bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ένας νέος ογκοκατασταλτικός ρόλος του Prox1 στον καρκίνο του μαστού μέσω του c-Myc
Authors: Μιχαήλ Άρτεμις
Published: March 2024

Ο καρκίνος του μαστού αποτελεί την δεύτερη βασικότερη αιτία θανάτου στις γυναίκες παγκόσμια. Παρά την πρόοδο που έχει σημειωθεί στις ιατροβιολογικές επιστήμες και τις παρεχόμενες θεραπείες, ο καρκίνος του μαστού χαρακτηρίζεται από ταχεία ανάπτυξη και χαμηλά ποσοστά επιβίωσης. Οι παρατηρήσεις αυτές υπογραμμίζουν την ανάγκη για περαιτέρω εμβάθυνση και μελέτη σχετικά με τους μοριακούς μηχανισμούς ανάπτυξης και εξέλιξης της κακοήθειας. Προς την κατεύθυνση αυτή, μελετήσαμε τον μεταγραφικό παράγοντα Prox1 ο οποίος διαδραματίζει κρίσιμο ρόλο στην καταστολή του καρκίνου του μαστού. Συγκεκριμένα, η βιοπληροφορική ανάλυση των δεδομένων γονιδιακής έκφρασης από όγκους ασθενών που βρίσκονται σε βάσεις δεδομένων, όπως το Oncomine (www.oncomine.org) και το TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas, www.cancergenome.nih.gov), έδειξε ότι ο Prox1 μειώνεται δραματικά στους όγκους του μαστού λόγω επιγενετικής αποσιώπησης. Επιπλέον, παρατηρήσαμε ότι το Prox1 καταστέλλει έντονα τον πολλαπλασιασμό και τη μετανάστευση των ανθρώπινων καρκινικών κυττάρων μαστού, χωρίς να προάγει την απόπτωση. Ακόμη, ενδιαφέρον εύρημα της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν η παρατήρηση ότι η υπερ-έκφραση του Prox1 οδήγησε σε μειωμένα επίπεδα γλυκόζης και γαλακτικού οξέος στο υπερκείμενο των μαστικών καρκινικών κυττάρων. Η μοριακή εμβάθυνση αυτής της παρατήρησης κατέδειξε ότι το Prox1καταστέλλει την έκφραση του γονιδίου c-Myc, καθώς και των γονιδίων που ρυθμίζονται από το c-Myc (συμπεριλαμβανομένου του Glut1, του HK2 και του PDK1, που αποτελεί βασικό ρυθμιστή της γλυκόλυσης), καθώς και την επαγωγή του MPC1, του μιτοχονδριακού μεταφορέα πυροσταφυλικού. Τα δεδομένα αυτά υποδηλώνουν ότι το Prox1 μπορεί να αναστείλει τηνικανότητα των καρκινικών κυττάρων μαστού να παράγουν ATP κυρίως μέσω της γλυκόλυσης και της παραγωγής γαλακτικού οξέος (φαινόμενο Warburg). Σε συμφωνία με τις παραπάνω παρατηρήσεις, το Prox1 καταστέλλει σημαντικά την ανάπτυξη των όγκων του μαστού in vivo σε ετεροτοπικά και ορθοτοπικά μοντέλα ξενομοσχεύματος ποντικών. Συνοπτικά, η μελέτη μας καθιερώνει το Prox1 ως παράγοντα αναστολής του όγκου μέσω της αρνητικής ρύθμισης του cMyc και της γλυκόλυσης και ως δυνητικά θεραπευτικό στόχο στον καρκίνο του μαστού.
Conceptions of bibliographic managers in university teachers. An approach in Latin American
Authors: Abad-Lezama Irene Roxana , Pantigoso-Leython Nathalí , Colina-Ysea Félix José , Jara-Llanos Gleny Secibel
Published: March 2024

Background Due to the accumulation of information generated by the information society, it is necessary to establish scientific criteria for its systematization. The objective of the research was to understand the implicit theories on the use of bibliographic managers in the organization of scientific information in university teachers in Latin American university teachers (Colombia, Ecuador and Peru). Methods The interpretative paradigm, phenomenological method and qualitative approach were used. The key informants were defined by fifteen teachers with research experience. The technique was the semi-structured interview, and the instrument was the interview script. The study was based on four cyclical-recursive moments, the first was the natural attitude, where information was obtained from the key informants as a result of the interviews. The second moment allowed the epoche-eidetic reduction, consisting of the analysis of each interview. The third moment originated the transcendental epoche-reduction, analyzing each attribute and their consistency. The fourth moment revealed the constitution of the study, integrating in a semantic network the categories, subcategories, and attributes that emerged. Results Even when it is recognized from the cognitive conception about the concept of bibliographic managers, its applicability or use, it seems not to be so effective in scientific academic spaces and activities, because teachers are still anchored to the traditionalist vision of organizing information through “drive, folder or excel”, reflecting the resistance to change. Conclusions The imperative need for continuous training in the use of bibliographic managers in both students and teachers is asserted, reflected as a transversal strategy throughout all academic cycles and semesters and internalized as a research policy that leads to generate a new change in the conception of researching reliable scientific sources, optimizing time, organizing information and guaranteeing quality research.
A timeline of freedom of movement in the European Economic Area
Authors: Barker Emily
Published: March 2024

