bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of key unfolded protein response genes predicts patient survival and an immunosuppressive microenvironment in glioblastoma
Authors: Oliveira Fernanda Dittrich , de Campos Rafael Paschoal , Pereira Luiza Cherobini , Meira Lisiane B. , Lenz Guido
Published: February 2024

Background

Dysregulation of cellular processes related to protein folding and trafficking leads to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), triggering ER stress. Cells cope with ER stress by activating the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling pathway that has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer. However, the role of the UPR in cancer initiation and progression is still unclear.

Methods

Here we used bulk and single cell RNA sequencing data to investigate ER stress-related gene expression in glioblastoma, as well as the impact key UPR genes have on patient survival.

Results

ER stress-related genes are highly expressed in both cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages, with evidence of high intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity. High expression of the UPR-related genes HSPA5, P4HB, and PDIA4 was identified as risk factors while high MAPK8 (JNK1) expression was identified as a protective factor in glioblastoma patients, indicating UPR genes have prognostic potential in this cancer type. Finally, expression of XBP1 and MAPK8, two key downstream targets of the ER sentinel IRE1α, correlates with the presence of immune cell types associated with immunosuppression and a worse patient outcome. This suggests that the expression of these genes is associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and uncover a potential link between stress response pathways, tumor microenvironment and glioblastoma patient survival.

Conclusions

We performed a comprehensive transcriptional characterization of the unfolded protein response in glioblastoma patients and identified UPR-related genes associated with glioblastoma patient survival, providing potential prognostic and predictive biomarkers as well as promising targets for developing new therapeutic interventions in glioblastoma treatment.
Effect of functional electrical stimulation of interscapular muscles on trunk performance and balance in post-stroke elderly patients
Authors: Elhamrawy Mohammed Youssef , Bahnasy Wafik Said , Elkady Sabah Mohamed , Said Mohamed Taha
Published: February 2024

Background

Disability in the upper limb in post-stroke survivors may have a variety of effects, particularly in the elderly, that require planning therapeutic actions to restore function. Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned to the control group (CON) and the Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) group. For 12 weeks, the CON group received core stabilization exercises (CSEs). The FES group received (FES) for the interscapular muscles with CSEs for the first six weeks and completed the following six weeks with only CSEs. Patients were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention. The trunk impairment scale (TIS) and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (PASS) were used to assess trunk performance. A palpation meter was used to measure the scapular horizontal position (SP). Balance was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG). Function was assessed with Barthel Index (BI).

Results

Both groups improved significantly (P < 0.001 for both groups, d = 1.1–3.7 for control group and d = 1.9–6.1 for FES group) post-treatment (at 6 and 12 weeks) in all outcomes except SP in the control group (P < 0.05 at both times, d = 0.6 at 6 weeks and 0.8 at 12 weeks).

Conclusion

FES for interscapular muscles may have positive effects on trunk performance, scapular position, balance, and function in stroke patients. Also, additional improvements were observed post-intervention compared to baseline. FES is recommended to be part of the rehabilitation program of elderly post-stroke patients.
Surgical treatment of cavernous sinus meningioma with petrous bone invasion causing internal auditory canal stenosis and hearing impairment 7 years after gamma-knife radiosurgery
Authors: Mukai Yasuhiro , Sugawara Takashi , Arai Yukika , Maehara Taketoshi
Published: February 2024

Background

Surgical intervention for cavernous sinus meningiomas remains challenging because of their anatomically complicated location. We report a case of a cavernous sinus meningioma that enlarged and caused hearing impairment due to internal auditory canal stenosis 7 years after gamma-knife radiosurgery.

Case description

A 38-year-old man with abducent nerve paralysis and dysesthesia on the left side of the face was diagnosed with a cavernous sinus meningioma with thickened petrous bone. After a year, the patient had mild left-sided hearing impairment, and gamma-knife radiosurgery was performed. At the age of 46, the left hearing impairment worsened, the tumor was slightly enlarged, and petrous bone thickening in the internal auditory meatus had progressed. We partially resected the tumor, which seemed to be viable, and removed the thickened petrosal bone and opened the internal auditory meatus. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as meningothelial meningioma. The patient’s hearing impairment did not progress, and the residual tumor had not grown for four years.

Conclusions

Removal of the viable tumor that progressed after gamma-knife radiosurgery and opening of the internal auditory meatus were effective in stopping the worsening of hearing impairment and controlling the tumor.
Determination of plastic deformation with variable ultrasonic excitation positions
Authors: Mevissen Frank
Published: February 2024

For highly stressed mechanical components, information regarding the beginning of plastic deformation is of enormous importance. Therefore, nondestructive testing and structural health monitoring techniques are essential to examine said components and to make statements concerning the mechanical integrity. In this work, dislocation theory was extended and combined with ultrasonic wave excitation to obtain dislocations in isotropic materials. In the analytical derivation, the ultrasonic longitudinal waves were sent in different propagation directions relative to the uniaxial tensile load. The derived nonlinearity coefficients enabled the investigation as a function of these angles. The evaluated coefficient behaviour allows for statements about the position of the ultrasonic excitation relative to the tensile load to be made. Furthermore, a signature could be derived from which the degree of plasticity can be determined if a reference measurement is available. The newly derived coefficients and their behaviour make it possible to efficiently detect the beginning of plastic deformation and to predict the position of the applied load vector.
Grandchildren's Longevity and Their Grandfathers’ POW Trauma in the U.S. Civil War
Authors: Costa Dora L.
Published: February 2024

