bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
'The banality of evil' and culpability in criminal law
Authors: Drakić Dragiša
Published: September 2022

In the first part of this scientific work the author discusses evil as an anthropological phenomenon. For the purposes of the work he differentiates instrumental and ideological evil. However, actors exist who do not fit into these typical forms. The author stresses that the twentieth century has given rise to a special kind of evil, which may be referred to as banal evil. The author conducts the analysis of this type of evil by analyzing the personality and work of Adolf Eichmann, as its typical literary representative. Examining critically the court process and reasons for his sentence, as well as the opinions of those present at the trial against Eichmann, the author, in the central part of the work, attempts to define the subject phenomenon. In the final part of the work the author examines the question of Eichmann's culpability for the committed crimes. He controverts the opinions of certain authors that Eichmann, but also other typical representatives of banal evil, could not have been conscious that they are doing something forbidden, and explains in detail why the position should be accepted that they have acted with premeditation.
Intelligence and security structures in Yugoslavia during World War II
Authors: Lazić Radojica
Published: September 2022

The development of intelligence and security structures in Yugoslavia in World War II was done in extremely complex political and security conditions. After the April war and signing the surrender on April 17, 1941, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia continued to operate within the royal government which was in exile. After the occupation, Yugoslavia was torn apart by the German and Italian forces and their allies and quislings. The territory of the country was torn into two different spheres of interest - German and Italian, as well as four areas of occupation: German, Italian, Hungarian and Bulgarian. This went on until Italy surrendered in 1943. The members of the Croatian Ustaša movement announced the forming of the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), which initially included the territories of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and from October 1941, the territory of Srem with the city of Zemun. This paper looks at the work of intelligence and security institutions on the territory of the occupied state at the time, with a special reflection on the development of the safety organs of the partizan movement.
Deciding on an objection in the administrative procedure: Legal nature of the decision
Authors: Radošević Ratko
Published: September 2022

An objection is a "legal remedy" in administrative procedure, used against new forms of "administrative activities": due to non-fulfillment of obligations from the administrative contract, against administrative actions and due to the manner of providing public services. The objection is decided by a decision, which should have the character of an administrative act. In this way, legal protection against new forms of "administrative activities" should be introduced into régime administratif, which includes an appeal in the administrative procedure and a lawsuit in the administrative dispute. This decision, however, reminds of an administrative act only by name - not by its features. Such a conclusion is indicated by the legal definitions of the administrative act, in the General Administrative Procedure Act and the Administrative Disputes Act. In short, this decision is not an administrative act because the situations in which it is made are not administrative matters, but various situations, of different legal nature.
The myth of the independent judiciary
Authors: Avramović Dragutin , Jovanov Ilija
Published: September 2022

The authors insist that clear terminological and conceptual denotation of the independent judiciary is a necessary precondition in avoiding many misunderstandings. After analysis of different theoretical and practical solutions in performing the separation of powers, the authors claim that its pure form was never and nowhere possible to achieve. Therefore, one cannot speak about independent judiciary which is completely free from political influence, particularly not in terms of the process of judges' selection. Differently from institutional independence of judiciary (independence of the political branches), which is not possible to reach, the same notion - independence of judiciary, should primarily comprehend individual independence of judge within the decision-making process in particular, concrete cases. In other words, it denotes guarantees which serve to achieve independence in judging (such as permanent judicial tenure, limited removal conditions, salary insulation, etc.). The authors claim that notional and conceptual blurring by distinguishing different dimensions of the independent judiciary is a result of transforming of an important value of rule of law into a tool of ideological (mis)use. Judiciary is in any case institutionally dependent, and the only issue is whether it will be dependent on the state (its legitimate representatives) or on different non-governmental actors who try to interfere the very substance of the independent judiciary, namely independence in decision making by the judge. Therefore, a kind of terminological and conceptual stratification of the independent judiciary is performed by promoting a term which would be more adequate for the factual situation: it is "impartial judiciary" rather than a quite vague "independent judiciary".
Evidence according to provisions of Code of civil procedure of Serbia from 1865
Authors: Kulauzov Maša , Milutin Milan
Published: September 2022

The article sheds light on provisions of legislation on civil procedure of Serbia from 1865 concerning evidence in civil lawsuits, such as: testimony of witnesses, documentary evidence, experts testimony that is often necessary so that the trial judge can properly understand scientific or technical issues relevant to the lawsuit, and different kinds of oaths. Evidence is fundamental to the outcome of any civil litigation because, ordinarily, the facts in a civil lawsuit must be proved by evidence, and the judge will decide the civil case on the evidence adduced by the parties. As being fully aware of its significance, the author of the Code, minister of justice Rajko Lešjanin dedicated 125 paragraphs to evidence in civil lawsuits. They had been very carefully drafted after thorough and detailed discussion between the author of the draft and the State Council's Commission. In 1872, minister of justice Stojan Veljković drafted amendments and supplements to a certain number of articles regarding proofs in litigation but, since Veljković's document was never enacted, these articles were left unrevised. However, a few paragraphs concerning evidence in civil cases were altered in 1885 and 1901. All aforementioned amendments and supplements, as well as provisions that remained intact during the whole period that the Code was in force, were meticulously scrutinized in this paper.
The Effect of Wearable Activity Monitor Presence on Step Counts
Authors: Tayler William B. , LeCheminant James D. , Price Joseph , Tadje Christian P.
Published: September 2022