The European Economic Area (EEA) provides a common market for goods, labour, services, and capital. Promoting integration between countries through the free movement of labour, or more generally persons, pre-dates the previous forms of the EEA. However, during the Southern and Eastern Expansions of the European Union, there have been transition agreements on persons, designed to restrict immigration. Opening up labour markets to the new member states with significantly lower GDP per capita than existing states, has been contentious. This is why the use of transition agreements have permitted periods which existing members can limit immigration. Not all existing member states impose restrictions, and during the Eastern Enlargements, the restrictions were imposed for varying lengths of time by different existing members up to a maximum of seven years. During the transition agreement, the economies of new members and existing members can converge, which is ultimately designed to limit the pull factor of migration. In this note, we provide a concise resource of the timeline of the expansion of full free movement of persons for countries in the EEA and Switzerland.
Natural sea water and artificial sea water are not equivalent in plastic leachate contamination studies
Authors: Ullmann Clemens Vinzenz , Arnone Maria Ina , Jimenez-Guri Eva
Published: March 2024

Background Plastic contamination is one of the concerns of our age. With more than 150 million tons of plastic floating in the oceans, and a further 8 million tons arriving to the water each year, in recent times the scientific community has been studying the effects these plastics have on sea life both in the field and with experimental approaches. Laboratory based studies have been using both natural sea water and artificial sea water for testing various aspects of plastic contamination, including the study of chemicals leached from the plastic particles to the water. Methods We obtained leachates of PVC plastic pre-production nurdles both in natural and artificial sea water, and determined the elements in excess from untreated water by Inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectrometry. We then used these different leachates to assess developmental success in the tunicate Ciona intestinalis by treating fertilised eggs through their development to hatched larvae. Results Here we report that chemical analysis of PVC plastic pre-production pellet leachates shows a different composition in natural and artificial sea water. We find that the Zn leaching from the plastic particles is reduced up to five times in artificial sea water, and this can have an effect in the toxicological studies derived. Indeed, we observe different effects in the development of C. intestinalis when using leachates in natural or artificial sea water. We also observe that not all artificial sea waters are suitable for studying the development of the tunicarte C. intestinalis. Conclusions Our results show that, at least in this case, both types of water are not equivalent to produce plastic leachaetes and suggest that precaution should be taken when conclusions are derived from results obtained in artificial sea water.
Paternal health in the first 12-13 years of the ALSPAC study
Authors: Golding Jean , Bickerstaffe Iain , Iles-Caven Yasmin , Northstone Kate
Published: March 2024

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) collected information from the enrolled pregnancy onwards to identify features of the environment in which the study child was brought up. Among data collected were features concerning the health of the mothers’ partners – generally the study father. This was an important feature since the father’s physical and mental health can have a long-term effect on the family. In this Data Note we describe the data available on the father’s health from pregnancy until 12 years after the offspring was born. Not only is this a valuable addition to the environmental information available for studies of the child’s development and the mental health of the mother over time, but it will provide a useful description of the father himself during adulthood.
Around anesthesia: anesthetic aspects of electroconvulsive treatment in the light of the latest reports – review article
Authors: Rodek Patryk , Mędrala Wojciech , Chrobak Jan , Barabasz-Gembczyk Aleksandra , Alli-Balogun Barbara , Kucia Krzysztof
Published: March 2024

Zabiegi elektrowstrząsowe (EW) pozostają najskuteczniejszą metodą leczenia ostrych stanów psychicznych w psychiatrii. Postęp jaki dokonał się w anestezjologii na przestrzeni ostatnich lat pozwala na personalizację i optymalizację samych elektrowstrząsów poprzez interwencje czysto anestezjologiczne. Niewiele istnieje w medycynie procedur, gdzie znieczulenie w tak bezpośredni sposób wpływałoby na skuteczność, czy wręcz powodzenie, danego zabiegu. Kluczowym aspektem elektrowstrząsów jest dobór odpowiedniego środka znieczulającego. W polskich warunkach mamy do wyboru tiopental, propofol, etomidat i ketaminę - każdy o innych, unikalnych właściwościach oraz innym wpływie na generowany napad padaczkowy i bezpieczeństwo hemodynamiczne pacjenta. Optymalnym z perspektywy psychiatry wydaje się etomidat oraz ketamina, które nie wykazują działania przeciwpadaczkowego i umożliwiają użycie mniejszych wartości energii, co przekłada się na mniejsze ryzyko zaburzeń funkcji poznawczych. Ich zastosowanie wiąże się natomiast z częstszymi przypadkami hipertensji i tachykardii. Ketofol, mieszanina ketaminy i propofolu, pozwala złagodzić nadmierny wzrost ciśnienia tętniczego i tętna poprzez hemostabilizującą własność profofolu. Kolejnym istotnym zagadnieniem jest dawka użytego anestetyku czyli głębokość znieczulenia, którą możemy monitorować przy użyciu indeksu bispektralnego. Zbyt głębokie znieczulenie wiązać będzie się z mniejszą skuteczności samego zabiegu. Przepływ prądu elektrycznego wymaga pełnego zwiotczenia mięśni pacjenta. Lekiem z wyboru pozostaje sukcynylocholina, będąca depolaryzującym środkiem zwiotczającym. W przypadku przeciwwskazań do jej zastosowania użyteczne okazują się środki niedepolaryzujące, takie jak miwakurium czy rokuronium, choć czas trwania zabiegu zdecydowanie się wydłuża. Sugammadeks pozwala na pełne zniesienie zwiotczenia wywołanego rokuronium, jednak pozostaje lekiem finansowo z reguły nieosiągalnym.
Probing species’ information initially obtained with citizen science: implications for ecological management
Authors: Aldea Kristian , Azanza Patrick Alain T.
Published: March 2024

