Search

Introduction: Since March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared the global pandemic of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), an era of great challenges for the entire healthcare system has begun. A new organization of the healthcare system was needed to balance care not only for cases tested positive for COVID-19, but also for those that did not. Data indicate a reduction in the functioning of stroke units, a decrease in neuroimaging diagnostic procedures, and changes in therapeutic interventions for stroke patients. Aim: This research investigates the assumption that these changes in medical care have affected the secondary prevention of cardioembolic stroke (CS) in non-COVID patients. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 338 out of 1,928 nonCOVID patients with CS and non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), comparing demographic, therapeutic recommendations between the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over a five-year period, data of the possible complications of therapeutic management for secondary stroke prevention were collected. Results: Among two groups, only chronic renal insufficiency emerged as a significant risk factor during COVID-19 (p=0.0365), while previous stroke was characteristic of the first period, before COVID-19 pandemic (p=0.0081). The most common therapeutic recommendations for secondary prevention of CS with NVAF included apixaban (p=0.0336) and bridging therapy: low-molecular weight heparin with acetylsalicylic acid (LMWH+ASA) (p=0.0011), both during the COVID-19 period. Complications were registered in 20 (8%) patients. Although not statistically significant, the highest proportion of systemic and neurological complications occurred in patients using dabigatran (25%) Recurrent stroke was registered in 20% of patients using apixaban, while 15% patients using rivaroxaban had systemic bleeding (15%). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate preserved stroke care quality during the COVID-19 time period. It is crucial to carefully evaluate the possible causes of any ischemic stroke, anticoagulant therapy with direct oral anticoagulants is the mainstay of NVAF management of CS stroke with the dominance of apixaban and bridging therapy. No intracranial bleeding was noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/purpose: Gunpowder is a type of explosive material (EM), a mixture of chemical compounds capable of releasing their potential energy in a very fast exothermic chemical reaction. This paper investigates the single base gunpowder samples. Methods: Microcalorimetry (MC), or heat flow calorimetry (HFC), is the only modern method that monitors the direct cause of autoignition - the rate of heat release, which is a key factor for gunpowder storage explosive safety. It is based on high-sensitivity calorimeters which allow monitoring of chemical reactions at low speeds. The microcalorimeter "TAM III" was used and the method given by the NATO standard STANAG 4582. A very reliable result was obtained on the chemical stability of the observed single base gunpowder samples, as well as an assessment of its behavior in the next 10 years. Results: The thermal activity of gunpowder depends on several factors, the most important of which are: chemical composition, size and shape of the gunpowder grain, the degree of decomposition of the gunpowder, storage conditions, etc. Namely, it is a much more exact and consistent indicator of the chemical stability of gunpowder compared to the critical diameter. Conclusion: The MC method should be used both for monitoring the chemical stability of gunpowder during storage and for the prediction of the service life of gunpowder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Single limb support phase of the gait-cycle in patients who are treated for a pertrochanteric fracture is characterized by transversal loads acting on the lag screw, tending to block its dynamization. If the simultaneous axial force overcomes transversal loads of the sliding screw, the dynamization can still occur. Methods: Biomechanical investigation was performed for three types of dynamic implants: Gamma Nail, and two types of Selfdynamizable Internal Fixators (SIF) – SIF-7 (containing two 7 mm non-cannulated sliding screws), and SIF-10 (containing one 10 mm cannulated sliding screw). Contact surface between the stem and the sliding screws is larger in SIF implants than in Gamma Nail, as the stem of Gamma Nail is hollow. A special testing device was designed for this study to provide simultaneous application of a controlled sliding screws bending moment and a controlled transversal load on sliding screws (Qt) without using of weights. Using each of the implants, axial forces required to initiate sliding screws dynamization (Qa) were applied and measured using a tensile testing machine, for several values of sliding screws bending moment. Standard least-squares method was used to present the results through the linear regression model. Results: Positive correlation between Qt and Qa was confirmed (p < 0.05). While performing higher bending moments in all the tested implants, Qa was higher than it could be provided by the body weight. It was the highest in Gamma Nail, and the lowest in SIF-10. Conclusions: A larger contact surface between a sliding screw and stem results in lower forces required to initiate dynamization of a sliding screw. Patients treated for a pertrochanteric fracture by a sliding screw internal fixation who have longer femoral neck or higher body weight could have different programme of early postoperative rehabilitation than lighter patients or patients with shorter femoral neck. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/aim: This paper aims to present the methodology for creating educational content/scenarios on a ship simulator (bridge simulator) that will serve officers of river units in developing the ability to react when performing regular and military tactical tasks on the ships of the River Flotilla. Also, training on the simulator aims to train officers of river units using modern information technologies. Methods: The paper uses simulation methods, experimental methods, case studies, and operational research. Results: Specific educational content/scenarios were created, also specific methodology was developed and the principles were clearly defined according to which content/scenarios are created on the ship simulator Conclusion: By using the ship simulator, in different teaching scenarios, cadets of river units as well as members of river units are trained and acquire the ability to react adequately in real situations in the shortest possible time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purgatio or emendatio morae would in the literal translation into English mean purging the default. In Roman classical law, it amounted to the possibility of the debtor in default, firstly, to fulfil the primary obligation and, secondly, to remediate potential legal effects of the consequences of mora debitoris. There were other ways of purging the default as well. As a consequence of emendatio morae, debtor’s obligations, both primary and secondary ones, would cease to exist and the consequences of mora debitoris would cease to produce legal effects. Therefore, purgatio morae consisted of two elements: debtor’s offer to completely fulfil the prestation owed as well as his offer to remediate the legal effects of the consequences of the default. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent proposal for a new kind of astroengineering artifact due to Vukotić and Gordon (2022) is discussed, in particular in light of multiple benefits offered by the magnetic Penrose process. It is argued that constructing a large number of artifacts of this kind is sufficiently strongly motivated for any advanced extraterrestrial society that their statistical weight in the set of all technosignatures will be significant. This will, in turn, have important consequences for our practical SETI/search for technosignatures projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/purpose: The activity of managing the budget funds of the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Armed Forces (MoD and AF) does not accept even minimal mistakes in the procurement of weapons and military equipment (WME). Equipping the Serbian Armed Forces with weapons and military equipment must be economically justified because a large part of the budget is allocated for that purpose. The goal of the research is to look at the economic aspect of treating costs as a prerequisite for the process of equipping the defense system with weapons and military equipment. Methods: For the purposes of the research, we used analytical and descriptive methods in order to see the comprehensive costs of assets that precede the effective equipping of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces with WME. The research included the analysis of 18 review and research papers, which we analyzed in accordance with the Rulebook on equipping the Serbian Armed Forces with weapons