bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethics and rule breaking in a vulnerable society: some challenges
Authors: GilVilla Fernando
Published: April 2024

Scientific and procedural rationality becomes compatible with subjectivism, increasing the modern ethical void. In this work I will show how that void impact in disruptive behavior. First, I shortly describe the general problem of our moral culture making dialogue one of the most important contemporary moral philosophers, Enmanuel Levinas and the sociologist Zygmunt Bauman, who has made the main critical contribution to the moral culture. Second, I will make some observations in the sphere of art, where it is specially notorious how the crisis of ethics due to the evolution of the culture of individualism affects to the behavior erasing limits -v.g. Proof-Of-Authority-, extending the beliefs that all is possible, that anyone can do anything, everything can happen, and, so that, rules and forecast are perceived more relatives that never. In a third step, I will focus the attention on the multidisciplinary field of Criminology -rule breaking, deviance-, because it is the main place where can be proof the failure of norms which lead society to both, problems for coexistence, and ability to predict insecurity. The formulas invented by social scientist to understand “normal” as well “deviant” behaviour, seems to fail more than ever. That should make us consider two kinds of challenges. How can we reinforce the ethical side of the norms under a cultural environment secularized and liquid, and physically threatened? How can we manage the self-criticism in social sciences so that we not all in the pessimism apparently propitiated by Cancel Culture?
Bayesian networks for inferring the relationship between individual behavior and social influence: A case study of early 20th century British travels in China
Authors: Ding Meijie
Published: April 2024

This study investigated the possibility of applying the Bayesian networks (BNs) in analyzing the relationship between individual behavior and social influence among early 20th-century British travelers in China. While historical studies have provided valuable details about social interactions, existing research using such studies has shown limitations in quantifying and analyzing complex relationships. This study attempts to address this gap by employing Bayesian networks (BNs) to construct a framework for modeling the probabilistic relationships between various factors influencing the travel patterns of British travelers in China in the early 20th century. These factors include political climate, economic considerations, and cultural interactions, which are sourced through historical studies, travel diaries, and other contemporary sources. The performance of the proposed Bayesian network model is evaluated using established statistical methods, including confusion matrices, cross-validation, and sensitivity analysis (SA). The results have shown the significance of the chosen model in analyzing the complex relationship selected analysis.
Assessing the attention-interest-search-action-share (AISAS) model on the traditional textile exhibition visitors
Authors: Suhud Usep , Sulistyowati Raya , SugiantoSitohang Doni , Maulida Ernita , BaraBerutu Meta
Published: April 2024

Indonesia, rich in diverse ethnicities, celebrates numerous traditional textile traditions. Traditional textile marketing often finds expression through exhibitions. This study explores the applicability of the AISAS model in the exhibitions of traditional textiles in Jakarta. The research engages 235 participants aged 17 and above, all social media users with prior attendance at such exhibitions. Data analysis uses exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and structural equation modelling. Hypothesis testing for the linear AISAS model affirms the impact of attention on interest, interest on search, search on action, and action on share, demonstrating positive outcomes. The non-linear AISAS model also confirms the impact of attention on interest and interest on search. However, the impact of interest on action reveals a nuanced result and the effects of search on action face rejection. This study holds significance for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) marketing and textile exhibition strategies, providing valuable insights into consumer behaviour during traditional textile exhibitions.
Dr. Otto Rodtríguez Armas (1935-2023). In Memoriam
Authors: Kízer Yornisky Saúl
Published: April 2024

Agradezco a la Junta Directiva de la Academia Nacional de Medicina de Venezuela quienes en su reunión de fecha 2 de enero de 2024 me designaron para realizar el IN MEMORIAM en honor al Dr. Otto Rodríguez Armas, fallecido en Caracas el 31 de diciembre de 2023 y quien fue Individuo de Número Sillón IX durante diez años. IN MEMORIAM es una locución latina que significa “en memoria o en recuerdo de”. Su uso habitual es como título de un obituario, acto u obra de arte realizada para recordar y honrar a una persona fallecida.
Villa-Lobos: paradigmas para a música brasileira e universal
Authors: JUNQUEIRA GUIMARÃES RAQUEL BEATRIZ , JUNQUEIRA GUIMARÃES MARIA INÊS
Published: April 2024