Due to the natural engagements of citizen scientists, they have the advantage of species encounters, thus leveraging their significance in biodiversity studies. When a citizen scientist reports a suspected new species, an investigation may first require studies on taxonomy and biological analysis. There are cases, however, when their reports pertain to already known species that may still need investigations (species’ occurrence and distributions), considering different ecological viewpoints. With this premise, we conducted a field survey (station-based visual data collection) to probe the extent of the distribution of two species described with citizen science engagements. We also explored the species-associated cultural practices in the community. Our results reveal the presence of the two species with distributions varying in spatiotemporal contexts, validating the contribution of citizen science to the distribution record. With ecological management perspectives, we provide the following notions: conservation plans for the “rare” species and eradication programs for the invasive species on the island.
Spatial and temporal monitoring of wildfires in Golestan province using remote sensing data
Authors: Asadi Oskouei Ebrahim , Shobairi Seyed Omid Reza , Sadeghi Hadis , Shokouhi Mojtaba , Fatahi Ebrahim , Khazanedari Leili , Lingxiao Sun , Haiyan Zhang , Chunlan Li , Jing He , Ayombekov Qirghizbek
Published: March 2024

Wildfires are one of the most significant factors of ecosystem change. Knowing the wildfire regime (frequency, intensity, and distribution pattern) is essential in wildfire management. This research aims to analyze the spatiotemporal pattern of wildfires in Golestan in 2001-2021 using MODIS data, burned area product (MCD64A1). For this purpose, the annual and monthly frequency, as well as the trend of wildfires based on types of forest, pasture, and crop cover, were statistically analyzed. The local Moran pattern analysis method and kernel density function were used to analyze the spatial dynamics of wildfire. The results showed that 18,462 wildfires occurred in Golestan, the highest of which was in 2010, with 2,517 wildfires (13.8%). The lowest number of wildfires, with only 57 events (0.5%), was in 2001. Based on the local Moran model results and the kernel density function, the wildfires' extent and intensity were greater in the plains and foothills to the south and southeast of Golestan. The lowest extent and intensity of the wildfire corresponded to the eastern parts of the province. The frequency of wildfires was higher in the hot period of the year (spring and summer). However, the period of occurrence of wildfire and the peak of wildfire changes in different uses. The wildfire zones in June were wider and more intense than in other months. The frequency and spatial extent of wildfires in agricultural lands from May to July, pasture lands in July, August, and September, and forest lands in November and December were more than in other months. Weather conditions play a significant role in the occurrence of wildfire in the forest lands of Golestan. The results of this research help understand wildfire risk areas and provide a scientific basis for predicting and controlling wildfires and reducing carbon emissions related to them.
Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risks in Road Deposited Sediments: A Study in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Odochi Ubechu Bridget , Enimakpokpo Joan , Akaolisa Casmir Chukwuemeka Zanders , Agbasi Okechukwu , Nwachukwu Helen
Published: March 2024

The study aims to conduct an ecological risk assessment and build a pollution model for assessing trace metal concentrations in road dust in Owerri, Nigeria. Key roadways in the urban area were chosen based on traffic volume, population density, and human activity. Data was collected at 500-meter intervals throughout each route, and silt samples were collected by systematic sweeping of a 1 square metre area covering road pavements and curbs. The examination found metallic pollutants such as chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) inside the RDS. Nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) levels were substantially higher than their respective background values. Carbon monoxide levels along Port Harcourt Road, specifically 670 mg/l, are much higher than the background norm, indicating a considerable influence of human activity. Estimated enrichment values for the metallic elements ranged from insignificant (Mn) to extremely high (Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb). Based on geoaccumulation index data, it can be concluded that the RDS has significant levels of contamination in terms of Ni and Pb, implying a considerable buildup of certain heavy metals, most likely due to anthropogenic acts. The study identified two major sources of heavy metal contamination: natural sources originating in the Earth's crust and transportation-related activities such as air deposition, corrosion, and vehicle degradation.
A landscape in turmoil: characterizing the multi-decadal growth trajectory of brackishwater aquaculture in Medinipur Coastal Plain, India
Authors: Naskar Mrinmoyee , Neogy Sohini , Kumar Roy Asit , Datta Debajit
Published: March 2024

The spatio-temporal growth trajectory of coastal brackishwater aquaculture (CBA) in the coastal tracts of Purba Medinipur, India and its impending repercussions on the immediate environs, was primarily assessed in this study through application of geostatistics, landscape metrics, and geospatial technologies. Three Community Development (CD) Blocks, namely, Contai-I, Deshapran, and Ramnagar-II were considered to analyze the growth pattern of the area under CBA. Landsat datasets of the assessment years (1991, 2001, 2011, 2021, and 2023) were used to prepare the land use/ land cover (LULC) maps and to derive pertinent landscape metrics of patch and class levels for this region. This brought forward a highly fragmented and dispersive spatial concentration of the CBA farms in the entire study area. Additionally, Census Village-wise growth pattern of CBA was analyzed by conducting a spatial autocorrelation analysis which depicted prominent clustering of villages with a higher concentration of CBA. Results showed that there has been an incessant growth of CBA in the last three decades, however, a sharp drop has been recorded owing to recurrent bouts of diseases, swelling production costs, and a sharp drop-in market rate. The nature of growth and/ or decay of the CBA was predicted for the year 2025 using Cellular Automata and Artificial Neural Network (CA-ANN) model. After careful calibration and validation, the model projected further lessening of the CBA area along with a continued expansion of abandoned aquaculture. Accordingly, ecologically viable livelihood alternatives and environmentally sustainable management measures were suggested for the efficient monitoring of these highly fragile tropical ecosystems.
Fuentes del derecho internacional, principios generales del derecho y su aplicación en el derecho internacional de la inversión extranjera
Authors: Arévalo-Ramírez Walter
Published: March 2024

