bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Adrenocortical Carcinoma (NCI-H295R) Cell Line as an In Vitro Cell Culture Model for Assessing the Impact of Iron on Steroidogenesis
Authors: Kňažická Z. , Fialková Veronika , Ďúranová H. , Bilčíková J. , Kováčiková E. , Miškeje M. , Valková V. , Forgács Z. , Roychoudhury S. , Massányi P. , Lukáč N.
Published: August 2023

The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the dose-dependent effects of iron as a potential endocrine disruptor in relation to the release of sexual steroid hormones by a human adrenocortical carcinoma (NCI-H295R) cell line. The cells were exposed to different concentrations (3.90, 62.50, 250, 500, 1000 μM) of FeSO4.7H2O and compared with the control group (culture medium without FeSO4.7H2O). Cell viability was measured by the metabolic activity assay. Quantification of sexual steroid production was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Following 48 h culture of the cells in the presence of FeSO4.7H2O, significantly (P < 0.001) increased production of progesterone was observed at the lowest concentration (3.90 μM) of FeSO4.7H2O, whereas the lowest release of progesterone by NCIH295R cells was noted after addition of 1000 μM of FeSO4.7H2O, which did not elicit cytotoxic action (P > 0.05). Testosterone production was substantially increased at the concentrations ≤ 62.50 μM of FeSO4.7H2O. Lower levels of testosterone were recorded in the groups with higher concentrations (≥ 250 μM) of FeSO4.7H2O (P > 0.05). The presented data suggest that iron has no endocrine disruptive effect on the release of sexual steroid hormones, but its toxicity may be reflected at other points of the steroidogenesis pathway.
A Preliminary Characterization of a Novel Recombinant Clostridial Collagenase Blend
Authors: Leontovyč Ivan , Koblas T. , Berková Z. , Bittenglova K. , Leontovyc A. , Benesik M. , Saudek F.
Published: August 2023

Clostridial collagenases are essential biotechnological tissue dissociation agents owing to their ability to cleave different types of collagen. Standardization of collagenase-based protocols has been hampered by impurities in products manufactured from Clostridium histolyticum. To enhance the purification process, we produced recombinant collagenase classes G and H, taking advantage of the Escherichia coli expression system. The respective gene sequences were derived from C. histolyticum and modified by addition of a C-terminal polyhistidine tag. Harvested bacteria were lysed and the collagenase protein was affinity purified using a His-tag column. The purity, identity, integrity of the eluted collagenases G and H were determined by SDS electrophoresis and Western blot. The proteolytic activity of the collagenase G and H blend (rColGH) was determined by the standard FALGPA assay. The tissue dissociation activity was verified using a standardized method for isolation of rat pancreatic islets. Biocompatibility of the blend was validated by a standardized viability assay on the isolated islets. Two batches of rColGH were produced and compared to a commercially available collagenase. Based on our results, we conclude that rColGH is a functional and non-toxic novel recombinant collagenase worth further characterization and blend optimization in order to make it a competitive commercial product.
Optimization of air inlet features of an active indirect mode solar dryer: A response surface approach
Authors: ETIM Promise
Published: August 2023

The effect of air flowing into an in an active indirect mode solar dryer was studied. The study aimed at optimizing the airflow features of a solar dryer of active indirect feature using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The factors of the experiment included the product slice thickness of the experimental product and the air vent of the dryer. The two factors were considered at five levels and a total of 13 experimental runs derived. The air vent was based on the following shape orientations: square, rectangular, circular, and triangular. The thickness of the product was considered at five levels of 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 mm. The responses from the experimental set up were the air flow rate and drag force, which were determined using established equations. The optimum values for the air flow rate and drag force were 0.0275 m3/s and 0.0476N, respectively. The corresponding optimal conditions which gave the optimum responses were 100 cm2 - square inlet and product slice thickness of 20 mm for air flow rate and 80 cm2 -rectangular inlet and product slice thickness of 20 mm for drag force, respectively. The models for predicting the responses were adequate, with r-square values 0.9463 and 0.9376 and desirabilities of 99.2 and 95.0% for air flow rate and drag force respectively. The experiment was repeated using the optimal conditions to validate the optimum responses. The variation between the predicted and experimental data was less than 8%.
A Convergent Entropy-Dissipating BDF2 Finite-Volume Scheme for a Population Cross-Diffusion System
Authors: Jüngel Ansgar , Vetter Martin
Published: August 2023

A second-order backward differentiation formula (BDF2) finite-volume discretization for a nonlinear cross-diffusion system arising in population dynamics is studied.
The numerical scheme preserves the Rao entropy structure and conserves the mass.
The existence and uniqueness of discrete solutions and their large-time behavior as well as the convergence of the scheme are proved.
The proofs are based on the G-stability of the BDF2 scheme, which provides an inequality for the quadratic Rao entropy and hence suitable a priori estimates.
The novelty is the extension of this inequality to the system case.
Some numerical experiments in one and two space dimensions underline the theoretical results.
Space-Time Approximation of Local Strong Solutions to the 3D Stochastic Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Breit Dominic , Dodgson Alan
Published: August 2023