Objective: In this study, we tested the effect of wearable activity monitors and tracking on physical activity over 2 weeks. Methods: Ninety young adults participated. Prior to initiation of the study, each participant was asked to download an iPhone app that tracked physical
activity level (step counts) but were not told the app's purpose. Each participant was then randomly assigned to one of 3 groups (N=30/group): (1) measurement awareness, (2) measurement awareness+track/record, or (3) control. Participants in the measurement awareness and the measurement awareness+track/record
groups were given a pedometer to wear for 2 weeks. Additionally, participants in the measurement awareness+track/ record group were instructed to record daily steps and submit their record after 2 weeks. Participants in the control group were not given a pedometer band nor asked track steps.
Results: Neither the measurement awareness group nor the measurement awareness+track/record group were statistically different than controls during the intervention (p>.05). However, collapsing the intervention groups and comparing to the control group resulted in a 388.3 (SE=-186.9)
higher daily step count during the intervention (p<.05). Conclusion: Wearable monitors modestly increases daily step count. However, the addition of recording daily step counts does not appear to provide an additional benefit in our study.
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Association between E-cigarette Use among Cigarette Smokers and Quit Attempts Made to Abstain from Cigarette Smoking
Authors: Kim Mimi M. , Steffensen Isabella , Miguel Red D. , Carlone Julien , Curtin Geoffrey M.
Published: September 2022

Objective: Following AMSTAR 2 and PRISMA guidelines, in this synthesis of evidence we sought to identify and characterize any associations between e-cigarette use among cigarette smokers and cigarette smoking quit attempts. Methods: We queried 3 databases from January
1, 2007 to January 5, 2021. Search results were screened using the PICOS review method. Included studies examined e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking quit attempts across e-cigarette use statuses. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Evidence-Based
Practice Center approach. Finally, 4 random-effects models compared e-cigarette users and non- e-cigarette-users in terms of past year and prospective (6 to 12 months) cigarette smoking quit attempts. Results: We qualitatively synthesized 17 adjusted studies for this review. Two meta-analyses
showed past year quit attempts were significantly associated with current e-cigarette users and 2 prospective data analyses found no significant association. Conclusions: The results of the meta- analyses emphasize temporality in the association between e-cigarette use and cigarette
smoking quit attempts. Numerous methodological limitations, including inadequate definitions of e-cigarette use and non-adjustment for confounding variables, limit the confidence in conclusions that can be drawn on the causal association between e-cigarette use and cigarettes smoking quit
attempts.
Adherence to COVID-19 Guidelines among Current, Former, and Never Smokers
Authors: Szapary Claire L. , Avila Jaqueline Contrera , Monnig Mollie A. , Sokolovsky Alexander W. , DeCost Grace , Ahluwalia Jasjit S.
Published: September 2022

Objectives: In this paper, we explore the adherence patterns to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 mitigation guidelines among current, former, and never smokers. Methods: We used an online cross-sectional survey of adults 18 years or older in
5 northeastern states of the US (N=1084). Results: Unadjusted analyses revealed that current smokers reported lower adherence to the CDC guidelines than former smokers (27.5 vs 29.4, p<.05). After accounting for sociodemographic covariates, this finding was no longer statistically
significant. However, compared to former smokers, never smokers reported wearing their mask less often (OR=0.65; 95% CI=0.45-0.94) and current smokers were less likely to report always practicing illness-related hygiene skills (OR=0.60; 95% CI=0.39-0.93).Conclusions: Never smokers had
poorer adherence to CDC guidelines than former smokers, namely wearing their masks, and current smokers were less likely to always follow the hygiene recommendations. Results should inform future public health efforts in targeting current smokers with lower adherence to CDC guidelines and
learning from the ability of former smokers to demonstrate high adherence.
Leisure, Mental Health, and Life Satisfaction among Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Kim Junhyoung , Lee Jungjoo , Ko Myung Jin , Min Oh Seok
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Little research has investigated the relationship between types of leisure activities and mental health outcomes among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The purpose of this study was to investigate how certain leisure activities are associated with
life satisfaction, anxiety, loneliness, happiness, and positive and negative affect. Methods: In this study, we used the 2020 Health and Retirement Study Core Early data and conducted a hierarchical regression analysis to investigate the different effects of the 3 types of leisure activities
on the mental health of older adults with MCI (N=901). Results: We found that leisure-time physical activity was the strongest predictor of enhanced life satisfaction, positive affect, and happiness, and reduced anxiety and loneliness. In addition, sedentary leisure was associated with
reduced anxiety and loneliness and increased happiness. Conclusions: These findings suggest that engagement in leisure-time physical activity and sedentary leisure can be instrumental in promoting the life satisfaction and mental health of older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Theoretical study of high-order harmonics and single ultrashort attosecond pulse generated by optimized combination of laser field
Authors: Han Lin , Miao Shu-Li , Li Peng-Cheng ,   Research Center for Advanced Optics and Photoelectronics, Department of Physics, College of Science, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China,   Key Laboratory of Theoretical Physics of Gansu Province, Theoretical Physics Center of Lanzhou, School of Physical Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Published: September 2022