La literatura reciente sobre el arbitraje en materia de derecho internacional de la inversión extranjera ha abordado de manera extensa el debate sobre el derecho aplicable en los procedimientos de arbitraje internacional de inversiones, debatiendo, en parte, el notorio vuelco de los tribunales arbitrales, que cada vez más deciden aplicar a las controversias entre inversionista y Estado que les son sometidas las distintas fuentes de derecho internacional público y principios generales del derecho, tanto en procedimientos originarios como en procedimientos de anulación (como, por ejemplo, los casos Total c. Argentina y Saluka c. República Checa).
Derecho internacional económico y migración
Authors: Amaya-Castro Juan M. , Quiroga-Villamarín Daniel R.
Published: March 2024

Un hecho particular en el campo del derecho internacional económico es que, en términos generales, no se menciona la migración. Si uno mira la gran mayoría de los manuales contemporáneos de derecho internacional económico (DIE), no se encontrará un capítulo como el actual1. Si, además, uno mira a los programas de cursos o de maestrías en el área del DIE, seguirá viendo un campo en el cual la migración está ausente. Esta omisión tiene varias razones. Una está relacionada con el sesgo formalista del área del DIE. Si no existe un régimen normativo o institucional internacional en el sentido formal de la palabra, es decir, en el sentido de la existencia de algún tratado multilateral u organización internacional, entonces se considera que no existe un derecho internacional que amerite su estudio. Parecería entonces justificada la ausencia de un fenómeno que carece de régimen normativo formal (es decir, un tratado o serie de tratados internacionales), y si bien sí existe un marco institucional (por ejemplo, la Organización Internacional para las Migraciones [OIM]), este no contiene la centralización de una autoridad o jurisdicción internacional normativa y entonces, se podría argumentar, no ameritaría su inclusión en un libro sobre el DIE.
Perspectivas antagónicas frente a los beneficios de la consolidación del derecho internacional de la inversión extranjera como subsistema del derecho internacional económico
Authors: Prieto-Ríos Enrique , Soto-García Santiago , Tamayo-Álvarez Rafael
Published: March 2024

Como se plantea en este libro, el derecho internacional de la inversión extranjera (DIIE) es un subsistema del derecho internacional económico que ha ganado gran relevancia después de los 2000 debido al incremento en el número de tratados, así como en el número de arbitrajes de inversión. Para el año 2019, el número total de acuerdos internacionales de inversión (AII) firmados ascendía a 3317.
Debiasing In-Sample Policy Performance for Small-Data, Large-Scale Optimization
Authors: Gupta Vishal , Huang Michael , Rusmevichientong Paat
Published: March 2024

In many modern large-scale decision-making problems, data can be scarce. As a result, traditional methods such as cross-validation perform poorly in evaluating the performance of decision-making policies. In “Debiasing In-Sample Policy Performance for Small-Data, Large-Scale Optimization,” Gupta, Huang, and Rusmevichientong propose a novel estimator of the out-of-sample performance for a policy in data-driven optimization. Unlike cross-validation, their approach avoids sacrificing training data for evaluation. As a result, they theoretically show the estimator is asymptotically unbiased as the problem size grows. Furthermore, they show that the estimator is asymptotically optimal when applied to more specialized “weakly coupled” optimization problems. Finally, using a case study on dispatching emergency medical response services, they demonstrate their proposed method provides more accurate estimates of out-of-sample performance and selects better policies.
Ways of making online teaching more successful: An autoethnographic study
Authors: Bao Dat
Published: March 2024

This article is the author’s professional reflectivity as a TESOL lecturer at an Australian University over the past sixteen years. Observing and responding to students’ interests, concerns, and challenges has allowed this work to take shape. It signifies a range of issues that shape student learning with a strong focus on problematic features of online education practices. These issues include the absence of non-verbal cues, responsive latency, the pressure of teacher multiple-roles, and digital learning boredom. Thanks to collected data from student feedback, conversation with colleagues, and field notes, the author has put together a set of principles and strategies for making teaching and learning in the virtual space a more rewarding experience for both teachers and students. The strategies inclkude making learning content interesting and useful, personalised communication, clear participation protocols, mediation of student workload and participation, scaffolding online learning, organising choices, diversifying approaches to tasks, encouraging student voices, and collaboration with non-teaching staff.
Sola Apostolica : A Proposal for an Ecumenical Principle of Authority
Authors: Luke Sean
Published: March 2024

precis: In order to achieve ecumenical unity, the church catholic must settle the question of authority. In this essay, I propose the concept of Sola Apostolica . I argue that the sole infallible norm and source of doctrine for the church catholic is the apostolic teaching—the joint teaching of the prophets and apostles in their integral unity. First, I sketch the history and theology of the Word of God. Next, I define and defend Sola Apostolica by situating it within the theology and domain of the Word. Then, I argue that Prima Scriptura follows as a logical consequence alongside a robust view of the evidential weight of tradition. By coordinating Prima Scriptura and the evidential weight of tradition with Sola Apostolica as their foundation, I hope to move the dialogue forward.
A Dialogue of Difference: Y. Leibowitz in Conversation with M. Dubois on Judaism and Christianity
Authors: Schramm Netta
Published: March 2024