We consider the 3D stochastic Navier–Stokes equation on the torus.
Our main result concerns the temporal and spatio-temporal discretisation of a local strong pathwise solution.
We prove optimal convergence rates for the energy error with respect to convergence in probability, that is convergence of order (up to) 1 in space and of order (up to) 1/2 in time.
The result holds up to the possible blow-up of the (time-discrete) solution.
Our approach is based on discrete stopping times for the (time-discrete) solution.
Ab initiomolecular dynamics of insulating paper: Mechanism of insulating paper cellobiose cracking at transient high temperature
Authors: Yang Hao , Wang Xin , Duan Yimeng , Zhang Haotian , Chen Miaomiao , Wang Xinyu
Published: August 2023

Oil-impregnated paper is the most widely used insulating material for power transformers. Power transformers inevitably generate a lot of heat during operation. Among them, thermal aging is one of the main forms of aging for insulating paper. In this study, theab initiomolecular dynamics method based on the density functional theory is used to simulate the cracking mechanism of cellobiose under transient high temperature. The results show that the cellobiose is relatively stable at 343 K, the motility of the cellobiose is enhanced at 1,800 K, the cellobiose starts to decompose at 2,400 K, and new characteristic products are formed at 3,000 K. The characteristic products include CO, H2O, CH3OH, H2, and CH4. These characteristic products can represent the degree of cracking of insulating paper. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the mechanism of cracking of insulating paper caused by transient high temperature.
Dokumentarische Fortbildung und das Lehrinstitut für Dokumentation (LID)
Authors: Oßwald Achim
Published: August 2023

Fortbildungsveranstaltungen zur Dokumentation wurden vom Lehrinstitut für Dokumentation (LID) in der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Dokumentation (DGD) von 1974 bis 1991 angeboten. Themen waren u. a. die dokumentarische Methodik, Arbeitsabläufe, Dienstleistungsangebote, Produkte und neuesten Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologien sowie der Umgang mit den dadurch ausgelösten Veränderungen ggf. auch aus Leitungsperspektive. Die Strukturen, Entwicklungsphasen, Themenschwerpunkte, Kooperationen – insbesondere mit Partnereinrichtungen aus der Mediendokumentation, aber auch mit regionalen Organisationen von Informationsspezialist*innen innerhalb und außerhalb der DGD – und der Stellenwert der LID-Fortbildung im Rahmen der Qualifizierungsangebote der DGD werden in diesem Beitrag beschrieben und analysiert.
Prenatal diagnosis of bilobate placenta: incidence, risk factors and impact on pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Giouleka Sonia , Siargkas Antonios , Tsakiridis Ioannis , Mamopoulos Apostolos , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Dagklis Themistoklis
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To investigate the incidence and risk factors of bilobate placenta, as well as to assess its impact on preeclampsia (PE), preterm delivery (PTD) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) neonates.

Methods

A prospective study of singleton pregnancies, undergoing routine anomaly scan at 20+0–23+6 gestational weeks, was conducted, between 2018 and 2022. The impact of prenatally diagnosed bilobate placenta on PE, PTD and SGA was assessed. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to assess the independent association between bilobate placenta and the main pregnancy outcomes, using specific confounders. Additionally, a risk factor analysis was performed.

Results

The study population included 6,454 pregnancies; the incidence of prenatally diagnosed bilobate placenta was 2.0 % (n=129). Bilobate placenta was associated with PE (aOR: 1.721; 95 % CI: 1.014–2.922), while no statistically significant association was found between this anatomical variation and SGA (aOR: 1.059; 95 % CI: 0.665–1.686) or PTD (aOR: 1.317; 95 % CI: 0.773–2.246). Furthermore, pregnancies with prenatally diagnosed bilobate placenta had an increased prevalence of abnormal cord insertion (marginal or velamentous) (9.8 vs. 27.1 %; p<0.001) and increased mean UtA PI z-score (0.03 vs. 0.23; p=0.039). Conception via ART (aOR: 3.669; 95 % CI: 2.248–5.989), previous history of 1st trimester miscarriage (aOR: 1.814; 95 % CI: 1.218–2.700) and advancing maternal age (aOR: 1.069; 95 % CI: 1.031–1.110) were identified as major risk factors for bilobate placenta.