Este artigo se orienta por duas questões: qual seria o legado de Villa-Lobos para a música e para os músicos brasileiros, e que relação teria essa herança com a participação do compositor na Semana de Arte Moderna de 1922. Consideraremos em seu desenvolvimento a notória importância do maestro para a música brasileira; as inovações no estabelecimento de novos toques para piano, violão, violoncelo e as transformações timbrísticas, rítmicas propostas por ele na escrita para as orquestras sinfônicas e outros grupos instrumentais. Neste sentido, serão focalizadas aqui obras fundamentais para solistas, em piano e violão, bem como para pequenas formações ou para grandes orquestras e coros, a saber: o Guia prático, as cirandas, os choros, as bachianas e textos sinfônicos. Ao abordar esse repertório objetivamos demonstrar como Villa-Lobos cria obra singular tornando-a expressão da música brasileira e universal.
Palavras-chave: Villa-Lobos; Arte moderna; Música brasileira; Ritmo; Timbre.
AbstractThis article will focus on two questions: what would be Villa-Lobos' legacy for Brazilian music and musicians and what would be the relationship between this legacy and his participation in the 1922’s Modern Art Week. To answer, we will consider the maestro’s notorious importance in Brazilian music; his innovations in the development of a new piano and guitar technique, the transformation of timbres and rhythms in his writing for symphonic orchestras and other instrumental groups. To this end, we will analyze major pieces for piano and guitar soloists, as well as for small ensembles or large orchestras and choirs, namely: the guia prático (Pratical guide), the cirandas, the choros, the bachianas and symphonic texts. While approaching this repertoire we will demonstrate how Villa-Lobos creates a singular work, making it an expression of Brazilian and universal music.
Keywords: Villa-Lobos; Modern art; Brazilian music; Rhythm; Timbre.
Surface microbial contamination in a dental department. A 10-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Bracher Lukas , Kulik Eva M , Waltimo Tuomas , Türp Jens C
Published: April 2024

Health care-associated infections may not only occur in a hospital setting, but also in dental clinics. Insufficient environmental decontamination could be one of the risk factors. In this retrospective study, we documented and analyzed the results of surface microbial contamination in a dental university-based department over an observation period of ten years. It was the aim of this investigation to identify general tendencies and potentially problematic sites on a long-term basis allowing suggestions for further improvement. Surface microbial contamination in the Department of Reconstructive Dentistry at the University Center for Dental Medicine in Basel, Switzerland, was evaluated on a regular basis using contact plates. Data gained between January 2007 and December 2016 was collected and summarized for statistical analysis. Although the overall surface microbial contamination was relatively low during the observation period, significant differences depending on localization and test sites were detected. Certain sites, such as the handle of the dentist’s chair and computer surfaces, remained problematic. Continuous monitoring of surface microbial contamination can help to improve the hygiene level in a dental set-up. Further improvement might be achieved by avoiding hand-touch handles whenever possible and by relying on flat and easy-to-clean surfaces within the reach of the bacterial aerosol. However, during interventions that may pose a higher risk for the patient, additional measures should be taken by working under almost sterile conditions and by avoiding direct hand contact with problematic sites.
Biomedical applications of collagen: A Review
Authors:   Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements (BRICM), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh, Rahman Mashiur , Huda Mainul ,   Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements (BRICM), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh, Hasan Anamul ,   Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements (BRICM), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh, Khan Mala ,   Bangladesh Reference Institute for Chemical Measurements (BRICM), Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh
Published: April 2024

Collagen is an excellent biomaterial. Biological characteristics of collagen including biodegradability and weak antigenicity made it a primary resource in medical application. In biomedical field collagen is mainly used as sponges for wound/burn, supplement in rheumatoid arthritis, drug delivery system, controlling material for transdermal delivery and basic matrices for cell culture system due to its ability to stimulate formation of tissue and organ. Moreover, collagen is also applied in tissue engineering including bone defect, tissue regeneration, skin replacement and artificial blood vessels and valves. The article reviews biomedical application of collagen in wound healing, rheumatoid arthritis, drug delivery system, tissue engineering and lung function improvement in pulmonary fibrosis due to viral infection.
Fast polynomial multiplication using matrix multiplication accelerators with applications to NTRU on Apple M1/M3 SoCs
Authors: Filho Décio , Brandão Guilherme , López Julio
Published: April 2024

Efficient polynomial multiplication routines are critical to the performance of lattice-based post-quantum cryptography (PQC). As PQC standards only recently started to emerge, CPUs still lack specialized instructions to accelerate such routines. Meanwhile, deep learning has grown immeasurably in importance. Its workloads call for teraflops-level of processing power for linear algebra operations, mainly matrix multiplication. Computer architects have responded by introducing ISA extensions, coprocessors and special-purpose cores to accelerate such operations. In particular, Apple ships an undocumented matrix-multiplication coprocessor, AMX, in hundreds of millions of mobile phones, tablets and personal computers. Our work repurposes AMX to implement polynomial multiplication and applies it to the NTRU cryptosystem, setting new speed records on the Apple M1 and M3 systems-on-chip (SoCs): polynomial multiplication, key generation, encapsulation and decapsulation are sped up by

1.54

–

3.07
×

,

1.08

–

1.33
×

,

1.11

–

1.50
×

and

1.20

–

1.98
×

, respectively, over the previous state-of-the-art.
Verifiable Encryption from MPC-in-the-Head
Authors: Takahashi Akira , Zaverucha Greg
Published: April 2024