precis: This essay explores the theories of interfaith dialogue proposed by Yeshayahu Leibowitz and Marcel Dubois. It begins by examining their individual interpretations of Judaism, Christianity, and the feasibility of engaging in dialogue. Leibowitz’s emphasis on “difference” and the perceived impossibility of dialogue echoes Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik’s influential essay, “Confrontation.” However, while Soloveitchik prohibited interfaith dialogue and abstained from public discourse, Leibowitz actively engaged in public inter-faith dialogue with his friend Marcel Dubois. Through a detailed analysis of a series of filmed debates between Dubois and Leibowitz, this essay argues that Leibowitz’s actions implicitly endorsed a “dialogue of difference.” Progress in this context involves a deeper understanding of the significant divide between Judaism and Christianity, coupled with fostering genuine appreciation and mutual respect for individuals of different faiths. This exchange between Leibowitz and Dubois highlights the gap between theory and practice, shedding light on the concept of difference in interfaith engagement.
Scented Protection: Saffron's Transcultural Premodern History
Authors: Liu Yan
Published: March 2024

abstract: Propelled by the flourishing Silk Road, a wide range of aromatics entered the Sinitic world from India, Southeast Asia, and Persia in the first millennium ce. This article offers a cultural biography of saffron ( yujin xiang ), a plant of Kashmiri and Persian origins that was imported into the Sinitic world starting in the fifth century. By studying a nexus of medical writers, Buddhist monks, traders, and envoys who participated in the circulation and deployment of saffron, I explore the process of knowledge-making that endowed the aromatic with assorted uses in Tang society. To understand and utilize the fragrant substance, Chinese actors regularly aligned it with preconceived notions in their own cultural repertoire. I argue that the transmission of saffron and its associated knowledge across cultural spheres was a dynamic process of negotiation between the novel and the classical, the foreign and the domestic, the exotic and the familiar. 摘要: 本文呈現了絲綢之路上鬱金香的跨文化史。這種來源於克什米爾和波斯地區的名貴香料在唐代社會被賦予多種用途。通過探討醫者、僧侶、商人和使節如何傳播、理解和使用鬱金香，本文展示了與此香料相關的新知識是在域外與本土文化的不斷互動中產生的。
Ecological Wisdom in the Marvelous Realism of Vodou (by way of Jacques Stéphen Alexis)
Authors: Wilcken Lois
Published: March 2024

Abstract: For three days Père Osmin’s escort of parishioners and police rooted through the village of Fonds-Parisien near the Haitian shore of Lake Azuéi, driven by a fevered mission to destroy every temple that served Haiti’s ancestral spirits. Along the way they puzzled over the sanctuaries for the ancestors and the spirits of Africa, now empty of their diabolic (to them) accoutrements. The anguished cries of nocturnal birds in broad daylight disquieted them as they passed. Nothing, however, had prepared the band of zealots for Oungan Bois-d’Orme Létiro’s temple, reduced now to ash and glowing embers at the hands of the Vodou priest himself. Through the thundering speech with which the oungan now greeted Père Osmin and his band, Jacques Stéphen Alexis in his novel Les Arbres musiciens (The musicians’ trees) was connecting the dots among the marvel of the real, Haiti’s ancestral spirits, and the violent consequences of closing one’s senses to nature’s mysteries.
“Desitire fatra” (Get rid of trash): Lyrics and Stills from an Eco-musical Film Collaboration
Authors: Dirksen Rebecca , Vérilus Kendy , Vicière (Samy-Gee) Samuel
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The music video for “Desitire fatra” (Get rid of trash), by Samy-Gee, was a component of the project “Field to Media: Applied Musicology for a Changing Climate” supported by the Mellon Foundation and Humanities without Walls consortium initiative on “The Work of the Humanities in a Changing Climate.” Haiti team leaders for this music video were Rebecca Dirksen (co-PI), Kendy Vérilus, and Samuel Vicière (Samy-Gee).
Upgrading strategies for long-haul quantum key distribution networks
Authors: Wenning Mario , Samonaki Maria , Patri Sai Kireet , Fehenberger Tobias , Griesser Helmut , Mas-Machuca Carmen
Published: March 2024

Quantum key distribution (QKD) has become a promising option for transmitting sensitive data due to the increased maturity of QKD devices and the threat scalable quantum computers imposes on asymmetric public-key cryptosystems. By utilizing existing infrastructure, e.g., amplifier huts and dark fibers, the cost and complexity of deploying QKD networks (QKDNs) can be reduced. In this study, we develop a topology optimization algorithm that minimizes the cost of the QKDN deployment and maximizes the key capacity between any pair of nodes. We present three deployment upgrade strategies for facilitating the encryption of increasing throughput of QKD-secured optical transport networks and enabling a pay-as-you-grow approach. Comparing different strategies in a capacity-planning study allows operators to assess the scalability of deployments and upgrades. Depending on the availability requirements, our results compare the cost of protection measures. We confirm that adding trusted nodes is the most cost-efficient upgrading strategy based on our analysis.
Topological photonic crystal nanowire array laser with bulk states
Authors: Li Yi , Zhang Yang’an , Yan Xin , Yuan Xueguang , Zhang Jinnan , Wu Chao , Zha Chaofei , Zhang Xia
Published: March 2024