High-order harmonic generation, which is a hot topic of strong ultrafast fields, is one of the most important ways for obtaining the ultraviolet attosecond sources, and has a very wide application prospect. This work focuses on the challenges of the generation of either short or high attosecond pulses. We present the research progress of the high-order harmonics and attosecond pulse generation, and propose an effective and feasible method, and show some results. Specifically, combining the time-dependent Schrödinger equation and new unconstrained optimization algorithm, the objective function with the aim of the widest supercontinuum plateau of He atom is designed and the optimized two-color and three-color laser fields are obtained. The supercontinuum spectra extend up to 100 harmonic orders for the case of the optimized two-color laser field. As a result, a single ultrashort attosecond pulse of 25 as is produced. For the three-color case, the supercontinuum spectra reach up to 170 harmonic orders, and the width of single shortest attosecond pulse obtained by superposing pulses from low order (110 order) to high order (280 order) is obtained to be 17 as . Taking the optimized two-color laser field for example, the macroscopic medium propagation is discussed by solving the Maxwell equation. The results show that the selectivity of quantum trajectories from far-field space distribution can obtain the single ultra-short attosecond pulse.
FSH-blocking therapeutic for osteoporosis
Authors: Gera Sakshi , Kuo Tan-Chun , Gumerova Anisa Azatovna , Korkmaz Funda , Sant Damini , DeMambro Victoria , Sudha Karthyayani , Padilla Ashley , Prevot Geoffrey , Munitz Jazz , Teunissen Abraham , van Leent Mandy MT , Post Tomas GJM , Fernandes Jessica C , Netto Jessica , Sultana Farhath , Shelly Eleanor , Rojekar Satish , Kumar Pushkar , Cullen Liam , Chatterjee Jiya , Pallapati Anusha , Miyashita Sari , Kannangara Hasni , Bhongade Megha , Sengupta Puja , Ievleva Kseniia , Muradova Valeriia , Batista Rogerio , Robinson Cemre , Macdonald Anne , Hutchison Susan , Saxena Mansi , Meseck Marcia , Caminis John , Iqbal Jameel , New Maria I , Ryu Vitaly , Kim Se-Min , Cao Jay J , Zaidi Neeha , Fayad Zahi A , Lizneva Daria , Rosen Clifford J , Yuen Tony , Zaidi Mone
Published: September 2022

Pharmacological and genetic studies over the past decade have established the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) as an actionable target for diseases affecting millions, namely osteoporosis, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. Blocking FSH action prevents bone loss, fat gain, and neurodegeneration in mice. We recently developed a first-in-class, humanized, epitope-specific FSH-blocking antibody, MS-Hu6, with a KD of 7.52 nM. Using a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)-compliant platform, we now report the efficacy of MS-Hu6 in preventing and treating osteoporosis in mice and parameters of acute safety in monkeys. Biodistribution studies using 89Zr-labeled, biotinylated or unconjugated MS-Hu6 in mice and monkeys showed localization to bone and bone marrow. The MS-Hu6 displayed a β phase t½ of 7.5 days (180 hr) in humanized Tg32 mice. We tested 217 variations of excipients using the protein thermal shift assay to generate a final formulation that rendered MS-Hu6 stable in solution upon freeze-thaw and at different temperatures, with minimal aggregation, and without self-, cross-, or hydrophobic interactions or appreciable binding to relevant human antigens. The MS-Hu6 showed the same level of “humanness” as human IgG1 in silico and was non-immunogenic in ELISpot assays for IL-2 and IFN-γ in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures. We conclude that MS-Hu6 is efficacious, durable, and manufacturable, and is therefore poised for future human testing.
Shifts in water column microbial composition associated to lakes with different trophic conditions: “Lagunas de Montebello” National Park, Chiapas, México
Authors: Yanez-Montalvo Alfredo , Aguila Bernardo , Gómez-Acata Elizabeth Selene , Guerrero-Jacinto Miriam , Oseguera Luis A. , Falcón Luisa I. , Alcocer Javier
Published: September 2022

Eutrophication is a global problem causing the reduction of water quality and the loss of ecosystem goods and services. The lakes of the “Lagunas de Montebello” National Park (LMNP), Chiapas, Mexico, not only represent unique and beautiful natural scenic sites in southern Mexico but are also a national protected area and RAMSAR site. Unfortunately, some of these lakes started showing eutrophication signs since 2003. Anthropogenic activities (e.g., land-use change from forested to agricultural and urban development) are leading to water quality and trophic state alterations of the lakes of the LMNP. This study shows the results of a coupled limnological characterization and high-throughput sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene to analyze the microbial composition of the water column in a set of oligotrophic and eutrophic lakes. Chlorophyll a (Chl-a) was the main environmental parameter correlated with the trophic conditions of the lakes. Although the microbial diversity was similar, the microbial composition changed significantly from oligo to eutrophic lakes. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Cyanobacteria were the main components of oligotrophic lakes, and Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes of eutrophic lakes. While Acinetobacter (Proteobacteria) and Cyanobium (a unicellular cyanobacterium) dominated in oligotrophic lakes, the filamentous, bloom-forming, and toxin-producing cyanobacteria Planktothrix was the dominant genus in eutrophic lakes. High-throughput sequencing allowed the detection of changes in the composition of the microbial component in oligotrophic lakes, suggesting a shift towards eutrophication, highlighting the relevance of sensitive monitoring protocols of these ecosystems to implement remediation programs for eutrophicated lakes and conservation strategies for those yet pristine.
Comparison of Estimated No Surprises Act Qualifying Payment Amounts and Payments to In-Network and Out-of-Network Emergency Medicine Professionals
Authors: Duffy Erin Lindsey , Biener Adam , Garmon Christopher , Trish Erin E.
Published: September 2022