I document the transmission of a grandfather's net nutritional deprivation and psychosocial stress in young adulthood across multiple generations using the grandfather's ex-prisoner of war (ex-POW) status in the U.S. Civil War (1861–1865). Using a newly created dataset, I uncover an association between a grandfather's ex-POW status and the longevity after age 45 of his sons and male-line grandsons but not of his daughters, granddaughters, female-line grandsons, children-in-law, or grandchildren-in-law. Male-line grandsons lost roughly a year of life at age 45 (4% of remaining life expectancy) if descended from ex-POWs who suffered severe captivity conditions than if descended from non-POWs. If their grandfathers faced a less harsh captivity, male-line grandsons lost less than a year of life compared with those descended from non-POWs. I find that the grandfather's age at exposure and the grandson's education, as well as the son's and the grandson's poor late gestational conditions (proxied by season of birth), mediate this relationship. I rule out socioeconomic status, marriage and mortality selection, and cultural or psychological transmission from grandfathers to grandsons as explanations. I cannot rule out an epigenetic explanation.
Reevaluating the Spatial Scale of Residential Segregation: Racial Change Within and Between Neighborhoods
Authors: Lichter Daniel T. , Parisi Domenico , Ambinakudige Shrinidhi , Scott Christian K.
Published: February 2024

This study evaluates the extent to which metropolitan racial segregation occurs between neighborhoods—from tract to tract—and within neighborhoods—from block to block—and is framed theoretically by Putnam's (2007) “hunkering down” hypothesis. Analyses are based on complete-count block, tract, and metropolitan data from the last four U.S. decennial censuses. We document recent patterns of block-to-block segregation between Whites and racial and ethnic minorities (Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics) and between different minority pairs. For example, roughly 40% of all metro Black–White segregation is due to segregation from block to block within neighborhoods. Among Asians, the between-neighborhood component of metropolitan segregation has increased over time but was largely compensated by declines in the within-neighborhood (or block) component. Metropolitan fixed-effects models show that trends and racial and ethnic differences in segregation—overall and within and between neighborhoods—are broadly observed across metro areas but are most evident in the largest, oldest, and most highly segregated metro areas. The results are robust to alternative estimates that adjust for differential privacy, metropolitan reclassification, and neighborhood boundary changes. Analyses of neighborhood change in Atlanta, Georgia, further reinforce the generality of our multiscale approach.
Comparison of Thromboembolic Events Between Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) Shield and PED/PED Flex: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Ramirez-Velandia Felipe , Enriquez-Marulanda Alejandro , Filo Jean , Young Michael , Fodor Thomas B. , Sconzo Daniel , Muram Sandeep , Granstein Justin H. , Shutran Max , Taussky Philipp , Ogilvy Christopher S.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

The pipeline embolization device (PED) Flex with Shield technology is a third-generation flow diverter used for intracranial aneurysm treatment designed to decrease thrombogenicity through a phosphorylcholine coating. Herein, we aim to compare the rate of thromboembolic events in PED with Shield technology and PED without it through propensity score matching.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of aneurysms treated with PED first-generation/PED Flex and PED with Shield between 2013 and 2023 at a single academic institution. Patients were matched through propensity score by controlling for confounding factors including age, smoking history, diabetes, previous subarachnoid hemorrhage, modified Rankin Scale pretreatment, location, aneurysm size, previous treatment, and clopidogrel or aspirin resistance. After matching, we evaluated for periprocedural and postoperative thromboembolic events. Data analysis was performed using Stata 14.

RESULTS:

A total of 543 patients with 707 aneurysms treated in 605 procedures were included in the analysis. From these, 156 aneurysms were treated with PED with Shield (22.07%) and 551 (77.93%) without Shield technology. Propensity score matching resulted in 84 matched pairs. The rate of thromboembolic events was 3.57% for PED Shield and 10.71% for PED first-generation/PED Flex (P = .07), while retreatment rates were 2.38% for PED Shield and 8.32% for PED Flex (P = .09). Complete occlusion at first (P = .41) and last imaging follow-up (P = .71), in-stent stenosis (P = .95), hemorrhagic complications (P = .31), and functional outcomes (P = .66) were comparable for both groups.

CONCLUSION:

This is the first study in the literature performing a propensity scored–matched analysis comparing PED with PED with Shield technology. Our study suggests a trend toward lower thromboembolic events for PED Shield, even after controlling for aspirin and clopidogrel resistance, and a trend toward lower aneurysm retreatment rates with PED Shield, without reaching statistical significance.
General Versus Nongeneral Anesthesia for Carotid Endarterectomy: A Prospective Multicenter Registry-Based Study on 25 000 Patients
Authors: El-Hajj Victor Gabriel , Ghaith Abdul Karim , Gharios Maria , El Naamani Kareem , Atallah Elias , Glener Steven , Habashy Karl John , Hoang Harry , Sizdahkhani Saman , Mouchtouris Nikolaos , Kaul Anand , Elmi-Terander Adrian , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Gooch M. Reid , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a well-established treatment option for carotid stenosis. The choice between general anesthesia (GA) and nongeneral anesthesia (non-GA) during CEA remains a subject of debate, with concerns regarding perioperative complications, particularly myocardial infarctions. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes associated with GA vs non-GA CEA using a large, nationwide database.

