–1.1 kg/m2; 95% CI –1.3 to –0.9; all P<.001). Those with controlled SBP at baseline maintained within BP goal range. Additionally, 48% (418/860) of members with uncontrolled BP at baseline experienced enough change in BP to improve their BP category.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides real-world evidence that a comprehensive digital health program involving hypertension education, at-home BP monitoring, and behavior change coaching support was effective for self-managing hypertension over 12 months.

CLINICALTRIAL