A topological photonic crystal InGaAsP/InP core-shell nanowire array laser with bulk states operating in the 1550 nm band is proposed and simulated. By optimizing the structure parameters, high Q factor of 1.2 × 105 and side-mode suppression ratio of 13.2 dB are obtained, which are 28.6 and 4.6 times that of a uniform nanowire array, respectively. The threshold and maximum output are 17% lower and 613% higher than that of the uniform nanowire array laser, respectively, due to the narrower nanowire slits and stronger optical confinement. In addition, a low beam divergence angle of 2° is obtained due to the topological protection. This work may pave the way for the development of high-output, low-threshold, low-beam-divergence nanolasers.
Realization of double uniform line self-focusing of elliptical Airyprime beams
Authors: He Jian , Chen Jiahao , Zhou Yimin , Wang Fei , Cai Yangjian , Zhou Guoquan
Published: March 2024

Double line self-focusing characteristics of elliptical Airyprime beams (EAPBs) with different elliptical vertical-axis factor β are investigated by varying the main ring radius r0. Overly large or small r0 results in the inhomogeneous distribution of light intensity at one linear focus of the double line self-focusing. Only when r0 is appropriate and β is within a certain range, can double uniform line self-focusing happen to the EAPB. Moreover, the self-focusing ability of the second line self-focusing is weaken than that of the first line self-focusing. Under the premise of our selected values of beam parameters, the EAPB can achieve double uniform line self-focusing when r0 = 0.3 mm and β = 0.58∼0.71. The focal length of the first line self-focusing, the lengths of double linear focus, and the self-focusing abilities of the double uniform line self-focusing can be regulated by varying β within the range of 0.58∼0.71. If β is smaller than 0.58 or larger than 0.71, it will lead to nonuniform line self-focusing. An explanation of the physical mechanism behind the double uniform line self-focusing of the EAPB is proposed. Finally, the experimental measurements of the line self-focusing of the EAPB confirm the validity of the above conclusions. This research provides a new solution on how to generate double uniform line self-focusing and new insights into the practical application of elliptical self-focusing beams.
Symbol-level fiber-longitudinal power profile estimation
Authors: Jiang Yingjie , Tang Du , Wang Zhengkang , Luo Ji , Zheng Bofang , Qiao Yaojun
Published: March 2024

Symbol-level fiber-longitudinal power profile estimation (PPE) greatly reduces the implementation complexity compared with the waveform-level PPE using oversampled data. However, symbol-rate data cannot account for the inter-sample interaction, which leads to inaccuracy of the absolute power estimation. To realize an accurate symbol-level PPE, we provide an in-depth analysis of the differences between symbol-level and waveform-level perturbation matrices and propose a power calibration method based on the trace of the inverse matrix. Evaluated in the probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS) 64QAM 130 Gbaud 5 × 50 km optical links, the root mean squared error (RMSE) of the symbol-level PPE decreases by 0.98 and 0.62 dB at erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) positions and all estimated positions with the aid of matrix calibration.
Effects of crystalline lens rise and anterior chamber parameters on vault after implantable collamer lens placement
Authors: Zou Quan , Zhao Sen , Cheng Lei , Song Chao , Yuan Ping , Zhu Ran
Published: March 2024

Background

To analyze vault effects of crystalline lens rise (CLR) and anterior chamber parameters (recorded by Pentacam) in highly myopic patients receiving implantable collamer lenses (ICLs), which may avoid subsequent complications such as glaucoma and cataract caused by the abnormal vault.

Methods

We collected clinical data of 137 patients with highly myopic vision, who were all subsequent recipients of V4c ICLs between June 2020 and January 2021. Horizontal ciliary sulcus-to-sulcus diameter (hSTS) and CLR were measured by ultrasonic biomicroscopy (UBM), and a Pentacam anterior segment analyzer was used to measure horizontal white-to-white diameter (hWTW), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), anterior chamber volume (ACV), CLR, and postoperative vault (Year 1 and Month 1). The lens thickness (LT) was determined by optical biometry (IOL Master instrument). The predictive model was generated through multiple linear regression analyses of influential factors, such as hSTS, CLR, hWTW, ACD, ACA, ACV, ICL size, and LT. The predictive performance of the multivariate model on vault after ICL was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under the curve (AUC) as well as the point of tangency.

Results

Average CLR assessed by UBM was lower than the average value obtained by Pentacam (0.561 vs. 0.683). Bland-Altman analysis showed a good consistency in the two measurement methods and substantial correlation (r = 0.316; P = 0.000). The ROC curve of Model 1 (postoperative Year 1) displayed an AUC of 0.847 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.19–95.27), with optimal threshold of 0.581 (sensitivity, 0.857; specificity, 0.724). In addition, respective values for Model 2 (postoperative Month 1) were 0.783 (95% CI: 64.94–91.64) and 0.522 (sensitivity, 0.917; specificity, 0.605).