and military equipment. Results: The results of the research indicate that economic justification is expressed implicitly by the ratio of intangible benefits and achieved goals to the invested funds. The most common reason why economic justification is not expressed explicitly by the difference between the initial investment and the final asset quantity is the existence of a number of circumstances for making wrong investment decisions. Also, if the costs are not considered in detail during the entire life cycle of the investment, it can be assumed that the planned target result is not certain. Conclusion: The research indicates that not considering costs during the entire life cycle of the investment is the main reason for unplanned investments in the later stages and the emergence of numerous problems in the functioning of the defense system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Despite high cost and lack of FDA approval for breast surgery, acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has become commonplace in reconstructive surgery and has been the focus of more than 500 plastic surgery publications since its wide adoption. We hypothesized that ADM-related academic output would correlate with public interest and industry funding. STUDY DESIGN: All PubMed-indexed studies focusing on ADM in 11 plastic surgery journals were included (n = 535). Data on industry funding to the 17 most productive authors were extracted from the Open Payments Database. Google Trends in “breast surgery cost” and related terms were queried. Relationships among publication quantity, author industry funding, and public interest were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation and linear regression. RESULTS: The most published authors produced 8 qualifying publications on average (range 5 to 17), with 80% focused on breast surgery. These individuals grossed a total of $19 million industry dollars overall with $17 million (89%) in nonconsulting compensation from ADM-producing companies (NC-ADM). Individual total compensation and NC-ADM compensation, by quartile, were $194,000/$320,000/$1.25 million and $17,000/$210,000/$1.1 million, respectively. These variables showed strong correlation with individual publication rate with a linear regression coefficient of $110K in NC-ADM per publication (p < 0.01). Authors disclosed funding in a mean ± SD of 65 ± 26% of their work with strong correlation between disclosure and NC-ADM (p < 0.01). Google “breast surgery cost” search volume has grown rapidly in significant correlation with ADM publications (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates significant correlation between ADM-related publication, industry funding, funding disclosure, and public interest. Education in the potential for such relationships and the importance of objectivity in plastic surgery warrants discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philip K. Dick’s novels Ubik and The Man in the High Castle explore the idea of the multiplicity of realities, which can be understood better if interpreted from a cosmological point of view. The scientific principles of decoherence, as formulated by H. Dieter Zeh and Hugh Everett III, shed light on the nature of these fictional worlds, their creation and dissolution and their perception by both the protagonists and the reader. Ontological puzzles of the quantum world, based on the rejection of the special status of an observer in physical reality and fractal branching of the universe, offer insights into the mechanisms at work in these two novels. Decoherence may be the key to understanding the disintegrating borders between realities in both novels, which are manifested as worlds in superposition. However, the rules of this scientific principle are radically challenged by the emergence of what could be termed the agents of re-coherence. These agents reveal the existence of alternate realities in the novels, as well as the process of the violation of the decoherence principle. Not only are these occurrences interesting from both a scientific and artistic point of view, they also reveal the realities in the novels as being far more coherent than they seem on the surface and interpretable as literary parallels to thought experiments conceived as possible explanations of the quantum world theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to find a key to the problem of managing cultural heritage systems in the example of the Temnikov-Sanaksar cluster located in Eastern Europe. This area is situated between the forest-steppe of the layered-tier Volga upland and the forest geosystems of the layered Oka-Don lowland. The article applies an interdisciplinary approach to solving the problem of optimizing inter-component relationships in the metageosystems of tourist and recreational clusters. The sustainable development of meta-geosystems should be based on multifactorial information support, which implements the most important condition for the effective economic development of landscapes through the formation of the regions' spatial data infrastructure. In order to consistently optimize meta-geosystems of different hierarchical levels, it is necessary to solve several emerging issues, such as assessing the strength and nature of inter-component connections in geosystems, determination of factors describing the territorial variation of the properties of geosystems, interpreting and substantiation the semantics of the selected basic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths of breast cancer patients. Some cancer cells in a tumour go through successive steps, referred to as the metastatic cascade, and give rise to metastases at a distant site. We know that the plasticity and heterogeneity of cancer cells play critical roles in metastasis but the precise underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Here we aimed to identify molecular mechanisms of metastasis during colonization, one of the most important yet poorly understood steps of the cascade. We performed single-cell RNA-Seq (scRNA-Seq) on tumours and matched lung macrometastases of patient-derived xenografts of breast cancer. After correcting for confounding factors such as the cell cycle and the percentage of detected genes (PDG), we identified cells in three states in both tumours and metastases. Gene-set enrichment analysis revealed biological processes specific to proliferation and invasion in two states. Our findings suggest that these states are a balance between epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions (MET) traits that results in so-called partial EMT phenotypes. Analysis of the top differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between these cell states revealed a common set of partial EMT transcription factors (TFs) controlling gene expression, including ZNF750, OVOL2, TP63, TFAP2C and HEY2. Our data suggest that the TFs related to EMT delineate different cell states in tumours and metastases. The results highlight the marked interpatient heterogeneity of breast cancer but identify common features of single cells from five models of metastatic breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay offers a technocentric perspective on two space operas by Stanis»aw Lem, The Invincible (1966) and Fiasco (1987), novels that span much of his creative career. As an evolutionary philosopher, Lem was decades ahead of his time in recognizing the idea of postbiological evolution and how technology shapes it. Pivoting around this central theory, Lem shows how our understanding of mind in the universe is narrow and anthropocentric, while engineering and the design space of evolution act as fixed Archimedean points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research is devoted to the determination of hidden dependencies between the flow of particles that come from the Sun and precipitation-induced floods in the United Kingdom (UK). The analysis covers 20 flood events during the period from October 2001 to December 2019. The parameters of solar activity were used as model input data, while precipitations data in the period 10 days before and during each flood event were used as model output. The time lag of 0–9 days was taken into account in the research. Correlation analysis was conducted to determine the degree of randomness for the time series of input and output parameters. For establishing a potential causative link, machine learning classification predictive modeling was applied. Two approaches, the decision tree, and the random forest were used. We analyzed the accuracy of classification models forecast from 0 to 9 days in advance. It was found that the most important factors for flood forecasting are proton density with a time lag of 9, differential proton flux in the range of 310–580 keV, and ion temperature. Research in this paper has shown that the decision tree model is more accurate and adequate in predicting the appearance of precipitation-induced floods up to 9 days ahead with an accuracy of 91%. The results of this study confirmed that by increasing technical capabilities, using improved machine