METHODS:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was queried for patients undergoing CEA between 2013 and 2020. Primary outcome measures including surgical outcomes and 30-day postoperative complications were compared between the 2 anesthesia methods, after 2:1 propensity score matching.

RESULTS:

After propensity score matching, a total of 25 356 patients (16 904 in the GA and 8452 in the non-GA group) were included. Non-GA compared with GA CEA was associated with significantly shorter operative times (101.9, 95% CI: 100.5-103.3 vs 115.8 95% CI: 114.4-117.2 minutes, P < .001), reduced length of hospital stays (2.3, 95% CI: 2.15-2.4 vs 2.5, 95% CI: 2.4-2.6 days, P < .001), and lower rates of 30-day postoperative complications, including myocardial infarctions (0.8% vs 1.2%, P = .003), unplanned intubations (0.8% vs 1.1%, P = .016), pneumonia (0.5% vs 1%, P < .001), and urinary tract infections (0.4% vs 0.7%, P = .003). These outcomes were notably more pronounced in the younger (≤70 years) and high morbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists 3-5) cohorts.

CONCLUSION:

In this nationwide registry-based study, non-GA CEA was associated with better short-term outcomes in terms of perioperative complications, compared with GA CEA. The findings suggest that non-GA CEA may be a safer alternative, especially in younger patients and those with more comorbidities.
Kinematics and muscle activity of pectoral fins in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) station holding in turbulent flow
Authors: Gibbs Brendan J. , Akanyeti Otar , Liao James C.
Published: February 2024

Pectoral fins play a crucial role in fish locomotion. Despite fishes living in complex fluid environments that exist in rivers and tidal flows, the role of the pectoral fins in navigating turbulent flows is not well understood. This study investigated the kinematics and muscle activity of pectoral fins in rainbow trout as they held station in the unsteady flows behind a D-section cylinder. We observed two distinct pectoral fin behaviors, one during braking and the other during Kármán gaiting. These behaviors were correlated to whole-body movements in response to the hydrodynamic conditions of specific regions in the cylinder wake. Sustained fin extensions during braking, where the fin was held out to maintain its position away from the body and against the flow, were associated with the cessation of forward body velocity, where the fish avoided the suction region directly downstream of the cylinder. Transient fin extensions and retractions during Kármán gaiting controlled body movements in the cross-stream direction. These two fin behaviors had different patterns of muscle activity. All braking events required recruitment from both the abductor and adductor musculature to actively extend a pectoral fin. In contrast, over 50% of fin extension movements during Kármán gaiting proceed in the absence of muscle activity. We reveal that in unsteady fluid environments, pectoral fin movements are the result of a complex combination of passive and active mechanisms that deviate substantially from canonical labriform locomotion, the implications of which await further work on the integration of sensory and motor systems.
The professional qualifications directive
Authors: Τσάγκα Σουλτάνα-Μαρία
Published: February 2024