Conclusion

CLR and anterior chamber parameters are important determinants of postoperative vault after ICL placement. The multivariate regression model we constructed may serve in large part as a predictive gauge, effectively avoid postoperative complication.
Understanding the factors that affect households’ investment decisions required by the energy transition
Authors: Aguayo-Mendoza Armando , Irizar-Arrieta Ane , Casado-Mansilla Diego , Borges Cruz E.
Published: March 2024

In energy systems’ economic models, people’s behaviour is often underestimated, and they are generally unaware of how habits impact energy efficiency. Improving efficiency is challenging, and recommendations alone may not be sufficient. Changing behaviour requires understanding the direct impact of needs and habits on energy efficiency. This research introduces a methodology that retrieves human expert knowledge from four key aspects of the current energy transition: everyday appliances, buildings, mobility, flexibility, and energy efficiency. The aim is to examine the causal relationship between energy consumption and human behaviour, gaining a deeper understanding of the links among the factors that drive final energy consumers to change habits through the adoption of energy-saving measures. Working in collaboration with expert panels, this study provides a methodology for extracting expert human knowledge based on a set of future energy transition scenarios aligned with the achievement of the Paris Agreement, a taxonomy of 32 factors that have a strong influence on households’ investment decisions, and the results of a survey that characterises the European population through the 32-factor taxonomy and some socioeconomic conditions. In addition, the survey included a sample of the Latin American population to analyse how socioeconomic conditions (region, education, gender, etc.) influence the prioritisation of these factors. We discuss the high priority given to competence and autonomy over financial factors by inhabitants of the European Union residential sector. We provide an analysis of the factors through which other similar projects are focused and on which we converge. In addition, we contribute by presenting the hierarchy of priorities assigned by people. This highlights the importance for policymakers to take these aspects seriously when implementing energy policy interventions that go beyond purely financial measures and fiscal incentives.
Prevalence, correlates, and trends of intimate partner violence against women in Pakistan: Results from Pakistan Demographic and Health surveys 2012–13 and 2017–18
Authors: Shaikh Masood Ali
Published: March 2024

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health problem. The objectives of this study were to analyze the prevalence and correlates of IPV perpetrated by men against women from the recent nationally representative Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017–18, and to analyze levels and trends of IPV perpetrated by current/former husbands from PDHS conducted in 2012–13, in the four provinces and the capital city.

Methods

Association of having ever experienced IPV, defined as either emotional, physical and/or sexual violence, by ever married women aged 15–49, with 12 explanatory socio-demographic, attitudinal, and experiences were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression models.

Results

The prevalence of having ever experienced IPV was 33.48% (95% CI: 30.76–36.32). In the final multivariable model, number of living children, having knowledge of parental physical IPV, husband’s use of alcohol, and marital control were statistically significantly associated with IPV. Proportions and trend analysis of emotional and physical IPV between the PDHS 2017–18 and PDHS 2012–13, showed that in general, rural areas of provinces reported higher prevalence of emotional and physical IPV, compared with urban areas, and in general, emotional, and physical IPV prevalence declined from PDHS2012-13 to PDHS2017-18.

Conclusions

The prevalence of having experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence in Pakistan was lower than the prevalence for the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region. However, IPV burden at the provincial urban-rural residency status underscore the need for location specific strategies to effectively address IPV in Pakistan.
Fostering self-regulated learning in preschool through dynamic assessment methodologies
Authors: Silva Moreira Janete , Costa Ferreira Paula , Veiga Simão Ana Margarida
Published: March 2024

Self-regulated learning is a transversal competency which plays a central role in acquiring autonomy. This investigation aimed to support approaches that foster self-regulated learning in preschool. We proposed to improve preschoolers’ self-regulated learning strategies (i.e., forethought, performance, and self-reflection) through the educational intervention Pipo and Mia, the magic knights, hypothesizing different results when comparing levels of the program intervention. Participants included 115 preschoolers and their nine teachers. Teachers implemented the program to children, and engaged in professional training simultaneously. Aiming to validate the Dynamic Assessment of Self-regulation in Preschool (DASP) method socially, it was used as children’s pre and post-measure, and focus groups were conducted with teachers to assess its validity. Results showed improvements in children’s use of strategies, and some significant differences between intervention levels. Teachers highlighted the DASP method potentialities. The study’s contributions and constraints are discussed considering implications for practice, research, theory, and policy.
Mottle: Accurate pairwise substitution distance at high divergence through the exploitation of short-read mappers and gradient descent
Authors: Prusokiene Alisa , Boonham Neil , Fox Adrian , Howard Thomas P.
Published: March 2024