Verifiable encryption (VE) is a protocol where one can provide assurance that an encrypted plaintext satisfies certain properties, or relations. It is an important building block in cryptography with many useful applications, such as key escrow, group signatures, optimistic fair exchange, and others. However, the majority of previous VE schemes are restricted to instantiation with specific public-key encryption schemes or relations. In this work, we propose a novel framework that realizes VE protocols using zero-knowledge proof systems based on the MPC-in-the-head paradigm (Ishai et al. STOC 2007). Our generic compiler can turn a large class of zero-knowledge proofs into secure VE protocols for any secure public-key encryption scheme with the undeniability property, a notion that essentially guarantees binding of encryption when used as a commitment scheme. Our framework is versatile: because the circuit proven by the MPC-in-the-head prover is decoupled from a complex encryption function, the work of the prover is focused on proving the encrypted data satisfies the relation, not the proof of plaintext knowledge. Hence, our approach allows for instantiation with various combinations of properties about the encrypted data and encryption functions. We then consider concrete applications, to demonstrate the efficiency of our framework, by first giving a new approach and implementation to verifiably encrypt discrete logarithms in any prime order group more efficiently than was previously known. Then we give the first practical verifiable encryption scheme for AES keys with post-quantum security, along with an implementation and benchmarks.
A provably masked implementation of BIKE Key Encapsulation Mechanism
Authors: Demange Loïc , Rossi Mélissa
Published: April 2024

BIKE is a post-quantum key encapsulation mechanism (KEM) selected for the 4th round of the NIST's standardization campaign. It relies on the hardness of the syndrome decoding problem for quasi-cyclic codes and on the indistinguishability of the public key from a random element, and provides the most competitive performance among round 4 candidates, which makes it relevant for future real-world use cases. Analyzing its side-channel resistance has been highly encouraged by the community and several works have already outlined various side-channel weaknesses and proposed ad-hoc countermeasures. However, in contrast to the well-documented research line on masking lattice-based algorithms, the possibility of generically protecting code-based algorithms by masking has only been marginally studied in a 2016 paper by Chen et al. in SAC 2015. At this stage of the standardization campaign, it is important to assess the possibility of fully masking BIKE scheme and the resulting cost in terms of performances.

In this work, we provide the first high-order masked implementation of a code-based algorithm. We had to tackle many issues such as finding proper ways to handle large sparse polynomials, masking the key-generation algorithm or keeping the benefit of the bitslicing. In this paper, we present all the gadgets necessary to provide a fully masked implementation of BIKE, we discuss our different implementation choices and we propose a full proof of masking in the Ishai Sahai and Wagner (Crypto 2003) model.

More practically, we also provide an open C-code masked implementation of the key-generation, encapsulation and decapsulation algorithms with extensive benchmarks. While the obtained performance is slower than existing masked lattice-based algorithms, we show that masking at order 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 implies a performance penalty of x5.8, x14.2, x24.4, x38 and x55.6 compared to order 0 (unmasked and unoptimized BIKE). This scaling is encouraging and no Boolean to Arithmetic conversion has been used.
Survey: Recovering cryptographic keys from partial information, by example
Authors: De Micheli Gabrielle , Heninger Nadia
Published: April 2024

Side-channel attacks targeting cryptography may leak only partial or indirect information about the secret keys. There are a variety of techniques in the literature for recovering secret keys from partial information. In this work, we survey several of the main families of partial key recovery algorithms for RSA, (EC)DSA, and (elliptic curve) Diffie-Hellman, the classical public-key cryptosystems in common use today. We categorize the known techniques by the structure of the information that is learned by the attacker, and give simplified examples for each technique to illustrate the underlying ideas.
Feldman's Verifiable Secret Sharing for a Dishonest Majority
Authors: Chen Yi-Hsiu , Lindell Yehuda
Published: April 2024

Verifiable secret sharing (VSS) protocols enable parties to share secrets while guaranteeing security (in particular, that all parties hold valid and consistent shares) even if the dealer or some of the participants are malicious. Most work on VSS focuses on the honest majority case, primarily since it enables one to guarantee output delivery (e.g., a corrupted recipient cannot prevent an honest dealer from sharing their value). Feldman's VSS is a well known and popular protocol for this task and relies on the discrete log hardness assumption. In this paper, we present a variant of Feldman's VSS for the dishonest majority setting and formally prove its security. Beyond the basic VSS protocol, we present a publicly-verifiable version, as well as show how to securely add participants to the sharing and how to refresh an existing sharing (all secure in the presence of a dishonest majority). We prove that our protocols are UC secure, for appropriately defined ideal functionalities.
Towards Practical Transciphering for FHE with Setup Independent of the Plaintext Space
Authors: Méaux Pierrick , Park Jeongeun , Pereira Hilder
Published: April 2024

Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) is a powerful tool to achieve non-interactive privacy preserving protocols with optimal computation/communication complexity. However, the main disadvantage is that the actual communication cost (bandwidth) is high due to the large size of FHE ciphertexts. As a solution, a technique called transciphering (also known as Hybrid Homomorphic Encryption) was introduced to achieve almost optimal bandwidth for such protocols. However, all existing works require clients to fix a precision for the messages or a mathematical structure for the message space beforehand. It results in unwanted constraints on the plaintext size or underlying structure of FHE based applications.