Conclusions

Bilobate placenta, excluding cases of co-existing vasa previa, is associated with higher incidence of PE, increased mean UtA PI z-score and higher probability of abnormal cord insertion, but not with increased risk for SGA or PTD. It is more common in pregnancies following ART and in women with a previous 1st trimester miscarriage.
Unnecessary and Insufficient Factual Causes
Authors: Stapleton Jane
Published: August 2023

Law recognizes a necessary (i.e., but-for) factor as a factual cause. However, it is a common misconception that the but-for test is the exclusive test of factual causation. Longstanding case law reveals that a factor may be a factual cause of an outcome, even if it was neither necessary nor sufficient for it. This was recently unanimously confirmed by the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in Financial Conduct Authority v. Arch Insurance (UK) Ltd (2021). In the law, there seems to be a uniform concept of what it means to be a factual cause, one that is wider than necessity and includes unnecessary and insufficient factors which are recognized as factual causes across a wide variety of legal contexts. This uniform concept of factual cause can be captured in a forensically straightforward way in an “extended but-for test”. Appreciation of unnecessary and insufficient factual causes, which are common, provides a more coherent frame in which to view the outcomes of certain earlier cases. It also illuminates the importance for clarity of legal reasoning of separating the context-independent factual cause issue from context-dependent analytical stages such as the scope of the rule and remedy, including loss quantification.
Three Models of US State-Level Charity Regulation
Authors: Mitchell George E.
Published: August 2023

The existence of federal oversight of charitable organizations in the United States implies a degree of uniformity to US charity regulation. However, charity regulation is far from uniform across the country. States differ significantly in their adoption or non-adoption of various state-level regulatory requirements, creating not one but many different regulatory environments for charities. The complexity and diversity of these regulations has made it difficult for sector stakeholders, such as researchers, regulators, practitioners, information intermediaries, and donors, to understand the nature and significance of state-level charity regulation from a comparative perspective. To address this problem, this article employs latent class analysis to identify three distinct models of state-level charity regulation: broad regulation, limited regulation, and asset oversight. Subsequent analysis identifies relationships between a state’s economic, social, and political characteristics and its model of charity regulation, suggesting new avenues of research for understanding regulatory model emergence. Many additional practical applications of the typology are also discussed.
Inhibitory function of CDK12i combined with WEE1i on castration-resistant prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Qin Zheng , Liu Dongze , Zhang Yueyao , Chen Xiaoxu , Zhu Xiao , Xu Shengxian , Peng Baolong , Dong Shiqiang , Hou Dingkun , Zhu Liang , Wang Haitao
Published: August 2023

Objective

The inhibitors of CDK12 and WEE1 (SR-4835 and AZD-1775) have rarely been evaluated in studies on castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treatment. The research objective of this article is to study the inhibitory effect of SR-4835 and AZD-1775 on CRPC cells and to explore the therapeutic effect of combining the two drugs in the treatment of CRPC cells in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

We performed Western blot, quantitative real-time PCR, Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, EdU, and immunofluorescence assays; cell cycle analysis, wound scratch and Transwell assays and nude mice xenograft tumor analysis to identify the mechanism and measure the therapeutic effect of SR-4835, AZD-1775 and the combination in CRPC cells.

Results

Compared with normal prostate cells, the expressions of CDK12 and WEE1 in prostate cancer cells, especially CRPC cells, were significantly increased at protein and mRNA levels. SR-4835 can cause DNA damage in CRPC cells by inhibiting the expression of DNA damage repair genes. AZD-1775 inhibits the G2/M phase checkpoint function. Performing in vivo and in vitro experiments, we found that SR-4835 combined with AZD-1775 significantly enhanced the inhibitory effect on CRPC cell to a greater degree than monotherapy.

Conclusions

In summary, SR-4835 combined with AZD-1775 can eliminate CRPC cells by inducing DNA damage and inhibiting the normal repair machinery. Therefore, we consider this combination therapy to be a promising strategy for CRPC patients.
From metabolism to disease: the biological roles of glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT)
Authors: Oliveira Isadora de Araújo , Lucena Daniela Maria dos Santos , Rodrigues Bruno da Costa , Maller Victória Trindade , Nunes da Fonseca Rodrigo , Allonso Diego , Todeschini Adriane Regina
Published: August 2023

Glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), an important route for de novo synthesis of amino sugars, which are key components of prokaryotic cell walls, chitin, and complex eukaryotic glycoconjugates. GFAT also plays a major role in several pathological processes, including cancer and diabetes. It has been 60 years since GFAT was first characterized. During this time, the knowledge about the enzyme’s mechanisms and biological relevance has increased considerably. We take the anniversary of GFAT’s discovery as an opportunity to discuss the role of GFAT in both health and disease and explore its biotechnological potential as a target for antimicrobial and anticancer chemotherapy.
Bioconvective gyrotactic microorganisms in third-grade nanofluid flow over a Riga surface with stratification: An approach to entropy minimization
Authors: Loganathan Karuppusamy , Jain Reema , Eswaramoorthi S. , Abbas Mohamed , Alqahtani Mohammed S.
Published: August 2023

Interest in the thermal effects of nanofluid (NF) has increased recently due to the use of nanocomposites to magnify the thermal conductivity of conventional liquids and so boost the heat transit phenomena. Based on this fundamental concept, the current study inspects the thermal advanced third-grade fluid flow with nanocomposites with an extended surface and the inclusion of stratification, non-Fourier heat flux, mass flux, and radiation. Buongiorno’s NF model is employed to observe the thermophoresis and Brownian motion properties. The gyrotactic microorganisms, which are connected to the bioconvection phenomenon that intrigues most, are also considered to be present in the nanoparticles. The governing models are composed of partial differential equations; thereafter, the relevant transformations are applied to these equations to convert the structure into an ordinary differential model. These resultant models are solved by implementing the homotopy analysis method. It is explained in detail how the pertinent parameters are affecting the motion, temperature of fluid, nanocomposite volume, dynamic microbe density, skin friction rates, local Nusselt, and local Sherwood numbers. Applications for the flow of nanoparticles carrying gyrotactic microorganisms include enzyme biosensors, microfluidic devices, microbial fuel cells, and biotechnology.
Examining the views of student midwives and nurses on biochemistry education
Authors: Tahiroğlu Veysel
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of midwives and nurses about the efficiency and effectiveness of the biochemistry courses they took during their undergraduate education, in the education process and in their fields of study.