learning techniques and large data sets, it is possible to improve the understanding of the physical link between the solar wind and tropospheric weather and help improve severe weather forecasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will validate two basic concepts of numerical models for prediction of pressure change along the transport pipeline in the case of long distance and high capacity lignite ash pneumatic conveying. Application of various friction factor correlations and variation of given parameter, led to the total of fourteen different numerical models and program codes in FORTRAN. The input data for numerical models are based on comprehensive experimental research of high capacity and long distance Kolubara lignite fly ash pneumatic conveying system within 620 MWe thermal power plant unit under operating conditions. Numerical simulation results are validated against experimental data and subjected to statistical analysis methods. The functional dependence obtained by the least squares method was evaluated using mean squared deviation and correlation ratio. The predicted pressure changes show the best agreement, with the measured decrease of pressure amplitudes along the transport pipelines, for the model based on the momentum balance of air-ash mixture flow and friction factor correlation given by Dogin and Lebedev for the parameter A = 1.4∙10-6. This model achieved the best correlation ratio of 93.99% for Pipeline 1 and 91.33% for Pipeline 2, as well as the best mean squared deviation of 9.58% for Pipeline 1 and 13.66% for Pipeline 2. Also, the fanning friction factor values are fully consistent with previously examined cases available in the literature. Numerical simulation model can be used for prediction of the ash pneumatic conveying capacity and pressure drop for the specified transport pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a method previously developed for reconstructing daily erythemal ultraviolet (UVery) doses in Novi Sad (Serbia) was improved and used for estimating daily UVery over the period 1971–2018. The proposed new method uses reanalysed total ozone column (TOC) data and snow cover as an input and is based on the empirical relationship between relative sunshine duration and relative UVery doses. Introducing reanalysed TOC data and snow cover data significantly improved the quality and accuracy of the reconstructed UVery time series, particularly in the winter season. The reconstructed time series revealed the statistically significant increase in summer and winter UVery in the 1980s and the first half of the 1990s (+8.78% and + 13.14% per decade, respectively), which was linked to the statistically significant decline in TOC (−4.13 and −7.36% per decade, respectively). The study focuses on days with high erythemal UV dose (highUVery), which is defined based on the 90th percentile of the daily UVery for each month. Moreover, the influence of low TOC, low cloud cover conditions, and high surface albedo on highUVery was analysed on a seasonal basis. The results of this study show that highUVery days increased from the 1980s, particularly strongly in the period of TOC depletion. A fraction of highUVery days in the last two decades was large (12.29%), which is higher than in the previous periods (6.97 and 8.68% in the period before and during TOC depletion, respectively). The occurrence of highUVery days was influenced mostly by low cloud cover (89.71% of days), and low TOC (82.23% of days). In the winter season, high surface albedo influenced the appearance of 19.18% of highUVery days. However, overall the interaction of low cloud cover and low TOC in all seasons most often led to the appearance of highUVery days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two neutral enantiopure arene-ruthenium(II) complexes, [(arene)RuII(κ2(1S,3R)-Ar)Cl2] (1, 2), arene = p-cymene, Ar = o-tolyl or mesityl, derived from the reaction of arene-ruthenium(II) dimers and 1,3-diamino camphor based derivatives, were synthesized. The N1-mesityl-2,2,3-trimethylcyclopentane-1,3-diamine ligand and complex 2 are characterized via X-ray crystallography. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis revealed that 2 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21 with Z = 4, a = 7.7724(14), b = 14.262(3), c = 14.433(3) Å. Reactivity measurements using UV-Vis of the RuII-arene complexes with guanosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP), 9-methylguanine (9MeG), and L-methionine (L-Met) showed a high affinity towards these nucleophiles. Also, DFT calculations with 2 showed that the reaction with a guanine derivative is thermodynamically favored. Furthermore, the RuII-arene complexes were found to interact with CT-DNA and HT-DNA, and protein BSA. The cytotoxicities of 1 and 2 have been evaluated against human breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB), human cancer colon cell line (HCT-116), human lung carcinoma epithelial cell line (A549), mouse melanoma cell line (B16F10), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and compared to cisplatin as standard analog. The complexes display relevant activities against all cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Established MRI and emerging X-ray contrast agents for non-invasive imaging of articular cartilage rely on non-selective electrostatic interactions with negatively charged proteoglycans. These contrast agents have limited prognostic utility in diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) due to the characteristic high turnover of proteoglycans. To overcome this limitation, we developed a radiocontrast agent that targets the type II collagen macromolecule in cartilage and used it to monitor disease progression in a murine model of OA. Methods: To confer radiopacity to cartilage contrast agents, the naturally occurring tyrosine derivative 3,5-diiodo-L-tyrosine (DIT) was introduced into a selective peptide for type II collagen. Synthetic DIT peptide derivatives were synthesised by Fmoc-based solid-phase peptide synthesis and binding to ex vivo mouse tibial cartilage evaluated by high-resolution micro-CT. Di-Iodotyrosinated Peptide Imaging of Cartilage (DIPIC) was performed ex vivo and in vivo 4, 8 and 12 weeks in mice after induction of OA by destabilisation of the medial meniscus (DMM). Finally, human osteochondral plugs were imaged ex vivo using DIPIC. Results: Fifteen DIT peptides were synthesised and tested, yielding seven leads with varying cartilage binding strengths. DIPIC visualised ex vivo murine articular cartilage comparably to the ex vivo contrast agent phosphotungstic acid. Intra-articular injection of contrast agent followed by in vivo DIPIC enabled delineation of damaged murine articular cartilage. Finally, the translational potential of the contrast agent was confirmed by visualisation of ex vivo human cartilage explants. Conclusion: DIPIC has reduction and refinement implications in OA animal research and potential clinical translation to imaging human disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. Cephalomedullary and extramedullary methods are used for the internal fixation of trochanteric fractures. The usage of the third generation Gamma Nail (GN) is a gold standard in this kind of treatments. Selfdynamisable Internal Fixator (SIF) is an extramedullary implant for trochanteric fractures' treatment. The aim of this study was to compare these two methods regarding operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time. Methods. A total of 89 patients with a surgical treatment of a trochanteric fracture were included in this study. There were two groups of patients - GN group (43 patients) and SIF group (46 patients). Results. Average operation times were 67.5 min (GN group) and 56.0 min (SIF group). Average intraoperative fluoroscopy times were 84.8 s (GN group) and 36.7 s (SIF group). The difference between the groups was statistically significant for both of the given parameters (p < 0.05). The correlation between operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy time was confirmed in the SIF group (p < 0.05; r = 0.405), while it was not confirmed in the GN group (p > 0.05). There was a higher variability in the GN method than in the SIF method regarding the duration and type of repeated surgical maneuvers followed by X-ray checks. Conclusion. The number of planned surgical interventions per day could depend on the type of trochanteric fracture internal fixation (intramedullary or extramedullary). Certain additional analyses including radiation dose assessment are desirable to clarify if shorter intraoperative fluoroscopy time in the SIF method can have the influence regarding intraoperative X-ray protection clothing. If there is the need to activate dynamization in long femoral axis after initial static fixation in that axis, the SIF method provides its spontaneous activation several weeks after the surgery without the need neither for additional surgery nor for additional intraoperative fluoroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. The use of cisplatin as a chemotherapeutic opened the door to the new