In this article, we introduce a new approach for transciphering which does not require fixed message precision decided by the client, for the first time. In more detail, a client uses any kind of FHE-friendly symmetric cipher for

{
0
,
1
}

to send its input data encrypted bit-by-bit, then the server can choose a precision

p

depending on the application and homomorphically transforms the encrypted bits into FHE ciphertexts encrypting integers in

ℤ
p

. To illustrate our new technique, we evaluate a transciphering using FiLIP cipher and adapt the most practical homomorphic evaluation technique [CCS'22] to keep the practical latency. As a result, our proof-of-concept implementation for

p

from

2
2

to

2
8

takes only from

13

ms to

137

ms.
Artificial Intelligence in Project Management: Enhancing Efficiency and Decision-Making
Authors:   Team Leader Smart Leadership Academy, Bangladesh
Published: April 2024

This thesis explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in project management practices to improve efficiency and decision-making processes. As organizations increasingly rely on project management methodologies to execute tasks, deliverables, and achieve objectives, the role of AI in enhancing these processes becomes pivotal. Through an examination of existing literature, case studies, and theoretical frameworks, this thesis investigates the potential benefits, challenges, and implications of incorporating AI technologies in project management. It aims to provide insights into how AI can optimize project planning, scheduling, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder communication. Additionally, the thesis explores the ethical considerations and societal impacts associated with the adoption of AI in project management. By analyzing real-world applications and theoretical perspectives, this research contributes to the understanding of how AI can be effectively utilized to streamline project management practices and drive organizational success in diverse industries.
Post-Purchase Experience in Online Shopping and Their Impact on Customer Satisfaction at Blibli.Com
Authors: Soesanto Maria Yosephine
Published: April 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of Post-Purchase Experience on Customer Satisfaction and Future Purchase Intention on the use of the Blibli.com application in Surabaya. This research method uses an online survey of 200 respondents in Surabaya who have used the Blibli.com application, especially those who have used the return facility. The collected data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) measurement model assisted by using SPSS Version 24.0 and AMOS Version 23.0 applications. The results of this study found that several variables in the Post-Purchase Experience, namely the Shipping Service and Tracking Service variables were not supported on Customer Satisfaction on the use of the Blibli.com application in Surabaya. Other variables, namely Return service and Customer Service have an effect on Customer Satisfaction, and Customer Satisfaction has an effect on Future Purchase Intention.
Plasmodium Falciparum associated Rhabdomyolysis
Authors:   Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, Badole Prashant Gendlal , Pandit Vinay R ,   Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, Singh Jivtesh ,   Department of General Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
Published: April 2024

Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is highly unusual in P. falciparum-infected patients. Only a handful of cases have been described in the form of case reports, and the clear pathophysiology behind malaria producing the rhabdomyolysis is unclear. A 55-year-old man with a past medical history of 12 years of alcohol abuse presented to the Emergency Department with a 5-day history of on and off fevers and a 1-day history of pain in the abdomen, vomiting, and shortness of breath. Following initial investigations, the patient was found positive for Plasmodium falciparum infection. The patient was treated with intravenous (IV) artesunate, and on day-2 of admission, the patient developed anuria, severe respiratory distress, and bradycardia and had to be intubated and upgraded to intensive level care; further evaluation revealed elevated serum creatinine and myoglobinuria and diagnosis of secondary rhabdomyolysis and AKI. He was managed with forced alkaline diuresis, and a urine output higher than 200ml/hour was maintained with IV fluids. The patient consequently also developed symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and lorazepam was added for management. On days 5-6 of admission, his symptoms started to improve, and his serum markers of rhabdomyolysis and AKI normalized. The patient was extubated, discharged, remains in follow-up, and has no residual sequelae due to this episode of illness.
英语专业教学中引入英美文学的作用
Authors: 洪巧  , 冯晓平
Published: April 2024

洪巧1，冯晓平2
1.黑龙江工程学院昆仑旅游学院，黑龙江哈尔滨；
2.曲阜远东职业技术学院，山东曲阜
摘要：随着当前社会经济的快速发展，整个社会对于英语人才的需求也在不断提升。在此背景之下，英语专业综合英语课程的教学就变得极为重要。但当前，其在实际的教学过程中过于重视对于学生语言技能的训练，基本没有关注到文学及文化知识教学的重要性。而通过英美文学的学习则能够对于西方文化进行学习与了解。因此，对于当前大学英语教学来说，就需要将英语专业综合英语课程和英美文学进行有效的融合，使得学生得到全面的发展，满足社会对于英语人才的实际需求。
教学论文中的教学经验和教学研究成果探析
Authors: 张德阳  , 夏纪舟
Published: April 2024

张德阳，夏纪舟
曲阜远东职业技术学院，山东曲阜
摘要：教学论文是教师将日常的教学经验和研究进行总结，通过综合运用理论知识进行分析和讨论的写作表现。对于教师来说，由于晋升和科研的需求，他们通常需要发表一定数量的教学论文。然而，要达到发表的标准，教学论文往往需要经过多次修改才能完成。初始的文章稿件只是完成的第一步，要满足发表的需求，还需要进行大量的修订和加工。俗话说，初稿的写作并不容易，但修订稿件更为困难。好的文章往往不仅是被写出来的，更是通过不断的修订和打磨而成。许多知名作家的文章都不是一次就能成功的，而是经过千锤百炼才达到的。由于教师的教学任务繁重，要想创作出优质的教学论文，除了需要深入反思教学外，同样重要的是对文章进行反复的修订和打磨。一篇优秀的教学论文通常不是一次就能“写”出来的，而是需要对初稿进行多次推敲和修改。因此，教师需要以严谨的学术态度，耐心地对初步完成的论文内容进行推敲和修改，才能创作出一篇高质量的教学论文。接下来，我将讨论教学论文修改的基本要求和主要内容。
工程实践教体系和教学方法研究
Authors: 孙合分  , 孔泽豪
Published: April 2024