Methods

Two hundred eighty-four students studying in the department of midwifery and nursing (1–4 classes) participated in this research voluntarily. A questionnaire consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions compiled by the authors with the support of the sociodemographic data form, including age, gender, type of lycee school graduated, and the department they studied, and the literature on biochemistry education were applied to the students.

Results

The mean age of the students was 21.25 ± 0.12. 58.2 % of midwifery department students and 69.1 % of nursing department students reported that biochemistry education is necessary. 64.1 % of midwifery department students and 59.7 % of nursing department students stated that they thought that the biochemistry application course should be absolutely necessary. There was a significant difference between nursing and midwifery students in favor of nursing students in terms of finding the biochemistry course interesting and loving the biochemistry course. A significant difference was found between the two groups in favor of midwifery students in terms of their desire to pursue postgraduate education in biochemistry and to increase biochemistry course hours (p<0.05).

Conclusions

It is thought that the results of this study, which include students’ opinions, will contribute to the efficiency of biochemistry education and help the lecturer provide a new perspective.
Mean platelet volume, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio and early post-operative anesthesia complications
Authors: Altınbaş Ali , Bulut Azime
Published: August 2023

Objectives

We aimed to establish the relationship between pre-operatively measured mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) values and early anesthetic complications like bronchospasm & laryngospasm and hypotension in patients undergoing adenotonsillar surgery and non-adenotonsillar surgeries in both pediatric and adult population.

Methods

Patients from both sexes aged 1–63 years, and the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I–II were included in the study with elective adenotonsillectomy and non-adenotonsillar surgeries.

Results

In total, we included 330 patients in our study. The respiratory complications observed significantly more frequent in pediatric adenotonsillar surgery group (p=0.001). When the post-operative complications were compared with the MPV, NLR and PLR values, it was observed that the MPV values were significantly higher in patients who had hypotension (p=0.01) and PLR values were significantly higher in pediatric adenotonsillectomy group who developed bronchospasm and laryngospasm. There was no relationship between other complications and the laboratory values of the groups.

Conclusions

In the study, we found that PLR values were significantly high in the pediatric patients having hypoxia who underwent adenotonsillectomy. MPV values were significantly high in the patients who had hypotension in the early post-operative period. Based on these findings, it has been suggested that pre-operative PLR value can be a predicting guide for bronchospasm, laryngospasm. On the other hand, MPV values can be used as a guide in terms of predicting hypotension.
Numerical investigation of tip clearance flow in a variable geometry turbine with non-uniform partial clearance
Authors: Liu Yueqi , Chen Shaowen , Wang Songtao
Published: August 2023

In variable geometry turbine vanes, tip clearance height and shape vary with the rotation of the vane, which affect the aerodynamic performance significantly. However, these issues are rarely considered in published studies. The current paper investigated the flow field features of transonic variable geometry turbine vanes with non-uniform partial clearance induced by the vane rotating. The results show that: The influence of guide vane rotation on the clearance height and its distribution cannot be ignored. At the same turning angle, the maximum clearance difference is up to 0.79 mm (0.8 % vane height). The height and shape variation of the non-uniform clearance leads to the change in the leakage flow rate, secondary flow structure, and aerodynamic loss of the variable guide vane. Under the combined effect of pressure difference on both sides of the clearance, axial and circumferential non-uniformity of clearance height, the total pressure loss coefficient is up to 9.44 % when the turning angle is −10°. The effect of the pivot on the clearance flow was also analyzed. The pivot increases the pressure in the gap flow field and reduces leakage flow velocity. However, a backflow region appears at the suction side of the pivot, which increases the aerodynamic losses.
Synthesis, crystal growth and supramolecular chemistry of 4-dimethylaminopyridinium salts of benzoates and a phenolate ion
Authors: Ullah Ijaz , Khan Ezzat , Zhang Zhangjing , Xiang Shengchang , Chen Chao , Li Li
Published: August 2023