Importance

The No Surprises Act (NSA), which took effect on January 1, 2022, applies a qualifying payment amount (QPA) as an out-of-network payment reference point. An understanding of how QPA measures compare with the in-network and out-of-network payments physicians received before the NSA implementation may be useful to policy makers and stakeholders.

Objective

To estimate the QPA for geographic and funding markets and compare QPA estimates with in-network and out-of-network payments for 2019 emergency medicine claims.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study of US commercial insurance claims assessed the Health Care Cost Institute’s 2019 commercial professional emergency medicine claims (Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] codes 99281-99285 and 99291) and included enrollees in commercial health maintenance organizations, exclusive provider organizations, point of service, and preferred provider organizations self-funded and fully insured through Aetna, Humana, and some Blue Health Intelligence plans. Claims with missing or inconsistent data fields were excluded. Data were analyzed November 1, 2021, to April 7, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The QPA was calculated as the median allowed amount of all observed claims within strata defined by geographic region, CPT code, and funding market. For each stratum, the ratio of mean in-network allowed amounts to QPAs and mean out-of-network allowed amounts to QPAs were calculated. Then the volume-weighted mean of these ratios was computed across CPT codes within each geographic and funding market stratum.

Results

The analytic sample included 7 556 541 professional emergency claims with a mean (SD) allowed amount of $313 ($306) and mean (SD) QPA of $252 ($133). Among the 650 geographic and market strata in the sample, the mean in-network allowed amounts were 14% (ratio, 0.96) higher than the estimated QPA. For the subset of strata with a sufficient sample of out-of-network claims (n = 227), the mean out-of-network payments were 112% (ratio, 2.12) higher than the QPA. More generous out-of-network payments were from self-funded plans (120% [ratio, 2.20] higher than the QPA estimate) vs fully insured plans (43% [ratio, 1.43] higher than the QPA estimate). Mean in-network allowed amounts for nonphysician clinicians were 4% (ratio, 1.04) lower than the QPA, whereas mean in-network allowed amounts for physicians were 15% (ratio, 1.15) higher than the QPA estimates. These differences remained after adjusting for geographic region.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cross-sectional study of US commercial insurance claims suggest that the NSA may have heterogeneous implications for out-of-network payments and negotiating leverage experienced by emergency medicine physicians in different geographic markets, with the potential for greater implications in the self-funded market.
Comparison of microbiomes on floors of men's restrooms, before and after cleaning with different cleaning methods at two railway stations
Authors: Kawasaki Tamami , Yoshie Sachiko , Kyotani Takashi , Ushiogi Tomoyoshi
Published: September 2022

Two methods of floor cleaning (dry and wet) are employed in railway station restrooms in Japan dependent on the type of flooring. To date, research characterizing floor microbiomes is scarce. In this study, the microbiomes of men's restroom floors in two railway stations subject to different cleaning methods were analyzed. The microbiomes of dry‐cleaned restroom floors were similar from one sampling location to another prior to cleaning. The microbiomes of five sampling points on the floor before and after cleaning were significantly different. Paracoccus, Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium, and Rickettsiella were characteristic genera before cleaning, and Cellvibrio, Salinicoccus, and Asticcacaulis were characteristic after cleaning. The microbiomes of wet‐cleaned restroom floors differed among sampling points prior to cleaning. The microbiomes of five sampling points on the floor before and after cleaning were not significantly different. Anaerococcus and Pseudomonas were the characteristics before and after cleaning genera, respectively. Analysis of the airborne microbiomes inside and outside the men's restrooms revealed that Kocuria, Pseudomonas, and Cellvibrio, which were the dominant genera on the floor following dry cleaning, and Pseudomonas, which were the dominant genera on the floor following a wet cleaning, were detected in the air inside the respective restrooms following cleaning.
Preferences and Insights for Participation in a Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Prevention Trial: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Fleischer Chelsie L. , Bemis Elizabeth A. , Feser Marie L. , Kormendi Vasilisa A. , Zhang Alvina , Ketcham Katherine , White Sharon D. , Striebich Christopher C. , Deane Kevin D. , Harrison Mark
Published: September 2022

Objective

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) can be elevated prior to inflammatory arthritis (IA). The potential to intervene in people with ACPA positivity underpins the development of prevention trials in RA. The Research Participation Influences Study examined factors influencing the decisions of individuals who are ACPA(+) to participate in a prevention trial using qualitative and quantitative methods.