孙合分1，孔泽豪2
1.帕沃肯工业设备（武汉）有限公司，湖北武汉
2.曲阜远东职业技术学院，山东曲阜
摘要：目前国外的机械工程教育正向着复合型人才和工程应用能力培养的趋势发展，学生不仅需要有坚实的数理科学知识，同时需要工程实践方面的训练，强调理解知识、掌握学习的方法、培养独立分析与解决工程实践的能力。在对教学内容和课程体系改革的进程中，不仅仅要加强理论教学和宽厚的基础知识的学习，更要注重工程实践教学环节，它是提高人才素质与能力的重要途径。因此使工程设计的功能与方法从验证理论知识扩大到应用知识与培养能力，从模仿设计上升到独立思考与创新设计，从单一的设计内容拓宽到综合性设计，重构机械类专业的新型工程实践教学体系，全面开展面向21世纪的工程实践内容和方法的探索与实践是十分必要的。
Everting the Theatrical Sphere Like Terayama
Authors: Ridgely Steven
Published: April 2024

This essay attempts to understand humanistic performances through STEM fields, specifically engaging with Terayama Shūji’s 1970s avant-garde theatre and film through the study of topology. The mathematical transformation called eversion is posited as frame for Terayama’s multiple radical reversals, moving toward residual effects, a process that holds the potential for radically other performance to alter the experience of time and space. Performances of bodily intervention evert the form of theatre and elicit frustration and other affective states that generate a “transformation of theatricalized space.” The essay studies Terayama Shūji’s interest in mathematical models of eversion, or turning the inside out, and how these have influenced his work in avant-garde theatre and film, positioning the audience beyond the mere notion of “revolution” into something more complex and evocative, in which the highly scripted expectation of normative everyday life comes into question. Bodily and spatial interventions bring together viewers and performers with the purpose of transforming social life through the affects—the everting—of the particular feelings generated by the experience of the artwork.
Evaluation of toxicity using zebrafish embryo model and preparation of enteric-coated pellets containing Panax notoginseng saponins
Authors: Nguyen Khanh Van , Nguyen Nhung Thi Hong , Dinh Hoa Thi , Vu Hanh Thi Hong , Vu Thi Thu Giang
Published: April 2024

Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from the root of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen are the main biologically active substances. However, PNS have low permeability and degradation in the acid gastric environment, leading to their limited bioavailability. This study aimed to determine the acute toxicity of PNS in zebrafish larvae and prepare enteric-coated pellets of PNS to enhance their permeability and stability. The survival proportion, the morphological abnormalities, and the heartbeat of zebrafish embryos were performed at treated doses of PNS ranging from 0.01 to 50 μg/ml. Administration of PNS at doses greater than 10 μg/ml may result significantly in morphological alterations such as pericardial edema and curved tail. The core pellets containing PNS, polyethylene glycols, and absorption enhancers were fabricated by the dripping method. Then, the dripping pellets were coated using Eudragit L100 as an enteric coating polymer. The characterizations of core pellets and enteric-coated pellets were evaluated. The produced dripping pellets showed advantageous features, such as ease of preparation, excellent uniformity, notable friability, high dissolution rate, and good stability. In addition, absorption enhancers were successfully incorporated into the core pellets to improve the permeability of PNS. Differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy profiles revealed that the drug was maintained in an amorphous state and did not interact with the excipients during the pellet preparation process. Histological evaluation showed that dripping pellets caused a minor effect on the surface of the jejunal mucosa. The enteric-coated pellets displayed smooth surface morphology, desirable sphericity, good flowability, uniform content, and stability in an acidic pH 1.2 environment and rapid drug release in a pH 6.8 buffer solution. Based on the findings, the enteric-coated pellets may improve the absorption and stability of PNS.
Murraya koenigii L. Spreng.: An updated review of chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicity studies
Authors: Franyoto Yuvianti Dwi , Nurrochmad Arief , Fakhrudin Nanang
Published: April 2024

Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng, commonly known as curry leaves or “Salam India,” belongs to the genus Murraya and the Rutaceae family. This is a potential medicinal plant highly valued for its distinctive aroma and bioactive compounds. A comprehensive review was conducted through an online study on websites such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Subsequently, previous studies reported that the chemical content of M. koenigii includes alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, alkanes, and sesquiterpenes. This plant exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antiinflammatory and analgesic effects, antidiabetic properties, anticancer activity, antioxidant activity, wound healing, antipyretic effects, immunomodulation, hepatoprotective effects, antihelminthic properties, antimicrobial activity, antiulcer effects, antidiarrheal effects, antiobesity effects, neuroprotection, and antitrichomonal activity. In addition, the toxicological tests on the extract of M. koenigii did not show signs of mortality or morbidity. Therefore, this study aims to examine the phytochemical content, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of M. koenigii, serving as the basis for future studies in the field of phytomedicine.
Anti-cancer potential of sea grape (Caulerpa racemosa) extract by altering epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pro-apoptosis proteins expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Permatasari Happy Kurnia , Amar Nasim , Qhabibi Faqrizal Ria , Tertiana Nur Iedha , Subali Anita Dominique , Yusuf Vincentinus Mario , Hakim Dennis Ievan , Nugroho Satrio Adi , Riawan Wibi , Prijadi Bambang
Published: April 2024