Seven novel molecular salts were synthesized from the commonly available 4-dimethylaminopyridine organic base and benzoic acid derivatives contain additional functional groups. Benzoic acids with additional hydroxyl, nitro, amino, and bromo functional groups, were successfully employed and investigated their role in non-covalent interactions within the supramolecular chemistry of heterosynthons solid-state architecture. The collection of all 4-dimethylamopyrinium salts of benzoates and phenolate was accomplished through the utilization of conventional solvent evaporation technique. The resulting molecular salts were afforded by deprotonation of the acidic moiety such as COOH, or OH to the ring N of 4-dimethylaminopyridine, establishing a strong charged-assisted hydrogen bond between the deprotonated group (benzoate or phenolate) and protonated ring N. The structure of compounds was fully elucidated by single X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, 1H NMR, FT-IR, and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystal packing is interpreted by the strong charge-assisted N–H⋯O hydrogen bond between the NH+ and the corresponding deprotonated group and O–H⋯O, N–H⋯N hydrogen bonding. The analysis concluded that C–H⋯O, CH3⋯O, C–H⋯π, CH3⋯π, π–π, C–H⋯Br, and CH3⋯Br contacts contribute significantly to stabilizing and expanding the high-dimensionality (2D–3D framework) of the structures. The structures were thoroughly explored for their various bonding and nonbonding interactions, as well as their supramolecular chemistry in detail. The antimicrobial activities of all compounds were evaluated using the Oxford cup method.
Pluralismo e Imanência na Teoria Política de William E. Connolly
Authors: De Almeida Leonardo Monteiro Crespo
Published: August 2023

O objetivo deste artigo reside em esclarecer a associação entre pluralismo e imanência na teoria política de William E. Connolly para, em seguida, trabalhar algumas implicações filosóficas sobre a sua concepção de democracia. Ao desenvolver uma contraposição entre o posicionamento do autor e os de Ralws, Habermas e Laclau, o artigo situa as contribuições e possíveis ressalvas de uma teoria política calcada na imanência acerca dos desafios presentes nas democracias contemporâneas pluralistas.
A Novel Interaction between MFN2/Marf and MARK4/PAR-1 Is Implicated in Synaptic Defects and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Cheon Yeongmi , Yoon Sunggyu , Lee Jae-Hyuk , Kim Kiyoung , Kim Hyung-Jun , Hong Sung Wook , Yun Ye-Rang , Shim Jiwon , Kim Sung-Hak , Lu Bingwei , Lee Mihye , Lee Seongsoo
Published: August 2023

As cellular energy powerhouses, mitochondria undergo constant fission and fusion to maintain functional homeostasis. The conserved dynamin-like GTPase, Mitofusin2 (MFN2)/mitochondrial assembly regulatory factor (Marf), plays a role in mitochondrial fusion, mutations of which are implicated in age-related human diseases, including several neurodegenerative disorders. However, the regulation of MFN2/Marf-mediated mitochondrial fusion, as well as the pathologic mechanism of neurodegeneration, is not clearly understood. Here, we identified a novel interaction between MFN2/Marf and microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 4 (MARK4)/PAR-1. In theDrosophilalarval neuromuscular junction, muscle-specific overexpression of MFN2/Marf decreased the number of synaptic boutons, and the loss of MARK4/PAR-1 alleviated the synaptic defects of MFN2/Marf overexpression. Downregulation of MARK4/PAR-1 rescued the mitochondrial hyperfusion phenotype caused by MFN2/Marf overexpression in theDrosophilamuscles as well as in the cultured cells. In addition, knockdown of MARK4/PAR-1 rescued the respiratory dysfunction of mitochondria induced by MFN2/Marf overexpression in mammalian cells. Together, our results indicate that the interaction between MFN2/Marf and MARK4/PAR-1 is fine-tuned to maintain synaptic integrity and mitochondrial homeostasis, and its dysregulation may be implicated in neurologic pathogenesis.
Transient Oscillations of Neural Firing Rate Associated With Routing of Evidence in a Perceptual Decision
Authors: Odean Naomi N. , Sanayei Mehdi , Shadlen Michael N.
Published: August 2023

To form a perceptual decision, the brain must acquire samples of evidence from the environment and incorporate them in computations that mediate choice behavior. While much is known about the neural circuits that process sensory information and those that form decisions, less is known about the mechanisms that establish the functional linkage between them. We trained monkeys of both sexes to make difficult decisions about the net direction of visual motion under conditions that required trial-by-trial control of functional connectivity. In one condition, the motion appeared at different locations on different trials. In the other, two motion patches appeared, only one of which was informative. Neurons in the parietal cortex produced brief oscillations in their firing rate at the time routing was established: upon onset of the motion display when its location was unpredictable across trials, and upon onset of an attention cue that indicated in which of two locations an informative patch of dots would appear. The oscillation was absent when the stimulus location was fixed across trials. We interpret the oscillation as a manifestation of the mechanism that establishes the source and destination of flexibly routed information, but not the transmission of the informationper se.