Η αμοιβαία αναγνώριση συνιστά αρχή της έννομης τάξης της ΕΕ η οποία αποβλέπει στην απαλλαγή των δικαιούχων κρατών μελών από την υποχρέωση συμμόρφωσης σε διπλή κανονιστική επιβάρυνση κατά τις διασυνοριακές τους συναλλαγές. Βασίζεται στην προϋπόθεση ότι το εκάστοτε κράτος μέλος προορισμού της ΕΕ αναγνωρίζει τους ισχύοντες κανονισμούς του εκάστοτε κράτους μέλους προέλευσης. Τα επιχειρήματα που προβάλλονται στην παρούσα διατριβή είναι ότι στο πλαίσιο του παράγωγου ευρωπαϊκού νομοθετήματος της αναγνώρισης των επαγγελματικών προσόντων, η εν λόγω προϋπόθεση δεν έχει τηρηθεί⋅ ότι αντ’ αυτού έχει χρησιμοποιηθεί ένα εναλλακτικό παράδειγμα αμοιβαίας αναγνώρισης, τέτοιο που να αποκλείει ορισμένους δικαιούχους από την διαδικασία αναγνώρισης· τέτοιο μάλιστα που να καθιστά ατελή την εφαρμογή της αμοιβαίας αναγνώρισης σε αυτόν τον τομέα. Τα επιχειρήματα αυτά εγείρουν ερωτήματα σε πολλαπλά επίπεδα. Η εμφάνιση του εναλλακτικού αυτού παραδείγματος μήπως υπονομεύει πλήρως την παραδοσιακή εφαρμογή της αρχής της αμοιβαίας αναγνώρισης; Τίθεται περιθώριο εφαρμογής του παραδοσιακού παραδείγματος και στον τομέα της αναγνώρισης των επαγγελματικών προσόντων; Δύναται να πραγματωθεί εξ ολοκλήρου η αρχή της αμοιβαίας αναγνώρισης στα πλαίσια της Οδηγίας για τα Επαγγελματικά Προσόντα; Προς απάντηση των τεθέντων ερωτημάτων, μεθοδολογικά, η διατριβή χρησιμοποιεί μια αποκλειστικά θεωρητική ερευνητική προσέγγιση του δικαίου που απαιτεί διερεύνηση της πρωτογενούς και δευτερογενούς νομοθεσίας της ΕΕ και του σχετικού υλικού που συνδέεται με την αρχή της αμοιβαίας αναγνώρισης, συμπεριλαμβανομένου των αποφάσεων εκείνων του ΔΕΕ οι οποίες αφορούν την Οδηγία των Επαγγελματικών Προσόντων. Η εξέλιξη και η λειτουργία της αρχής εξετάζονται λεπτομερώς μέσα από το πρίσμα της διαχρονικής διαμόρφωσης της Οδηγίας. Τα ευρήματα της διατριβής υποδεικνύουν ότι η εφαρμογή της αμοιβαίας αναγνώρισης στον τομέα της ελεύθερης κυκλοφορίας των εργαζομένων παραμένει ελλιπής. Το συμπέρασμα της διατριβής είναι ότι για να ολοκληρωθεί η πραγμάτωση της αμοιβαίας αναγνώρισης, στο πλαίσιο της Οδηγίας για τα Επαγγελματικά Προσόντα, πρέπει ο παραδοσιακός τρόπος λειτουργίας της αρχής να ενσωματωθεί ολοκληρωτικά σε αυτήν.
Ανάπτυξη και μελέτη (μακρο)κυκλικών ενώσεων
Authors: Φραγκιαδάκης Μιχαήλ
Published: February 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή χωρίζεται σε πέντε επιμέρους υποενότητες (κεφάλαια), οι οποίες βασικό άξονα έχουν την ανάπτυξη συνθετικών μεθοδολογιών και τη μελέτη νέων ετεροκυκλικών και μακροκυκλικών συστημάτων, μέσω Χημείας αντιδράσεων πολλών συστατικών (MCRs). Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δόθηκε στην εφαρμογή της παραπάνω Χημείας προς τη σύνθεση ατροποϊσομερών υψηλής ενέργειας περιστροφής. Πιο συγκεκριμένα: Στο πρώτο κεφάλαιο, εξετάστηκε η δυνατότητα διάνοιξης λακτονών και κυκλικών ανυδριτών από όξινα ισονιτρίλια προς τον σχηματισμό οξαζολικών παραγώγων υπό βασικές συνθήκες. Εξετάστηκαν τρία διαφορετικά ισονιτρίλια, όπου παρουσία n-BuLi πραγματοποιήθηκε η διάνοιξη λακτονών και κυκλικών ανυδριτών προς τον σχηματισμό των αντίστοιχων οξαζολίων. Στο δεύτερο κεφάλαιο πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση βενζοδιοξεπινονών μέσω μιας one-pot διαδικασίας. Συγκεκριμένα συντέθηκαν από σαλικυλικές αλδεΰδες και χλωροοξικό οξύ, μέσω αντίδρασης Williamson, τα αντίστοιχα σαλικυλικά οξέα. Τα παράγωγα αυτά διαθέτουν δύο λειτουργικές ομάδες, την ομάδα της αλδεΰδης και την ομάδα του οξέος, επομένως με την προσθήκη ισονιτριλίου σε διαλύτη διχλωρομεθάνιο πραγματοποιήθηκε αντίδραση Passerini προς τον σχηματισμό βενζοδιοξεπινονών. Στο τρίτο κεφάλαιο πραγματοποιήθηκε η σύνθεση μακροκυκλικών ενώσεων μέσω αντιδράσεων πολλών συστατικών. Εκμεταλλευόμενοι τη διττή φύση των τοσυλο-προστατευμένων ισονιτριλίων και την παρουσία πυρηνόφιλων κέντρων σε ένα από τα αντιδρώντα μόρια πραγματοποιήθηκαν διάφορες αντιδράσεις πολλών συστατικών. Αρχικά, μέσω αντίδρασης GBB-3CR ακολουθούμενη από αντίδραση κυκλοποίησης σχηματίστηκαν ενώσεις με δακτυλίους αποτελούμενους από 9 έως 13 άτομα. Μέσω αντιδράσεων US-4CR και U-4CR σχηματίστηκαν ενώσεις με δακτυλίους αποτελούμενους από 11 εώς 14 άτομα, ενώ μέσω UT-4CR σχηματίστηκαν ενώσεις με δακτυλίους αποτελούμενους από 7 έως 10 άτομα. Στo τέταρτo κεφάλαιο εξετάστηκε η δυνατότητα παγίδευσης του διοξειδίου του άνθρακα από ιμιδαζο ετεροκυκλικά παράγωγα με αποτέλεσμα τον σχηματισμό κυκλικών καρβαμικών εστέρων. Μέσω αντίδρασης GBB-3CR σχηματίστηκαν τα αντίστοιχα παράγωγα, τα οποία παρρουσία διοξειδίου του άνθρακα ή ανθρακικών αλάτων σχημάτισαν τους αντίστοιχους κυκλικούς καρβαμικούς εστέρες 6-9 ατόμων. Στο πέμπτο κεφάλαιο συντέθηκε και μελετήθηκε μια νέα κατηγορία ατροποϊσομερών υψηλής ενέργειας περιστροφής μέσω της αντίδρασης UT-4CR. Συντέθηκαν περισσότερες από 35 ενώσεις, οι οποίες μελετήθηκαν κρυσταλλογραφικά και κινητικά μέσω πειραμάτων NMR. Ακόμα, πραγματοποιήθηκαν DFT μελέτες από τις οποίες υπολογίστηκαν χρόνοι και ενέργειες περιστροφής των δεσμών καθώς και οι ενεργειακές διαφορές στις διαμορφώσεις των ατροποϊσομερών.
Research on intelligent auxiliary assembly technology based on deep learning
Authors: Yan Wang , Wei Wei , Baitao Tang
Published: February 2024