metal-based drug research. New complexes containing metals such as platinum, palladium, ruthenium and gold have recently been analyzed as potential antitumor agents. The aim of the study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of Au(III) complexes with pincer- type ligands against cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa), breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231 and 4T1) and colon carcinoma cells (HCT116 and CT26), as well as to examine the type and mechanism of cell death that these complexes induced in cancer cells. Methods. The cytotoxicity of Au(III) complexes was investigated by MTT assay. The apoptosis of the treated cancer cells was measured by flow cytometry and applying Annexin V/7AAD staining. The expressions of active proapoptotic protein Bax, antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the percentage of cells containing cleaved caspase-3 in the treated cancer cells were determined by flow cytometry. Results. Complex 1 showed the most potent antitumor effect on HeLa cells, both compared to other two examined gold complexes and compared to cisplatin. The IC50 values on HeLa cells after 72 hours were 1.3 ± 0.4 µM, 3.4 ± 1.3 µM, 5.7 ± 0.6 µM, 26.7 ± 6.5 µM for complexes 1, 2, 3 and cisplatin, respectively. Complex 1 also exhibited the highest cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 and HCT116 cells compared to other tested compounds. The results of Annexin V/7AAD staining showed that all three gold complexes induced apoptosis in the treated cells. Our Au(III) complexes induced apoptosis by caspasedependent mechanism, but we did not observe that the activation of an internal pathway of apoptosis occurred in the treated cancer cells. Conclusion. According to the results of our in vitro study, all three gold compounds, and especially complex 1, are promising candidates for a new generation of anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new CFD modeling approach is developed and applied to a numerical study of pool boiling. It is based on a coupled simultaneous solving of the two-fluid model of two-phase flow in the boiling pool and the transient heat conduction within the heated wall. The applied two-fluid model consist in mass, momentum and energy balance equations for each phase and the closure laws for interface transport due to friction and phase transition. The boiling two-fluid mixture is thermally coupled with the heated wall by the heat transfer at the bubble footprint at randomly determined discrete locations of the nucleation sites and by the conjugate heat transfer from the heated wall to the wetting liquid on the surface outside the nucleation sites. The model is validated against detailed experimental data from the literature. Sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the influence of pool boiling parameters and conditions on the boiling curve, such as the nucleation site density, the wetting contact angle, the wall thermal conductivity, the wall thickness, the wall volumetric or bottom surface heating and the liquid volume in the pool. Temperature transients at the bubble nucleation sites are evaluated. The two-phase mixture pattern in pool boiling and the related swell level position can be well predicted with the nonuniform heat flux determined by the discrete nucleation sites of bubble growth and conjugate heat transfer from the heated wall to wetting liquid. The developed computational method is efficient and robust, while the reliability of its prediction is sensitive to the accuracy of nucleation site density and contact angle input data, as parameters that describe the coupled thermal and physical characteristics at the fluid-wall interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: After the appearance of first COVID-19 cases in Serbia, state of emergency was declared on 15 March 2020 and lasted for 54 days. The aim of this report is to compare orthopaedic fracture frequencies in this period, when the walk was limited at the home mostly, with those during the same part in the previous year with regular state, thus to examine staying at home as a factor influencing the frequency of different fracture types. Methods: There were 86 patients during the state of emergency in year 2020 and 106 patients during the same part of year 2019 with a regular state, having orthopaedic trauma surgery. Number of fractures, gender distribution, and age of patients have been compared between these periods. Results: Total number of fractures decreased for about 19% during the state of emergency. There was nonsignificant difference in fracture frequency for all skeletal areas (p > 0.05), except for distal femoral fractures which occurred more often during the state of emergency (p < 0.05). Female ratio was higher during state of emergency than in regular state for femoral neck fractures. Conclusion: Restricted going outside the home for 54 days has the influence in total number of fractures and gender distribution in femoral neck fractures. The method of external fixation used could be assumed as a reducing factor of intraoperative virus pandemic propagation among medical staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population changes of the Russians and other Slavs are an important original indicator of demographic, economic, political and cultural analysis of over 300 million Slavic inhabitants in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe. The indicators are conditioned by the large number of people executed in the World War I and World War II, significant economic migrations, the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. Utilizing data from official reports, the authors proceed to analyze the demographic tendencies in order to find out the relationship between modern demographic trends and political and economic events over the past years. The results showed that economic and demographic stagnation, which favor religious and national (ethnic) ambivalence, influence strengthening of groups ethnically isolated or religiously differentiated in the observed macroregions of Eurasia. The contemporary challenges of modern society in terms of global politics (e.g. terrorism and migrations) will be more pronounced and turbulent in these areas. For these reasons, the original data represent an important segment of the study of Slavic history, demography and politics throughout the turbulent 20th century and the beginning of the new millennium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety among patients with vocal fold (VF) nodules, polyps and edema. At the same time the aim was to analyse association between severity of distress and the level of vocal handicap as well as to identify other factors related to severity of depression and anxiety in these patients. Methods: To all participants were given five questionnaires: (1) questionnaire on socio-demographic and some other characteristics of patient; (2) Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI); (3) State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 1 (State Anxiety); (4) STAI 2 (Trait Anxiety); and (5) Voice Handicap Index (VHI)-10. Results: A total of 205 patients were included in this study. Mild-to-severe depression, according to BDI was present in 79 (38.6%) patients. Mild-to-severe state anxiety and trait anxiety were present in 199 (97.1%) and 200 (97.6%) patients, respectively. Only 10 patients had VHI-10 score ≤ 11. Multivariate analyses showed that there were no significant differences in the level of depression and anxiety between patients with VF nodules, polyps and edema. The VHI-10 score was significantly higher in patients with VF edema in comparison with VF nodule patients (p = 0.001), as well as in comparison with VF polyp patients (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study identified a high prevalence of psychological and vocal distress among patients with vocal disorders. Severity of depression and anxiety did not differ between patients with VF nodules, polyps and edema, and it was not related to the level of vocal handicap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curl-conforming max-ortho basis functions (MOBFs) are coupled with higher order large-domain curved finite elements (FEs). The performance of the functions is compared with that of the classical and near-ortho basis functions. Through numerical experiments, it is shown that max-ortho FEs yield highly orthogonal mass matrices, for practically arbitrarily high orders of polynomial field approximations. This facilitates the usage of iterative solvers and it significantly increases their efficiency. Accurate and fast computation of MOBFs, of arbitrarily high orders, is enabled by the proposed two-term recurrent formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been tantalizing indications from many quarters of physical cosmology that we are living in the multiverse { a huge set of cosmological domains (\universes"). What is the structure of this larger whole is an entirely open problem on the interface between physics and metaphysics. A goal of the present paper is to draw attention to the