Breast cancer is a neoplasm that is increasing globally based on its prevalence. Caulerpa racemosa is a type of sea grape that has anti-cancer activity based on previous studies. We aim to determine the anti-cancer activity of C. racemosa extract on Michigan cancer foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells through the mechanism of apoptosis by observing cell viability and caspase-3 expression, also as an anti-metastatic agent on expression of Snail and Vimentin. A true experimental study was carried out using a randomized post-test-only control group design. MCF-7 cells were used as subjects with the intervention of C. racemosa extract at varying doses. Cell apoptotic was assessed by flow cytometry and cell viability test, while anti-metastatic activity was assessed by wound healing assay. Immunofluorescence staining was used to assess the expression level of caspase-3, Snail, and Vimentin. The results showed an increased activity of cell apoptosis, according to flow cytometry and cell viability tests. Furthermore, expression of caspase-3 was found to be significantly higher in the 400 g/ml dose group and MCF-7 cell migration inhibition by decreasing Snail and Vimentin protein expression. These results indicate a “novel mechanism” of C. racemosa in the MCF-7 model as an anti-cancer and anti-metastatic agent to inhibit breast cancer progression.
Effect of uniaxial strain on Hole mobility of Sb2Se3
Authors: Zhang Leng , Shen Yu-Hao , Tang Chao-Yang , Wu Kong-Ping , Zhang Peng-Zhan , Liu Fei , Hou Ji-Wei ,   School of Electronics and Information Engineering, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing 211169, China,   National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructures, School of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China,   Department of Physics, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
Published: April 2024

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) is a simple-phase, element-rich, and economically friendly material for solar cell absorption layers, with broad application prospects. However, the weak conductivity of Sb2Se3 has become a significant factor limiting the performance of solar cell devices. Carrier mobility is an important electrical parameter for both materials and devices, and strain can change carrier mobility. Therefore, studying the effect of strain on the carrier mobility of Sb2Se3 is of practical significance. In this work, using density functional theory and deformation potential theory, we systematically investigate the influence of uniaxial strain on the band structure, bandgap width, iso-surface, and effective mass of Sb2Se3. We analyze the effects of three types of uniaxial strains along the x-, y-, and z-direction on the carrier mobilities along the x-, y-, and z-direction, which are denoted by μx, μy, and μz, respectively. It is found that under these strains, the valence band maximum (VBM) position of Sb2Se3 remains unchanged, and the bandgap decreases with the increase of strain along the y- and z-direction, while it increases along the x-direction. The variation in bandgap may be related to the coupling strength between the Sb-5p orbital and Se-4p orbital of the conduction band minimum (CBM). For fully relaxed Sb2Se3, its iso-surface exhibits a distorted cylindrical shape, with low dispersion along the z-axis and high dispersion along the x- and y-axis, where μx is greater than μy and μz, suggesting that the x-direction should be considered as the specific growth direction for Sb2Se3 experimentally. When the strain is applied along the x- and z-direction, μx gradually increases with strain increasing, while it decreases when the strain is applied along the y-direction. Taking into account the combined effects of strain on bandgap, iso-surface, density of states, and mobility, this study suggests that the optimal performance of Sb2Se3 solar cell absorber layer material can be realized when the strain is applied along the y-axis, with a compressive strain of 3%.
Deciphering the complex relationship between type 2 diabetes and fracture risk with both genetic and observational evidence
Authors: Zhao Pianpian , Sheng Zhifeng , Xu Lin , Li Peng , Xiao Wenjin , Yuan Chengda , Xu Zhanwei , Yang Mengyuan , Qian Yu , Zhong Jiadong , Gu Jiaxuan , Karasik David , Zheng Hou-Feng
Published: April 2024

The ‘diabetic bone paradox’ suggested that type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients would have higher areal bone mineral density (BMD) but higher fracture risk than individuals without T2D. In this study, we found that the genetically predicted T2D was associated with higher BMD and lower risk of fracture in both weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) and two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. We also identified ten genomic loci shared between T2D and fracture, with the top signal at SNP rs4580892 in the intron of gene RSPO3. And the higher expression in adipose subcutaneous and higher protein level in plasma of RSPO3 were associated with increased risk of T2D, but decreased risk of fracture. In the prospective study, T2D was observed to be associated with higher risk of fracture, but BMI mediated 30.2% of the protective effect. However, when stratified by the T2D-related risk factors for fracture, we observed that the effect of T2D on the risk of fracture decreased when the number of T2D-related risk factors decreased, and the association became non-significant if the T2D patients carried none of the risk factors. In conclusion, the genetically determined T2D might not be associated with higher risk of fracture. And the shared genetic architecture between T2D and fracture suggested a top signal around RSPO3 gene. The observed effect size of T2D on fracture risk decreased if the T2D-related risk factors could be eliminated. Therefore, it is important to manage the complications of T2D to prevent the risk of fracture.
Convergence, plasticity, and tissue residence of regulatory T cell response via TCR repertoire prism
Authors: Nakonechnaya Tatyana O , Moltedo Bruno , Putintseva Ekaterina V , Leyn Sofya , Bolotin Dmitry A , Britanova Olga V , Shugay Mikhail , Chudakov Dmitriy M
Published: April 2024