Significance StatementIt has often been suggested that oscillations in neural activity might serve a role in routing information appropriately. We observe an oscillation in neural firing rate in the lateral intraparietal area consistent with such a role. The oscillations are transient. They coincide with the establishment of routing, but they do not appear to play a role in the transmission (or conveyance) of the routed information itself.
Management of the decision-making process for the strategic development of industrial enterprises
Authors:   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Balan Oleksandr
Published: August 2023

Conceptual principles of decision-making process management have been developed, which take into account the factors influencing the process of strategic development of industrial enterprises. The mechanism of making investment decisions, functional management blocks, variability of changes of the investment project and development of the enterprise are developed.
Structural models of the innovation-oriented infrastructural public-private partnership functionality based on digital innovations
Authors:   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Malin Oleksandr
Published: August 2023

Structural modeling of the innovation-oriented infrastructure PPP functionality is required to determine its important components and objects, the formation of mechanisms to regulate the development of innovation-oriented PPP. It will take place in the following stages:  model description of functionality, strategic guidelines and financial model of innovation-oriented infrastructure PPP based on digital innovations;  transformation of local sectoral innovation-oriented infrastructure PPP into polysectoral. The argumentation of the possibility of transforming a local sectoral innovation-oriented infrastructure PPP into a polysectoral one is demonstrated by the example of a large infrastructure investment project "E-flowers" (PPP "E-flowers"), launched in the field of urban transport as a local sectoral innovation-oriented project. It is proved that the transformation of a local sectoral innovation-oriented infrastructure PPP into a polysectoral one based on the development of digital innovations is effective and cost-effective
Generalizing the Practical Experience of Proper Estimating the Innovative Investment Projects Efficiency
Authors:   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Zakharchenko Vitaliy
Published: August 2023

The own practical experience of estimating the innovative and investment projects realized in real practice is presented and the typical mistakes which the authors of research in this direction assume are generalized: the proved features absence of each project, i.e. the economic rent account; mandatory sensitivity analysis when substantiating complex projects; availability and assessing the additional income at the liquidation stage of the project; careless attitude to the determination of income interest rate and investments that may be involved in the project; mandatory pre-planned research is required. Innovation and investment processes play a crucial role in ensuring the economic growth of the state, in the innovative model implementation of its national economy development. But domestic industrial production as a whole remains unfavourable for innovations, although in recent years there have been significant changes in the country’s economic development. That is why the issue of forming a scientifically sound innovation and investment policy, effective innovation and investment projects implementation should be given much more attention in the research of domestic experts, as the rapid development of the world and Ukrainian economy in the future will be determined by innovative and investment activity.
Business Planning as an Effective Tool for Production and other Risks Assessment
Authors:   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Kovtunenko Yurii , Drahomyr Dana ,   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Fraiman Anastasiia ,   Odessa National Polytechnic University
Published: August 2023

The article gives an idea of the risks nature in the business planning development. The methods of risk analysis and assessment are listed. An algorithm for identifying the most likely risks of an enterprise is proposed. General risks classification is presented, as well as a distinction between controlled and uncontrolled risks. The production risks are discussed in more detail, the reasons of their occurrence and ways of overcoming are determined. The impact of other risk types is identified, their characteristics and possible elimination are given. The analysis of recent studies on the risks nature in the business planning system is analyzed. Business planning is considered as an effective tool for identifying and preventing risks in the enterprise.
Administrative and legal support of administrative activity
Authors:   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Lebedeva Vera , Kravtsova Iryna ,   Odessa National Polytechnic University
Published: August 2023

In order to optimize the conditions for ensuring the administrative and legal development of regions in Ukraine on the basis of strengthening and enhancing their administrative and legal potential, the article analyzes and systematizes approaches to the peculiarities of the implementation of the mechanism of state influence on local governments, aimed at increasing the efficiency of the execution of the powers of local governments, which will allow to take into account the functional links between the components of management, ensure the rational use of available resources, rationalize work and minimize risks, as well as increase the efficiency of local government bodies.
Administrative management system
Authors:   Odessa National Polytechnic University, Lebedeva Vera , Skityashina Veronika ,   Odessa National Polytechnic University
Published: August 2023

The main directions of reforming the system of administrative management in Ukraine are investigated in the article. Modern systems of administrative management are analyzed and it is suggested to concentrate on five main directions of improvement of the system of administrative management: 1. Privatization and decentralization of public administration; 2. Reduction of excessive state regulation; 3. Improving the quality of public services; 4. Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government; 5. Increasing the information openness of the authorities.
Circadian clock disruption in autoimmune thyroiditis
Authors: Fu Jinrong , Fan Zihao , He Liang , Liu Qian , Liu He , Li Yushu , Guan Haixia
Published: August 2023

Objective

A vicious cycle between circadian disruption and escalating immune responses has been described in diverse inflammatory disease. The current study aimed to explore the role of circadian clock disruption in autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT).

Methods

Thirty AIT patients and 30 controls were enrolled and biopsied for thyroid tissues. Alterations of core clock genes expression in AIT thyroid tissues, and its association with serum and tissue inflammatory biomarkers were assessed. For animal studies, C57BL/6J mice administered with porcine thyroglobulin or PBS (as control) combined with adjuvants were sacrificed at four time points to investigate the circadian characteristic of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis (EAT). Light shift (LS) conditions were used to explore the influence of external circadian disturbance on EAT.