Background Auxiliary assembly refers to guiding and prompting the assembly process to help operators complete complex assembly operations. Due to the complex structure of products, the similar shape of parts and human factors, the misassembly and missing assembly of parts still occur in the process of product assembly, so it is of great significance to detect the assembly correctness of complex products. Methods Aiming at the problem that manual inspection is inefficient and depends heavily on the level of inspectors in the process of complex product assembly inspection, this paper proposes an assembly correctness detection method based on deep learning. Through the three steps of view transformation, semantic segmentation and template matching, the automatic judgment of assembly errors such as wrong assembly, missing assembly and redundancy is realized, and the method is verified by the computer motherboard. Results Taking the computer motherboard as the verification object to test the correctness of assembly, the experimental re sults show that the perspective adjustment of the image after homography transformation is very obvious. The evaluation index of the semantic segmentation network detection object is calculated, and each accuracy meets the requirements of assembly correctness detection. A visualization module is also used to visually display the results of assembly correctness detection based on template matching. Conclusions The assembly correctness detection method can provide a guarantee for the manual assembly process and reduce the error rate of assembly. The machine vision detection technology can be used for automatic detection of assembly quality to improve the efficiency and automation level of detection.
The dynamics and determinants of specific systemic and mucosal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in three adult cohorts in the Ecuadorian Andes: a study protocol
Authors: Leon-Rojas Jose E. , Veloz Tatiana , Teran Jair , Perez Monica , Arias-Erazo Fernanda , Villacis Lizet , Velez Jorge , Recalde Ricardo , Jiménez Patricia , Martin Miguel , Chis Ster Irina , Cooper Philip , Romero Natalia
Published: February 2024

Introduction There are limited longitudinal data on the systemic and mucosal antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 from Latin America, a region severely affected by COVID-19, and where vaccine strategies have been implemented during the evolving pandemic. Objective To evaluate determinants of seroprevalence and changes in levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies longitudinally in adults with different levels of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (defined a priori as low, medium, and high based on presumed occupational risk), in two Andean cities in Ecuador. Methods Longitudinal cohort study of 1,000 adults aged 18 years and older with questionnaire data and sample collection done at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months during the period 2020-2023. Observations collected included WHO-ISARIC questionnaire and peripheral blood and saliva samples for measurement of IgG and IgA antibodies, respectively. Planned analyses are tailored to the longitudinal nature of the outcomes defined by participants’ antibody levels and aim at estimating their average trends with time since infection in each of the occupational groups, adjusted for demographics and calendar-time levels of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population. The latter reflect the impact of the national control measures such as vaccinations and movement restrictions. Importance Understanding the duration and the dynamics of waning immunity to SARS-CoV-2, in the context of exposures to emerging virus variants and immunization, will inform the implementation of targeted public health strategies in the Latin American region. Ethics and Dissemination This study will observe the bioethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed written consent will be obtained. Samples from participants will be stored for up to three years after which they will be destroyed. The study protocol was approved by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health Ethics Committee for COVID-19 Research. Antibody results will be provided to participants and participating institutions and to the national health authorities.
The genome sequence of the Mournful Wasp, Pemphredon lugubris (Fabricius, 1793)
Authors: Falk Steven , Crowley Liam M. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Pemphredon lugubris (the Mournful Wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Crabronidae). The genome sequence is 328.1 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 5 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.88 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 10,335 protein coding genes.
Issues of state and public administration at the regional level in the context of the subject «Innovation Management»
Authors: Shorobura Inna
Published: February 2024

The issue of public administration at the regional level was considered in the context of the subject «Innovative Management». The development of local self-government is of great importance for Ukraine and its population. The territorial community is the main subject of local self-government, which has its own functions and powers. The main role in management is performed by local self-government bodies that interact with state administrations. Regional military administrations have become key in the system of coordination and management of military issues at the regional level. The public plays a significant role in military administration and ensuring national security through active participation in public administration.
Qualitative Content Analysis – A Research Method in Social Science
Authors: Komor Marcin , Grzyb Karolina
Published: February 2024

This paper discusses qualitative content analysis (QCA) as one of the qualitative research methods and its prospective implementation in social research. The article presents the genesis of the content analysis method, with emphasis on the QCA technique. It scrutinises the scope, characteristics, basic principles and techniques of QCA. It also tackles the issue of methodological rigour criteria and quality assurance measures of this research method, aimed at ensuring the credibility of the research. This article also demonstrates the general run of the QCA model proposed by Mayring. Finally, this paper evaluates computer-aided research as part of QCA.
Effect of mangiferin isolated from Mangifera indica leaves on in vitro blood coagulation and cell migration activities
Authors:   Faculty of Medical Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn Province, Thailand, Janwitayanuchit Isaya , Semsri Suwanna ,   Faculty of Medical Technology, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn Province, Thailand, Janwitayanuchit Wicharn ,   Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samutprakarn Province, Thailand, Choowongkomon Kiattawee ,   Center for Advanced Studies in Nanotechnology for Chemical, Food and Agricultural Industries, KU Institute Advanced Studies, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
Published: February 2024