connection between this problem and an old and celebrated puzzle in mathematical physics. Among the unresolved problems David Hilbert posed in 1900 as a challenge for the dawning century, none is more philosophically controversial than the Sixth Problem, requiring the axiomatization of physical theories. In the new century and the new millennium, this problem has remained a challenge, usually swept under the rug as \not belonging to mathematics" (as if that impacts its epistemical status) or simply \unresolved". Recent radical ontological/cosmological hypothesis of Max Tegmark, identifying mathematical and physical structures, might shed some new light onto this allegedly antiquated subject: it might be the case that the problem has already been solved, insofar we have formalized mathematical structures! While this can be seen as \cutting the Gordian knot" rather than patiently resolving the issue, we suggest that there are several advantages to taking Tegmark's solution seriously, notably in the domain of (future) physics of the observer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term Byzantium or Byzantine Empire is used for a state creation that existed from die 4th to the 15th century’, more precisely' until 1453 and the fall of Constantinople due to the Ottoman conquests. Regardless of what historical diSRussions and opinions otherwise differ regarding the origin of Byzantium, in this SRholarly work May 11th, 330 AD, was taken as the beginning of die Byzantine Empire, the date when New- Rome came into existence (Greek NeaPcout], Lat. Nova Roma) at the site of the Byzantine Greek colony. The paper will analyze the influence of Byzantine law on the furdier development of the law in the world, as well as the temporal continuity and development of Byzantine law that relies on Roman law. In addition, through a comparison of the Byzantine Code Members and later Dusan’s Code, die theory! of legal transplants developed by Alan Watson will be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new, three-phase, single-stage, isolated ac–dc converter (rectifier) that employs only two switches and achieves less than 5% total harmonic distortion of the three-phase input currents and provides a tightly regulated, isolated, output voltage is introduced. The rectifier features zero-voltage-switching of both switches over the entire input and load range without any additional soft-switching circuitry. The rectifier is derived by combining the three-phase, power-factor-correction, discontinuous-current-mode boost rectifier that is also known as Taipei rectifier with the conventional LLC resonant half-bridge converter. The introduced rectifier requires single feedback loop with frequency control to regulate the output voltage. The evaluation was performed on a 1-kW prototype operating with a three-phase line-voltage range from 180 to 264 $V_{\text{L}-\text{L}}$ and delivering a tightly-regulated, isolated, output voltage of 54 V. The measured efficiency of the prototype at nominal line voltage VIN = 208 VL-L is above 95% from 90% of full load down to 50% of full load. The maximum voltage stress is approximately 430 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors conducted pressure drop numerical simulations of multiphase gassolid flow characteristics, within a fly ash pneumatic conveying system, in 620 MW thermal power plant. The objective of this study is to verify the OpenFoam model by comparing the numerical results with pressure measurements taken along the considered pipeline. The numerical model is developed on the base of extensive experimental research of high-capacity long-distance pneumatic conveying system for Kolubara lignite fly ash. The numerical simulations of pneumatic conveying were performed using the Euler-Euler approach in OpenFoam, that is twoPhaseEulerFoam solver, for the air mass-flow rate of 5500 Nm³ per hour, the fly ash mass-flow rate 77 tonne per hour. The calculation input air pressure at the pipeline outlet was assumed to be as measured approximately 234 kPa, the air-ash mixture temperature was 373.15 K, the mean ash particle diameter of 0.128 µm, and physical density of ash 2100 kg/m³. Numerical mesh is generated as an O-grid for the first two pipeline sections, first with a length of 90 m, a diameter of 0.2604 m, and an inclination of 1.885°, and the second with a length of 102 m, a diameter of 0.3097 m, and an inclination of 2.163°, while every mesh cell is substantially larger than the diameter of the ash particle. The applied Euler-Euler approach enables a comprehensive investigation of the complex dynamics involved in pneumatic conveying, considering the two-phase nature of the system and providing valuable insights into the particle behavior, pressure drop, and other key parameters. The comparison of the experimental and numerical model simulations data show good agreement regarding pressure drop. Although Euler-Euler model is complex in terms of necessary closure models, it might prove itself as reliable for simulated conditions in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WWE domain is a relatively under-researched domain found in twelve human proteins and characterized by a conserved tryptophan-tryptophan-glutamate (WWE) sequence motif. Six of these WWE domain-containing proteins also contain domains with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The general recognition of poly-ADP-ribosylated substrates by WWE domains suggests a potential avenue for development of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs). Here, we present novel crystal structures of the HUWE1, TRIP12, and DTX1 WWE domains in complex with PAR building blocks and their analogs, thus enabling a comprehensive analysis of the PAR binding site structural diversity. Furthermore, we introduce a versatile toolbox of biophysical and biochemical assays for the discovery and characterization of novel WWE domain binders, including fluorescence polarization-based PAR binding and displacement assays, 15N-NMR-based binding affinity assays and 19F-NMR-based competition assays. Through these assays, we have characterized the binding of monomeric iso-ADP-ribose (iso-ADPr) and its nucleotide analogs with the aforementioned WWE proteins. Finally, we have utilized the assay toolbox to screen a small molecule fragment library leading to the successful discovery of novel ligands targeting the HUWE1 WWE domain. Six WWE domain-containing proteins also contain domains with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. We report structures, biophysical and biochemical assays for the discovery of novel WWE domain binders and their respective application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest fires that occurred in Portugal on June 18, 2017, caused several tens of human casualties. The cause of their emergence, as well as many others that occurred in western Europe at the same time remained unknown. Taking into account consequences, including loss of human lives and endangerment of ecosystem sustainability, discovering of the forest fires causes is the very significant question. The heliocentric hypothesis has indirectly been tested, according to which charged particles are a possible cause of forest fires. We must point out that it was not possible to verify whether in this specific case the particles by reaching the ground and burning the plant mass create the initial phase of the formation of the flame. Therefore, we have tried to determine whether during the critical period, i. e. from June 15-19 there is a certain statistical connection between certain parameters of the solar wind and meteorological elements. Based on the hourly values of the charged particles flow, a correlation analysis was performed with hourly values of individual meteorological elements including time lag at Monte Real station. The application of the Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System models has shown that there is a high degree of connection between the flow of protons and the analyzed meteorological elements in Portugal. However, further verification of this hypothesis requires further laboratory testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the current status of boiling heat transfer modelling, discusses the need for its improvement due to unresolved intriguing experimental findings and emergence of novel technical applications and outlines the directions for an advanced modelling approach. The state-of-the-art of computational boiling heat transfer studies is given for: macro-scale boiling models applied in two-fluid liquid-vapour interpenetrating media approach, micro-, meso-scale boiling computations by interface capturing methods, and nano-scale boiling simulations by molecular dynamics tools. Advantages, limitations and shortcomings of each approach, which originate from its grounding formulations, are discussed and illustrated on results obtained by the boiling model developed in our research group. Based on these issues, we stress the importance of adaptation of a multi-scale approach for development of an advanced boiling predictive methodology. A general