Current tools for estimating the substitution distance between two related sequences struggle to remain accurate at a high divergence. Difficulties at distant homologies, such as false seeding and over-alignment, create a high barrier for the development of a stable estimator. This is especially true for viral genomes, which carry a high rate of mutation, small size, and sparse taxonomy. Developing an accurate substitution distance measure would help to elucidate the relationship between highly divergent sequences, interrogate their evolutionary history, and better facilitate the discovery of new viral genomes. To tackle these problems, we propose an approach that uses short-read mappers to create whole-genome maps, and gradient descent to isolate the homologous fraction and calculate the final distance value. We implement this approach as Mottle. With the use of simulated and biological sequences, Mottle was able to remain stable to 0.66–0.96 substitutions per base pair and identify viral outgroup genomes with 95% accuracy at the family-order level. Our results indicate that Mottle performs as well as existing programs in identifying taxonomic relationships, with more accurate numerical estimation of genomic distance over greater divergences. By contrast, one limitation is a reduced numerical accuracy at low divergences, and on genomes where insertions and deletions are uncommon, when compared to alternative approaches. We propose that Mottle may therefore be of particular interest in the study of viruses, viral relationships, and notably for viral discovery platforms, helping in benchmarking of homology search tools and defining the limits of taxonomic classification methods. The code for Mottle is available at https://github.com/tphoward/Mottle_Repo.
Reliability and validity of a low-cost, wireless sensor and smartphone app for measuring force during isometric and dynamic resistance exercises
Authors: Illera-Domínguez Víctor , Albesa-Albiol Lluís , Castizo-Olier Jorge , Garcia-Fresneda Adrián , Buscà Bernat , Ramirez-Lopez Carlos , Fernández-Valdés Bruno
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and validity of an affordable wireless force sensor in measuring mean and peak forces during resistance training.A Suiff Pro wireless force sensor (Suiff, Spain) and a MuscleLab force platform (Ergotest, Norway) were used concurrently to assess tensile load and the ground reaction force resulting from an upright row exercise. Thirteen participants (28.2 ± 5.7 years, 76.2 ± 9.6 kg, 178.2 ± 9.2 cm) performed the exercise under three velocity conditions and isometrically. Each condition involved three sets of exercise. Mean (Fmean) and peak (Fpeak) force values from both sensors were collected and compared.Suiff Pro exhibited excellent reliability for Fmean and Fpeak (ICCs = 0.99). When compared to the criterion measures, Suiff Pro showed trivial standardized bias for Fmean (Mean = 0.00 [CI 95% = 0.00 to 0.01]) and Fpeak (-0.02 [-0.04 to 0.00]). The standardized typical error was also trivial for Fmean (0.03 [0.02 to 0.03]) and Fpeak (0.07 [0.05 to 0.09]). Correlations with the MuscleLab force platform were nearly perfect: Fmean (0.97 [0.94 to 0.98]; p<0.001); Fpeak (0.96 [0.92 to 0.97]; p<0.001).The findings demonstrate that the Suiff Pro sensor is reliable and valid device for measuring force during isometric and dynamic resistance training exercises. Therefore, practitioners can confidently use this device to monitor kinematic variables of resistance training exercises and to obtain real-time augmented feedback during a training session.
Targeted degradation of zDHHC-PATs decreases substrate S-palmitoylation
Authors: Bai Mingjie , Gallen Emily , Memarzadeh Sarah , Howie Jacqueline , Gao Xing , Kuo Chien-Wen S. , Brown Elaine , Swingler Simon , Wilson Sam J. , Shattock Michael J. , France David J. , Fuller William
Published: March 2024

Reversible S-palmitoylation of protein cysteines, catalysed by a family of integral membrane zDHHC-motif containing palmitoyl acyl transferases (zDHHC-PATs), controls the localisation, activity, and interactions of numerous integral and peripheral membrane proteins. There are compelling reasons to want to inhibit the activity of individual zDHHC-PATs in both the laboratory and the clinic, but the specificity of existing tools is poor. Given the extensive conservation of the zDHHC-PAT active site, development of isoform-specific competitive inhibitors is highly challenging. We therefore hypothesised that proteolysis-targeting chimaeras (PROTACs) may offer greater specificity to target this class of enzymes. In proof-of-principle experiments we engineered cell lines expressing tetracycline-inducible Halo-tagged zDHHC5 or zDHHC20, and evaluated the impact of Halo-PROTACs on zDHHC-PAT expression and substrate palmitoylation. In HEK-derived FT-293 cells, Halo-zDHHC5 degradation significantly decreased palmitoylation of its substrate phospholemman, and Halo-zDHHC20 degradation significantly diminished palmitoylation of its substrate IFITM3, but not of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. In contrast, in a second kidney derived cell line, Vero E6, Halo-zDHHC20 degradation did not alter palmitoylation of either IFITM3 or SARS-CoV-2 spike. We conclude from these experiments that PROTAC-mediated targeting of zDHHC-PATs to decrease substrate palmitoylation is feasible. However, given the well-established degeneracy in the zDHHC-PAT family, in some settings the activity of non-targeted zDHHC-PATs may substitute and preserve substrate palmitoylation.
Pediatric hemolysis in emergency departments: Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications
Authors: Mielke Nicholas , Lee Ray , Bahl Amit
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical implications of hemolyzed laboratory samples in the pediatric emergency department (ED), a subject on which existing data remains scarce.

Methods

We conducted a multi-site observational cohort analysis of pediatric ED encounters in Metro Detroit, Michigan, United States. The study included participants below 18 years of age who had undergone peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) placement and laboratory testing. The primary outcome was the presence of hemolysis, and secondary outcomes included identifying risk factors for hemolysis and assessing the impact of hemolysis on PIVC failure.

Results

Between January 2021 and May 2022, 10,462 ED encounters met inclusion criteria, of which 14.0% showed laboratory evidence of hemolysis. The highest proportion of hemolysis occurred in the infant (age 0–1) population (20.1%). Multivariable regression analysis indicated higher odds of hemolysis for PIVCs placed in the hand/wrist in the toddler (age 2–5) and child (age 6–11) subgroups. PIVCs placed in the hand/wrist also demonstrated higher odds of failure in infants.

Conclusions

Hemolysis in the pediatric ED population is a frequent complication that occurs at similar rates as in adults. PIVCs placed in the hand/wrist were associated with higher odds of hemolysis compared to those placed in the antecubital fossa. Clinicians should consider alternative locations for PIVC placement if clinically appropriate. Further research is needed to better understand the clinical implications of pediatric hemolysis.