Background: Mangiferin, a natural compound has been reported to possess a variety of biological activities such as anticancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardioprotective activities, etc. Screening on blood coagulation activity effects of mangiferin might be helpful for further activities investigation. Objective: This study aimed to isolate mangiferin from mango leaves and evaluate its blood coagulation and anticancer activities against human lung cancer cell lines (A549 cells). Materials and methods: Mangiferin was extracted from mango leaves and characterized by IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopic techniques. It was determined in vitro activities as follows: blood clotting time, platelet aggregation, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), clot lysis, fibrinolysis, and cell migration assay. Results: It was found that mangiferin had a significantly slower effect on inducing blood clots than the control group, with the coagulation value of 13.09±2.97 minutes and decreasing platelet aggregation at an inhibition percentage value of 14.1±1.2. There was significant (p<0.05) prolongation of PT and aPTT activities tested with the mangiferin at the value of 12.4±1.2 and 29.9±3.1 seconds, respectively. However, mangiferin was unable to cause fibrin clot dissolution on fibrinolysis test. Mangiferin also showed anticancer activity against A549 cells by inhibition of cell migration assay. Conclusion: Mangiferin showed antiplatelet aggregation activity and prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) assay without fibrinolysis activity. In addition, mangiferin showed anticancer activity against A549 cells by inhibiting cell migration.
Modified DNA-based Cryptography System in the Cloud: Deep Maxout-based Fined Tuned Key Generation
Authors: Verma Garima
Published: February 2024

Cloud security is a set of practices and tools created to address both internal and external security threats to businesses. Organizations must have cloud security as they implement their digital transformation schemes and include cloud-based tools and services in their infrastructure. Cryptography is a mechanism for preventing illegal access to data. In this paper, modified DNA-based cryptography (MDNAC), which is defined as data hiding with respect to DNA sequence is used. The steps involved in the proposed MDNAC is: encryption and decryption with optimal key generation. A way of converting plain text into cipher text is known as encryption. Two components make up the encryption process: a key and an encryption algorithm. For the encryption algorithm, we employed a modified DNA algorithm. In the decryption phase, the reverse operation is performed to get the plain text from the cipher text. Moreover, a deep learning model is used for generating the keys; the model used is deep maxout. To ensure the appropriate key generation process, the weights of the deep maxout are optimally tuned by the new feedback assisted Archimedes optimization (FAAO) algorithm. Based on the generated keys, the encryption process takes place. Finally, the performance of MDNAC is evaluated using conventional methods with respect to different measures. Additionally, the MDNAC obtained a correlation value of 0.20297 for the mean case scenario, despite the fact that the corresponding values are 0.02%, 0.17%, 0.2%, 0.7%, 0.12%,0.41%, 0.86%, and 0.46% as compared to the other models such as FAT, AOA, BMO, COOT, BOA, SSO, WOA, and LES respectively.
Parasitic infection and carcinogenesis
Authors: Kurniawan Agnes
Published: February 2024

[No abstract available]
Can failure be useful in policymaking? The case of EU equal pay policy
Authors: Jacquot Sophie
Published: February 2024

Although equal pay for equal work between women and men is a founding principle of the European Union, enshrined in the Treaties since 1957, the gender pay gap stands at 12.7 per cent in 2021 and has only changed minimally for two decades. This article explores a policymaking paradox: the EU equal pay policy seems unaffected by failure, on the contrary, failure seems to contribute to the legitimisation of the policy. The article asks how and why a policy implementation failure framing has been developed in the field of EU equal pay promotion? What is the political function of this framing and what is its impact on the EU policymaking process? Over the years, the EU equal pay policy has been associated with a repeated experience of implementation failure. This failure framing has been particularly present in the debates over the implementation of the 2006 Recast Directive, especially since this frame has been impelled by the quantitative and symbolic strength of the gender pay gap’s percentage. The article shows that this framing performed important functions. From a policymaking perspective, the implementation failure framing allowed the gender equality policy community to keep the issue firmly on the EU agenda and to ride out the dismantling storm. The article also shows that the analytical definition of what constitutes a policy failure should be more nuanced. To conclude, the article asks if this type of failure framing can continue to produce results in an increasingly polarised context such as that of gender equality.
Dickensian Dimensions: A Transatlantic Dialogue
Authors: Bodenheimer Rosemarie , Davis Philip
Published: February 2024