road-map is outlined for achieving this challenging goal, which should include: improvement of existing methods for computation of boiling on different scales and development of conceptually new algorithms for linking of individual scale methods. As dramatically different time steps of integration for different boiling scales hinder the application of full multi-scale methodology on boiling problems of practical significance, we emphasise the importance of development of another algorithm for the determination of sub-domains within a macro-scale boiling region, which are relevant for conductance of small-scale simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This research presents improved results on modelling relationship between the flow of charged particles that are coming from the Sun and hurricanes. For establishing eventual link, the methods of Big Data, such as Adaptive Neuro Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), Parallel Calculations, Fractal analysis etc., are applied. The parameters of solar activity were used as model input data, while data on hurricane phenomenon were used as model output, and both of these on daily level for May–October in period 1999–2013. The nonlinear R/S analysis was conducted to determine the degree of randomness for time series of input and output parameters. The time lag of 0–10 days was taken into account in the research. It led to growing input parameters up to 99. The problem of finding hidden dependencies in large databases refers to the problems of Data Mining. The ANFIS with Sugeno function of zero order was selected as a method of output fuzzy system. The "brute-force attack" method was used to find the most significant factors from all data. To do this, more than 3 million ANFIS models were tested on Computer Cluster using Parallel Calculation. Within the experiments, eight input factors were calculated as a base for building the final ANFIS models. These models can predict up to 39% of the hurricanes. This means, if causal link exists, approximately every third penetration of charged particles from coronary hole(s) or/and from the energetic region(s) toward the Earth precede the hurricanes. Highlights • Application of Data Mining, i.e. ANFIS model improves results in modelling relation solar activity-atmosphere processes. • Connection between solar activity and the processes of hurricane origin requires consideration of the time delays (lags). • The most important factors for hurricane prediction: solar flux 10.7 cm, solar wind speed, solar wind particles density. • Created model can predict up to 39% of hurricanes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A methodological problem is inherent in any discussion of extraterrestrial engineering and its detectability: how to distinguish detection signatures of such astroengineering from "natural", non-intentional, albeit exotic, processes? In practice, searches for traces and manifestations of advanced technological civilizations have been reduced so far to searching for outliers in the allegedly well-known regularities expected from natural astrophysical sources. This procedure, however, is an epistemological minefield, for at least two reasons: (i) prior datasets on which the regularities are based might be contaminated by artefacts, and (ii) the procedure of computation of unobservable quantities usually contains the implicit assumption of the non-intentional nature of sources. In other words, we are facing a Catch-22-type problem: in order to prove the artificial nature of a source, we seemingly need to first assume that it is not artificial. In contrast to most problems in science, this one could possibly be aggravated, rather than reduced, with the progress of our scientific understanding. Some possible recourses, as well as directions for further work toward building a comprehensive methodology of the Dysonian SETI, are discussed. Highlights • We consider epistemological and methodological aspect of the search for extraterrestrial artefacts (SETA). • SETA projects are impacted by important methodological problems and biases which have not been studied in the literature so far. • Our analysis offers some guidelines for the selection of objects of interest from a sample of astrophysical sources. • The importance of establishing the proper context for SETA and of utilizing the experience of terrestrial archaeology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The answer to the fine-tuning problem of the universe has been traditionally sought in terms of either design or multiverse. In philosophy circles, this is sometimes expanded by adding the option of explanatory nihilism—the claim that there is no explanation for statements of that high level of generality: fine-tunings are brute facts. In this paper, we consider the fourth option which, at least in principle, is available to us: co-evolution of the universe and observers. Although conceptual roots of this approach could be found already in ancient stoicism, it is still the least investigated explanatory option for resolving the problem of empirical fine tunings. We offer two preliminary models along which the co-evolution hypothesis could be developed further. They are still on the level of speculative metaphysics, but there are opportunities along the way to generate predictions which are in principle testable, especially in the domain of large-scale numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between phosphines and boranes in crystal structures have been investigated by analyzing data from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD). The interactions between phosphines and boranes were classified into three types; two types depend on groups on the boron atom, whereas the third one involves frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs). The data enabled geometric parameters in structures to be compared with phosphine–borane FLPs with classical Lewis pairs. Most of the crystal structures (78.1%) contain BH3 as the borane group. In these systems, the boron–phosphorus distance is shorter than systems where the boron atom is surrounded by groups other than hydrogen atoms. The analysis of the CSD data has shown that FLPs have a tendency for the longest boron–phosphorus distance among all phosphine–borane pairs, as well as different other geometrical parameters. The results show that most of the frustrated phosphine–borane pairs found in crystal structures are bridged ones. The minority of non‐bridged FLP structures contain, beside phosphorus and boron atoms, other heteroatoms (O, N, S for instance). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out on tongue measurements in Surti goat fetus to establish the relationship among various biometric measurements of the tongue and body in relation to prediction of fetal age. Total 39 apparently normal Surti goat fetuses were procured and categorized into three groups based on Crown-rump length. The body measurements like Crownrump length, Curved Crown-rump length, height at withers and height at pin of fetuses were taken. The biometrical measurements of the tongue were recorded identically weight, length, width, thickness and circumference. Tongue biometry and body measurement's association determined by simple linear correlation. Attempts were made for development of prediction equation for prediction of fetal age with tongue and body measurements. All the biometric measurements of tongue increase significantly (p≤0.05) with advancement of age. Association among biometric measurements of the tongue and body expressed high degree of positive correlation. Predictability of regression equations is very high for prediction of fetal age. All biometric and body measurement's correlations are highly significant (p≤0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis and reactivity of a new ruthenium(ii) terpyridine complex with a bidentate enantiopure camphor based diamine ligand is described. Reactivity measurements of the Ru(ii) complex showed a high affinity towards guanosine-5′-monophosphate as a model for DNA bases. Furthermore, the Ru(ii) complex was found to interact with CT-DNA. This suggests the high potential of the newly synthesized ruthenium complex as an antitumor agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jared Diamond's argument against extraterrestrial intelligence from evolutionary contingency is subjected to critical scrutiny. As with the earlier arguments of George Gaylord Simpson, it contains critical loopholes that lead to its unraveling. From the point of view of the contemporary debates about biological evolution, perhaps the most contentious aspect of such arguments is their atemporal and gradualist usage of the space of all possible biological forms (morphospace). Such usage enables the translation of the adaptive value of a trait into the probability of its evolving. This procedure, it is argued, is dangerously misleading. Contra Diamond, there are reasons to believe that convergence not only plays an important role in the history of life, but also profoundly improves the prospects for search for extraterrestrial intelligence success. Some further considerations about the role of observation selection effects and our scaling of complexity in the great debate about contingency and convergence are given. Taken together, these considerations militate against the pessimism of Diamond's conclusion, and suggest that the search for traces and manifestations of extraterrestrial intelligences is far from forlorn. Key Words: Astrobiology—Evolution—Contingency—Convergence—Complex life—SETI—Major evolutionary transitions—Selection effects—Jared Diamond. Astrobiology 18, 491–502. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We historically trace various non-conventional explanations for the origin of the cosmic microwave background and discuss their merit, while analyzing the dynamics of their rejection, as well as the relevant physical and methodological reasons for it. It turns out that there have been many such unorthodox interpretations; not only those developed in the context of theories rejecting the relativistic (“Big Bang”) paradigm entirely (e.g., by Alfvén, Hoyle and Narlikar) but also those coming from the camp of original thinkers firmly entrenched in the relativistic milieu (e.g., by Rees, Ellis, Rowan-Robinson, Layzer and Hively). In fact, the orthodox interpretation has only incrementally won out against the alternatives over the course of the three decades of its multi-stage development. While on the whole, none of the alternatives to the hot Big Bang scenario is persuasive today, we discuss the epistemic ramifications of establishing orthodoxy and eliminating alternatives in science, an issue recently discussed by philosophers and historians of science for other areas of physics. Finally, we single out some plausible and possibly fruitful ideas offered by the alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binuclear [{Pd (dien)}2(μ‐pz)](ClO4)4 (Pd1) and [{Pd (dien)}2(μ‐pydz)](ClO4)4 (Pd2) complexes, where pz is 1,4‐diazine and pydz is 1,2‐diazine bridging ligands and dien (diethylenetriamine) is a tridentately coordinated triamine ligand, were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Electronic absorption spectrophotometry and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to study the interactions of the prepared Pd1 and Pd2 complexes with deoxyribonucleic acid (CT‐DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA). According to the UV–Vis spectrophotometric data, the complexes interact with CT‐DNA and bind to the BSA as a possible carrier to the target site. The antitumor properties of the tested palladium compounds were evaluated on three types of human cancer cells, namely, squamous cell carcinoma cells SCC‐4, cervical carcinoma cells HeLa and colorectal carcinoma cells HCT116, and one type of malignantly unchanged cells, MRC‐5 fibroblasts. The highest cytotoxicity was shown by the Pd1 compound against SCC‐4 cell, with an IC50 value of 5.4 ± 1.2 μM. The results showed that the cytotoxic potential against SCC‐4 cells of our new palladium complexes Pd1 and Pd2 was comparable with the cytotoxic potential of cisplatin and oxaliplatin. However, Pd1 and Pd2 displayed significantly lower cytotoxicity in comparison with cisplatin and oxaliplatin against non‐malignant cells, fibroblasts MRC5, so these results may suggest that local and systemic complications of antitumor therapy could be reduced and/or avoided. Both compounds selectively decreased the viability of SCC‐4 cells by induction of apoptosis. Also, Pd1 and Pd2 induced S‐phase cell cycle arrest in human SCC‐4 cells, so that could be another mechanism to halt the uncontrolled growth and division of cancer cells. Moreover, the precise molecular mechanism of Pd1 and Pd2 complexes‐induced apoptosis was the activation of the intrinsic signaling pathway of apoptosis, which also included activation of caspase‐3. Therefore, our new palladium (II) complexes might have a promising role as the potential future cytostatic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel radio frequency (RF) coil for ultra‐high‐field MRI in the form of a slotted waveguide array (SWGA) filled with a low‐loss high‐permittivity dielectric is proposed, evaluated, and demonstrated. A comprehensive computational electromagnetics study, along with basic RF measurements, to characterize the SWGA RF coil at 7T is presented. Slotted waveguides are robust structures capable of handling high powers. They are inherently narrow‐band and have well defined linear polarization. When arranged in an array, they effectively generate high‐quality B 1 field with strong B 1 + and extremely low B 1 − and B z components. With added dielectric lenses, the observed transmit efficiencies exceed 2.3 μ T W in the human head model phantom, which is much higher than all results reported in literature. Moreover, we show that the proposed exciter, as an array with well‐decoupled elements (measured isolation between elements is 33 dB or higher), can effectively be used for RF shimming. The novel coil generates RF magnetic field with excellent circular polarization, good uniformity, and negligible axial z‐component, and it provides arbitrarily large or small field of view and excellent transmit efficiency, with and without dielectric lenses. It features well‐defined narrowband operation, excellent isolation between ports/channels, and inherent possibilities for field optimizations via RF shimming and parallel imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the crucial role of microbiota in host development, health, and environmental interactions, genomic analyses focusing on host-microbiota interactions should certainly be considered in the investigation of the adaptive mechanisms to environmental stress. Recently, several studies suggested that microbiota associated to digestive tract is a key, although still not fully understood, player that must be considered to assess the toxicity of environmental contaminants. Bacteria-dependent metabolism of xenobiotics may indeed modulate the host toxicity. Conversely, environmental variables (including pollution) may alter the microbial community and/or its metabolic activity leading to host physiological alterations that may contribute to their toxicity. Here, 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing has been applied to characterize the hepatopancreas microbiota composition of the Manila clam, Ruditapes philippinarum . The animals were collected in the Venice lagoon area, which is subject to different anthropogenic pressures, mainly represented by the industrial activities of Porto Marghera (PM). Seasonal and geographic differences in clam microbiotas were explored and linked to host response to chemical stress identified in a previous study at the transcriptome level, establishing potential interactions among hosts, microbes, and environmental parameters. The obtained results showed the recurrent presence of putatively detoxifying bacterial taxa in PM clams during winter and over-representation of several metabolic pathways involved in xenobiotic degradation, which suggested the potential for host-microbial synergistic detoxifying actions. Strong interaction between seasonal and chemically-induced responses was also observed, which partially obscured such potentially synergistic actions. Seasonal variables and exposure to toxicants were therefore shown to interact and substantially affect clam microbiota, which appeared to mirror host response to environmental variation. It is clear that understanding how animals respond to chemical stress cannot ignore a key component of such response, the microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal management of a complex electro-optical system aimed for outdoor application is challenging task due to the requirement of having an air-sealed enclosure, harsh working environment, and an additional thermal load generated by sunlight. It is essential to consider the effect of heating loads in the system components, as well as the internal temperature distribution, that can have influence on the system life expectancy, operational readiness and parameters, and possibility for catastrophic failure. The main objective of this paper is to analyze internal temperature distribution and evaluate its influence on system component operation capability. The electro-optical system simplified model was defined and related thermal balance simulation model based on Solid Works thermal analysis module was set and applied for temperature distribution calculation. Various outdoor environment scenarios were compared to evaluate system temperature distribution and evaluate its influence on system operation, reliability, and life time in application environment. This work was done during the design process as a part of the electro-optical system optimization. The results show that temperature distribution will not be cause for catastrophic failure and malfunction operation during operation in the expected environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are manifold intriguing issues located within largely unexplored borderlands of bioethics, future studies (including global risk analysis), and