Methods

Individuals with ACPA positivity without IA were provided information regarding their risk for future RA, were provided a description of a clinical prevention trial using hydroxychloroquine, and were asked if they would participate in the trial. After agreeing to or declining participation, they were surveyed on what influenced their decision using Likert scales and open‐response questions.

Results

Thirty‐nine individuals who agreed to trial participation (enrollees) and 31 individuals who declined (nonenrollees) completed surveys. Enrollees expressed greater perceived risk for RA and greater perception of benefit to themselves or others than nonenrollees. Nonenrollees expressed greater concern about medication effects and less personal or family experience with RA than enrollees. There was a higher proportion of first‐degree relatives (FDRs) of people with RA in enrollees versus nonenrollees (54% vs. 23%, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Enrollees were more likely than nonenrollees to be FDRs, exhibit stronger concern for personal risk for RA, and have less concern about adverse effects. Further exploration is needed to determine why these differences were present, including exploration of symptoms and the role of family history. Understanding these issues will better inform researchers and individuals who are candidates for prevention.
Advocates in NEJM take hospitals to task for not treating SUD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2022

In “Hospital Standards of Care for People with Substance Use Disorder,” Honora Englander, M.D., and Corey S. Davis, J.D., M.S.P.H. criticize hospitals for not taking advantage of “a key opportunity for engaging and supporting patients with SUD [substance use disorder].”
High‐Throughput Data‐Driven Prediction of Stable High‐Performance Na‐Ion Sulfide Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Jang Seong‐Hoon , Tateyama Yoshitaka , Jalem Randy
Published: September 2022

Designing solid electrolytes (SEs) for solid‐state batteries is a challenging issue. Herein, by using data‐driven techniques and a multi‐stage density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT‐MD) sampling workflow that is developed, 523 443 978 cell structure samples of in‐silico Na‐based sulfides with isolated tetrahedral framework units are generated and a largely unexplored chemical space of the filtered 170 samples is examined to find novel SE candidates. Given the DFT‐accurate MD ion trajectory configurations for the largest cell structure dataset so far, the three (meta)stable solid‐solution series with high Na‐ion conductivity σNa,300K = 10−3–10−2 S cm−1: Na5−2xAl1 −xVxS4, Na5−2xAl1−xTaxS4, and Na5−2xIn1−xSbxS4(0.375 ≤x ≤ 0.625) are suggested. Moreover, robust descriptors for Na‐ion self‐diffusion coefficientDNa,300Kaccumulated from the sampling workflow by exhaustive multiple regression modeling is revealed, indicating that crystal structures with wide NaS3solid angles and high‐valence dopants with small ionic radii result in high Na‐ion diffusivity.
Integrin‐Enriched Membrane Nanocarrier for the Specific Delivery of RGD‐modified Relaxin Analog to Inhibit Pancreatic Cancer Liver Metastasis through Reversing Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation
Authors: Zhang Lijing , Li Zian , Wang Fazhan , Chen Qiang , Zu Mali , Li Xingfan , Wan Jiajia , Yao Xiaohan , Lou Xiaohan , Shi Yupeng , Sheng Yuqiao , Wang Ming , Yang Jinjian , Wang Xinjun , Qin Zhihai , Ji Tianjiao
Published: September 2022

Liver metastasis is common in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) and is the leading cause of death associated with PC. Liver fibrosis induced by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) creates a favorable metastatic microenvironment that promotes metastasis growth. B7‐33, a therapeutic peptide (relaxin analog) that targets relaxin family peptide receptors on activated HSCs, inhibits the pSMAD2/3 signaling pathway and weakens the fibrogenic properties of activated HSCs. However, the short half‐life and highly conserved nature of the B7‐33 sequence limit its application in vivo. Here, B7‐33 is modified with the cRGD sequence, which does not affect the efficacy of B7‐33 and allows B7‐33 to assemble into vascular endothelial cell membrane‐derived vesicles by specifically interacting with integrin αvβ3. These rationally designed vesicles (B7‐33‐HNPs) are able to prolong the half‐life of B7‐33 in vivo and accumulate in the liver to reverse HSCs activation. Moreover, B7‐33‐HNPs prevent the formation and growth of liver metastases in a mouse model of metastatic PC. This study proposes a feasible strategy for building a therapeutic peptide delivery system through specific interactions, serving as a reference for preventing liver metastasis of PC through the regulation of HSCs.
A Universal Machine Learning Framework for Electrocatalyst Innovation: A Case Study of Discovering Alloys for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chen Letian , Tian Yun , Hu Xu , Yao Sai , Lu Zhengyu , Chen Suya , Zhang Xu , Zhou Zhen
Published: September 2022