Abstract: “Dickensian Dimensions” makes use of Dickens’s manuscript revisions to uncover the extra dimensions of emotional depth and temporal complexity that his sentences acquire in the immediate midst of composition. When the effects of those little changes were offered to a group of serious ordinary readers in the UK, their responses to selected passages from David Copperfield showed how much the tiny revisions could matter emotionally. The second part of the essay considers revised passages from Dickens’s next first-person narrator, Esther Summerson of Bleak House . We suggest that Esther’s apparently coy evasions can be more sympathetically read as writing problems stemming from her existential situation as a virtual non-person.
A Wisdom of the Head and a Wisdom of the Heart: Dickens, Disney, and Popular Culture
Authors: Lorentzen Eric G.
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Only by recognizing that Dickens’s novels not only teach us a great deal about Victorian England, but also about our lives in the here and now, can we remain vibrantly one of Dickens’s “publics.” We must transcend the usual “wisdom of the head,” the traditional academic study of his novels, and connect with the “wisdom of the heart” as well, the meaningful student-centred ways that his texts resonate in actual everyday lives – pedagogical advice that Dickens himself famously proffered in Hard Times . In my recent course, “Dickens, Disney, and Popular Culture,” my students and I did just that, discovering both Dickens, and his continuing influence on our lives, together during a memorable semester.
A Trans-Species Love Story? An Intersectional Reading of Nicolette Krebitz's Wild (2016)
Authors: Nusser Tanja
Published: February 2024

abstract: Nicolette Krebitz's Wild (2016) depicts the un-disciplining of a woman who frees herself from the constraints of society by following a wolf into industrial ruins after she first catches, imprisons, and attempts to tame the wolf only to then set it free. Even though Wild critically questions whether Germany can serve as a Heimat for subjects that capitalism and its consequences alienate, it does so by implicitly and explicitly engaging with gender roles and stereotypes inherent in the genre of white German Heimatfilme .
Michael Silverstein
Authors: Harkness Nicholas , Gardner Howard
Published: February 2024

Abstract: This biographical memoir commemorates the life, work, and professional legacy of eminent linguistMichael Silverstein (1945-2020), who was elected a member of the American Philosophical Society in 2008.
Slavery and the History of Emotions: The Greek Epigraphic Evidence
Authors: Chaniotis Angelos
Published: February 2024

Abstract: Based on a presentation at the American Philosophical Society's Member Meeting in April 2013, this essay uses epigraphs inscribed onto grave monuments, tablets, and other forms of stonework to explore the emotions of those legally designated as slaves in ancient Greece. Noting the difficulties in recovering the feelings of the enslaved in extant literary sources, the author suggests that these inscriptions can offer a truer lens into the feelings of slavesas well as into the feelings of others toward enslaved individuals. Understanding these emotional landscapes, he argues, can help us better understand ancient Greek society as a whole.
Monolithic PMN-39PT nanograting-assisted second harmonic generation enhancement
Authors: Li Tianlun , Liu Xin , Lu Yang , Gao Duorui , Zhang Kai , Gan Xuetao , Wei Xiaoyong , Xu Zhuo , Zhang Lei
Published: February 2024

Second harmonic generation plays a vital role in frequency conversion which mutually promotes the laser technology and allows the wavebands extension of new coherent source. The monolithic crystals are supposed to be a superior choice for harmonic generation due to long interaction distance, however, the phase-mismatch brought a sharp reduction in the conversion efficiency. Although birefringent phase-matching and quasi-phase-matching techniques are commonly utilized to fill the phase gap in monolithic crystals, these techniques are limited by the natural refractive index of crystal and the domain engineering, respectively. In recent years, subwavelength structures evolve as a flexible scheme to realize phase matching by engineering the geometry features of crystals. Here, structured nanogratings are designed and fabricated on a monolithic PMN-39PT (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.39PbTiO3) substrate, a novel ferroelectric crystal with promising optical prospect, for enhancing second harmonic generation, where birefringent or quasi phase-matching is hard to achieve. The nanograting-assisted second harmonic generation enhancement is observed which is not limited by the availability of thin crystalline films. Meanwhile, a boost in the second harmonic signal synchronously promotes the cascading third harmonic generation. This method may provide an alternative solution for enhanced harmonic generation on monolithic substrates and develop potential nonlinear optical materials for frequency conversion.
Demonstration of a low loss, highly stable and re-useable edge coupler for high heralding efficiency and low g(2)(0) SOI correlated photon pair sources
Authors: Du Jinyi , Chen George F. R. , Gao Hongwei , Grieve James A. , Tan Dawn T. H. , Ling Alexander
Published: February 2024

We report a stable, low loss method for coupling light from silicon-on-insulator (SOI) photonic chips into optical fibers. The technique is realized using an on-chip tapered waveguide and a cleaved small core optical fiber. The on-chip taper is monolithic and does not require a patterned cladding, thus simplifying the chip fabrication process. The optical fiber segment is composed of a centimeter-long small core fiber (UHNA7) which is spliced to SMF-28 fiber with less than −0.1 dB loss. We observe an overall coupling loss of −0.64 dB with this design. The chip edge and fiber tip can be butt coupled without damaging the on-chip taper or fiber. Friction between the surfaces maintains alignment leading to an observation of ±0.1 dB coupling fluctuation during a ten-day continuous measurement without use of any adhesive. This technique minimizes the potential for generating Raman noise in the fiber, and has good stability compared to coupling strategies based on longer UHNA fibers or fragile lensed fibers. We also applied the edge coupler on a correlated photon pair source and observed a raw coincidence count rate of 1.21 million cps and raw heralding efficiency of 21.3%. We achieved an auto correlation function g
H
(2)(0) as low as 0.0004 at the low pump power regime.
Broadband beam collimation metasurface for full-color micro-LED displays
Authors: Chen Enguo , Fan Zhengui , Zhang Kaixin , Huang Chunlei , Xu Sheng , Ye Yun , Sun Jie , Yan Qun , Guo Tailiang
Published: February 2024