astrobiology. Human enhancement has for quite some time been among the foci of bioethical debates, but the same cannot be said about its global, transgenerational, and even cosmological consequences. In recent years, discussions of posthuman and, in general terms, postbiological civilization(s) have slowly gained a measure of academic respect, in parallel with the renewed interest in the entire field of future studies and the great strides made in understanding of the origin and evolution of life and intelligence in their widest, cosmic context. These developments promise much deeper synergic answers to questions regarding the long-term future of enhancement: how far can it go? Is human enhancement a further step toward building a true postbiological civilization? Should we actively participate and help shape this process? Is the future of humanity “typical” in the same Copernican sense as our location in space and time is typical in the galaxy, and if so, can we derive important insights about the evolutionary pathways of postbiological evolution from astrobiological and Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) studies? These and similar questions could be understood as parts of a possible unifying research program attempting to connect cultural and moral evolution with what we know and understand about their cosmological and biological counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this study, we have developed a series of new monofunctional Ru(II) complexes of the general formula mer -[Ru(Cl-Ph-tpy)( N-N )Cl]Cl in which Cl-Ph-tpy is 4′-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine, N-N is a bidentate chelating ligand (1,2-diaminoethane (en, 1 ), 1,2-diaminocyclohexane (dach, 2 ) or 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy, 3 )). All complexes were fully characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV–Vis, 1D and 2D NMR). Their chemical behavior in aqueous solution was studied by UV–Vis and NMR spectroscopy showing that all compounds are relatively labile leading to the formation of the corresponding aqua species 1aq – 3aq . Their DNA binding ability was evaluated by UV–Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence quenching measurements and viscosity measurements. Competitive studies with ethidium bromide (EB) showed that the complexes can displace DNA-bound EB, suggesting strong competition with EB ( K sv = 1.1–2.7 × 10 4 M − 1 ). These experiments show that the ruthenium complexes interact with DNA via intercalation. The complexes bind to serum protein albumin displaying relatively high binding constants ( K sv = 10 4 –10 5 M − 1 ). Compound 3 displayed from high to moderate cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines HeLa and A549 (with IC 50 ca . 12.7 μM and 53.8 μM, respectively), while complexes 1 and 2 showed only moderate cytotoxicity (with IC 50 ca . 84.8 μM and 96.3 μM, respectively) against HeLa cells. The cell cycle analysis (by flow cytometry) of HeLa and A549 cells treated with complex 3 shows minor changes on the cell cycle phase distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a recent article in this journal, Lingam and Loeb developed an excellent heuristic for searches for biosignatures versus technosignatures. We consider two ways in which their approach could be extended and sharpened, with focus on durability of technosignatures. We also note an important consequence of the adopted heuristic that offers strong support to the ideas of the Dysonian Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A purely passive design technique for a class-J power amplifier (PA) is proposed, based on complex terminations at the fundamental frequency and the second harmonic, which increases the bandwidth while maintaining high efficiency. Using combined analytical derivation and numerical simulations, the drain impedance termination locus curve is obtained in the drain efficiency and DC voltage spaces. Successive application of the newly proposed de-normalization technique avoids the drain DC voltage manipulation used elsewhere. This is due to the resulting variable reactance of the output drain-source capacitor, optimal over a wide frequency range. Following the proposed procedure and the obtained optimal parametric space, a GaN HEMT-based PA is designed, fabricated, and tested displaying a very good agreement of the predicted and measured results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to obtain relevant results related to the basic indicators of fertility and milk yield of Simmental cows, in production conditions on farms of agricultural producers, using appropriate mathematical and statistical procedures, i.e. to determine the influence of bull sires originating from Serbia, Austria and Germany on the implementation of the main breeding program and improvement of production traits of Simmental cows on the territory of Šumadija district. The study of the effect of bull sires who are originally from Serbia, Austria and Germany on performance traits of Simmental cows included a total of 303 cows in first three lactations. Milk production of cows descendents of bulls from the German population was higher compared with the production of cows originating from Austria in the first lactation by 58.29 kg and in the third by 67.72 kg, but in the second it was lower by 12.31 kg. The variability of age at first calving ranged from 766.93 (cows progeny of domestic bulls) to 813.06 days (cows progeny Austrian bulls). Average duration of service period had the interval of variation of 86.80 in cows from domestic bulls in the third lactation to 109.88 days in cows originating from Austrian bulls in the first lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the ability of Ru(ii) polypyridyl complexes to act as DNA binders. The substitution reactions of three Ru(ii) chlorophenyl terpyridine complexes, i.e. [Ru(Cl-Ph-tpy)(en)Cl]Cl (1), [Ru(Cl-Ph-tpy)(dach)Cl]Cl (2) and [Ru(Cl-Ph-tpy)(bpy)Cl]Cl (3) (Cl-Ph-tpy = 4′-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine, en = 1,2-diaminoethane, dach = 1,2-diaminocyclohexane, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), with a mononucleotide guanosine-5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP) and oligonucleotides such as fully complementary 15-mer and 22-mer duplexes with a centrally located GG-binding site for DNA, and fully complementary 13-mer duplexes with a centrally located GG-binding site for RNA were studied quantitatively by UV-Vis spectroscopy. Duplex RNA reacts faster with complexes 1–3 than duplex DNA, while shorter duplex DNA (15mer GG) reacts faster compared with 22mer GG duplex DNA. The measured enthalpies and entropies of activation (ΔH≠ ＞ 0, ΔS≠ ＜ 0) support an associative mechanism for the substitution process. 1H NMR spectroscopy studies performed on complex 3 demonstrated that after the hydrolysis of the Cl ligand, it is capable to interact with guanine derivatives (i.e., 9-methylguanine (9MeG) and 5′-GMP) through N7, forming monofunctional adducts. The molecular structure of the cationic compound [Ru(Cl-Ph-tpy)(bpy)Cl]Cl (3) was determined in the solid state by X-ray crystallography. The interactions of 1–3 with calf thymus (CT) and herring testes (HT) DNA were examined by stopped-flow spectroscopy, in which HT DNA was sensibly more reactive than CT DNA. The reactivity towards the formation of Ru–DNA adducts was also revealed by a gel mobility shift assay, showing that complexes 1 and 2 have a stronger DNA unwinding ability compared to complex 3. Overall, the complexes with bidentate aliphatic diamines proved to be superior to those with bpy in terms of capability to bind to the here studied biomolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with electrochemical properties of copper in the presence of the non-toxic compound 2-amino- 5-ethyl- 1,3,4-thiadiazole (AETDA) in acidic chloride solution. Electrochemical techniques: open circuit potential measurements, linear potentiodynamic measurements, cyclic voltammetry measurements and chronoamperometric measurements in addition to SEM–EDS analysis were used during the work. Results show that inhibition efficiency of 2-amino-5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole depends on inhibitor concentration and immersion time of copper electrode in inhibitor solution. Cyclic voltammetry and linear potentiodynamic measurements beside chronoamperometric measurements indicate formation of protective layer on copper surface. Moreover, results obtained by electrochemical measurements point out that the stability of formed layer depends primarily on the concentration of inhibitor and of potential values at which protective film is formed. Also, potentiodynamic measurements show that AETDA in acidic chloride solutions acts as mixed-type inhibitor. Inhibition mechanism of 2-amino-5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole includes adsorption of inhibitor on active sites on electrode surface which was confirmed by SEM–EDS analysis of the electrode surface. Adsorption of the AETDA in HCl solution obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]