Massive efforts have been made to develop efficient electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production. The introduction of machine learning (ML) has brought new opportunities to the design of electrocatalysts. However, current ML studies have shown that the efficiency and accuracy of this method in electrocatalyst development are severely hindered by two major problems, high computational cost paid for electronic or geometrical structures with high accuracy, and large errors resulted from those easily accessible and relatively simple physical and chemical properties with lower level of accuracy. Here, a universal ML framework is proposed that achieves local structure optimization by using local machine learning potential (MLP) to efficiently obtain accurate structure descriptors, and by combining simple physical properties with graph convolutional neural networks, 43 high‐performance alloys are successfully screened as potential hydrogen evolution reaction electrocatalysts from 2973 candidates. More importantly, part of the best candidates identified from this framework have been verified in experiments, and one of them (AgPd) is systematically investigated by ab initio calculations under realistic electrocatalytic environments to further demonstrate the accuracy. More significantly, the computational efficiency and accuracy can be compromised with this local MLP optimized structural descriptor as the input, and a new paradigm could be established in designing high‐performance electrocatalysts.
Biomimetic Bacteriophage‐Like Particles Formed from Probiotic Extracts and NO Donors for Eradicating Multidrug‐Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Gong Caixin , Guan Wei , Liu Xiangmei , Zheng Yufeng , Li Zhaoyang , Zhang Yu , Zhu Shengli , Jiang Hui , Cui Zhenduo , Wu Shuilin
Published: September 2022

Effectively clearing multidrug‐resistant bacteria through nonantibiotic treatments is crucial for the recovery of infected tissues in favorable biological environments. Herein, a thermally responsive donor of cell‐messenger nitric oxide (NO) is combined with extracts of food‐grade Lactobacillus casei to form biomimetic phage‐like microparticles with a tailspike structure. These particles can invade bacterial membranes and release NO to disrupt nitrogen and respiratory metabolisms, which initiates the programmed death of multidrug‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) for inducing lysis, like the bacterial virus. Experiments suggest that these microparticles can also weaken bacterial toxicity and provide favorable conditions for cell proliferation because of the continuously released NO. By encapsulating these microparticles into graphene‐oxide‐doped polymers, a dual‐mode antibacterial hydrogel (DMAH) can be constructed. In vivo results reveal that the DMAH achieves a long‐time sterilization of MRSA with 99.84 ± 0.13% antibacterial rate in the dark because of the phage‐like performance of the biomimetic microparticles. In its other antibacterial mode, DMAH subjected to 20 min of near‐infrared irradiation release NO, which, together with the photothermal effect, synergistically damages bacterial cell membranes to achieve very fast disinfection (97.13 ± 0.41% bactericidal rate). This multifunctional hydrogel can also significantly accelerate wound healing due to the phage‐like particles.
Coacervate‐Derived Hydrogel with Effective Water Repulsion and Robust Underwater Bioadhesion Promotes Wound Healing
Authors: Peng Xin , Li Yuan , Li Tianjie , Li Yucong , Deng Yingrui , Xie Xian , Wang Yi , Li Gang , Bian Liming
Published: September 2022

Achieving robust underwater adhesion by bioadhesives remains a challenge due to interfacial water. Herein a coacervate‐to‐hydrogel strategy to enhance interfacial water repulsion and bulk adhesion of bioadhesives is reported. The polyethyleneimine/thioctic acid (PEI/TA) coacervate is deposited onto underwater substrates, which can effectively repel interfacial water and completely spread into substrate surface irregularities due to its liquid and water‐immiscible nature. The physical interactions between coacervate and substrate can further enhance interfacial adhesion. Furthermore, driven by the spontaneous hydrophobic aggregation of TA molecules and strong electrostatic interaction between PEI and TA, the coacervate can turn into a hydrogel in situ within minutes without additional stimuli to develop enhanced matrix cohesion and robust bulk adhesion on diverse underwater substrates. Molecular dynamics simulations further reveal atomistic details of the formation and wet adhesion of the PEI/TA coacervate via multimode physical interactions. Lastly, it is demonstrated that the PEI/TA coacervate‐derived hydrogel can effectively repel blood and therefore efficiently deliver the carried growth factors at wound sites, thereby enhancing wound healing in an animal model. The advantages of the PEI/TA coacervate‐derived hydrogel including body fluid‐immiscibility, strong underwater adhesion, adaptability to fit irregular target sites, and excellent biocompatibility make it a promising bioadhesive for diverse biomedical applications.
Nodulation potential and phenotypic diversity of rhizobia nodulating cowpea isolated from major growing areas of Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Erana , Amsalu Berhanu , Argaw Anteneh , Tamiru Solomon
Published: September 2022

Rhizobia are legume specific, and they need to be characterized by different methods. This study assessed the nodulation potential and phenotypic diversity of rhizobia nodulating cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] isolated from major growing areas of Ethiopia. From 30 soil samples, 28 (93.3%) samples induced nodulation. Twenty‐eight isolates obtained from nodulated plants were evaluated using presumptive tests and different phenotypic characteristics. On yeast extract mannitol agar (YEMA) containing Congo red (CR), the isolates produced colony colors that were whitish to pale pink. All isolates showed no growth on peptone glucose agar and the isolates were capable of growing on ketolactose medium but did not turn the media color to yellow. All the isolates were also confirmed to be gram‐negative, rod‐shaped, and nonspore‐forming. The colony texture study revealed that 78.57% of the isolates had a large mucoid colony, whereas 21.43% exhibited a large watery colony texture with diameters ranging between 1 and 5 mm. Depending on the colony color on YEMA containing bromothymol blue, 22 (78.57%) isolates were slow growing, whereas six (21.43%) isolates were fast‐growing rhizobia. The cluster analysis based on phenotypic characteristics revealed a grouping of the isolates into two clusters at a similarity level of 75% and six further subclusters at a similarity level of ∼91%, indicating variations and diversity among the isolates. Overall, this study revealed significant variations among the cowpea nodulating rhizobial isolates and suggested that the soils of Ethiopia harbor populations of phenotypically diverse isolates. A further test to confirm these findings using genetic characterization and inclusion of reference strain is highly recommended.
Remote sensing evaluation of winter cover crop springtime performance and the impact of delayed termination
Authors: Thieme Alison , Hively W. Dean , Gao Feng , Jennewein Jyoti , Mirsky Steven , Soroka Alexander , Keppler Jason , Bradley Dawn , Skakun Sergii , McCarty Gregory W.
Published: September 2022