Suppressive function of regulatory T cells (Treg) is dependent on signaling of their antigen receptors triggered by cognate self, dietary, or microbial peptides presented on MHC II. However, it remains largely unknown whether distinct or shared repertoires of Treg TCRs are mobilized in response to different challenges in the same tissue or the same challenge in different tissues. Here we use a fixed TCRβ chain FoxP3-GFP mouse model to analyze conventional (eCD4) and regulatory (eTreg) effector TCRα repertoires in response to six distinct antigenic challenges to the lung and skin. This model shows highly ‘digital’ repertoire behavior with easy-to-track challenge-specific TCRα CDR3 clusters. For both eCD4 and eTreg subsets, we observe challenge-specific clonal expansions yielding homologous TCRα clusters within and across animals and exposure sites, which are also reflected in the draining lymph nodes but not systemically. Some CDR3 clusters are shared across cancer challenges, suggesting a response to common tumor-associated antigens. For most challenges, eCD4 and eTreg clonal response does not overlap. Such overlap is exclusively observed at the sites of certain tumor challenges, and not systematically, suggesting transient and local tumor-induced eCD4=>eTreg plasticity. This transition includes a dominant tumor-responding eCD4 CDR3 motif, as well as characteristic iNKT TCRα CDR3. In addition, we examine the homeostatic tissue residency of clonal eTreg populations by excluding the site of challenge from our analysis. We demonstrate that distinct CDR3 motifs are characteristic of eTreg cells residing in particular lymphatic tissues, regardless of the challenge. This observation reveals the tissue-resident, antigen-specific clonal Treg populations.
Rab7-dependent regulation of goblet cell protein CLCA1 modulates gastrointestinal homeostasis
Authors: Gaur Preksha , Rajendran Yesheswini , Srivastava Bhagyashree , Markandey Manasvini , Fishbain-Yoskovitz Vered , Mohapatra Gayatree , Suhail Aamir , Chaudhary Shikha , Tyagi Shaifali , Yadav Subhash Chandra , Pandey Amit Kumar , Merbl Yifat , Bajaj Avinash , Ahuja Vineet , Srikanth Chittur
Published: April 2024

Inflammation in ulcerative colitis is typically restricted to the mucosal layer of distal gut. Disrupted mucus barrier, coupled with microbial dysbiosis, has been reported to occur prior to the onset of inflammation. Here, we show the involvement of vesicular trafficking protein Rab7 in regulating the colonic mucus system. We identified a lowered Rab7 expression in goblet cells of colon during human and murine colitis. In vivo Rab7 knocked down mice (Rab7KD) displayed a compromised mucus layer, increased microbial permeability, and depleted gut microbiota with enhanced susceptibility to dextran sodium-sulfate induced colitis. These abnormalities emerged owing to altered mucus composition, as revealed by mucus proteomics, with increased expression of mucin protease chloride channel accessory 1 (CLCA1). Mechanistically, Rab7 maintained optimal CLCA1 levels by controlling its lysosomal degradation, a process that was dysregulated during colitis. Overall, our work establishes a role for Rab7-dependent control of CLCA1 secretion required for maintaining mucosal homeostasis.
Interplay between charge distribution and DNA in shaping HP1 paralog phase separation and localization
Authors: Phan Tien M , Kim Young C , Debelouchina Galia T , Mittal Jeetain
Published: April 2024

The heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) family is a crucial component of heterochromatin with diverse functions in gene regulation, cell cycle control, and cell differentiation. In humans, there are three paralogs, HP1α, HP1β, and HP1γ, which exhibit remarkable similarities in their domain architecture and sequence properties. Nevertheless, these paralogs display distinct behaviors in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process linked to heterochromatin formation. Here, we employ a coarse-grained simulation framework to uncover the sequence features responsible for the observed differences in LLPS. We highlight the significance of the net charge and charge patterning along the sequence in governing paralog LLPS propensities. We also show that both highly conserved folded and less-conserved disordered domains contribute to the observed differences. Furthermore, we explore the potential co-localization of different HP1 paralogs in multicomponent assemblies and the impact of DNA on this process. Importantly, our study reveals that DNA can significantly reshape the stability of a minimal condensate formed by HP1 paralogs due to competitive interactions of HP1α with HP1β and HP1γ versus DNA. In conclusion, our work highlights the physicochemical nature of interactions that govern the distinct phase-separation behaviors of HP1 paralogs and provides a molecular framework for understanding their role in chromatin organization.
Phasic locus coeruleus activity enhances trace fear conditioning by increasing dopamine release in the hippocampus
Authors: Wilmot Jacob H , Diniz Cassiano RAF , Crestani Ana P , Puhger Kyle R , Roshgadol Jacob , Tian Lin , Wiltgen Brian Joseph
Published: April 2024