Results

The expression of clock genes BMAL1 and PER2 was significantly reduced in thyroid tissues from AIT patients and was negatively correlated to levels of thyroid peroxidase antibodies. In mouse models, diurnal fluctuations of proinflammatory cytokines were demonstrated, and further exposing mice to LS led to overproduction of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. Circadian analysis revealed significant oscillations of Bmal1, Clock, Per2, Cry1, Ror, and Rev-erb, which was broadly disturbed in EAT, LS, and EAT + LS groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that expression pattern of clock genes was disrupted in AIT thyroid, and chronic circadian disruption may aggravate the inflammatory responses in AIT. Whether maintaining a regular circadian rhythm can alleviate autoimmune thyroid diseases warrants further research.
IŠTEKĖJUSIŲ MOTERŲ PAVARDŽIŲ RODYKLĖ
Authors: Lithuanica Acta Museologica
Published: August 2023

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Impact of Clinical Guidelines on Hospital Utilization in Children With Croup
Authors: Lefchak Brian , Nickel Amanda , Lammers Shea , Watson Dave , Hester Gabrielle Z. , Bergmann Kelly R.
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of croup guidelines on healthcare utilization and association between guideline-recommended racemic epinephrine (RE) treatments and admission.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of children ≥3 months to ≤8 years with croup diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) from 38 hospitals within the Pediatric Health Information System between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022. Guidelines were categorized by minimum number of RE treatments recommended before admission. Exclusion criteria included complex chronic or croup mimicking conditions, alternate respiratory diagnoses, and direct admissions or transfers. Primary outcomes were admission rates and standardized costs. Outcomes were compared by guideline availability and different admission thresholds. Mixed effects regression was adjusted for age, sex, race, payer, previous croup encounters, and year.

RESULTS

Twenty hospitals (52.6%) had guidelines. Fourteen recommended 2 RE treatments and 3 recommended 3 RE treatment before admission. Among 121 284 croup encounters, overall mean admission rate was 5.7% (range 0.6% to 18.5%). Hospitals with guidelines demonstrated lower unadjusted admission rate (4.6% vs 6.6%; mean difference −2.0, 95% confidence interval −2.3 to −1.7) and higher costs ($704 vs $651; mean difference 53, 95% confidence interval 43 to 63) compared with hospitals without guidelines. Hospitals with guidelines recommending 3 RE treatments demonstrated similar unadjusted mean admission rate (5.1%) and lower costs ($658 vs $713) compared with hospitals with guidelines recommending 2 RE treatments. After adjustment, all above-mentioned differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Many children’s hospitals lack guidelines for croup. Admission rates and costs were not significantly different between hospitals with or without guidelines after adjusting for confounders.
Variation in Organizational Clinical Practice Guidelines for Croup
Authors: Bergmann Kelly R. , Lefchak Brian , Nickel Amanda , Lammers Shea , Watson Dave , Hester Gabrielle Z.
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Croup is one of the most common respiratory complaints in pediatric emergency departments (EDs), yet little is known about clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for this condition.

OBJECTIVES

To describe variation in CPGs across US children’s hospitals.

METHODS

We describe the prevalence and features of CPGs among hospitals that submit data to the Pediatric Health Information System. Each hospital was contacted between January 10, 2022, and April 25, 2022, for their most recent croup CPG and any revisions. Characteristics reported were based on the most recent CPG revision. Characteristics included treatment recommendations, utilization measures, ED observation times, and admission criteria. Interrater reliability between reviewers was reported as percentage agreement.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight hospitals (79.2%) responded to our query, of which 20 (52.6%) had croup CPGs. Interrater reliability was moderate–high for categorizing the indication for racemic epinephrine (RE) (19 of 20; 95%), the minimum number of RE doses recommended before admission (15 of 20; 75%), and ED observation time (19 of 20; 95%), and was 100% for all other characteristics. Three CPGs (15.0%) recommended 1 RE dose, 14 (70.0%) recommended 2 RE doses, and 3 (15.0%) recommended 3 RE doses before hospital admission. Thirteen (65%) CPGs recommended RE for stridor at rest, whereas 7 (30%) recommended RE for any degree of stridor. Fourteen (70%) CPGs recommended an ED observation time <2 hours, 3 (15%) recommended 2 to 4 hours, and 2 (10%) recommended >4 hours. Few CPGs (15%) recommended use of standardized croup clinical scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial variation exists among croup CPGs. Our results may inform future efforts to standardize croup CPGs across centers.
Prediyabetli hastalarda Egzersiz Yarar/Engel Ölçeği Türkçe versiyonunun güvenirliği ve geçerliliği
Authors: ORTABAĞ Tülay , ÖZTÜRK Melek
Published: August 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı prediyabet hastalarına uygulanan Egzersiz Yarar/Engel Ölçeği’nin geçerlik-güvenirlik çalışmasını yapmaktır.

Yöntem: Araştırmanın örneklemini 240 prediyabet hastası oluşturdu. (%64.6 kadın ve %35.4 erkek). Metadolojik tipte tasarlanan çalışmada ölçeğin geçerlik çalışması için yapı geçerliğine (açımlayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizleri) bakıldı. Güvenirlik için zamana karşı değişmezlik (test-tekrar test analizi pearson korelasyonu, t testi), madde analizi (madde toplam puan korelasyonu), iç tutarlık (Cronbach Alfa güvenirlik katsayısı) yöntemleri kullanılmıştır.