In 2019, the Maryland Department of Agriculture's Winter Cover Crop Program introduced a delayed termination incentive (after May 1) to promote springtime biomass accumulation. We used satellite imagery calibrated with springtime in situ measurements collected from 2006–2021 (n = 722) to derive biomass estimates for Maryland fields planted to cereal cover crop species (286,200 ha total over two seasons). Cover crop C content remained steady throughout the cover crop growing season (42.6% of biomass), whereas N concentration had an inverse relationship with biomass and ranged from 1.7 to 2.9%. Throughout Maryland, delayed termination fields (n = 19,120; average termination of May 18) were, on average, estimated to accumulate an additional 789 kg of biomass, 15 kg of N, and 336 kg of C per hectare when compared to fields associated with standard termination dates (n = 28,811; average termination of April 16). Over two cover crop seasons (2019–2021), the delayed termination incentive yielded an extra 75,660,000 kg biomass, 1,526,000 kg N, and 32,230,000 kg C across 96,040 hectares. Regularly terminated field incentives cost an average of US$0.10 per kg of biomass and $4.09 per kg of N, with variability associated with agronomic management (species, planting method). Delayed termination fields cost of $0.08 per kg of biomass and $3.51 per kg of N. Late‐planted cover crops that were terminated early had minimal environmental benefit, and wheat, which comprised 68% of cover crop area, performed poorly compared with other cereal species. Our findings demonstrate that substantial additional springtime biomass, C, and N accumulation were achieved through the delayed termination incentive.
Effect of mutation allele frequency on the risk stratification of myelodysplastic syndrome patients
Authors: Lee Wan‐Hsuan , Lin Chien‐Chin , Tsai Cheng‐Hong , Tseng Mei‐Hsuan , Kuo Yuan‐Yeh , Liu Ming‐Chih , Tang Jih‐Luh , Sun Hsun‐I , Chuang Yi‐Kuang , Chou Wen‐Chien , Hou Hsin‐An , Tien Hwei‐Fang
Published: September 2022

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of clonal myeloid malignancies. Though several recurrent mutations are closely correlated with clinical outcomes, data concerning the association between mutation variant allele frequencies (VAF) and prognosis are limited. In this study, we performed comprehensive VAF analyses of relevant myeloid‐malignancy related mutations in 698 MDS patients and correlated the results with their prognosis. Mutation VAF in DNMT3A, TET2, ASXL1, EZH2, SETBP1, BCOR, SFSF2, ZRSR2, and TP53 mutations correlated with outcomes. In multivariable analysis, DNMT3A and ZRSR2 mutations with high VAF and mutant IDH2, CBL, U2AF1, and TP53 were independent poor prognostic factors for overall survival. A substantial portion of patients in each revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS‐R) risk group could be adjusted to different prognostic groups based on the integrated VAF and mutational profiles. Patients with these unfavorable mutations in each IPSS‐R risk subgroup had survivals worse than other patients of the same risk but similar to those in the next higher‐risk subgroup. Furthermore, patients harboring U2AF1 mutation might benefit from hypomethylating agents. This study demonstrated the critical role of VAF of mutations for risk stratification in MDS patients and may be incorporated in novel scoring systems.
Development of a Catalytic Ester Activation Protocol for the Efficient Formation of Amide Bonds using an Ar−I/HF⋅pyridine/ mCPBA System
Authors: Lee Hyo‐Jun , Choi Eun‐Sol , Maruoka Keiji
Published: September 2022

A new catalytic approach for the activation of esters, that possess a p‐hydroxyphenyl group as a potential activating group on the ester residue, was developed and applied to the efficient synthesis of amides and peptides. A characteristic feature of this protocol is the in‐situ generation of a hypervalent iodine(III) species using an Ar−I/HF⋅pyridine/mCPBA system. A reactive acyl fluoride intermediate is smoothly generated via the oxidative dearomatization of phenols in the presence of a catalytic amount of 4‐iodoanisole, thereby affording various amides and peptides including sterically hindered derivatives.
Recent Advances in the Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Camptothecin
Authors: Song Liangliang , Lv Zhenwei , Zhang Kui , Wu Yile , Van der Eycken Erik V. , Cai Lingchao
Published: September 2022