Locus coeruleus (LC) projections to the hippocampus play a critical role in learning and memory. However, the precise timing of LC-hippocampus communication during learning and which LC-derived neurotransmitters are important for memory formation in the hippocampus are currently unknown. Although the LC is typically thought to modulate neural activity via the release of norepinephrine, several recent studies have suggested that it may also release dopamine into the hippocampus and other cortical regions. In some cases, it appears that dopamine release from LC into the hippocampus may be more important for memory than norepinephrine. Here, we extend these data by characterizing the phasic responses of the LC and its projections to the dorsal hippocampus during trace fear conditioning in mice. We find that the LC and its projections to the hippocampus respond to task-relevant stimuli and that amplifying these responses with optogenetic stimulation can enhance long-term memory formation. We also demonstrate that LC activity increases both norepinephrine and dopamine content in the dorsal hippocampus and that the timing of hippocampal dopamine release during trace fear conditioning is similar to the timing of LC activity. Finally, we show that hippocampal dopamine is important for trace fear memory formation, while norepinephrine is not.
Current perspectives on the multiple roles of osteoclasts: Mechanisms of osteoclast–osteoblast communication and potential clinical implications
Authors: Daponte Valentina , Henke Katrin , Drissi Hicham
Published: April 2024

Bone remodeling is a complex process involving the coordinated actions of osteoblasts and osteoclasts to maintain bone homeostasis. While the influence of osteoblasts on osteoclast differentiation is well established, the reciprocal regulation of osteoblasts by osteoclasts has long remained enigmatic. In the past few years, a fascinating new role for osteoclasts has been unveiled in promoting bone formation and facilitating osteoblast migration to the remodeling sites through a number of different mechanisms, including the release of factors from the bone matrix following bone resorption and direct cell–cell interactions. Additionally, considerable evidence has shown that osteoclasts can secrete coupling factors known as clastokines, emphasizing the crucial role of these cells in maintaining bone homeostasis. Due to their osteoprotective function, clastokines hold great promise as potential therapeutic targets for bone diseases. However, despite long-standing work to uncover new clastokines and their effect in vivo, more substantial efforts are still required to decipher the mechanisms and pathways behind their activity in order to translate them into therapies. This comprehensive review provides insights into our evolving understanding of the osteoclast function, highlights the significance of clastokines in bone remodeling, and explores their potential as treatments for bone diseases suggesting future directions for the field.
Neonatal sensitivity to vocal emotions: A milestone at 37 weeks of gestational age
Authors: Hou Xinlin , Zhang Peng , Mo Licheng , Peng Cheng , Zhang Dandan
Published: April 2024

Emotional responsiveness in neonates, particularly their ability to discern vocal emotions, plays an evolutionarily adaptive role in human communication and adaptive behaviors. The developmental trajectory of emotional sensitivity in neonates is a crucial area of inquiry for understanding the foundations of early social-emotional functioning. However, the precise onset of this sensitivity in neonates and its relationship with gestational age (GA) remain subjects of investigation. In a study involving 120 healthy neonates categorized into six groups based on their GA (ranging from 35 and 40 weeks), we delved into their emotional responses to vocal stimuli. These stimuli encompassed disyllables with happy and neutral prosodies, alongside acoustically matched nonvocal control sounds. The assessments occurred during natural sleep states in neonates, utilizing the odd-ball paradigm and event-related potentials. The results unveil a distinct developmental milestone at 37 weeks GA, marking the point at which neonates exhibit heightened perceptual acuity for emotional vocal expressions. This newfound ability is substantiated by the presence of the mismatch response, akin to an initial form of adult mismatch negativity, elicited in response to positive emotional vocal prosody. Notably, this perceptual shift’s specificity becomes evident when no such discrimination is observed in acoustically matched control sounds. Neonates born before 37 weeks GA do not display this level of discrimination ability. This critical developmental milestone carries significant implications for our understanding of early social-emotional development, shedding light on the role of gestational age in shaping early perceptual abilities. Moreover, it introduces the potential for a valuable screening tool in the context of autism, which is characterized by atypical social-emotional functions. This study makes a substantial contribution to the broader field of developmental neuroscience and holds promise for early intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders.This study illuminates a key developmental milestone, pinpointing the emergence of heightened emotional perceptual acuity at 37 weeks of gestational age. Employing rigorous methods, we reveal that neonates at this stage exhibit remarkable discrimination abilities for emotional vocal prosody, a vital turning point in early social-emotional functioning. These findings emphasize the pivotal role of gestational age in shaping neonatal perception and provides a pathway for early screening of neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. This insight holds profound implications for understanding the foundations of early social-emotional development in humans, offering a potential tool for early intervention in neurodevelopmental disorders, thereby enhancing child health and well-being.