Bulgular: Açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda ölçeğin iki alt boyutlu yapıda olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ölçeğin açıklanan toplam varyansın %54.931, yarar alt boyutu için %43.499, engel alt boyutu için %10.780 olduğu Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı prediyabet hastalarında Egzersiz Yarar/Engel Ölçeğinin Türkçe güvenirlik ve geçerlilik çalışmasını yapmaktı.

Yöntem: Metodolojik tipte tasarlanan çalışmada örneklemi 240 prediyabet hastası oluşturdu. Egzersiz Yarar/Engel Ölçeği’nin geçerlik çalışması için yapı geçerliği (açımlayıcı ve doğrulayıcı faktör analizleri), güvenirlik için zamana karşı değişmezlik (test-tekrar test analizi, Pearson korelasyonu), madde analizi (madde toplam puan korelasyonu), iç tutarlık (Cronbach Alfa güvenirlik katsayısı) yöntemleri kullanıldı.

Bulgular: Açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonucunda ölçeğin iki alt boyutlu yapıda olduğu belirlendi. Ölçeğin açıklanan toplam varyansı %54,931 olarak saptandı. Güvenirlik çalışması sonucunda ölçeğin yarar alt boyut ölçeği Cronbach α katsayısı 0,980, engel alt boyutunda 0,802 olup ölçek toplam Cronbach α katsayısı 0,960 bulundu. Test-tekrar test güvenirliği değerlendirmesine göre yarar alt boyutu ölçeği ve engel alt boyutu ölçeğinin arasında yüksek düzeyde, pozitif yönlü ve anlamlı ilişki olduğu saptandı (yarar alt boyut r=0,980, p
The influence of microstructural orientation on fracture toughness in (V, Al)N and (V, Al)(O, N) coatings as measured by microcantilever bending
Authors: Schoof Markus R. , Karimi Aghda S. , Kusche C. F. , Hans M. , Schneider J. M. , Korte-Kerzel S. , Gibson J. S. K.-L.
Published: August 2023

Since protective transition metal (oxy)nitride coatings are widely used, understanding of the mechanisms linking microstructure to their fracture behaviour is required to optimise wear resistance, while maintaining fracture toughness. To assess this interconnection, beam bending was performed using microcantilevers oriented parallel and at 90° to the growth direction. Furthermore, the tests were applied to favour normal bending and shear fracture. Coatings were synthesised by both direct current magnetron sputtering (DCMS) as well as high power pulsed magnetron sputtering (HPPMS). Here, we show that the fracture toughness depends on the alignment of the grains and loading directions. Furthermore, an improved fracture toughness was found in coatings produced by HPPMS, when microstructural defects, such as underdense regions in DCMS deposited coatings can be excluded. We propose indices based on fracture and mechanical properties to rank those coatings. Here, the HPPMS deposited oxynitride showed the best combination of mechanical properties and fracture toughness.

Graphical abstract

Principle of measuring the effects of microstructure and process route on the fracture toughness via microcantilever bending.
‘Chips Funga’
Authors: Orwenjo Daniel Ochieng
Published: August 2023

Like other young people, and indeed everyone all over the world, Kenyan university students find reasons to talk about sex and sexual intercourse. In doing this, they naturally find themselves constrained by the societal dictates, which preclude direct reference within the sexual domain, thereby restricting themselves to the creative, euphemistic, and periphrastic terms. This article reports the findings of a study conducted to determine how Kenyan university students, in their efforts to engage in sexual discourse, circumvent such societal and cultural dictates, which prohibit direct sexual reference. Using a Sexual Synonyms Scale (SSS) as the main research instrument, this study surveys how lexical choices in sexual discourse shift in different contexts. The study adopts the tenets of Cognitive Sociolinguistics to attempt to understand why Kenyan university students make the lexical choices regarding sexual discourse they do. The study reports that lexical choices in sexual discourse is constrained by various sociological, demographic, and linguistic factors. It is further argued that an understanding of how young people view sexual intercourse is reflected in the lexical choices that they make as they talk about their daily sexual exploits, aspirations, and fantasies.
Gender and sexuality in African discourses
Authors: Fiaveh Daniel Yaw , Mensah Eyo
Published: August 2023

This issue examines the role of language and/or cultural expression in discourses around gender and sexuality. We explore the expressions used to describe people in relation to their gender and sexual configurations and practices. The contributions are from scholars writing from West and Eastern African perspectives, and the findings are useful for ongoing discourse and for informing policy direction. We first present an introduction to this issue, where we highlight the problematic areas of gender and sexuality research in Africa and the aim of the study, taking into consideration how spaces in language expressions make us gendered and sexual beings. We also discuss some historical research trajectories in African sexuality, followed by some future prospects. We conclude with a brief overview of each of the papers in the issue.