During the past decades, a variety of routes for the total synthesis of camptothecin have been reported. Considering only (S)‐camptothecin and (S)‐camptothecin analogues possessing the ability to inhibit DNA enzyme topoisomerase I, numerous advances have been achieved for the asymmetric total synthesis of camptothecin, providing concise and scalable approaches to (S)‐camptothecin for the academic community and pharmaceutical industry. This review outlines recent advances in the asymmetric total synthesis of camptothecin, and is timely and highly desirable for the rapid development of this field. By constructing the chiral tertiary alcohol center, diverse attractive strategies have been developed for the total synthesis of (S)‐camptothecin.
Survey of Glasgow Coma Scale and PaO2/FIO2 ratio assessment methods for the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score in Japanese intensive care units
Authors: Tamoto Mitsuhiro , Imai Takumi , Aida Rei , Harada Yusuke , Wakabayashi Yuki , Satone Gaku , Ichoda Shunsuke , Unoki Takeshi , Shintani Ayumi
Published: September 2022

Aim

Accurately calculating the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score is essential for medical resource allocation and decision‐making. This study surveyed Japanese intensive care units regarding their assessment of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and PaO2/FIO2 ratio, components of the SOFA score.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, web‐based survey was conducted among healthcare workers. The survey consisted of questions about the intensive care units where they work and questions for respondents. It was distributed to healthcare workers by e‐mail through the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine mailing list and social networking service.

Results

Among 414 responses, we obtained 211 valid responses and 175 survey results from unique intensive care units. When assessing GCS in patients under the influence of sedatives, 45.1% (95% confidence interval, 37.6–52.8) of intensive care units assessed GCS assuming that the sedatives had no influence. For the PaO2/FIO2 ratio in the SOFA score, calculation based on the Japanese Intensive Care Patient Database definition document and mechanical ventilator settings were the most common methods in patients with oxygen masks and on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, respectively. Approximately 60% of respondents indicated that it was difficult to assess GCS assuming that sedatives had no influence.

Conclusion

In patients under the influence of sedatives, approximately half of the intensive care units assessed assumed GCS. There was variation in the methods used to assess the PaO2/FIO2 ratio. Standardized assessment methods for GCS and the PaO2/FIO2 ratio are needed to obtain valid SOFA score.
Organogold(III) Complexes Display Conditional Photoactivities: Evolving From Photodynamic into Photoactivated Chemotherapy in Response to O2Consumption for Robust Cancer Therapy
Authors: Luo Yunli , Cao Bei , Zhong Mingjie , Liu Moyi , Xiong Xiaolin , Zou Taotao
Published: September 2022

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a spatiotemporally controllable, powerful approach in combating cancers but suffers from low activity under hypoxia, whereas photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) operates in an O2‐independent manner but compromises the ability to harness O2for potent photosensitization. Herein we report that cyclometalated gold(III)‐alkyne complexes display a PDT‐to‐PACT evolving photoactivity for efficient cancer treatment. On the one hand, the gold(III) complexes can act as dual photosensitizers and substrates, leading to conditional PDT activity in oxygenated condition that progresses to highly efficient PACT (ϕ up to 0.63) when O2is depleted in solution and under cellular environment. On the other hand, the conditional PDT‐to‐PACT reactivity can be triggered by external photosensitizers in a similar manner in vitro and in vivo, giving additional tumor‐selectivity and/or deep tissue penetration by red‐light irradiation that leads to robust anticancer efficacy.
Mechanical loading of graphene quantum dots on Staphylococcus aureus surface protein G: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Mousanezhad Sedigheh , Davoodi Jamal
Published: September 2022

This research studies graphene quantum dots (GQDs) adsorption on Staphylococcus aureus surface protein G (SasG) using the molecular dynamics simulation method that in addition to investigating various aspects of adsorption, including edge and surface effects of GQDs, and effects of orientation and size of GQDs, proposes a new study method in edge effects studies. Through our simulations to find edge effects, we found that even if GQD approaches the protein with its edges, GQDs' edges are not freely adsorbed on the protein because when the particles interact with each other, GQD rotates and then adsorbs the protein with its surface; therefore, GQD having initial velocity was applied to the protein to force the protein to interact with GQDs' edges to find both surface and edge effects. This is a new way of investigating that we propose to study edge effects in the molecular dynamics simulation method.
Impact of microcarrier concentration on mesenchymal stem cell growth and death: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Maillot Charlotte , De Isla Natalia , Loubiere Celine , Toye Dominique , Olmos Eric
Published: September 2022

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) products are promising therapeutic candidates to treat a wide range of pathologies. The successful commercialization of these cell therapies will, however, depend on the development of reproducible cell production processes. For this, using microcarriers as growth supports within controlled conditions may be a viable process option. Although increasing microcarrier concentration may be associated with greater productivity due to the increased available culture surface, additional friction or shocks between microcarriers are likely to lead to undesired cell death. However, data detailing the impact of microcarrier collisions on MSC growth remains scarce. The following work demonstrates that MSC growth on microcarriers is greatly influenced by particle concentration even when little impact is observed on the apparent growth rate. It is suggested that the apparent growth rate may result in an equilibrium between growth and death kinetics which are independently affected by particle concentration and that certain MSC quality attributes may be progressively degraded in parallel. In addition, the theoretical reduction of the MSC growth rate was modeled according to the ratio between the average interparticle distance and the Kolmogorov scale. This study is an original contribution toward understanding the hydrodynamic effects in microcarrier‐based stem cell cultures.