Near-eye displays are widely recognized as a groundbreaking technological advancement with the potential to significantly impact daily life. Within the realm of near-eye displays, micro-LEDs have emerged as a highly promising technology owing to their exceptional optical performance, compact form factor, and low power consumption. However, a notable challenge in integrating micro-LEDs into near-eye displays is the efficient light collimation across a wide spectrum range. In this paper, we propose what we believe to be a novel design of a broadband beam collimation metasurface for full-color micro-LEDs by harnessing wavefront phase modulation based on Huygens’ principle. Our results demonstrate a substantial reduction in the full width at half maximum (FWHM) angles, achieving a reduction to 1/10, 1/10, and 1/20 for red, green, and blue micro-LEDs compared to those without the metasurface, which is the best collimation result as far as we know. The central light intensity increases by 24.60, 36.49, and 42.15 times. Furthermore, the significant enhancement in the light energy within ±10° is achieved, with the respective multiplication factors of 14.16, 15.60, and 13.00. This metasurface has the potential to revolutionize the field by enabling high-performance, compact, and lightweight micro-LED displays, with applications in near-eye displays, micro-projectors, and beyond.
Transmission mode transformation of rotating controllable beams induced by the cross phase
Authors: Sun Zhuoyue , Li Jie , Bian Rui , Deng Duo , Yang Zhenjun
Published: February 2024

In this paper, complex-variable sine-Gaussian cross-phase (CVSGCP) beams are proposed, and the transmission dynamics properties of the CVSGCP beams in strongly nonlocal nonlinear media are investigated. CVSGCP beams can produce a variety of mode transformation characteristics during transmission. The roles of parameters in the sine and cross-phase terms of the initial light field expression in the evolution of light intensity modes, phase, and beam width are analyzed in detail, and it is proved that the effect of cross phase is to cause the beams to rotate. The control of different modes can be achieved by selecting suitable parameters, which have certain advantages in the practical application of CVSGCP beams. CVSGCP beams can be regarded as generalized high-order breathers because light intensity modes and beam width show periodic oscillation distribution during transmission. The typical evolution characteristics of the CVSGCP beams are verified by numerical simulation. Strongly nonlocal nonlinear optical media can be mathematically equivalent to a variety of optical systems, such as gradient index potential wells and resonant potential wells, so the conclusions in this paper can also be extended to these equivalent optical systems.
Quantifying distortion in time-correlated single photon counting: a universal parameter
Authors: Bovolenta Angela , Cominelli Alessandro , Acconcia Giulia , Rech Ivan
Published: February 2024

One major drawback of the classic time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) technique is pileup-related distortion. To keep it under a reasonable level, the maximum count rate has to be reduced, posing a serious limitation to the overall measurement speed. This means that there is an intrinsic trade-off between speed and distortion: either count rate is raised, but distortion is worsened, or distortion is minimized at the expense of speed. In both cases, it is impossible to precisely evaluate the degree of distortion introduced. Here comes our new, to the best of our knowledge, figure of merit, which is able to provide a numerical estimate of the distortion whatever the signal shape is, marking a real turning point in the way of doing TCSPC. In this article, this new parameter will be defined and its effectiveness will be demonstrated by means of mathematical computations.
“I don´t put people into boxes, but…” A free-listing exercise exploring social categorisation of asylum seekers by professionals in two German reception centres
Authors: Ziegler Sandra , Bozorgmehr Kayvan
Published: February 2024

Newly arriving asylum seekers in Germany mostly live in large reception centres, depending on professionals in most aspects of their daily lives. The legal basis for the provision of goods and services allows for discretionary decisions. Given the potential impact of social categorisation on professionals’ decisions, and ultimately access to health and social services, we explore the categories used by professionals. We ask of what nature these categorisations are, and weather they align with the public discourse on forced migration. Within an ethnographic study in outpatient clinics of two refugee accommodation centres in Germany, we conducted a modified free-listing with 40 professionals (physicians, nurses, security-personnel, social workers, translators) to explore their categorisation of asylum seekers. Data were qualitatively analysed, and categories were quantitatively mapped using Excel and the Macro “Flame" to show frequencies, ranks, and salience. The four most relevant social categorisations of asylum seekers referred to "demanding and expectant," "polite and friendly" behaviour, "economic refugees," and "integration efforts". In general, sociodemographic variables like gender, age, family status, including countries and regions of origin, were the most significant basis for categorisations (31%), those were often presented combined with other categories. Observations of behaviour and attitudes also influenced categorisations (24%). Professional considerations, e.g., on health, education, adaption or status ranked third (20%). Social categorisation was influenced by public discourses, with evaluations of flight motives, prospects of staying in Germany, and integration potential being thematised in 12% of the categorisations. Professionals therefore might be in danger of being instrumentalised for internal border work. Identifying social categories is important since they structure perception, along their lines deservingness is negotiated, so they potentially influence interaction and decision-making, can trigger empathy and support as well as rejection and discrimination. Larger studies should investigate this further. Free-listing provides a suitable tool for such investigations.